Deep in the Gray Mist Forest, inside a hidden cave.
A thick dragon tail slapped lazily against the ground, its dull thuds echoing through the cavern.
Gazi sat comfortably on his "throne"—a rock he had carefully smoothed flat.
He was in an excellent mood.
Just moments ago, his mining crew had added several decent-quality rubies to his collection.
Why did these stones have such a powerful hold over him?
Just look at the enticing glimmer they refracted.
How wonderful!
He lazily pinched up a wriggling white grub with the tip of his claw.
It was his favorite snack, found only in the damp humus deep inside the cave.
Holding the grub up before his eyes, he admired its plump, juicy body for a moment, then tossed it high. The little creature traced a graceful arc through the air, and he tilted his head back to catch it neatly in his jaws, lined with tiny, sharp teeth.
His teeth closed gently. With a faint pop, a rush of sweet juice burst across his tongue.
Delicious!
This was happiness!
Ever since he'd left that foolish tribe and moved into this cave with a group of reasonably obedient fellows, Gazi had felt almost unbelievably lucky.
Not only was there a small ruby vein here, but even better, all the passageways seemed to have been carved out in advance, saving him an enormous amount of work.
He didn't care who had lived in the cave before him—perhaps a den of exiled bugbears, or some "scaleless" wanderer.
It didn't matter.
Now it belonged to him, the great Gazi.
If the previous owner dared to return, he wouldn't mind letting the poor fool experience the feeling of having his skin scorched by fire before being torn apart alive.
Of course, life as a kobold chief wasn't