[center][img]https://img.roleplayerguild.com/prod/users/65ee772d-ba21-4c58-9379-30e1f53a8725.png[/img][h2][color=#FDF5E6][u]~Tarr'kash~[/u][/color][/h2][/center] [hr][hr] [center] [i][sub]Early Spring, 315 P.F.[/sub][/i] [i][sub]~Oldcross~[/sub][/i] [/center] [hr][hr] Tarr'kash would have been lying if he said he didn't enjoy the walk back to Oldcross, it had been so long since he'd strode across the earth that the feeling as he did so now had become downright euphoric, but he would have loved it more if it was trafficked by his creations like in the old days. Still, what he had now would have to do, until he got fresh subjects that is. Speaking of subjects, the scion had been pondering logistics these last couple of hours, going over ways he could not only secure his position here in the Maw but ways to conquer new holdings as well. It hadn't exactly been the most successful of his mental ventures, however, for though the population of Oldcross itself, most of which he'd robbed of sanity and set fleeing back to the his citadel in the Maw, would serve well as a rudimentary defense force, he knew it wouldn't last in the long run. Not if he sought to return to making larger abominations or, father willing, siege engines. No, he'd need a lot more biomass for that, but that brought him back round to the very same problem once again, that being the question of where he should even get it from. The world of man had changed greatly since his imprisonment, this much he was certain he knew, for only a fool would assume the maggots capable of maintaining any manner of prolonged stagnancy. Only problem was figuring out in what ways. Had they built massive cities during all those years he spent locked away? And if so, where were they specifically? Furthermore, how well trained and equipped was your average soldier now compared to their ancestors from back in the olden days? Had they grown better or worse following the war's end? And lastly, what was their political climate like? The last time they'd met, they'd been united as one against him, father, and the others. Singular in purpose under the banner of their accursed White God. Did that faith still hold fast, even now? Or had it grown brittle and weak, becoming nothing more than the convenient tool of power hungry kings. Luckily for him many of these questions were answered upon him taking the briefest of peeks into his new servant's mind, though the worm seemed completely devoid of knowledge when it came to more militarily minded things, which was quite bothersome. Still, he supposed all was not yet lost... Coming to their end of the Five Mile Walk, Tarr'kash bid Ernald pause as he beckoned to a small wooden cart laden with ore sitting just a few feet ahead, one which was currently being tended to by a muttering and clearly insane old man. [color=#FDF5E6]"Take the cart north to Paterdomus."[/color] The scion clasped his hands behind his back as he peered off into the distant horizon, as though the very walls of the holy city itself were laid bare before him. [color=#FDF5E6]"You are to finish your work when you arrive, for through your words shall my will be done."[/color] Ernald nodded, though he looked at the cart with the tinniest flash of concern. [color=olive]"As you wish, but if I may be so bold..."[/color] The scholar felt his mouth go dry as the ancient being gave him a sideways glance, and decided he would choose his next words [i]very[/i] carefully in order to avoid incurring the scion's wrath. [color=olive]"How will we get in? I do not presume to question your will, or choice of servant, but surely they will see the blessing he has been bestowed[/color]—he gave a slight nod in the direction of the old man—[color=olive]and deny us entry."[/color] [color=#FDF5E6]"I shall temper his blessing so that you may enter,"[/color] he said, tucking his gauntleted hands into his sleeves. [color=#FDF5E6]"Now, dress yourself and do as I command."[/color] Nodding his assent, Ernald rushed back to his hut to get clothed before clambering his way into the cart alongside the old man, who was still muttering, just not enough to be considered anything more than your average senile coot. Before long the two were carving their way down the dusty old road, eventually vanishing from sight past one of its many bends. Tarr'kash felt a smile slowly slither its way across his face. [color=#FDF5E6][i]All according to plan...[/i][/color]