Role

Chapter 3

The slim, attractive half-elven woman crossed her smooth and
shapely legs as she settled into the proffered seat at the left
hand of the Imperial throne. Somehow producing a quill and scroll from
her tight-fitting dress, she smiled encouragingly at the glowering fire
giant that occupied the massive Imperial Throne, and began scribbling as
she spoke.

"Both I, and all of the readers of the Daily Galadonian Gossip, are very
glad you took the time to speak with us, Emperor Kharghurln...or may I
call you Khar?"

"Yar. Call what want, Khar not care, spread word, Empire, Civilization,
power, Death, Cleansing."

The half-elf bestowed her best, award-winning smile, upon the Emperor,
nodding slightly before continuing. "Tell our readers, Khar, if you
would, what you like to do in your spare time? Are you dating? What
nightlife spots around Thera does the Emperor like to frequent?"

"Yar? Khar not time nightlife. Khar either at Village or Fortress or
Tree, work get Codex back. Khar work make Empire Citizen show strength,
work make Sect show strength, work make Empire show strength, power."

Completely unfazed, the reporter jotted down, 'Likes to party with
barbarians, has a wrathful time at the Fortress, likes moonlit walks in
the woods at night. Currently single.'

"Mmm-hmmm. I see. And tell me about your formative years? Did your
parents play an influential role in your plans for world domination?"

"Why talk parents? Khar rather talk bring Udgaard, Arkham, Eastern
Road, Northern Road Empire. Make safe weak Therans, strong Empire."

Flashing him another smile, the beautiful half-elf quickly scribbled,
'Close to parents, mother cried at coronation, father Prince of Volcano,
went for vacation in Arkham last month.'

"That's wonderful", she murmured, crossing and uncrossing her legs as
Khar watched, drooling slightly at the thought of how tasty one would be
right about now. "What are readers really want to know is just how
close you are to the Lords of Empire. Of course, I mean Grurk,
Khasotholas and Zulghinlour? Do you meet with them a lot? Discuss
Imperial politics, law, that sort of thing?" She smiled encouragingly.

Khar nodded, his eyes taking on a faraway look. "Khar dream Ebony
Standard raise on pole while ride undead steed across lands, spread
Death, Cleansing lands, make safe civilization, order. Khar grow power,
grow strong like Lord Zulghinlour, eat half-elf leg not worry what
ratings say!"

Nervous for the first time in her long and distinguished career as a
tabloid reporter, the half-elf got to her feet hurriedly, smoothed her
dress and stowed her quill and scroll (somewhere). "Again, our readers
thank you for your time, Emperor Khar, and wish you a long and
distinguished career." Her high-heeled boots clicked rapidly upon the
marble floor of the hallway as she made her way from the Palace, the
Vanquisher giving her backside an admiring glance before being gutted by
a raving horde of Outlanders.

Khar sighed, wondering just what he had gotten himself into. Then he
grimly gripped his axe, grabbed a variety of magic sticks from the
floating chest that trailed along behind him like a faithful dog, and
prepared to defend the Palace yet again. "Fight strong for
civilization!" he bellowed, the words echoing hollowly back