Precious Gems of the General

The lights of the setting sun glistened off the gemstones that pierced the monster's hide, the emerald green patterns dancing off the walls of the outcropping where it and the hobgoblin sat. "In the coming months, general, our work will be done. It is odd, now, as the tides push and pull at the ends of this reality that such a moment has finally come to this world."

The hobgoblin kept his brow tense, staring off into the distant landscape. Tyrgarun was in this for his own reasons that frankly perplex all involved. However, when one of the ancient stones pledges you service, you don't refuse it. That's what Azarr Kul told him, and his friend hadn't yet led him astray in this life. He relaxed and sighed, and looked up at the strange creature. "Indeed. The march will start soon. They will stand no chance." He thought hard, then ventured to ask something he hadn't cared to until now. "Why, though, does one of the old st-"

"General." He was cut off by the creature. "You could no sooner hope to teach a fish to wield a sword and speak your tongue than I could hope to share with you or any of the humanoids the Estuarial Hypothesis or the understanding of the ocean beyond what you may call...reality. Ha!"

The hobgoblin bit his bottom lip to stop both the desire to sigh or to express annoyance. What a strange fucking monstrosity they had become bed mates with. "O-Okay then. Well, all the same. The campaign will begin in less than a months time. When that time comes, I trust it wouldn't be even a full year before our task is complete. What, after that, will you do?"

The hide and green gemstones pulled away to show rows of sharp and jagged teeth, a wicked smile covering the face of the monster. "General, when that time comes, we'll be one step closer to true balance. The creation of your God is more important to the scope of this reality than even your great leader understands. You are all correct; what we do here is much bigger than ourselves. Bigger even than me."

General Kharn stood up and made direct eye contact with the monster. "So be it then. As long as you stand beside the High Wrymlord, then you are my ally. We will see this through to the end" He made the salute of the red hand, a serious expression glued to his face.

The great gem-hide creature nodded. "Indeed, General. For the Red Hand."