Night settled in around the wayward little place known as the Green Dragon Inn. Yet, that darkness was not quiet. Small things scurried away, their small paws skittering across the grounds. Larger animals stalked the darkness and then shied away, deterred by some other presence. The lakeborne zephyrs stirred the branches of the elder trees, creating a hushed whisper that echoed through the night. The waters of the nearby lake lapped softly at the pebble-strewn, sandy shore. No, the night was not quiet. It teemed with life--with tension.

With fear.

Swirls of sickly black smoke ebbed and flowed around his ankles, his deep crimson skin seemed untouched by the pure light of the moon. His spidery, black cloak undulated around him like a living thing. Horns like a ram curled around his ears as his luminescent yellow eyes glared malevolently at all they beheld. His smile held no joy, only a sick desire to maim, injure, and destroy. Long fangs protruded only slightly from each side of his mouth.

His name was Lord Nightblood, and he was here for only one thing. As a bolt of light penetrated the darkness, emanating from a window of the Green Dragon Inn ahead, he growled knowing that one thing might be attainable this night.

Conquest.

* * * * * * *

Talbastian sat on the bar, his big, green-gold eyes watching his companion with interest. She was tall and lithe, her long brown hair cascading down her back in a curling tail. Her vivid green eyes watching him as he reated the story of the Horsepeople From Someplace Far Away. She was a Tyberan, a catperson, like Tally himself was.

Her name was Katja; Tally liked her name, it sounded pretty. As a matter of fact, Tally liked her. Miss Katja was always so very nice to him. He couldn't imagine anyone wanting to do her harm. He sat there, enjoying telling his tale to Katja, since she was the only one in the Taproom currently to tell it to. However, he felt the hairs on the back of his neck rise, and a sudden overwhelming fear fill him. Then he saw what it was. An all red Big Big Person, whose yellow eyes filled Tally with horror when they glanced over him. He let out a squeak of fright, which made Miss Katja look over her shoulder.

She raised an elegant eyebrow in silent question, "Can we help you?"

No, Tally silently protested as he peeked over the bar, No, we don't want to help him! The Evil One stepped inside, his black cloak billowing around him as he advanced towards Miss Katja.

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