He-Mon and the Monsters of the Omniverse

[Skeletor]

Skeletor remained seated as the four trolls slowly edged closer, clearly not looking to underestimate a new prime, or his large pet. The leader of the trolls eventually crossed to sit across the fireplace from Skeletor, his three companions staying on guard, watching uneasily as a dozing Panthor stretched its massive form.

“Are you one’na Deathwind’s fellas? He’s not welcome by Zul’jin no more, you know that?” the lead troll asked, watching Skeletor carefully for any signs of aggression, trying to gleam any hint as to the warlock’s plan. Skeletor was just enjoying the fear that seemed quite evident amongst the trolls. They understood the power he possessed and afforded him the respect that he deserved because of that fact.

“It is more likely this Deathwind you speak of would be one of my lackies! I am Skeletor, the rightful ruler of Eternia. At present I have been trapped by the elders in this pathetic backwater. I assume your Zul’jin suffered similar fate.”

The trolls looked towards each other and conversed quickly in their own tongue. Skeletor leaned back against a sleeping Panthor. In spite of himself, he was having a surprisingly good day. For once this pathetic shame of a prison was beginning to show some upsides. Without He-man, or those dratted Masters of the Universe to show up, he could form a power base that he could strike back on with force.

“You new ta these parts, mon? you don’t seem to understand what’s going on here.” The tone was not especially accusatory, but it grated against Skeletor, sparking his indignations. Who were these mongoloids to challenge him?

“You should come meet Zul’jin, mon, he’ll set you straight on what da tribes be doin’ here. Kul’Shar be taking you to Zuil’Gurand if you wanna meet da boss.” The troll continued, missing Skeletor’s baleful gaze as he pointed towards one of his companions.

“And what are the rest of you doing here that is so important?” the Warlock demanded, more interested in delaying his return to the cold than he was in the details of what some petty minions were doing.

“These be the ruins of Zul’Drak, mon! We be looking to scalp some longbeards, they always be trespassing in our sacred temples.” The troll said with a gleam in his eye. Skeletor was sure the trolls were quite willing to use any excuse that was convenient at the time. The ruins might not even matter to them, beyond as a reliable hunting ground.

Still, perhaps Skeletor should speak with this Zul’jin, get a sense of whether or not he could be a proper minion for Skeletor’s conquests. Skeletor got to his feet with a slight sigh, and kicked Panthor awake.

“Get up you mangy beast! We’re leaving!”

The panther snarled at him angrily, but also rose, stretching grumpily as it shook off its sleep. Their guide Kul’Shar was clearly the runt of the group, with the wary shifty glance of one who skulks in corners. He was the least formidable of the hunting party, and probably got stuck with these kinds of jobs often. It was good to see that these trolls were able to enforce social heirachy properly, but Skeletor could not help but feel some trepidation as to their tactical abilities. They thought that leading him to their leader was an unimportant chore for their weakest member.

He tried not to take the insult personally as he followed the troll out into the snow yet again.