Inspiration
I apologize if I get his speech or personality incorrect.
The pond was unusually high this night. His gaze looked to the heavens, seeing the moon much larger and redder than normal. The sight pleased him. Red was his color...the color of kings.
Here he stood watch over those who slumbered. Mere pawns, but perhaps...a rook, knight, or bishop could emerge from them. They had potential...to become loyal, to serve the crown...to even die for their king.
But who was worthy? Who of these lowly peasants could fill the ranks of the king's loyal militia? Who among them would give their life for the crown?
He walked on, the cooling waters pleasant to his hooves, but he looked for something else. Somewhere fit for a king. As he walked on up the hill, he soon found a great tree. It was the biggest of all in the Forest, and just looking at it's grandeur was inspiring. He peered in. No commoners in here. Nothing but a hollow ambiance. It seemed like a suitable place for a king to rest his weary bones.
He sat and watched from within the shelter of the Oak. It was his castle, the sound echoing into his mind and breaking the silence of the night. He began to drift into a slumber when he heard something...a quiet whisper in his ears.
"A chamber fitting for one of royalty such as yourself. Yes...you claim this old tree as your own, just for this night, but I could give you the entire Forest.", the voice was chilling and raspy. The king turned to see who was talking to him, but saw nothing but darkness.
"Show yourself!", his voice was loud and booming, a commanding authority to those lesser than him.
He turned and was taken aback when the slender creature was standing before him, blocking the entrance to the Oak. [=darkgrey]"The entire Forest could become your kingdom if you would simply serve me.
.... 
