Within a throne room of the main castle of a nightmarish and dark empire Tambelon, Grogar, a demonic evil ram necromancer was sitting in his throne comfortably yet maintaining his proud, confident and firm composure, acting like a true ruler was surrounded by Diamond Dogs present in the room, his new personal guards and army. As Grogar ordered Rover, Spot and Fido, former Dogs leaders to find and assemble more of their comrades from the pack and scattered throughout the land yesterday, the Dogs trio, obviously motivated by both respect and fear from their new master, but also due to precious gems that Grogar owned, that he promised them as a reward and an extra motivation to boosting their loyalty and obedience eventually complied to rams wishes and managed to find more dogs as a candidate to his army, bringing them to Tambelon.
“That is it?” Grogar growled with his fangs exposed in a quite disappointed manner to Rover, Spot and Fido and scanning throne room full of Diamond Dog Guards like he would be counting them and it eventually ended on judging forty six. “Only forty eight?! Couldn’t you find any more of you?” Demonic ram scolded and glared at Rover, Fido and Spot fiercely.
“My lord…” Rover stammered with a slight whimper, speaking for his two companions hiding and crouching behind him. “On my heart, soul and all the respect to you, but please believe, that all these Diamond Dogs present in here are all and the best among us we could ever find. You see, the Equestria is just too big and we could…..”
“SILENCE!” Grogar roared on top of his lungs maliciously as the entire throne room nearly shake in construction and all the dogs cringed and whimpered with their eyes loaded. “I don’t want to hear any excuses!” Grogar scolded one more time, checking all the Guard Dogs within the room. “With my own enhanced and superior dark magic, I could personally take the entire army of the Canterlost Royal Guards down all by myself even without your mangy mutts assistance.” Ram stated arrogantly, boasting his own abilities, but then he sighed in an unusual beaten like manner. “Whatever......You will just got to do. Besides, with a steel like discipline and proper training, you all could uncage your natural predatory instincts, fury and animals within you, your true potentials, being the fiercest, meanest and ruthless warriors that had ever walked the earth.” Grogar declared coldly with evil intentions on his mind, standing up from his throne as he stood and towering over his minions like a god.
“Everyone in this room! Step forward and kneel!” Grogar instructed the Diamond Dogs with utmost authority he could muster as Rover, Spot, Fido and all the Guard Dogs did exactly as they were told. No one of them dared to say a word, waiting patiently and obediently expecting their masters further orders or what will be following next.
“Rover. Spot. Fido. And all Guard dogs present.” Grogar declared with a somewhat solemn, yet with a firm and dominant voice, addressing the dogs around. “ In honour of your very wise decision to join me, the time has come to officially initiate all of you under my influence and command.” Grogar paused a bit then he once again declared solemnly and in a dedicated like way. “Now, repeat after me….I pledge my unquestioning loyalty to Grogar the Necromancer and in the glory and cause of Tambelon.”
“I pledge my unquestioning loyalty to Grogar the Necromancer and in the glory and cause of Tambelon.” All Rover, Fido, Spot and all dogs repeated Grogars solemn words of dedication simultaneously, with obedience and utmost respect, kneeling, with their gazes centred on the marble floor, not daring to look into the eyes of their master, yet.
“I shall devote my heart, soul and life to achieving our goal of the Equestrias conquering, in the name of our superior lord and master. By any means necessary.” Grogar went on.
“I shall devote my heart, soul and life to achieving our goal of the Equestrias conquering, in the name of our superior lord and master. By any means necessary.” The Diamond Dogs once again repeated all at once.
“And annihilate all our enemies and everyone who dares to stand into our way and between our destiny.” Grogar continued, though with is voice gaining on strength, intense glare and his fangs gritting.
“And annihilate all our enemies and everyone who dares to stand into our way and between our destiny.” Diamond dogs repeated with also somewhat more determined and stronger tones than before, like they all would started sharing and feeling their masters evil will and intentions.
Maybe it was out of pure instincts or a desire for revenge, but Rover, Fido and Spot still couldn’t forget how Rarity along with her friends and the baby dragon outsmarted and humiliated them, as well as taking every single gem from their hideout. It was truth though. The Diamonds Dogs were about to come back with a vengeance.
“Surrender or betrayal is not the option.” Grogar declared his final words of his dedicated and solemn speech.
“Surrender or betrayal is not the option.” The Diamond Dogs all finished their solemn oath of dedication simultaneously, evident that they truly meant that by their voices strong and determined.
“Welcome brave dog warriors. Your destiny awaits” Grogar solemnly declared, closed his eyes as his magical bell started glowing with its dark magic and ringing in its campanology like song and in the instance, a strange symbol, resembling a head of an evil/demonic ram with a spiked and sharpened horns like construct of dark magic materialized out of nothing in front of Grogars muzzle.
In the same moment, the symbol faded away and then something unusual or rather quite freaky happened. Grogars own symbol was burned right into every dogs forehead, burning through their furs into skin, like a tattoos. Rover, Fido, Spot as well as all Guard Dogs of course all screamed on top of their lungs and whimpering in pain as the symbol like tattoo of dark magic really burned like hell. The dogs clutched on their burned wounds on their foreheads with their paws, as the pain eventually subsided, much for their relief. However, unlike the rest of the Dog Gurads, Rovers, Fidos and Spots marks like tattoos were different from the others, as they were somewhat embossed by gold, judging from their obvious higher status and superiority over other Diamond Dogs in Grogars army, becoming something like lieutenants and Grogars right-hand dogs. 
The dedication ceremony of initiation was done. By burning his very own symbol that represented his power and will, the Diamond Dogs now fully belonged to Grogar by both body and spirit as his minions as well as personal army and tack force, with literally no way to struggle their ways from his evil grasp.
“Your oath of initiation is done, Diamond Dogs. From today, you fully belong to me by your very own bodies and souls. As my servatns, guards and army. And the signs on your foreheads confirms that.” Grogar declared as he made his way downstairs and facing the Diamond Dogs, his new elite force face to face. “If your courage and willingness matches your loyalty, you will do well in Tambelon. Now…Rover, Fido and Spot and all Dogs, rise up and place your paws forward.” Grogar commanded the Guards dogs, who without any hint of hesitation, yet bearing signs of uncertainty did as their new lord and master ordered and showing their enormous strong paws.
Grogars bell started ringing and glowing with is dark magic, as in the instance a pair of peculiar weapons materialized out of the air, right into each Guard Dogs paws. It was a long spear with Grogars mark decorated on its razor-sharp point and a very peculiar looking and decorated crossbow, yet strangely its string was glowing red and having a ram mouth shaped like barrel. The Guard Dogs checked out their new weapons curiously and then shifting their collective gazes, hidden behind their helmets to Grogar.
“Behold, your new weapons.” Grogar explained. “A spears forged from Tambelon steel are far much sharper and resilient than your old primitive barbaric spears. And as for the crossbows, they are powered by a power cell crystals each, able to shoot a powerful energy blast with a great efficiency and long range." However, Grogar then stomped his hoof to the marble twice and loud and right then in the instace and much for all the Diamond Dogs collective awe, a loud crackles echoed sounidng like a stone moving as actually the wall on the left side of the room opened itself up, revealing a large armory, storing various sets of other yet rather deadly weapons, including swords, axes, more spears, halbers and maces of various kinds. " I believe you will use your weapons and also some of those well.”
The evil ram then, however approached his head as his muzzle was just a several inches away from Rovers, Fidos and Spots own and denied a fierce devilish glare to trio “But dare you to act behind my back or betraying me.....And I will grind you bones to dust. It would be very the last thing you will ever do. Is that clear?” Grogar warned the dogs by a threatening cold growl, giving them a warning not to try do anything stupid or thinking about betraying their master.
Rover, Fido and Spot crouching in fear were of course so much intimidated and subdued by demonic rams presence as well as his evil glare literally piercing through their bodies and souls through, could do nothing but whimper in agreement, nodding weakly with their heads and tails downloaded. “Yes.....Master.” They all three replied obediently with both respect and fear in their voices, also bearing a sense of honesty and the sign that they really meant that.
Grogar grinned and chuckled deviously, evidently satisfied by his warning act. “Very well......For you to know where your place is.” The ram than shifted his gaze to Guard Dogs, who only kept kneeling and obediently expecting the orders from their master. “Rover, Fido, Spot and four of the dogs will stay here to stand a guard in the throne room. The rest of you are dismissed and each take your positions on the walls. I shall give all of you proper instructions about your duties later. Now go!” Grogar ordered his dog minions.
And by his command, every Guard only placed their right paws to their chests, bowing in respect and agreement, and they all one by another left the throne room, leaving only four guards behind, who immediately took their posts at main castle door and Grogars throne.
“Rover.” Grogar addressed a middle-sized bulldog from a trio wearing red vest with strong voice.
“Yes, sir?” Rover replied obediently, step forward closer to ram and kneeling in front of him, ready to take an order.
In the moment, Grogars magical bell started ringing and suddenly, three scrolls materialized in the air, held in Grogars dark magic telekinetic grasp. The scrolls levitated towards Rovers direction as a Diamond Dog accepted and took them into his paws, though a bit questioningly.
“Those are instructions for a further training, combat routine and duties for my army. You three are in charge of the training, in order to train the Diamond Dogs into fierce and ruthless warriors I seek.” Grogar tasked his Dogs Trio lieutenants. “I believe you shall accomplish your task successfully. For your own good.”
“Yes, master.” All three dogs replied simultaneously in agreement and bowing to show their respect.
However, in that moment, hard knocks echoed from the main castle doors. The doors opened and one of the Guard dogs appeared in the doorway. “Lord Grogar.” He addressed an evil ram respectfully, bowing and placing his par on his chest.
“What is it?!” Grogar snapped at the guard strictly, evidently not being pleased by one of the Diamond Dog guards sudden and rather disturbing presence. “I have said all Guard dogs out and take their posts! If I remember correctly!” Evil ram scolded with a strong harrasing tone.
The guard whimpered by evil rams harsh outburst, yet despite that he though hesitantly made his way on the red carpet and kneeled in front of Grogar. “My lord….I am truly sorry for busting in like this, but….I got something important to say to you.” The guard muttered, trying to explain himself.
“Oh really…?” Grogar scoffed indifferently, his tone being filled quite an contemp and scepticism, yet nonetheless willing to hear the Guard Dogs out. “Well…...speak than. And this better be woth my time.”
“Well….” The guard started explaining humbly. “As we were digging the trench around the empire as you had commanded, we also suddenly dug out some sort of strange root like flower, that by the way smells awful.”
“A strange looking root like smelly flower you say?” Grogar huffed, still not being impressed by guards statement. "That is it?"
“Yes my lord.” The guard stood firmly yet still humbly by his statement. “This one.” He said and showed indeed strange looking light brown root covered by digitate shaped leaves on its top. However, the guard dog immediately covered his snout as he couldn’t stand a strong scent that was coming from the strange plant.
“Ppffiiiyyuu!” Rover, Fido and Spot, sharing their guard companions disgust covered their snouts as well by the smell of the scent that was irritating if not even burning their enhanced keen sense of smell and almost making their eyes burn and teary. “This stuff smells worse than a breath of a dragon eating garbage.” Rover muttered humorously under his breath, holding his nose with his large mole like paws.
However, Grogar suddenly and somewhat dropped his sceptic and indifferent look and instead, rather a considering and serious look took its place. He used his dark magic like telekinesis via his bell and horns glowing, as a dark energy engulfed the plant and levitating it near to evil rams muzzle. He watched and checked a strange plant like root carefully, with a wide interest in his evil red eyes and eventually managing a small yet devious smirk. “Well….What do we got here?.” Grogar chuckled for himself complacently, like he would be boasting himself by that plant.
“Eghm…Lord Grogar?” Rover dared to speak off, curious and wondering his masters raising enthusiasm about the stinky root.
Grogar averted his gaze from the root right to Dogs Trio. “Do you mutts have any idea what is this?”
Rover, Spot and Fido checked the root plant carefully, yet they could do nothing but once again cover their snouts by the strong stench that the plant emit. “Eehm….No, Lord Grogar.” Rover shake his head.
“Not even slightest.” Spot added clueless as well.
“But it still stinks.” Fido commented and holding his snout.
Grogar groaned in exasperation and rolling his red eyes. “Hurm! Why am I even bothering myself? For you mangy mutts, who are far more suitable for digging in ground and dirty work will be completely sufficient, that this root is called Witchweed. It is a very rare plant, which juice gives those who drink its juice vast magical abilities.” Grogar explained indifferently.
In the same instance, a realization surprisingly struck Rovers mind like a stone. “Eghm....Like that magical collar and bell of yours, master?” He trailed off, pointing at Grogars magical bell.
Grogar eyed Rover somewhat bewildered like he would actually be surprised by middle sized bulldogs obvious brightness yet maintaining his blunt and serious look nonetheless. “Yes…and no.” Grogar chuckled indifferently as Diamond Dogs Trio watched their evil ram master questionably.
“Allow me to clear things up to you mutts. And pay an attention, because I am not gonna repeat myself." Grogar huffed as he tried to explain further. "My magical collar and bell, being a magical objects can be used virtually indefinitely, via force of will, control and mastery over dark arts.” Grogar boasted about his enormous ego. "However…..Witchweed, its juice on the other hoof requires a continuous doses in order for consumer to keep his magical abilities on. Otherwise, the consumer will eventually become addictive to plant......Like a drug.”
By the time Gorgar explained the Witchweed root to Rover, Spot and Fido carefully and making sure the mutts got and took that in, Spot however seemed thoughtful, like he would be considering his masters words. “Eghm…..Lord Grogar.” The smallest one from Trio addressed a giant demonic ram somewhat uncomfortably yet displaying a respect. “By all respects to you, but....Me and my companions may know something....That might interest you.”
“You know something? That could interest ME?” Grogar asked and eyed tiny bulldog through both questioningly and rather cynical, wonder what could such a meaningless little mutt know, not sounding that much thrilled as ever, creating a small arousing tension within Rover, Spot and Fido. “Very well then.....Tell me. And it better be good.”
“Well…” Spot cleared his throat as he tried to muster some confidence to face his master, which by the way was somewhat difficult every time he faced the ram, due to his demonic and intimidation appearance. Yet somehow he eventually managed that and started confessing. “About that Witchweed plant....And though we only know that from hearsays.....There are rumours about a powerful feline sorceress known as....Eghm, what was her name.....Fido?”
"Catrina." The largest bulldog stated by recalling the name right. "Thats her name alright."
“A sorceress?” Grogar exhaled in an uncharacteristically excited manner, yet maintaining his serious and stoic look as ever. “A Catrina? So that is her name.....”
“Yes, master.” Rover took where his smaller companion left off. “And from what he have heard, she also uses that Witchweed root, or at least something like that in order to gain and maintain her magical abilities.”
Grogar still starring at the Trio, yet deep down he was somewhat impressed a little by mutts confession, though in his case, he would rarely if never admit it. "Let say I just might be interrested. A feline witch sorceress, using Witchweed as a source of her magic power.” Grogar stated somewhat calmly with an interest in his voice, as an idea formed in his mind. With a devious grin by the realization, ram went on. “Curious..... And don’t you mutts also know where exactly is that Catrina finding herself now?”
Rover, Spot and Fido looked at other questioningly and then averting their gazes back to Grogar with disappointed looks on their faces. “Where exactly she is finding herself now, we don’t know for sure master.” Fido stated a little uncomfortably, obvious worried not to disappoint his master.
“But…It is said that she has her own castle, somewhere on…ehm….Northwest of Equestria. Adequately.”
Grogar sighed in exasperation. “Hurm. Like I have to find out everything by myself.” Ram snorted as he used his dark magic like telekinesis to levitate his magic mirror near his throne right to him. “Magic Mirror of Seeing! Hear my demands! Show me Catrina the sorceress. Show me!” Grogar ordered firmly.
And in the instance, a blank reflection of the mirror suddenly shifted and being filled by vortex of magical energies. The energies then burst into a flash of near dazzling light, as it transpired an image of a strangely architecturally deformed shaped castle of a dark pink colour, with lots of blue towers, sharpened edges, being built on an isolated rock like island and connected to a solid ground cliff with a long bridge decorated with the same smaller towers.
The images then shifted to a tall, slender and rather attractive anthropomorphic feline, with a long orange hair, brown fur, green cat like eyes and wearing a dark red dress, decorated with a pink fur over her neck, sleeves and skirt, having a golden bell around her waist and golden ringer on her clawed hands. Despite being actually a feline and seeming a powerful witch, she was actually very beautiful and attractive.
“Wow! What a beauty.” Fido exhaled, unable to resist an unspeakable natural beauty that an anthropomorphic cat possessed, though Rover and Spot had an disgusted expressions on their faces with their tongues out and even growling slightly by the sight of Catrina, evident they were not impressed, evident that they actually were “dogs” and Catrina was a “cat”.
Oblivous to his dog servatns mixed reactions, a malicious and devious grin formed onto Grogars muzzle with his fangs exposed as a brilliant idea flashed within his mind and averting his gaze back to guard dog that broke in and brought the Witchweed. “Guard. You say that you have actually found more Witchweeds by digging the ditch out there?”
“Eghm…Yes, Lord Grogar.” The guard replied humbly and kneeling in respect in front of a devilish ram. “There are at least dozens of those weird plants all over the ditch. Though, we have no idea how something could ever actually grow underground.”
“Is that so?” Grogar replied somewhat indifferently, yet deep down being very interested nonetheless. “Alright than, boy. Show me.”
Outside of the Tambelon walls, Grogar along with Rover, Fido and Spot led by the guard entered and slowly and carefully descended the slope of the ditch, deep over 60 feet where other guard dogs were preparing wooden stakes, made up from logs, sharpening its edges with axes and attaching them to the ground. However, by the sight of the Grogars unexpected presence, all dogs immediately ceased their work and bowing in respect to their master passing through like a god.
“Over there, master.” The guard then led and showed Grogar the entire big pile of Witchweed near the dug witch wall, yet he was once again forced to cover his snout and so Rover, Fido and Spot did by the piercing and irritating strong stench. But unfortunately, due to so much roots being all collected on a dump, the stench they were emitting was far much stronger, causing the dogs eyes burn and tearing.
Grogar on the other hand and arguably the only one look satisfied by the look of a pile made from a root plant which juice obviously gives those who ingest it magical abilities, grinning deviously with his fangs exposed. The ram then averted his attention to a guard. “I say.....You did well, my boy.” Grogar complimented the guard dog with a satisfaction, which was practically rare to an evil ram, though it rather much looked like a mere act. “For that you will deserve a price. Though just a little.....” Grogars magical bell started blowing and ringing as a precious blue gem from his collection materialized in a flash of light, held in rams dark magic telekinesis and giving it right into guard dogs extended paws, although much unwillingly like and against his own will.
“Thank you, my lord.” The guard thanked humbly, yet couldn’t get enough admiration of the sparkling gem, that Grogar had just given him, yet he of course didn’t forget to bow to his lord. “I am more than pleased to serve you, master.” Grogar only smirked deviously by response.
“Eghm…Lord Grogar….” Fido muttered, daring to speak instead of Rover, who was usually a voice of the group. “What ecaxtly do you intent to do with all those roots?”
Grogar by taking in much tallers and strongers Diamond Dogs point, an evil ram necromanger thought for himself a bit, considering what indeed to do with all the so called Witchweed roots with even a much more malevolent thoughts filled
his mind. "Tempting.......Yet.....I gotmuch better idea with all that Witchweed.” Ram stated deviously. He then closed his eyes and concentrated his dark magic via his bell into his horns that started glowing with a red light. Just like before raising Tambelon from the depths of the earth, he was using his horns like a detectors in order to search something. Eventually, his horns started pulsing on the fullest, meaning the ram must have found what he was looking for, whatever it was and obviously buried underground. “It is exactly as I have suspected. There is an entire spawn, hundreds if Witchweeds buried underground. Right under the Tambelon.” Grogar grinned triumphantly.
“Eeeh….Lord Grogar?” Rover, Fido and Spot all addressed their master simultaneously at once, though a little questioningly.
“Here is the deal. So, listen up closely you mutts.” Grogar tasked the Trio and other dogs present in the ditch. “Fido, assemble all guards in the ditch. You are in charge of digging out and extract all remaining Witchweed roots from the underground. Then carry all these roots into one of my personal stores in the castle. And be careful not a single plant get lost, or else!” Demonic ram ordered the tallest bulldog from Trio, with his last words sounding a little threatening.
“Yes, master.” Fido gulped, muttering obediently, placing his paw into his chest and bowing in respect as other guard dogs did with a slight whimpering.
“Rover.” Grogar shifted his attention to middle-sized bulldog from three. “You carry on with a proper combat training and duties of all guard dogs as I have tasked you, stick according with the schedule. And......also task two of the guards to prepare the most comfortable and cosiest room in my castle. We will have a guest soon.”
“A guest? What kind of guest, Lord Grogar?” Rover dared to ask, yet he immediately regret his choice of words as Grogar denied a piercing and intense glare. “Eghm…Yes, my liege.” Rover gulped with a whimpering, also bowing in respect and he quickly, or well rather frantically crawled his way up from the ditch to fulfil his task and duties.
“And as for you Spot…." Grogar stated by finally averting his gaze to the smallest bulldog of Trio, concentrating his dark magic through his horns and in the instance, a light brown bag materialized in a flash of ligh and levitating the bag via his telekinesis right to Spot. "Fill this bag with so much Witchweed you can.” Grogar ordered Spot.
Spot, though still wondering why, yet unlike Rover, a small bulldog didn’t dare to ask any questions or raising an objections, so he just snatched the bag from its telekinetic grasp and gradually filled it with Witchweed roots from the pile, despite his obvious disgust from the strong stench and his eyes burning. “Here it is, master.” Spot stated as he showed a bag full of roots to his master. “But what exactly do you intent do with it anyway. If I of course may ask so?” A small dog asked meekly.
However, much for his relief, Grogar, instead of scolding or glaring just like he did with Rover in order not to ask stupid and pointless questions only denied a smug grin. “Spot….You and I are going to pay a visit to that Catrina sorceress.”
And as soon as he said that and before Spot could say something, Grogars magical bell started ringing in its usual and familiar campanology like song, glowing with dark magic aura and….In the same instance, both Grogar and Spot disappeared in a flash of light.
Grogar and Spot reappeared in another flash of light, though somewhere completely else and far away from Tambelon. Spot, however felt a bit dazzled and not being quite used to that teleporting kind of stuff and traveling through time and space, was rubbing his eyes in order to recollect his sense a bit. Though, his eyes suddenly widened and his mouth falling agape by the sight and realization where they were finding themselves.
They were standing on the edge of a cliff and right in front of them, on an isolated rock like island, connected to a cliff by a long bridge, an exactly the same castle, that Grogars magical mirror showed him stood in front of them. A deformed shaped architecture, dark pink colour, blue towers and sharpened edges.
“This is the place?” Spot blurted out confused, holding a bag full of Witchweed over his shoulder, scanning the surroundings as well as the castle, and then looking questioningly to his ram master. “Master….Do you actually….?”
“Exactly.” Grogar replied though centring his full attention to a deformed castle, that obviously belonged to a mentioned feline sorceress Catrina. “I intent to make a deal with Catrina to join forces and work for me. I could indeed use her magical abilities and knowledge to my advantage. With your Diamond Dogs brute strength, my leadership and mastery in dark arts and that witchs magical potential via Witchweed, I could be much more of a threat to entire Equestria and those who dares to oppose me. There is an old saying.....Two heads are better then one. If only it is true.....” Grogar explained his “brilliant” plan to small bulldog, that enlightened him back in Tambelon as he learned about Witchweed root and Catrina at the first place from the Diamond Dogs. “And I also believe, that the bag full of Witchweed as a little gift, should be more enough for Catrina to accept my offer.” Grogar stated and chuckling smugly for himself.
Spot, hearing out his masters plan, considering it for a while and eventually smirking. “That is….Brilliant, Master.” Small bulldog complimented, evidently satisfied with his masters natural brilliance. “But..…." Spot then though trailed out both somewhat objecting and rather sucpicous."What if that cat witch doesn’t want to join the side with you? Even after your…generous offer of the Witchweed for her?”.
“In that case…” Grogar sighed in a somewhat solemn like fashion. “There is always more than just a one way to make someone change his mind in matter. It can either go easy way, or….” Demonic ram hissed in his usually malicious and devilish like tone and his magical bell, like sharing his thoughts, started ringing in its usual though more vicious like campanology like melody, engulfed by a glowing dark aura and so did his horns.
“Yeah….Of course.” Spot agreed with Grogars statement about the “hard way”, though gulping and shivering slightly.
“Otherwise, she would not be much of use to me then. Now….If are you already done with babbling about, we got an important business to intake. We have come here for a reason! Now lets move!” Grogar stated a little venomously, prompting Spot to focus on their task, turning ahead and marching his way right to the castle.
“I am right behind you, my liege.” Spot jerked out, grabbing the bag full of Witchweed and marched as well in pursuit his master.
Making their way effortless though the bridge, across a deep chasm full of thorns, Grogar and Spot eventually stood in front of the main doorway of Catrina, the witches castle. A gentle wind was breezing through their furs and playing with Grogars cape a bit. Though, and quite much for Spot surprise, Grogar used his dark magic of his magical collar bell and in the moment, a beautiful long rad cape with a long collar and golden chain like clip materialized right over Grogars neck, covering most of his back and nearly touching the ground.
“Well? How do I look?” Grogar asked slightly snobbishly, boasting himself with his cape, that was obviously gaining on his dignity and looking more like a true ruler or even gentleman.
“You look….Great, Master. Like a true ruler of your own empire, to say. like Tambelon.” Spot complimented Grogars cape as well as his sense for fashion. However, as soon as he said that, a big main entrance double door, decorated by a golden cat like eyes opened all be themselves with a loud yet gentle creaking, like “they” would actually know that there were guest in front of the gateway.
“But….Are you sure this is a good idea?” Rover gulped, being visibly nervous or even rather freaked out a bit about doors sudden openings and instinctively searching a shelter, crouching behind Grogars back, much for evil rams annoying and frustration.
“Don’t be such a coward!” Grogar scolded Spot, using his dark magic like telekinesis via his bell and horns to lift the Diamond Dog from the ground and tossing him right through the main doorway. A little bulldog grunted with whimpering as he landed onto long light violet carpet with yellow and light orange edges, leading through a long passage, decorated by purple wooden like columns, yellow coloured walls, vertically emphasised ceiling with various golden chandeliers shaped with a feline like heads and clawed paws holding candles.
By the time, Grogar himself crossed the doorway, entering right in and joining Spots side on the carpet, though still bearing an upset and annoyed look. “Why not?” Spot asked slightly humorously. “I am usually very good at it.” Though, like it would had some sort of strange effect, the doors behind them shut up with a loud “THUD!”.
Spot, who manage to get onto his feet, stared at the door that just like they opened, they also closed all by themselves. It was all very weird and creepy. Like some sort of strange force or magic was present around and in control over the castle or what. Spot gulped with a raising nervousness, not having an idea what was going on and fidgeting unwillingly. However, without realizing it, him and Grogar suddenly started moving forward, but strangely, no one of them was actually “walking”.
“Eghm…” Spot murmured questioningly. “How come are we moving, when our feet stands still?” But then, he finally realized what was the cause with quite a shock, slack-jawed. Him and his master were really not move, but the carpet they were standing on was all by itself. Just like the doors, it must have been controlled by some of magic.
“It is magic, you idiot.” Grogar tried to explain to his dog toady, yet a dumbfounded expression formed into Spots face, obviously wondering or having no clue about his ram masters words. Grogar rolled his eyes and sighing in exasperation. “This is what we came for. And just remember….Let ME do all the talking.”
Grogar and Spot, were riding on a magically pulling carpet throughout the long, like grave silent castle passage, as an end of the hallway with other big doors eventually appeared. Spot, still being nervous and uncertain what was going on, Grogar on the other hand knew very well. There was indeed a powerful magic present in the local atmosphere, controlling the entire castle. He could fell that. They were definitely getting closer, because whatever was a source of the magic, it was getting stronger. And just like at the main entrance, the doors opened all by themselves and the carpet pulled them both right in.
It was a huge room, which was actually more of then a laboratory. A vertically emphasised ceiling, with a golden chandelier, fixed on a golden chain, shaped with a feline like heads and clawed paws holding a candles, a huge viewing window made in a wall, an enormous Armillary Sphere in the middle of the room, having a control panel with various ladders, a big library containing hundreds of books, arguably holding a great magical and mystical arts secrets, a working table with various alchemical tools and ingredients, a big wooden book stand holding an open magical book. There was also a golden throne like seat with sharpened edges on its seat, finding itself on a heightened platform with a stairs leading up, yet the seat was turned.
Grogar scanned the room carefully, yet fully aware that was the right place alright. The source of all that magic, whatever it was, must have been definitely there somewhere. And an evil ream could sense its source was coming right from the throne, judging that someone was sitting in there. And Grogar already had an idea who precisely….
“Looks like your reputation of a powerful sorceress precedes you….Catrina. Possessing a powerful magic to sense our presence and having your entire castle on your command..….Impressive, indeed. However..….It is quite unpresentable for host to keep his guests waiting.” Grogar stated with a surprisingly calm and gentleman like manner, though as ever, remaining his serious look by the way. “So….Would you mind to finally show yourself….Witch?”
And in the instance, the throne like seat started slowly yet steadily turning around right to Grogars and Spots direction, eventually revealing Catrina the Sorceress and mistress of the castle herself. Description of Grogars magical mirror was sitting perfectly. Tall and slender physique, long orange hair, brown fur, green cat like eyes and wearing a dark red dress, decorated with a pink fur over her neck, sleeves and skirt, having a golden bell around her waist and golden ringer on her clawed hands. And just like that, she was also very beautiful and attractive.
“Mmmm….Those are indeed some proud words.” Catrina spoke off in a low yet deep like female voice, addressing and watching an enormous, demonic like ram carefully, yet deep down, instead of expressing fear or uncertainty, she displayed a wide interest, especially by sensing an extremely powerful magical aura engulfing the beast, judging the source being a red goldened pattered collar and the bell. “But nevertheless…..Just WHO do you think you are? Entering my home just like that without my permission or invitation?” Feline sorceress stated a little coldly with a venom present in her voice.
Catrina stood up from a comfort of her throne like seat and slowly yet gracefully making her way downstairs to address her unexpected guests. “Only a few fools had ever had a courage or dared to actually pay a visit to me. Well, at least not officially by the way.” An anthropomorphic cat than shifted her green cat like piercing eyes with a vertical pupils right into Spot, standing by Grogars side. “And what is that mangy mutt doing here?” Catrina hissed with her fangs exposed, causing Spots fur to bristle and crouching with a low whimper. “Well?”
Grogar, watching feline lady carefully, yet also remaining calm and calculated, maintained a confident and proud post. “Allow me to introduce myself…....I am Grogar....Lord Grogar. The Necromancer master of dark arts. An emperor of my own kingdom Tambelon and the worst nightmare to my enemies and those who dares to oppose me.” An evil ram stated arrogantly, addressing himself with a pride and he established the most respectable stance he could muster. “And I….”
“Mmm….Nice to meet you…Lord Grogar.” Catrina replied somehow indifferently, jumping into Grogars speech and gracefully making her way right to the large view window. “And I suppose….You may have a proposition for me?”
Grogar, displaying a surprising patience, reservation and not getting upset about sorceress indifferent and ignoring demeanour, slowly galloped and joining Catrinas side at the window. “In a matter of fact…..Yes. A proposition of a life time to be precise. That what might be hard and far tempting to just reject or letting go. My request is simple. With your magical abilities, knowledge of a mystic arts and my own dark magic powers and my experience in warfare and leadership….Together we could destroy Canterlot and conquer and rule the entire Equestria.” Grogar suggested.
“Aahh. Canterlot, a capital of Equestria. Quite little place. Ruled by Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, The Royal Sisters, isn’t it?” Catrina asked grinning and her clawed paws folded over her chest.
“Yes.” Grogar grunted venomously by the mention of the Princesses. “Celestia.....That obnoxiously kind-hearted and soft, pesky little princess.”
However, while Grogar and Catrina were busy with their little chitchats among each other, without noticing, Spot started exploring the laboratory more by his own, looking around as his attention landed on a strange metal stank with two holders on its top, one holding a big lens while the second held a pretty sparkling purple gem on it. “Wow. What a pretty sparkling crystal.” Spot exhaled excited, astonished by a sparkling beauty of the crystal and extending his huge paw in order to take it.
“Well, to be candid….YOU!” Catrina yelled out as she spotted Spot trying to snatch a crystal from a stand, extending her arm and her clawed hand started glowing with a fiery orange aura with little sparks.
“HUH! Me?” Spot blurted out, jumping out of fright as he found himself engulfed by Catrinas magic aura. Feline sorceress then lifted a struggling bulldog with her telekinetic grasp into the air and making him flying around the room by the simple gestures of her hand viciously, as poor Spot was whimpering and pleading for mercy.
Eventually, Catrina brought Spot near to her and releasing him from her magical grasp and Spot once gain hit the ground with yet another loud “THUD!”. “No one ever touches what is mine. Got that mutt!?” Catrina scolded Spot, with her clenched hands on the hips and hissing maliciously.
“Painfully.” Spot murmured, lying on the and rubbing his aching head with his paw.
Grogar, watching the entire show, and despite being slightly agitated by small Diamond Dogs greediness for precious gems, a demonic ram could do nothing but chuckle playfully yet deviously. “Che che. Serves him right.”
“As I have been saying….” Catrina went on, once again turning to Grogar. “Your offer is absolutely no interest to me.” The witch stated indifferently, her voice bearing a denial and contempt. “Yet..…I want a real power. A power of magic….” Catrina then reached deep into her dress an pulling a small brown flask fixed on a rope and showing it to Grogar. “Now…If you can provide more of this miraculous juice…We may have a deal.”
Grogar checked Catrinas flask carefully, yet he grinned smugly, like he would already knowing very well what kind of juice the feline witch meant. “A Witchweed juice.....Isn’t it?”
Catrinas deep green cat eyes widened by monstrous rams mention about the miraculous plant that was a source of her own magical abilities. “So you know about this plant?” She asked bewildered, yet keeping her confident demeanour.
Grogar only chuckled, with a smug grin forming in his face instead of response, turning back to Spot who already managed to stand up from the marble floor and grunted several times. Spot, understanding his masters request and knowing what had to be done. A small bulldog grabbed the bag lying nearby, cautiously making his way to feline sorceress, yet dog managed a smug and confident grin nonetheless and opening the bag wide.
Catrina curiously looked in and her eyes widened even more than before as well as a bewildered and slack jawed expression formed on usually stoic, indifferent and reserved sorceress face. The bag was full of Witchweed roots, so much that it could virtually be a sufficient supply for a month. Catrina actually hadn’t seen so much Witchweed all together for a really long time.
“Well.....” Grogar asked still a bit bewildered attractive feline witch. “I believe this should be more than a sufficient supply for you.” Ram stated smugly, boasting himself about offering bag full of magical roots. “You may also consider it as a generous offer and gift from me, to show my respect to you, Lady Catrina.” Grogar surprisingly stated, with a somewhat gentleman and aristocratic like manner and evidently showing sort of respect to Catrina.
That was indeed unexpected or rather weird from someone so cruel, arrogant, selfish, ruthless and evil like Grogar himself, the Necromancer, an evil/demonic ram from netherworld and tyrannical ruler of Tambelon. Yet, despite all those evil qualities, Grogar had also showed to have just a little of a gentlemen and noble, cultural aristocratic leader inside of himself, with sort of a refined mannerism, being highly intelligent, patient and charismatic.
Right now, Catrina already managed to recuperate from her astonishment about bag full of Witchweed and turning her gaze to Grogar. “Where….did you get all the Witchweed….Lord Grogar? If I….may ask so. Such a plant is extremely rare and difficult to cultivate. Even my supplies of the roots are nearly all gone and I had never been able to extract enough of seeds to cultivate it.” Though Catrinas voice remained even, she just couldn’t hide a raising excitement and wide interest. “Maybe….We could make a deal after all. I guess.”
Grogar grinned deviously. “You see......This is just a small amount of Witchweed roots that we brought along. However, back in my empire, Tambelon….Right under it is the entire bearings of those roots. I know it, because I could feel its magical potential. I am a Necromancer by the way.” Grogar than shifted into more motivated and reassuring tone. “Look, Lady Catrina…..I may help you, granting you your wish. I could make you the most powerful sorceress in the world. And you on repay help my take over the Equestria with your mastery and knowledge of modern magic and mystical arts. Trust me….I am no strange to an ambition and lust for power myself.”
Catrina, considering Grogars words carefully and though still feeling a little suspicious about Grogars own arguably vast magical abilities coming from his magical bell and his rather frightening and intimidating appearance, deep down she was very pleased with evil rams offer and her own desire for power of magic grew even stronger, exceeding any doubts or uncertainty.
“Very well then, Lord Grogar.” Catrina addressed evil demonic ram with a more considering tone and reasonable tone. “Would you….Enlighten me and show me that dark empire, Tambelon of yours? So I could see that bearings of Witchweed….Pretty please?”
Grogar chuckled triumphantly, satisfied by finally earing feline sorceress trust. His magical bell started ringing in its usual and familiar campanology like song, glowing with dark magic aura and….In the same instance, Grogar, Catrina along with Spot disappeared in a flash of light.
Meanwhile, back in Tambelon, on its large courtyard specifically, Guard dogs were training under a supervision of Rover, divided into several troops with different tasks. One group was running around, while other groups were practicing wrestling and hand to hand combat skills, sparring and training with their spear as a melee weapons and target practicing with their energy crossbows. And surprisingly, they were doing quite well.
“Come on, dogs!” Rover encouraged his dog brethren and trying to motivate them. “We are supposed to be canines. Naturally fierce, savage and loyal. This is our chance to gain Lord Grogars respect and….An opportunity how to get more of those precious gems from him.” Rover stated a bit temptingly by the thoughts of all those beautiful jewels and gems in treasury, that Grogar promised them little by little, depending on their loyalty, labour and competence. “So lets go again, from the beginning! And this time try harder!”
However, suddenly and without anyones expecting, a burst of light erupted nearby, causing all the Diamond Dogs in its proximity to shield their eyes from a blow. When a light eventually faded, Grogar, along with Spot and for much everyones utter shock, Catrina the feline yet attractive sorceress stood on the place.
“Lord Grogar…” Rover addressed and welcomed his ram master back home carefully. “So are you already back? What an unexpected pleasure to see you.” Rover along with other dogs kneeled and bowed down in respect.
“Seeing me is never a pleasure, mutt. From now one you as well as the others will remember that.” Grogar replied quite indifferently and checked the dog guards on the courtyard. “Any progress?”
“We follow precisely the schedule and program, my Lord.” Rover reported to his master quite hopefully. “And we have already managed to make some progress as well. Watch this.” A former Dog leader than shifted his gaze back to the troops. “You have heard me, dogs! Lets show Lord Grogar what we have already learned!” And by his command, every and each guard dog immediately returned to their perspective tasks, wrestling among each other and practicing hand to hand combat, sparring with lances and target practicing.
Grogar watched the performance carefully, yet judging from his look, an evil ram didn’t look like so much thrilled or impressed by Diamond Dogs ongoing progress, but then again, he had never been. “Chmm.....I guess, I shouldn’t have expect that much from you mutts. Hurm. Whatever.....” An evil ram huffed in a beaten like manner, concentrating his dark energy via his belt and in the instance, a small green sparkling gem materialized in the air, held in Grogars telekinetic grip and levitating it right into Rovers extended paws.
“Wow!” Rover exhaled, enjoying the beauty and not able to avert his nearly gleamy gaze from a sparkling gem, as he could also see its reflection in it. “Eghm…Thanks, Lord Grogar.” Rover finally shifted his gaze back to his ram master, thanking him a little unwillingly.
Though, Grogar scoffed a bit. “As I said once and I do mind to repeat myself….Just don’t be that much gratetful. It is not from a mere generosity, but.....You can rather take it as some more motivation in order to be competent and efficient. So….I better try harder to make a proper progress about the training further if I were you.” Ram ordered to his dog subordinate. “And….You also better try to learn those mutts shame.”
“It will be done, my Lord.” Rover replied firmly, yet still kneeling and placing his paw into his chest in respect. Yet, just right then, a middle-sized bulldog finally realized, that Grogar didn’t returned alone, along with Spot, but also with an unexpected guest. He couldn’t help himself, but wonder and stare at Catrina, the feline witch slack jawed and with a bewildered expression. “And….The feline lady is a….?” Bulldog muttered.
“Yes, Rover.” Grogar answered complacently and eying Catrina with an edge of his eye. “Meet Catrina, the Sorceress. And from now on, she is my personal guest of honour.”
Rover, watching Catrina somewhat questioningly, yet also being attracted by tall anthropomorphic cats natural beauty and charm, a Diamond Dog dared to address Catrina carefully. “Eghm….Hello there.”
Catrina, however, on the other hand instead of response hissed maliciously in a cat like way, evident not being too much thrilled with Rover along with other dogs around her.
“You should better mind your manners, Rover. For your own good” Grogar whispered to Rover cautiously, yet also smugly. “As attractive she may look as a rose, she can also be as deadly and more dangerous then a viper.” Catrina, however could hear what Grogar and Rover were whispering about, but yet, instead of feeling upset, the feline sorceress couldn’t help but grin deviously for herself.
“No kidding.” Spot interjected, whispering as well to his taller dog comrade. “I could relate…Literally.” Unfortunately, even his response couldn’t be overheard by Catrina, who unlike in Grogars case hissed on her fullest, with her fangs and claws exposed, causing both dogs to crouch into a defensive position with a whimpering.
Grogar, once again entertained by the suffering of the others around him, his subjects alike, turned into a more firm and serious tone. “Now…If we are already done with these formalities…Rover, where is Fido?” Ram asked and took a look around in hope to find the largest of the Diamond Dogs Trio somewhere.
“Over here, Lord Grogar.” Evil ram immediately turned by the direction where a familiar rough voice was coming from, as he saw Fido, the tallest bulldog from a Trio making his way from the castle. And kneeling in front of Grogar in a humble and respectful way. “Welcome back.” Fido invited his master back home with a somewhat confident and also satisfied manner.
“Have you extracted Witchweed from the underground as I have ordered?” Grogar asked Fido, being evidently taken aback a bit by bulldogs confident and satisfied mood and showing no signs of fear in his golden eyes from. Yet, Grogars statement aroused an interest and also an amazement in Catrina standing behind monstrous ram.
“I believe you will be more than pleased, my liege.” Fido stated with a confident and also somewhat smug, yet maintaining his humble demeanour, kneeling with his head bowed down. “If would you just come with me, to see it by yourself.”
Fido walked ahead, leading Grogar, Catrina and Spot downstairs of a well familiar spiralled chamber under Tambelons castle, with torches fixed of walls flashing his way right into Grogars treasury where all the sparkling gems were placed in the safe keeping.
Finally, they all reach the treasury chamber and Grogars and Catrinas collective gazes landed on one of the chambers guarded by two Guard dogs, literally filled, well if not even exceeding or overfilled by Witchweed roots, all collected into one big “mountain” like pile, guarded safely behind the bars with sharpened edges. Though the dogs were guarding plants with magical properties willingly and taking their duties seriously, they however seemed a bit disgusted, obviously forced to take a strong stench from the plants, holding their snouts occasionally.
“Well….What do you think, Master?” Fido stated proudly, pointing his paw to a sealed and guarded pile, yet even he could resist a piercing and strong scent as he was forced to cover his snout with his second paw, like his dog companions and Spot did.
Grogar, watching the pile of magical root plants, chuckled smugly for himself, arguably being satisfied and even “happy” with his dog minions effort. While Catrina, on the other hand, watching a pile of Witchweed slack-jawed, was seemingly even more bewildered and amazed at once than she was just about a mere bag of Witchweed, that Grogar and Spot offered her back home, at her castle.
“Chmm......You have done well, Fido.” Grogar complimented strong bulldogs efforts, yet though once again not sounding that much thrilled as ever with his serious and blunt exterior unfaltering. Yet nonetheless, evil ram necromancer concentrated his dark energy via his belt and in the instance, just like with Spot and Rover before, a red sparkling gem materialized in the air, held via telekinesis and Grogar levitated it right into Fidos extended paws as a little reward.
“Thanks, my Lord.” Fido thanked to his master and also admiring a sparkling beauty of a precious gem, as a realization struck him like a brick. “By the way….That…Witchweed plant extraction from the underground is still going on and progressing. Till tomorrow, we would even need more than this one chamber to store more of those roots.
“Very well.....” Grogar complimented Fidos efforts with an uncontradicted satisfaction.
“Oh my gosh….” Catrina murmured incoherently, if not even stammering a bit, unable to lift her gaze and full attention from the entire mountain made of Witchweed roots. “This is the largest pile of Witchweed I had ever seen in my life. With this supply, I could be easily the most powerful sorceress in the world, and also being supplied for a lifetime, to administer an unlimited amount of Witchweed Potion, to maintain my magical abilities.” Feline sorceress chuckled deviously, unable to deny or hide her excitement over seemingly unlimited supply of magical roots.
Grogar grimaced triumphantly. “Fido. Spot.” He addressed both bulldogs with an authority and a firm voice.
“Master?” Both Fido and Spot replied and bowed humbly, expecting orders from their master.
“I wish to stay with Catrina alone now. So, go. Go away!” Grogar ordered the Diamond Dogs to leave the chamber, slamming his hoof to the ground.
Two bulldogs only nod in understanding, as they obediently and rather very quickly made their exit upstairs from the chamber. However, Grogar shifted his gaze to other four guard dogs, guarding the chamber with Witchweed and a door of a treasure room. “You too! Go away, now!” Evil ram nearly jelled into guard dogs, with this patience obviously running low. The guards however didn’t wait for anything and just like Fido and Spot, they also quickly made their exist by upstairs with a low whimpering.
When being absolutely and on hundred present sure that they were standing all alone in the treasury room now, Grogar faced and encountering the feline witch. “Well…What do you think about my generous offer now, Lady Catrina? Are you with me then? As a valuable ally and....Parner?” Ram asked firmly, yet also surprisingly showing a politeness, respect and patience with an attractive and powerful cat sorceress nonetheless, not pressing for the answer, just patiently waiting for her reaction.
Right now, Catrina managed to fully recuperate from her amazement, ignoring a Witchweed strong scent and turning around to face Grogar. “I have to say…Lord Grogar.” She addressed enormous demonic ram with respect and in humble like manner. “You have really made a good impression on me. You are charismatic, decisive and noble, but yet, you are not above using an intimidation or even a force to establish your own ways or in order to get what you seek. I like that.”
The sorceress brushed a strand of her orange locks from cleavage and going on. “And yet, you are also willing to use your charisma and generosity to gain yourself an allies, like me or….Those mangy mutts for an example. So….When allies…..Than allies. Because….If I get what I want. Then you get what YOU want.”
Hearing her final and approving response, Grogar chuckled with victorious and triumphant grin, fully satisfied that he finally after quite a long diplomatic and reasonable negotiation finally got Catrina on her side. “Trust me, Lady Catrina….” Grogar stated decisively. “You will not regret it. The greatest decision you could have ever make in your life.”
With Catrina as a valuable and powerful ally with a magical abilities, endowed by a magical plant known as a Witchweed, along with Diamond Dogs as his personal guards, army and task force for his conquest to rule the Equestria, as well as with his very own vast dark magic abilities, insanely wealth by a precious jewels and battle savvy, Grogar was more than a force to be recon with and a severe threat to the entire Equestria and its inhabitants.
To be continued…….