The goblins led you away from the cave-cell and through the rough-hewn tunnels. You could see various other tunnels branching off here and there, but your escort seemed intent on one direction. Soon enough the tunnel began to climb and take on a more worked appearance, the walls becoming smoother and more regular, the gradual incline giving way to carved steps, and those in turn to proper stairs. The higher you went, the more familiar the architecture seemed, with demon statues holding firebowls to light the way, and small windows at regular intervals on the turns of the stair showing a rocky, jagged landscape outside.
If you still had any doubts as to where you were, they were done away with as you neared the end of the stairwell and heard a familiar voice.
"Get some new material!"
Just as you reached the top of the stairs, you heard a cry, then saw a goblin in what appeared to be a jester's cap come flying through the air, skip several times on the floor to the sound of tinkling bells, before finally ending its brief flight with a splash at the other end of the chamber. On the opposite side of the room, the Overlord was just settling back down onto his throne.
"So hard to find good entertainment these days," he noted. "Ah, my latest acquisitions have woken up. Certainly took you long enough... but let's get to business. I find myself rather short on capable lieutenants to see to matters out in the field at the moment. Seeing as you killed them all, I think you should prove a bit more competent than they were. Since we've previously established who has the upper hand here, I've got an offer for you. Serve me, and you will be well rewarded. Alternatively, I could simply reduce you to thralls with barely a shred of free will, your choice. Serve me faithfully, though, and you'll not find me ungrateful."
The little speech done, the Overlord leaned back in his throne, fingers clicking quietly on the arm rest. "So, what say you? I'll see you serve one way or another... it's up to you what the terms of servitude will be."
