“Now that was most satisfying.” The Ghoul commented to his guide. “I had no idea that the last drop of life could be so intoxicating.” He pushed the body of the dead Thief aside as his eyes gleamed with an unnatural satisfaction.

The guide tried to push the image from his mind. He had taken service with this thing and now he was bound to it. He dare not betray his master for that would place him squarely on the menu.

“I will save that for the sword wielding fool when I take my place and don the Crown. I will have him brought before me and he will grovel and plead but to no avail...” The Ghoul’s dead eyes managed to shine with glee as he spoke of his revenge.

They walked through the night. The Ghoul drove a hard campaign. He only stopped to feed or to allow his vassal a chance to catch a few hours of rest. Even in his undead state he had to let his body rest and take nourishment, not that he could taste any but the most powerful flavors. This he saw as a great delay but it was necessary. His artificial life processes needed fuel as well but he was as well off with scavenged carcasses as fresh meat.

A small voice croaked out in the dark, “What a vile thing you are.”

Instantly the Ghoul was livid. “I see quite well in the dark crone. You will kneel to me now or in the future but kneel you will!”

“Oh ho, kneeling it wants. Such a repulsive thing it is, and with what purpose?”

“Old woman, I warn you to do my bidding!”

“Now its warnings! Well hop right over here and tell me more!” she taunted.

The Ghoul leapt forward, the transformation happened so quickly that it was impossible for the guide to determine when it happened. At one moment the Ghoul, his master, was advancing on the old witch and in the next there was naught but a huge toad in its place.

The witch cackled with glee, the guide fled into the dark, the toad that had been a Ghoul looked accusingly up at the capricious woman.

“This may teach you some manners; you may even have some use for a while. Just because you are repulsive does not mean you can’t rid us of a few troublesome insects.” She continued to laugh as she retired to her damp hut.

The toad looked on mournfully.