Dreth felt like whistling a little tune as he walked through the woodland. He'd been underground for as long as he could remember, and to be outside again felt good, though it was more agreeable once night fell. He was an evil half dead being after-all. A pleasant stroll in the sunlight didn't seem right somehow."

You look happy," said Emerald, trying to keep up with him. "As far as that frightful grimace can portray such an emotion at least."

"And why not?" Dreth replied. "I'm finally out of my prison, heading off to somewhere that may have my contract, and I've outwitted my enemies. What's not to be happy about?"

"Well, I'm glad someone's okay. I still don't know who I am and where I come from, not to mention what this demonic Being is that's after my body."

"Don't worry," said Dreth. "Once we defeat this Overlord fellow I'm certain I'll be able to help you."

"That's very generous of you I'm sure," scowled Emerald.

"Don't mention it," Dreth said, waving a hand and ignoring her sarcasm. "Hello, what do we have here?"

The troop stopped as the woods, which had been slowly getting thinner, came to an abrupt end. They were on a slight hill. Below and ahead of them were lights. Apparently a village was nearby. The land around seemed to be flat, and was probably fields, though it was hard to make out in the dark. A short distance away a narrow dirt lane meandered across their path.

"Look! Fresh meat!" said Cuthbert, pointing at a small group of figures moving slowly along the road a little distance away, towards the settlement.

"Hush!" Said Dreth. "We don't know who's around. We're seriously outnumbered here, even if they are only farmers and the like. I'm sure a couple of walking corpses aren't exactly going to be welcome."

"Typical prejudice," said Percy, crossing his arms.

"I'm going to look closer," said Dreth.

"No, wait!" Emerald held out a hand. "You stand out too much, especially in those wizard robes. Let me go and scout it out."

Pausing for a moment, Dreth thought about it, and then nodded. "Very well, but don't be long. And be careful! Just a quick look and straight back here, understand?"

Emerald signalled she did, and slipped off into the night without any further conversation. She was soon lost to sight.

~ * ~

The Overlord looked up from the latest financial reports as his magical communications mirror flashed red. He waved a hand, activating it. The mist cleared, to reveal a dark figure standing in a laboratory of some kind. Behind the man, sprawled out on a table, a thin body could just be made out. Blood dripped onto to the floor below the mangled corpse.

"The deed is done," Veronica said. "Your minion has paid for his incompetence in pain and blood. As he screamed in agony I extracted your vengeance, sending a message to all your servants that such ineffectiveness shall not be tolerated. Your name, once more, is enhanced, and my reputation as a true Evil master is intact."

The Overlord groaned, but inwardly, so the Anti-Paladin wouldn't hear. "Very well, but that was the easy task," he said. "Your next mission shall not be as simple. Dreth is not stupid, and his form is nearly indestructible."

"Never fear!" cried The Violator, raising a fist. "For I shall overcome all odds, smiting those.."

"I have heard," the Overlord quickly cut short the flow, "that your prey has been spotted near the local village. You should check in with Adel, the Head woman there."

"I know Adel," the Anti-Paladin replied. "A woman of fiery spirit. One day I shall take great pleasure in breaking it."

"Yes, well, just make sure it's not today. She's useful to me. Just get me Dreth."

"As you command!" Veronica took a deep breath. "I shall ride like the wind, letting no.."

Silence fell as the Overlord cut the connection. Wishing that his Evil Minions would, just for a change, simply get on with the job without the dramatics. He made a tutting sound and returned to his accounts.