{"id":12557,"date":"2025-04-22T18:53:35","date_gmt":"2025-04-22T10:53:35","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.7colors.vip\/?p=12557"},"modified":"2025-04-22T18:53:35","modified_gmt":"2025-04-22T10:53:35","slug":"war-of-the-spider-queen-3-condemnation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.7colors.vip\/?p=12557","title":{"rendered":"war of the spider queen 3 condemnation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Quenthel\u3000manded\u3000the\u3000loyalty\u3000of\u3000the\u3000hulking\u3000Jeggred\uff1b\u3000a\u3000draegloth\u3000of\u3000her\u3000own\u3000House\u3000Baenre\u3002\u3000The\u3000draegloth\u3000was\u3000half\u2026demon\uff1b\u3000half\u2026drow\uff1b\u3000the\u3000son\u3000of\u3000Quenthel’s\u3000elder\u3000sister\u3000and\u3000some\u3000unnamed\u3000denizen\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Abyss\u3002\u3000Jeggred\u3000towered\u3000over\u3000the\u3000other\u3000drow\uff1b\u3000a\u3000four\u2026armed\u3000creature\u3000of\u3000bestial\u3000aspect\u3000who\u3000held\u3000a\u3000murderous\u3000violence\u3000in\u3000check\u3000at\u3000all\u3000times\u3002\u3000His\u3000face\u3000was\u3000drow\u2026like\uff1b\u3000and\u3000he\u3000walked\u3000upright\uff1b\u3000but\u3000a\u3000gleaming\u3000silver\u3000pelt\u3000covered\u3000his\u3000dark\u3000skin\u3000at\u3000chest\uff1b\u3000shoulders\uff1b\u3000and\u3000loins\uff1b\u3000and\u3000his\u3000claws\u3000were\u3000as\u3000long\u3000and\u3000as\u3000sharp\u3000as\u3000daggers\u3002\u3000Halisstra\u3000didn’t\u3000fear\u3000Jeggred\uff1b\u3000as\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3000was\u3000Quenthel’s\u3000creature\u3000and\u3000would\u3000not\u3000lay\u3000a\u3000finger\u3000on\u3000her\u3000without\u3000his\u3000mistress’s\u3000express\u3000mand\u3002\u3000He\u3000might\u3000be\u3000the\u3000instrument\u3000of\u3000Halisstra’s\u3000death\uff1b\u3000if\u3000Quenthel\u3000chose\u3000to\u3000order\u3000it\uff1b\u3000but\u3000there\u3000was\u3000no\u3000point\u3000in\u3000regarding\u3000him\u3000as\u3000anything\u3000other\u3000than\u3000Quenthel’s\u3000weapon\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000wizard\u3000Pharaun\u3000intrigued\u3000Halisstra\u3000greatly\u3002\u3000The\u3000study\u3000of\u3000arcane\u3000lore\u3000 \n
\n \n
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\n \u3000Quenthel’s\u3000weapon\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000wizard\u3000Pharaun\u3000intrigued\u3000Halisstra\u3000greatly\u3002\u3000The\u3000study\u3000of\u3000arcane\u3000lore\u3000was\u3000something\u3000that\uff1b\u3000like\u3000swordplay\uff1b\u3000was\u3000traditionally\u3000left\u3000to\u3000males\u3002\u3000A\u3000powerful\u3000wizard\u3000merited\u3000a\u3000certain\u3000amount\u3000of\u3000respect\u3000despite\u3000the\u3000fact\u3000that\u3000he\u3000was\u3000male\u3002\u3000In\u3000fact\uff1b\u3000Halisstra\u3000knew\u3000of\u3000more\u3000than\u3000one\u3000instance\u3000in\u3000which\u3000the\u3000matron\u3000mother\u3000of\u3000an\u3000important\u3000house\u3000ruled\u3000only\u3000with\u3000the\u3000consent\u3000of\u3000the\u3000powerful\u3000male\u3000wizards\u3000of\u3000the\u3000family\uff1b\u3000a\u3000situation\u3000that\u3000had\u3000always\u3000struck\u3000her\u3000as\u3000perverse\u3000and\u3000dangerous\u3002\u3000Pharaun\u3000acted\u3000as\u3000if\u3000he\u3000manded\u3000that\u3000kind\u3000of\u3000power\u3000and\u3000influence\u3002\u3000Oh\uff1b\u3000he\u3000deferred\u3000to\u3000Quenthel\u3000quickly\u3000enough\uff1b\u3000but\u3000never\u3000without\u3000a\u3000sardonic\u3000smile\u3000or\u3000an\u3000insincere\u3000remark\uff1b\u3000and\u3000at\u3000times\u3000his\u3000disrespectful\u3000carriage\u3000verged\u3000on\u3000outright\u3000rebellion\u3002\u3000That\u3000meant\u3000that\u3000he\u3000was\u3000either\u3000a\u3000plete\u3000fool\u2026hardly\u3000likely\uff1b\u3000since\u3000he’d\u3000been\u3000hand\u2026picked\u3000in\u3000Menzoberranzan\u3000for\u3000the\u3000dangerous\u3000journey\u3000to\u3000Ched\u3000Nasad\u2026or\u3000he\u3000was\u3000powerful\u3000enough\u3000to\u3000hold\u3000his\u3000own\u3000against\u3000the\u3000natural\u3000tyranny\u3000of\u3000a\u3000noble\u3000female\u3000like\u3000Quenthel\u3002\u3000Pharaun\u3000struck\u3000Halisstra\u3000as\u3000a\u3000potentially\u3000critical\u3000ally\u3000against\u3000Quenthel\uff1b\u3000if\u3000it\u3000turned\u3000out\u3000that\u3000she\u3000and\u3000Quenthel\u3000could\u3000not\u3000reach\u3000an\u3000understanding\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000It\u3000seemed\u3000to\u3000Halisstra\u3000that\u3000Ryld\u3000Argith\u3000was\u3000to\u3000Pharaun\u3000what\u3000Jeggred\u3000was\u3000to\u3000Quenthel\u3002\u3000A\u3000powerfully\u3000built\u3000weapons\u3000master\u3000whose\u3000stature\u3000matched\u3000Halisstra’s\u3000own\uff1b\u3000Ryld\u3000was\u3000a\u3000fighter\u3000of\u3000tremendous\u3000skill\u3002\u3000Halisstra\u3000had\u3000seen\u3000that\u3000for\u3000herself\u3000in\u3000the\u3000escape\u3000from\u3000Ched\u3000Nasad\u3002\u3000Like\u3000most\u3000males\uff1b\u3000he\u3000maintained\u3000a\u3000properly\u3000deferential\u3000demeanor\u3000in\u3000Quenthel’s\u3000presence\u3002\u3000That\u3000was\u3000a\u3000good\u3000sign\u3000to\u3000Halisstra\u3002\u3000Ryld\u3000might\u3000easily\u3000transfer\u3000loyalties\u3000to\u3000another\u3000woman\u3000of\u3000high\u3000birth\u3000in\u3000a\u3000pinch\u3002\u3000She\u3000couldn’t\u3000count\u3000on\u3000Ryld\u3000turning\u3000against\u3000either\u3000Pharaun\u3000or\u3000Quenthel\uff1b\u3000but\u3000pure\u3000drow\u3000were\u3000less\u3000steadfast\u3000in\u3000their\u3000loyalties\u3000than\u3000the\u3000average\u3000draegloth\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000last\u3000and\u3000the\u3000least\u3000of\u3000the\u3000party\u3000from\u3000Menzoberranzan\u3000was\u3000the\u3000scout\uff1b\u3000Valas\u3000Hune\u3002\u3000A\u3000small\uff1b\u3000furtive\u3000male\uff1b\u3000he\u3000said\u3000little\u3000and\u3000observed\u3000much\u3002\u3000Halisstra\u3000had\u3000seen\u3000his\u3000type\u3000before\u3002\u3000Useful\u3000enough\u3000in\u3000the\u3000sort\u3000of\u3000tasks\u3000they\u3000excelled\u3000at\uff1b\u3000they\u3000wanted\u3000nothing\u3000to\u3000do\u3000with\u3000the\u3000machinations\u3000of\u3000priestesses\u3000and\u3000matriarchs\u3000and\u3000did\u3000all\u3000they\u3000could\u3000to\u3000stay\u3000well\u3000clear\u3000of\u3000the\u3000politics\u3000of\u3000the\u3000great\u3000Houses\u3002\u3000At\u3000the\u3000moment\uff1b\u3000Valas\u3000was\u3000crouched\u3000over\u3000a\u3000small\u3000pile\u3000of\u3000dry\u3000brush\uff1b\u3000working\u3000to\u3000start\u3000a\u3000fire\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Halisstra\u3000looked\u3000at\u3000him\u3002\u3000The\u3000question\u3000made\u3000no\u3000sense\u3000to\u3000her\u3002\u3000Who\u3000could\u3000possibly\u3000be\u3000left\u3000to\u3000fix\u3000blame\u3000for\u3000the\u3000duergar\u3000attack\u3000on\u3000the\u3000party\u3000of\u3000Menzoberranyr\uff1f\u3000House\u3000Melarn\u3000had\u3000fallen\uff1b\u3000and\u3000House\u3000Nasadra\u3000as\u3000well\u3002\u3000She\u3000became\u3000aware\u3000of\u3000a\u3000great\u3000weariness\u3000in\u3000her\u3000body\uff1b\u3000a\u3000leaden\u3000feeling\u3000in\u3000her\u3000heart\u3000and\u3000a\u3000fog\u3000in\u3000her\u3000mind\uff1b\u3000and\u3000she\u3000allowed\u3000herself\u3000to\u3000sink\u3000to\u3000the\u3000sand\u3000across\u3000from\u3000the\u3000others\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Anyone\u3000still\u3000in\u3000Ched\u3000Nasad\u3000has\u3000greater\u3000things\u3000to\u3000concern\u3000herself\u3000with\u3000than\u3000your\u3000whereabouts\uff1b\u3003\u3000she\u3000managed\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000think\u3000the\u3000lady\u3000has\u3000put\u3000you\u3000in\u3000your\u3000place\uff1b\u3000Pharaun\uff1b\u3003\u3000Ryld\u3000said\uff1b\u3000laughing\u3002\u3000\u3003The\u3000world\u3000and\u3000all\u3000within\u3000it\u3000do\u3000not\u3000revolve\u3000around\u3000you\uff1b\u3000you\u3000know\u3002\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003You\u3000see\u3000the\u3000pattern\u3000of\u3000stars\u3000to\u3000the\u3000south\uff1f\u3003\u3000he\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003Six\u3000of\u3000them\u3000that\u3000look\u3000a\u3000little\u3000like\u3000a\u3000crown\uff1f\u3000I\u3000hose\u3000are\u3000winter\u3000stars\u3002\u3000They\u3000rise\u3000early\u3000and\u3000set\u3000late\u3000this\u3000time\u3000of\u3000year\u3002\u3000You’ll\u3000note\u3000that\u3000they’re\u3000near\u3000the\u3000zenith\u3002\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000He\u3000looked\u3000deliberately\u3000at\u3000Quenthel\u3000Baenre\uff1b\u3000challenging\u3000her\u3000with\u3000his\u3000question\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Quenthel\u3000didn’t\u3000rise\u3000to\u3000the\u3000bait\u3002\u3000She\u3000gazed\u3000off\u3000at\u3000the\u3000silver\u3000glow\u3000in\u3000the\u3000east\uff1b\u3000as\u3000if\u3000she\u3000hadn’t\u3000heard\u3000the\u3000question\u3002\u3000Moon\u3000shadows\u3000faint\u3000as\u3000ghosts\u3000began\u3000to\u3000grow\u3000from\u3000weathered\u3000walls\u3000and\u3000crumbling\u3000columns\uff1b\u3000so\u3000dim\u3000that\u3000only\u3000the\u3000eyes\u3000of\u3000drow\u3000accustomed\u3000to\u3000the\u3000gloom\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Underdark\u3000could\u3000perceive\u3000them\u3002\u3000Quenthel\u3000reached\u3000down\u3000to\u3000the\u3000sand\u3000beside\u3000her\u3000and\u3000let\u3000a\u3000handful\u3000run\u3000between\u3000her\u3000fingers\uff1b\u3000watching\u3000the\u3000way\u3000the\u3000wind\u3000swept\u3000away\u3000the\u3000silver\u3000stream\u3002\u3000For\u3000the\u3000first\u3000time\uff1b\u3000it\u3000occurred\u3000to\u3000Halisstra\u3000that\u3000Quenthel\u3000and\u3000the\u3000other\u3000Menzoberranyr\u3000might\u3000feel\u3000something\u3000of\u3000the\u3000same\u3000weariness\uff1b\u3000the\u3000same\u3000desolation\uff1b\u3000that\u3000lay\u3000over\u3000her\u3000own\u3000heart\uff1b\u3000not\u3000because\u3000they\u3000felt\u3000her\u3000loss\uff1b\u3000but\u3000because\u3000they\u3000understood\u3000that\u3000they\u3000had\u3000witnessed\u3000a\u3000loss\uff1b\u3000a\u3000great\u3000and\u3000terrible\u3000one\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000silence\u3000stretched\u3000out\u3000for\u3000a\u3000long\u3000time\uff1b\u3000until\u3000Pharaun\u3000shifted\u3000and\u3000opened\u3000his\u3000mouth\u3000as\u3000if\u3000to\u3000speak\u3000again\u3002\u3000Quenthel\u3000spoke\u3000before\u3000he\u3000could\uff1b\u3000her\u3000voice\u3000cold\u3000and\u3000scornful\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003What\u3000shall\u3000we\u3000do\uff1b\u3000Pharaun\uff1f\u3000We\u3000shall\u3000do\u3000whatever\u3000I\u3000decide\u3000we\u3000should\u3000do\u3002\u3000We\u3000are\u3000exhausted\u3000and\u3000wounded\uff1b\u3000and\u3000I\u3000have\u3000no\u3000magic\u3000to\u3000restore\u3000our\u3000strength\u3000and\u3000heal\u3000our\u3000wounds\u3002\u3003\u3000She\u3000grimaced\uff1b\u3000and\u3000let\u3000the\u3000rest\u3000of\u3000the\u3000sand\u3000slip\u3000through\u3000her\u3000fingers\u3002\u3000\u3003For\u3000now\uff1b\u3000rest\u3002\u3000I\u3000will\u3000determine\u3000our\u3000course\u3000of\u3000action\u3000tomorrow\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000This\u3000was\u3000a\u3000drow\u3000city\uff1b\u3000a\u3000jutting\u3000bulwark\u3000of\u3000black\u3000stone\u3000that\u3000thrust\u3000out\u3000from\u3000the\u3000wall\u3000of\u3000a\u3000vast\uff1b\u3000lightless\u3000chasm\u3002\u3000In\u3000arrangement\u3000it\u3000had\u3000once\u3000been\u3000something\u3000like\u3000a\u3000mighty\u3000fortress\u3000built\u3000upon\u3000a\u3000great\u3000rocky\u3000hilltop\uff1b\u3000only\u3000turned\u3000on\u3000its\u3000side\u3000to\u3000glower\u3000out\u3000over\u3000an\u3000empty\u3000space\u3000where\u3000foul\u3000winds\u3000from\u3000the\u3000unplumbed\u3000abyss\u3000below\u3000howled\u3000up\u3000into\u3000unseen\u3000caverns\u3000above\u3002\u3000Though\u3000its\u3000turrets\u3000and\u3000spires\u3000leaned\u3000boldly\u3000out\u3000over\u3000a\u3000horrifying\u3000precipice\uff1b\u3000the\u3000place\u3000did\u3000not\u3000seem\u3000frail\u3000or\u3000precarious\u3000in\u3000any\u3000sense\u3002\u3000Its\u3000massive\u3000pier\u3000of\u3000rock\u3000was\u3000one\u3000of\u3000the\u3000bones\u3000of\u3000the\u3000world\uff1b\u3000a\u3000thick\u3000spar\u3000rooted\u3000so\u3000securely\u3000in\u3000the\u3000chasm\u3000wall\u3000that\u3000nothing\u3000short\u3000of\u3000the\u3000unmaking\u3000of\u3000Toril\u3000would\u3000tear\u3000it\u3000loose\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Those\u3000few\u3000scholars\u3000who\u3000remembered\u3000the\u3000place\u3000knew\u3000it\u3000as\u3000Chaulssin\uff1b\u3000the\u3000City\u3000of\u3000Wyrmshadows\uff1b\u3000and\u3000even\u3000most\u3000of\u3000them\u3000forgot\u3000why\u3000the\u3000city\u3000was\u3000called\u3000that\u3002\u3000In\u3000the\u3000lightless\u3000fortress\u3000on\u3000the\u3000edge\u3000of\u3000an\u3000abyss\uff1b\u3000the\u3000shadows\u3000themselves\u3000lived\u3002\u3000Inky\u3000pools\u3000of\u3000midnight\u3000blacker\u3000than\u3000a\u3000drow’s\u3000heart\u3000curled\u3000and\u3000flowed\u3000from\u3000tower\u3000to\u3000tower\u3002\u3000Whispering\u3000darkness\u3000slithered\u3000like\u3000a\u3000gigantic\uff1b\u3000hungering\u3000dragon\u3000in\u3000and\u3000about\u3000the\u3000needle\u2026like\u3000spires\u3000and\u3000the\u3000open\u2026sided\u3000galleries\u3000of\u3000the\u3000dead\u3000city\u3002\u3000From\u3000time\u3000to\u3000time\u3000the\u3000living\u3000shadows\u3000swallowed\u3000portions\u3000of\u3000the\u3000city\u3000for\u3000centuries\uff1b\u3000drawing\u3000a\u3000palace\u3000or\u3000a\u3000temple\u3000deep\u3000into\u3000a\u3000cold\u3000place\u3000beyond\u3000the\u3000circles\u3000of\u3000the\u3000world\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Nimor\u3000Imphraezl\u3000climbed\u3000deliberately\u3000through\u3000Chaulssin’s\u3000deserted\u3000galleries\uff1b\u3000seemingly\u3000oblivious\u3000to\u3000the\u3000living\u3000black\u3000curtains\u3000that\u3000danced\u3000and\u3000writhed\u3000in\u3000the\u3000city’s\u3000dark\u3000places\u3002\u3000The\u3000maddening\u3000howl\u3000of\u3000the\u3000endless\u3000hurricane\u3000rising\u3000up\u3000past\u3000the\u3000city\u3000walls\u3000ripped\u3000at\u3000his\u3000cloak\u3000and\u3000sent\u3000his\u3000long\u3000silver\u3000hair\u3000streaming\u3000from\u3000his\u3000head\uff1b\u3000but\u3000he\u3000paid\u3000it\u3000no\u3000mind\u3002\u3000This\u3000was\u3000his\u3000place\uff1b\u3000his\u3000refuge\uff1b\u3000and\u3000its\u3000perils\u3000and\u3000madness\u3000simply\u3000familiar\u3000features\u3000undeserving\u3000of\u3000his\u3000attention\u3002\u3000Nimor\u3000wore\u3000the\u3000shape\u3000of\u3000a\u3000slim\uff1b\u3000almost\u3000boyish\u3000dark\u3000elf\uff1b\u3000which\u3000was\u3000to\u3000say\u3000that\u3000he\u3000was\u3000short\u3000of\u3000stature\u3000and\u3000slender\u3000as\u3000a\u3000reed\u3002\u3000The\u3000top\u3000of\u3000his\u3000head\u3000would\u3000barely\u3000reach\u3000the\u3000nose\u3000of\u3000a\u3000typical\u3000female\uff1b\u3000and\u3000any\u3000female\u3000with\u3000a\u3000little\u3000height\u3000to\u3000her\u3000would\u3000tower\u3000over\u3000him\u3000head\u3000and\u3000shoulders\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Despite\u3000his\u3000graceful\u3000build\uff1b\u3000Nimor\u3000virtually\u3000radiated\u3000power\u3002\u3000His\u3000small\u3000frame\u3000seemed\u3000to\u3000burst\u3000with\u3000a\u3000precise\u3000strength\u3000and\u3000lethal\u3000quickness\u3000far\u3000out\u3000of\u3000proportion\u3000to\u3000his\u3000body\u3002\u3000His\u3000face\u3000was\u3000narrow\u3000but\u3000handsome\uff1b\u3000almost\u3000beautiful\uff1b\u3000and\u3000he\u3000carried\u3000himself\u3000with\u3000the\u3000supreme\u3000arrogance\u3000of\u3000a\u3000noble\u2026born\u3000drow\u3000who\u3000feared\u3000nothing\u3000in\u3000his\u3000path\u3002\u3000It\u3000was\u3000a\u3000part\u3000he\u3000played\u3000well\uff1b\u3000being\u3000a\u3000drow\u3000of\u3000a\u3000high\u3000House\uff1b\u3000a\u3000prince\u3000of\u3000his\u3000ruined\u3000c \n
\n \n
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\n ng\u3000in\u3000his\u3000path\u3002\u3000It\u3000was\u3000a\u3000part\u3000he\u3000played\u3000well\uff1b\u3000being\u3000a\u3000drow\u3000of\u3000a\u3000high\u3000House\uff1b\u3000a\u3000prince\u3000of\u3000his\u3000ruined\u3000city\u3002\u3000If\u3000he\u3000was\u3000something\u3000else\uff1b\u3000something\u3000more\uff1b\u3000well\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000those\u3000few\u3000dark\u3000elves\u3000who\u3000lived\u3000there\u3000with\u3000him\u3000were\u3000much\u3000the\u3000same\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Nimor\u3000reached\u3000the\u3000end\u3000of\u3000the\u3000gallery\u3000and\u3000turned\u3000inward\uff1b\u3000climbing\u3000up\u3000a\u3000grand\u3000stairway\u3000cut\u3000through\u3000the\u3000heart\u3000of\u3000the\u3000monolithic\u3000spur\u3000to\u3000which\u3000Chaulssin\u3000clung\u3002\u3000The\u3000cacophony\u3000of\u3000the\u3000winds\u3000outside\u3000faded\u3000quickly\u3000to\u3000a\u3000distant\u3000but\u3000deep\u3000whispering\uff1b\u3000sibilant\u3000and\u3000penetrating\u3002\u3000There\u3000was\u3000no\u3000place\u3000one\u3000could\u3000go\u3000within\u3000Chaulssin\u3000to\u3000escape\u3000the\u3000sound\u3002\u3000He\u3000set\u3000his\u3000hand\u3000on\u3000the\u3000hilt\u3000of\u3000his\u3000rapier\u3000and\u3000followed\u3000the\u3000spiraling\u3000black\u3000steps\u3000up\u3000into\u3000a\u3000great\u3000dark\u3000chamber\uff1b\u3000a\u3000vaulted\u3000cathedral\u3000of\u3000shadows\u3000in\u3000the\u3000heart\u3000of\u3000the\u3000city\u3002\u3000Flickering\u3000torches\u3000of\u3000everburning\u3000fire\u3000in\u3000bronze\u3000sconces\u3000cast\u3000faint\uff1b\u3000ruddy\u3000pools\u3000of\u3000light\u3000along\u3000the\u3000ribbed\u3000walls\uff1b\u3000streaks\u3000of\u3000red\u3000that\u3000faded\u3000into\u3000the\u3000blackness\u3000of\u3000the\u3000vault\u3000overhead\u3002\u3000Up\u3000there\u3000the\u3000shadows\u3000were\u3000close\u3000indeed\uff1b\u3000a\u3000roiling\u3000well\u3000of\u3000blackness\u3000that\u3000even\u3000Nimor’s\u3000eyes\u3000could\u3000not\u3000penetrate\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Nimor\u3002\u3000You\u3000are\u3000late\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Standing\u3000in\u3000a\u3000circle\u3000in\u3000the\u3000center\u3000of\u3000the\u3000room\uff1b\u3000the\u3000seven\u3000Patron\u3000Fathers\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Jaezred\u3000Chaulssin\u3000turned\u3000as\u3000one\u3000to\u3000watch\u3000Nimor\u3000approach\u3002\u3000On\u3000the\u3000far\u3000side\u3000of\u3000the\u3000circle\u3000stood\u3000Patron\u3000Grandfather\u3000Mauzzkyl\uff1b\u3000a\u3000hale\u3000old\u3000dark\u3000elf\u3000with\u3000broad\u3000shoulders\u3000and\u3000a\u3000deep\u3000chest\uff1b\u3000his\u3000hair\u3000thinning\u3000to\u3000a\u3000sharp\u3000widow’s\u3000peak\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003The\u3000Patron\u3000Fathers\u3000do\u3000not\u3000wait\u3000on\u3000the\u3000pleasure\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Anointed\u3000Blade\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Jaezred\u3000Chaulssin\uff1b\u3003\u3000Mauzzkyl\u3000said\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Revered\u3000Grandfather\uff1b\u3000my\u3000delay\u3000was\u3000unavoidable\uff1b\u3003\u3000Nimor\u3000replied\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000He\u3000joined\u3000the\u3000circle\u3000in\u3000the\u3000place\u3000that\u3000had\u3000been\u3000left\u3000for\u3000him\uff1b\u3000offering\u3000no\u3000obeisance\u3000and\u3000expecting\u3000none\u3000from\u3000the\u3000others\u3002\u3000As\u3000the\u3000Anointed\u3000Blade\u3000he\u3000answered\u3000only\u3000to\u3000the\u3000Patron\u3000Grandfather\uff1b\u3000and\u3000in\u3000fact\u3000stood\u3000higher\u3000among\u3000the\u3000Jaezred\u3000Chaulssin\u3000than\u3000any\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Patron\u3000Fathers\u3000except\u3000Mauzzkyl\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000am\u3000lately\u3000e\u3000from\u3000Menzoberranzan\uff1b\u3003\u3000he\u3000added\uff1b\u3000\u3003and\u3000tarried\u3000as\u3000long\u3000as\u3000I\u3000could\u3000to\u3000observe\u3000events\u3000before\u3000departing\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003How\u3000stand\u3000matters\u3000there\uff1f\u3003\u3000asked\u3000Patron\u3000Father\u3000Tomphael\u3002\u3000He\u3000was\u3000slender\u3000and\u3000rakish\uff1b\u3000much\u3000like\u3000Nimor\u3000in\u3000appearance\uff1b\u3000but\u3000he\u3000preferred\u3000the\u3000robes\u3000of\u3000a\u3000wizard\u3000to\u3000the\u3000mail\u3000of\u3000a\u3000fighter\uff1b\u3000and\u3000he\u3000possessed\u3000a\u3000streak\u3000of\u3000caution\u3000that\u3000sometimes\u3000verged\u3000on\u3000cowardice\u3002\u3000\u3003How\u3000does\u3000our\u3000revolt\u3000fare\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Not\u3000as\u3000well\u3000as\u3000I\u3000might\u3000like\uff1b\u3000but\u3000about\u3000as\u3000well\u3000as\u3000I\u3000expected\uff1b\u3003\u3000admitted\u3000Nimor\u3002\u3000Tomphael’s\u3000divinations\u3000had\u3000no\u3000doubt\u3000revealed\u3000that\u3000much\u3002\u3000Did\u3000the\u3000Patron\u3000Father\u3000hope\u3000to\u3000catch\u3000the\u3000Anointed\u3000Blade\u3000concealing\u3000a\u3000failure\uff1f\u3000Nimor\u3000almost\u3000smiled\u3000at\u3000the\u3000simplicity\u3000of\u3000it\u3002\u3000\u3003The\u3000slaves\u3000were\u3000crushed\u3000easily\u3000enough\u3002\u3000Gromph\u3000Baenre\u3000took\u3000an\u3000interest\u3000in\u3000things\uff1b\u3000and\u3000his\u3000agents\u3000seem\u3000to\u3000have\u3000destroyed\u3000or\u3000driven\u3000off\u3000our\u3000illithilich\u3000friend\u3002\u3000On\u3000the\u3000positive\u3000side\uff1b\u3000we\u3000did\u3000expose\u3000something\u3000of\u3000the\u3000spider\u2026kissers’\u3000weakness\u3000to\u3000the\u3000mon\u3000Menzoberranyr\uff1b\u3000which\u3000is\u3000promising\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000priestesses\u3000obliged\u3000us\u3000by\u3000using\u3000a\u3000significant\u3000amount\u3000of\u3000their\u3000hoarded\u3000magic\u3000to\u3000destroy\u3000their\u3000own\u3000rebellious\u3000slaves\u3002\u3000The\u3000city\u3000is\u3000weakened\u3000thereby\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003You\u3000might\u3000have\u3000taken\u3000a\u3000more\u3000direct\u3000hand\u3000in\u3000the\u3000affair\uff1b\u3003\u3000said\u3000Patron\u3000Xorthaul\uff1b\u3000who\u3000wore\u3000the\u3000black\u3000mail\u3000of\u3000a\u3000priest\u3002\u3000\u3003If\u3000you\u3000had\u3000slain\u3000the\u3000archmage’s\u3000lackeys\u2026\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003The\u3000revolt\u3000we\u3000sponsored\u3000still\u3000would\u3000have\u3000been\u3000crushed\uff1b\u3000and\u3000I\u3000would\u3000have\u3000put\u3000them\u3000on\u3000their\u3000guard\u3000too\u3000soon\uff1b\u3003\u3000Nimor\u3000interrupted\u3002\u3000\u3003Remember\uff1b\u3000Patron\u3000Xorthaul\uff1b\u3000this\u3000was\u3000never\u3000intended\u3000to\u3000be\u3000anything\u3000other\u3000than\u3000a\u3000simple\u3000feint\uff1b\u3000easily\u3000deflected\uff1b\u3000by\u3000which\u3000we\u3000might\u3000assay\u3000the\u3000real\u3000strength\u3000of\u3000the\u3000matron\u3000mothers\u3000of\u3000Menzoberranzan\u3002\u3000The\u3000next\u3000blow\u3000will\u3000be\u3000the\u3000one\u3000that\u3000beats\u3000down\u3000their\u3000guard\u3000and\u3000slices\u3000deep\u3000into\u3000flesh\u3002\u3003\u3000He\u3000decided\u3000to\u3000turn\u3000the\u3000topic\u3000and\u3000set\u3000someone\u3000else\u3000on\u3000the\u3000defensive\u3002\u3000\u3003As\u3000I\u3000am\u3000the\u3000last\u3000to\u3000arrive\uff1b\u3000I\u3000have\u3000no\u3000news\u3000of\u3000how\u3000affairs\u3000proceed\u3000in\u3000the\u3000other\u3000cities\u3002\u3000What\u3000of\u3000Eryndlyn\uff1f\u3000Or\u3000Ched\u3000Nasad\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Cold\u3000smiles\u3000twisted\u3000cruel\u3000faces\u3002\u3000Nimor\u3000blinked\u3002\u3000It\u3000wasn’t\u3000often\u3000that\u3000the\u3000patron\u3000fathers\u3000encountered\u3000an\u3000event\u3000in\u3000which\u3000they\u3000could\u3000collectively\u3000take\u3000pleasure\u3002\u3000Grandfather\u3000Mauzzkyl\u3000himself\u3000broke\u3000the\u3000news\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Eryndlyn\u3000proceeds\u3000much\u3000as\u3000we\u3000expected\u2026Patron\u3000Father\u3000Tomphael\u3000brought\u3000tidings\u3000not\u3000dissimilar\u3000to\u3000your\u3000own\u2026but\u3000Ched\u3000Nasad\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000From\u3000Ched\u3000Nasad\uff1b\u3000Patron\u3000Father\u3000Zammzt\u3000returns\u3000in\u3000triumph\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Really\uff1f\u3003\u3000drawled\u3000Nimor\uff1b\u3000impressed\u3000despite\u3000himself\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000He\u3000restrained\u3000a\u3000hot\u3000flash\u3000of\u3000jealousy\u3000and\u3000turned\u3000to\u3000face\u3000Zammzt\uff1b\u3000a\u3000dark\u3000elf\u3000of\u3000such\u3000unremarkable\u3000appearance\u3000he\u3000might\u3000have\u3000been\u3000a\u3000lowly\u3000armorer\u3000or\u3000swordsmith\uff1b\u3000a\u3000mon\u3000artisan\u3000barely\u3000a\u3000step\u3000above\u3000a\u3000slave\u3002\u3000Zammzt\u3000merely\u3000folded\u3000his\u3000arms\u3000across\u3000his\u3000chest\u3000and\u3000inclined\u3000his\u3000head\u3000in\u3000recognition\u3000of\u3000Grandfather\u3000Mauzzkyl’s\u3000remark\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003What\u3000happened\uff1f\u3003\u3000asked\u3000Nimor\u3002\u3000\u3003Ched\u3000Nasad\u3000should\u3000not\u3000have\u3000fallen\u3000so\u3000easily\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003As\u3000it\u3000happened\uff1b\u3000Anointed\u3000Blade\uff1b\u3000the\u3000stonefire\u3000bombs\u3000your\u3000duergar\u3000allies\u3000provided\u3000us\u3000had\u3000a\u3000devastating\u3000effect\u3000on\u3000the\u3000calcified\u3000webs\u3000upon\u3000which\u3000Ched\u3000Nasad\u3000was\u3000built\uff1b\u3003\u3000Zammzt\u3000said\uff1b\u3000doubtless\u3000feigning\u3000his\u3000humility\u3002\u3000\u3003Just\u3000as\u3000flame\u3000consumes\u3000a\u3000cobweb\uff1b\u3000the\u3000stonefire\u3000devoured\u3000the\u3000very\u3000structure\u3000of\u3000the\u3000city\u3002\u3000With\u3000their\u3000castles\u3000and\u3000their\u3000palaces\u3000plummeting\u3000to\u3000the\u3000bottom\u3000of\u3000the\u3000cavern\u3000like\u3000burning\u3000sparks\u3000of\u3000paper\uff1b\u3000the\u3000Ched\u3000Nasadans\u3000could\u3000organize\u3000no\u3000real\u3000defense\u3000at\u3000all\u3002\u3000No\u3000strong\u3000point\u3000of\u3000any\u3000significance\u3000survived\u3000the\u3000fires\uff1b\u3000and\u3000few\u3000of\u3000the\u3000House\u3000armies\u3000escaped\u3000from\u3000the\u3000conflagrations\u3000to\u3000contest\u3000the\u3000cavern\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003What\u3000is\u3000left\u3000of\u3000the\u3000city\uff1f\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Likely\u3000some\u3000number\u3000of\u3000Lolth\u3000priestesses\u3000escaped\u3000with\u3000those\u3000who\u3000fled\u3000into\u3000the\u3000Underdark\uff1b\u3003\u3000Nimor\u3000mused\u3002\u3000\u3003They\u3000won’t\u3000all\u3000die\u3000in\u3000the\u3000tunnels\u3002\u3000Still\uff1b\u3000that\u3000is\u3000great\u3000news\uff1b\u3000Patron\u3000Father\u3002\u3000We\u3000have\u3000freed\u3000our\u3000first\u3000city\u3000from\u3000Lolth’s\u3000dominion\u3002\u3000Others\u3000are\u3000sure\u3000to\u3000follow\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Patron\u3000Father\u3000Xorthaul\uff1b\u3000the\u3000mail\u2026clad\u3000priest\uff1b\u3000snorted\u3000in\u3000dissent\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003What’s\u3000the\u3000point\u3000of\u3000removing\u3000the\u3000Lolth\u2026worshipers\u3000from\u3000a\u3000city\u3000if\u3000you\u3000must\u3000level\u3000the\u3000city\u3000to\u3000do\u3000it\uff1f\u3003\u3000he\u3000asked\u3002\u3000\u3003We\u3000may\u3000rule\u3000Ched\u3000Nasad\u3000now\uff1b\u3000but\u3000all\u3000we\u3000rule\u3000is\u3000a\u3000smoking\u3000chasm\u3000and\u3000a\u3000few\u3000dispossessed\u3000wretches\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Mauzzkyl\u3000shifted\u3000his\u3000weight\u3000and\u3000said\u3000sharply\uff1b\u3000\u3003That\u3000does\u3000not\u3000matter\uff1b\u3000Xorthaul\u3002\u3000We\u3000have\u3000spoken\u3000before\u3000of\u3000the\u3000costs\u3000of\u3000our\u3000efforts\u3002\u3000Decades\uff1b\u3000even\u3000centuries\u3000of\u3000misery\u3000are\u3000nothing\u3000if\u3000we\u3000achieve\u3000our\u3000ends\u3002\u3000Our\u3000master\u3000is\u3000patient\u3002\u3003\u3000The\u3000revered\u3000grandfather\u3000offered\u3000a\u3000hard\uff1b\u3000cruel\u3000grin\u3002\u3000\u3003We\u3000have\u3000in\u3000two\u3000short\u3000months\u3000acplished\u3000something\u3000our\u3000fathers\u3000among\u3000the\u3000Jaezred\u3000Chaulssin\u3000have\u3000worked\u3000toward\u3000for\u3000centuries\u3002\u3000I\u3000would\u3000gladly\u3000repeat\u3000a\u3000dozen\u3000Ched\u3000Nasads\u3000all\u3000across\u3000the\u3000Underdark\u3000if\u3000it\u3000succeeded\u3000in\u3000breaking\u3000the\u3000Spider\u3000Queen’s\u3000stranglehold\u3000over\u3000our\u3000race\u3002\u3000Ched\u3000Nasad\u3000may\u3000be\u3000in\u3000ruins\uff1b\u3000but\u3000when\u3000the\u3000city\u3000rises\u3000again\u3000it\u3000will\u3000rise\u3000in\u3000our\u3000image\uff1b\u3000its\u3000society\u3000molded\u3000by\u3000our\u3000beliefs\u3000and\u3000guided\u3000by\u3000our\u3000secret\u3000hand\u3002\u3000We\u3000are\u3000not\u3000mere\u3000assassins\u3000or\u3000anarchists\uff1b\u3000Xorthaul\uff1b\u3000we\u3000are\u3000the\u3000cold\u3000and\u3000deliberate\u3000hand\u3000that\u3000culls\u3000the\u3000weak\uff1b\u3000the\u3000blade\u3000that\u3000sculpts\u3000history\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000collected\u3000dark\u3000elves\u3000nodded\u3000assent\u3002\u3000Mauzzkyl\u3000turned\u3000to\u3000face\u3000Nimor\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Nimor\uff1b\u3000my\u3000Anointed\u3000Blade\uff1b\u3000Menzoberranzan\u3000cries\u3000out\u3000for\u3000the\u3000cleansing\u3000fire\u3000that\u3000has\u3000purged\u3000Ched\u3000Nasad\u3002\u3000Do\u3000not\u3000fail\u3000in\u3000this\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Revered\u3000Grandfather\uff1b\u3000I\u3000assure\u3000you\u3000that\u3000I\u3000will\u3000not\uff1b\u3003\u3000Nimor\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003I\u3000have\u3000already\u3000prepared\u3000my\u3000next\u3000move\u3002\u3000I\u3000have\u3000reached\u3000an\u3000understanding\u3000with\u3000one\u3000of\u3000the\u3000great\u3000Houses\u3002\u3000They\u3000will\u3000support\u3000us\uff1b\u3000but\u3000they\u3000require\u3000a\u3000demonstration\u3000of\u3000our\u3000resolve\u3000and\u3000petence\u3002\u3000I\u3000am\u3000reasonably\u3000confident\u3000that\u3000I\u3000can\u3000oblige\u3000them\u3002\u3000Within\u3000days\uff1b\u3000one\u3000House\u3000of\u3000Menzoberranzan\u3000will\u3000be\u3000lacking\u3000a\u3000matron\u3000mother\u3000and\u3000another\u3000will\u3000be\u3000ensnared\u3000in\u3000our\u3000net\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Mauzzkyl\u3000smiled\u3000in\u3000cold\u3000approval\u3000and\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003I\u3000wish\u3000you\u3000good\u3000hunting\uff1b\u3000then\uff1b\u3000Anointed\u3000Blade\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Nimor\u3000bowed\u3000once\uff1b\u3000and\u3000turned\u3000to\u3000leave\u3000the\u3000circle\u3002\u3000Behind\u3000him\uff1b\u3000he\u3000could\u3000hear\u3000the\u3000patron\u3000fathers\u3000dispersing\uff1b\u3000each\u3000to\u3000return\u3000to\u3000his\u3000own\u3000hidden\u3000House\u3000in\u3000cities\u3000scattered\u3000over\u3000thousands\u3000of\u3000miles\u3000through\u3000the\u3000Underdark\u3002\u3000Secret\u3000cabals\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Jaezred\u3000Chaulssin\u3000existed\u3000in\u3000at\u3000least\u3000one\u3000minor\u3000House\u3000of\u3000most\u3000drow\u3000cities\u3002\u3000Each\u3000patron\u3000father\u3000ruled\u3000absolutely\u3000over\u3000a\u3000conspiracy\u3000of\u3000faith\u3000and\u3000gender\u3000that\u3000spanned\u3000generations\uff1b\u3000centuries\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000formidable\u3000hatred\u3000of\u3000one\u3000drow\u3000for\u3000another\u3002\u3000The\u3000glaring\u3000exception\u3000was\u3000Menzoberranzan\u3002\u3000There\uff1b\u3000the\u3000old\u3000Matron\u3000Baenre\u3000who\u3000had\u3000ruled\u3000absolutely\u3000for\u3000so\u3000long\u3000had\u3000never\u3000allowed\u3000the\u3000assassin\u3000House\u3000to\u3000gain\u3000a\u3000foothold\u3002\u3000While\u3000eight\u3000patron\u3000fathers\u3000returned\u3000to\u3000cities\u3000where\u3000there\u3000were\u3000dozens\u3000of\u3000loyal\u3000killers\u3000and\u3000priests\u3000of\u3000Lolth\u2026hating\u3000gods\u3000at\u3000their\u3000mand\uff1b\u3000Nimor\u3000Imphraezl\u3000went\u3000alone\u3000to\u3000Menzoberranzan\u3000to\u3000resume\u3000the\u3000destruction\u3000of\u3000a\u3000city\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Sunrise\u3000was\u3000splendid\u3000and\u3000terrible\u3002\u3000For\u3000an\u3000hour\u3000or\u3000more\u3000before\u3000dawn\u3000it\u3000had\u3000been\u3000growing\u3000lighter\uff1b\u3000as\u3000the\u3000stars\u3000paled\u3000in\u3000the\u3000rose\u2026streaked\u3000sky\u3000and\u3000the\u3000frigid\u3000blast\u3000of\u3000desert\u3000wind\u3000slackened\u3000toward\u3000a\u3000fitful\u3000calm\u3002\u3000Halisstra\u3000waited\u3000for\u3000it\uff1b\u3000watching\u3000from\u3000the\u3000top\u3000of\u3000a\u3000rambling\uff1b\u3000half\u2026buried\u3000wall\u3002\u3000Long\u3000before\u3000the\u3000sun\u3000broke\u3000over\u3000the\u3000horizon\u3000she\u3000was\u3000astounded\u3000by \n
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\n top\u3000of\u3000a\u3000rambling\uff1b\u3000half\u2026buried\u3000wall\u3002\u3000Long\u3000before\u3000the\u3000sun\u3000broke\u3000over\u3000the\u3000horizon\u3000she\u3000was\u3000astounded\u3000by\u3000how\u3000far\u3000she\u3000could\u3000see\uff1b\u3000picking\u3000out\u3000dark\u3000jagged\u3000mountains\u3000that\u3000might\u3000have\u3000been\u3000ten\u3000miles\u3000or\u3000a\u3000hundred\u3000miles\u3000away\u3002\u3000When\u3000the\u3000sun\u3000finally\u3000rose\uff1b\u3000it\u3000was\u3000like\u3000a\u3000fountain\u3000of\u3000liquid\u3000gold\u3000exploding\u3000across\u3000the\u3000barren\u3000landscape\uff1b\u3000in\u3000the\u3000space\u3000of\u3000a\u3000moment\u3000blinding\u3000Halisstra\u3000pletely\u3002\u3000She\u3000gasped\u3000and\u3000pressed\u3000the\u3000heels\u3000of\u3000her\u3000hands\u3000to\u3000her\u3000eyes\uff1b\u3000which\u3000ached\u3000from\u3000that\u3000single\u3000brief\u3000glimpse\u3000as\u3000if\u3000someone\u3000had\u3000shoved\u3000white\u3000daggers\u3000into\u3000her\u3000head\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003That\u3000was\u3000unwise\uff1b\u3000my\u3000lady\uff1b\u3003\u3000murmured\u3000Danifae\u3000from\u3000close\u3000by\u3002\u3000\u3003Our\u3000eyes\u3000were\u3000not\u3000meant\u3000to\u3000look\u3000on\u3000such\u3000a\u3000sight\u3002\u3000You\u3000might\u3000do\u3000yourself\u3000an\u3000injury\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000and\u3000without\u3000Lolth’s\u3000favor\uff1b\u3000it\u3000may\u3000prove\u3000difficult\u3000to\u3000heal\u3000such\u3000a\u3000thing\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000wished\u3000to\u3000see\u3000a\u3000dawn\uff1b\u3003\u3000Halisstra\u3000said\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000She\u3000turned\u3000away\u3000from\u3000the\u3000light\u3000of\u3000day\u3000and\u3000shaded\u3000her\u3000eyes\uff1b\u3000then\u3000dropped\u3000lightly\u3000to\u3000the\u3000sand\u3000in\u3000the\u3000shade\u3000of\u3000the\u3000great\u3000wall\u3002\u3000In\u3000shadow\u3000she\u3000could\u3000tolerate\u3000the\u3000brilliance\u3000of\u3000the\u3000sun\uff1b\u3000but\u3000what\u3000would\u3000it\u3000be\u3000like\u3000in\u3000the\u3000middle\u3000of\u3000the\u3000day\uff1f\u3000Would\u3000they\u3000be\u3000able\u3000to\u3000see\u3000at\u3000all\uff1b\u3000or\u3000would\u3000they\u3000all\u3000be\u3000blinded\u3000pletely\uff1f
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Once\uff1b\u3003\u3000she\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003our\u3000ancestors\u3000gazed\u3000on\u3000the\u3000daylit\u3000world\u3000without\u3000fear\u3000of\u3000the\u3000sun\u3002\u3000They\u3000walked\u3000unafraid\u3000beneath\u3000the\u3000sky\uff1b\u3000beneath\u3000the\u3000fires\u3000of\u3000day\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000darkness\u3000was\u3000what\u3000they\u3000feared\u3002\u3000Can\u3000you\u3000imagine\u3000such\u3000a\u3000thing\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Danifae\u3000offered\u3000a\u3000demure\u3000smile\u3000that\u3000did\u3000not\u3000reach\u3000her\u3000eyes\u3002\u3000Halisstra\u3000knew\u3000the\u3000look\u3000well\u3002\u3000It\u3000was\u3000an\u3000expression\u3000the\u3000maid\u3000used\u3000to\u3000indulge\u3000her\u3000mistress\uff1b\u3000agreeing\u3000to\u3000a\u3000remark\u3000to\u3000which\u3000she\u3000had\u3000no\u3000response\u3002\u3000Danifae\u3000indicated\u3000the\u3000ruined\u3000palace\u3000and\u3000its\u3000courts\u3000with\u3000a\u3000tilt\u3000of\u3000her\u3000head\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Mistress\u3000Baenre\u3000has\u3000called\u3000Pharaun\u3000and\u3000the\u3000others\u3000to\u3000attend\u3000her\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000battle\u3000captive\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003I\u3000believe\u3000she\u3000means\u3000to\u3000decide\u3000what\u3000to\u3000do\u3000next\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003She\u3000sent\u3000you\u3000for\u3000me\uff1f\u3003\u3000Halisstra\u3000asked\u3000absently\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003No\uff1b\u3000Mistress\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Halisstra\u3000looked\u3000up\u3000sharply\u3002\u3000Danifae\u3000offered\u3000a\u3000shy\u3000shrug\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000thought\u3000you\u3000might\u3000wish\u3000to\u3000be\u3000present\u3000anyway\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Indeed\uff1b\u3003\u3000replied\u3000Halisstra\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000She\u3000smoothed\u3000her\u3000cloak\u3000and\u3000glanced\u3000around\u3000once\u3000more\u3000at\u3000the\u3000crumbling\u3000ruins\u3000that\u3000stretched\u3000as\u3000far\u3000as\u3000she\u3000could\u3000see\u3002\u3000In\u3000the\u3000long\u3000shadows\u3000of\u3000sunrise\uff1b\u3000the\u3000wall\u3000tops\u3000glowed\u3000orange\uff1b\u3000and\u3000pools\u3000of\u3000blackness\u3000lay\u3000behind\u3000them\u3002\u3000Since\u3000the\u3000wind\u3000had\u3000died\uff1b\u3000Halisstra\u3000became\u3000aware\u3000of\u3000a\u3000sense\u3000of\u3000watchfulness\uff1b\u3000of\u3000old\u3000hostility\u3000perhaps\uff1b\u3000waiting\u3000somewhere\u3000in\u3000the\u3000walls\u3000and\u3000broken\u3000domes\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000two\u3000women\u3000picked\u3000their\u3000way\u3000back\u3000to\u3000the\u3000party’s\u3000camp\u3000in\u3000the\u3000stone\u2026flagged\u3000courtyard\u3000and\u3000quietly\u3000joined\u3000the\u3000discussion\u3002\u3000Quenthel\u3000glanced\u3000at\u3000them\u3000as\u3000they\u3000approached\uff1b\u3000but\u3000kept\u3000her\u3000attention\u3000on\u3000the\u3000others\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003We\u3000have\u3000learned\u3000that\u3000the\u3000priestesses\u3000of\u3000Ched\u3000Nasad\u3000have\u3000lost\u3000Lolth’s\u3000favor\uff1b\u3000just\u3000as\u3000we\u3000have\u3002\u3000We\u3000did\u3000not\u3000learn\u3000why\u3002\u3000We\u3000learned\u3000that\u3000Houses\u3000allied\u3000to\u3000us\u3000through\u3000trade\u3000and\u3000blood\u3000had\u3000elected\u3000to\u3000appropriate\u3000our\u3000much\u2026needed\u3000property\u3000for\u3000their\u3000own\uff1b\u3000turning\u3000their\u3000backs\u3000on\u3000us\u3002\u3000We\u3000failed\u3000to\u3000restore\u3000the\u3000flow\u3000of\u3000trade\u3000to\u3000Menzoberranzan\u2026\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003A\u3000failure\u3000for\u3000which\u3000we\u3000can\u3000hardly\u3000be\u3000held\u3000accountable\uff1b\u3003\u3000Pharaun\u3000interrupted\u3002\u3000\u3003The\u3000city\u3000is\u3000pletely\u3000destroyed\u3002\u3000The\u3000status\u3000of\u3000Baenre\u3000trade\u3000interests\u3000in\u3000Ched\u3000Nasad\u3000is\u3000now\u3000moot\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Quenthel\u3000continued\u3000as\u3000if\u3000the\u3000wizard\u3000had\u3000not\u3000spoken\uff1b\u3000\u3003Finally\uff1b\u3000we\u3000find\u3000ourselves\u3000in\u3000some\u3000godsforsaken\u3000portion\u3000of\u3000the\u3000World\u3000Above\uff1b\u3000at\u3000some\u3000unknown\u3000distance\u3000from\u3000our\u3000home\uff1b\u3000low\u3000on\u3000provisions\u3000and\u3000stranded\u3000in\u3000a\u3000hostile\u3000desert\u3002\u3000Have\u3000I\u3000accurately\u3000summed\u3000up\u3000events\uff1f\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003How\u3000do\u3000you\u3000suggest\u3000we\u3000should\u3000do\u3000that\uff1f\u3003\u3000Quenthel\u3000asked\u3002\u3000She\u3000folded\u3000her\u3000arms\u3000and\u3000pivoted\u3000to\u3000glare\u3000at\u3000Pharaun\u3002\u3000\u3003In\u3000case\u3000you\u3000have\u3000forgotten\uff1b\u3000we’ve\u3000toiled\u3000for\u3000months\u3000to\u3000discern\u3000the\u3000cause\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Silence\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003But\u3000we\u3000have\u3000not\u3000exhausted\u3000all\u3000avenues\u3000of\u3000investigation\uff1b\u3000have\u3000we\uff1f\u3003\u3000Pharaun\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003In\u3000Ched\u3000Nasad\uff1b\u3000we\u3000spoke\u3000of\u3000seeking\u3000the\u3000assistance\u3000of\u3000a\u3000priest\u3000of\u3000Vhaeraun\uff1b\u3000possibly\u3000Master\u3000Hune’s\u3000acquaintance\u3000Tzirik\u3002\u3000We\u3000drow\u3000have\u3000other\u3000deities\u3000beside\u3000Lolth\uff1b\u3000after\u3000all\u3002\u3000Is\u3000it\u3000so\u3000unreasonable\u3000to\u3000speculate\u3000that\u3000another\u3000god\u3000might\u3000be\u3000able\u3000to\u3000explain\u3000Lolth’s\u3000unusual\u3000silence\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000circle\u3000fell\u3000still\u3002\u3000The\u3000wizard’s\u3000words\u3000were\u3000not\u3000ones\u3000monly\u3000heard\u3000in\u3000Menzoberranzan\u3002\u3000Few\u3000dared\u3000utter\u3000such\u3000thoughts\u3000in\u3000the\u3000presence\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Spider\u3000Queen’s\u3000clergy\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003You\u3000are\u3000probably\u3000correct\uff1b\u3003\u3000said\u3000Pharaun\u3002\u3000\u3003She\u3000certainly\u3000hasn’t\u3000confided\u3000them\u3000in\u3000you\uff1b\u3000after\u3000all\u3002\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Valas\u3000licked\u3000his\u3000lips\u3000nervously\u3000and\u3000offered\uff1b\u3000\u3003Most\u3000of\u3000you\u3000have\u3000spent\u3000the\u3000great\u3000majority\u3000of\u3000your\u3000lives\u3000in\u3000Menzoberranzan\uff1b\u3000as\u3000is\u3000fit\u3000and\u3000proper\u3000for\u3000drow\u3000of\u3000your\u3000respective\u3000stations\u3002\u3000I\u3000have\u3000traveled\u3000more\u3000widely\uff1b\u3000and\u3000I\u3000have\u3000visited\u3000places\u3000that\u3000secretly\u2026even\u3000openly\uff1b\u3000in\u3000some\u3000cases\u2026permit\u3000the\u3000worship\u3000of\u3000gods\u3000other\u3000than\u3000Lolth\u3002\u3003\u3000He\u3000noticed\u3000the\u3000gathering\u3000thunder\u3000in\u3000Quenthel’s\u3000face\uff1b\u3000mirrored\u3000in\u3000Halisstra’s\u3002\u3000The\u3000scout\u3000winced\u3000but\u3000pressed\u3000on\u3002\u3000\u3003Under\u3000the\u3000wise\u3000rule\u3000of\u3000the\u3000matron\u3000mothers\uff1b\u3000the\u3000worship\u3000of\u3000drow\u3000gods\u3000other\u3000than\u3000Lolth\u3000has\u3000hardly\u3000flourished\u3000in\u3000Menzoberranzan\uff1b\u3000and\u3000so\u3000you\u3000may\u3000not\u3000hold\u3000a\u3000high\u3000opinion\u3000of\u3000the\u3000practice\uff1b\u3000but\u3000I\u3000can\u3000attest\u3000to\u3000the\u3000fact\u3000that\u3000the\u3000priests\u3000of\u3000the\u3000lesser\u3000gods\u3000of\u3000our\u3000race\u3000can\u3000call\u3000upon\u3000spells\u3000and\u3000guidance\u3000from\u3000their\u3000deities\uff1b\u3000too\u3002\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Outcasts\uff1b\u3003\u3000snorted\u3000Halisstra\u3002
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\n \u3000of\u3000the\u3000Underdark\u3002\u3000Others\u3000abandoned\u3000their\u3000home\u3000cities\u3000for\u3000different\u3000reasons\u2026including\uff1b\u3000Halisstra\u3000supposed\uff1b\u3000the\u3000veneration\u3000of\u3000gods\u3000other\u3000than\u3000Lolth\u3002\u3000She\u3000found\u3000it\u3000hard\u3000to\u3000believe\u3000that\u3000anyone\u3000so\u3000weak\u3000as\u3000to\u3000have\u3000been\u3000run\u3000out\u3000of\u3000her\u3000home\u3000city\u3000could\u3000offer\u3000much\u3000help\u3000at\u3000all\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003We’ll\u3000solve\u3000our\u3000own\u3000problems\uff1b\u3003\u3000she\u3000said\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000forgot\u3000that\u3000you\u3000now\u3000have\u3000some\u3000experience\u3000with\u3000the\u3000peculiar\u3000misfortune\u3000of\u3000being\u3000deprived\u3000of\u3000a\u3000home\u3000city\uff1b\u3003\u3000he\u3000remarked\u3002\u3000\u3003And\u3000I\u3000applaud\u3000your\u3000celerity\u3000in\u3000including\u3000yourself\u3000in\u3000’our’\u3000discussions\u3000and\u3000’our’\u3000problems\u3002\u3000Your\u3000selflessness\u3000is\u3000laudable\u3002\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000She\u3000considered\u3000her\u3000reply\u3000carefully\uff1b\u3000conscious\u3000of\u3000the\u3000acute\u3000interest\u3000of\u3000the\u3000other\u3000drow\u3000around\u3000her\uff1b\u3000and\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003Spare\u3000me\u3000your\u3000pity\u3002\u3003\u3000She\u3000spoke\u3000in\u3000a\u3000murderous\u3000hiss\uff1b\u3000putting\u3000iron\u3000in\u3000her\u3000voice\u3000that\u3000she\u3000did\u3000not\u3000feel\u3002\u3000\u3003Unless\u3000I\u3000miss\u3000my\u3000guess\uff1b\u3000Menzoberranzan\u3000doesn’t\u3000stand\u3000so\u3000very\u3000far\u3000from\u3000Ched\u3000Nasad’s\u3000fate\uff1b\u3000else\u3000you\u3000never\u3000would\u3000have\u3000e\u3000to\u3000seek\u3000our\u3000aid\u3002\u3000Our\u3000difficulties\u3000are\u3000your\u3000difficulties\uff1b\u3000are\u3000they\u3000not\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Her\u3000words\u3000had\u3000the\u3000desired\u3000effect\u3002\u3000The\u3000wizard\u3000looked\u3000away\uff1b\u3000while\u3000the\u3000other\u3000Menzoberranyr\u3000shifted\u3000nervously\uff1b\u3000studying\u3000each\u3000other’s\u3000reactions\u3002\u3000Quenthel\u3000visibly\u3000flinched\uff1b\u3000her\u3000mouth\u3000tightening\u3000into\u3000a\u3000fierce\u3000scowl\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Enough\uff1b\u3000both\u3000of\u3000you\uff1b\u3003\u3000she\u3000said\uff1b\u3000turning\u3000to\u3000Valas\u3002\u3000\u3003This\u3000outcast\u3000priest\u3000of\u3000Vhaeraun\u2026why\u3000would\u3000he\u3000aid\u3000us\u3000in\u3000any\u3000way\uff1f\u3000He\u3000is\u3000not\u3000likely\u3000to\u3000entertain\u3000an\u3000especially\u3000charitable\u3000attitude\u3000toward\u3000our\u3000cause\u3002\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000dragon’s\u3000gone\uff1b\u3000signed\u3000Danifae\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Something\u3000was\u3000still\u3000hovering\u3000in\u3000the\u3000center\u3000of\u3000the\u3000street\uff1b\u3000a\u3000faint\u3000flickering\u3000phantasm\u3000that\u3000might\u3000have\u3000been\u3000about\u3000the\u3000size\u3000of\u3000the\u3000thing\u3000they\u3000had\u3000seen\u3000before\uff1b\u3000and\u3000they\u3000could\u3000hear\u3000as\u3000if\u3000from\u3000very\u3000far\u3000away\u3000its\u3000hissing\u3000protests\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Illusion\uff1b\u3003\u3000Danifae\u3000spat\u3000in\u3000disgust\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000dragon\u2026wisp\u3000gnawed\u3000at\u3000the\u3000corners\u3000of\u3000their\u3000minds\uff1b\u3000joined\u3000by\u3000other\uff1b\u3000more\u3000insistent\u3000murmuring\u3000and\u3000shadows\u3002\u3000Buildings\u3000seemed\u3000to\u3000shimmer\u3000and\u3000vanish\uff1b\u3000replaced\u3000by\u3000ruins\u3000of\u3000different\u3000appearance\u3002\u3000Dark\u3000and\u3000horrible\u3000things\u3000slithered\u3000through\u3000the\u3000rubble\uff1b\u3000closing\u3000off\u3000retreat\u3002\u3000Ghostly\u3000drow\u3000dressed\u3000in\u3000resplendent\u3000robes\u3000appeared\uff1b\u3000smiling\u3000and\u3000happy\uff1b\u3000calling\u3000for\u3000them\u3000to\u3000join\u3000them\u3000in\u3000their\u3000blissful\u3000revels\u3000if\u3000only\u3000they\u3000would\u3000surrender\u3000first\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000lamia\u3000padded\u3000softly\u3000out\u3000into\u3000the\u3000street\u3000after\u3000them\uff1b\u3000holding\u3000its\u3000dagger\u3000behind\u3000its\u3000back\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003You\u3000may\u3000resist\u3000our\u3000enticements\u3000for\u3000a\u3000time\uff1b\u3003\u3000she\u3000purred\uff1b\u3000\u3003but\u3000eventually\u3000we\u3000will\u3000wear\u3000you\u3000down\u3002\u3003\u3000She\u3000reached\u3000out\u3000with\u3000her\u3000hand\u3000again\u3002\u3000\u3003Won’t\u3000you\u3000let\u3000me\u3000smooth\u3000away\u3000your\u3000cares\uff1f\u3000Won’t\u3000you\u3000let\u3000me\u3000touch\u3000you\u3000again\uff1f\u3000It\u3000would\u3000be\u3000so\u3000much\u3000easier\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000A\u3000swift\uff1b\u3000graceful\u3000movement\u3000caught\u3000Halisstra’s\u3000eye\uff1b\u3000and\u3000she\u3000glanced\u3000quickly\u3000to\u3000her\u3000left\u3002\u3000Another\u3000lamia\uff1b\u3000this\u3000one\u3000male\uff1b\u3000had\u3000leaped\u3000to\u3000a\u3000wall\u3000top\u3000overshadowing\u3000their\u3000retreat\u3002\u3000He\u3000was\u3000bronzed\u3000and\u3000handsome\uff1b\u3000lithe\u3000and\u3000tawny\uff1b\u3000and\u3000he\u3000smiled\u3000cruelly\u3000down\u3000on\u3000them\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Your\u3000journey\u3000must\u3000have\u3000been\u3000long\u3000and\u3000tiresome\uff1b\u3003\u3000he\u3000said\u3000in\u3000voice\u3000of\u3000gold\u3002\u3000\u3003Won’t\u3000you\u3000tell\u3000me\u3000of\u3000your\u3000travels\uff1f\u3000I\u3000want\u3000to\u3000hear\u3000all\u3000about\u3000them\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000From\u3000the\u3000dark\u3000doorway\u3000of\u3000the\u3000court\u3000of\u3000justice\uff1b\u3000a\u3000third\u3000lamia\u3000emerged\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Yes\uff1b\u3000indeed\uff1b\u3000tell\u3000us\uff1b\u3000tell\u3000us\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000monster\u3000crooned\u3002\u3000\u3003What\u3000finer\u3000way\u3000to\u3000pass\u3000the\u3000day\uff1b\u3000eh\uff1f\u3000Rest\uff1b\u3000rest\uff1b\u3000and\u3000let\u3000us\u3000care\u3000for\u3000you\u3002\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000watchful\u3000lull\u3000that\u3000blanketed\u3000the\u3000city\u3000in\u3000the\u3000aftermath\u3000of\u3000the\u3000crushing\u3000of\u3000the\u3000revolt\u3000and\u3000the\u3000illithilich’s\u3000demise\u3000struck\u3000Gromph\u3000as\u3000something\u3000malevolent\u3000and\u3000deceitful\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000He\u3000stood\u3000up\u3000from\u3000his\u3000writing\u3000desk\u3000and\u3000paced\u3000across\u3000his\u3000chamber\uff1b\u3000thinking\u3002\u3000Kyorli\uff1b\u3000the\u3000rat\u3000that\u3000served\u3000as\u3000his\u3000familiar\uff1b\u3000eyed\u3000him\u3000with\u3000cool\u3000disinterest\u3000as\u3000it\u3000munched\u3000on\u3000a\u3000slice\u3000of\u3000rothe\u3000cheese\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000sight\u3000of\u3000the\u3000rat\u3000somehow\u3000reminded\u3000the\u3000archmage\u3000that\u3000he\u3000hadn’t\u3000heard\u3000from\u3000Pharaun\u3000in\u3000a\u3000while\u3002\u3000The\u3000arrogant\u3000popinjay\u3000had\u3000reported\u3000that\u3000Ched\u3000Nasad\u3000was\u3000in\u3000a\u3000state\u3000of\u3000chaos\u3002\u3000Perhaps\u3000it\u3000was\u3000time\u3000to\u3000check\u3000in\u3000on\u3000him\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000stepped\u3000through\u3000an\u3000archway\u3000into\u3000an\u3000open\u3000shaft\u3000and\u3000levitated\u3000up\u3000to\u3000the\u3000room\u3000that\u3000served\u3000as\u3000his\u3000scrying\u3000chamber\u3002\u3000Of\u3000necessity\u3000it\u3000was\u3000somewhat\u3000less\u3000well\u3000warded\u3000than\u3000other\u3000portions\u3000of\u3000his\u3000demesnes\uff1b\u3000since\u3000he\u3000required\u3000a\u3000certain\u3000amount\u3000of\u3000magical\u3000transparency\u3000in\u3000order\u3000to\u3000cast\u3000his\u3000mind\u3000out\u3000into\u3000the\u3000wide\u3000world\u3000around\u3000his\u3000palace\u3002\u3000He\u3000reached\u3000the\u3000chamber\u3000and\u3000sat\u3000cross\u2026legged\u3000in\u3000front\u3000of\u3000a\u3000low\u3000table\u3000on\u3000which\u3000rested\u3000a\u3000great\u3000crystal\u3000orb\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000With\u3000a\u3000pass\u3000of\u3000his\u3000aged\u3000hands\uff1b\u3000he\u3000muttered\u3000the\u3000device’s\u3000activating\u3000words\u3000and\u3000manded\uff1b\u3000\u3003Show\u3000me\u3000Pharaun\u3000Mizzrym\uff1b\u3000the\u3000impudent\u3000whelp\u3000who\u3000thinks\u3000he\u3000can\u3000replace\u3000me\u3000someday\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000last\u3000was\u3000not\u3000strictly\u3000necessary\uff1b\u3000but\u3000Gromph\u3000found\u3000it\u3000helpful\u3000to\u3000give\u3000voice\u3000to\u3000his\u3000frustrations\u3000before\u3000attempting\u3000to\u3000scry\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000orb\u3000grew\u3000gray\u3000and\u3000milky\uff1b\u3000swirling\u3000with\u3000fog\uff1b\u3000then\u3000it\u3000exploded\u3000with\u3000unheralded\u3000radiance\u3002\u3000Gromph\u3000swore\u3000and\u3000averted\u3000his\u3000eyes\u3002\u3000For\u3000a\u3000moment\u3000he\u3000believed\u3000that\u3000Pharaun\u3000had\u3000devised\u3000some\u3000new\u3000spell\u3000to\u3000discourage\u3000enemies\u3000from\u3000spying\u3000on\u3000him\uff1b\u3000but\u3000the\u3000Archmage\u3000soon\u3000recognized\u3000the\u3000peculiar\u3000quality\u3000of\u3000the\u3000brilliance\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Daylight\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Wondering\u3000what\u3000the\u3000Master\u3000of\u3000Sorcere\u3000could\u3000possibly\u3000be\u3000doing\u3000on\u3000the\u3000surface\uff1b\u3000Gromph\u3000shaded\u3000his\u3000eyes\u3000and\u3000peered\u3000again\uff1b\u3000looking\u3000closer\u3002\u3000He\u3000saw\u3000Pharaun\uff1b\u3000sitting\u3000in\u3000the\u3000shadow\u3000of\u3000a\u3000crumbling\u3000wall\u3000as\u3000he\u3000studied\u3000his\u3000spellbooks\u3002\u3000None\u3000of\u3000the\u3000other\u3000dark\u3000elves\u3000who\u3000had\u3000acpanied\u3000the\u3000wizard\u3000were\u3000in\u3000sight\uff1b\u3000though\u3000Gromph\u3000c \n
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\n \u3000spellbooks\u3002\u3000None\u3000of\u3000the\u3000other\u3000dark\u3000elves\u3000who\u3000had\u3000acpanied\u3000the\u3000wizard\u3000were\u3000in\u3000sight\uff1b\u3000though\u3000Gromph\u3000could\u3000see\u3000a\u3000nearby\u3000archway\u3000leading\u3000out\u3000into\u3000a\u3000hatefully\u3000brilliant\u3000courtyard\u3000beyond\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000tiny\u3000image\u3000of\u3000Pharaun\u3000looked\u3000up\u3000and\u3000frowned\u3002\u3000The\u3000wizard\u3000had\u3000sensed\u3000Gromph’s\u3000spying\uff1b\u3000as\u3000any\u3000skilled\u3000wielder\u3000of\u3000magic\u3000was\u3000likely\u3000to\u3000do\u3002\u3000Pharaun\u3000made\u3000a\u3000few\u3000silent\u3000passes\u3000with\u3000his\u3000hands\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000picture\u3000faded\u3002\u3000Pharaun\u3000had\u3000cast\u3000a\u3000spell\u3000to\u3000block\u3000the\u3000scrying\uff1b\u3000though\u3000chances\u3000were\u3000good\u3000he\u3000had\u3000no\u3000idea\u3000who\u3000might\u3000be\u3000watching\u3000him\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003So\u3000you\u3000think\u3000you\u3000will\u3000elude\u3000me\u3000so\u3000easily\uff1f\u3003\u3000Gromph\u3000said\uff1b\u3000staring\u3000at\u3000the\u3000grayness\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000He\u3000steepled\u3000his\u3000fingers\u3000before\u3000him\u3000and\u3000cast\u3000a\u3000spell\u3000of\u3000his\u3000own\uff1b\u3000a\u3000mental\u3000sending\u3000to\u3000dispatch\u3000a\u3000message\u3000straight\u3000to\u3000the\u3000errant\u3000wizard\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000contact\u3000faded\u3000after\u3000those\u3000twenty\u2026five\u3000words\u3002\u3000That\u3000particular\u3000spell\u3000didn’t\u3000permit\u3000lengthy\u3000conversations\uff1b\u3000but\u3000Pharaun\u3000had\u3000answered\u3000Gromph’s\u3000questions\u3000with\u3000uncharacteristic\u3000efficiency\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Lolth\u3000protect\u3000us\uff1b\u3003\u3000murmured\u3000Gromph\uff1b\u3000sickened\u3000at\u3000the\u3000sight\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000He\u3000had\u3000no\u3000particular\u3000love\u3000for\u3000the\u3000City\u3000of\u3000Shimmering\u3000Webs\uff1b\u3000but\u3000whatever\u3000misfortune\u3000had\u3000befallen\u3000Ched\u3000Nasad\u3000might\u3000visit\u3000Menzoberranzan\u3000in\u3000time\u3002\u3000Ched\u3000Nasad\u3000had\u3000been\u3000a\u3000city\u3000nearly\u3000as\u3000large\u3000and\u3000as\u3000powerful\u3000as\u3000Menzoberranzan\u3000itself\uff1b\u3000but\u3000Gromph\u3000could\u3000see\u3000with\u3000his\u3000own\u3000eyes\u3000the\u3000pleteness\u3000of\u3000its\u3000ruin\u3002\u3000If\u3000one\u3000building\u3000in\u3000twenty\u3000of\u3000the\u3000city\u3000remained\uff1b\u3000he\u3000would\u3000have\u3000been\u3000surprised\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000shifted\u3000his\u3000orb’s\u3000vision\uff1b\u3000searching\u3000as\u3000best\u3000he\u3000could\u3000for\u3000some\u3000sign\u3000of\u3000survivors\uff1b\u3000but\u3000the\u3000main\u3000cavern\u3000was\u3000largely\u3000deserted\u3002\u3000He\u3000saw\u3000more\u3000than\u3000a\u3000few\u3000burned\u3000bodies\u3000among\u3000the\u3000smoldering\u3000debris\uff1b\u3000but\u3000any\u3000drow\u3000who’d\u3000lived\u3000through\u3000the\u3000burning\u3000of\u3000the\u3000city\u3000were\u3000clearly\u3000sheltering\u3000in\u3000the\u3000nearby\u3000caverns\u3002\u3000Gromph\u3000was\u3000unable\u3000to\u3000bring\u3000them\u3000into\u3000the\u3000view\u3000of\u3000his\u3000scrying\u3000device\uff1b\u3000so\u3000after\u3000a\u3000time\u3000he\u3000decided\u3000that\u3000the\u3000effort\u3000was\u3000irrelevant\u3000and\u3000allowed\u3000the\u3000crystal\u3000orb\u3000to\u3000go\u3000dim\u3000again\u3002\u3000He\u3000sat\u3000for\u3000a\u3000long\u3000time\u3000in\u3000silence\uff1b\u3000gazing\u3000absently\u3000at\u3000the\u3000darkened\u3000orb\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Now\uff1b\u3000do\u3000I\u3000need\u3000to\u3000share\u3000this\u3000with\u3000dear\u3000Triel\uff1f\u3003\u3000he\u3000asked\u3000himself\u3000when\u3000he\u3000finally\u3000stirred\u3000from\u3000his\u3000reverie\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000He\u3000knew\u3000something\u3000that\u3000the\u3000matron\u3000mothers\u3000presumably\u3000did\u3000not\uff1b\u3000and\u3000that\u3000was\u3000always\u3000the\u3000sign\u3000of\u3000possibility\u3002\u3000The\u3000trouble\u3000was\uff1b\u3000Gromph\u3000had\u3000no\u3000idea\u3000what\u3000possible\u3000advantage\u3000he\u3000could\u3000derive\u3000from\u3000hoarding\u3000the\u3000knowledge\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000risks\u3000of\u3000failing\u3000to\u3000municate\u3000what\u3000he\u3000had\u3000learned\u3000were\u3000all\u3000too\u3000clear\u3002\u3000Knowing\u3000that\u3000Lolth’s\u3000silence\u3000extended\u3000beyond\u3000Menzoberranzan\uff1b\u3000he\u3000might\u3000mount\u3000a\u3000direct\u3000challenge\u3000to\u3000the\u3000priestesses\u2026if\u3000he\u3000were\u3000inclined\u3000to\u3000do\u3000so\u2026but\u3000even\u3000if\u3000he\u3000brought\u3000the\u3000full\u3000strength\u3000of\u3000Sorcere\u3000against\u3000the\u3000ruling\u3000Houses\u3000of\u3000the\u3000city\uff1b\u3000what\u3000would\u3000be\u3000left\u3000if\u3000he\u3000did\u3000succeed\uff1f\u3000The\u3000smoldering\u3000wreckage\u3000of\u3000Ched\u3000Nasad\u3000seemed\u3000a\u3000likely\u3000result\u3002\u3000Most\u3000likely\u3000the\u3000House\u3000loyalties\u3000among\u3000the\u3000masters\u3000of\u3000the\u3000wizards’\u3000school\u3000would\u3000cripple\u3000any\u3000such\u3000nonsense\u3000from\u3000the\u3000start\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000No\uff1b\u3000Gromph\u3000decided\u3002\u3000I\u3000am\u3000no\u3000revolutionary\u3000anxious\u3000to\u3000sweep\u3000away\u3000the\u3000old\u3000order\u2026not\u3000yet\uff1b\u3000anyway\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Besides\uff1b\u3000the\u3000most\u3000likely\u3000cause\u3000of\u3000all\u3000the\u3000trouble\u3000was\u3000some\u3000insidious\u3000new\u3000snare\u3000of\u3000Lolth’s\u3000devising\u3002\u3000Gromph\u3000wouldn’t\u3000put\u3000it\u3000past\u3000the\u3000Spider\u3000Queen\u3000to\u3000fall\u3000pletely\u3000and\u3000inexplicably\u3000silent\uff1b\u3000just\u3000to\u3000see\u3000who\u3000might\u3000slink\u3000out\u3000of\u3000the\u3000shadows\u3000in\u3000order\u3000to\u3000take\u3000advantage\u3000of\u3000her\u3000priestesses’\u3000temporary\u3000\u3003weakness\u3002\u3003\u3000That\u3000meant\u3000that\u3000sooner\u3000or\u3000later\uff1b\u3000Lolth\u3000would\u3000tire\u3000of\u3000her\u3000game\u3000and\u3000restore\u3000her\u3000favor\u3000to\u3000her\u3000clerics\u3002\u3000When\u3000that\u3000happened\uff1b\u3000woe\u3000to\u3000anyone\u3000foolish\u3000enough\u3000to\u3000have\u3000shown\u3000the\u3000shallowness\u3000of\u3000his\u3000allegiance\u3000to\u3000the\u3000established\u3000order\u3002\u3000No\uff1b\u3000the\u3000wisest\u3000thing\u3000to\u3000do\u3000was\u3000to\u3000pass\u3000along\u3000to\u3000Triel\u3000what\u3000he’d\u3000learned\uff1b\u3000and\u3000to\u3000make\u3000sure\u3000Matron\u3000Baenre\u3000didn’t\u3000hoard\u3000the\u3000knowledge\u3000to\u3000herself\u3002\u3000Pharaun’s\u3000words\u3000indicated\u3000in\u3000a\u3000few\u3000quick\u3000brushstrokes\u3000a\u3000very\u3000grave\u3000danger\u3000to\u3000Menzoberranzan\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Gromph\u3000refused\u3000to\u3000be\u3000remembered\u3000as\u3000the\u3000archmage\u3000who\u3000allowed\u3000his\u3000city\u3000to\u3000be\u3000razed\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003The\u3000question\u3000is\u3000not\u3000where\u3000we\u3000should\u3000go\u3000next\uff1b\u3003\u3000observed\u3000Pharaun\u3000with\u3000a\u3000wry\u3000grimace\u3002\u3000\u3003The\u3000question\u3000is\u3000how\u3000we\u3000shall\u3000escape\u3000Hlaungadath\u3000alive\u3002\u3003\u3000The\u3000Master\u3000of\u3000Sorcere\u3000was\u3000exhausted\u3002\u3000Dust\u3000plastered\u3000the\u3000blood\u3000and\u3000sweat\u3000on\u3000his\u3000face\uff1b\u3000and\u3000he\u3000was\u3000so\u3000tired\u3000he\u3000could\u3000do\u3000no\u3000more\u3000than\u3000collapse\u3000into\u3000the\u3000shadow\u3000of\u3000a\u3000long\uff1b\u3000crumbling\u3000wall\u3002\u3000Having\u3000long\u3000since\u3000exhausted\u3000any\u3000spells\u3000useful\u3000in\u3000battle\uff1b\u3000he\u3000wielded\u3000a\u3000wand\u3000of\u3000thin\u3000black\u3000iron\u3000from\u3000which\u3000he\u3000called\u3000forth\u3000bolts\u3000of\u3000lightning\u3002\u3000Pharaun\u3000glanced\u3000up\u3000at\u3000the\u3000sky\u3000as\u3000if\u3000to\u3000gauge\u3000how\u3000much\u3000more\u3000daylight\u3000remained\uff1b\u3000and\u3000he\u3000quickly\u3000winced\u3000away\u3002\u3000\u3003Will\u3000the\u3000cursed\u3000sun\u3000never\u3000set\uff1f\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000She\uff1b\u3000too\uff1b\u3000trembled\u3000with\u3000exhaustion\uff1b\u3000but\u3000she\u3000stayed\u3000on\u3000her\u3000feet\u3002\u3000The\u3000long\u3000snake\u2026headed\u3000whips\u3000she\u3000carried\u3000still\u3000coiled\u3000and\u3000hissed\u3000dangerously\uff1b\u3000covered\u3000with\u3000gore\uff1b\u3000but\u3000blood\u3000trickled\u3000from\u3000a\u3000nasty\u3000cut\u3000above\u3000her\u3000left\u3000eye\uff1b\u3000and\u3000two\u3000furrows\u3000of\u3000broken\u3000and\u3000twisted\u3000links\u3000in\u3000her\u3000mail\u3000shirt\u3000showed\u3000just\u3000how\u3000close\u3000she’d\u3000e\u3000to\u3000dying\u3000under\u3000the\u3000claws\u3000of\u3000some\u3000hulking\u3000monstrosity\u3000of\u3000gray\u3000skin\u3000and\u3000spiderlike\u3000eyes\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003You’re\u3000more\u3000vulnerable\u3000to\u3000the\u3000lamias’\u3000powers\u3000of\u3000suggestion\u3000and\u3000illusion\u3000while\u3000you’re\u3000fatigued\uff1b\u3003\u3000Halisstra\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003Better\u3000to\u3000die\u3000fighting\u3000than\u3000to\u3000fall\u3000under\u3000the\u3000dominion\u3000of\u3000such\u3000a\u3000creature\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000She\u3000was\u3000in\u3000much\u3000the\u3000same\u3000condition\u3000as\u3000the\u3000others\u3002\u3000Since\u3000she\u3000and\u3000Danifae\u3000had\u3000survived\u3000their\u3000initial\u3000encounter\u3000with\u3000the\u3000monsters\uff1b\u3000it\u3000had\u3000been\u3000an\u3000hours\u2026long\u3000running\u3000battle\u3000through\u3000the\u3000streets\u3000and\u3000empty\u3000buildings\u3000of\u3000the\u3000ruins\u3002\u3000First\uff1b\u3000a\u3000large\u3000pride\u3000of\u3000lamias\u3000had\u3000tried\u3000to\u3000overwhelm\u3000the\u3000party\u3000with\u3000their\u3000beguiling\u3000powers\uff1b\u3000but\u3000drow\u3000on\u3000guard\u3000for\u3000such\u3000magical\u3000tricks\u3000were\u3000no\u3000easy\u3000prey\u3002\u3000Halisstra\u3000and\u3000the\u3000others\u3000steeled\u3000themselves\u3000for\u3000a\u3000fight\u3000against\u3000the\u3000lion\u2026bodied\u3000monsters\uff1b\u3000but\u3000the\u3000lamias\u2026deceitful\u3000and\u3000cowardly\u3000things\u3000that\u3000they\u3000were\u2026withdrew\u3000from\u3000the\u3000battle\u3000and\u3000instead\u3000hurled\u3000wave\u3000after\u3000wave\u3000of\u3000beguiled\u3000thralls\u3000at\u3000the\u3000drow\u3000party\u3002\u3000Lamias\u3000might\u3000have\u3000lacked\u3000for\u3000physical\u3000courage\uff1b\u3000but\u3000the\u3000manticores\uff1b\u3000asabis\uff1b\u3000gargoyles\uff1b\u3000and\u3000other\u3000assorted\u3000creatures\u3000under\u3000their\u3000control\u3000certainly\u3000did\u3000not\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Neither\u3000option\u3000appeals\u3000to\u3000me\uff1b\u3003\u3000Quenthel\u3000growled\u3002\u3000She\u3000turned\u3000slowly\uff1b\u3000studying\u3000the\u3000walls\u3000and\u3000structures\u3000around\u3000them\uff1b\u3000seeking\u3000escape\u3002\u3000\u3003There\u3002\u3000I\u3000can\u3000see\u3000the\u3000open\u3000desert\u3000just\u3000beyond\u3000those\u3000buildings\u3002\u3000Maybe\u3000they’ll\u3000abandon\u3000the\u3000chase\u3000if\u3000we\u3000leave\u3000the\u3000city\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Unwise\uff1b\u3000Mistress\uff1b\u3003\u3000said\u3000Valas\u3002\u3000He\u3000crouched\u3000by\u3000an\u3000archway\u3000leading\u3000into\u3000their\u3000temporary\u3000refuge\uff1b\u3000watching\u3000for\u3000the\u3000next\u3000assault\u3002\u3000\u3003Once\u3000we\u3000leave\u3000the\u3000shelter\u3000of\u3000the\u3000walls\uff1b\u3000they’ll\u3000know\u3000exactly\u3000where\u3000we\u3000are\u3002\u3000We’d\u3000be\u3000visible\u3000for\u3000miles\u3000out\u3000in\u3000the\u3000open\uff1b\u3000even\u3000with\u3000our\u3000piwafwis\u2026they\u3000weren’t\u3000made\u3000to\u3000hide\u3000us\u3000in\u3000bright\u3000daylight\u3000on\u3000an\u3000open\u3000plain\u3002\u3000Concealment\u3000is\u3000our\u3000best\u3000defense\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Ryld\u3000nodded\u3000wearily\u3002\u3000He\u3000stood\u3000by\u3000another\u3000doorway\uff1b\u3000his\u3000greatsword\u3000resting\u3000on\u3000his\u3000shoulder\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003They\u3000would\u3000surround\u3000us\u3000and\u3000drag\u3000us\u3000down\u3000out\u3000there\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000Master\u3000of\u3000Melee\u2026Magthere\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003Best\u3000to\u3000try\u3000to\u3000keep\u3000moving\u3000within\u3000the\u3000ruins\uff1b\u3000and\u3000hope\u3000the\u3000lamias\u2026ah\uff1b\u3000damn\u3002\u3000We’ve\u3000got\u3000more\u3000pany\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Rubble\u3000shifted\u3000somewhere\u3000in\u3000the\u3000maze\u3000of\u3000crumbling\u3000walls\u3000beyond\u3000their\u3000refuge\u3000as\u3000something\u3000large\u3000padded\u3000closer\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Watch\u3000out\u3000for\u3000illusions\uff1b\u3003\u3000Halisstra\u3000said\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000She\u3000balanced\u3000her\u3000mace\u3000in\u3000her\u3000hand\u3000and\u3000tugged\u3000at\u3000her\u3000shield\uff1b\u3000making\u3000sure\u3000it\u3000was\u3000strapped\u3000securely\u3000to\u3000her\u3000arm\u3002\u3000Behind\u3000her\uff1b\u3000Danifae\u3000crouched\uff1b\u3000a\u3000long\u3000dagger\u3000in\u3000her\u3000hand\u3002\u3000Halisstra\u3000wasn’t\u3000happy\u3000about\u3000arming\u3000her\u3000battle\u3000captive\uff1b\u3000but\u3000at\u3000the\u3000moment\u3000they\u3000needed\u3000all\u3000the\u3000help\u3000they\u3000could\u3000get\uff1b\u3000and\u3000it\u3000was\u3000plainly\u3000in\u3000Danifae’s\u3000best\u3000interests\u3000to\u3000make\u3000sure\u3000they\u3000didn’t\u3000all\u3000fall\u3000prey\u3000to\u3000the\u3000denizens\u3000of\u3000Hlaungadath\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000lamias\u3000tried\u3000something\u3000new\u3002\u3000Against\u3000the\u3000gap\u3000in\u3000the\u3000wall\u3000that\u3000Jeggred\u3000guarded\uff1b\u3000the\u3000monsters\u3000hurled\u3000a\u3000wave\u3000of\u3000lizardlike\u3000asabis\uff1b\u3000savage\u3000creatures\u3000that\u3000hissed\u3000in\u3000anger\u3000as\u3000they\u3000threw\u3000themselves\u3000against\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3000with\u3000scimitars\u3000and\u3000falchions\u3000clutched\u3000in\u3000their\u3000scaly\u3000hands\u3002\u3000Three\u3000more\u3000challenged\u3000Valas\u3000while\u3000a\u3000pair\u3000of\u3000gargoyles\u3000streaked\u3000over\u3000the\u3000walls\u3000and\u3000dropped\u3000into\u3000the\u3000midst\u3000of\u3000the\u3000ruined\u3000building\u3000behind\u3000Ryld\uff1b\u3000their\u3000great\u3000black\u3000wings\u3000raising\u3000huge\u3000clouds\u3000of\u3000dust\u3000with\u3000every\u3000beat\u3002\u3000The\u3000weapons\u3000master\u3000whirled\u3000to\u3000face\u3000the\u3000threat\u3000behind\u3000him\uff1b\u3000cursing\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Jeggred\u3000howled\u3000in\u3000rage\u3000and\u3000leaped\u3000to\u3000meet\u3000the\u3000rush\u3000of\u3000the\u3000asabis\uff1b\u3000batting\u3000aside\u3000flashing\u3000blades\u3000and\u3000snapping\u3000jaws \n
\n \n
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\n \u3000\u3000\u3000Jeggred\u3000howled\u3000in\u3000rage\u3000and\u3000leaped\u3000to\u3000meet\u3000the\u3000rush\u3000of\u3000the\u3000asabis\uff1b\u3000batting\u3000aside\u3000flashing\u3000blades\u3000and\u3000snapping\u3000jaws\u3000while\u3000he\u3000tore\u3000at\u3000the\u3000lizard\u3000warriors\u3000with\u3000his\u3000great\u3000talons\u3002\u3000The\u3000white\u2026haired\u3000demon\u3000used\u3000his\u3000four\u3000arms\u3000to\u3000wreak\u3000terrible\u3000carnage\uff1b\u3000but\u3000even\u3000Jeggred\u3000was\u3000tiring\u3002\u3000Blows\u3000he\u3000would\u3000have\u3000eluded\u3000with\u3000his\u3000freakish\u3000speed\u3000landed\u3000awkwardly\u3002\u3000He\u3000blocked\u3000one\u3000slashing\u3000scimitar\u3000badly\u3000with\u3000his\u3000left\u3000outer\u3000arm\uff1b\u3000and\u3000suffered\u3000a\u3000long\u3000bloody\u3000cut\u3000halfway\u3000from\u3000elbow\u3000to\u3000wrist\u3002\u3000Another\u3000blade\u3000scored\u3000his\u3000torso\uff1b\u3000starting\u3000a\u3000stream\u3000of\u3000red\u3000across\u3000his\u3000white\u2026pelted\u3000chest\u3002\u3000The\u3000draegloth\u3000roared\u3000in\u3000rage\u3000and\u3000redoubled\u3000his\u3000efforts\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003The\u3000rooftops\uff01\u3003\u3000the\u3000wizard\u3000called\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Damn\uff1b\u3003\u3000he\u3000muttered\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003What\u3000happened\uff1f\u3003\u3000he\u3000groaned\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Kaanyr\u3000himself\u3000fit\u3000the\u3000infernal\u3000scene\u3000well\u3002\u3000Tall\u3000and\u3000powerful\uff1b\u3000he\u3000had\u3000the\u3000stature\u3000of\u3000a\u3000strong\u2026thewed\u3000human\u3000warrior\u3000and\u3000the\u3000strength\u3000of\u3000a\u3000stone\u3000giant\u3002\u3000His\u3000skin\u3000was\u3000red\u3000and\u3000hot\u3000to\u3000the\u3000touch\uff1b\u3000and\u3000his\u3000flesh\u3000was\u3000hard\u3000enough\u3000to\u3000turn\u3000a\u3000blade\u3002\u3000He\u3000was\u3000strikingly\u3000handsome\uff1b\u3000though\u3000his\u3000eyes\u3000danced\u3000with\u3000malice\u3000and\u3000his\u3000teeth\u3000were\u3000as\u3000black\u3000as\u3000coal\u3002\u3000He\u3000wore\u3000a\u3000golden\u3000breastplate\u3000and\u3000carried\u3000a\u3000pair\u3000of\u3000wicked\u3000short\u3000swords\u3000made\u3000from\u3000some\u3000demonic\u3000black\u3000iron\u3000in\u3000rune\u2026chased\u3000scabbards\u3000at\u3000his\u3000belt\u3002\u3000He\u3000grinned\u3000fiercely\u3000with\u3000delight\u3000as\u3000he\u3000looked\u3000out\u3000over\u3000the\u3000gathering\u3000storm\u3000of\u3000his\u3000army\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000now\u3000lead\u3000nearly\u3000two\u3000thousand\u3000tanarukk\u3000warriors\uff1b\u3003\u3000he\u3000said\u3000over\u3000his\u3000shoulder\uff1b\u3000\u3003and\u3000I\u3000have\u3000just\u3000as\u3000many\u3000orcs\uff1b\u3000ogres\uff1b\u3000trolls\uff1b\u3000and\u3000giants\u3000at\u3000my\u3000mand\u3002\u3000I\u3000think\u3000the\u3000time\u3000has\u3000e\u3000to\u3000try\u3000my\u3000strength\uff1b\u3000my\u3000love\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Aliisza\u3000allowed\u3000herself\u3000a\u3000smile\u3000and\u3000moved\u3000closer\uff1b\u3000pressing\u3000herself\u3000to\u3000the\u3000demon\u3000prince’s\u3000side\u3002\u3000Like\u3000Kaanyr\u3000Vhok\uff1b\u3000she\u3000too\u3000possessed\u3000demonic\u3000blood\u3002\u3000In\u3000her\u3000case\uff1b\u3000she\u3000was\u3000an\u3000alu\u2026fiend\uff1b\u3000the\u3000spawn\u3000of\u3000a\u3000succubus\u3000and\u3000some\u3000mortal\u3000sorcerer\u3002\u3000Wings\u3000as\u3000smooth\u3000as\u3000black\u3000leather\u3000sprouted\u3000from\u3000her\u3000shoulder\u3000blades\uff1b\u3000but\u3000other\u3000than\u3000that\u3000she\u3000was\u3000dusky\u3000and\u3000seductive\uff1b\u3000voluptuous\u3000and\u3000inviting\uff1b\u3000a\u3000half\u2026demoness\u3000whose\u3000allure\u3000few\u3000mortal\u3000men\u3000could\u3000resist\u3002\u3000She\u3000was\u3000also\u3000clever\uff1b\u3000capricious\uff1b\u3000and\u3000very\u3000skilled\u3000in\u3000magic\uff1b\u3000and\u3000therefore\u3000well\u2026suited\u3000to\u3000be\u3000the\u3000consort\u3000of\u3000a\u3000demonspawned\u3000warlord\u3000such\u3000as\u3000Kaa \n
\n \n
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\n and\u3000therefore\u3000well\u2026suited\u3000to\u3000be\u3000the\u3000consort\u3000of\u3000a\u3000demonspawned\u3000warlord\u3000such\u3000as\u3000Kaanyr\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Menzoberranzan\uff1f\u3003\u3000she\u3000purred\uff1b\u3000tracing\u3000the\u3000filigree\u3000of\u3000his\u3000armor\u3000with\u3000one\u3000fingertip\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Of\u3000course\u3002\u3000There\u3000seems\u3000to\u3000be\u3000nothing\u3000worth\u3000the\u3000taking\u3000in\u3000Ched\u3000Nasad\uff1b\u3000after\u3000all\u3002\u3003\u3000Kaanyr\u3000frowned\uff1b\u3000and\u3000his\u3000gaze\u3000grew\u3000distant\u3002\u3000\u3003If\u3000the\u3000dark\u3000elves\u3000are\u3000without\u3000the\u3000protection\u3000of\u3000their\u3000spider\u3000goddess\uff1b\u3000and\u3000unable\u3000to\u3000govern\u3000their\u3000interminable\u3000feuds\uff1b\u3000I\u3000may\u3000have\u3000an\u3000opportunity\u3000to\u3000seize\u3000the\u3000greatness\u3000I\u3000have\u3000always\u3000coveted\u3002\u3000Having\u3000mastered\u3000the\u3000ruins\u3000of\u3000Ammarindar\uff1b\u3000I\u3000find\u3000that\u3000I\u3000hunger\u3000for\u3000something\u3000more\u3002\u3000Subjugating\u3000a\u3000city\u3000of\u3000drow\u3000appeals\u3000to\u3000me\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Others\u3000have\u3000had\u3000that\u3000thought\uff1b\u3003\u3000Aliisza\u3000pointed\u3000out\u3002\u3000\u3003The\u3000Menzoberranyr\u3000I\u3000spoke\u3000with\u3000in\u3000Ched\u3000Nasad\u3000suggested\u3000that\u3000his\u3000own\u3000city\u3000had\u3000suffered\u3000a\u3000significant\u3000slave\u3000uprising\uff1b\u3000sponsored\u3000by\u3000some\u3000outside\u3000agency\u3002\u3000I\u3000think\u3000the\u3000duergar\u3000mercenaries\u3000who\u3000fought\u3000in\u3000Ched\u3000Nasad\u3000would\u3000not\u3000have\u3000left\u3000the\u3000city\u3000to\u3000whatever\u3000House\u3000hired\u3000them\uff1b\u3000once\u3000they’d\u3000managed\u3000to\u3000take\u3000it\u3002\u3000If\u3000the\u3000duergar\u3000firebombs\u3000hadn’t\u3000worked\u3000so\u3000well\uff1b\u3000I\u3000suspect\u3000Clan\u3000Xornbane\u3000would\u3000rule\u3000Ched\u3000Nasad\u3000now\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Or\u3000I\u3000would\uff1b\u3003\u3000Kaanyr\u3000said\u3002\u3000He\u3000narrowed\u3000his\u3000eyes\u3002\u3000\u3003If\u3000you\u3000had\u3000reported\u3000the\u3000situation\u3000to\u3000me\u3000in\u3000a\u3000more\u3000timely\u3000manner\uff1b\u3000I\u3000might\u3000have\u3000been\u3000able\u3000to\u3000bring\u3000my\u3000army\u3000against\u3000Ched\u3000Nasad\u3000when\u3000the\u3000drow\u3000and\u3000duergar\u3000were\u3000exhausted\u3000from\u3000fighting\u3000each\u3000other\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Aliisza\u3000licked\u3000her\u3000lips\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003You\u3000would\u3000have\u3000lost\u3000whatever\u3000forces\u3000you\u3000brought\u3000into\u3000the\u3000city\uff1b\u3003\u3000she\u3000replied\u3002\u3000\u3003Your\u3000tanarukks\u3000could\u3000have\u3000endured\u3000the\u3000fires\uff1b\u3000of\u3000course\uff1b\u3000but\u3000the\u3000collapse\u3000of\u3000the\u3000city\u3000streets\u3000destroyed\u3000everything\u3000in\u3000the\u3000cavern\u3002\u3000Trust\u3000me\uff1b\u3000you\u3000missed\u3000no\u3000opportunities\u3000in\u3000Ched\u3000Nasad\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Kaanyr\u3000did\u3000not\u3000reply\u3002\u3000Instead\uff1b\u3000he\u3000disentangled\u3000himself\u3000from\u3000Aliisza\u3000and\u3000vaulted\u3000lightly\u3000over\u3000the\u3000balcony\u3000rail\uff1b\u3000descending\u3000to\u3000the\u3000foundry\u3000floor\u3002\u3000The\u3000warlord\u3000had\u3000no\u3000wings\uff1b\u3000but\u3000his\u3000demonic\u3000heritage\u3000conferred\u3000the\u3000ability\u3000to\u3000fly\u3000through\u3000effort\u3000of\u3000will\u3002\u3000Aliisza\u3000frowned\uff1b\u3000and\u3000followed\u3000behind\u3000him\uff1b\u3000spreading\u3000her\u3000black\u3000pinions\u3000wide\u3000to\u3000catch\u3000the\u3000blazing\u3000updrafts\u3000of\u3000the\u3000room\u3002\u3000Kaanyr\u3000was\u3000still\u3000sore\u3000about\u3000Ched\u3000Nasad\uff1b\u3000and\u3000that\u3000was\u3000not\u3000good\uff1b\u3000she\u3000reflected\u3002\u3000If\u3000the\u3000warlord\u3000ever\u3000tired\u3000of\u3000her\uff1b\u3000he\u3000was\u3000certainly\u3000capable\u3000of\u3000having\u3000her\u3000killed\u3000in\u3000some\u3000grisly\u3000manner\uff1b\u3000past\u3000intimacies\u3000notwithstanding\u3002\u3000There\u3000was\u3000nothing\u3000of\u3000which\u3000he\u3000was\u3000not\u3000capable\uff1b\u3000if\u3000his\u3000temper\u3000got\u3000the\u3000better\u3000of\u3000him\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000half\u2026demon\u3000alighted\u3000beside\u3000a\u3000sand\u3000mold\u3000filling\u3000with\u3000molten\u3000iron\u3002\u3000A\u3000pair\u3000of\u3000tanarukks\u3000stood\u3000by\uff1b\u3000carefully\u3000watching\u3000over\u3000the\u3000pour\u3002\u3000Kaanyr\u3000squatted\u3000down\u3000by\u3000the\u3000white\u2026hot\u3000metal\u3000and\u3000absently\u3000stirred\u3000his\u3000fingers\u3000in\u3000it\u3002\u3000It\u3000was\u3000hot\u3000enough\u3000to\u3000cause\u3000him\u3000disfort\uff1b\u3000and\u3000after\u3000a\u3000moment\u3000he\u3000shook\u3000the\u3000molten\u3000iron\u3000from\u3000his\u3000fingers\u3000and\u3000brushed\u3000them\u3000against\u3000his\u3000thigh\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Good\u3000iron\uff1b\u3003\u3000he\u3000said\u3000to\u3000the\u3000tanarukks\u3002\u3000\u3003Carry\u3000on\uff1b\u3000lads\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000He\u3000straightened\u3000and\u3000continued\u3000on\u3000his\u3000way\u3002\u3000Aliisza\u3000fluttered\u3000to\u3000the\u3000stone\u3000floor\u3000and\u3000fell\u3000into\u3000step\u3000behind\u3000him\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003The\u3000thing\u3000that\u3000troubles\u3000me\u3000is\u3000this\uff1b\u3003\u3000Kaanyr\u3000mused\u3002\u3000\u3003Why\u3000did\u3000the\u3000Xornbane\u3000duergar\u3000betray\u3000the\u3000House\u3000that\u3000employed\u3000them\u3000by\u3000burning\u3000the\u3000whole\u3000city\uff1f\u3000Was\u3000it\u3000simply\u3000a\u3000dispute\u3000over\u3000pay\uff1f\u3000Or\u3000did\u3000they\u3000intend\u3000from\u3000the\u3000start\u3000to\u3000bring\u3000ruin\u3000to\u3000Ched\u3000Nasad\uff1f\u3000If\u3000so\uff1b\u3000was\u3000Horgar\u3000Steelshadow\u3000behind\u3000it\uff1f\u3000Did\u3000the\u3000prince\u3000of\u3000Gracklstugh\u3000send\u3000his\u3000mercenaries\u3000to\u3000Ched\u3000Nasad\u3000to\u3000destroy\u3000the\u3000city\uff1b\u3000or\u3000did\u3000Clan\u3000Xornbane\u3000do\u3000that\u3000for\u3000someone\u3000else\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Does\u3000it\u3000matter\uff1f\u3003\u3000Aliisza\u3000asked\uff1b\u3000sidling\u3000up\u3000beside\u3000him\u3000again\u3002\u3000\u3003The\u3000city\u3000was\u3000destroyed\uff1b\u3000regardless\u3000of\u3000anyone’s\u3000intentions\u3002\u3000The\u3000great\u3000Houses\u3000of\u3000Ched\u3000Nasad\u3000are\u3000dead\uff1b\u3000and\u3000there\u3000aren’t\u3000many\u3000Xornbane\u3000dwarves\u3000remaining\uff1b\u3000for\u3000that\u3000matter\u3002\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Ah\uff1b\u3003\u3000Aliisza\u3000breathed\u3002\u3000\u3003You\u3000could\u3000sell\u3000your\u3000services\u3000to\u3000the\u3000dark\u3000elves\uff1b\u3000the\u3000gray\u3000dwarves\uff1b\u3000both\uff1b\u3000or\u3000neither\u3002\u3000Hmm\uff1b\u3000that\u3000is\u3000interesting\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003And\u3000the\u3000price\u3000I\u3000mand\u3000will\u3000increase\u3000with\u3000the\u3000number\u3000of\u3000warriors\u3000I\u3000bring\uff1b\u3000and\u3000my\u3000proximity\u3000to\u3000Menzoberranzan\uff1b\u3000but\u3000it\u3000depends\u3000on\u3000the\u3000intentions\u3000of\u3000the\u3000gray\u3000dwarves\u3002\u3003\u3000The\u3000half\u2026demon\u3000let\u3000out\u3000a\u3000bark\u3000of\u3000hard\u3000laughter\u3002\u3000\u3003I\u3000would\u3000not\u3000care\u3000to\u3000find\u3000myself\u3000on\u3000Menzoberranzan’s\u3000doorstep\uff1b\u3000facing\u3000a\u3000strong\u3000and\u3000united\u3000dark\u3000elf\u3000city\u3000with\u3000no\u3000allies\u3000at\u3000hand\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Why\u3000do\u3000I\u3000get\u3000the\u3000feeling\u3000that\u3000you’re\u3000about\u3000to\u3000send\u3000me\u3000away\u3000again\uff1f\u3003\u3000Aliisza\u3000pouted\u3002\u3000She\u3000stretched\u3000her\u3000wings\u3000languorously\u3000around\u3000Kaanyr\uff1b\u3000halting\u3000him\u3000as\u3000she\u3000reached\u3000up\u3000to\u3000turn\u3000him\u3000toward\u3000her\u3002\u3000\u3003I’ve\u3000only\u3000just\u3000e\u3000back\uff1b\u3000you\u3000know\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Clever\u3000girl\uff1b\u3003\u3000Vhok\u3000said\u3000with\u3000a\u3000smile\u3002\u3000\u3003Yes\uff1b\u3000I\u3000mean\u3000to\u3000dispatch\u3000you\u3000on\u3000another\u3000mission\u3002\u3000This\u3000time\uff1b\u3000though\uff1b\u3000you\u3000won’t\u3000have\u3000to\u3000creep\u3000about\u3000and\u3000stay\u3000out\u3000of\u3000sight\u3002\u3000You\u3000will\u3000call\u3000on\u3000Horgar\u3000Steelshadow\uff1b\u3000the\u3000Crown\u3000Prince\u3000of\u3000Gracklstugh\uff1b\u3000as\u3000my\u3000personal\u3000envoy\u2026a\u3000diplomat\uff1b\u3000if\u3000you\u3000like\u3002\u3000Find\u3000out\u3000if\u3000the\u3000gray\u3000dwarves\u3000intend\u3000to\u3000attack\u3000Menzoberranzan\u3002\u3000If\u3000they\u3000do\uff1b\u3000let\u3000them\u3000know\u3000that\u3000I\u3000would\u3000like\u3000to\u3000join\u3000them\u3002\u3000If\u3000they\u3000don’t\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000well\uff1b\u3000see\u3000if\u3000you\u3000can’t\u3000persuade\u3000them\u3000that\u3000it’s\u3000in\u3000their\u3000best\u3000interest\u3000to\u3000destroy\u3000Menzoberranzan\u3000while\u3000the\u3000dark\u3000elves\u3000are\u3000weak\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003The\u3000dwarves\u3000are\u3000not\u3000likely\u3000to\u3000confide\u3000in\u3000me\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Of\u3000course\u3000they\u3000won’t\u3000want\u3000to\u3000confide\u3000in\u3000you\u3002\u3000However\uff1b\u3000if\u3000they\u3000do\u3000intend\u3000to\u3000attack\uff1b\u3000they\u3000will\u3000see\u3000the\u3000advantage\u3000of\u3000gaining\u3000me\u3000as\u3000an\u3000ally\u3002\u3000If\u3000they\u3000don’t\u3000plan\u3000on\u3000attacking\uff1b\u3000the\u3000fact\u3000that\u3000I\u3000am\u3000willing\u3000to\u3000ally\u3000with\u3000them\u3000may\u3000decide\u3000the\u3000issue\u3000for\u3000them\u3002\u3000They\u3000wish\u3000Menzoberranzan\u3000no\u3000good\uff1b\u3000so\u3000you\u3000need\u3000not\u3000worry\u3000that\u3000they’ll\u3000stand\u3000up\u3000for\u3000the\u3000drow\u3002\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Kaanyr\u3000Vhok\u3000circled\u3000her\u3000with\u3000his\u3000powerful\u3000arms\u3000and\u3000nuzzled\u3000the\u3000hollow\u3000of\u3000her\u3000neck\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Very\u3000well\uff1b\u3000my\u3000pet\uff1b\u3003\u3000he\u3000rumbled\u3002\u3000\u3003Though\u3000I\u3000sometimes\u3000wonder\u3000if\u3000you\u3000are\u3000utterly\u3000insatiable\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000A\u3000desperate\u3000hour\u3000of\u3000flight\u3000from\u3000ruin\u3000to\u3000ruin\u3000saw\u3000the\u3000battered\u3000pany\u3000to\u3000a\u3000hard\u2026won\u3000refuge\u3000from\u3000the\u3000monsters\u3000who\u3000ruled\u3000Hlaungadath\u3002\u3000Beneath\u3000the\u3000hulking\u3000shell\u3000of\u3000a\u3000square\u3000tower\u3000they\u3000found\u3000a\u3000sand\u2026choked\u3000stair\u3000descending\u3000into\u3000cool\uff1b\u3000lightless\u3000catabs\u3000beneath\u3000the\u3000city\u3002\u3000Buoyed\u3000by\u3000their\u3000find\uff1b\u3000the\u3000dark\u3000elves\u3000slipped\u3000through\u3000a\u3000maze\u3000of\u3000buried\u3000shrines\uff1b\u3000subterranean\u3000wells\uff1b\u3000and\u3000echoing\u3000colonnades\u3000of\u3000brown\u3000stone\uff1b\u3000finally\u3000holing\u3000up\u3000in\u3000a\u3000deep\uff1b\u3000disused\u3000gallery\u3000that\u3000showed\u3000no\u3000signs\u3000of\u3000recent\u3000use\u3002\u3000It\u3000was\u3000a\u3000cheerless\u3000and\u3000desolate\u3000spot\uff1b\u3000but\u3000it\u3000was\u3000free\u3000of\u3000blinding\u3000sunlight\u3000and\u3000mind\u2026controlling\u3000monsters\uff1b\u3000and\u3000that\u3000was\u3000all\u3000they\u3000needed\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Pharaun\uff1b\u3000prepare\u3000your\u3000spells\u3000quickly\uff1b\u3003\u3000Quenthel\u3000manded\u3000after\u3000sizing\u3000up\u3000the\u3000chamber\u3002\u3000\u3003Halisstra\uff1b\u3000you\u3000and\u3000Ryld\u3000will\u3000stand\u3000watch\u3000here\u3002\u3000Jeggred\uff1b\u3000you\u3000and\u3000Valas\u3000keep\u3000watch\u3000on\u3000the\u3000far\u3000archway\uff1b\u3000over\u3000there\u3002\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000We\u3000are\u3000not\u3000a\u3000race\u3000given\u3000to\u3000honoring\u3000our\u3000debts\uff1b\u3000she\u3000signed\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000That\u3000has\u3000been\u3000made\u3000clear\u3000to\u3000me\u3000more\u3000than\u3000once\uff1b\u3000the\u3000weapons\u3000master\u3000replied\u3002\u3000A\u3000brief\u3000flicker\u3000of\u3000pain\u3000crossed\u3000his\u3000face\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Halisstra\u3000wondered\u3000exactly\u3000whom\u3000the\u3000Master\u3000of\u3000Melee\u2026Magthere\u3000had\u3000trusted\uff1b\u3000and\u3000why\u3000he’d\u3000done\u3000something\u3000so\u3000foolish\u3002\u3000Before\u3000she\u3000could\u3000ask\uff1b\u3000he\u3000continued\uff1b\u3000So\u3000tell\u3000me\u3000of\u3000the\u3000bae’qeshel\u3002\u3000I\u3000do\u3000not\u3000know\u3000of\u3000them\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003By\u3000tradition\uff1b\u3003\u3000she\u3000whispered\uff1b\u3000\u3003our\u3000wizards\uff1b\u3000swordsmen\uff1b\u3000and\u3000clerics\u3000are\u3000trained\u3000in\u3000academies\u3002\u3000This\u3000is\u3000true\u3000in\u3000most\u3000drow\u3000cities\u3002\u3000The\u3000reason\u3000you\u3000do\u3000not\u3000know\u3000of\u3000the\u3000bae’qeshel\u3000is\u3000that\u3000the\u3000bardic\u3000training\u3000is\u3000not\u3000a\u3000public\u3000matter\u3002\u3000We\u3000pass\u3000our\u3000secrets\uff1b\u3000one\u3000mistress\u3000to\u3000one\u3000student\u3000at\u3000a\u3000time\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000I\u3000thought\u3000the\u3000noble\u3000Houses\u3000had\u3000little\u3000use\u3000for\u3000mon\u3000minstrels\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003The\u3000bae’qeshel\u3000are\u3000not\u3000mon\u3000minstrels\uff1b\u3000weapons\u3000master\uff1b\u3003\u3000Halisstra\u3000said\u3000in\u3000a\u3000low\u3000voice\u3002\u3000\u3003We\u3000are\u3000a\u3000proud\u3000and\u3000ancient\u3000sect\uff1b\u3000the\u3000bae’qeshel\u3000telphraezzar\uff1b\u3000the\u3000Whisperers\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Dark\u3000Queen\u3002\u3000I\u3000am\u3000a\u3000priestess\u3000of\u3000Lolth\uff1b\u3000as\u3000are\u3000the\u3000other\u3000females\u3000of\u3000my\u3000House\uff1b\u3000but\u3000I\u3000was\u3000chosen\u3000to\u3000spend\u3000many\u3000long\u3000years\u3000as\u3000a\u3000girl\u3000studying\u3000the\u3000bae’qeshel\u3000lore\u3002\u3000I\u3000revere\u3000the\u3000goddess\u3000not\u3000only\u3000with\u3000my\u3000service\u3000as\u3000her\u3000priestess\uff1b\u3000but\u3000with\u3000the\u3000gift\u3000of\u3000raising\u3000the\u3000ancient\u3000songs\u3000of\u3000our\u3000race\uff1b\u3000which\u3000are\u3000pleasing\u3000to\u3000her\u3000ears\u3002\u3000House\u3000Melarn\u3000has\u3000always\u3000been\u3000proud\u3000to\u3000raise\u3000one\u3000bae’qeshel\u3000into\u3000the\u3000sisterhood\u3000of\u3000Lolth’s\u3000service\u3000in\u3000each\u3000generation\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003If\u3000your\u3000songs\u3000are\u3000sacred\u3000to\u3000Lolth\uff1b\u3000why\u3000do\u3000they\u3000work\u3000while\u3000other\u3000spells\u3000fail\uff1f\u3003\u3000Ryld\u3000asked\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Because\u3000the\u3000songs\u3000possess\u3000a\u3000power\u3000in\u3000and\u3000of\u3000themselves\uff1b\u3000like\u3000a\u3000wizard’s\u3000spells\u3002\u3000We\u3000do\u3000not\u3000channel\u3000the\u3000divine\u3000power\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Queen\u3000of\u3000Spiders\u3000to\u3000wield\u3000our\u3000songs\u3002\u3000Regrettably\uff1b\u3000my\u3000skill\u3000with\u3000such\u3000things\u3000is\u3000nothing\u3000pared\u3000to\u3000the\u3000divine\u3000might\u3000I\u3000could\u3000wield\u3000in\u3000Lolth’s\u3000name\uff1b\u3000if\u3000she\u3000would\u3000restore\u3000her\u3000favor\u3000to\u3000me\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003An\u3000interesting\u3000talent\uff1b\u3000nonetheless\uff1b\u3003\u3000he\u3000murmured\u3002\u3000Ryld\u3000glanced\u3000back\u3000down\u3000the\u3000passageway\u3000toward\u3000the\u3000chamber\u3000where\u3000the\u3000others\u3000waited\u3002\u3000\u3003It\u3000seems\u3000quiet\u3000enough\u3002\u3000We\u3000may\u3000have\u3000some\u3000time\u3000to\u3000wait\u3000yet\u3002\u3000If\u3000I\u3000know\u3000Pharaun\uff1b\u3000he\u3000will\u3000need\u3000hours\u3000to\u3000regain\u3000his\u3000strength\u3002\u3000Tell\u3000me\uff1b\u3000do\u3000you\u3000play\u3000sava\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Nimor\u3000clung\u3000to\u3000the\u3000shadows\u3000of\u3000a\u3000gigantic\u3000stalactite\uff1b\u3000one\u3000of\u3000many\u3000such\u3000stone\u3000fangs\u3000reaching\u3000down\u3000from\u3000the\u3000ceiling\u3000of\u3000Menzoberranzan’s\u3000vast\u3000cavern\u3002\u3000Old\u3000passages\u3000and\u3000precarious\u3000paths\u3000crisscrossed\u3000the\u3000city’s\u3000roof\uff1b\u3000and\u3000many\u3000of\u3000the\u3000stalactites\u3000were\u3000in\u3000fact\u3000carved\u3000into\u3000darkly\u3000beautiful \n
\n \n
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\n
\n \u3000crisscrossed\u3000the\u3000city’s\u3000roof\uff1b\u3000and\u3000many\u3000of\u3000the\u3000stalactites\u3000were\u3000in\u3000fact\u3000carved\u3000into\u3000darkly\u3000beautiful\u3000castles\u3000and\u3000aeries\u3000all\u3000the\u3000more\u3000spectacular\u3000for\u3000their\u3000bold\u3000arrogance\u3002\u3000Only\u3000drow\u3000would\u3000make\u3000homes\u3000out\u3000of\u3000fragile\u3000stone\u3000spears\u3000a\u3000thousand\u3000feet\u3000above\u3000the\u3000cavern\u3000floor\u3002\u3000Highborn\u3000dark\u3000elves\u3000frequently\u3000possessed\u3000innate\u3000magic\u3000or\u3000enchanted\u3000trinkets\u3000that\u3000freed\u3000them\u3000of\u3000concern\u3000over\u3000heights\uff1b\u3000and\u3000gave\u3000little\u3000thought\u3000to\u3000dizzying\u3000overlooks\u3000that\u3000would\u3000terrify\u3000bats\u3002\u3000Their\u3000slaves\u3000and\u3000servants\u3000were\u3000not\u3000so\u3000fortunate\uff1b\u3000and\u3000must\u3000have\u3000found\u3000life\u3000in\u3000a\u3000ceiling\u3000spire\u3000something\u3000peculiarly\u3000nerve\u2026racking\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000more\u3000important\u3000ceiling\u3000spires\u3000were\u3000of\u3000course\u3000magically\u3000reinforced\u3000against\u3000the\u3000inevitable\u3000fall\uff1b\u3000and\u3000would\u3000not\u3000fail\u3000unless\u3000magic\u3000itself\u3000gave\u3000out\u2026but\u3000more\u3000than\u3000one\u3000proud\u3000old\u3000palace\u3000stood\u3000dusty\u3000and\u3000abandoned\u3000at\u3000the\u3000top\u3000of\u3000the\u3000city\uff1b\u3000the\u3000House\u3000that\u3000claimed\u3000it\u3000too\u3000weak\u3000in\u3000the\u3000Art\u3000to\u3000maintain\u3000the\u3000spells\u3000that\u3000made\u3000the\u3000place\u3000tenable\u3002\u3000It\u3000was\u3000in\u3000just\u3000such\u3000an\u3000empty\u3000place\u3000that\u3000Nimor\u3000crouched\uff1b\u3000leaning\u3000out\u3000over\u3000a\u3000dark\u3000abyss\u3000to\u3000study\u3000his\u3000target\u3000below\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000House\u3000Faen\u3000Tlabbar\uff1b\u3000Third\u3000House\u3000of\u3000Menzoberranzan\uff1b\u3000lay\u3000below\u3000him\u3000and\u3000a\u3000short\u3000distance\u3000to\u3000his\u3000left\u3002\u3000The\u3000castle\u3000sprawled\u3000over\u3000several\u3000towering\u3000stalagmites\u3000and\u3000columns\uff1b\u3000its\u3000elegant\u3000balustrades\u3000and\u3000soaring\u3000buttresses\u3000belying\u3000the\u3000underlying\u3000strength\u3000of\u3000the\u3000rambling\u3000towers\u3000and\u3000mighty\u3000bulwarks\u3000of\u3000dark\u3000stone\u3002\u3000Faen\u3000Tlabbar’s\u3000pound\u3000was\u3000one\u3000of\u3000the\u3000largest\u3000and\u3000proudest\u3000of\u3000any\u3000in\u3000Menzoberranzan\u3000that\u3000did\u3000not\u3000sit\u3000on\u3000the\u3000high\u3000plateau\u3000of\u3000Qu’ellarz’orl\uff1b\u3000the\u3000most\u3000prestigious\u3000of\u3000the\u3000underground\u3000city’s\u3000noble\u3000districts\u3002\u3000Instead\u3000House\u3000Tlabbar’s\u3000palace\u3000clambered\u3000up\u3000along\u3000the\u3000southern\u3000wall\u3000of\u3000Menzoberranzan’s\u3000great\u3000cavern\uff1b\u3000until\u3000its\u3000highest\u3000spires\u3000surmounted\u3000the\u3000plateau\u3000in\u3000whose\u3000shadow\u3000it\u3000sat\uff1b\u3000as\u3000if\u3000the\u3000matrons\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Third\u3000House\u3000wished\u3000to\u3000be\u3000able\u3000to\u3000peer\u3000over\u3000the\u3000plateau’s\u3000edge\u3000and\u3000gaze\u3000enviously\u3000upon\u3000the\u3000manors\u3000fortunate\u3000enough\u3000to\u3000be\u3000located\u3000alongside\u3000the\u3000exalted\u3000House\u3000Baenre\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000It\u3000was\u3000an\u3000apt\u3000analogy\u3000for\u3000Faen\u3000Tlabbar’s\u3000political\u3000maneuverings\u3002\u3000Only\u3000two\u3000Houses\u3000stood\u3000ahead\u3000of\u3000them\u3000in\u3000Menzoberranzan’s\u3000dark\u3000hierarchy\uff1a\u3000Baenre\uff1b\u3000the\u3000First\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Barrison\u3000Del’Armgo\uff1b\u3000the\u3000Second\u3002\u3000Nimor\u3000thought\u3000it\u3000likely\u3000that\u3000Matron\u3000Mother\u3000Tlabbar\u3000harbored\u3000great\u3000aspirations\u3000for\u3000her\u3000House\u3002\u3000Del’Armgo\uff1b\u3000the\u3000Second\u3000House\uff1b\u3000was\u3000strong\u3000but\u3000with\u3000few\u3000allies\u3002\u3000Baenre\uff1b\u3000the\u3000strongest\uff1b\u3000was\u3000as\u3000weak\u3000as\u3000it\u3000had\u3000been\u3000in\u3000centuries\u3002\u3000Houses\u3000such\u3000as\u3000Faen\u3000Tlabbar\u3000gazed\u3000on\u3000the\u3000Baenre\u3000and\u3000remembered\u3000centuries\u3000of\u3000absolute\u3000arrogance\uff1b\u3000humiliating\u3000condescension\uff1b\u3000and\u3000they\u3000wondered\u3000whether\u3000the\u3000time\u3000had\u3000e\u3000for\u3000several\u3000lesser\u3000Houses\u3000to\u3000band\u3000together\u3000and\u3000end\u3000Baenre’s\u3000dominance\u3000once\u3000and\u3000for\u3000all\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003That\u3000would\u3000be\u3000a\u3000merry\u3000game\u3000to\u3000watch\uff1b\u3003\u3000Nimor\u3000mused\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000He\u3000suspected\u3000that\u3000in\u3000such\u3000a\u3000scenario\u3000Baenre\u3000might\u3000prove\u3000stronger\u3000than\u3000their\u3000resentful\u3000rivals\u3000guessed\uff1b\u3000but\u3000the\u3000bloodletting\u3000would\u3000be\u3000spectacular\u3002\u3000Several\u3000great\u3000Houses\u3000would\u3000fall\uff1b\u3000for\u3000Baenre\u3000would\u3000not\u3000go\u3000alone\u3000into\u3000the\u3000gentle\u3000night\u3002\u3000Of\u3000course\uff1b\u3000that\u3000would\u3000go\u3000a\u3000long\u3000way\u3000toward\u3000advancing\u3000the\u3000schemes\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Anointed\u3000Blade\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Jaezred\u3000Chaulssin\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000That\u3000would\u3000be\u3000a\u3000play\u3000for\u3000another\u3000day\uff1b\u3000though\u3002\u3000Nimor\u3000meant\u3000to\u3000strike\u3000a\u3000deep\u3000and\u3000grievous\u3000blow\u3000at\u3000Faen\u3000Tlabbar\uff1b\u3000not\u3000incite\u3000them\u3000against\u3000House\u3000Baenre\u3002\u3000Ghenni\u3000Tlabbar\uff1b\u3000Matron\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Third\u3000House\uff1b\u3000would\u3000die\u3000beneath\u3000his\u3000blade\u3002\u3000Her\u3000blood\u3000would\u3000purchase\u3000treason\u3000on\u3000a\u3000grand\u3000scale\uff1b\u3000and\u3000place\u3000into\u3000the\u3000assassin’s\u3000hand\u3000the\u3000stiletto\u3000Nimor\u3000meant\u3000to\u3000drive\u3000into\u3000Menzoberranzan’s\u3000heart\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000A\u3000scrabbling\u3000sound\u3000and\u3000the\u3000clink\u3000of\u3000mail\u3000caught\u3000Nimor’s\u3000notice\u3002\u3000He\u3000withdrew\u3000softly\u3000into\u3000the\u3000shadows\u3000and\u3000waited\u3000patiently\u3000as\u3000a\u3000squad\u3000of\u3000Tlabbar\u3000warriors\u3000mounted\u3000on\u3000great\u3000riding\u3000lizards\u3000climbed\u3000along\u3000a\u3000small\uff1b\u3000unworked\u3000stalactite\u3000nearby\u3002\u3000The\u3000pallid\u3000reptiles\u3000possessed\u3000large\uff1b\u3000sticky\u3000pads\u3000on\u3000their\u3000clawed\u3000feet\u3000that\u3000allowed\u3000them\u3000to\u3000cling\u3000to\u3000the\u3000sheerest\u3000of\u3000surfaces\uff1b\u3000and\u3000many\u3000of\u3000Menzoberranzan’s\u3000noble\u3000Houses\u3000used\u3000the\u3000creatures\u3000for\u3000patrolling\u3000the\u3000high\u3000places\u3000of\u3000the\u3000city’s\u3000vast\u3000cavern\u3002\u3000Faen\u3000Tlabbar\u3000was\u3000renowned\u3000for\u3000its\u3000squadrons\u3000of\u3000lizard\u3000cavalry\u3002\u3000The\u3000assassin\u3000had\u3000studied\u3000the\u3000Tlabbar\u3000patrols\u3000from\u3000his\u3000precarious\u3000perch\u3000for\u3000more\u3000than\u3000an\u3000hour\uff1b\u3000carefully\u3000timing\u3000their\u3000sweeps\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Right\u3000on\u3000time\uff1b\u3000Nimor\u3000observed\u3002\u3000You’ve\u3000allowed\u3000yourselves\u3000to\u3000bee\u3000predictable\uff1b\u3000lads\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000riders\u3000carried\u3000crossbows\u3000and\u3000lances\u3000at\u3000the\u3000ready\uff1b\u3000scurrying\u3000along\u3000in\u3000single\u3000file\u3000as\u3000they\u3000looped\u3000around\u3000the\u3000smaller\u3000stalactite\u3000and\u3000scanned\u3000the\u3000cavern\u3000ceiling\u3002\u3000As\u3000Nimor\u3000expected\uff1b\u3000the\u3000leader\u3000turned\u3000to\u3000the\u3000left\u3000and\u3000followed\u3000the\u3000curve\u3000of\u3000the\u3000stone\u3000pinnacle\u3000down\u3000and\u3000out\u3000of\u3000sight\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003You\u3000would\u3000do\u3000well\u3000to\u3000vary\u3000your\u3000routine\uff1b\u3000Captain\uff1b\u3003\u3000Nimor\u3000whispered\u3000to\u3000the\u3000departing\u3000squad\u3002\u3000\u3003An\u3000intrepid\u3000fellow\u3000such\u3000as\u3000myself\u3000might\u3000be\u3000deterred\u3000by\u3000the\u3000possibility\u3000of\u3000your\u3000unexpected\u3000return\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000With\u3000a\u3000single\u3000silent\u3000spring\uff1b\u3000Nimor\u3000launched\u3000himself\u3000out\u3000into\u3000the\u3000vast\u3000darkness\uff1b\u3000plunging\u3000through\u3000the\u3000eternal\u3000night\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000By\u3000an\u3000accident\u3000of\u3000cavern\u3000formation\uff1b\u3000House\u3000Tlabbar\u3000held\u3000little\u3000of\u3000the\u3000city’s\u3000roof\u3000and\u3000overcaverns\u3002\u3000One\u3000large\u3000column\u3000and\u3000a\u3000pair\u3000of\u3000small\u3000stalactites\u3000linked\u3000Tlabbar\u3000to\u3000the\u3000ceiling\uff1b\u3000which\u3000meant\u3000that\u3000Tlabbar\u3000had\u3000something\u3000of\u3000a\u3000blind\u3000spot\u3000directly\u3000over\u3000its\u3000palace\u3000roof\u3002\u3000This\u3000was\u3000the\u3000weakness\u3000Nimor\u3000intended\u3000to\u3000exploit\u3002\u3000His\u3000black\u3000cloak\u3000streamed\u3000behind\u3000him\uff1b\u3000and\u3000cold\u3000air\u3000rushed\u3000past\u3000his\u3000face\u3002\u3000Nimor\u3000bared\u3000his\u3000teeth\u3000in\u3000a\u3000savage\u3000grin\uff1b\u3000delighting\u3000in\u3000the\u3000long\u3000seconds\u3000of\u3000his\u3000great\u3000leap\u3002\u3000His\u3000body\u3000burned\u3000with\u3000the\u3000dark\u3000fires\u3000of\u3000his\u3000heritage\uff1b\u3000and\u3000he\u3000longed\u3000to\u3000shed\u3000his\u3000rakish\u3000guise\uff1b\u3000but\u3000this\u3000was\u3000not\u3000the\u3000time\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000While\u3000he\u3000fell\uff1b\u3000he\u3000mouthed\u3000the\u3000words\u3000to\u3000a\u3000spell\u3000that\u3000made\u3000him\u3000invisible\uff1b\u3000and\u3000as\u3000the\u3000spearlike\u3000pinnacle\u3000of\u3000Faen\u3000Tlabbar’s\u3000central\u3000palace\u3000rushed\u3000up\u3000at\u3000him\uff1b\u3000he\u3000quickly\u3000halted\u3000his\u3000fall\u3000by\u3000employing\u3000his\u3000power\u3000of\u3000levitation\u3002\u3000Less\u3000than\u3000six\u3000heartbeats\u3000from\u3000the\u3000moment\u3000he’d\u3000leaped\u3000from\u3000the\u3000abandoned\u3000stalactite\u3000overhead\uff1b\u3000Nimor\u3000alighted\u3000on\u3000the\u3000knifelike\u3000ridge\u3000of\u3000a\u3000steep\u3000hall\uff1b\u3000invisible\u3000and\u3000undetected\u3002\u3000He\u3000listened\u3000for\u3000any\u3000sign\u3000that\u3000he\u3000had\u3000been\u3000detected\uff1b\u3000then\u3000he\u3000glided\u3000toward\u3000the\u3000hall’s\u3000juncture\u3000with\u3000the\u3000castle\u3000proper\uff1b\u3000his\u3000steps\u3000as\u3000silent\u3000as\u3000death\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000dark\u3000elves\u3000of\u3000Faen\u3000Tlabbar\u3000were\u3000not\u3000unaware\u3000of\u3000their\u3000vulnerability\u3000to\u3000assault\u3000from\u3000above\uff1b\u3000and\u3000vigilant\u3000sentries\u3000manned\u3000battlements\u3000and\u3000cupolas\u3000atop\u3000the\u3000palace\uff1b\u3000watching\u3000for\u3000intruders\u3002\u3000Nimor\u3000avoided\u3000them\u3000carefully\u3002\u3000Those\u3000who\u3000were\u3000able\u3000to\u3000see\u3000invisible\u3000foes\u2026and\u3000there\u3000were\u3000more\u3000than\u3000a\u3000few\u2026were\u3000not\u3000in\u3000the\u3000habit\u3000of\u3000watching\u3000for\u3000an\u3000invisible\u3000foe\u3000who\u3000also\u3000glided\u3000from\u3000shadow\u3000to\u3000shadow\u3000with\u3000the\u3000stealth\u3000of\u3000a\u3000master\u3000assassin\u3002\u3000Nimor\u3000was\u3000more\u3000concerned\u3000with\u3000the\u3000various\u3000magical\u3000barriers\u3000shielding\u3000the\u3000house\u3002\u3000He\u3000habitually\u3000protected\u3000himself\u3000with\u3000spells\u3000designed\u3000to\u3000counter\u3000and\u3000confuse\u3000various\u3000forms\u3000of\u3000magical\u3000detection\uff1b\u3000but\u3000they\u3000were\u3000not\u3000foolproof\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Green\u3000and\u3000gold\u3000radiance\u3000glimmered\u3000around\u3000him\u3000as\u3000he\u3000crept\u3000along\u3000the\u3000steep\uff1b\u3000tiled\u3000roof\u3000of\u3000a\u3000square\u3000tower\u3002\u3000The\u3000Faen\u3000Tlabbar\uff1b\u3000like\u3000many\u3000other\u3000Houses\uff1b\u3000used\u3000magic\u3000to\u3000illuminate\u3000and\u3000decorate\u3000the\u3000baroque\u3000spires\u3000and\u3000balconies\u3000of\u3000their\u3000home\u3002\u3000Nimor\u3000lowered\u3000himself\u3000to\u3000his\u3000belly\u3000and\u3000edged\u3000down\u3000even\u3000farther\uff1b\u3000headfirst\uff1b\u3000listening\u3000carefully\u3002\u3000Below\u3000him\u3000he\u3000expected\u3000to\u3000find\u3000a\u3000guard\u3000post\uff1b\u3000and\u3000an\u3000entrance\u3000leading\u3000into\u3000the\u3000manor\u3000itself\u3002\u3000Over\u3000the\u3000decades\u3000the\u3000Jaezred\u3000Chaulssin\u3000had\u3000used\u3000magic\u3000to\u3000scry\u3000what\u3000they\u3000could\u3000of\u3000the\u3000layout\u3000and\u3000defenses\u3000of\u3000many\u3000great\u3000Houses\u3000in\u3000more\u3000than\u3000one\u3000drow\u3000city\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000slender\u3000assassin\u3000had\u3000carefully\u3000studied\u3000his\u3000brotherhood’s\u3000notes\u3000and\u3000drawings\u3000on\u3000House\u3000Tlabbar\u3002\u3000The\u3000information\u3000was\uff1b\u3000of\u3000course\uff1b\u3000inplete\u3000and\u3000out\u3000of\u3000date\uff1b\u3000as\u3000parts\u3000of\u3000the\u3000castle\u3000were\u3000blocked\u3000from\u3000all\u3000scrying\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000Jaezred\u3000Chaulssin\u3000had\u3000not\u3000studied\u3000the\u3000Houses\u3000of\u3000Menzoberranzan\u3000in\u3000a\u3000very\u3000long\u3000time\u3002\u3000Nimor\u3000would\u3000have\u3000preferred\u3000to\u3000update\u3000his\u3000information\u3000through\u3000the\u3000bribery\u3000or\u3000capture\u3000of\u3000a\u3000Tlabbar\u3000guard\uff1b\u3000but\u3000he\u3000simply\u3000did\u3000not\u3000have\u3000the\u3000time\u3000to\u3000arrange\u3000such\u3000a\u3000thing\u3000and\u3000keep\u3000the\u3000rest\u3000of\u3000his\u3000timetable\u3000intact\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000He\u3000heard\u3000the\u3000soft\u3000sounds\u3000of\u3000movement\u3000on\u3000the\u3000balcony\u3000below\u3000the\u3000eave\u3000of\u3000the\u3000roof\u3000he\u3000lay\u3000on\u3002\u3000Two\uff1b\u3000he\u3000guessed\uff1b\u3000at\u3000least\u3000one\u3000wearing\u3000chain\u3000mail\u3002\u3000He\u3000would\u3000have\u3000to\u3000be\u3000swift\u2026a\u3000single\u3000outcry\u3000could\u3000spell\u3000the\u3000end\u3000of\u3000his\u3000single\u2026handed\u3000assault\u3000on\u3000the\u3000castle\u3002\u3000With\u3000calculating\u3000patience\uff1b\u3000Nimor\u3000edged\u3000out\u3000even\u3000more\u3000and\u3000found\u3000himself\u3000looking\u3000down\u3000on\u3000a\u3000curving\u3000gallery\u3000beneath\u3000the\u3000overhanging\u3000eave\u3002\u3000To\u3000his\u3000left\uff1b\u3000the\u3000walkway\u3000became\u3000a\u3000walled\u3000stair\u3000leading\u3000down\u3000to\u3000the\u3000lower\u3000battlements\uff1b\u3000while\u3000to\u3000his\u3000right\u3000it\u3000simply\u3000ended\u3000at\u3000a\u3000black\u3000doorway\u3002\u3000The\u3000door\u3000itself\u3000stood\u3000open\u3002\u3000Directly\u3000beneath\u3000him\u3000stood\u3000a\u3000drow\u3000male\u3000in\u3000armor\uff1b\u3000gazing\u3000out\u3000over\u3000a\u3000lower\u3000courtyard\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000assassin’s\u3000feet\u3000thudded\u3000softly\u3000to\u3000the\u3000flagstones\u3002\u3000The\u3000guard\u3000started\u3000to\u3000turn\u3000and\u3000opened\u3000his\u3000mouth\u3000to\u3000cry\u3000out\uff1b\u3000but\u3000with\u3000one\u3000remorseless\u3000movement\uff1b\u3000Nimor\u3000clapped\u3000a\u3000hand\u3000over\u3000the\u3000fellow’s\u3000face\u3000and\u3000punched\u3000his\u3000dagger\u3000deep\u3000into\u3000the\u3000base\u3000of\u3000the\u3000skull\u3002\u3000The\u3000blade\u3000grated\u3000on\u3000bone\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000Tlabbar\u3000guard\u3000simply\u3000sagged\u3000into\u3000Nimor’s\u3000arms\uff1b\u3000dead\u3000on\u3000his\u3000feet\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Nimor\u3000let\u3000the\u3000nerveless\u3000body\u3000slump\u3000to\u3000the\u3000floor\u3000and\u3000looked\u3000up\u3000at\u3000the\u3000other\u3000sentry\u3000in\u3000the\u3000guard\u3000post\uff1b\u3000a\u3000fellow\u3000in\u3000the\u3000black\u3000robes\u3000of\u3000a\u3000wizard\u3002\u3000The\u3000Tlabbar\u3000mage\u3000glanced\u3000over\u3000at\u3000the\u3000rustle\u3000of\u3000sound\uff1b\u3000just\u3000in\u3000time\u3000to\u3000see\u3000his\u3000watch\u3000mate\u3000fold\u3000up\u3000and\u3000collapse\u3000for\u3000no\u3000apparent\u3000cause\u2026for\u3000Nimor\u3000was\u3000still\u3000invisible\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Zilzmaer\uff1f\u3003\u3000he\u3000said\u3000sharply\u3002\u3000\u3003What\u3000is\u3000it\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000? \n
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\n parent\u3000cause\u2026for\u3000Nimor\u3000was\u3000still\u3000invisible\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Zilzmaer\uff1f\u3003\u3000he\u3000said\u3000sharply\u3002\u3000\u3003What\u3000is\u3000it\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Nimor\u3000bounded\u3000forward\u3000and\u3000rammed\u3000his\u3000bloody\u3000knife\u3000up\u3000under\u3000the\u3000wizard’s\u3000chin\uff1b\u3000nailing\u3000his\u3000jaws\u3000closed\u3000and\u3000transfixing\u3000the\u3000Tlabbar’s\u3000brain\u3002\u3000The\u3000mage\u3000jerked\u3000two\u3000or\u3000three\u3000times\uff1b\u3000violently\uff1b\u3000then\u3000shuddered\u3000and\u3000died\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Shh\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000assassin\u3000hissed\u3002\u3000\u3003It’s\u3000nothing\u3002\u3000Go\u3000to\u3000sleep\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000He\u3000laid\u3000the\u3000wizard\u3000alongside\u3000his\u3000panion\uff1b\u3000and\u3000turned\u3000to\u3000the\u3000dark\u3000archway\u3000leading\u3000into\u3000the\u3000castle\u3000proper\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Knife\u3000in\u3000hand\uff1b\u3000he\u3000stalked\u3000through\u2026only\u3000to\u3000be\u3000halted\u3000by\u3000an\u3000invisible\uff1b\u3000intangible\u3000barrier\u3000that\u3000blocked\u3000the\u3000archway\u3000as\u3000surely\u3000as\u3000a\u3000wall\u3000of\u3000masonry\u3002\u3000Nimor\u3000frowned\uff1b\u3000summoned\u3000up\u3000his\u3000willpower\uff1b\u3000and\u3000tried\u3000the\u3000archway\u3000again\uff1b\u3000only\u3000to\u3000find\u3000his\u3000passage\u3000barred\u3000in\u3000mid\u2026step\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Damnation\uff1b\u3003\u3000he\u3000muttered\u3002\u3000\u3003A\u3000forbidding\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000Tlabbar\u3000castle\uff1b\u3000or\u3000its\u3000interior\u3000anyway\uff1b\u3000was\u3000warded\u3000by\u3000a\u3000great\u3000fixed\u3000spell\u3000that\u3000utterly\u3000prevented\u3000an\u3000enemy\u3000from\u3000setting\u3000foot\u3000within\u3002\u3000Nimor\u3000could\u3000elude\u3000or\u3000undo\u3000some\u3000magical\u3000traps\uff1b\u3000but\u3000the\u3000forbidding\u3000was\u3000simply\u3000beyond\u3000his\u3000ability\u3000to\u3000penetrate\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000That\u3000explains\u3000the\u3000open\u3000door\uff1b\u3000he\u3000thought\u3002\u3000The\u3000Tlabbars\u3000are\u3000confident\u3000in\u3000their\u3000magical\u3000defenses\u3002\u3000Now\u3000what\uff1f
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Nimor\u3000sheathed\u3000his\u3000knife\u3000and\u3000studied\u3000the\u3000archway\u3002\u3000A\u3000spell\u3000of\u3000forbidding\u3000could\u3000be\u3000crafted\u3000to\u3000defend\u3000a\u3000building\u3000or\u3000area\u3000in\u3000one\u3000of\u3000several\u3000ways\uff1b\u3000but\u3000if\u3000the\u3000Tlabbars\u3000wanted\u3000to\u3000move\u3000about\u3000their\u3000own\u3000castle\uff1b\u3000they\u3000would\u3000have\u3000had\u3000to\u3000make\u3000a\u3000forbidding\u3000through\u3000which\u3000one\u3000could\u3000pass\u3000without\u3000too\u3000much\u3000difficulty\u2026perhaps\u3000with\u3000a\u3000token\u3000of\u3000some\u3000kind\uff1b\u3000or\u3000maybe\u3000with\u3000a\u3000password\u3002\u3000Nimor\u3000quickly\u3000searched\u3000the\u3000bodies\u3000of\u3000the\u3000two\u3000Tlabbar\u3000guards\u3000he’d\u3000slain\uff1b\u3000but\u3000found\u3000nothing\u3000that\u3000seemed\u3000like\u3000it\u3000might\u3000serve\u3000as\u3000a\u3000token\u3000to\u3000pass\u3000the\u3000forbidding\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000It\u3000might\u3000be\u3000anything\uff1b\u3000he\u3000thought\u3002\u3000A\u3000cloak\u3000clasp\uff1b\u3000an\u3000enchanted\u3000coin\u3000in\u3000a\u3000purse\uff1b\u3000an\u3000earring\u3000or\u3000a\u3000necklace\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000He\u3000decided\u3000he\u3000didn’t\u3000have\u3000time\u3000to\u3000experiment\u3002\u3000With\u3000one\u3000hand\u3000he\u3000picked\u3000up\u3000the\u3000dead\u3000wizard\u3000and\u3000tucked\u3000the\u3000fellow\u3000under\u3000his\u3000arm\uff1b\u3000then\u3000he\u3000strode\u3000back\u3000to\u3000the\u3000archway\u3000and\u3000steeled\u3000himself\u3000to\u3000step\u3000through\u3002\u3000This\u3000time\uff1b\u3000he\u3000passed\u3000through\u3000without\u3000resistance\uff1b\u3000as\u3000if\u3000the\u3000ward\u3000was\u3000simply\u3000gone\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Something\u3000the\u3000Tlabbar\u3000guards\u3000wear\uff1b\u3000then\uff1b\u3000Nimor\u3000decided\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000He\u3000briefly\u3000considered\u3000shouldering\u3000the\u3000dead\u3000wizard\u3000and\u3000carrying\u3000the\u3000fellow\u3000along\u3000in\u3000case\u3000he\u3000needed\u3000to\u3000pass\u3000another\u3000warding\u3000inside\u3000the\u3000castle\uff1b\u3000but\u3000decided\u3000against\u3000it\u3002\u3000Stealth\u3000and\u3000speed\u3000were\u3000his\u3000best\u3000defenses\uff1b\u3000and\u3000lugging\u3000a\u3000corpse\u3000through\u3000the\u3000castle\u3000was\u3000not\u3000particularly\u3000subtle\u3002\u3000Besides\uff1b\u3000the\u3000Tlabbars\u3000were\u3000not\u3000likely\u3000to\u3000have\u3000two\u3000forbiddings\u3000in\u3000their\u3000palace\uff1b\u3000or\u3000to\u3000use\u3000the\u3000same\u3000key\u3000for\u3000both\u3000if\u3000they\u3000did\u3002\u3000He\u3000unceremoniously\u3000dumped\u3000the\u3000wizard\u3000on\u3000the\u3000other\u3000side\u3000of\u3000the\u3000doorway\uff1b\u3000and\u3000headed\u3000inside\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000archway\u3000opened\u3000into\u3000a\u3000long\uff1b\u3000high\u2026ceilinged\u3000corridor\u3000that\u3000ran\u3000above\u3000one\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Tlabbar\u3000halls\u3002\u3000Doors\u3000made\u3000of\u3000pale\u3000zurkhwood\u3000lined\u3000the\u3000hall\uff1b\u3000opening\u3000into\u3000studies\uff1b\u3000parlors\uff1b\u3000trophy\u3000rooms\uff1b\u3000and\u3000other\u3000such\u3000chambers\u3000if\u3000Nimor’s\u3000old\u3000maps\u3000were\u3000correct\u3002\u3000He\u3000ignored\u3000them\u3000all\u3000and\u3000darted\u3000swiftly\u3000down\u3000the\u3000hall\uff1b\u3000reaching\u3000a\u3000small\u3000staircase\u3000at\u3000the\u3000end\u3000that\u3000descended\u3000to\u3000the\u3000level\u3000below\u3002\u3000Here\u3000he\u3000encountered\u3000a\u3000magical\u3000glyph\u3000barring\u3000passage\u3000on\u3000the\u3000stair\uff1b\u3000but\u3000he\u3000sensed\u3000the\u3000trap\u3000before\u3000stepping\u3000close\u3000enough\u3000to\u3000trigger\u3000it\u3002\u3000He\u3000simply\u3000vaulted\u3000over\u3000the\u3000rail\u3000instead\uff1b\u3000dropping\u3000lightly\u3000to\u3000the\u3000stairs\u3000below\u3002\u3000The\u3000stairs\u3000swept\u3000around\u3000in\u3000a\u3000grand\u3000curve\u3000and\u3000led\u3000him\u3000to\u3000another\u3000gleaming\u3000black\u3000corridor\u3000near\u3000the\u3000center\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Tlabbar\u3000castle\uff1b\u3000leading\u3000to\u3000the\u3000House\u3000shrine\u3002\u3000The\u3000floor\u3000was\u3000polished\u3000black\u3000marble\u3000that\u3000would\u3000have\u3000gleamed\u3000like\u3000a\u3000mirror\u3000had\u3000there\u3000been\u3000any\u3000light\u3000to\u3000see\u3000by\u3002\u3000Not\u3000far\u3000ahead\uff1b\u3000a\u3000pair\u3000of\u3000House\u3000guards\u3000stood\u3000watch\u3000over\u3000a\u3000great\u3000double\u3000door\u3000leading\u3000into\u3000Lolth’s\u3000sanctuary\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Nimor\u3000smiled\u3000invisibly\u3000and\u3000congratulated\u3000himself\u3000on\u3000his\u3000timing\u3002\u3000The\u3000matron\u3000mother\uff1b\u3000and\u3000perhaps\u3000a\u3000daughter\u3000or\u3000two\uff1b\u3000would\u3000be\u3000within\uff1b\u3000performing\u3000some\u3000empty\u3000ritual\u3000to\u3000their\u3000mute\u3000goddess\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Carefully\u3000staying\u3000out\u3000of\u3000sight\uff1b\u3000Nimor\u3000took\u3000one\u3000more\u3000look\u3000around\u3000to\u3000make\u3000sure\u3000no\u3000one\u3000else\u3000was\u3000approaching\u3002\u3000He\u3000studied\u3000the\u3000two\u3000guards\u3000outside\u3000the\u3000door\u3002\u3000They\u3000seemed\u3000no\u3000more\u3000than\u3000young\u3000officers\uff1b\u3000proudly\u3000attired\u3000for\u3000their\u3000exalted\u3000duty\u3000as\u3000guards\u3000to\u3000the\u3000matron\u3000mother\uff1b\u3000but\u3000Nimor\u3000did\u3000not\u3000trust\u3000his\u3000eyes\u3002\u3000The\u3000two\u3000were\u3000more\u3000than\u3000they\u3000seemed\uff1b\u3000he\u3000was\u3000certain\u3000of\u3000it\u3002\u3000He\u3000decided\u3000to\u3000bypass\u3000them\u3000if\u3000he\u3000could\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Who\u3000are\u3000you\uff1f\u3003\u3000she\u3000demanded\u3002\u3000\u3003Who\u3000dares\u3000intrude\u3000on\u3000our\u3000devotions\uff1f\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Beware\uff1b\u3000Matron\uff1b\u3003\u3000a\u3000cold\u3000voice\u3000hissed\u3002\u3000\u3003An\u3000assassin\u3000approaches\u3000you\u3000unseen\u3002\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Ghenni\u3000gasped\u3000once\u3000and\u3000coughed\u3000blood\u3002\u3000She\u3000staggered\u3000back\uff1b\u3000clutching\u3000at\u3000the\u3000blade\u3000in\u3000her\u3000heart\uff1b\u3000and\u3000her\u3000eyes\u3000rolled\u3000up\u3000in\u3000her\u3000head\u3000and\u3000she\u3000toppled\u3000to\u3000the\u3000floor\u3002\u3000Nimor\u3000withdrew\u3000his\u3000rapier\u3000and\u3000whirled\u3000on\u3000the\u3000daughter\u3000on\u3000the\u3000left\uff1b\u3000Sil’zet\uff1b\u3000while\u3000the\u3000demon\u3000took\u3000shape\u3000over\u3000Ghenni’s\u3000body\u3002\u3000It\u3000was\u3000a\u3000skeletal\u3000creature\u3000wrapped\u3000in\u3000green\u3000flames\uff1b\u3000armed\u3000with\u3000a\u3000black\u2026glowing\u3000scimitar\u3000of\u3000pale\u3000bone\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003You\u3000will\u3000not\u3000escape\u3000this\u3000room\u3000with\u3000your\u3000life\uff1b\u3000assassin\uff1b\u3003\u3000Vadalma\u3000cried\u3002\u3000\u3003Guards\uff01\u3000To\u3000me\uff01\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Nimor\u3000heard\u3000the\u3000guards\u3000outside\u3000fumbling\u3000at\u3000the\u3000chapel\u3000door\u3002\u3000He\u3000ducked\u3000and\u3000darted\uff1b\u3000keeping\u3000away\u3000from\u3000the\u3000bone\u3000demon\uff1b\u3000but\u3000unwilling\u3000to\u3000engage\u3000it\u3002\u3000Slaying\u3000a\u3000guardian\u3000demon\u3000was\u3000pointless\uff1b\u3000after\u3000all\u3002\u3000He\u3000had\u3000only\u3000a\u3000few\u3000moments\u3000more\uff1b\u3000and\u3000he\u3000wanted\u3000to\u3000make\u3000the\u3000most\u3000of\u3000them\u3002\u3000The\u3000assassin\u3000took\u3000one\u3000quick\u3000step\u3000and\u3000rolled\u3000beneath\u3000the\u3000demon’s\u3000guard\uff1b\u3000ing\u3000up\u3000beside\u3000Sil’zet\u3000as\u3000she\u3000declaimed\u3000the\u3000words\u3000of\u3000her\u3000scroll\u3002\u3000He\u3000rammed\u3000his\u3000dagger\u3000into\u3000the\u3000small\u3000of\u3000her\u3000back\u3000while\u3000parrying\u3000the\u3000bone\u3000demon’s\u3000scimitar\u3000with\u3000his\u3000own\u3000black\u3000rapier\u3002\u3000Sil’zet\u3000shrieked\u3000in\u3000agony\u3000and\u3000wrenched\u3000away\uff1b\u3000but\u3000Nimor\u3000tripped\u3000her\u3000exper \n
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\n \u3000with\u3000his\u3000own\u3000black\u3000rapier\u3002\u3000Sil’zet\u3000shrieked\u3000in\u3000agony\u3000and\u3000wrenched\u3000away\uff1b\u3000but\u3000Nimor\u3000tripped\u3000her\u3000expertly\u3002\u3000She\u3000sprawled\u3000to\u3000the\u3000ground\u3000and\u3000writhed\u3002\u3000Nimor\u3000followed\u3000her\u3000and\u3000sank\u3000the\u3000point\u3000of\u3000his\u3000rapier\u3000into\u3000the\u3000notch\u3000of\u3000her\u3000collarbone\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000This\u3000time\uff1b\u3000the\u3000demon\u3000made\u3000him\u3000pay\u3000for\u3000ignoring\u3000it\u3002\u3000Screeching\u3000in\u3000rage\uff1b\u3000it\u3000flailed\u3000at\u3000him\u3000with\u3000its\u3000bone\u3000sword\uff1b\u3000cutting\u3000a\u3000long\uff1b\u3000burning\u3000gash\u3000across\u3000his\u3000shoulder\u3000blade\u3000as\u3000he\u3000tried\u3000to\u3000spin\u3000out\u3000of\u3000the\u3000way\u3002\u3000Nimor\u3000gritted\u3000his\u3000teeth\u3000against\u3000the\u3000pain\u3000and\u3000rolled\u3000away\u3000before\u3000the\u3000creature\u3000could\u3000cut\u3000him\u3000in\u3000two\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Vadalma\u3000barked\u3000out\u3000the\u3000mand\u3000word\u3000for\u3000her\u3000mother’s\u3000wand\u3000and\u3000blasted\u3000blindly\u3000with\u3000the\u3000shadow\u3000sphere\u3000in\u3000Nimor’s\u3000direction\uff1b\u3000flaying\u3000the\u3000assassin’s\u3000flesh\u3000with\u3000ebon\u3000tendrils\u3000as\u3000cold\u3000and\u3000as\u3000sharp\u3000as\u3000razors\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000door\u3000guards\u3000burst\u3000in\u3000with\u3000blades\u3000bared\uff1b\u3000their\u3000faces\u3000cold\u3000and\u3000expressionless\u3002\u3000They\u3000closed\u3000with\u3000uncanny\u3000swiftness\uff1b\u3000sword\u3000points\u3000weaving\u3000as\u3000they\u3000groped\u3000closer\u3000to\u3000Nimor\uff1b\u3000following\u3000him\u3000with\u3000quick\u3000jerks\u3000of\u3000their\u3000heads\u3000as\u3000if\u3000the\u3000scuffle\u3000of\u3000his\u3000boots\u3000and\u3000panting\u3000of\u3000his\u3000breath\u3000betrayed\u3000him\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000I’ve\u3000done\u3000what\u3000I\u3000came\u3000for\uff1b\u3000Nimor\u3000decided\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Ghenni\u3000was\u3000dead\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Sil’zet\u3000clearly\u3000dying\u3002\u3000Her\u3000heels\u3000drummed\u3000on\u3000the\u3000marble\u3000floor\u3000as\u3000she\u3000drowned\u3000in\u3000her\u3000own\u3000blood\u3002\u3000He\u3000would\u3000have\u3000liked\u3000to\u3000have\u3000killed\u3000Vadalma\u3000as\u3000well\uff1b\u3000but\u3000the\u3000demon\u3000and\u3000the\u3000door\u3000guards\u2026whatever\u3000they\u3000actually\u3000were\u2026simply\u3000plicated\u3000matters\u3000beyond\u3000practical\u3000resolution\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Fortunate\u3000fellows\uff1b\u3003\u3000he\u3000said\u3000to\u3000the\u3000dead\u3000males\u3000at\u3000his\u3000feet\u3002\u3000\u3003When\u3000the\u3000Tlabbars\u3000determine\u3000that\u3000you\u3000guarded\u3000the\u3000door\u3000through\u3000which\u3000I\u3000came\uff1b\u3000you\u3000will\u3000be\u3000glad\u3000that\u3000you\u3000are\u3000dead\u3002\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000I\u3000can’t\u3000believe\u3000they\u3000haven’t\u3000followed\u3000us\uff1b\u3000Halisstra\u3000remarked\u3000at\u3000the\u3000end\u3000of\u3000the\u3000second\u3000game\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000We\u3000slew\u3000many\u3000of\u3000their\u3000favorite\u3000thralls\uff1b\u3000I\u3000guess\u3002\u3000The\u3000lamias\u3000were\u3000careless\u3000of\u3000the\u3000lives\u3000of\u3000their\u3000slaves\uff1b\u3000and\u3000perhaps\u3000do\u3000not\u3000have\u3000enough\u3000left\u3000to\u3000do\u3000a\u3000proper\u3000job\u3000of\u3000searching\u3000the\u3000city\u3000for\u3000us\u3002\u3000Ryld\u3000smiled\u3000coldly\u3002\u3000For\u3000that\u3000matter\uff1b\u3000we\u3000slew\u3000a\u3000few\u3000lamias\uff1b\u3000too\u3002\u3000Perhaps\u3000they’re\u3000not\u3000very\u3000anxious\u3000to\u3000find\u3000us\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000They\u3000set\u3000off\u3000into\u3000the\u3000unending\u3000night\uff1b\u3000and\u3000had\u3000gone\u3000on\u3000for\u3000some\u3000distance\u3000from\u3000the\u3000vicinity\u3000of\u3000the\u3000old\u3000bridge\u3000when\u3000Halisstra\u3000became\u3000aware\u3000of\u3000the\u3000fact\u3000that\u3000they\u3000were\u3000being\u3000followed\u3002\u3000She\u3000was\u3000not\u3000sure\u3000of\u3000it\uff1b\u3000at\u3000first\u3002\u3000Whatever\u3000trailed\u3000them\u3000was\u3000stealthy\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000deadening\u3000effects\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Shadow\u3000made\u3000her\u3000unsure\u3000if\u3000she\u3000had\u3000really\u3000heard\u3000something\u3000or\u3000not\u3002\u3000It\u3000seemed\u3000to\u3000whisper\u3000and\u3000titter\u3000in\u3000the\u3000darkness\uff1b\u3000a\u3000presence\u3000that\u3000announced\u3000itself\u3000in\u3000a\u3000stirring\u3000of\u3000the\u3000motionless\u3000air\uff1b\u3000the\u3000faint\u3000rush\u3000of\u3000wind\u3000behind\u3000them\u3002\u3000She\u3000turned\u3000and\u3000studied\u3000the\u3000path\uff1b\u3000searching\u3000for\u3000their\u3000pursuer\uff1b\u3000but\u3000she\u3000saw\u3000nothing\u3000save\u3000the\u3000weary\u3000faces\u3000of\u3000her\u3000panions\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000She\u3000narrowed\u3000her\u3000eyes\u3000to\u3000nothing\u3000more\u3000than\u3000bare\u3000slits\uff1b\u3000and\u3000flailed\u3000back\u3000at\u3000the\u3000monster\u3002\u3000The\u3000nightwalker’s\u3000venomous\u3000will\u3000settled\u3000over\u3000her\u3000like\u3000a\u3000blanket\u3000of\u3000madness\uff1b\u3000seeking\u3000to\u3000rend\u3000away\u3000her\u3000reason\uff1b\u3000but\u3000she\u3000endured\u3000the\u3000new\u3000assault\uff1b\u3000lashing\u3000out\u3000again\u3000and\u3000again\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000She\u3000felt\u3000the\u3000thing\u3000abruptly\u3000discorporate\u3000around\u3000her\uff1b\u3000its\u3000body\u3000exploding\u3000into\u3000black\uff1b\u3000stinking\u3000mist\u3000that\u3000dissipated\u3000into\u3000the\u3000shadows\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Still\u3000gagging\u3000on\u3000the\u3000poisonous\u3000black\u3000vapors\u3000the\u3000creature\u3000had\u3000raised\uff1b\u3000Halisstra\u3000stumbled\u3000out\u3000of\u3000the\u3000dark\u3000cloud\u3000and\u3000fell\u3000to\u3000all\u3000fours\uff1b\u3000gasping\u3000for\u3000breath\u3002\u3000Her\u3000chest\u3000burned\u3000as\u3000if\u3000she’d\u3000drunk\u3000molten\u3000sulfur\u3002\u3000When\u3000at\u3000last\u3000she\u3000could\u3000open\u3000her\u3000eyes\u3000and\u3000take\u3000notice\u3000of\u3000her\u3000surroundings\u3000again\uff1b\u3000she\u3000found\u3000that\u3000most\u3000of\u3000the\u3000rest\u3000of\u3000the\u3000party\u3000had\u3000fared\u3000little\u3000better\u3000than\u3000she\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Ryld\u3000slumped\u3000against\u3000a\u3000stone\uff1b\u3000his\u3000greatsword\u3000point\u3000down\u3000before\u3000him\u3002\u3000He\u3000was\u3000leaning\u3000on\u3000the\u3000blade\uff1b\u3000exhausted\u3002\u3000Quenthel\u3000stood\u3000close\u3000by\uff1b\u3000her\u3000hands\u3000on\u3000her\u3000knees\uff1b\u3000coughing\u3000wretchedly\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000wizard\u3000nodded\u3000and\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003Nightwalkers\u3002\u3000They\u3000roam\u3000the\u3000Fringe\u3002\u3000Creatures\u3000of\u3000undead\u3000darkness\uff1b\u3000evil\u3000personified\u3002\u3000As\u3000you\u3000saw\uff1b\u3000they\u3000can\u3000be\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000formidable\u3002\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000think\u3000I\u3000understand\u3000why\u3000you\u3000hesitated\u3000to\u3000volunteer\u3000this\u3000method\u3000of\u3000travel\u3000until\u3000now\uff1b\u3003\u3000she\u3000said\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Despite\u3000his\u3000exhaustion\uff1b\u3000the\u3000wizard\u3000preened\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Careful\uff1b\u3000Quenthel\uff1b\u3003\u3000he\u3000said\u3000in\u3000a\u3000mocking\u3000voice\uff1b\u3000\u3003you\u3000almost\u3000acknowledged\u3000my\u3000usefulness\u3002\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Also\uff1b\u3000I\u3000have\u3000been\u3000considering\u3000how\u3000best\u3000to\u3000find\u3000our\u3000way\u3000from\u3000the\u3000trade\u3000cavern\u3000to\u3000the\u3000holdings\u3000of\u3000House\u3000Jaelre\u3000in\u3000the\u3000Labyrinth\u3002\u3000From\u3000here\u3000our\u3000path\u3000must\u3000traverse\u3000the\u3000dominion\u3000of\u3000Gracklstugh\uff1b\u3000city\u3000of\u3000the\u3000gray\u3000dwarves\u3002\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003We\u3000have\u3000few\u3000other\u3000options\uff1b\u3000Mistress\uff1b\u3003\u3000Valas\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003We\u3000are\u3000northeast\u3000of\u3000the\u3000duergar\u3000realm\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000Labyrinth\u3000lies\u3000several\u3000days\u3000southwest\u3000of\u3000the\u3000 \n
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Why\u3000did\u3000we\u3000bother\u3000to\u3000e\u3000this\u3000way\uff1b\u3000then\uff1f\u3003\u3000Jeggred\u3000muttered\u3002\u3000\u3003We\u3000might\u3000as\u3000well\u3000have\u3000returned\u3000to\u3000Menzoberranzan\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Well\uff1b\u3000for\u3000one\u3000thing\uff1b\u3000Gracklstugh\u3000still\u3000lies\u3000between\u3000us\u3000and\u3000House\u3000Jaelre\uff1b\u3000whether\u3000we’re\u3000in\u3000Mantol\u2026Derith\u3000or\u3000Menzoberranzan\uff1b\u3003\u3000Pharaun\u3000replied\u3002\u3000He\u3000tapped\u3000three\u3000points\u3000on\u3000Valas’s\u3000crudely\u3000sketched\u3000map\u3002\u3000\u3003The\u3000gray\u3000dwarves\u3000must\u3000be\u3000addressed\u3000in\u3000either\u3000scenario\u3002\u3000The\u3000question\u3000is\u3000simply\u3000whether\u3000we\u3000dare\u3000to\u3000pass\u3000through\u3000Gracklstugh\uff1b\u3000or\u3000not\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Could\u3000you\u3000shadow\u3000walk\u3000us\u3000past\u3000the\u3000city\uff1f\u3003\u3000Danifae\u3000asked\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pharaun\u3000grimaced\u3000and\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003I\u3000have\u3000never\u3000traveled\u3000past\u3000Mantol\u2026Derith\u3000in\u3000this\u3000direction\uff1b\u3000and\u3000shadow\u3000walking\u3000is\u3000best\u3000employed\u3000to\u3000reach\u3000a\u3000familiar\u3000destination\u3002\u3000At\u3000any\u3000rate\uff1b\u3000it\u3000wouldn’t\u3000surprise\u3000me\u3000to\u3000find\u3000that\u3000the\u3000duergar\u3000have\u3000defended\u3000their\u3000realm\u3000against\u3000the\u3000passage\u3000of\u3000travelers\u3000on\u3000nearby\u3000planes\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Are\u3000we\u3000certain\u3000that\u3000the\u3000gray\u3000dwarves\u3000would\u3000object\u3000to\u3000our\u3000presence\uff1f\u3003\u3000Ryld\u3000asked\u3002\u3000\u3003Merchants\u3000from\u3000Menzoberranzan\u3000journey\u3000to\u3000Gracklstugh\u3000often\u3000enough\uff1b\u3000and\u3000gray\u3000dwarf\u3000merchants\u3000bring\u3000their\u3000wares\u3000to\u3000Menzoberranzan’s\u3000bazaar\u3002\u3000It’s\u3000possible\u3000that\u3000Gracklstugh\u3000had\u3000nothing\u3000to\u3000do\u3000with\u3000the\u3000duergar\u3000mercenaries\u3000who\u3000attacked\u3000Ched\u3000Nasad\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000have\u3000heard\u3000nothing\u3000that\u3000suggests\u3000to\u3000me\u3000that\u3000we\u3000should\u3000risk\u3000entering\u3000Gracklstugh\uff1b\u3003\u3000Quenthel\u3000said\u3002\u3000She\u3000made\u3000a\u3000curt\u3000gesture\u3000with\u3000her\u3000hand\uff1b\u3000silencing\u3000the\u3000debate\u3002\u3000\u3003I\u3000prefer\u3000not\u3000to\u3000gamble\u3000on\u3000the\u3000hospitality\u3000of\u3000the\u3000gray\u3000dwarves\uff1b\u3000not\u3000after\u3000the\u3000fall\u3000of\u3000Ched\u3000Nasad\u3002\u3000We\u3000will\u3000go\u3000around\u3000the\u3000city\u3000to\u3000the\u3000north\uff1b\u3000and\u3000trust\u3000that\u3000Master\u3000Hune\u3000can\u3000find\u3000us\u3000a\u3000way\u3000through\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Halisstra\u3000glanced\u3000at\u3000Ryld\u3000and\u3000Valas\u3002\u3000The\u3000scout\u3000chewed\u3000on\u3000his\u3000lip\uff1b\u3000worrying\u3000at\u3000the\u3000problem\uff1b\u3000while\u3000the\u3000weapons\u3000master\u3000simply\u3000lowered\u3000his\u3000eyes\u3000in\u3000resignation\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003We\u3000are\u3000only\u3000a\u3000mile\u3000or\u3000two\u3000from\u3000this\u3000cavern\u3000known\u3000as\u3000Mantol\u2026Derith\uff1f\u3003\u3000Halisstra\u3000asked\uff1b\u3000pointing\u3000at\u3000the\u3000sketch\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Yes\uff1b\u3000my\u3000lady\uff1b\u3003\u3000Valas\u3000replied\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003And\u3000regardless\u3000of\u3000which\u3000course\u3000we\u3000choose\uff1b\u3000we\u3000must\u3000pass\u3000through\u3000the\u3000place\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000Bregan\u3000D’aerthe\u3000scout\u3000simply\u3000nodded\u3000again\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Then\u3000perhaps\u3000we\u3000should\u3000see\u3000what\u3000we\u3000can\u3000learn\u3000in\u3000the\u3000trade\u3000cavern\u3000before\u3000we\u3000make\u3000our\u3000decision\uff1b\u3003\u3000Halisstra\u3000offered\u3002\u3000She\u3000could\u3000feel\u3000Quenthel’s\u3000eyes\u3000on\u3000her\uff1b\u3000but\u3000she\u3000did\u3000not\u3000look\u3000at\u3000the\u3000Baenre\u3002\u3000\u3003There\u3000might\u3000be\u3000duergar\u3000merchants\u3000there\u3000who\u3000could\u3000shed\u3000some\u3000light\u3000on\u3000the\u3000question\u3000for\u3000us\u3002\u3000If\u3000not\uff1b\u3000well\uff1b\u3000we’ll\u3000have\u3000to\u3000provision\u3000ourselves\u3000there\u3000anyway\u3000before\u3000striking\u3000out\u3000into\u3000the\u3000wilds\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Underdark\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003A\u3000reasonable\u3000suggestion\uff1b\u3003\u3000Pharaun\u3000remarked\u3002\u3000\u3003There\u3000are\u3000a\u3000dozen\u3000mercenary\u3000panies\u3000based\u3000in\u3000the\u3000City\u3000of\u3000Blades\u3002\u3000Is\u3000it\u3000not\u3000likely\u3000that\u3000the\u3000duergar\u3000we\u3000fought\u3000in\u3000Ched\u3000Nasad\u3000were\u3000hired\u3000by\u3000a\u3000drow\u3000House\uff1b\u3000and\u3000had\u3000no\u3000special\u3000allegiance\u3000to\u3000Gracklstugh\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003They\u3000did\u3000Gracklstugh’s\u3000work\u3000when\u3000they\u3000destroyed\u3000the\u3000city\uff1b\u3003\u3000Quenthel\u3000said\u3000darkly\u3002\u3000She\u3000stood\u3000and\u3000set\u3000her\u3000hands\u3000on\u3000her\u3000hips\uff1b\u3000still\u3000staring\u3000at\u3000the\u3000sketch\u3000on\u3000the\u3000floor\u3002\u3000She\u3000thought\u3000for\u3000a\u3000moment\uff1b\u3000then\u3000angrily\u3000swept\u3000it\u3000out\u3000with\u3000her\u3000foot\u3002\u3000\u3003We\u3000will\u3000see\u3000what\u3000we\u3000learn\u3000in\u3000Mantol\u2026Derith\uff1b\u3000then\u3002\u3000I\u3000suspect\u3000that\u3000time\u3000is\u3000of\u3000the\u3000essence\uff1b\u3000and\u3000if\u3000we\u3000can\u3000avoid\u3000a\u3000detour\u3000of\u3000twenty\u3000or\u3000thirty\u3000days\u3000to\u3000skirt\u3000the\u3000city\uff1b\u3000we\u3000should\u3000do\u3000so\uff1b\u3000but\u3000if\u3000we\u3000hear\u3000anything\u3000to\u3000indicate\u3000that\u3000Gracklstugh\u3000may\u3000be\u3000closed\u3000to\u3000our\u3000kind\uff1b\u3000we\u3000strike\u3000out\u3000into\u3000the\u3000barrens\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Valas\u3000Hune\u3000nodded\u3000and\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003Very\u3000well\uff1b\u3000Mistress\u3002\u3000I\u3000suspect\u3000we\u3000will\u3000be\u3000able\u3000to\u3000arrange\u3000passage\u3000unless\u3000the\u3000duergar\u3000are\u3000openly\u3000at\u3000war\u3000with\u3000Menzoberranzan\u3002\u3000I’ve\u3000dealt\u3000with\u3000the\u3000gray\u3000dwarves\u3000before\uff1b\u3000and\u3000there\u3000is\u3000nothing\u3000they\u3000would\u3000not\u3000sell\u3000for\u3000the\u3000right\u3000price\u3002\u3000I\u3000will\u3000seek\u3000out\u3000a\u3000duergar\u3000guide\u3000in\u3000Mantol\u2026Derith\u3000and\u3000see\u3000what\u3000I\u3000can\u3000learn\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Good\u3000enough\uff1b\u3003\u3000said\u3000Quenthel\u3002\u3000\u3003Take\u3000us\u3000to\u3000the\u3000duergar\uff1b\u3000and\u3000we\u3000will\u2026\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003No\uff1b\u3000Mistress\uff1b\u3000not\u3000’we’\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000scout\u3000said\u3002\u3000He\u3000stood\u3000and\u3000brushed\u3000off\u3000his\u3000hands\u3002\u3000\u3003Most\u3000duergar\u3000have\u3000little\u3000liking\u3000for\u3000drow\u3000under\u3000any\u3000circumstances\uff1b\u3000less\u3000so\u3000for\u3000noble\u2026born\u3000drow\uff1b\u3000and\u3000even\u3000less\u3000for\u3000priestesses\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Spider\u3000Queen\u3002\u3000Your\u3000presence\u3000would\u3000only\u3000plicate\u3000things\u3002\u3000It\u3000might\u3000be\u3000best\u3000if\u3000I\u3000handled\u3000any\u3000negotiations\u3000myself\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Quenthel\u3000frowned\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Jeggred\uff1b\u3000standing\u3000close\u3000behind\u3000her\uff1b\u3000rumbled\uff1b\u3000\u3003I\u3000could\u3000go\u3000along\u3000to\u3000keep\u3000an\u3000eye\u3000on\u3000him\uff1b\u3000Mistress\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pharaun\u3000barked\u3000sharp\u3000laughter\u3000at\u3000the\u3000thought\u3000and\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003If\u3000a\u3000priestess\u3000of\u3000Lolth\u3000makes\u3000a\u3000gray\u3000dwarf\u3000nervous\uff1b\u3000what\u3000do\u3000you\u3000think\u3000he’d\u3000make\u3000of\u3000you\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000draegloth\u3000bridled\uff1b\u3000but\u3000Quenthel\u3000shook\u3000her\u3000head\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003No\uff1b\u3003\u3000she\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003he’s\u3000right\u3002\u3000We\u3000will\u3000find\u3000a\u3000place\u3000to\u3000wait\uff1b\u3000and\u3000perhaps\u3000see\u3000what\u3000news\u3000there\u3000is\u3000to\u3000be\u3000had\uff1b\u3000while\u3000Valas\u3000takes\u3000care\u3000of\u3000the\u3000details\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000They\u3000resumed\u3000their\u3000march\uff1b\u3000and\u3000soon\u3000came\u3000to\u3000Mantol\u2026Derith\u3002\u3000The\u3000place\u3000was\u3000much\u3000smaller\u3000than\u3000Halisstra\u3000expected\uff1b\u3000a\u3000cavern\u3000not\u3000more\u3000than\u3000sixty\u3000or\u3000seventy\u3000feet\u3000in\u3000height\u3000and\u3000perhaps\u3000twice\u3000that\u3000in\u3000width\uff1b\u3000though\u3000it\u3000twisted\u3000and\u3000snaked\u3000for\u3000many\u3000hundreds\u3000of\u3000yards\u3002\u3000She\u3000was\u3000used\u3000to\u3000the\u3000immensity\u3000of\u3000Ched\u3000Nasad’s\u3000great\u3000canyon\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000stories\u3000she’d\u3000heard\u3000of\u3000other\u3000places\u3000of\u3000civilization\u3000underground\u3000usually\u3000involved\u3000tremendous\u3000caverns\u3000miles\u3000across\u3002\u3000Mantol\u2026Derith\u3000would\u3000have\u3000been\u3000nothing\u3000more\u3000than\u3000a\u3000side\u3000cavern\u3000in\u3000a\u3000drow\u3000city\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000It\u3000was\u3000also\u3000much\u3000less\u3000crowded\u3000than\u3000she\u3000would\u3000have\u3000expected\u3002\u3000The\u3000marketplaces\u3000in\u3000her\u3000home\u3000city\u3000had\u3000always\u3000been\u3000busy\u3000places\uff1b\u3000thronged\u3000by\u3000mon\u3000drow\u3000or\u3000the\u3000slaves\u3000of\u3000nobles\u3000engaged\u3000in\u3000their\u3000various\u3000errands\u3002\u3000The\u3000market\u3000of\u3000a\u3000drow\u3000city\u3000usually\u3000hummed\u3000with\u3000industry\uff1b\u3000energy\uff1b\u3000and\u3000activity\uff1b\u3000even\u3000if\u3000those\u3000qualities\u3000were\u3000peculiarly\u3000distorted\u3000to\u3000match\u3000the\u3000aesthetic\u3000tastes\u3000of\u3000drow\u3000society\u3002\u3000Mantol\u2026Derith\u3000was\u3000paratively\u3000silent\u3000and\u3000forbidding\u3002\u3000Here\u3000and\u3000there\u3000throughout\u3000the\u3000caverns\u3000winding\u3000length\uff1b\u3000small\u3000groups\u3000of\u3000merchants\u3000sat\u3000or\u3000squatted\uff1b\u3000their\u3000wares\u3000secured\u3000in\u3000coffers\u3000and\u3000casks\u3000behind\u3000them\u3000instead\u3000of\u3000rolled\u3000out\u3000on\u3000display\u3002\u3000No\u3000one\u3000shouted\uff1b\u3000or\u3000haggled\uff1b\u3000or\u3000laughed\u3002\u3000What\u3000business\u3000transpired\u3000there\u3000seemed\u3000best\u3000conducted\u3000in\u3000whispers\u3000and\u3000shadows\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Creatures\u3000from\u3000many\u3000different\u3000races\u3000gathered\u3000at\u3000Mantol\u2026Derith\u3002\u3000More\u3000than\u3000a\u3000few\u3000drow\u3000merchants\u3000held\u3000various\u3000corners\u3000of\u3000the\u3000cavern\uff1b\u3000most\u3000from\u3000Menzoberranzan\u3000if\u3000Halisstra\u3000read\u3000the\u3000blazons\u3000on\u3000their\u3000goods\u3000correctly\u3002\u3000Mind\u3000flayers\u3000glided\u3000smoothly\u3000from\u3000place\u3000to\u3000place\uff1b\u3000mauve\u3000skin\u3000glistening\u3000damply\uff1b\u3000tentacles\u3000writhing\u3000beneath\u3000their\u3000cephalopod\u3000faces\u3002\u3000A\u3000handful\u3000of\u3000sullen\u3000svirfneblin\u3000huddled\u3000together\u3000in\u3000one\u3000spot\uff1b\u3000eyeing\u3000the\u3000drow\u3000with\u3000unalloyed\u3000resentment\u3002\u3000Of\u3000course\u3000the\u3000duergar\u3000were\u3000present\u3000in\u3000numbers\uff1b\u3000too\u3002\u3000Short\u3000and\u3000broad\u2026shouldered\uff1b\u3000the\u3000gaunt\u3000gray\u3000dwarves\u3000gathered\u3000together\u3000in\u3000secretive\u3000cabals\uff1b\u3000conversing\u3000with\u3000each\u3000softly\u3000in\u3000their\u3000guttural\u3000tongue\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Halisstra\u3000trailed\u3000close\u3000behind\u3000Pharaun\uff1b\u3000studying\u3000each\u3000group\u3000as\u3000they\u3000passed\u3002\u3000She\u3000noticed\u3000that\u3000the\u3000wizard\u3000was\u3000trading\u3000discreet\u3000signs\u3000with\u3000Valas\u3000as\u3000they\u3000wound\u3000deeper\u3000into\u3000the\u3000marketplace\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Not\u3000many\u3000merchants\u3000here\u3000today\uff1b\u3000the\u3000wizard\u3000observed\u3002\u3000Where\u3000are\u3000they\u3000all\uff1f
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Valas\u3000glanced\u3000over\u3000his\u3000shoulder\u3000to\u3000make\u3000sure\u3000Quenthel\u3000wasn’t\u3000looking\uff1b\u3000and\u3000answered\uff1b\u3000Chaos\u3000in\u3000Menzoberranzan\u3000means\u3000few\u3000buyers\u3002\u3000Few\u3000buyers\u3000means\u3000few\u3000sellers\u3002\u3000Anarchy\u3000seems\u3000to\u3000be\u3000bad\u3000for\u3000business\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000scout\u3000turned\u3000to\u3000eye\u3000a\u3000band\u3000of\u3000duergar\u3000nearby\uff1b\u3000and\u3000said\u3000over\u3000his\u3000shoulder\u3000to\u3000the\u3000rest\u3000of\u3000the\u3000pany\uff1b\u3000\u3003Go\u3000on\u3000ahead\u3002\u3000You’ll\u3000find\u3000an\u3000inn\u3000of\u3000sorts\u3000a\u3000little\u3000farther\u3000on\u3002\u3000I\u3000will\u3000meet\u3000you\u3000there\u3000soon\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000He\u3000quietly\u3000approached\u3000the\u3000gray\u3000dwarves\uff1b\u3000making\u3000a\u3000strange\u3000gesture\u3000of\u3000greeting\u3000with\u3000his\u3000hands\u3000folded\u3000before\u3000him\uff1b\u3000and\u3000engaged\u3000the\u3000duergar\u3000merchants\u3000in\u3000whispered\u3000conversation\u3002\u3000The\u3000rest\u3000of\u3000the\u3000party\u3000moved\u3000on\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000They\u3000found\u3000the\u3000\u3003inn\u3003\u3000to\u3000which\u3000the\u3000scout\u3000referred\u3000in\u3000a\u3000dank\u3000warren\u3000of\u3000caves\u3000near\u3000the\u3000southern\u3000end\u3000of\u3000Mantol\u2026Derith\u3002\u3000There\uff1b\u3000a\u3000surly\u3000duergar\u3000woman\u3000terrorized\u3000a\u3000handful\u3000of\u3000goblin\u3000slaves\uff1b\u3000driving\u3000them\u3000mercilessly\u3000from\u3000one\u3000task\u3000to\u3000another\u3002\u3000Several\u3000small\u3000cookfires\u3000smoldered\u3000haphazardly\u3000in\u3000the\u3000area\uff1b\u3000warming\u3000iron\u3000pots\u3000of\u3000thick\u3000stew\u3000tended\u3000by\u3000the\u3000harried\u3000cooks\u3002\u3000Other\u3000slaves\u3000scrambled\u3000to\u3000tap\u3000casks\u3000of\u3000mushroom\u3000ale\u3000or\u3000stolen\u3000surface\u3000lagers\uff1b\u3000serving\u3000silent\u3000customers\u3000who\u3000simply\u3000gathered\u3000around\u3000the\u3000fires\uff1b\u3000sitting\u3000on\u3000flat\u3000boulders\u3000arranged\u3000like\u3000chairs\u3002\u3000Sturdy\u3000doors\u3000of\u3000petrified\u3000mushroom\u3000fiber\u3000or\u3000rusted\u3000iron\u3000plate\u3000sealed\u3000off\u3000crevices\u3000in\u3000the\u3000walls\u3000nearby\u3002\u3000Halisstra\u3000presumed\u3000that\u3000these\u3000led\u3000to\u3000the\u3000guest\u3000rooms\u3000of\u3000the\u3000gray\u3000dwarf’s\u3000inn\u3002\u3000The\u3000chambers\u3000were\u3000most\u3000likely\u3000secure\u3000behind\u3000the\u3000strong\u3000doors\uff1b\u3000but\u3000she\u3000couldn’t\u3000imagine\u3000that\u3000they\u3000were\u3000at\u3000all\u3000fortable\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003How\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000rustic\uff1b\u3003\u3000Halisstra\u3000said\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000She\u3000wondered\u3000for\u3000one\u3000terrible\u3000moment\u3000if\u3000it\u3000would\u3000be\u3000her\u3000fate\u3000to\u3000live\u3000out\u3000the\u3000rest\u3000of\u3000her\u3000expatriate\u3000existence\u3000crouched\u3000in\u3000some\u3000similar\u3000hovel\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003It’s\u3000even\u3000more\u3000charming\u3000than\u3000the\u3000last\u3000time\u3000I\u3000was\u3000here\uff1b\u3003\u3000Pharaun\u3000said\u3000with\u3000a\u3000forced\u3000smile\u3002\u3000\u3003The\u3000dwarf\u3000there\u3000is\u3000Dinnka\u3002\u3000You’ll\u3000find\u3000that\u3000this\u3000nameless\u3000wayside\u3000inn\u3000of\u3000hers\u3000constitutes\u3000the\u3000finest\u3000lodgings\u3000available\u3000in\u3000Mantol\u2026Derith\u3002\u3000You’ll\u3000get\u3000food\uff1b\u3000fire\uff1b\u3000and\u3000shelter\u2026three\u3000things\u3000that\u3000are\u3000hard\u3000to\u3000e\u3000by\u3000in\u3000the\u3000wilds\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Underdark\u2026and\u3000pay\u3000a\u3000small\u3000fortune\u3000for\u3000it\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003It\u3000will\u3000be\u3000better\u3000than\u3000resting\u3000in\u3000a\u3000monster\u2026haunted\u3000surface\u3000ruin\uff1b\u3000I\u3000suppose\uff1b\u3003\u3000Quenthel\u3000said\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000She\u3000led\u3000the\u3000way\u3000as\u3000the\u3000party\u3000approached\u3000one\u3000of\u3000the\u3000cookfires\u3002\u3000A\u3000trio\u3000of\u3000bugbears\u3000occupied\u3000the\u3000seats\u3000there\uff1b\u3000apparently\u3000mercenaries\u3000of\u3000some\u3000skill\uff1b\u3000judging\u3000by\u3000the\u3000quality\u3000of\u3000the\u3000armor\u3000they\u3000wore\u3002\u3000The\u3000hairy\u3000creatures\u3000brooded\u3000over\u3000big\u3000leather\u3000jacks\u3000of\u3000mushroom\u3000ale\uff1b\u3000and\u3000gnawed\u3000at\u3000haunches\u3000of\u3000rothe\u3000meat\u3002\u3000One\u3000by\u3000one\u3000the\u3000hulking\u3000warriors\u3000looked\u3000up\u3000as\u3000the\u3000five\u3000drow\u3000and\u3000 \n
\n \n
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\n nd\u3000gnawed\u3000at\u3000haunches\u3000of\u3000rothe\u3000meat\u3002\u3000One\u3000by\u3000one\u3000the\u3000hulking\u3000warriors\u3000looked\u3000up\u3000as\u3000the\u3000five\u3000drow\u3000and\u3000Jeggred\u3000approached\u3002\u3000Quenthel\u3000folded\u3000her\u3000arms\u3000and\u3000looked\u3000at\u3000the\u3000creatures\u3000with\u3000contempt\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Well\uff1f\u3003\u3000she\u3000said\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000bugbears\u3000growled\uff1b\u3000setting\u3000down\u3000ale\u3000and\u3000meat\u3000as\u3000their\u3000great\u3000fists\u3000dropped\u3000down\u3000to\u3000rest\u3000on\u3000axe\u2026hafts\u3000thrust\u3000through\u3000their\u3000belts\u3002\u3000The\u3000motion\u3000caught\u3000Halisstra’s\u3000eye\u3002\u3000Bugbears\u3000with\u3000any\u3000lick\u3000of\u3000sense\u3000would\u3000have\u3000vacated\u3000their\u3000places\u3000immediately\uff1b\u3000almost\u3000anywhere\u3000in\u3000the\u3000Underdark\u3002\u3000They\u3000might\u3000not\u3000have\u3000been\u3000drow\u3000slaves\u2026clearly\u3000they\u3000weren’t\uff1b\u3000if\u3000they\u3000were\u3000in\u3000Mantol\u2026Derith\u2026but\u3000she’d\u3000ventured\u3000out\u3000into\u3000similar\u3000places\u3000near\u3000Ched\u3000Nasad\u3000enough\u3000times\u3000to\u3000understand\u3000that\u3000creatures\u3000like\u3000bugbears\u3000learned\u3000quickly\u3000to\u3000give\u3000way\u3000to\u3000the\u3000truly\u3000dangerous\u3000denizens\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Lands\u3000Below\uff1b\u3000such\u3000as\u3000noble\u3000dark\u3000elves\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Well\uff1b\u3000what\uff1f\u3003\u3000snarled\u3000the\u3000largest\u3000of\u3000the\u3000three\u3002\u3000\u3003It’ll\u3000take\u3000more’n\u3000a\u3000drow\u3000sneer\u3000t’make\u3000us\u3000give\u3000up\u3000our\u3000seats\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Think\u3000y’can\u3000just\u3000push\u3000us\u3000aroun’\uff1f\u3003\u3000the\u3000second\u3000bugbear\u3000added\u3002\u3000\u3003You\u3000elfies\u3000ain’t\u3000as\u3000scary\u3000as\u3000y’was\uff1b\u3000y’know\u3002\u3000Maybe\u3000yous’ll\u3000have\u3000t’start\u3000showin’\u3000off\u3000why\u3000we’s\u3000oughtta\u3000do\u3000what\u3000y’says\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Quenthel\u3000waited\u3000for\u3000a\u3000moment\uff1b\u3000then\u3000said\u3000one\u3000word\uff1a\u3000\u3003Jeggred\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000draegloth\u3000bounded\u3000forward\u3000and\u3000seized\u3000the\u3000first\u3000bugbear\u3002\u3000With\u3000his\u3000two\u3000smaller\u3000arms\u3000he\u3000clamped\u3000down\u3000over\u3000the\u3000bugbear’s\u3000hands\uff1b\u3000preventing\u3000him\u3000from\u3000drawing\u3000any\u3000of\u3000the\u3000weapons\u3000at\u3000his\u3000side\u3002\u3000He\u3000locked\u3000one\u3000fighting\u3000talon\u3000around\u3000the\u3000creature’s\u3000head\uff1b\u3000holding\u3000him\u3000tightly\uff1b\u3000and\u3000with\u3000his\u3000other\u3000fighting\u3000hand\u3000he\u3000plunged\u3000his\u3000powerful\u3000talons\u3000into\u3000the\u3000bugbear’s\u3000face\u3002\u3000The\u3000mercenary\u3000screamed\u3000something\u3000in\u3000his\u3000uncouth\u3000language\u3000and\u3000struggled\u3000against\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3002\u3000Jeggred\u3000grinned\uff1b\u3000knotted\u3000his\u3000claws\u3000deep\u3000in\u3000the\u3000shrieking\u3000monster’s\u3000head\uff1b\u3000and\u3000yanked\u3000back\u3000hard\uff1b\u3000ripping\u3000off\u3000the\u3000front\u3000of\u3000the\u3000bugbear’s\u3000skull\u3002\u3000Blood\u3000and\u3000brain\u3000matter\u3000splattered\u3000the\u3000bugbears\u3000panions\uff1b\u3000who\u3000scrambled\u3000to\u3000their\u3000feet\uff1b\u3000drawing\u3000swords\u3000and\u3000axes\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Jeggred\u3000lowered\u3000the\u3000twitching\u3000body\u3000a\u3000bit\u3000and\u3000looked\u3000over\u3000it\u3000at\u3000the\u3000other\u3000two\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Next\uff1f\u3003\u3000he\u3000purred\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000two\u3000remaining\u3000bugbears\u3000stumbled\u3000back\uff1b\u3000and\u3000fled\u3000in\u3000abject\u3000terror\u3002\u3000Jeggred\u3000shook\u3000his\u3000white\u2026furred\u3000head\u3000and\u3000tossed\u3000the\u3000corpse\u3000aside\uff1b\u3000taking\u3000a\u3000seat\u3000at\u3000the\u3000fire\u3002\u3000He\u3000helped\u3000himself\u3000to\u3000a\u3000hunk\u3000of\u3000roast\u3000dropped\u3000by\u3000a\u3000bugbear\uff1b\u3000and\u3000raised\u3000one\u3000of\u3000their\u3000jacks\u3000in\u3000another\u3000hand\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Bugbears\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3003\u3000he\u3000muttered\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Hey\uff1b\u3000you\uff01\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000surly\u3000duergar\u3000innkeeper\u2026Dinnka\u2026scuttled\u3000forward\uff1b\u3000anger\u3000plain\u3000on\u3000her\u3000face\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Those\u3000three\u3000hadn’t\u3000settled\u3000their\u3000tab\u3000yet\uff1b\u3003\u3000she\u3000plained\u3002\u3000\u3003Now\u3000how\u3000in\u3000all\u3000the\u3000screaming\u3000hells\u3000am\u3000I\u3000going\u3000to\u3000get\u3000my\u3000gold\u3000from\u3000them\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Ryld\u3000stooped\u3000and\u3000removed\u3000the\u3000bugbear’s\u3000belt\u3000pouch\u3002\u3000He\u3000tossed\u3000it\u3000to\u3000Dinnka\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Settle\u3000up\u3000with\u3000this\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000weapons\u3000master\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003and\u3000start\u3000our\u3000tab\u3000with\u3000what’s\u3000left\u3002\u3000We’ll\u3000want\u3000good\u3000wine\uff1b\u3000and\u3000more\u3000food\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000duergar\u3000woman\u3000caught\u3000the\u3000purse\uff1b\u3000but\u3000she\u3000did\u3000not\u3000move\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000don’t\u3000appreciate\u3000your\u3000scaring\u3000off\u3000paying\u3000customers\uff1b\u3000drow\u3002\u3000Nor\u3000killing\u3000them\uff1b\u3000neither\u3002\u3000Next\u3000time\u3000do\u3000your\u3000murdering\u3000at\u3000home\uff1b\u3000where\u3000it\u3000belongs\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000She\u3000marched\u3000off\uff1b\u3000already\u3000barking\u3000orders\u3000at\u3000the\u3000goblin\u3000slaves\u3000underfoot\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Halisstra\u3000watched\u3000her\u3000go\uff1b\u3000then\u3000she\u3000looked\u3000back\u3000to\u3000the\u3000others\u3000and\u3000flashed\uff1b\u3000That\u3000was\u3000odd\u3002\u3000Did\u3000you\u3000hear\u3000what\u3000the\u3000bugbear\u3000said\uff1f
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003What\u3000he\u3000said\u3000about\u3000the\u3000drow\u3000not\u3000being\u3000as\u3000scary\u3000as\u3000they\u3000used\u3000to\u3000be\uff1f\u3003\u3000Ryld\u3000said\uff1b\u3000then\u3000he\u3000switched\u3000to\u3000sign\u3002\u3000Has\u3000word\u3000of\u3000Ched\u3000Nasad’s\u3000fall\u3000reached\u3000this\u3000place\u3000so\u3000quickly\uff1f\u3000It\u3000was\u3000only\u3000a\u3000couple\u3000of\u3000days\u3000ago\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Mantol\u2026Derith\u3000is\u3000many\u3000days’\u3000travel\u3000from\u3000the\u3000City\u3000of\u3000Shimmering\u3000Webs\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000It’s\u3000possible\u3000that\u3000magical\u3000scrying\u3000or\u3000spells\u3000of\u3000munication\u3000might\u3000have\u3000spread\u3000the\u3000word\u3000already\uff1b\u3000Halisstra\u3000said\u3002\u3000Or\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000perhaps\u3000he\u3000meant\u3000something\u3000else\u3002\u3000Perhaps\u3000something\u3000of\u3000our\u3000unusual\u3000difficulties\u3000is\u3000known\u3000here\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000That\uff1b\u3000thought\u3000Halisstra\uff1b\u3000was\u3000a\u3000very\u3000disturbing\u3000scenario\u3002\u3000Gray\u3000dwarves\u3000and\u3000mind\u3000flayers\u3000were\u3000petent\u3000foes\uff1b\u3000creatures\u3000who\u3000knew\u3000many\u3000secrets\u3000of\u3000sorcery\u3002\u3000If\u3000they\u3000had\u3000discerned\u3000the\u3000drow’s\u3000weakness\uff1b\u3000it\u3000would\u3000not\u3000be\u3000unduly\u3000surprising\uff1b\u3000but\u3000if\u3000mon\u3000bugbear\u3000mercenaries\u3000were\u3000aware\u3000of\u3000matters\u3000in\u3000Ched\u3000Nasad\u3000or\u3000Menzoberranzan\uff1b\u3000it\u3000must\u3000be\u3000widely\u3000known\u3000indeed\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Goblin\u3000slaves\u3000returned\u3000to\u3000their\u3000fire\uff1b\u3000laden\u3000with\u3000somewhat\u3000better\u3000fare\u3000than\u3000the\u3000bugbears\u3000had\u3000enjoyed\uff1b\u3000and\u3000flagons\u3000of\u3000cool\u3000wine\u3000from\u3000some\u3000surface\u3000vineyard\u3002\u3000The\u3000small\u3000slaves\u3000gathered\u3000up\u3000the\u3000hulking\u3000body\u3000of\u3000the\u3000fallen\u3000bugbear\u3000and\u3000dragged\u3000it\u3000off\u3000into\u3000the\u3000darkness\u3002\u3000The\u3000dark\u3000elves\u3000paid\u3000them\u3000scant\u3000attention\u3002\u3000Goblin\u3000slaves\u3000were\u3000so\u3000far\u3000beneath\u3000their\u3000notice\u3000that\u3000they\u3000might\u3000as\u3000well\u3000have\u3000not\u3000existed\u3002\u3000The\u3000party\u3000ate\u3000and\u3000drank\u3000in\u3000silence\uff1b\u3000occupied\u3000with\u3000their\u3000own\u3000thoughts\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000After\u3000a\u3000time\uff1b\u3000Valas\u3000joined\u3000them\uff1b\u3000acpanied\u3000by\u3000another\u3000gray\u3000dwarf\u3002\u3000This\u3000one\u3000was\u3000a\u3000male\uff1b\u3000with\u3000a\u3000short\u3000beard\u3000of\u3000iron\u3000grey\u3000and\u3000not\u3000a\u3000single\u3000hair\u3000on\u3000his\u3000head\u3000above\u3000his\u3000eyebrows\u3002\u3000The\u3000duergar\u3000wore\u3000a\u3000shirt\u3000of\u3000chain\u3000mail\u3000and\u3000carried\u3000a\u3000wicked\u3000hand\u3000axe\u3000at\u3000his\u3000side\u3002\u3000His\u3000visage\u3000was\u3000maimed\u3000by\u3000a\u3000set\u3000of\u3000three\u3000great\u3000furrowed\u3000scars\u3000that\u3000had\u3000taken\u3000off\u3000one\u3000ear\u3000and\u3000twisted\u3000the\u3000right\u3000side\u3000of\u3000his\u3000face\u3000into\u3000a\u3000nightmarish\u3000map\u3000of\u3000old\u3000pain\u3002\u3000He\u3000might\u3000have\u3000been\u3000a\u3000merchant\uff1b\u3000a\u3000mercenary\uff1b\u3000or\u3000a\u3000miner\u2026his\u3000dour\u3000attire\u3000offered\u3000few\u3000hints\u3000as\u3000to\u3000his\u3000trade\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003This\u3000is\u3000Ghevel\u3000Coalhewer\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000scout\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003He\u3000owns\u3000a\u3000boat\u3000moored\u3000nearby\uff1b\u3000on\u3000the\u3000Darklake\u3002\u3000He\u3000will\u3000take\u3000us\u3000to\u3000Gracklstugh\u3000tomorrow\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I’ll\u3000want\u3000me\u3000payment\u3000in\u3000advance\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000gray\u3000dwarf\u3000warned\u3002\u3000\u3003And\u3000I’ll\u3000have\u3000ye\u3000know\u3000I’ve\u3000a\u3000contract\u3000o’\u3000redress\u3000with\u3000me\u3000guild\u3000back\u3000home\u3002\u3000If\u3000ye\u3000think\u3000to\u3000slit\u3000me\u3000throat\u3000and\u3000dump\u3000me\u3000over\u3000the\u3000side\u3000out\u3000on\u3000the\u3000lake\uff1b\u3000ye’ll\u3000be\u3000hunted\u3000down\u3000for\u3000it\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003A\u3000trusting\u3000soul\uff1b\u3003\u3000Pharaun\u3000said\u3000with\u3000a\u3000smile\u3002\u3000\u3003We’ve\u3000no\u3000interest\u3000in\u3000robbing\u3000you\uff1b\u3000Master\u3000Coalhewer\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I’ll\u3000take\u3000me\u3000precautions\uff1b\u3000just\u3000the\u3000same\u3002\u3003\u3000The\u3000duergar\u3000looked\u3000at\u3000Valas\u3000and\u3000asked\uff1b\u3000\u3003Ye\u3000know\u3000where\u3000the\u3000boat\u3000is\u3002\u3000Pay\u3000me\u3000now\uff1b\u3000and\u3000ye\u3000can\u3000meet\u3000me\u3000there\u3000tomorrow\u3000early\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003How\u3000do\u3000we\u3000know\u3000you\u3000won’t\u3000rob\u3000us\uff1b\u3000dwarf\uff1f\u3003\u3000rumbled\u3000Jeggred\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003It’s\u3000usually\u3000bad\u3000business\u3000to\u3000rob\u3000drow\uff1b\u3000not\u3000unless\u3000ye\u3000be\u3000sure\u3000to\u3000get\u3000away\u3000with\u3000it\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000dwarf\u3000replied\u3002\u3000\u3003\u3000’Course\uff1b\u3000that\u3000may\u3000be\u3000changing\uff1b\u3000but\u3000no’\u3000so\u3000fast\u3000that\u3000I’ll\u3000chance\u3000it\u3000today\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Valas\u3000jingled\u3000a\u3000pouch\u3000in\u3000front\u3000of\u3000the\u3000duergar\u3000and\u3000dropped\u3000it\u3000into\u3000his\u3000hand\u3002\u3000The\u3000dwarf\u3000immediately\u3000poured\u3000out\u3000its\u3000contents\u3000into\u3000his\u3000big\uff1b\u3000weathered\u3000palm\uff1b\u3000appraising\u3000the\u3000gemstones\u3000there\u3000before\u3000scooping\u3000them\u3000back\u3000into\u3000the\u3000pouch\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Ye\u3000must\u3000be\u3000in\u3000a\u3000rush\uff1b\u3000or\u3000yer\u3000man\u3000here\u3000might’ve\u3000struck\u3000a\u3000better\u3000bargain\u3002\u3000Ah\uff1b\u3000well\uff1b\u3000ye\u3000drow\u3000don’t\u3000appreciate\u3000a\u3000good\u3000gemstone\uff1b\u3000anyway\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000He\u3000turned\u3000and\u3000stumped\u3000away\u3000into\u3000the\u3000darkness\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003That’s\u3000the\u3000last\u3000you’ll\u3000see\u3000of\u3000him\uff1b\u3003\u3000Jeggred\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003You\u3000should\u3000have\u3000waited\u3000to\u3000pay\u3000him\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003He\u3000insisted\u3000on\u3000it\uff1b\u3003\u3000Valas\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003He\u3000said\u3000something\u3000about\u3000wanting\u3000to\u3000make\u3000sure\u3000we\u3000didn’t\u3000kill\u3000him\u3000to\u3000recover\u3000the\u3000fare\u3002\u3003\u3000The\u3000scout\u3000looked\u3000after\u3000the\u3000duergar\uff1b\u3000and\u3000shrugged\u3002\u3000\u3003I\u3000don’t\u3000think\u3000he\u3000would\u3000cheat\u3000us\u3002\u3000If\u3000he\u3000was\u3000that\u3000kind\u3000of\u3000duergar\uff1b\u3000well\uff1b\u3000he\u3000wouldn’t\u3000last\u3000long\u3000in\u3000Mantol\u2026Derith\u3002\u3000People\u3000here\u3000don’t\u3000take\u3000kindly\u3000to\u3000being\u3000cheated\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003He\u3000can\u3000secure\u3000safe\u3000passage\u3000through\u3000Gracklstugh\uff1f\u3003\u3000Ryld\u3000asked\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Valas\u3000spread\u3000his\u3000hands\u3000and\u3000replied\uff1b\u3000\u3003We’ll\u3000have\u3000to\u3000carry\u3000some\u3000kind\u3000of\u3000documents\u3000or\u3000letters\uff1b\u3000which\u3000Coalhewer\u3000can\u3000arrange\u3000for\u3000us\u3002\u3000I\u3000think\u3000it’s\u3000some\u3000kind\u3000of\u3000mercantile\u3000license\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003We’re\u3000carrying\u3000no\u3000goods\uff1b\u3003\u3000Pharaun\u3000observed\u3000dryly\u3002\u3000\u3003Doesn’t\u3000that\u3000explanation\u3000seem\u3000a\u3000little\u3000thin\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000told\u3000him\u3000that\u3000Lady\u3000Quenthel’s\u3000family\u3000has\u3000business\u3000holdings\u3000in\u3000Eryndlyn\u3000she\u3000wishes\u3000to\u3000check\u3000on\uff1b\u3000and\u3000that\u3000if\u3000she\u3000finds\u3000things\u3000in\u3000order\uff1b\u3000she\u3000might\u3000be\u3000interested\u3000in\u3000negotiating\u3000for\u3000the\u3000services\u3000of\u3000duergar\u3000teamsters\u3000to\u3000transport\u3000her\u3000goods\u3000across\u3000Gracklstugh’s\u3000territory\u3002\u3000I\u3000also\u3000implied\u3000that\u3000Coalhewer\u3000might\u3000do\u3000well\u3000to\u3000make\u3000himself\u3000a\u3000part\u3000of\u3000the\u3000arrangement\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pharaun\u3000didn’t\u3000have\u3000time\u3000to\u3000reply\u3000before\u3000the\u3000cavern\u3000echoed\u3000softly\u3000with\u3000the\u3000stealthy\u3000padding\u3000of\u3000numerous\u3000feet\u3002\u3000The\u3000dark\u3000elves\u3000glanced\u3000up\u3000from\u3000the\u3000fire\u3000to\u3000see\u3000a\u3000large\u3000band\u3000of\u3000bugbear\u3000warriors\u3000approaching\uff1b\u3000led\u3000by\u3000the\u3000two\u3000mercenaries\u3000who\u3000had\u3000fled\u3000a\u3000few\u3000minutes\u3000before\u3002\u3000At\u3000least\u3000a\u3000dozen\u3000of\u3000their\u3000fellows\u3000followed\u3000close\u3000behind\u3000them\uff1b\u3000axes\u3000and\u3000spiked\u3000flails\u3000dangling\u3000from\u3000hairy\u3000paws\uff1b\u3000murder\u3000in\u3000their\u3000eyes\u3002\u3000The\u3000other\u3000patrons\u3000of\u3000Dinnka’s\u3000inn\u3000began\u3000to\u3000slip\u3000away\u3000from\u3000their\u3000places\uff1b\u3000seeking\u3000safer\u3000environs\u3002\u3000The\u3000hulking\u3000humanoids\u3000muttered\u3000and\u3000growled\u3000to\u3000each\u3000other\u3000in\u3000their\u3000own\u3000tongue\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Tell\u3000me\uff1b\u3003\u3000said\u3000Valas\uff1b\u3000\u3003did\u3000someone\u3000happen\u3000to\u3000kill\uff1b\u3000maim\uff1b\u3000or\u3000humiliate\u3000a\u3000bugbear\u3000when\u3000I\u3000was\u3000talking\u3000with\u3000Coalhewer\uff1f\u3003\u3000The\u3000scout\u3000glanced\u3000back\u3000at\u3000the\u3000others\uff1b\u3000and\u3000at\u3000Jeggred\uff1b\u3000who\u3000shrugged\u3002\u3000He\u3000sighed\u3002\u3000\u3003Was\u3000I\u3000unclear\u3000when\u3000I\u3000advised\u3000against\u3000starting\u3000fights\u3000here\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003There\u3000was\u3000a\u3000misunderstanding\u3000over\u3000the\u3000seating\u3000arrangements\uff1b\u3003\u3000Quenthel\u3000explained\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Ryld\u3000stood\uff1b\u3000threw\u3000his\u3000cloak\u3000over\u3000his\u3000shoulder\u3000to\u3000clear\u3000his\u3000arms\u3000for\u3000fighting\uff1b\u3000and\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003Should’ve\u3000guessed\u3000there\u3000might\u3000be\u3000more\u3000of\u3000them\u3000nearby\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Time\u3000to\u3000remind\u3000these\u3000stupid\u3000creatures\u3000of\u3000the\u3000order\u3000of\u3000things\uff1b\u3003\u3000Halisstra\u3000remarked\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Quenthel\u3000stood\u3000and\u3000drew\u3000her\u3000five\u2026headed\u3000whip\uff1b\u3000eyeing\u3000the\u3000approaching\u3000warriors\u3000with\u3000a\u3000wry\u3000smile\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Jeggred\uff1f\u3003\u3000she\u3000said\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000Baenre\u3000stood\u3000on\u3000a\u3000balcony\u3000high\u3000above\u3000Menzoberranzan\uff1b\u3000studying\u3000the\u3000dim\u3000faerielights\u3000of\u3000the\u3000drow\u3000city\u3002\u3000He\u3000had\u3000been\u3000waiting\u3000for\u3000nearly\u3000an\u3000hour\uff1b\u3000and\u3000his\u3000patience\u3000was\u3000almost\u3000exhausted\u3002\u3000Under\u3000most\u3000circumstances\u3000an\u3000hour\u3000here\u3000or\u3000an\u3000hour\u3000there\u3000would\u3000have\u3000meant\u3000nothing\u3000to\u3000a\u3000dark\u3000elf\u3000with\u3000centuries\u3000of\u3000life\u3000behind\u3000him\uff1b\u3000but\u3000this\u3000was\u3000different\u3002\u3000The\u3000archmage\u3000waited\u3000in\u3000fear\uff1b\u3000dreading\u3000the\u3000arrival\u3000of\u3000the\u3000one\u3000who\u3000had\u3000summoned\u3000him\u3000to\u3000this\u3000clandestine\u3000encounter\u3002\u3000It\u3000was\u3000no \n
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Gromph\u3000Baenre\uff1b\u3003\u3000a\u3000voice\uff1b\u3000cold\u3000and\u3000rasping\uff1b\u3000greeted\u3000him\u3002\u3000Before\u3000the\u3000archmage\u3000even\u3000began\u3000to\u3000turn\uff1b\u3000he\u3000felt\u3000the\u3000presence\u3000of\u3000the\u3000other\uff1b\u3000an\u3000icy\u3000chill\u3000that\u3000somehow\u3000managed\u3000to\u3000sink\u3000past\u3000his\u3000defenses\uff1b\u3000the\u3000smell\u3000of\u3000great\u3000and\u3000terrible\u3000magic\u3002\u3000\u3003How\u3000good\u3000of\u3000you\u3000to\u3000accept\u3000my\u3000invitation\u3002\u3000It\u3000has\u3000been\u3000a\u3000long\u3000time\uff1b\u3000has\u3000it\u3000not\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000ancient\u3000sorcerer\u3000Dyrr\u3000approached\u3000from\u3000the\u3000shadows\u3000at\u3000the\u3000back\u3000of\u3000the\u3000balcony\uff1b\u3000leaning\u3000on\u3000his\u3000great\u3000staff\uff1b\u3000his\u3000feet\u3000seeming\u3000not\u3000to\u3000move\u3000at\u3000all\u3000as\u3000he\u3000glided\u3000forward\u3000in\u3000a\u3000rustle\u3000of\u3000robes\u3000no\u3000quicker\u3000than\u3000an\u3000old\u3000man’s\u3000shuffle\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Among\u3000the\u3000ambitious\u3000drow\u3000of\u3000his\u3000own\u3000House\uff1b\u3000it\u3000suited\u3000Dyrr\u3000to\u3000wear\u3000the\u3000shape\u3000of\u3000a\u3000venerable\u3000old\u3000dark\u3000elf\u3000of\u3000fantastic\u3000age\uff1b\u3000but\u3000Gromph’s\u3000arcane\u3000sight\u3000pierced\u3000the\u3000guise\u3000to\u3000the\u3000truth\u3000behind\u3000it\u3002\u3000Dyrr\u3000was\u3000dead\uff1b\u3000dead\u3000these\u3000many\u3000centuries\u3002\u3000Nothing\u3000remained\u3000of\u3000the\u3000ancient\u3000mage\u3000but\u3000dusty\u3000bones\u3000clothed\u3000in\u3000tattered\u3000shreds\u3000of\u3000mummified\u3000flesh\u3002\u3000His\u3000hands\u3000were\u3000the\u3000claws\u3000of\u3000a\u3000skeleton\uff1b\u3000his\u3000robes\u3000were\u3000faded\u3000and\u3000threadbare\uff1b\u3000and\u3000his\u3000face\u3000was\u3000a\u3000hideous\u3000grinning\u3000skull\uff1b\u3000the\u3000black\u3000eye\u3000sockets\u3000alight\u3000with\u3000the\u3000bright\u3000green\u3000flame\u3000of\u3000his\u3000powerful\u3000spirit\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000see\u3000that\u3000my\u3000poor\u3000guise\u3000does\u3000not\u3000deceive\u3000you\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000lich\u3000rasped\u3002\u3000\u3003In\u3000truth\uff1b\u3000I\u3000would\u3000have\u3000been\u3000disappointed\u3000if\u3000you\u3000were\u3000so\u3000easily\u3000beguiled\uff1b\u3000Archmage\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Lord\u3000Dyrr\uff1b\u3003\u3000said\u3000Gromph\uff1b\u3000a\u3000cautious\u3000greeting\u3002\u3000He\u3000inclined\u3000his\u3000head\u3000without\u3000taking\u3000his\u3000eyes\u3000off\u3000the\u3000lichdrow\u3002\u3000\u3003In\u3000truth\uff1b\u3000I\u3000am\u3000surprised\u3000to\u3000find\u3000that\u3000you\u3000are\u3000still\u3000among\u3000us\u3002\u3000I\u3000have\u3000heard\u3000whispers\u3000that\u3000you\u3000still\u3000lived\u2026er\uff1b\u3000so\u3000to\u3000speak\u2026secluded\u3000in\u3000your\u3000house\u3002\u3000I\u3000thought\u3000from\u3000time\u3000to\u3000time\u3000that\u3000I\u3000detected\u3000an\u3000old\u3000and\u3000canny\u3000hand\u3000guiding\u3000the\u3000affairs\u3000of\u3000Agrach\u3000Dyrr\uff1b\u3000but\u3000I\u3000have\u3000not\u3000met\u3000anyone\u3000who\u3000claims\u3000to\u3000have\u3000seen\u3000you\u3000in\u3000almost\u3000two\u3000hundred\u3000years\uff1b\u3000and\u3000it’s\u3000been\u3000almost\u3000twice\u3000that\u3000since\u3000last\u3000we\u3000spoke\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000value\u3000my\u3000privacy\uff1b\u3000and\u3000encourage\u3000my\u3000descendants\u3000to\u3000value\u3000my\u3000privacy\u3000as\u3000well\u3002\u3000It’s\u3000best\u3000for\u3000all\u3000involved\u3000if\u3000my\u3000hand\u3000remains\u3000hidden\u3002\u3000We\u3000wouldn’t\u3000want\u3000to\u3000make\u3000the\u3000matron\u3000mothers\u3000nervous\u3000now\uff1b\u3000would\u3000we\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Indeed\u3002\u3000In\u3000my\u3000experience\u3000they\u3000react\u3000poorly\u3000to\u3000surprises\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000lich\u3000laughed\uff1b\u3000a\u3000horrible\u3000sound\u3000that\u3000chilled\u3000the\u3000blood\u3002\u3000He\u3000moved\u3000closer\uff1b\u3000gliding\u3000forward\u3000to\u3000stand\u3000by\u3000Gromph’s\u3000side\u3000and\u3000look\u3000out\u3000over\u3000the\u3000city\u3002\u3000The\u3000archmage\u3000found\u3000himself\u3000more\u3000than\u3000a\u3000little\u3000unsettled\u3000by\u3000the\u3000unnatural\u3000presence\u3000of\u3000the\u3000undead\u3000creature\u2026again\uff1b\u3000a\u3000sensation\u3000he\u3000did\u3000not\u3000experience\u3000often\u3000at\u3000all\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000What\u3000secrets\u3000does\u3000this\u3000walking\u3000ghost\u3000hold\u3000in\u3000its\u3000empty\u3000skull\uff1f\u3000Gromph\u3000wondered\u3002\u3000What\u3000does\u3000he\u3000know\u3000about\u3000this\u3000city\u3000that\u3000no\u3000one\u3000else\u3000remembers\uff1f\u3000What\u3000lonely\u3000and\u3000terrible\u3000heights\u3000of\u3000lore\u3000has\u3000he\u3000scaled\u3000alone\u3000in\u3000the\u3000dreary\u3000centuries\u3000of\u3000his\u3000deathless\u3000existence\uff1f
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000questions\u3000troubled\u3000Gromph\uff1b\u3000but\u3000he\u3000decided\u3000to\u3000put\u3000such\u3000speculation\u3000behind\u3000him\u3000for\u3000the\u3000moment\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Well\uff1b\u3000Lord\u3000Dyrr\uff1b\u3000you\u3000requested\u3000this\u3000meeting\u3002\u3000What\u3000shall\u3000we\u3000talk\u3000about\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003You\u3000were\u3000always\u3000admirably\u3000direct\uff1b\u3000young\u3000Baenre\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000lich\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003It’s\u3000a\u3000refreshing\u3000quality\u3000among\u3000our\u3000kind\u3002\u3000To\u3000get\u3000swiftly\u3000to\u3000the\u3000point\uff1b\u3000what\u3000do\u3000you\u3000think\u3000of\u3000the\u3000recent\u3000difficulties\u3000that\u3000have\u3000beset\u3000our\u3000fair\u3000city\uff1f\u3000More\u3000specifically\uff1b\u3000what\u3000do\u3000you\u3000think\u3000should\u3000be\u3000done\u3000about\u3000the\u3000powerlessness\u3000that\u3000has\u3000descended\u3000upon\u3000our\u3000ruling\u3000caste\u3000of\u3000priestesses\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003What\u3000should\u3000be\u3000done\uff1f\u3003\u3000Gromph\u3000replied\u3002\u3000\u3003That’s\u3000hard\u3000to\u3000say\uff1b\u3000when\u3000the\u3000question\u3000would\u3000seem\u3000to\u3000be\u3000what\u3000can\u3000be\u3000done\uff1f\u3000It\u3000is\u3000hardly\u3000within\u3000my\u3000power\u3000to\u3000entreat\u3000the\u3000Queen\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Demonweb\u3000Pits\u3000to\u3000restore\u3000her\u3000favor\u3000to\u3000her\u3000priestesses\u3002\u3000Lolth\u3000will\u3000do\u3000as\u3000she\u3000will\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003As\u3000ever\u3002\u3000I\u3000do\u3000not\u3000mean\u3000to\u3000imply\u3000that\u3000you\u3000could\u3000do\u3000otherwise\u3002\u3003\u3000The\u3000lich\u3000paused\uff1b\u3000the\u3000green\u3000fire\u3000of\u3000its\u3000gaze\u3000locked\u3000on\u3000the\u3000archmage\u3002\u3000\u3003What\u3000do\u3000you\u3000see\u3000when\u3000you\u3000look\u3000out\u3000over\u3000Menzoberranzan\u3000today\uff1b\u3000Gromph\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Disorder\u3002\u3000Peril\u3002\u3000Denial\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003And\uff1b\u3000perhaps\uff1b\u3000opportunity\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000hesitated\u3000a\u3000moment\uff1b\u3000then\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003Yes\uff1b\u3000of\u3000course\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003You\u3000hesitated\u3002\u3000You\u3000do\u3000not\u3000agree\u3000with\u3000me\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003No\uff1b\u3000it\u3000is\u3000not\u3000that\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000archmage\u3000frowned\uff1b\u3000and\u3000chose\u3000his\u3000words\u3000with\u3000care\u3002\u3000He\u3000did\u3000not\u3000wish\u3000to\u3000give\u3000offense\u3000to\u3000the\u3000powerful\u3000apparition\u3002\u3000Dyrr\u3000seemed\u3000civil\u3000enough\uff1b\u3000but\u3000the\u3000mind\u3000did\u3000not\u3000always\u3000stand\u3000up\u3000well\u3000to\u3000ages\u3000of\u3000undeath\u3002\u3000He\u3000had\u3000to\u3000assume\u3000that\u3000there\u3000was\u3000nothing\u3000the\u3000lich\u3000was\u3000not\u3000capable\u3000of\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Lord\u3000Dyrr\uff1b\u3003\u3000he\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003surely\u3000you\u3000have\u3000observed\u3000that\u3000there\u3000is\u3000no\u3000end\u3000to\u3000the\u3000wiles\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Spider\u3000Queen\u3002\u3000The\u3000only\u3000certainty\u3000of\u3000our\u3000existence\u3000is\u3000that\u3000Lolth\u3000is\u3000a\u3000capricious\u3000and\u3000demanding\u3000deity\uff1b\u3000a\u3000goddess\u3000who\u3000delights\u3000in\u3000teaching\u3000very\u3000harsh\u3000lessons\u3000indeed\u3002\u3000What\u3000if\u3000her\u3000silence\u3000is\u3000a\u3000ruse\u3000to\u3000test\u3000her\u3000faithful\uff1f\u3000Isn’t\u3000it\u3000likely\uff1b\u3000even\u3000probable\uff1b\u3000that\u3000Lolth\u3000withholds\u3000her\u3000favor\u3000from\u3000her\u3000priestesses\u3000to\u3000see\u3000how\u3000they\u3000respond\uff1f\u3000Or\u2026worse\u3000yet\u2026to\u3000see\u3000whether\u3000the\u3000enemies\u3000of\u3000her\u3000clerics\u3000might\u3000be\u3000emboldened\u3000to\u3000creep\u3000out\u3000from\u3000the\u3000shadows\u3000and\u3000assault\u3000her\u3000minions\u3000directly\uff1f\u3000If\u3000that\u3000is\u3000the\u3000case\uff1b\u3000what\u3000then\u3000bees\u3000of\u3000anyone\u3000foolish\u3000enough\u3000to\u3000defy\u3000the\u3000Queen\u3000of\u3000Spiders\u3000when\u3000she\u3000tires\u3000of\u3000her\u3000test\u3000and\u3000restores\u3000her\u3000full\u3000favor\u3000to\u3000her\u3000priestesses\uff1b\u3000just\u3000as\u3000abruptly\u3000as\u3000she\u3000withdrew\u3000it\uff1f\u3000I\u3000would\u3000not\u3000care\u3000to\u3000be\u3000caught\u3000out\u3000by\u3000such\u3000a\u3000ploy\u3002\u3000Not\u3000at\u3000all\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Your\u3000logic\u3000is\u3000sound\u3000enough\uff1b\u3000though\u3000I\u3000think\u3000you\u3000have\u3000perhaps\u3000allowed\u3000the\u3000habit\u3000of\u3000caution\u3000to\u3000hobble\u3000your\u3000thoughts\uff1b\u3003\u3000Dyrr\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003I\u3000could\u3000almost\u3000agree\u3000with\u3000you\uff1b\u3000dear\u3000boy\uff1b\u3000except\u3000for\u3000this\u3000one\u3000fact\u3002\u3000In\u3000the\u3000more\u3000than\u3000two\u3000thousand\u3000years\u3000that\u3000I\u3000have\u3000walked\u3000this\u3000world\uff1b\u3000I\u3000have\u3000never\u3000seen\u3000this\u3000happen\u3000before\u3002\u3000Oh\uff1b\u3000I\u3000can\u3000recall\u3000several\u3000occasions\u3000when\u3000Lolth\u3000denied\u3000her\u3000clerics\u3000spells\u3000for\u3000a\u3000few\u3000days\uff1b\u3000and\u3000many\u3000instances\u3000in\u3000which\u3000she\u3000arbitrarily\u3000decided\u3000to\u3000stop\u3000favoring\u3000this\u3000priestess\u3000or\u3000that\u3000House\u3000all\u3000together\uff1b\u3000casting\u3000them\u3000down\u3000to\u3000their\u3000enemies\uff1b\u3000but\u3000never\u3000has\u3000she\u3000abandoned\u3000our\u3000entire\u3000race\u3000for\u3000month\u3000after\u3000month\u3002\u3003\u3000The\u3000lich\u3000glanced\u3000up\u3000in\u3000a\u3000reflective\u3000manner\u3002\u3000\u3003It\u3000seems\u3000a\u3000poor\u3000way\u3000to\u3000treat\u3000one’s\u3000worshipers\u3002\u3000Should\u3000I\u3000ever\u3000attain\u3000godhood\uff1b\u3000I\u3000think\u3000I\u3000will\u3000try\u3000to\u3000do\u3000a\u3000better\u3000job\u3000of\u3000it\u3002\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Coalhewer’s\u3000boat\u3000was\u3000less\u3000than\u3000forting\u3000itself\u3002\u3000It\u3000was\u3000an\u3000asymmetrical\u3000vessel\u3000made\u3000mostly\u3000of\u3000planks\u3000sawn\u3000from\u3000the\u3000woody\u3000stems\u3000of\u3000a\u3000particular\u3000type\u3000of\u3000gigantic\u3000Underdark\u3000mushroom\uff1b\u3000and\u3000treated\u3000with\u3000lacquers\u3000for\u3000strength\u3000and\u3000rigidity\u3002\u3000The\u3000zurkhwood\u3000formed\u3000a\u3000broad\u3000platform\uff1b\u3000which\u3000floated\u3000on\u3000a\u3000cluster\u3000of\u3000soft\u3000air\u3000bladders\u3000taken\u3000from\u3000some\u3000aquatic\u3000species\u3000of\u3000giant\u3000fungus\u3002\u3000The\u3000whole\u3000thing\u3000was\u3000riveted\u3000together\u3000with\u3000the\u3000excellent\u3000metalwork\u3000of\u3000the\u3000gray\u3000dwarves\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Perhaps\u3000it\u3000might\u3000be\u3000wise\u3000to\u3000consider\u3000exactly\u3000how\u3000we\u3000can\u3000make\u3000ourselves\u3000indispensable\u3000to\u3000the\u3000Menzoberranyr\uff1b\u3000she\u3000motioned\u3002\u3000The\u3000hour\u3000will\u3000e\u3000when\u3000we\u3000will\u3000no\u3000longer\u3000wish\u3000to\u3000rely\u3000on\u3000Quenthel\u3000Baenre’s\u3000benevolence\uff1b\u3000such\u3000as\u3000it\u3000is\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000I\u3000would\u3000not\u3000survive\uff1b\u3000Danifae\u3000finished\u3000for\u3000her\u3002\u3000I\u3000understand\u3000the\u3000conditions\u3000of\u3000my\u3000captivity\u3000quite\u3000well\uff1b\u3000Mistress\u3000Melarn\u3002\u3000Still\uff1b\u3000 \n
\n \n
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\n
\n \u3000\u3000\u3000I\u3000would\u3000not\u3000survive\uff1b\u3000Danifae\u3000finished\u3000for\u3000her\u3002\u3000I\u3000understand\u3000the\u3000conditions\u3000of\u3000my\u3000captivity\u3000quite\u3000well\uff1b\u3000Mistress\u3000Melarn\u3002\u3000Still\uff1b\u3000inaction\u3000in\u3000the\u3000face\u3000of\u3000our\u3000danger\u3000is\u3000every\u3000bit\u3000as\u3000risky\u3000as\u3000what\u3000I\u3000am\u3000about\u3000to\u3000propose\u3002\u3000Hear\u3000me\u3000out\uff1b\u3000and\u3000you\u3000can\u3000decide\u3000what\u3000you\u3000wish\u3000me\u3000to\u3000do\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Halisstra\u3000measured\u3000the\u3000girl\uff1b\u3000studying\u3000her\u3000perfect\u3000features\uff1b\u3000her\u3000alluring\u3000figure\u3002\u3000She\u3000thought\u3000of\u3000the\u3000conversation\u3000between\u3000Quenthel\u3000and\u3000Danifae\u3000she\u3000had\u3000overheard\u3000in\u3000the\u3000catabs\u3000of\u3000Hlaungadath\u3002\u3000She\u3000could\u3000put\u3000a\u3000halt\u3000to\u3000Danifae’s\u3000scheming\u3000with\u3000a\u3000word\uff1b\u3000of\u3000course\u3002\u3000She\u3000could\u3000even\u3000pel\u3000it\u3000through\u3000the\u3000magic\u3000of\u3000the\u3000locket\u2026but\u3000then\u3000she\u3000wouldn’t\u3000know\u3000what\u3000Danifae\u3000plotted\uff1b\u3000would\u3000she\uff1f
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Very\u3000well\uff1b\u3003\u3000she\u3000said\u3002\u3000Tell\u3000me\u3000what\u3000you\u3000have\u3000in\u3000mind\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gracklstugh\uff1b\u3000like\u3000Menzoberranzan\uff1b\u3000was\u3000a\u3000cavern\u3000city\u3002\u3000Unlike\u3000the\u3000realm\u3000of\u3000the\u3000dark\u3000elves\uff1b\u3000the\u3000stalagmites\u3000harbored\u3000great\u3000stinking\u3000smelters\u3000and\u3000foundries\uff1b\u3000not\u3000the\u3000elegant\u3000castles\u3000of\u3000noble\u3000families\u3002\u3000The\u3000air\u3000had\u3000an\u3000acrid\u3000reek\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000clamor\u3000of\u3000industry\u3000rang\u3000endlessly\u3000throughout\u3000the\u3000cavern\u2026the\u3000roaring\u3000of\u3000fires\uff1b\u3000the\u3000metallic\u3000ringing\u3000of\u3000iron\u3000on\u3000iron\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000rush\u3000of\u3000polluted\u3000streams\u3000carrying\u3000away\u3000the\u3000wastes\u3000of\u3000the\u3000duergar\u3000forges\u3002\u3000Unlike\u3000Menzoberranzan\uff1b\u3000lightless\u3000except\u3000for\u3000the\u3000delicate\u3000faerie\u3000fire\u3000applied\u3000to\u3000decorate\u3000drow\u3000palaces\uff1b\u3000Gracklstugh\u3000glowed\u3000with\u3000reflected\u3000firelight\u3000and\u3000the\u3000occasional\u3000harsh\u3000glare\u3000of\u3000white\u2026hot\u3000metal\u3000splashing\u3000into\u3000molds\u3002\u3000It\u3000was\u3000a\u3000singularly\u3000unlovely\u3000place\uff1b\u3000an\u3000affront\u3000to\u3000any\u3000highborn\u3000drow\u3002\u3000Halisstra\u3000thought\u3000the\u3000place\u3000seemed\u3000like\u3000nothing\u3000less\u3000than\u3000the\u3000Hells’\u3000own\u3000foundry\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000At\u3000its\u3000eastern\u3000end\uff1b\u3000the\u3000great\u3000cavern\u3000of\u3000the\u3000city\u3000sloped\u3000down\u3000sharply\u3000to\u3000join\u3000the\u3000immense\u3000gulf\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Darklake\uff1b\u3000so\u3000that\u3000Gracklstugh\u3000was\u3000a\u3000subterranean\u3000port\u2026though\u3000few\u3000among\u3000the\u3000Underdark\u3000races\u3000used\u3000waterways\u3000such\u3000as\u3000the\u3000Darklake\u3000in\u3000their\u3000merce\u3002\u3000Consequently\u3000the\u3000wharves\u3000and\u3000lakeside\u3000warehouses\u3000of\u3000the\u3000duergar\u3000city\u3000constituted\u3000one\u3000of\u3000its\u3000poorest\u3000and\u3000most\u3000dangerous\u3000districts\u3002\u3000Coalhewer\u3000moored\u3000his\u3000macabre\u3000vessel\u3000at\u3000the\u3000end\u3000of\u3000a\u3000crumbling\u3000stone\u3000quay\u3000occupied\u3000by\u3000a\u3000handful\u3000of\u3000ships\u3000of\u3000the\u3000same\u3000general\u3000design\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Get\u3000yer\u3000things\u3000and\u3000step\u3000lively\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000dwarf\u3000snapped\u3002\u3000\u3003The\u3000less\u3000ye’re\u3000seen\u3000t’be\u3000about\u3000the\u3000streets\uff1b\u3000the\u3000better\u3002\u3000Spider\u2026kissers\u3000in\u3000the\u3000City\u3000of\u3000Blades\u3000be\u3000well\u2026advised\u3000to\u3000step\u3000soft\u3000and\u3000quick\uff1b\u3000if\u3000ye\u3000take\u3000my\u3000meaning\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Valas\u3000shot\u3000the\u3000others\u3000a\u3000quick\u3000look\u3000and\u3000signed\uff1b\u3000No\u3000killing\uff01\u3000It\u3000will\u3000not\u3000be\u3000tolerated\u3000here\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000will\u3000simply\u3000while\u3000away\u3000the\u3000hours\u3000considering\u3000how\u3000I\u3000might\u3000kill\u3000you\uff1b\u3000wizard\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3000rumbled\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Good\uff1b\u3000thought\u3000Halisstra\u3002\u3000Let\u3000her\u3000wonder\u3000what\u3000hold\u3000I\u3000have\u3000over\u3000Danifae\u3000that\u3000I\u3000feel\u3000confident\u3000arming\u3000her\u3002\u3000A\u3000little\u3000uncertainty\u3000might\u3000improve\u3000her\u3000assessment\u3000of\u3000our\u3000usefulness\u3002
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\n \n
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\n me\u3000great\u3000pale\u3000fish\uff1b\u3000and\u3000black\u3000mithral\u3000mail\u3000of\u3000drow\u2026make\u3002\u3000Two\u3000well\u2026armed\u3000duergar\u3000busied\u3000themselves\u3000with\u3000assembling\u3000a\u3000suit\u3000of\u3000half\u2026plate\u3000armor\u3000at\u3000a\u3000workbench\u3000to\u3000one\u3000side\u3000of\u3000the\u3000door\u3002\u3000They\u3000fixed\u3000suspicious\u3000stares\u3000on\u3000Halisstra\u3000and\u3000Danifae\u3000when\u3000the\u3000dark\u3000elves\u3000walked\u3000in\uff1b\u3000and\u3000kept\u3000a\u3000wary\u3000eye\u3000on\u3000them\u3000as\u3000the\u3000priestess\u3000and\u3000her\u3000handmaid\u3000examined\u3000the\u3000merchandise\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Mistress\u3000Melarn\uff1b\u3003\u3000Danifae\u3000called\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003What\u3000can\u3000you\u3000tell\u3000us\u3000of\u3000these\u3000drow\u3000arms\uff1f\u3003\u3000she\u3000asked\u3000of\u3000the\u3000shopkeepers\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003They’re\u3000enchanted\uff1b\u3003\u3000said\u3000the\u3000other\u3000dwarf\u3002\u3000\u3003Won’t\u3000be\u3000cheap\u3002\u3000Not\u3000at\u3000all\u3000cheap\u3002\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Do\u3000we\u3000have\u3000a\u3000deal\uff1f\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Danifae\uff1b\u3000have\u3000another\u3000look\u3000at\u3000the\u3000mail\uff1b\u3003\u3000she\u3000said\u3000over\u3000her\u3000shoulder\u3002\u3000\u3003Make\u3000sure\u3000it’s\u3000what\u3000you\u3000want\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Danifae\u3000read\u3000her\u3000intent\u3000perfectly\u3002\u3000The\u3000girl\u3000picked\u3000up\u3000the\u3000morningstar\u3000and\u3000hefted\u3000it\u3000in\u3000her\u3000hand\uff1b\u3000feeling\u3000out\u3000its\u3000balance\u3002\u3000As\u3000Halisstra\u3000had\u3000hoped\uff1b\u3000the\u3000second\u3000dwarf\u3000became\u3000nervous\uff1b\u3000watching\u3000a\u3000dark\u3000elf\u3000handle\u3000merchandise\u3000so\u3000valuable\u3002\u3000He\u3000set\u3000down\u3000his\u3000work\u3000and\u3000moved\u3000over\u3000to\u3000keep\u3000a\u3000closer\u3000eye\u3000on\u3000her\uff1b\u3000making\u3000sure\u3000he\u3000stood\u3000between\u3000Danifae\u3000and\u3000the\u3000door\u3002\u3000Danifae\u3000immediately\u3000began\u3000to\u3000offer\u3000a\u3000variety\u3000of\u3000ments\u3000about\u3000the\u3000arms\uff1b\u3000admiring\u3000the\u3000mail\uff1b\u3000questioning\u3000the\u3000strength\u3000of\u3000the\u3000enchantments\uff1b\u3000and\u3000generally\u3000engaging\u3000the\u3000fellow\u3000in\u3000conversation\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003It’ll\u3000take\u3000five\u3000times\u3000that\u3000weight\u3000of\u3000gemstones\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000duergar\u3000at\u3000the\u3000counter\u3000told\u3000Halisstra\u3002\u3000\u3003And\u3000they’ll\u3000have\u3000to\u3000be\u3000good\u3000stones\uff1b\u3000too\u3002\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000He\u3000stepped\u3000forward\u3000toward\u3000the\u3000wall\uff1b\u3000and\u3000vanished\u3000into\u3000the\u3000Shadow\u3000Fringe\u3002\u3000His\u3000destination\u3000lay\u3000not\u3000much\u3000more\u3000than\u3000a\u3000hundred\u3000miles\u3000from\u3000Menzoberranzan\u3002\u3000He’d\u3000made\u3000the\u3000trip\u3000several\u3000times\u3000before\uff1b\u3000and\u3000it\u3000rarely\u3000took\u3000more\u3000than\u3000an\u3000hour\u3002\u3000No\u3000son\u3000of\u3000Chaulssin\u3000had\u3000much\u3000to\u3000fear\u3000walking\u3000among\u3000the\u3000shadows\uff1b\u3000so\u3000Nimor\u3000occupied\u3000himself\u3000during\u3000his\u3000journey\u3000by\u3000weighing\u3000the\u3000value\u3000of\u3000his\u3000alliance\u3000with\u3000Agrach\u3000Dyrr\uff1b\u3000and\u3000wondering\u3000whether\u3000the\u3000ancient\u3000sorcerer\u3000who\u3000secretly\u3000ruled\u3000the\u3000House\u3000could\u3000be\u3000trusted\u3000to\u3000do\u3000as\u3000he\u3000said\u3000he\u3000would\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000She\u3000made\u3000the\u3000courtesy\u3000sound\u3000like\u3000an\u3000order\u3002
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\n \n
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\n k\u3000elf\u3000had\u3000fought\u3000more\u3000than\u3000one\u3000vicious\u3000war\u3000for\u3000control\u3000of\u3000the\u3000hundred\u2026odd\u3000miles\u3000of\u3000cavern\u3000and\u3000chasm\u3000that\u3000lay\u3000between\u3000the\u3000two\u3000cities\u3002\u3000The\u3000fact\u3000that\u3000no\u3000such\u3000war\u3000had\u3000been\u3000fought\u3000in\u3000a\u3000century\u3000or\u3000more\u3000simply\u3000indicated\u3000that\u3000both\u3000races\u3000had\u3000e\u3000to\u3000hold\u3000a\u3000grudging\u3000respect\u3000for\u3000their\u3000enemy’s\u3000strength\uff1b\u3000and\u3000not\u3000any\u3000real\u3000lessening\u3000of\u3000the\u3000ill\u3000will\u3000between\u3000them\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Ah\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000dark\u3000elf\u3000said\uff1b\u3000inclining\u3000his\u3000head\u3002\u3000\u3003A\u3000good\u3000day\u3000to\u3000you\uff1b\u3000my\u3000lord\u3002\u3000How\u3000fares\u3000the\u3000City\u3000of\u3000Blades\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000doubt\u3000that\u3000you\u3000care\uff1b\u3003\u3000Horgar\u3000replied\u3002\u3000For\u3000the\u3000ruler\u3000of\u3000such\u3000a\u3000powerful\u3000city\uff1b\u3000the\u3000crown\u3000prince\u3000was\u3000in\u3000many\u3000ways\u3000unremarkable\u3002\u3000He\u3000looked\u3000very\u3000much\u3000like\u3000all\u3000the\u3000other\u3000duergar\u3000in\u3000the\u3000room\uff1b\u3000with\u3000a\u3000sullen\u3000cast\u3000to\u3000his\u3000eyes\u3000and\u3000a\u3000hairless\u3000skull\u3002\u3000He\u3000carried\u3000a\u3000scepter\u3000of\u3000office\u3000and\u3000did\u3000not\u3000wear\u3000armor\uff1b\u3000which\u3000was\u3000all\u3000that\u3000differentiated\u3000him\u3000from\u3000his\u3000bodyguards\u3002\u3000He\u3000motioned\u3000the\u3000guards\u3000to\u3000remain\u3000by\u3000the\u3000door\uff1b\u3000and\u3000strode\u3000over\u3000to\u3000speak\u3000quietly\u3000to\u3000Nimor\u3002\u3000\u3003Well\uff1f\u3000What\u3000news\uff1f\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003My\u3000dear\u3000Prince\u3000Horgar\uff1b\u3000the\u3000answer\u3000is\u3000simple\uff1b\u3003\u3000Nimor\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003Revenge\u3002\u3000Your\u3000army\u3000is\u3000to\u3000be\u3000the\u3000instrument\u3000of\u3000my\u3000vengeance\u3002\u3000Naturally\u3000I\u3000recognize\u3000that\u3000you\u3000will\u3000not\u3000raze\u3000Menzoberranzan\u3000simply\u3000because\u3000I\u3000ask\u3000it\uff1b\u3000so\u3000it\u3000is\u3000a\u3000necessary\u3000part\u3000of\u3000my\u3000design\u3000that\u3000you\u3000are\u3000provided\u3000with\u3000the\u3000suitable\u3000motivation\u3000to\u3000do\u3000what\u3000I\u3000wish\u3000done\u3002\u3000I\u3000have\u3000worked\u3000long\u3000and\u3000hard\u3000to\u3000bring\u3000about\u3000the\u3000circumstances\u3000under\u3000which\u3000the\u3000army\u3000of\u3000Gracklstugh\u3000might\u3000be\u3000aimed\u3000at\u3000the\u3000city\u3000I\u3000hate\u2026including\uff1b\u3000I\u3000might\u3000add\uff1b\u3000assisting\u3000you\u3000with\u3000the\u3000small\u3000problem\u3000of\u3000your\u3000father’s\u3000thoughtless\u3000longevity\u3002\u3000How\u3000can\u3000I\u3000make\u3000my\u3000purpose\u3000plainer\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000paid\u3000for\u3000your\u3000help\u3000in\u3000that\u3000case\u3000with\u3000hundreds\u3000of\u3000stonefire\u3000bombs\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000duergar\u3000prince\u3000said\uff1b\u3000bridling\u3002\u3000\u3003Do\u3000not\u3000speak\u3000of\u3000my\u3000father’s\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000death\u3000again\u3002\u3000If\u3000I\u3000came\u3000to\u3000believe\u3000that\u3000you\u3000might\u3000seek\u3000to\u3000influence\u3000my\u3000actions\u3000with\u3000that\u3000story\uff1b\u3000I\u3000would\u3000have\u3000to\u3000make\u3000sure\u3000that\u3000whatever\u3000information\u3000you\u3000possessed\u3000never\u3000came\u3000to\u3000light\u3002\u3000Do\u3000you\u3000understand\u3000me\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Oh\uff1b\u3000I\u3000did\u3000not\u3000mean\u3000anything\u3000by\u3000the\u3000remark\uff1b\u3000Horgar\u3002\u3000I\u3000merely\u3000pointed\u3000out\u3000that\u3000I\u3000had\u3000been\u3000useful\u3000to\u3000you\u3000before\uff1b\u3000and\u3000that\u3000I\u3000may\u3000prove\u3000useful\u3000again\u3002\u3000Now\uff1b\u3000can\u3000I\u3000count\u3000on\u3000the\u3000army\u3000of\u3000Gracklstugh\uff1b\u3000or\u3000not\uff1f\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Ryld\u3000looked\u3000at\u3000Valas\u3000and\u3000signed\uff1b\u3000Are\u3000we\u3000worried\u3000about\u3000an\u3000ambush\uff1f
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000scout\u3000replied\uff1b\u3000Coalhewer\u3000knows\u3000there\u3000are\u3000five\u3000more\u3000in\u3000our\u3000party\uff1b\u3000including\u3000a\u3000capable\u3000wizard\u3000and\u3000a\u3000draegloth\u3002\u3000I\u3000don’t\u3000think\u3000he’d\u3000lead\u3000us\u3000into\u3000a\u3000trap\u2026but\u3000watch\u3000your\u3000back\u3000anyway\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Always\uff1b\u3003\u3000Ryld\u3000said\u3000aloud\u3000to\u3000Valas\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Danifae\u3000carried\u3000the\u3000ewer\u3000to\u3000Quenthel\u3002\u3000Ignoring\u3000the\u3000subtle\u3000writhing\u3000of\u3000the\u3000priestess’s\u3000serpent\u3000whip\uff1b\u3000she\u3000lowered\u3000her\u3000eyes\u3000and\u3000leaned\u3000forward\u3000to\u3000refill\u3000the\u3000high\u3000priestess’s\u3000cup\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003We\u3000must\u3000seize\u3000what\u3000pleasures\u3000we\u3000can\u3000when\u3000the\u3000opportunity\u3000arises\uff1b\u3003\u3000Danifae\u3000added\u3002\u3000\u3003Is\u3000that\u3000not\u3000the\u3000purpose\u3000of\u3000power\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Halisstra\u3000sipped\u3000her\u3000wine\u3000and\u3000watched\u3000the\u3000scene\u3002\u3000Danifae\u3000had\u3000neglected\u3000to\u3000don\u3000an\u3000arming\u2026coat\u3000beneath\u3000her\u3000mail\uff1b\u3000as\u3000she\u3000had\u3000found\u3000the\u3000black\u3000mithral\u3000shirt\u3000without\u3000its\u3000leather\u3000padding\u3002\u3000Of\u3000course\uff1b\u3000Halisstra\u3000had\u3000already\u3000offered\u3000Danifae\u3000a\u3000spare\u3000coat\u3000of\u3000her\u3000own\uff1b\u3000and\u3000she\u3000had\u3000no\u3000doubt\u3000that\u3000in\u3000the\u3000morning\u3000Danifae\u3000would\u3000accept\u3000it\u3002\u3000In\u3000the\u3000meantime\uff1b\u3000the\u3000girl’s\u3000perfect\u3000dark\u3000skin\u3000gleamed\u3000through\u3000the\u3000metal\u3000mesh\uff1b\u3000and\u3000her\u3000full\uff1b\u3000round\u3000breasts\u3000swayed\u3000enticingly\u3000beneath\u3000the\u3000steel\u3000as\u3000she\u3000stooped\u3000to\u3000pour\u3000Quenthel’s\u3000wine\u3002\u3000The\u3000males\u3000in\u3000the\u3000room\u3000could\u3000not\u3000take\u3000their\u3000eyes\u3000from\u3000her\uff1b\u3000try\u3000as\u3000they\u3000might\u3002\u3000Even\u3000Jeggred\uff1b\u3000four\u2026armed\u3000hulking\u3000beast\u3000that\u3000he\u3000was\uff1b\u3000seemed\u3000entranced\u3000by\u3000the\u3000girl’s\u3000grace\u3000and\u3000beauty\u3002\u3000Valas\u3000frowned\u3000and\u3000busied\u3000himself\u3000with\u3000oiling\u3000his\u3000kukris\uff1b\u3000obviously\u3000sensing\u3000the\u3000peril\u3000of\u3000the\u3000moment\u3000and\u3000recoiling\u3000with\u3000his\u3000usual\u3000caution\u3002\u3000Ryld\uff1b\u3000on\u3000the\u3000other\u3000hand\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Ryld\u3000was\u3000looking\u3000at\u3000her\u3002\u3000Halisstra\u3000carefully\u3000kept\u3000the\u3000surprise\u3000from\u3000her\u3000face\u3000as\u3000she\u3000met\u3000the\u3000weapons\u3000master’s\u3000gaze\u3002\u3000Their\u3000eyes\u3000locked\u3002\u3000His\u3000expression\u3000seemed\u3000avid\uff1b\u3000intense\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Halisstra\u3000knew\u3000that\u3000Danifae’s\u3000posturing\u3000could\u3000not\u3000have\u3000escaped\u3000his\u3000notice\uff1b\u3000but\u3000instead\u3000of\u3000gaping\u3000at\u3000the\u3000girl\u3000in\u3000her\u3000armor\u3000of\u3000metal\u3000mesh\uff1b\u3000the\u3000weapons\u3000master\u3000turned\u3000that\u3000gaze\u3000on\u3000her\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Ryld\u3000offered\u3000a\u3000slight\u3000smile\u3000and\u3000made\u3000a\u3000soft\u3000gesture\u3000with\u3000his\u3000hand\uff1a\u3000An\u3000interesting\u3000play\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000I\u3000do\u3000not\u3000follow\u3000your\u3000meaning\uff1b\u3000Halisstra\u3000replied\uff1b\u3000though\u3000she\u3000could\u3000see\u3000easily\u3000enough\u3000that\u3000the\u3000weapons\u3000master\u3000knew\u3000perfectly\u3000well\u3000that\u3000she\u3000did\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000She\u3000returned\u3000her\u3000attention\u3000to\u3000Danifae\u3000as\u3000the\u3000girl\u3000kneeled\u3000close\u3000beside\u3000Quenthel\uff1b\u3000sipping\u3000her\u3000own\u3000wine\u3002\u3000The\u3000pany\u3000grew\u3000quiet\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Ryld\u3000pulled\u3000out\u3000his\u3000traveling\u3000sava\u3000set\u3000to\u3000play\u3000a\u3000game\u3000against\u3000Valas\u3000while\u3000the\u3000others\u3000contented\u3000themselves\u3000with\u3000savoring\u3000a\u3000moment’s\u3000respite\u3000from\u3000danger\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pharaun\u3000returned\u3000eventually\uff1b\u3000a\u3000handful\u3000of\u3000scrolls\u3000tucked\u3000under\u3000one\u3000arm\u3002\u3000He\u3000retired\u3000to\u3000his\u3000chamber\u3000after\u3000a\u3000couple\u3000of\u3000halfhearted\u3000jibes\u3000at\u3000the\u3000weapons\u3000master\u3000to\u3000break\u3000his\u3000concentration\u3002\u3000Ryld\u3000won\u3000anyway\uff1b\u3000though\u3000the\u3000Bregan\u3000D’aerthe\u3000scout\u3000gave\u3000a\u3000good\u3000account\u3000of\u3000himself\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003It\u3000has\u3000been\u3000a\u3000long\u3000day\uff1b\u3003\u3000Quenthel\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003I\u3000shall\u3000retire\u3000to\u3000my\u3000chambers\u3002\u3000Jeggred\uff1b\u3000Valas\uff1b\u3000split\u3000the\u3000watch\u3000tonight\u3002\u3000Two\u3000others\u3000will\u3000watch\u3000tomorrow\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000She\u3000stood\u3000and\u3000stretched\uff1b\u3000and\u3000turned\u3000her\u3000eyes\u3000on\u3000Danifae\u3000before\u3000gliding\u3000out\u3000of\u3000the\u3000room\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000think\u3000I’ll\u3000do\u3000the\u3000same\uff1b\u3003\u3000Danifae\u3000said\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000battle\u3000captive\u3000glanced\u3000at\u3000Halisstra\uff1b\u3000offered\u3000a\u3000coy\u3000smile\uff1b\u3000and\u3000went\u3000quickly\u3000after\u3000Quenthel\u3002\u3000Ryld\u3000put\u3000away\u3000his\u3000sava\u3000board\u3000and\u3000headed\u3000up\u3000to\u3000his\u3000room\uff1b\u3000while\u3000Valas\u3000and\u3000Jeggred\u3000tossed\u3000a\u3000coin\u3000for\u3000first\u3000watch\u3002\u3000Halisstra\u3000stood\uff1b\u3000gathered\u3000her\u3000piwafwi\u3000around\u3000her\uff1b\u3000and\u3000went\u3000up\u3000to\u3000her\u3000own\u3000room\u3002\u3000She\u3000paused\u3000briefly\u3000by\u3000Quenthel’s\u3000door\u3000and\u3000listened\uff1b\u3000just\u3000long\u3000enough\u3000to\u3000hear\u3000what\u3000might\u3000have\u3000been\u3000a\u3000soft\u3000gasp\u3000or\u3000a\u3000rustle\u3000of\u3000clothing\uff1b\u3000then\u3000she\u3000moved\u3000on\u3002\u3000Quenthel’s\u3000serpents\u3000would\u3000likely\u3000report\u3000an\u3000eavesdropper\u3000at\u3000her\u3000door\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Clever\u3000girl\uff1b\u3000Halisstra\u3000thought\u3002\u3000Quenthel\u3000was\u3000an\u3000astute\u3000and\u3000daring\u3000move\u3000indeed\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000In\u3000Ched\u3000Nasad\u3000Halisstra\u3000had\u3000sent\u3000Danifae\u3000to\u3000seduce\u3000a\u3000rival\u3000on\u3000more\u3000than\u3000one\u3000occasion\u3002\u3000Even\u3000the\u3000most\u3000pragmatic\u3000priestess\u3000had\u3000her\u3000favorite\u3000pets\uff1b\u3000and\u3000sometimes\u3000an\u3000otherwise\u3000cold\u3000and\u3000calculating\u3000female\u3000might\u3000be\u3000manipulated\u3000through\u3000her\u3000secret\u3000pleasures\u3002\u3000Halisstra\u3000doubted\u3000that\u3000Danifae\u3000could\u3000succeed\u3000in\u3000establishing\u3000any\u3000real\u3000influence\u3000over\u3000Quenthel\uff1b\u3000but\u3000at\u3000the\u3000worst\uff1b\u3000she\u3000was\u3000providing\u3000the\u3000Mistress\u3000of\u3000Arach\u2026Tinilith\u3000with\u3000a\u3000reason\u3000not\u3000to\u3000abandon\u3000Halisstra\u3000and\u3000her\u3000handmaid\u3000on\u3000a\u3000whim\u3002\u3000Of\u3000course\uff1b\u3000if\u3000Danifae’s\u3000services\u3000proved\u3000too\u3000valuable\u3000to\u3000Quenthel\uff1b\u3000the\u3000Baenre\u3000might\u3000be\u3000inclined\u3000to\u3000claim\u3000the\u3000captive\u3000as\u3000her\u3000own\uff1b\u3000but\u3000that\u3000was\u3000a\u3000risk\u3000Halisstra\u3000was\u3000willing\u3000to\u3000take\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Even\u3000if\u3000Danifae\u3000continued\u3000to\u3000encourage\u3000the\u3000Baenre\u3000to\u3000do\u3000just\u3000that\uff1b\u3000Halisstra\u3000thought\u3000of\u3000the\u3000silver\u3000locket\u3000around\u3000the\u3000girl’s\u3000neck\uff1b\u3000and\u3000allowed\u3000herself\u3000a\u3000smile\u3002\u3000Unless\u3000Danifae\u3000managed\u3000to\u3000free\u3000herself\u3000of\u3000the\u3000binding\u3000spell\uff1b\u3000she\u3000couldn’t\u3000take\u3000the\u3000smallest\u3000step\u3000in\u3000that\u3000direction\uff1b\u3000as\u3000Halisstra’s\u3000death\u3000would\u3000precipitate\u3000her\u3000own\u3002\u3000For\u3000the\u3000moment\u3000Halisstra\u3000felt\u3000she\u3000could\u3000rely\u3000on\u3000Danifae’s\u3000loyalty\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Halisstra\u3000found\u3000her\u3000room\u3000and\u3000undressed\u3000for\u3000bed\uff1b\u3000setting\u3000her\u3000armor\u3000on\u3000a\u3000chest\u3000in\u3000the\u3000small\u3000room\u3000and\u3000leaving\u3000her\u3000mace\u3000where\u3000she\u3000could\u3000reach\u3000it\u3000quickly\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000She\u3000drifted\u3000into\u3000Reverie\u3000thinking\u3000about\u3000Quenthel\u3000and\u3000Danifae\u3000together\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Aliisza\u3000rode\u3000in\u3000an\u3000iron\u3000palanquin\u3000through\u3000the\u3000streets\u3000of\u3000Gracklstugh\uff1b\u3000carried\u3000by\u3000four\u3000ogres\u3000and\u3000escorted\u3000by\u3000a\u3000dozen\u3000tanarukk\u3000warriors\u3002\u3000The\u3000tanarukks\u3000wore\u3000armor\u3000of\u3000burnished\u3000iron\u3000and\u3000carried\u3000wickedly\u3000hooked\u3000greatswords\u3002\u3000One\u3000fellow\u3000carried\u3000a\u3000yellow\u3000banner\u3000emblazoned\u3000with\u3000Kaanyr\u3000Vhok’s\u3000assumed\u3000symbol\u2026a\u3000scepter\u3000clasped\u3000in\u3000a\u3000gauntleted\u3000hand\u3002\u3000Twice\u3000their\u3000number\u3000of\u3000gray\u3000dwarf\u3000warriors\u3000escorted\u3000the\u3000embassy\u3000along\uff1b\u3000suspicious\u3000glares\u3000fixed\u3000rigidly\u3000on\u3000the\u3000black\u3000palanquin\u3000and\u3000its\u3000occupant\u3002\u3000The\u3000alu\u2026fiend\u3000preened\u3000just\u3000a\u3000little\u3000beneath\u3000the\u3000attention\u3002\u3000She\u3000would\u3000have\u3000moved\u3000much\u3000quicker\u3000on\u3000her\u3000own\uff1b\u3000of\u3000course\uff1b\u3000but\u3000making\u3000a\u3000grand\u3000entrance\u3000into\u3000the\u3000city\u3000of\u3000the\u3000gray\u3000dwarves\u3000might\u3000encourage\u3000the\u3000duergar\u3000to\u3000take\u3000her\u3000seriously\u3002\u3000Besides\uff1b\u3000it\u3000was\u3000fun\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000journey\u3000from\u3000the\u3000halls\u3000of\u3000old\u3000Ammarindar\u3000had\u3000not\u3000been\u3000particularly\u3000swift\u3000or\u3000easy\u3002\u3000Aliisza\u3000and\u3000her\u3000warriors\u3000had\u3000pressed\u3000hard\u3000at\u3000their\u3000best\u3000possible\u3000speed\u3000for\u3000five\u3000days\u3000along\u3000ancient\u3000dwarven\u3000highways\u3000to\u3000reach\u3000the\u3000shores\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Darklake\uff1b\u3000and\u3000it\u3000had\u3000taken\u3000three\u3000days\u3000more\u3000to\u3000obtain\u3000a\u3000duergar\u3000boat\u3000to\u3000cross\u3000it\u3002\u3000She\u3000was\u3000growing\u3000tired\u3000of\u3000dashing\u3000this\u3000way\u3000and\u3000that\u3000through\u3000the\u3000Underdark\u3000at\u3000Kaanyr\u3000Vhok’s\u3000mand\u3002\u3000On\u3000the\u3000other\u3000hand\uff1b\u3000it\u3000continued\u3000to\u3000demonstrate\u3000her\u3000usefulness\u3000to\u3000the\u3000demonspawned\u3000warlord\uff1b\u3000and\u3000perhaps\u3000it\u3000wasn’t\u3000a\u3000bad\u3000thing\u3000that\u3000circumstances\u3000gave\u3000her\u3000reasons\u3000to\u3000leave\u3000his\u3000side\u3000from\u3000time\u3000to\u3000time\u3002\u3000It\u3000whetted\u3000his\u3000appetite\u3000for\u3000her\u3000return\uff1b\u3000and\u3000sometimes\u3000gave\u3000her\u3000the\u3000opportunity\u3000to\u3000indulge\u3000her\u3000taste\u3000for\u3000\u3002\u3002\u3002\u3000variety\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gracklstugh\u3000seemed\u3000to\u3000be\u3000one\u3000great\u3000smithy\uff1b\u3000a\u3000city\u3000of\u3000roaring\u3000forges\u3000and\u3000reeking\u3000smoke\u3002\u3000It\u3000struck\u3000Aliisza\u3000as\u3000not\u3000unlike\u3000the\u3000foundry\u3000hall\u3000in\u3000the\u3000ruins\u3000of\u3000Ammarindar\uff1b\u3000except\u3000Kaanyr\u3000Vhok’s\u3000forge\u3000was\u3000only\u3000a\u3000fraction\u3000of\u3000the\u3000size\u3000of\u3000the\u3000gray\u3000dwarf\u3000realm\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000What\u3000an\u3000ugly\u3000place\uff1b\u3000Aliisza\u3000thought\u3002\u3000Still\uff1b\u3000the\u3000sheer\u3000scale\u3000of\u3000the\u3000work\u3000that\u3000went\u3000on\u3000around\u3000her\u3000was\u3000staggering\u3002\u3000More\u3000than\u3000once\uff1b\u3000she\u3000spotted\u3000ponents\u3000of\u3000siege\u3000engines\u3000of\u3000enormous\u3000size\u3000being\u3000assembled\u3000in\u3000their\u3000workshops\u3002\u3000Ched\u3000Nasad\u3000might\u3000have\u3000been\u3000far\u3000more\u3000graceful\u3000and\u3000insidious\uff1b\u3000but\u3000Gracklstugh\u3000was\u3000strong\u3002\u3000Dwarven\u3000skill\u3000and\u3000single\u2026mindedness\u3000seemed\u3000almost\u3000a\u3000match\u3000for\u3000drow\u3000magic\u3000and\u3000cruelty\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000gray\u3000dwarves\u3000turned\u3000her\u3000escort\u3000toward\u3000a\u3000great\u3000fortress\u3000delved\u3000into\u3000a\u3000mighty\u3000stalagmite\u3002\u3000Ramparts\u3000of\u3000stone\u3000and\u3000turrets\u3000of\u3000iron\u3000guarded\u3000the\u3000sloping\u3000sides\u3000of\u3000the\u3000duergar\u3000castle\u3002\u3000As\u3000the\u3000ogres\u3000carried\u3000her\u3000into\u3000the\u3000open\u3000gate\u3000of\u3000the\u3000king’s\u3000palace\uff1b\u3000Aliisza\u3000could\u3000not\u3000check\u3000her\u3000impulse\u3000to\u3000glance\u3000up\u3000at\u3000the\u3000mighty\u3000portcullis\u3000and\u3000deadly\u3000devices\u3000poised\u3000to\u3000crush\u3000any\u3000attack\u3002\u3000She\u3000had\u3000several\u3000ways\u3000to\u3000escape\u3000if\u3000she\u3000needed\u3000to\uff1b\u3000but\u3000none\u3000of\u3000her\u3000warriors\u3000would\u3000get\u3000out\u3000of\u3000the\u3000palace\u3000alive\u3000if\u3000the\u3000gray\u3000dwarves\u3000decided\u3000not\u3000to\u3000let\u3000them\u3000leave\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000procession\u3000came\u3000to\u3000a\u3000halt\u3000in\u3000a\u3000large\uff1b\u3000cheerless\u3000hall\u3000whose\u3000floor\u3000was\u3000made\u3000of\u3000polished\u3000stone\u3000slabs\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003It\u3000seems\u3000that\u3000I\u3000am\u3000here\uff1b\u3003\u3000Aliisza\u3000said\u3000to\u3000herself\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000She\u3000tapped\u3000on\u3000the\u3000palanquin’s\u3000side\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000ogres\u3000lowered\u3000the\u3000carriage\u3000carefully\u3000to\u3000the\u3000floor\u3002\u3000The\u3000alu\u2026fiend\u3000waited\u3000for\u3000the\u3000seat\u3000to\u3000settle\uff1b\u3000then\u3000let\u3000herself\u3000out\uff1b\u3000straightening\u3000and\u3000stretching\u3000her\u3000wings\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003You\u3000said\u3000you\u3000wished\u3000to\u3000see\u3000the\u3000crown\u3000prince\uff1b\u3003\u3000he\u3000stated\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003At\u3000his\u3000earliest\u3000convenience\uff1b\u3003\u3000Aliisza\u3000replied\u3002\u3000She’d\u3000had\u3000the\u3000same\u3000conversation\u3000several\u3000times\u3000that\u3000day\u3000with\u3000various\u3000gray\u3000dwarf\u3000lieutenants\u3000and\u3000captains\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Who\u3000are\u3000you\uff1b\u3000again\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000am\u3000Aliisza\uff1b\u3000an\u3000envoy\u3000from\u3000Kaanyr\u3000Vhok\uff1b\u3000the\u3000Sceptered\u3000One\uff1b\u3000Lord\u3000of\u3000Ammarindar\u3000and\u3000Master\u3000of\u3000Hellgate\u3000Keep\u3002\u3000I\u3000believe\u3000your\u3000crown\u3000prince\u3000will\u3000find\u3000my\u3000lord’s\u3000message\u3000worth\u3000listening\u3000to\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000officer\u3000scowled\u3000doubtfully\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003They\u3000stay\u3000here\uff1b\u3003\u3000he\u3000said\uff1b\u3000nodding\u3000at\u3000Aliisza’s\u3000entourage\u3002\u3000\u3003Follow\u3000me\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Aliisza\u3000glanced\u3000at\u3000the\u3000leader\u3000of\u3000her\u3000escort\uff1b\u3000a\u3000battered\u3000old\u3000tanarukk\u3000champion\u3000with\u3000a\u3000missing\u3000tusk\uff1b\u3000and\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003You\u3000and\u3000your\u3000warriors\u3000wait\u3000here\u3002\u3000I\u3000might\u3000be\u3000a\u3000while\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000She\u3000followed\u3000the\u3000duergar\u3000captain\u3000deeper\u3000into\u3000the\u3000fortress\uff1b\u3000flanked\u3000by\u3000another\u3000half\u2026dozen\u3000gray\u3000dwarf\u3000soldiers\u3002\u3000She\u3000decided\u3000to\u3000think\u3000of\u3000them\u3000as\u3000an\u3000honor\u3000guard\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000They\u3000climbed\u3000a\u3000wide\uff1b\u3000sweeping\u3000stairway\u3000that\u3000might\u3000have\u3000been\u3000impressive\u3000if\u3000the\u3000gray\u3000dwarves\u3000had\u3000taken\u3000a\u3000single\u3000step\u3000toward\u3000decorating\u3000the\u3000place\uff1b\u3000and\u3000finally\u3000came\u3000to\u3000a\u3000throne\u3000room\u3000with\u3000huge\uff1b\u3000stone\u3000columns\u3000supporting\u3000a\u3000vaulted\u3000ceiling\u3000high\u3000overhead\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000At\u3000the\u3000far\u3000end\u3000of\u3000the\u3000chamber\u3000stood\u3000a\u3000knot\u3000of\u3000gray\u3000dwarves\u3002\u3000By\u3000the\u3000way\u3000they\u3000moved\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000cold\u3000regard\u3000in\u3000their\u3000eyes\uff1b\u3000Aliisza\u3000guessed\u3000that\u3000they\u3000were\u3000the\u3000high\u3000advisors\u3000and\u3000nobles\u3000of\u3000the\u3000realm\uff1b\u3000but\u3000their\u3000garb\u3000displayed\u3000no\u3000such\u3000ostentation\u3002\u3000In\u3000their\u3000midst\u3000stood\u3000the\u3000only\u3000gray\u3000dwarf\u3000she’d\u3000seen\u3000yet\u3000with\u3000any\u3000kind\u3000of\u3000ornamentation\uff1b\u3000a\u3000burly\u3000fellow\u3000who\u3000wore\u3000a\u3000hauberk\u3000of\u3000gleaming\u3000chain\u3000mail\u3000beneath\u3000an\u3000embroidered\u3000surcoat\u3000of\u3000black\u3000and\u3000gold\u3002\u3000A\u3000circlet\u3000of\u3000gold\u3000rested\u3000atop\u3000his\u3000bare \n
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000captain\u3000escorting\u3000Aliisza\u3000motioned\u3000for\u3000her\u3000to\u3000halt\u3000and\u3000went\u3000closer\u3000to\u3000whisper\u3000in\u3000the\u3000ear\u3000of\u3000the\u3000crown\u3000prince\u3002\u3000The\u3000gray\u3000dwarf\u3000ruler\u3000glared\u3000at\u3000Aliisza\uff1b\u3000then\u3000stepped\u3000forward\uff1b\u3000thick\u3000arms\u3000folded\u3000across\u3000his\u3000chest\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Wele\u3000to\u3000Gracklstugh\uff1b\u3003\u3000he\u3000said\uff1b\u3000though\u3000his\u3000hard\u3000eyes\u3000offered\u3000no\u3000wele\u3000at\u3000all\u3002\u3000\u3003I\u3000am\u3000Horgar\u3000Steelshadow\u3002\u3000What\u3000does\u3000Kaanyr\u3000Vhok\u3000want\u3000of\u3000me\uff1f\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Kaanyr\u3000dispatched\u3000me\u3000to\u3000ask\u3000a\u3000few\u3000questions\u3000about\u3000what\u3000happened\u3000in\u3000Ched\u3000Nasad\uff1b\u3000and\u3000to\u3000perhaps\u3000explore\u3000some\u3000other\u3000issues\uff1b\u3003\u3000she\u3000said\u3002\u3000She\u3000glanced\u3000at\u3000the\u3000other\u3000gray\u3000dwarves\u3000standing\u3000nearby\u3002\u3000\u3003Does\u3000everyone\u3000here\u3000enjoy\u3000your\u3000confidence\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Horgar\u3000frowned\uff1b\u3000and\u3000muttered\u3000something\u3000in\u3000Dwarvish\u3002\u3000Several\u3000of\u3000the\u3000advisors\u3000or\u3000nobles\u3000moved\u3000off\uff1b\u3000returning\u3000to\u3000whatever\u3000duties\u3000they\u3000had\u3000elsewhere\u3002\u3000A\u3000pair\u3000of\u3000heavily\u3000armored\u3000guards\u3000in\u3000black\u3000surcoats\u3000remained\u3000behind\uff1b\u3000as\u3000well\u3000as\u3000another\u3000important\u2026looking\u3000duergar\uff1b\u3000a\u3000scarred\u3000fellow\u3000in\u3000armor\u3000who\u3000wore\u3000a\u3000tabard\u3000marked\u3000with\u3000a\u3000red\u3000symbol\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003My\u3000Stone\u3000Guards\u3000stay\uff1b\u3003\u3000Horgar\u3000said\uff1b\u3000then\u3000indicated\u3000the\u3000scarred\u3000dwarf\u3002\u3000\u3003This\u3000is\u3000the\u3000clan\u3000laird\u3000Borwald\u3000Firehand\uff1b\u3000marshal\u3000of\u3000Gracklstugh’s\u3000army\u3002\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003A\u3000duergar\u3000clan\u2026Xornbane\uff1b\u3000wasn’t\u3000it\uff1f\u2026attacked\u3000the\u3000drow\u3000city\u3000of\u3000Ched\u3000Nasad\uff1b\u3000and\u3000precipitated\u3000its\u3000destruction\u3002\u3000Kaanyr\u3000Vhok\u3000wonders\u3000if\u3000you\u3000set\u3000them\u3000to\u3000it\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Clan\u3000Xornbane\u3000are\u3000mercenaries\uff1b\u3003\u3000Borwald\u3000answered\u3002\u3000The\u3000scar\u3000he\u3000carried\u3000creased\u3000the\u3000side\u3000of\u3000his\u3000bald\u3000head\u3000from\u3000cheekbone\u3000to\u3000three\u3000inches\u3000behind\u3000the\u3000ear\uff1b\u3000leaving\u3000a\u3000visible\u3000indentation\u3002\u3000\u3003Whatever\u3000job\u3000they\u3000took\u3000in\u3000Ched\u3000Nasad\u3000is\u3000an\u3000issue\u3000of\u3000merce\uff1b\u3000not\u3000of\u3000Deepkingdom\u3000policy\u3002\u3000You\u3000should\u3000take\u3000up\u3000the\u3000matter\u3000with\u3000them\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000would\uff1b\u3000but\u3000survivors\u3000are\u3000hard\u3000to\u3000find\uff1b\u3003\u3000Aliisza\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003As\u3000near\u3000as\u3000we\u3000can\u3000tell\uff1b\u3000they\u3000trapped\u3000themselves\u3000in\u3000the\u3000city\u3000they\u3000burned\u3002\u3003\u3000She\u3000returned\u3000her\u3000gaze\u3000to\u3000Horgar\u3000Steelshadow\u3000and\u3000asked\uff1b\u3000\u3003So\uff1b\u3000did\u3000they\u3000destroy\u3000Ched\u3000Nasad\u3000with\u3000your\u3000blessing\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003With\u3000my\u3000blessing\uff1f\u3003\u3000The\u3000duergar\u3000prince\u3000thought\u3000for\u3000a\u3000moment\uff1b\u3000then\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003I\u3000am\u3000not\u3000unhappy\u3000that\u3000the\u3000City\u3000of\u3000Shimmering\u3000Webs\u3000fell\uff1b\u3000but\u3000I\u3000did\u3000not\u3000dispatch\u3000Clan\u3000Xornbane\u3000to\u3000do\u3000that\u3000piece\u3000of\u3000work\u3002\u3000Khorrl\u3000Xornbane\u3000was\u3000hired\u3000by\u3000one\u3000of\u3000Ched\u3000Nasad’s\u3000matron\u3000mothers\u3000to\u3000help\u3000her\u3000destroy\u3000those\u3000Houses\u3000ahead\u3000of\u3000hers\u3002\u3000I\u3000did\u3000not\u3000choose\u3000to\u3000interfere\u3000with\u3000Xornbane’s\u3000business\u3002\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003On\u3000behalf\u3000of\u3000my\u3000fellows\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000newer\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003I\u3000arranged\u3000for\u3000Khorrl’s\u3000troops\u3000to\u3000be\u3000provided\u3000with\u3000the\u3000stonefire\u3000bombs\u3000that\u3000proved\u3000so\u3000effective\u3000in\u3000the\u3000slave\u3000uprising\u3000in\u3000Menzoberranzan\u3002\u3000I\u3000did\u3000not\u3000imagine\u3000they\u3000would\u3000destroy\u3000Ched\u3000Nasad\u3000in\u3000its\u3000entirety\uff1b\u3000of\u3000course\u3002\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000am\u3000something\u3000of\u3000a\u3000sellsword\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000fellow\u3000replied\uff1b\u3000\u3003tasked\u3000with\u3000effecting\u3000certain\u3000changes\u3000in\u3000a\u3000handful\u3000of\u3000Houses\u3000in\u3000Ched\u3000Nasad\u3000and\u3000Menzoberranzan\u3002\u3003\u3000He\u3000offered\u3000her\u3000a\u3000slight\u3000smile\u3000that\u3000didn’t\u3000reach\u3000his\u3000intense\u3000eyes\u3002\u3000\u3003Call\u3000me\u3000Nimor\u3002\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Horgar\u3000shifted\u3000unfortably\u3000and\u3000asked\uff1b\u3000\u3003What\u3000interest\u3000is\u3000this\u3000to\u3000Kaanyr\u3000Vhok\uff1f\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Borwald\u3000sneered\uff1b\u3000\u3003I\u3000doubt\u3000the\u3000Deepkingdom\u3000would\u3000have\u3000any\u3000need\u3000of\u3000a\u3000few\u3000hundred\u3000rabble\u3000squatting\u3000in\u3000fungus\u2026grown\u3000ruins\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Aliisza\u3000suppressed\u3000her\u3000annoyance\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Your\u3000intelligence\u3000is\u3000somewhat\u3000out\u3000of\u3000date\uff1b\u3003\u3000she\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003My\u3000lord\u3000mands\u3000over\u3000two\u3000thousand\u3000hardened\u3000tanarukk\u3000warriors\uff1b\u3000each\u3000of\u3000them\u3000as\u3000strong\u3000as\u3000an\u3000ogre\u3000and\u3000three\u3000times\u3000as\u3000smart\u3002\u3000We\u3000have\u3000built\u3000forges\u3000and\u3000armories\uff1b\u3000perhaps\u3000not\u3000as\u3000grand\u3000as\u3000those\u3000of\u3000Gracklstugh\uff1b\u3000but\u3000sufficient\u3000to\u3000arm\u3000and\u3000armor\u3000our\u3000soldiers\u3002\u3000We\u3000mand\u3000auxiliary\u3000troops\u3000as\u3000well\u2026bugbears\uff1b\u3000ogres\uff1b\u3000giants\uff1b\u3000and\u3000such\u2026more\u3000numerous\u3000than\u3000our\u3000tanarukk\u3000legion\u3002\u3003\u3000She\u3000leveled\u3000her\u3000gaze\u3000on\u3000Borwald\u3000and\u3000added\uff1b\u3000\u3003We\u3000don’t\u3000have\u3000the\u3000strength\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Deepkingdom\uff1b\u3000Firehand\uff1b\u3000but\u3000we\u3000could\u3000take\u3000on\u3000twice\u3000our\u3000number\u3000of\u3000gray\u3000dwarves\u3000and\u3000give\u3000them\u3000a\u3000fierce\u3000fight\u3002\u3000You\u3000denigrate\u3000Kaanyr\u3000Vhok’s\u3000Scoured\u3000Legion\u3000at\u3000your\u3000peril\u3002\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003We\u3000might\u3000not\u3000want\u3000you\u3000for\u3000an\u3000ally\uff1b\u3000if\u3000we\u3000were\u3000thinking\u3000of\u3000any\u3000such\u3000thing\uff1b\u3003\u3000Horgar\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003We\u3000might\u3000think\u3000we\u3000have\u3000sufficient\u3000strength\u3000to\u3000get\u3000what\u3000we\u3000want\u3000without\u3000splitting\u3000the\u3000prize\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003You\u3000might\u3000think\u3000that\uff1b\u3003\u3000Aliisza\u3000conceded\u3002\u3000\u3003If\u3000you\u3000were\u3000correct\uff1b\u3000the\u3000dark\u3000elves\u3000of\u3000Menzoberranzan\u3000would\u3000be\u3000well\u2026advised\u3000to\u3000seek\u3000allies\u3000against\u3000you\u3002\u3000I\u3000wonder\u3000to\u3000whom\u3000they\u3000could\u3000turn\u3000for\u3000help\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000would\u3000crush\u3000Kaanyr\u3000Vhok\u3000if\u3000he\u3000did\u3000anything\u3000so\u3000foolish\uff1b\u3003\u3000Horgar\u3000growled\u3002\u3000\u3003Go\u3000back\u3000to\u3000your\u3000demonspawned\u3000master\u3000and\u3000tell\u3000him\u2026\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003A\u3000moment\uff1b\u3000Prince\u3000Horgar\uff1b\u3003\u3000Nimor\u3000said\uff1b\u3000stepping\u3000between\u3000the\u3000duergar\u3000and\u3000the\u3000alu\u2026fiend\u3002\u3000\u3003Let\u3000us\u3000not\u3000be\u3000hasty\u3002\u3000We\u3000should\u3000give\u3000Lady\u3000Aliisza’s\u3000message\u3000careful\u3000thought\u3000before\u3000we\u3000consider\u3000our\u3000reply\u3002\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003One\u3000gray\u3000dwarf\u3000wizard\u3000with\u3000a\u3000spell\u3000of\u3000cancellation\u3000would\u3000certainly\u3000ruin\u3000our\u3000day\uff1b\u3003\u3000Ryld\u3000remarked\u3002\u3000\u3003Aren’t\u3000you\u3000a\u3000little\u3000nervous\u3000in\u3000that\u3000arrangement\uff1f\u3003
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\n \u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Head\u3000more\u3000to\u3000your\u3000left\uff1b\u3003\u3000Valas\u3000said\uff1b\u3000interrupting\u3000his\u3000own\u3000thoughts\u3002\u3000\u3003There’s\u3000a\u3000bit\u3000of\u3000a\u3000ledge\u3000on\u3000the\u3000cavern\u3000wall\u3000that\u3000should\u3000run\u3000the\u3000way\u3000we\u3000want\u3000to\u3000go\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Ryld\u3000plied\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000two\u3000of\u3000them\u3000carefully\u3000leveled\u3000off\u3000and\u3000descended\u3000along\u3000the\u3000sloping\u3000roof\u3000of\u3000the\u3000cavern\u3000until\u3000they\u3000found\u3000the\u3000place\u3000where\u3000it\u3000dropped\u3000more\u3000or\u3000less\u3000straight\u3000down\u3000and\u3000became\u3000the\u3000wall\u3002\u3000There\uff1b\u3000an\u3000old\u3000weathered\u3000seam\u3000circled\u3000the\u3000cavern\u3000like\u3000the\u3000eaves\u3000of\u3000an\u3000old\u3000tavern\u3002\u3000The\u3000weapons\u3000master\u3000looked\u3000at\u3000it\u3000dubiously\uff1b\u3000but\u3000as\u3000they\u3000drew\u3000close\u3000Valas\u3000disentangled\u3000himself\u3000and\u3000leaped\u3000lightly\u3000down\u3000to\u3000crouch\u3000in\u3000the\u3000space\u3000like\u3000a\u3000skinny\u3000spider\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Ryld\u3000followed\uff1b\u3000somewhat\u3000more\u3000awkwardly\u3002\u3000He\u3000could\u3000manage\u3000it\uff1b\u3000barely\uff1b\u3000but\u3000he\u3000was\u3000lucky\u3000to\u3000have\u3000the\u3000magic\u3000of\u3000his\u3000insignia\u3000to\u3000fall\u3000back\u3000on\u3000if\u3000his\u3000footing\u3000or\u3000grip\u3000failed\u3000him\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Ryld\u3000scrambled\u3000down\u3000after\u3000him\uff1b\u3000cursing\u3000silently\u3000as\u3000his\u3000foot\u3000dislodged\u3000some\u3000loose\u3000rock\u3000and\u3000sent\u3000it\u3000clattering\u3000down\u3000the\u3000clifflike\u3000wall\u3002\u3000The\u3000forges\u3000and\u3000hammers\u3000of\u3000Gracklstugh\u3000covered\u3000the\u3000sound\u3000fairly\u3000well\uff1b\u3000though\uff1b\u3000and\u3000they\u3000were\u3000still\u3000above\u3000Laduguer’s\u3000Furrow\u3002\u3000The\u3000rock\u3000skittered\u3000into\u3000the\u3000abyss\u3000and\u3000vanished\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000From\u3000end\u3000to\u3000end\uff1b\u3000it\u3000was\u3000crowded\u3000with\u3000wagons\u3000and\u3000pack\u3000lizards\u3002\u3000Hundreds\u3000of\u3000duergar\u3000swarmed\u3000over\u3000the\u3000scene\uff1b\u3000securing\u3000great\u3000panniers\u3000to\u3000the\u3000ugly\u3000reptiles\uff1b\u3000loading\u3000wagons\uff1b\u3000and\u3000preparing\u3000siege\u3000engines\u3000for\u3000travel\u3002\u3000The\u3000noxious\u3000reek\u3000of\u3000the\u3000city’s\u3000smelters\u3000didn’t\u3000suffice\u3000to\u3000mask\u3000the\u3000heavy\u3000smell\u3000of\u3000animal\u3000dung\u3000in\u3000the\u3000large\u3000chamber\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000lizards’\u3000hisses\u3000and\u3000rasping\u3000croaks\u3000filled\u3000the\u3000air\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003We\u3000should\u3000have\u3000known\u3000better\u3000than\u3000to\u3000march\u3000into\u3000a\u3000duergar\u3000city\uff1b\u3003\u3000Halisstra\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003What\u3000a\u3000miserable\u3000piece\u3000of\u3000timing\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000She\u3000hurried\u3000to\u3000don\u3000her\u3000armor\uff1b\u3000a\u3000suit\u3000of\u3000highly\u3000enchanted\u3000chain\u3000mail\u3000that\u3000carried\u3000the\u3000arms\u3000of\u3000House\u3000Melarn\u3000on\u3000its\u3000breast\u3002\u3000She\u3000wondered\u3000if\u3000the\u3000best\u3000strategy\u3000would\u3000be\u3000to\u3000simply\u3000wait\u3000a\u3000few\u3000more\u3000days\u3000and\u3000allow\u3000the\u3000gray\u3000dwarves\u3000to\u3000relax\u3000their\u3000vigilant\u3000stance\u3002\u3000On\u3000the\u3000other\u3000hand\uff1b\u3000if\u3000they\u3000delayed\u3000too\u3000long\uff1b\u3000there\u3000was\u3000always\u3000the\u3000chance\u3000that\u3000the\u3000merchant\u3000she’d\u3000charmed\u3000to\u3000part\u3000with\u3000Danifae’s\u3000new\u3000arms\u3000would\u3000recover\u3000his\u3000wits\u3000and\u3000report\u3000the\u3000incident\u3000to\u3000the\u3000authorities\u3002\u3000Had\u3000they\u3000simply\u3000murdered\u3000the\u3000merchants\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000but\u3000no\uff1b\u3000if\u3000they’d\u3000been\u3000caught\u3000at\u3000that\uff1b\u3000they\u3000would\u3000already\u3000have\u3000paid\u3000with\u3000their\u3000lives\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Soon\uff1b\u3003\u3000Ryld\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003They\u3000can’t\u3000keep\u3000that\u3000many\u3000pack\u3000lizards\u3000in\u3000harness\u3000for\u3000long\u3002\u3000The\u3000question\u3000is\u3000how\u3000long\u3000after\u3000the\u3000army\u3000sallies\u3000before\u3000they\u3000allow\u3000travel\u3000to\u3000resume\u3002\u3000If\u3000we\u3000wait\u3000them\u3000out\uff1b\u3000we\u3000might\u3000be\u3000delayed\u3000for\u3000days\u3002\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000Mistress\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Academy\u3000dressed\u3000for\u3000battle\uff1b\u3000her\u3000face\u3000set\u3000in\u3000a\u3000black\u3000scowl\uff1b\u3000her\u3000whips\u3000writhing\u3000in\u3000agitation\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000weapons\u3000master\u3000finished\u3000with\u3000his\u3000supplies\u3000and\u3000picked\u3000up\u3000the\u3000hole\uff1b\u3000rolling\u3000it\u3000tightly\u3000and\u3000slipping\u3000it\u3000into\u3000his\u3000pack\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Regrettably\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000wizard\u3000replied\uff1b\u3000\u3003gray\u3000dwarves\u3000are\u3000notoriously\u3000resistant\u3000to\u3000illusions\u3000of\u3000any\u3000kind\u3002\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Better\u3000to\u3000simply\u3000render\u3000us\u3000all\u3000invisible\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000Master\u3000of\u3000Sorcere\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003Yes\uff1b\u3000that\u3000would\u3000be\u3000the\u3000most\u3000expedient\u3000solution\u3000to\u3000this\u3000little\u3000conundrum\u3002\u3000It\u3000quite\u3000reminds\u3000me\u3000of\u3000a\u3000time\u3000when\u2026\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Enough\u3002\u3003\u3000Quenthel\u3000shifted\u3000in\u3000her\u3000seat\u3000and\u3000asked\u3000Valas\uff1b\u3000\u3003Do\u3000we\u3000need\u3000to\u3000set\u3000out\u3000for\u3000the\u3000Labyrinth\u3000from\u3000here\uff1b\u3000or\u3000could\u3000you\u3000find\u3000a\u3000way\u3000around\u3000Gracklstugh\u3000if\u3000we\u3000retraced\u3000our\u3000steps\u3000a\u3000bit\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003It\u3000will\u3000take\u3000several\u3000more\u3000days\u3000to\u3000circle\u3000the\u3000city\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000scout\u3000answered\uff1b\u3000\u3003but\u3000I\u3000could\u3000guide\u3000you\u3000past\u3000Gracklstugh’s\u3000borders\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Fine\uff1b\u3003\u3000Quenthel\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003We\u3000will\u3000head\u3000back\u3000for\u3000the\u3000docks\u3000and\u3000make\u3000use\u3000of\u3000Coalhewer’s\u3000boat\u3002\u3000It’s\u3000the\u3000most\u3000direct\u3000route\u3000out\u3000of\u3000the\u3000city\u3000from\u3000here\uff1b\u3000and\u3000unless\u3000I\u3000miss\u3000my\u3000guess\uff1b\u3000the\u3000lakeside\u3000will\u3000be\u3000less\u3000heavily\u3000guarded\u3000than\u3000the\u3000tunnels\u3002\u3000Is\u3000everybody\u3000armed\uff1f\u3003\u3000She\u3000looked\u3000around\u3000quickly\u3002\u3000No\u3000one\u3000requested\u3000more\u3000time\u3000to\u3000prepare\uff1b\u3000so\u3000the\u3000Baenre\u3000priestess\u3000nodded\u3000with\u3000a\u3000small\u3000gesture\u3000of\u3000approval\u3000and\u3000turned\u3000to\u3000Pharaun\u3002\u3000\u3003What\u3000must\u3000we\u3000do\u3000for\u3000your\u3000spell\u3000to\u3000succeed\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Join\u3000hands\u3000and\u3000stay\u3000close\u3000to\u3000me\uff1b\u3003\u3000Pharaun\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003or\u3000wander\u3000off\u3000if\u3000you\u3000like\uff1b\u3000in\u3000which\u3000case\u3000you\u3000will\u3000find\u3000yourself\u3000inconveniently\u3000visible\u3002\u3000I\u3000will\u3000not\u3000be\u3000held\u3000responsible\u3000for\u3000any\u3000difficulties\u3000that\u3000ensue\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Fully\u3000armed\u3000and\u3000armored\uff1b\u3000packs\u3000shouldered\uff1b\u3000all\u3000but\u3000Valas\u3000joined\u3000hands\u3000and\u3000waited\u3002\u3000The\u3000Master\u3000of\u3000Sorcere\uff1b\u3000standing\u3000in\u3000their\u3000center\uff1b\u3000hissed\u3000out\u3000a\u3000sibilant\u3000string\u3000of\u3000arcane\u3000words\u3000and\u3000wove\u3000his\u3000hands\u3000in\u3000mystic\u3000passes\u3002\u3000They\u3000all\u3000vanished\u3000from\u3000view\u3002\u3000Halisstra\u3000could\u3000feel\u3000Danifae’s\u3000hand\u3000on\u3000her\u3000left\u3000shoulder\uff1b\u3000and\u3000she\u3000clasped\u3000Ryld’s\u3000cuirass\u3000with\u3000her\u3000own\u3000right\u3000hand\uff1b\u3000but\u3000as\u3000far\u3000as\u3000her\u3000eyes\u3000could\u3000tell\uff1b\u3000only\u3000the\u3000scout\u3000was\u3000in\u3000the\u3000room\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Are\u3000you\u3000ready\uff1b\u3000Master\u3000Hune\uff1f\u3003\u3000Pharaun\u3000asked\uff1b\u3000unseen\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Valas\u3000offered\u3000a\u3000small\u3000nod\u3002\u3000He\u3000was\u3000dressed\u3000in\u3000what\u3000passed\u3000for\u3000his\u3000own\u3000finery\uff1b\u3000a\u3000simple\u3000vest\u3000of\u3000chain\u3000mail\u3000over\u3000a\u3000good\u3000shirt\u3000of\u3000spider\u3000silk\u3000and\u3000dark\u3000breeches\uff1b\u3000his\u3000piwafwi\u3000thrown\u3000over\u3000one\u3000shoulder\u3000in\u3000a\u3000rakish\u3000fashion\u3002\u3000Odd\u3000badges\u3000and\u3000tokens\u3000pinned\u3000here\u3000and\u3000there\u3000to\u3000his\u3000clothing\uff1b\u3000the\u3000defenses\u3000and\u3000charms\u3000of\u3000half\u3000a\u3000dozen\u3000races\uff1b\u3000pleted\u3000his\u3000ensemble\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I’ll\u3000dawdle\u3000in\u3000the\u3000courtyard\u3000a\u3000moment\u3002\u3000Make\u3000sure\u3000you’re\u3000all\u3000out\u3000swiftly\uff1b\u3000it\u3000will\u3000look\u3000less\u3000suspicious\u3000if\u3000I\u3000don’t\u3000stand\u3000around\u3000for\u3000long\u3002\u3000I’ll\u3000join\u3000you\u3000at\u3000Coalhewer’s\u3000boat\u3000in\u3000ten\u3000minutes\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003You’ll\u3000be\u3000tailed\uff1b\u3003\u3000Ryld\u3000said\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Valas\u3000Hune\u3000seemed\u3000honestly\u3000offended\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003No\u3000one\u3000alive\u3000can\u3000follow\u3000me\u3000when\u3000I\u3000do\u3000not\u3000wish\u3000to\u3000be\u3000followed\uff1b\u3003\u3000he\u3000said\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Valas\u3000went\u3000out\u3000into\u3000the\u3000courtyard\uff1b\u3000throwing\u3000open\u3000the\u3000door\u3000to\u3000their\u3000room\u3000a \n
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\n \u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003No\u3000one\u3000alive\u3000can\u3000follow\u3000me\u3000when\u3000I\u3000do\u3000not\u3000wish\u3000to\u3000be\u3000followed\uff1b\u3003\u3000he\u3000said\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Valas\u3000went\u3000out\u3000into\u3000the\u3000courtyard\uff1b\u3000throwing\u3000open\u3000the\u3000door\u3000to\u3000their\u3000room\u3000and\u3000taking\u3000a\u3000long\u3000moment\u3000to\u3000stretch\u3002\u3000Halisstra\u3000felt\u3000Ryld\u3000shuffle\u3000forward\uff1b\u3000and\u3000she\u3000did\u3000likewise\uff1b\u3000crowding\u3000close\u3000behind\u3000him\u3000as\u3000Danifae\u3000pressed\u3000up\u3000behind\u3000her\u3002\u3000The\u3000girl’s\u3000breath\u3000was\u3000warm\u3000at\u3000her\u3000neck\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000While\u3000the\u3000Bregan\u3000D’aerthe\u3000scout\u3000casually\u3000strolled\u3000out\u3000of\u3000the\u3000inn’s\u3000gate\u3000and\u3000turned\u3000left\u3000toward\u3000the\u3000city’s\u3000central\u3000district\uff1b\u3000Halisstra\u3000and\u3000the\u3000others\u3000bent\u3000around\u3000in\u3000an\u3000awkward\u3000circle\u3000and\u3000headed\u3000right\uff1b\u3000back\u3000to\u3000the\u3000docks\u3002\u3000The\u3000streets\u3000were\u3000not\u3000deserted\uff1b\u3000but\u3000neither\u3000were\u3000they\u3000busy\u3002\u3000Most\u3000duergar\u3000were\u3000back\u3000in\u3000their\u3000drab\u3000residences\u3000after\u3000a\u3000long\u3000day\u3000in\u3000the\u3000city’s\u3000forges\u3000and\u3000foundries\u3002\u3000Had\u3000the\u3000pany\u3000been\u3000forced\u3000into\u3000flight\u3000at\u3000the\u3000beginning\u3000or\u3000the\u3000end\u3000of\u3000the\u3000workday\uff1b\u3000their\u3000deception\u3000might\u3000have\u3000been\u3000given\u3000away\u3000by\u3000the\u3000sheer\u3000accident\u3000of\u3000a\u3000busy\u3000gray\u3000dwarf\u3000bumping\u3000into\u3000their\u3000invisible\u3000chain\u3000as\u3000they\u3000skulked\u3000down\u3000the\u3000street\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Halisstra\u3000risked\u3000one\u3000more\u3000glance\u3000over\u3000her\u3000shoulder\u3000at\u3000Valas\uff1b\u3000who\u3000strolled\u3000quickly\u3000down\u3000the\u3000street\u3000in\u3000the\u3000opposite\u3000direction\uff1b\u3000looking\u3000a\u3000little\u3000furtive\u3000himself\u2026a\u3000better\u3000disguise\u3000than\u3000plete\u3000nonchalance\uff1b\u3000which\u3000would\u3000have\u3000been\u3000jarring\u3000in\u3000a\u3000place\u3000like\u3000Gracklstugh\u3002\u3000She\u3000also\u3000noted\u3000a\u3000gray\u3000dwarf\u3000porter\u3000who\u3000hefted\u3000a\u3000small\u3000cask\u3000of\u3000brandy\u3000to\u3000his\u3000shoulder\u3000as\u3000the\u3000scout\u3000passed\u3000and\u3000turned\u3000to\u3000follow\uff1b\u3000seemingly\u3000nothing\u3000more\u3000than\u3000a\u3000mon\u3000laborer\u3000hired\u3000to\u3000carry\u3000goods\u3000from\u3000one\u3000part\u3000of\u3000the\u3000city\u3000to\u3000another\u3002\u3000Valas\u3000could\u3000not\u3000have\u3000missed\u3000him\uff1b\u3000she\u3000decided\u3002\u3000The\u3000mercenary\u3000is\u3000too\u3000sharp\u3000to\u3000miss\u3000a\u3000straightforward\u3000tail\u3000like\u3000that\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000She\u3000dashed\u3000off\u3000down\u3000the\u3000pier\uff1b\u3000ghosting\u3000into\u3000visibility\u3000as\u3000she\u3000left\u3000Pharaun’s\u3000magical\u3000influence\u3000behind\u3002\u3000Jeggred\u3000and\u3000Ryld\u3000charged\u3000in\u3000the\u3000opposite\u3000direction\uff1b\u3000Splitter\u3000appearing\u3000in\u3000the\u3000weapons\u3000master’s\u3000hand\u3000as\u3000if\u3000he\u3000had\u3000worked\u3000an\u3000enchantment\u3000of\u3000his\u3000own\u3002\u3000Pharaun\u3000snarled\u3000out\u3000a\u3000short\u3000phrase\u3000of\u3000words\u3000that\u3000seemed\u3000to\u3000shiver\u3000the\u3000very\u3000air\u3000of\u3000the\u3000quay\uff1b\u3000and\u3000a\u3000moment\u3000later\u3000a\u3000ripple\u3000of\u3000light\u3000washed\u3000over\u3000the\u3000opposite\u3000side\u3000of\u3000the\u3000street\uff1b\u3000revealing\u3000the\u3000armored\u3000duergar\u3000where\u3000they\u3000stood\u3002\u3000The\u3000wizard\u3000followed\u3000instantly\u3000with\u3000another\u3000spell\uff1b\u3000being\u3000visible\u3000himself\u3000as\u3000he\u3000pointed\u3000a\u3000black\u3000ray\u3000at\u3000the\u3000wizard\u3000among\u3000the\u3000gray\u3000dwarf\u3000soldiers\u3002\u3000The\u3000purple\u3000lance\u3000struck\u3000the\u3000duergar\u3000mage\u3000in\u3000the\u3000center\u3000of\u3000his\u3000chest\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000enemy\u3000wizard\u3000collapsed\u3000like\u3000a\u3000puppet\u3000with\u3000its\u3000strings\u3000cut\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Next\u3000time\uff1b\u3000strike\u3000first\u3000and\u3000issue\u3000challenges\u3000later\uff1b\u3003\u3000Pharaun\u3000remarked\u3002\u3000He\u3000started\u3000to\u3000work\u3000another\u3000spell\u3000as\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3000and\u3000the\u3000weapons\u3000master\u3000crashed\u3000into\u3000the\u3000ranks\u3000of\u3000the\u3000patrol\uff1b\u3000hewing\u3000and\u3000slashing\u3000with\u3000abandon\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Halisstra\u3000followed\u3000Quenthel\u3000as\u3000she\u3000ran\u3000down\u3000the\u3000pier\u3000and\u3000leaped\u3000onto\u3000Coalhewer’s\u3000boat\u3002\u3000The\u3000massive\u3000undead\u3000skeletons\u3000stood\u3000motionless\u3000in\u3000their\u3000well\u3000in\u3000the\u3000center\u3000of\u3000the\u3000hull\uff1b\u3000nothing\u3000more\u3000than\u3000inert\u3000machinery\u3000awaiting\u3000mand\u3002\u3000Beneath\u3000the\u3000bridge\uff1b\u3000the\u3000duergar\u3000smuggler\u3000stirred\u3000and\u3000sat\u3000up\u3000from\u3000a\u3000thin\u3000bedroll\uff1b\u3000snatching\u3000up\u3000a\u3000hand\u3000axe\u3000close\u3000by\u3000his\u3000sleeping\u3000place\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Who\u3000goes\u3000there\uff1f\u3003\u3000he\u3000roared\uff1b\u3000scrambling\u3000to\u3000his\u3000feet\u3002\u3000\u3003Why\uff1b\u3000ye\u2026\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000Baenre\u3000raised\u3000her\u3000whip\u3000to\u3000finish\u3000the\u3000smuggler\uff1b\u3000but\u3000Halisstra\u3000called\uff1b\u3000\u3003Wait\uff01\u3000We\u3000may\u3000need\u3000him\u3000to\u3000run\u3000this\u3000thing\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003You\u3000believed\u3000that\u3000story\u3000of\u3000his\uff1f\u3003\u3000Quenthel\u3000said\uff1b\u3000not\u3000taking\u3000her\u3000eyes\u3000from\u3000the\u3000dwarf\u3002\u3000\u3003Of\u3000course\u3000he\u3000wanted\u3000us\u3000to\u3000think\u3000we\u3000needed\u3000him\u3000to\u3000run\u3000the\u3000boat\u3002\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003There\u3000is\u3000a\u3000limit\u3000to\u3000how\u3000much\u3000smoked\u3000rothe\u3000cheese\u3000and\u3000black\u3000spore\u2026flour\u3000bread\u3000one\u3000can\u3000stand\uff1b\u3003\u3000she\u3000said\u3002\u3000She\u3000took\u3000the\u3000wine\u3000glasses\u3000in\u3000hand\u3000and\u3000moved\u3000close\u3000to\u3000extend\u3000him\u3000one\u3002\u3000\u3003I\u3000admit\uff1b\u3000I\u3000had\u3000my\u3000entourage\u3000scour\u3000the\u3000city\u3000to\u3000find\u3000inns\u3000and\u3000taverns\u3000willing\u3000to\u3000provide\u3000meals\u3000suited\u3000to\u3000an\u3000elf’s\u3000palate\u3002\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003So\uff1b\u3000to\u3000what\u3000do\u3000I\u3000owe\u3000the\u3000pleasure\u3000of\u3000this\u3000occasion\uff1f\u3003\u3000he\u3000asked\u3000between\u3000mouthfuls\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003That\u3000is\u3000not\u3000exactly\u3000the\u3000sort\u3000of\u3000answer\u3000I\u3000had\u3000in\u3000mind\u3002\u3003\u3000Aliisza\u3000leaned\u3000forward\uff1b\u3000her\u3000eyes\u3000fixed\u3000on\u3000him\u3002\u3000\u3003What\u3000I\u3000meant\u3000was\uff1b\u3000whom\u3000do\u3000you\u3000serve\uff1f\u3000What\u3000are\u3000you\u3000doing\u3000here\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Nimor\u3000felt\u3000a\u3000subtle\u3000flutter\u3000at\u3000the\u3000edges\u3000of\u3000his\u3000thoughts\uff1b\u3000as\u3000if\u3000he\u3000was\u3000trying\u3000to\u3000remember\u3000something\u3000he’d\u3000momentarily\u3000misplaced\u3002\u3000He\u3000leaned\u3000back\u3000in\u3000his\u3000chair\u3000and\u3000grinned\u3000at\u3000the\u3000alu\u2026fiend\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Perhaps\u3000you’re\u3000right\u3002\u3000I’ve\u3000spoken\u3000to\u3000other\u3000drow\u3000who\u3000seem\u3000to\u3000feel\u3000these\u3000are\u3000extraordinary\u3000and\u3000unprecedented\u3000times\u3002\u3003\u3000Aliisza\u3000glanced\u3000over\u3000her\u3000shoulder\u3000at\u3000him\u3000and\u3000added\uff1b\u3000\u3003In\u3000fact\uff1b\u3000in\u3000Ched\u3000Nasad\u3000I\u3000encountered\u3000a\u3000mission\u3000of\u3000high\u2026ranking\u3000Menzoberranyr\u3000who\u3000had\u3000e\u3000to\u3000the\u3000city\u3000in\u3000the\u3000hopes\u3000of\u3000discovering\u3000the\u3000causes\u3000of\u3000Lolth’s\u3000silence\u3002\u3000Quenthel\u3000Baenre\uff1b\u3000the\u3000Mistress\u3000of\u3000Arach\u2026Tinilith\uff1b\u3000led\u3000the\u3000pany\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I’ve\u3000heard\u3000of\u3000Mistress\u3000Quenthel’s\u3000mission\u3002\u3000So\u3000they\u3000made\u3000it\u3000to\u3000Ched\u3000Nasad\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003After\u3000passing\u3000through\u3000Kaanyr\u3000Vhok’s\u3000territory\uff1b\u3000yes\u3002\u3000They\u3000arrived\u3000just\u3000in\u3000time\u3000to\u3000witness\u3000the\u3000city’s\u3000destruction\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Did\u3000any\u3000of\u3000them\u3000survive\uff1f\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Did\u3000they\u3000find\u3000any\u3000answers\u3000to\u3000their\u3000questions\uff1f\u3003\u3000he\u3000asked\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003None\u3000that\u3000I\u3000know\u3000of\uff1b\u3003\u3000Aliisza\u3000said\u3002\u3000She\u3000turned\u3000back\u3000from\u3000the\u3000window\u3000and\u3000glided\u3000over\u3000to\u3000the\u3000table\u3000again\uff1b\u3000then\u3000changed\u3000the\u3000subject\u3002\u3000\u3003You\u3000seemed\u3000very\u3000anxious\u3000to\u3000argue\u3000my\u3000case\u3000with\u3000the\u3000crown\u3000prince\u3002\u3000Might\u3000I\u3000ask\u3000why\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000assassin\u3000shifted\u3000in\u3000his\u3000seat\u3000and\u3000leaned\u3000back\uff1b\u3000allowing\u3000his\u3000gaze\u3000to\u3000rest\u3000on\u3000her\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003You\u3000touched\u3000on\u3000this\u3000already\uff1b\u3003\u3000he\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003Either\u3000Gracklstugh\u3000is\u3000strong\u3000enough\u3000to\u3000defeat\u3000Menzoberranzan\uff1b\u3000or\u3000it\u3000isn’t\u3002\u3000If\u3000it\u3000is\u3000not\uff1b\u3000then\u3000Kaanyr\u3000Vhok’s\u3000Scoured\u3000Legion\u3000is\u3000likely\u3000to\u3000tip\u3000the\u3000scales\u3000in\u3000our\u3000favor\u3002\u3000If\u3000Gracklstugh\u3000is\u3000strong\u3000enough\uff1b\u3000then\u3000the\u3000Scoured\u3000Legion\u3000might\u3000serve\u3000as\u3000a\u3000useful\u3000check\u3000on\u3000Horgar’s\u3000aspirations\u3002\u3000We\u3000wouldn’t\u3000want\u3000the\u3000crown\u3000prince\u3000to\u3000forget\u3000the\u3000details\u3000of\u3000our\u3000arrangement\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003And\u3000why\u3000should\u3000the\u3000Scoured\u3000Legion\u3000serve\u3000as\u3000your\u3000army\u3000in\u3000the\u3000field\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Because\u3000Horgar\u3000won’t\u3000have\u3000you\u3000for\u3000an\u3000ally\u3000unless\u3000I\u3000persuade\u3000him\u3000that\u3000he’d\u3000be\u3000better\u3000served\u3000with\u3000Kaanyr\u3000Vhok’s\u3000tanarukks\u3000at\u3000his\u3000side\u3000than\u3000attacking\u3000his\u3000flank\uff1b\u3003\u3000Nimor\u3000answered\u3002\u3000\u3003Besides\uff1b\u3000your\u3000master\u3000doesn’t\u3000want\u3000to\u3000sit\u3000at\u3000home\u3000while\u3000events\u3000unfold\u3002\u3000He\u3000sent\u3000you\u3000here\u3000to\u3000urge\u3000the\u3000duergar\u3000to\u3000attack\u3000Menzoberranzan\uff1b\u3000did\u3000he\u3000not\uff1f\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000assassin\u3000studied\u3000the\u3000alu\u2026fiend\u3000while\u3000he\u3000considered\u3000the\u3000question\u3002\u3000Agrach\u3000Dyrr\u3000was\u3000a\u3000useful\u3000ally\uff1b\u3000but\u3000he\u3000doubted\u3000that\u3000the\u3000Fifth\u3000House\u3000of\u3000Menzoberranzan\u3000had\u3000the\u3000strength\u3000to\u3000counterbalance\u3000Horgar’s\u3000army\u3000if\u3000push\u3000came\u3000to\u3000shove\u3002\u3000Another\u3000force\u3000on\u3000the\u3000field\u3000would\u3000increase\u3000the\u3000chances\u3000of\u3000success\u3000for\u3000the\u3000Jaezred\u3000Chaulssin\uff1b\u3000and\u3000with\u3000three\u3000factions\u3000 \n
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000think\uff1b\u3003\u3000he\u3000said\u3000at\u3000length\uff1b\u3000\u3003that\u3000we\u3000won’t\u3000give\u3000Horgar\u3000the\u3000chance\u3000to\u3000refuse\u3000your\u3000help\u3002\u3000Do\u3000you\u3000know\u3000of\u3000a\u3000place\u3000called\u3000the\u3000Pillars\u3000of\u3000Woe\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Aliisza\u3000frowned\u3000and\u3000shook\u3000her\u3000head\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003It’s\u3000a\u3000gorge\u3000between\u3000Gracklstugh\u3000and\u3000Menzoberranzan\uff1b\u3003\u3000Nimor\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003a\u3000place\u3000I\u3000have\u3000great\u3000plans\u3000for\u3002\u3000I\u3000am\u3000certain\u3000that\u3000some\u3000of\u3000Kaanyr\u3000Vhok’s\u3000scouts\u3000will\u3000know\u3000the\u3000spot\uff1b\u3000and\u3000I’ll\u3000make\u3000sure\u3000you\u3000know\u3000where\u3000to\u3000find\u3000it\u3002\u3000Go\u3000back\u3000to\u3000Kaanyr\u3000Vhok\u3000and\u3000have\u3000him\u3000bring\u3000the\u3000Scoured\u3000Legion\u3000to\u3000the\u3000Pillars\u3000of\u3000Woe\u3000with\u3000all\u3000possible\u3000speed\u3002\u3000You\u3000will\u3000have\u3000your\u3000chance\u3000to\u3000assist\u3000in\u3000the\u3000destruction\u3000of\u3000Menzoberranzan\u3002\u3000If\u3000the\u3000crown\u3000prince\u3000proves\u3000pletely\u3000unreasonable\uff1b\u3000you\u3000will\u3000have\u3000other\u3000opportunities\u3000available\u3000to\u3000you\uff1b\u3000but\u3000I\u3000believe\u3000that\u3000Horgar\u3000will\u3000accept\u3000your\u3000stake\u3000in\u3000events\u3000once\u3000he\u3000encounters\u3000your\u3000force\u3000in\u3000the\u3000field\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003That\u3000sounds\u3000risky\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Risk\u3000is\u3000the\u3000cost\u3000of\u3000opportunity\uff1b\u3000dear\u3000lady\u3002\u3000It\u3000cannot\u3000be\u3000avoided\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Aliisza\u3000measured\u3000him\u3000with\u3000her\u3000smoky\u3000gaze\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003All\u3000right\uff1b\u3003\u3000she\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003but\u3000I’ll\u3000warn\u3000you\u3000that\u3000Kaanyr\u3000will\u3000be\u3000quite\u3000put\u3000out\u3000with\u3000me\u3000if\u3000he\u3000marches\u3000his\u3000army\u3000off\u3000into\u3000the\u3000wilds\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Underdark\u3000and\u3000misses\u3000all\u3000the\u3000fun\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000will\u3000not\u3000disappoint\u3000you\uff1b\u3003\u3000Nimor\u3000promised\u3002\u3000He\u3000allowed\u3000himself\u3000a\u3000deep\u3000draught\u3000of\u3000wine\uff1b\u3000and\u3000pushed\u3000his\u3000chair\u3000away\u3000from\u3000the\u3000table\u3002\u3000\u3003That\u3000would\u3000seem\u3000to\u3000conclude\u3000our\u3000business\uff1b\u3000Lady\u3000Aliisza\u3002\u3000I\u3000thank\u3000you\u3000for\u3000the\u3000fine\u3000supper\u3000and\u3000the\u3000pleasant\u3000pany\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Leaving\u3000so\u3000soon\uff1f\u3003\u3000Aliisza\u3000said\uff1b\u3000with\u3000just\u3000a\u3000hint\u3000of\u3000a\u3000pout\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000She\u3000drifted\u3000closer\uff1b\u3000a\u3000mischievous\u3000fire\u3000springing\u3000up\u3000in\u3000her\u3000eyes\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Nimor\u3000found\u3000his\u3000gaze\u3000roving\u3000over\u3000the\u3000voluptuous\u3000curves\u3000of\u3000her\u3000body\u3002\u3000She\u3000leaned\u3000forward\u3000to\u3000put\u3000her\u3000hands\u3000on\u3000the\u3000arms\u3000of\u3000his\u3000chair\uff1b\u3000and\u3000enfolded\u3000her\u3000wings\u3000around\u3000him\u3002\u3000With\u3000sinuous\u3000grace\u3000she\u3000lowered\u3000herself\u3000closer\u3000to\u3000nibble\u3000at\u3000his\u3000ear\uff1b\u3000pressing\u3000her\u3000soft\uff1b\u3000hot\u3000flesh\u3000against\u3000him\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003If\u3000we’ve\u3000finished\u3000our\u3000business\u3000already\uff1b\u3000Nimor\u3000Imphraezl\uff1b\u3000it\u3000must\u3000be\u3000time\u3000for\u3000pleasure\uff1b\u3003\u3000she\u3000whispered\u3000into\u3000his\u3000ear\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Nimor\u3000inhaled\u3000the\u3000delicious\u3000odor\u3000of\u3000her\u3000perfume\u3000and\u3000found\u3000his\u3000hands\u3000roving\u3000to\u3000stroke\u3000her\u3000hips\u3000and\u3000bring\u3000her\u3000closer\u3000still\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Halisstra\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000wizard\u3000called\uff1b\u3000\u3003would\u3000you\u3000take\u3000my\u3000wand\u2026the\u3000one\u3000in\u3000my\u3000hand\uff1b\u3000I\u3000mean\u2026and\u3000use\u3000it\u3000to\u3000discourage\u3000that\u3000fellow\u3000on\u3000the\u3000first\u3000boat\uff1f\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pharaun\u3000chanted\u3000out\u3000the\u3000words\u3000of\u3000another\u3000spell\uff1b\u3000and\u3000a\u3000thick\u3000white\u3000mist\u3000arose\u3000in\u3000their\u3000wake\uff1b\u3000its\u3000billows\u3000spreading\u3000across\u3000the\u3000water\u3000with\u3000startling\u3000speed\u3002\u3000Almost\u3000instantly\uff1b\u3000it\u3000sprawled\u3000across\u3000their\u3000stern\u3000like\u3000a\u3000wall\u3000of\u3000white\uff1b\u3000pletely\u3000blocking\u3000the\u3000pursuing\u3000boats\u3000from\u3000view\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Quenthel\u3000narrowed\u3000her\u3000eyes\u3002\u3000She\u3000started\u3000to\u3000gesture\u3000to\u3000Jeggred\uff1b\u3000but\u3000Halisstra\u3000shook\u3000her\u3000head\u3000and\u3000started\u3000a\u3000low\uff1b\u3000droning\u3000bae’qeshel\u3000song\u3002\u3000She\u3000gathered\u3000the\u3000force\u3000of\u3000her\u3000will\u3000and\u3000hurled\u3000it\u3000full\u3000upon\u3000the\u3000livid\u3000dwarf\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Indeed\u3002\u3000Well\uff1b\u3000I\u3000would\u3000be\u3000happy\u3000to\u3000oblige\u3000you\uff1b\u3000but\u3000I\u3000have\u3000urgent\u3000business\u3000with\u3000the\u3000Council\u3002\u3000Perhaps\u3000we\u3000could\u3000take\u3000up\u3000this\u3000conversation\u3000a\u3000little\u3000later\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000glanced\u3000around\u3000the\u3000room\uff1b\u3000and\u3000his\u3000eyes\u3000fell\u3000on\u3000the\u3000crystal\u3000orb\u3000in\u3000the\u3000chamber’s\u3000oriel\u3002\u3000The\u3000sphere\u3000swirled\u3000with\u3000pearly\u3000green\u3000opalescence\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Ah\uff1b\u3000of\u3000course\uff1b\u3000the\u3000archmage\u3000realized\u3002\u3000He\u3000found\u3000me\u3000here\uff1b\u3000where\u3000my\u3000screens\u3000against\u3000hostile\u3000divinations\u3000are\u3000weakened\u3000by\u3000the\u3000transparency\u3000of\u3000my\u3000scrying\u3000place\u3002\u3000I\u3000must\u3000investigate\u3000ways\u3000to\u3000guard\u3000against\u3000such\u3000occurrences\u3000without\u3000hampering\u3000my\u3000own\u3000efforts\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000I\u3000fear\u3000I\u3000must\u3000speak\u3000with\u3000you\u3000now\uff1b\u3000Dyrr\u3000pressed\u3002\u3000I\u3000will\u3000not\u3000delay\u3000you\u3000for\u3000very\u3000long\uff1b\u3000and\u3000I\u3000believe\u3000you\u3000will\u3000be\u3000glad\u3000you\u3000listened\u3000to\u3000me\u3000before\u3000facing\u3000our\u3000scheming\u3000females\u3002\u3000May\u3000I\u3000join\u3000you\u3000there\uff1f
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000paused\u3000and\u3000gazed\u3000up\u3000at\u3000the\u3000unseen\u3000presence\u3000watching\u3000him\uff1b\u3000repressing\u3000an\u3000angry\u3000scowl\u3002\u3000Inviting\u3000a\u3000creature\u3000like\u3000Dyrr\u3000into\u3000his\u3000conjuring\u3000chambers\u3000was\u3000not\u3000something\u3000he\u3000cared\u3000to\u3000do\u3000on\u3000a\u3000whim\u3002\u3000Whether\u3000or\u3000not\u3000the\u3000ancient\u3000sorcerer\u3000had\u3000anything\u3000Gromph\u3000wished\u3000to\u3000hear\uff1b\u3000it\u3000was\u3000true\u3000that\u3000the\u3000matron\u3000mothers\u3000would\u3000not\u3000take\u3000kindly\u3000to\u3000waiting\u3000on\u3000his\u3000arrival\u3002\u3000He\u3000tapped\u3000his\u3000finger\u3000on\u3000the\u3000great\u3000wooden\u3000staff\u3000at\u3000his\u3000side\uff1b\u3000considering\u3000carefully\u3002\u3000He\u3000had\u3000no\u3000wish\u3000to\u3000give\u3000offense\u3000to\u3000Dyrr\u3000if\u3000it\u3000could\u3000be\u3000avoided\uff1b\u3000and\u3000after\u3000long\u3000centuries\u3000of\u3000undeath\u3000it\u3000was\u3000hard\u3000to\u3000say\u3000what\u3000the\u3000lich\u3000might\u3000or\u3000might\u3000not\u3000find\u3000offensive\u3002\u3000Besides\uff1b\u3000Gromph\u3000stood\u3000in\u3000his\u3000own\u3000sanctum\uff1b\u3000where\u3000many\u3000potent\u3000magical\u3000defenses\u3000lay\u3000within\u3000his\u3000reach\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Very\u3000well\uff1b\u3000Lord\u3000Dyrr\u3002\u3000Though\u3000I\u3000really\u3000must\u3000insist\u3000that\u3000we\u3000keep\u3000our\u3000conversation\u3000short\uff1b\u3000as\u3000my\u3000business\u3000with\u3000the\u3000Council\u3000is\u3000exceedingly\u3000urgent\u3002\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Greetings\uff1b\u3000Archmage\u3002\u3000I\u3000apologize\u3000for\u3000inconveniencing\u3000you\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000lich\u3000said\u3002\u3000He\u3000fixed\u3000his\u3000blank\u3000sockets\u3000on\u3000Gromph\u3002\u3000\u3003What\u3000is\u3000it\u3000that\u3000drives\u3000you\u3000to\u3000seek\u3000an\u3000audience\u3000with\u3000the\u3000matrons\u3000today\uff1b\u3000young\u3000Gromph\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003With\u3000all\u3000due\u3000respect\uff1b\u3000Lord\u3000Dyrr\uff1b\u3000I\u3000believe\u3000that\u3000is\u3000a\u3000matter\u3000for\u3000their\u3000ears\uff1b\u3000not\u3000yours\u3002\u3000Now\uff1b\u3000what\u3000offer\u3000do\u3000you\u3000have\u3000for\u3000me\u3000that\u3000cannot\u3000wait\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003As\u3000you\u3000wish\uff1b\u3000then\uff1b\u3003\u3000Dyrr\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003An\u3000army\u3000marches\u3000against\u3000Menzoberranzan\u3000from\u3000the\u3000south\u2026the\u3000gray\u3000dwarves\u3000have\u3000apparently\u3000heard\u3000of\u3000our\u3000troubles\u3000and\u3000have\u3000decided\u3000to\u3000take\u3000advantage\u3000of\u3000the\u3000opportunity\u3000this\u3000offers\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Yes\uff1b\u3000I\u3000know\uff1b\u3003\u3000Gromph\u3000snapped\u3002\u3000\u3003It\u3000is\u3000for\u3000this\u3000very\u3000reason\u3000that\u3000I\u3000must\u3000leave\u3000at\u3000once\u3002\u3000If\u3000you\u3000have\u3000nothing\u3000else\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000He\u3000started\u3000toward\u3000the\u3000plain\u3000stone\u3000shaft\u3000leading\u3000down\u3000into\u3000his\u3000apartments\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000find\u3000that\u3000I\u3000am\u3000pleased\u3000that\u3000my\u3000news\u3000did\u3000not\u3000surprise\u3000you\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000lich\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003If\u3000you\u3000had\u3000not\u3000known\u3000of\u3000the\u3000duergar\u3000army\uff1b\u3000I\u3000would\u3000have\u3000had\u3000to\u3000make\u3000sure\u3000that\u3000it\u3000did\u3000not\u3000e\u3000to\u3000your\u3000attention\uff1b\u3000if\u3000you\u3000take\u3000my\u3000meaning\u3002\u3003\u3000Dyrr\u3000turned\u3000to\u3000face\u3000Gromph’s\u3000back\u3000with\u3000a\u3000terrible\u3000scraping\u3000and\u3000clicking\u3000sound\u3000of\u3000bones\u3000rubbing\u3000together\u3002\u3000\u3003You\u3000may\u3000recall\u3000we\u3000spoke\u3000a\u3000few\u3000days\u3000past\u3000regarding\u3000a\u3000time\u3000when\u3000you\u3000must\u3000make\u3000a\u3000decision\u3002\u3000The\u3000time\u3000has\u3000e\u3000to\u3000do\u3000so\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000stopped\u3000in\u3000his\u3000tracks\u3000and\u3000turned\u3000around\u3000carefully\u3002\u3000He’d\u3000hoped\u3000that\u3000wasn’t\u3000the\u3000lich’s\u3000motive\u3000in\u3000confronting\u3000him\uff1b\u3000but\u3000it\u3000seemed\u3000Dyrr\u3000intended\u3000to\u3000press\u3000the\u3000issue\u3000whether\u3000the\u3000archmage\u3000wished\u3000him\u3000to\u3000or\u3000not\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003A\u3000decision\uff1b\u3000Dyrr\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Do\u3000not\u3000play\u3000at\u3000misunderstanding\u3000me\u3002\u3000I\u3000know\u3000you’re\u3000far\u3000too\u3000intelligent\u3000for\u3000that\u3002\u3000All\u3000you\u3000need\u3000do\u3000is\u3000withhold\u3000your\u3000report\u3000for\u3000a\u3000few\u3000more\u3000days\uff1b\u3000and\u3000you\u3000can\u3000rush\u3000over\u3000to\u3000panic\u3000the\u3000matrons\u3000with\u3000news\u3000of\u3000a\u3000duergar\u3000army\u3000on\u3000our\u3000doorstep\u3002\u3000In\u3000fact\uff1b\u3000my\u3000plans\u3000will\u3000be\u3000well\u3000served\u3000if\u3000you\u3000do\u3000so\u3000at\u3000a\u3000time\u3000and\u3000in\u3000a\u3000manner\u3000convenient\u3000to\u3000me\u3002\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003It\u3000is\u3000in\u3000peril\u3000already\uff1b\u3000young\u3000Gromph\u3002\u3000I\u3000mean\u3000to\u3000impose\u3000some\u3000measure\u3000of\u3000order\u3000on\u3000the\u3000inevitable\u3002\u3000You\u3000could\u3000be\u3000of\u3000great\u3000assistance\u3000to\u3000me\u3000in\u3000the\u3000ing\u3000days\uff1b\u3000or\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3002\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000see\uff1b\u3003\u3000said\u3000Gromph\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Would\u3000such\u3000a\u3000city\u3000have\u3000any\u3000place\u3000for\u3000a\u3000Baenre\uff1f\u3000he\u3000answered\u3000himself\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000am\u3000the\u3000Archmage\u3000of\u3000Menzoberranzan\uff1b\u3003\u3000Gromph\u3000roared\u3002\u3000\u3003I\u3000am\u3000no\u3000one’s\u3000errand\u3000boy\uff01\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Fortunately\uff1b\u3000he\u3000was\u3000in\u3000his\u3000sanctum\uff1b\u3000surrounded\u3000by\u3000a\u3000dozen\u3000weapons\u3000he\u3000might\u3000employ\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000rolled\u3000to\u3000his\u3000elbow\u3000and\u3000barked\u3000out\uff1b\u3000\u3003Szashune\uff01\u3000Destroy\u3000him\uff01\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000In\u3000one\u3000alcove\u3000of\u3000the\u3000room\uff1b\u3000a\u3000tall\u3000statue\u3000of\u3000a\u3000four\u2026armed\u3000swordsman\u3000carved\u3000from\u3000perfect\u3000black\u3000obsidian\u3000stirred\u3000to\u3000life\uff1b\u3000striding\u3000out\u3000into\u3000the\u3000chamber\u3000as\u3000it\u3000hefted\u3000and\u3000clashed\u3000its\u3000ebon\u3000blades\u3000like\u3000a\u3000living\u3000warrior\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Dyrr\u3000skittered\u3000away\u3000several\u3000steps\u3000and\u3000spoke\u3000a\u3000word\u3002\u3000The\u3000lich\u3000soared\u3000up\u3000out\u3000of\u3000the\u3000spiderstone\u3000golem’s\u3000reach\uff1b\u3000but\u3000Gromph\u3000used\u3000the\u3000opportunity\u3000of\u3000the\u3000distraction\u3000to\u3000summon\u3000up\u3000the\u3000most\u3000destructive\u3000spell\u3000he\u3000knew\u3000and\u3000hurl\u3000it\u3000at\u3000the\u3000airborne\u3000lich\u3002\u3000From\u3000his\u3000outstretched\u3000hands\u3000eight\u3000brilliant\u3000orbs\u3000of\u3000bl \n
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Dust\u3000billowed\u3000from\u3000the\u3000hovering\u3000form\u3000of\u3000the\u3000lich\uff1b\u3000and\u3000his\u3000skull\u3000nodded\u3000down\u3000to\u3000his\u3000breastbone\u3000almost\u3000as\u3000if\u3000his\u3000animating\u3000magic\u3000was\u3000failing\u3000him\uff1b\u3000but\u3000the\u3000bony\u3000creature\u3000returned\u3000to\u3000itself\u3000with\u3000startling\u3000speed\u3002\u3000Dyrr\u3000looked\u3000up\u3000again\u3000as\u3000wicked\u3000green\u3000light\u3000grew\u3000strong\u3000in\u3000his\u3000eye\u3000sockets\uff1b\u3000and\u3000he\u3000laughed\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003My\u3000old\u3000bones\u3000aren’t\u3000the\u3000entirety\u3000of\u3000my\u3000being\uff1b\u3000Gromph\uff1b\u3003\u3000he\u3000rasped\u3002\u3000\u3003You\u3000abuse\u3000them\u3000to\u3000no\u3000great\u3000effect\u3002\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000golem\u3000rushed\u3000forward\u3002\u3000The\u3000massive\u3000construct\u3000pounded\u3000at\u3000the\u3000lich\u3000with\u3000terrific\u3000blows\u3000of\u3000its\u3000three\u3000remaining\u3000arms\uff1b\u3000its\u3000gleaming\u3000black\u3000face\u3000pletely\u3000expressionless\u3002\u3000The\u3000conjury\u3000rang\u3000with\u3000the\u3000mighty\u3000impact\u3000of\u3000the\u3000blows\u3002\u3000Gromph\u3000bared\u3000his\u3000teeth\u3000in\u3000a\u3000savage\u3000grin\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Dyrr\u3000endured\u3000two\uff1b\u3000then\u3000three\u3000tremendous\u3000blows\u3000from\u3000the\u3000towering\u3000statue\uff1b\u3000staggering\u3000in\u3000his\u3000steps\u3000as\u3000bone\u3000cracked\u3000and\u3000split\u3002\u3000The\u3000demon\u2026faced\u3000buckler\u3000darted\u3000and\u3000wheeled\u3000around\u3000him\uff1b\u3000laughing\u3000shrilly\u3000and\u3000blocking\u3000even\u3000more\u3000blows\u3000than\u3000that\uff1b\u3000parrying\u3000strike\u3000after\u3000strike\u3000from\u3000the\u3000stone\u3000construct\u3002\u3000The\u3000sorcerer\u3000retreated\u3000a\u3000step\uff1b\u3000found\u3000his\u3000footing\uff1b\u3000and\u3000spread\u3000his\u3000arms\u3000wide\u3002\u3000His\u3000gleaming\u3000black\u3000robes\u3000shimmered\u3000once\uff1b\u3000and\u3000exploded\u3000outward\u3000in\u3000a\u3000deadly\u3000spinning\u3000saw\u3000of\u3000razor\u2026sharp\u3000blades\u3000that\u3000carved\u3000chunks\u3000of\u3000stone\u3000from\u3000Gromph’s\u3000golem\u3000and\u3000diced\u3000tables\uff1b\u3000furnishings\uff1b\u3000and\u3000books\u3000with\u3000abandon\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Dyrr\u3000shouted\u3000in\u3000triumph\u3000and\u3000leaped\u3000forward\u3000at\u3000the\u3000archmage\uff1b\u3000swinging\u3000his\u3000adamantine\u3000staff\u3000with\u3000startling\u3000speed\u3000and\u3000swiftness\u3002\u3000Gromph\u3000yelped\u3000in\u3000surprise\u3000and\u3000rolled\u3000aside\u3000just\u3000in\u3000time\u3000to\u3000avoid\u3000a\u3000two\u2026handed\u3000blow\u3000that\u3000split\u3000the\u3000marble\u3000flagstone\u3000right\u3000where\u3000he’d\u3000fallen\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003That\u3000does\u3000not\u3000befit\u3000mages\u3000of\u3000our\u3000station\uff01\u3003\u3000Gromph\u3000howled\uff1b\u3000scrambling\u3000to\u3000his\u3000feet\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000shouted\u3000a\u3000spell\u3000that\u3000ripped\u3000the\u3000lich’s\u3000weapon\u3000from\u3000his\u3000grasp\uff1b\u3000hurling\u3000it\u3000across\u3000the\u3000room\u3000with\u3000such\u3000force\u3000that\u3000the\u3000adamantine\u3000rod\u3000stuck\uff1b\u3000quivering\u3000end\u3000first\uff1b\u3000in\u3000the\u3000chamber’s\u3000wall\u3000like\u3000a\u3000javelin\u3000thrown\u3000by\u3000a\u3000giant\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Ah\uff1b\u3003\u3000Dyrr\u3000remarked\uff1b\u3000studying\u3000the\u3000shimmering\u3000sphere\u3002\u3000\u3003An\u3000excellent\u3000defense\uff1b\u3000young\u3000Gromph\uff1b\u3000but\u3000not\u3000impervious\u3000to\u3000one\u3000of\u3000my\u3000skill\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000lich\u3000muttered\u3000a\u3000word\u3000of\u3000awful\u3000power\u3000and\u3000scuttled\u3000forward\uff1b\u3000his\u3000skeletal\u3000talons\u3000outstretched\u3002\u3000Seemingly\u3000unconcerned\u3000by\u3000Gromph’s\u3000defensive\u3000spell\u3000the\u3000lich\u3000plunged\u3000his\u3000hand\u3000through\u3000the\u3000dancing\u3000globe\u3000of\u3000color\u3000and\u3000grasped\u3000the\u3000archmage\u3000by\u3000one\u3000arm\u3002\u3000Gromph\u3000shrieked\u3000in\u3000dismay\u3000as\u3000the\u3000power\u3000of\u3000the\u3000lich’s\u3000spell\u3000struck\u3000full\u3000upon\u3000him\uff1b\u3000blasting\u3000his\u3000defensive\u3000globe\u3000to\u3000motes\u3000of\u3000winking\u3000light\u3000and\u3000locking\u3000his\u3000every\u3000muscle\u3000into\u3000an\u3000absolute\u3000rigidity\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000archmage\u3000had\u3000one\u3000long\u3000glimpse\u3000at\u3000the\u3000triumphant\u3000lich\u3000standing\u3000over\u3000him\uff1b\u3000then\u3000he\u3000started\u3000to\u3000fall\u3002\u3000Gromph\uff1b\u3000unable\u3000to\u3000move\uff1b\u3000plummeted\u3000straight\u3000down\u3000through\u3000the\u3000floor\uff1b\u3000through\u3000the\u3000flickering\u3000rooms\u3000and\u3000chambers\u3000of\u3000Sorcere\uff1b\u3000through\u3000a\u3000vast\u3000distance\u3000into\u3000the\u3000yawning\u3000black\u3000rock\u3000below\u3000the\u3000tower\uff1b\u3000the\u3000city\uff1b\u3000the\u3000world\u3002\u3000For\u3000one\u3000terrible\u3000instant\u3000Gromph\u3000felt\u3000himself\u3000at\u3000the\u3000bottom\u3000of\u3000a\u3000measureless\u3000well\uff1b\u3000staring\u3000up\u3000through\u3000uncounted\u3000miles\u3000of\u3000darkness\u3000at\u3000the\u3000pinprick\u3000figure\u3000of\u3000his\u3000nemesis\u3000above\u3002\u3000The\u3000darkness\u3000fell\u3000in\u3000upon\u3000him\u3000and\u3000smothered\u3000him\u3000in\u3000its\u3000embrace\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000He\u3000made\u3000a\u3000curt\u3000gesture\u3000and\u3000vanished\u3000from\u3000the\u3000conjury\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Determined\u3000bastards\uff1b\u3003\u3000Pharaun\u3000said\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003It\u3000doesn’t\u3000matter\u3000if\u3000they\u3000do\uff1b\u3003\u3000Pharaun\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003The\u3000portal\u3000was\u3000keyed\u3000to\u3000function\u3000for\u3000drow\u3000alone\u3002\u3000It’s\u3000nothing\u3000more\u3000than\u3000a\u3000wall\u3000of\u3000blank\u3000stone\u3000to\u3000our\u3000friends\u3000in\u3000the\u3000Labyrinth\u2026a\u3000sensible\u3000precaution\u3000on\u3000the\u3000part\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Jaelre\uff1b\u3000I\u3000suppose\uff1b\u3000though\u3000had\u3000I\u3000been\u3000in\u3000their\u3000shoes\u3000I\u3000believe\u3000I\u3000would\u3000not\u3000have\u3000ruled\u3000out\u3000the\u3000possibility\u3000of\u3000attackers\u3000of\u3000my\u3000own\u3000race\u3002\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000am\u3000not\u3000in\u3000a\u3000hurry\u3000to\u3000return\u3000to\u3000the\u3000Labyrinth\u3002\u3000Better\u3000the\u3000sun\u2026blasted\u3000surface\u3000than\u3000that\uff1b\u3003\u3000Halisstra\u3000murmured\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Where\u3000on\u3000the\u3000surface \n
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Somewhere\u3000in\u3000the\u3000High\u3000Forest\uff1b\u3000then\uff1f\u3003\u3000Danifae\u3000asked\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Possibly\u3002\u3000I’m\u3000not\u3000sure\u3000the\u3000trees\u3000look\u3000right\u3002\u3000I’ve\u3000traveled\u3000the\u3000surface\u3000lands\u3000near\u3000our\u3000city\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000foliage\u3000looks\u3000different\u3000from\u3000what\u3000I\u3000remember\u3000of\u3000the\u3000High\u3000Forest\u3002\u3000We\u3000might\u3000be\u3000some\u3000ways\u3000distant\u3000from\u3000Menzoberranzan\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Excellent\uff1b\u3003\u3000muttered\u3000Pharaun\u3002\u3000\u3003We\u3000trek\u3000through\u3000the\u3000Underdark\u3000to\u3000Ched\u3000Nasad\uff1b\u3000are\u3000forced\u3000through\u3000a\u3000portal\u3000to\u3000the\u3000surface\u3000hundreds\u3000of\u3000miles\u3000from\u3000home\uff1b\u3000then\u3000we\u3000trek\u3000back\u3000down\u3000into\u3000the\u3000Underdark\u3000through\u3000shadow\u3000and\u3000peril\uff1b\u3000only\u3000to\u3000pass\u3000through\u3000another\u3000portal\u3000that\u3000takes\u3000us\u3000back\u3000to\u3000the\u3000surface\uff1b\u3000perhaps\u3000even\u3000farther\u3000from\u3000home\u3002\u3000One\u3000wonders\u3000if\u3000we\u3000might\u3000have\u3000simply\u3000marched\u3000here\u3000from\u3000Hlaungadath\u3000without\u3000our\u3000pleasant\u3000detour\u3000through\u3000the\u3000Plane\u3000of\u3000Shadow\uff1b\u3000the\u3000delightful\u3000hospitality\u3000of\u3000Gracklstugh\uff1b\u3000and\u3000our\u3000lovely\u3000little\u3000tour\u3000of\u3000the\u3000minotaur\u2026infested\u3000Labyrinth\u3002\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Halisstra\u3000glanced\u3000over\u3000the\u3000others\u3000and\u3000decided\u3000that\u3000the\u3000wizard\u3000was\u3000most\u3000in\u3000need\u3000of\u3000attention\u3002\u3000After\u3000pushing\u3000him\u3000back\u3000down\u3000onto\u3000the\u3000boulder\uff1b\u3000she\u3000took\u3000out\u3000her\u3000own\u3000supply\u3000of\u3000bandages\u3002\u3000She\u3000studied\u3000Pharaun’s\u3000upper\u3000arm\uff1b\u3000where\u3000Jeggred’s\u3000talons\u3000had\u3000scored\u3000the\u3000flesh\uff1b\u3000and\u3000she\u3000began\u3000to\u3000apply\u3000an\u3000ointment\u3000from\u3000among\u3000the\u3000supplies\u3000they’d\u3000purchased\u3000in\u3000Gracklstugh\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003This\u3000will\u3000sting\uff1b\u3003\u3000she\u3000said\u3000pleasantly\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003You\u3000did\u3000that\u3000on\u3000purpose\uff01\u3003\u3000he\u3000said\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000While\u3000she\u3000and\u3000Danifae\u3000worked\u3000on\u3000the\u3000others\uff1b\u3000Valas\u3000scrambled\u3000up\u3000a\u3000narrow\u3000path\u3000hidden\u3000along\u3000the\u3000wall\u3000of\u3000the\u3000sinkhole\u3002\u3000He\u3000studied\u3000the\u3000ground\u3000carefully\uff1b\u3000and\u3000paused\u3000to\u3000stare\u3000thoughtfully\u3000into\u3000the\u3000forest\u3000nearby\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003There\u3000is\u3000a\u3000path\u3000here\u3000that\u3000climbs\u3000up\u3000out\u3000of\u3000the\u3000cave\u3000mouth\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000Bregan\u3000D’aerthe\u3000answered\uff1b\u3000\u3003but\u3000I\u3000couldn’t\u3000say\u3000where\u3000the\u3000Jaelre\u3000went\u3002\u3000Several\u3000game\u3000trails\u3000converge\u3000here\uff1b\u3000but\u3000none\u3000seem\u3000to\u3000have\u3000been\u3000used\u3000by\u3000any\u3000number\u3000of\u3000folk\u3002\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000have\u3000no\u3000idea\u3000where\u3000they\u3000might\u3000be\uff1b\u3003\u3000Valas\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003You\u3000might\u3000as\u3000well\u3000condemn\u3000me\u3000now\uff1b\u3000and\u3000prepare\u3000yourself\u3000for\u3000Bregan\u3000D’aerthe’s\u3000response\u3002\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003What\u3000is\u3000the\u3000best\u3000means\u3000of\u3000locating\u3000the\u3000Jaelre\u3000from\u3000here\uff1f\u3003\u3000Halisstra\u3000asked\uff1b\u3000hoping\u3000to\u3000deflect\u3000the\u3000conversation\u3000into\u3000a\u3000less\u3000dangerous\u3000course\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Valas\u3000hesitated\uff1b\u3000then\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003As\u3000Mistress\u3000Quenthel\u3000pointed\u3000out\uff1b\u3000they\u3000are\u3000unlikely\u3000to\u3000have\u3000moved\u3000far\u3002\u3000We\u3000can\u3000search\u3000in\u3000an\u3000expanding\u3000spiral\u3000until\u3000we\u3000e\u3000across\u3000better\u3000information\u3002\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Then\u3000what\u3000would\u3000you\u3000propose\uff1f\u3003\u3000asked\u3000Quenthel\uff1b\u3000her\u3000voice\u3000icy\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Allow\u3000me\u3000to\u3000rest\u3000and\u3000study\u3000my\u3000spellbooks\u3002\u3000In\u3000the\u3000morning\uff1b\u3000I\u3000can\u3000prepare\u3000a\u3000spell\u3000that\u3000may\u3000reveal\u3000the\u3000location\u3000of\u3000our\u3000missing\u3000House\u3000of\u3000heretical\u3000outcasts\u3002\u3003\u3000He\u3000raised\u3000his\u3000hand\u3000to\u3000forestall\u3000the\u3000Baenre’s\u3000protests\u3000and\u3000added\uff1b\u3000\u3003I\u3000know\uff1b\u3000I\u3000know\uff1b\u3000you\u3000would\u3000like\u3000to\u3000continue\u3000this\u3000very\u3000moment\uff1b\u3000but\u3000if\u3000I\u3000can\u3000successfully\u3000divine\u3000the\u3000goal\u3000of\u3000our\u3000search\uff1b\u3000it\u3000is\u3000likely\u3000to\u3000save\u3000us\u3000many\u3000hours\u3000of\u3000marching\u3000in\u3000the\u3000wrong\u3000direction\u3002\u3000The\u3000delay\u3000will\u3000also\u3000give\u3000the\u3000lovely\u3000Lady\u3000Melarn\u3000a\u3000chance\u3000to\u3000regain\u3000her\u3000own\u3000magical\u3000strength\uff1b\u3000and\u3000perhaps\u3000heal\u3000us\u3000of\u3000the\u3000worst\u3000of\u3000our\u3000wounds\u3002\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pharaun\u3000simply\u3000looked\u3000at\u3000her\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Quenthel\u3000looked\u3000up\u3000at\u3000the\u3000sky\uff1b\u3000blinking\u3000in\u3000the\u3000merciless\u3000gray\u3000light\u3000that\u3000permeated\u3000the\u3000clouds\u3000above\u3002\u3000She\u3000sighed\u3000and\u3000looked\u3000back\u3000down\u3000at\u3000the\u3000others\uff1b\u3000her\u3000eyes\u3000lingering\u3000overlong\u3000on\u3000Danifae\u3002\u3000The\u3000battle\u3000captive\u3000tilted\u3000her\u3000head\u3000down\u3000in\u3000a\u3000single\uff1b\u3000almost\u3000imperceptible\u3000nod\u3000that\u3000Halisstra\u3000wasn’t\u3000even\u3000certain\u3000she\u3000saw\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003If\u3000the\u3000wizards\u3000of\u3000Menzoberranzan\u3000do\u3000not\u3000note\u3000our\u3000approach\uff1b\u3003\u3000Horgar\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003then\u3000the\u3000question\u3000bees\uff1b\u3000at\u3000what\u3000point\u3000will\u3000they\u3000perceive\u3000their\u3000danger\uff1f\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Presuming\u3000we\u3000don’t\u3000encounter\u3000any\u3000drow\u3000patrols\uff1b\u3000the\u3000first\u3000place\u3000we’ll\u3000meet\u3000the\u3000enemy\u3000is\u3000here\uff1b\u3000at\u3000the\u3000cavern\u3000called\u3000Rhazzt’s\u3000Dilemma\u3002\u3000The\u3000Menzoberranyr\u3000have\u3000long\u3000maintaine \n
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003On\u3000the\u3000contrary\uff1b\u3000I\u3000mean\u3000for\u3000you\u3000to\u3000take\u3000the\u3000straighter\u3000path\uff1b\u3003\u3000Nimor\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003Passing\u3000through\u3000the\u3000Pillars\u3000of\u3000Woe\u3000will\u3000save\u3000you\u3000six\u3000days\uff1b\u3000and\u3000once\u3000you’re\u3000on\u3000the\u3000other\u3000side\uff1b\u3000you\u3000will\u3000be\u3000on\u3000Menzoberranzan’s\u3000doorstep\u3002\u3000If\u3000you\u3000go\u3000through\u3000the\u3000western\u3000passes\uff1b\u3000you’ll\u3000find\u3000the\u3000terrain\u3000there\u3000much\u3000less\u3000favorable\u3002\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Someone\u3000was\u3000there\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000First\uff1b\u3000she\u3000needed\u3000to\u3000escape\u3000from\u3000the\u3000darkness\u3000that\u3000sheltered\u3000her\u3002\u3000She\u3000did\u3000not\u3000choose\u3000to\u3000dismiss\u3000the\u3000magical\u3000gloom\uff1b\u3000deciding\u3000to\u3000leave\u3000it\u3000to\u3000continue\u3000until\u3000it\u3000failed\u3000in\u3000an\u3000hour\u3000or\u3000two\u3002\u3000There\u3000was\u3000a\u3000small\u3000chance\u3000that\u3000her\u3000enemies\u3000might\u3000be\u3000waiting\u3000quietly\u3000outside\u3000for\u3000the\u3000darkness\u3000to\u3000fail\u3000before\u3000moving\u3000in\u3002\u3000Halisstra\u3000groped\u3000in\u3000her\u3000belt\u3000pouch\u3000and\u3000withdrew\u3000a\u3000slender\u3000ivory\u3000wand\u3002\u3000She\u3000felt\u3000very\u3000carefully\u3000to\u3000determine\u3000if\u3000it\u3000was\u3000the\u3000wand\u3000she\u3000needed\uff1b\u3000and\u3000when\u3000she\u3000was\u3000convinced\u3000that\u3000she\u3000had\u3000the\u3000right\u3000one\uff1b\u3000she\u3000tapped\u3000it\u3000against\u3000her\u3000chest\u3000and\u3000whispered\u3000a\u3000word\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Halisstra\u3000only\u3000managed\u3000another\u3000half\u3000mile\u3000through\u3000the\u3000moonlit\u3000forest\u3000before\u3000she\u3000stumbled\u3000into\u3000the\u3000ambush\u3002\u3000One\u3000moment\u3000she\u3000was\u3000stealing\u3000along\uff1b\u3000quick\u3000and\u3000confident\uff1b\u3000eager\u3000to\u3000catch\u3000up\u3000to\u3000the\u3000rest\u3000of\u3000the\u3000pany\u3000and\u3000the\u3000familiar\u3000perils\u3000of\u3000their\u3000association\uff1b\u3000the\u3000next\u3000she\u3000was\u3000surprised\u3000by\u3000the\u3000appearance\u3000of\u3000a\u3000surface\u3000elf\u3000wizard\u3000who\u3000simply\u3000stepped\u3000out\u3000of\u3000a\u3000tree\u3000and\u3000hurled\u3000a\u3000spell\u3000at\u3000her\uff1b\u3000barking\u3000words\u3000of\u3000arcane\u3000might\u3000as\u3000he\u3000gestured\u3000with\u3000his\u3000hands\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000hood\u3000came\u3000down\u3000over\u3000Halisstra’s\u3000face\u3000and\u3000was\u3000jerked\u3000tight\u3000around\u3000her\u3000neck\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Ryld\u3000crouched\u3000in\u3000the\u3000shadows\u3000of\u3000a\u3000great\u3000tree\u3000with\u3000a\u3000trunk\u3000so\u3000thick\u3000and\u3000tall\u3000it\u3000might\u3000have\u3000been\u3000the\u3000forest’s\u3000Narbondel\u3002\u3000Splitter\u3000rode\u3000between\u3000his\u3000shoulders\uff1b\u3000virtually\u3000unused\u3000in\u3000the\u3000pany’s\u3000most\u3000recent\u3000battle\u3002\u3000He\u3000leaned\u3000out\u3000a\u3000little\u3000and\u3000carefully\u3000peered\u3000into\u3000the\u3000dappled\u3000moonlight\u3000and\u3000shadow\u3000of\u3000the\u3000forest\u3000floor\uff1b\u3000searching\u3000for\u3000a\u3000target\u3002\u3000With\u3000Pharaun\u3000he’d\u3000waited\u3000quietly\u3000to\u3000guard\u3000the\u3000party’s\u3000backtrail\uff1b\u3000hoping\u3000to\u3000turn\u3000the\u3000tables\u3000on\u3000the\u3000elves\u3000and\u3000humans\u3000who’d\u3000harried\u3000them\u3000so\u3000long\u3002\u3000After\u3000several\u3000valiant\u3000attempts\u3000to\u3000bring\u3000the\u3000drow\u3000to\u3000close\u3000bat\uff1b\u3000the\u3000surface\u3000elves\u3000and\u3000their\u3000human\u3000allies\u3000had\u3000learned\u3000to\u3000respect\u3000the\u3000dark\u3000elf\u3000party’s\u3000skill\u3000and\u3000ferocity\u3002\u3000They\u3000soon\u3000fought\u3000a\u3000slow\u3000and\u3000stealthy\u3000battle\u3000of\u3000arrows\u3000in\u3000the\u3000dark\uff1b\u3000punctuated\u3000with\u3000quick\u3000ambuscades\u3000and\u3000quicker\u3000retreats\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000An\u3000arrow\u3000hissed\u3000in\u3000the\u3000dark\u3002\u3000Ryld\u3000jerked\u3000back\u3000just\u3000in\u3000time\u3000to\u3000glimpse\u3000a\u3000white\u2026feathered\u3000shaft\u3000fly\u3000past\uff1b\u3000so\u3000close\u3000to\u3000the\u3000tree\u3000trunk\u3000that\u3000its\u3000fletching\u3000kissed\u3000the\u3000bark\u3002\u3000Had\u3000he\u3000relied\u3000on\u3000the\u3000tree\u3000for\u3000cover\uff1b\u3000the\u3000expertly\u3000aimed\u3000arrow\u3000would\u3000have\u3000skewered\u3000him\u3000through\u3000the\u3000eye\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003No\u3000point\u3000waiting\u3000any\u3000longer\uff1b\u3000now\uff1b\u3003\u3000Pharaun\u3000whispered\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000 \n
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\n \u3000skewered\u3000him\u3000through\u3000the\u3000eye\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000wizard\u3000had\u3000greeted\u3000Quenthel’s\u3000order\u3000to\u3000lay\u3000an\u3000ambush\u3000with\u3000a\u3000distinct\u3000lack\u3000of\u3000enthusiasm\uff1b\u3000and\u3000he\u3000wasn’t\u3000at\u3000all\u3000unhappy\u3000to\u3000call\u3000the\u3000effort\u3000a\u3000failure\u3000and\u3000rejoin\u3000the\u3000rest\u3000of\u3000the\u3000band\u3002\u3000He\u3000muttered\u3000the\u3000harsh\u3000syllables\u3000of\u3000a\u3000spell\u3000and\u3000gestured\u3000in\u3000a\u3000peculiar\u3000fashion\uff1b\u3000concentrating\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000In\u3000a\u3000moment\u3000the\u3000wizard\u3000straightened\u3000and\u3000motioned\u3000to\u3000Ryld\uff1b\u3000e\u3002\u3000I’ve\u3000created\u3000an\u3000image\u3000that\u3000will\u3000make\u3000it\u3000seem\u3000that\u3000we\u3000still\u3000stand\u3000guard\u3000here\uff1b\u3000but\u3000you\u3000and\u3000I\u3000are\u3000invisible\u3000to\u3000our\u3000antagonists\u3002\u3000Follow\u3000me\u3000quietly\uff1b\u3000and\u3000stay\u3000close\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Ryld\u3000nodded\u3000and\u3000moved\u3000off\u3000stealthily\u3000just\u3000behind\u3000the\u3000wizard\u3002\u3000He\u3000took\u3000one\u3000last\u3000glance\u3000at\u3000the\u3000desolate\u3000forest\u3000behind\u3000them\uff1b\u3000wondering\u3000if\u3000the\u3000wizard’s\u3000trick\u3000would\u3000work\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Halisstra\u3000is\u3000back\u3000there\u3000somewhere\uff1b\u3000he\u3000thought\u3002\u3000Most\u3000likely\u3000dead\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000surface\u3000dwellers\u3000had\u3000shown\u3000no\u3000interest\u3000in\u3000taking\u3000prisoners\uff1b\u3000and\u3000in\u3000the\u3000logical\u3000part\u3000of\u3000his\u3000mind\u3000Ryld\u3000simply\u3000wrote\u3000off\u3000her\u3000loss\u3000as\u3000another\u3000casualty\u3000of\u3000battle\uff1b\u3000just\u3000as\u3000he\u3000might\u3000account\u3000for\u3000the\u3000untimely\u3000fall\u3000of\u3000any\u3000useful\u3000rade\u3002\u3000He’d\u3000fought\u3000enough\u3000battles\u3000over\u3000the\u3000years\u3000to\u3000understand\u3000that\u3000warriors\u3000die\uff1b\u3000but\u3000despite\u3000that\uff1b\u3000he\u3000found\u3000Halisstra’s\u3000loss\u3000strangely\u3000unsettling\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pharaun\u3000paused\uff1b\u3000turning\u3000in\u3000a\u3000slow\u3000circle\u3000as\u3000he\u3000searched\u3000for\u3000some\u3000sign\u3000of\u3000the\u3000rest\u3000of\u3000the\u3000pany\u3000or\u3000any\u3000foes\u3000still\u3000on\u3000their\u3000trail\u3002\u3000Ryld\u3000held\u3000still\u3000and\u3000listened\u3002\u3000A\u3000gentle\u3000wind\u3000moved\u3000the\u3000treetops\u3000and\u3000sighed\u3000in\u3000the\u3000branches\u3000overhead\u3002\u3000Leaves\u3000rustled\uff1b\u3000and\u3000branches\u3000creaked\u3002\u3000A\u3000small\u3000brook\u3000trickled\u3000nearby\uff1b\u3000but\u3000he\u3000could\u3000detect\u3000nothing\u3000that\u3000might\u3000signal\u3000danger\u2026or\u3000Halisstra’s\u3000return\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Stupid\u3000to\u3000hope\u3000for\u3000such\u3000a\u3000thing\uff1b\u3000he\u3000told\u3000himself\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Something\u3000troubles\u3000you\uff1f\u3000motioned\u3000Pharaun\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000No\uff1b\u3000the\u3000weapons\u3000master\u3000replied\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000wizard\u3000studied\u3000him\uff1b\u3000the\u3000brilliant\u3000silver\u3000moonlight\u3000gleaming\u3000on\u3000his\u3000handsome\u3000face\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Tell\u3000me\u3000you’re\u3000not\u3000worried\u3000about\u3000the\u3000female\uff01
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Of\u3000course\u3000not\uff1b\u3000Ryld\u3000replied\u3002\u3000I’m\u3000concerned\u3000only\u3000because\u3000she’s\u3000been\u3000a\u3000valuable\u3000rade\uff1b\u3000and\u3000I\u3000don’t\u3000like\u3000the\u3000idea\u3000of\u3000proceeding\u3000without\u3000her\u3000skill\u3000at\u3000healing\u3002\u3000But\u3000I\u3000am\u3000not\u3000concerned\u3000on\u3000any\u3000other\u3000account\u3002\u3000I\u3000am\u3000no\u3000fool\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000I\u3000think\u3000perhaps\u3000you\u3000protest\u3000too\u3000much\uff1b\u3000Pharaun\u3000signed\u3002\u3000It\u3000does\u3000not\u3000matter\uff1b\u3000I\u3000suppose\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000No\uff1b\u3000but\u3000someone\u3000saw\u3000enough\u3000of\u3000Ryld\u3000to\u3000shoot\u3000an\u3000arrow\uff1b\u3000Pharaun\u3000replied\u3002\u3000Since\u3000they\u3000seemed\u3000to\u3000guess\u3000where\u3000we\u3000were\uff1b\u3000we\u3000left\u3000an\u3000illusion\u3000and\u3000came\u3000to\u3000rejoin\u3000you\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Any\u3000sign\u3000of\u3000Halisstra\uff1f\u3000Ryld\u3000asked\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Perhaps\u3000half\u3000an\u3000hour\u3000ago\u3000we\u3000heard\u3000sounds\u3000of\u3000fighting\u3000from\u3000back\u3000down\u3000the\u3000trail\u3002\u3000It\u3000went\u3000on\u3000for\u3000a\u3000couple\u3000of\u3000minutes\u3002\u3000That\u3000might\u3000have\u3000been\u3000her\uff1b\u3000Pharaun\u3000signed\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003There\u3000it\u3000is\uff1b\u3000then\uff1b\u3003\u3000Valas\u3000muttered\u3000under\u3000his\u3000breath\u3002\u3000\u3003Well\uff1b\u3000e\u3000on\u3000then\u3002\u3000The\u3000others\u3000are\u3000waiting\uff1b\u3000and\u3000if\u3000we\u3000can’t\u3000ambush\u3000our\u3000pursuers\uff1b\u3000we\u3000might\u3000as\u3000well\u3000keep\u3000moving\u3002\u3000The\u3000longer\u3000they\u3000keep\u3000us\u3000here\uff1b\u3000the\u3000more\u3000likely\u3000it\u3000is\u3000that\u3000more\u3000of\u3000them\u3000will\u3000show\u3000up\u3000and\u3000join\u3000the\u3000fight\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000scout\u3000led\u3000the\u3000way\u3000as\u3000he\u3000hurried\u3000through\u3000the\u3000trees\u3000and\u3000brush\uff1b\u3000moving\u3000swiftly\u3000and\u3000silently\u3002\u3000Pharaun\u3000and\u3000Ryld\u3000could\u3000not\u3000match\u3000the\u3000softness\u3000of\u3000his\u3000steps\uff1b\u3000but\u3000the\u3000wizard’s\u3000magic\u3000seemed\u3000an\u3000adequate\u3000ruse\uff1b\u3000since\u3000they\u3000encountered\u3000no\u3000more\u3000hidden\u3000archers\u3000or\u3000spearmen\u3002\u3000In\u3000a\u3000few\u3000hundred\u3000yards\u3000they\u3000came\u3000to\u3000a\u3000small\uff1b\u3000steep\u3000ravine\uff1b\u3000well\u3000screened\u3000by\u3000thick\u3000brush\u3000and\u3000large\u3000boulders\u3002\u3000There\u3000they\u3000found\u3000Quenthel\uff1b\u3000Danifae\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Jeggred\u3000lying\u3000low\uff1b\u3000watching\u3000vigilantly\u3000for\u3000any\u3000sign\u3000of\u3000a\u3000renewed\u3000attack\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Valas\u3000nodded\u3000in\u3000agreement\u3000and\u3000added\uff1b\u3000\u3003They’re\u3000working\u3000to\u3000find\u3000and\u3000flank\u3000us\u3000now\u3002\u3000We’ve\u3000got\u3000a\u3000few\u3000minutes\u3000here\uff1b\u3000but\u3000we’re\u3000going\u3000to\u3000have\u3000to\u3000move\u3000or\u3000fight\u3000soon\u3002\u3000Ten\u3000minutes\u3000or\u3000less\uff1b\u3000I\u3000think\u3002\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003The\u3000next\u3000assault\u3000will\u3000most\u3000likely\u3000consist\u3000of\u3000a\u3000rain\u3000of\u3000arrows\u3000from\u3000archers\u3000we\u3000won’t\u3000even\u3000be\u3000able\u3000to\u3000see\uff1b\u3003\u3000Valas\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003I\u3000doubt\u3000that\u3000the\u3000surface\u3000dwellers\u3000will\u3000oblige\u3000us\u3000by\u3000lining\u3000up\u3000for\u3000us\u3000to\u3000kill\u3002\u3000Worse\u3000yet\uff1b\u3000what\u3000if\u3000the\u3000rangers\u3000sent\u3000for\u3000help\uff1f\u3000The\u3000next\u3000attack\u3000might\u3000e\u3000at\u3000daybreak\u3000with\u3000two\u3000or\u3000three\u3000times\u3000the\u3000numbers\u3000we’ve\u3000seen\u3000so\u3000far\u3002\u3000I\u3000don’t\u3000relish\u3000the\u3000thought\u3000of\u3000being\u3000showered\u3000with\u3000arrows\u3000and\u3000spells\u3000after\u3000the\u3000sun\u3000es\u3000up\u3000and\u3000our\u3000opponents\u3000suddenly\u3000begin\u3000to\u3000see\u3000much\u3000better\u3000than\u3000we\u3000do\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Fine\uff1b\u3003\u3000Jeggred\u3000snarled\u3002\u3000\u3003So\u3000what\u3000would\u3000you\u3000do\uff1b\u3000then\uff1f\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Your\u3000suggestion\u3000is\u3000not\u3000very\u3000encouraging\uff1b\u3000Master\u3000Hune\uff1b\u3003\u3000Danifae\u3000said\u3002\u3000She\u3000bled\u3000freely\u3000from\u3000a\u3000wound\u3000in\u3000her\u3000right\u3000arm\uff1b\u3000where\u3000a\u3000hard\u2026driven\u3000arrow\u3000had\u3000actually\u3000punched\u3000through\u3000her\u3000mail\u3000and\u3000transfixed\u3000her\u3000upper\u3000arm\u3002\u3000As\u3000she\u3000spoke\u3000she\u3000worked\u3000awkwardly\u3000with\u3000one\u3000hand\u3000to\u3000bind\u3000the\u3000wound\u3002\u3000\u3003What\u3000happens\u3000if\u3000we\u3000fail\u3000to\u3000outpace\u3000our\u3000enemies\uff1f\u3000They\u3000seem\u3000well\u3000able\u3000to\u3000keep\u3000up\u3000with\u3000us\u3000in\u3000these\u3000damnable\u3000woods\u3002\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Most\u3000likely\u3000dead\u3000already\uff1b\u3003\u3000Valas\u3000said\u3000with\u3000a\u3000shrug\u3002\u3000\u3003Or\u3000a\u3000prisoner\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Shouldn’t\u3000we\u3000make\u3000sure\u3000of\u3000that\u3000before\u3000we\u3000leave\u3000her\uff1f\u3003\u3000the\u3000weapons\u3000master\u3000replied\u3002\u3000\u3003Her\u3000healing\u3000songs\u3000are\u3000the\u3000only\u3000magic\u3000of\u3000that\u3000sort\u3000we\u3000have\u3000left\u3000to\u3000us\u3002\u3000mon\u3000sense\u3000dictates\u2026\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003mon\u3000sense\u3000dictates\u3000that\u3000we\u3000don’t\u3000waste\u3000time\u3000and\u3000blood\u3000on\u3000a\u3000corpse\uff1b\u3003\u3000Quenthel\u3000interrupted\u3002\u3000\u3003No\u3000one\u3000came\u3000after\u3000me\u3000when\u2026\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000She\u3000stopped\u3000herself\uff1b\u3000then\u3000stood\u3000and\u3000walked\u3000over\u3000to\u3000help\u3000Danifae\u3000cinch\u3000her\u3000bandage\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Our\u3000mission\u3000lies\u3000ahead\u3000of\u3000us\uff1b\u3000not\u3000behind\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000Mistress\u3000of\u3000Arach\u2026Tinilith\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003The\u3000quest\u3000is\u3000more\u3000important\u3000than\u3000any\u3000one\u3000drow\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Ryld\u3000rubbed\u3000his\u3000hand\u3000over\u3000his\u3000face\u3000and\u3000glanced\u3000around\u3000the\u3000pany\u3002\u3000Valas\u3000looked\u3000away\uff1b\u3000busying\u3000himself\u3000with\u3000some\u3000unimportant\u3000fastening\u3000of\u3000his\u3000armor\u3002\u3000Pharaun\u3000stared\u3000at\u3000Quenthel\u3000with\u3000an\u3000expression\u3000that\u3000made\u3000it\u3000clear\u3000the\u3000wizard\u3000noted\u3000the\u3000priestess’s\u3000hypocrisy\uff1b\u3000if\u3000nothing\u3000else\u3002\u3000She\u3000had\uff1b\u3000after\u3000all\uff1b\u3000spent\u3000more\u3000time\u3000in\u3000Ched\u3000Nasad\u3000hoping\u3000to\u3000empty\u3000Baenre\u3000storehouses\u3000of\u3000their\u3000goods\u3000than\u3000seeking\u3000the\u3000renewed\u3000attention\u3000of\u3000Lolth\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Danifae\u3000stared\u3000off\u3000into\u3000the\u3000woods\u3000behind\u3000them\uff1b\u3000her\u3000brow\u3000furrowed\u3000with\u3000concern\uff1b\u3000but\u3000obviously\u3000unwilling\u3000to\u3000argue\u3000the\u3000point\u3000on\u3000behalf\u3000of\u3000her\u3000mistress\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Finally\u3000Quenthel\u3000turned\u3000to\u3000Pharaun\u3000and\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003Perhaps\u3000our\u3000skilled\u3000wizard\u3000has\u3000some\u3000magic\u3000that\u3000might\u3000help\u3000us\u3000discourage\u3000these\u3000cursed\u3000day\u2026walkers\u3000from\u3000following\u3000too\u3000closely\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pharaun\u3000stroked\u3000his\u3000chin\uff1b\u3000and\u3000thought\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Our\u3000chief\u3000difficulty\u3000in\u3000these\u3000circumstances\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000Master\u3000of\u3000Sorcere\u3000said\u3000at\u3000length\uff1b\u3000\u3003lies\u3000in\u3000the\u3000fact\u3000that\u3000our\u3000antagonists\u3000are\u3000able\u3000to\u3000use\u3000this\u3000terrain\u3000to\u3000their\u3000advantage\uff1b\u3000and\u3000our\u3000disadvantage\u3002\u3000Should\u3000a\u3000forest\u3000fire\u3000suddenly\u3000arise\uff1b\u3000the\u3000smoke\u3000and\u3000flames\u3000would\u2026\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Valas\u3000laughed\u3000and\u3000interrupted\uff1b\u3000\u3003I’m\u3000afraid\u3000you\u3000know\u3000little\u3000of\u3000surface\u3000forests\uff1b\u3000Master\u3000Mizzrym\u3002\u3000These\u3000trees\u3000are\u3000far\u3000too\u3000wet\u3000to\u3000oblige\u3000you\u3000with\u3000a\u3000forest\u3000fire\u3000now\u3002\u3000Try\u3000again\u3000in\u3000a\u3000few\u3000months\uff1b\u3000after\u3000summer\u3000has\u3000dried\u3000them\u3000out\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Oh\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000wizard\u3000replied\uff1b\u3000\u3003I\u3000can\u3000see\u3000that’s\u3000true\u3000for\u3000mundane\u3000fire\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003You\u3000won’t\u3000be\u3000able\u3000to\u3000prevent\u3000fire\u3000from\u3000sweeping\u3000back\u3000on\u3000us\uff1b\u3003\u3000Ryld\u3000said\uff1b\u3000the\u3000idea\u3000giving\u3000him\u3000some\u3000anxiety\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Well\uff1b\u3000I\u3000can’t\u3000be\u3000certain\u3000they\u3000won’t\uff1b\u3000but\u3000my\u3000fires\u3000will\u3000burn\u3000in\u3000the\u3000manner\u3000I\u3000choose\uff1b\u3003\u3000Pharaun\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003As\u3000Master\u3000Hune\u3000observed\uff1b\u3000the\u3000forest\u3000is\u3000damp\u3000enough\u3000that\u3000the\u3000trees\u3000won’t\u3000catch\u3000unless\u3000directly\u3000affected\u3000by\u3000my\u3000spell\u3002\u3000We\u3000will\uff1b\u3000of\u3000course\uff1b\u3000have\u3000the\u3000advantage\u3000of\u3000knowing\u3000how\u3000and\u3000when\u3000the\u3000fires\u3000begin\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Quenthel\u3000thought\u3000for\u3000a\u3000moment\uff1b\u3000then\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003Very\u3000well\uff1b\u3000you\u3000may\u3000proceed\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Ryld\u3000felt\u3000his\u3000throat\u3000tighten\u3000and\u3000he\u3000stepped\u3000away\u3000from\u3000the\u3000group\uff1b\u3000quickly\u3000regaining\u3000control\u3000of\u3000himself\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000Master\u3000of\u3000Sorcere\u3000stood\u3000and\u3000reached\u3000into\u3000a\u3000pouch\u3000at\u3000his\u3000belt\u3000to\u3000withdraw\u3000a\u3000tiny\u3000silk\u3000purse\u3002\u3000He\u3000emptied\u3000it\u3000into\u3000his\u3000hand\u3002\u3000Red\u3000dust\u3000glittered\u3000in\u3000the\u3000moonlight\u3002\u3000Pharaun\u3000studied\u3000the\u3000forest\uff1b\u3000turned\u3000to\u3000sense\u3000the\u3000wind\uff1b\u3000and\u3000spoke\u3000his\u3000spell\u3000quickly\uff1b\u3000casting\u3000the\u3000powder\u3000into\u3000the\u3000air\u3002\u3000Bright\u3000crimson\u3000sparks\u3000appeared\u3000amid\u3000the\u3000falling\u3000dust\uff1b\u3000growing\u3000brighter\u3000and \n
\n \n
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\n
\n \u3000the\u3000powder\u3000into\u3000the\u3000air\u3002\u3000Bright\u3000crimson\u3000sparks\u3000appeared\u3000amid\u3000the\u3000falling\u3000dust\uff1b\u3000growing\u3000brighter\u3000and\u3000more\u3000numerous\u3000moment\u3000by\u3000moment\u3002\u3000With\u3000another\u3000gesture\uff1b\u3000Pharaun\u3000scattered\u3000the\u3000burning\u3000motes\u3000across\u3000a\u3000great\uff1b\u3000wide\u3000arc\u3000of\u3000the\u3000forest\u3000before\u3000him\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000As\u3000each\u3000tiny\u3000mote\u3000settled\u3000to\u3000the\u3000ground\uff1b\u3000it\u3000flared\u3000into\u3000life\uff1b\u3000growing\u3000into\u3000a\u3000spiderlike\u3000shape\u3000fully\u3000as\u3000large\u3000as\u3000a\u3000man’s\u3000head\u3002\u3000Wreathed\u3000in\u3000crimson\u3000flame\uff1b\u3000the\u3000fire\u3000spiders\u3000scuttled\u3000across\u3000the\u3000ground\uff1b\u3000moving\u3000deeper\u3000into\u3000the\u3000trees\u3002\u3000Whatever\u3000they\u3000touched\u3000smoldered\u3000at\u3000first\uff1b\u3000then\u3000burst\u3000into\u3000flame\u3002\u3000The\u3000wood\u3000was\u3000indeed\u3000wet\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000flames\u3000were\u3000smoky\u3000and\u3000slow\u3000to\u3000spread\u2026but\u3000Pharaun\u3000had\u3000conjured\u3000hundreds\u3000of\u3000the\u3000spider\u3000creatures\u3002\u3000The\u3000living\u3000motes\u3000of\u3000fire\u3000seemed\u3000to\u3000set\u3000upon\u3000the\u3000moss\u2026grown\u3000trunks\u3000with\u3000a\u3000peculiarly\u3000savage\u3000ferocity\uff1b\u3000almost\u3000as\u3000if\u3000the\u3000presence\u3000of\u3000so\u3000much\u3000timber\u3000had\u3000provoked\u3000them\u3000into\u3000a\u3000frenzy\u3000of\u3000fiery\u3000destruction\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Good\uff1b\u3000good\uff1b\u3003\u3000Pharaun\u3000murmured\u3002\u3000\u3003They\u3000like\u3000trees\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3002\u3000they\u3000truly\u3000do\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003The\u3000fire’s\u3000too\u3000slow\u3000to\u3000burn\u3000our\u3000pursuers\uff1b\u3003\u3000Quenthel\u3000observed\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I’ve\u3000never\u3000heard\u3000of\u3000a\u3000surface\u3000elf\u3000who’d\u3000allow\u3000a\u3000fire\u3000such\u3000as\u3000this\u3000to\u3000burn\u3000unchecked\u3000in\u3000his\u3000precious\u3000forest\uff1b\u3003\u3000Pharaun\u3000said\u3000with\u3000a\u3000smile\u3002\u3000\u3003They’ll\u3000be\u3000busy\u3000chasing\u3000down\u3000my\u3000spiders\u3000and\u3000extinguishing\u3000the\u3000flames\u3000for\u3000some\u3000time\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Quenthel\u3000watched\u3000the\u3000blaze\u3000a\u3000moment\u3000longer\uff1b\u3000and\u3000smiled\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003It\u3000may\u3000serve\uff1b\u3000then\uff1b\u3003\u3000she\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003Master\u3000Hune\uff1b\u3000take\u3000the\u3000lead\u3002\u3000I\u3000mean\u3000to\u3000reach\u3000House\u3000Jaelre\u3000before\u3000we’re\u3000troubled\u3000by\u3000the\u3000surface\u3000dwellers\u3000again\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Kaanyr\u3000Vhok\u3000folded\u3000his\u3000well\u2026muscled\u3000arms\u3000and\u3000frowned\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003How\u3000many\u3000this\u3000time\uff1f\u3003\u3000he\u3000asked\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Kaanyr\u3000surveyed\u3000the\u3000aftermath\u3000of\u3000a\u3000battle\u3000between\u3000the\u3000tanarukks\u3000of\u3000his\u3000vanguard\u3000and\u3000a\u3000titanic\u3000purple\u3000worm\uff1b\u3000a\u3000carnivorous\u3000giant\u3000over\u3000a\u3000hundred\u3000feet\u3000in\u3000length\u3002\u3000The\u3000worm\u3000was\u3000dead\uff1b\u3000hacked\u3000to\u3000death\u3000by\u3000dozens\u3000of\u3000the\u3000half\u2026demons\u3000soldiers\uff1b\u3000but\u3000a\u3000handful\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Sceptered\u3000One’s\u3000troops\u3000lay\u3000torn\u3000and\u3000crushed\u3000by\u3000the\u3000monster\u3000they\u3000had\u3000killed\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Seven\uff1b\u3000my\u3000lord\uff1b\u3000but\u3000we\u3000slew\u3000the\u3000beast\uff1b\u3000as\u3000you\u3000can\u3000see\u3002\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003The\u3000warriors\u3000heard\u3000it\u3000moving\u3000in\u3000the\u3000rock\uff1b\u3003\u3000Ruinfist\u3000continued\uff1b\u3000\u3003but\u3000it\u3000came\u3000through\u3000the\u3000ceiling\u3000and\u3000dropped\u3000on\u3000them\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000didn’t\u3000bring\u3000you\u3000here\u3000to\u3000slay\u3000mindless\u3000worms\uff1b\u3003\u3000Kaanyr\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003Nor\u3000did\u3000I\u3000bring\u3000warriors\u3000to\u3000this\u3000spot\u3000to\u3000feed\u3000whatever\u3000monster\u3000happens\u3000by\u3002\u3000This\u3000was\u3000a\u3000battle\u3000best\u3000avoided\uff1b\u3000Ruinfist\u3002\u3000These\u3000seven\u3000warriors\u3000won’t\u3000be\u3000with\u3000us\u3000when\u3000we\u3000meet\u3000the\u3000dark\u3000elves\uff1b\u3000will\u3000they\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003No\uff1b\u3000my\u3000lord\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000tanarukk\u3000growled\u3002\u3000He\u3000lowered\u3000his\u3000head\u3002\u3000\u3003I\u3000will\u3000tell\u3000the\u3000patrol\u3000leaders\u3000to\u3000do\u3000what\u3000they\u3000can\u3000to\u3000avoid\u3000needless\u3000battles\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Good\uff1b\u3003\u3000said\u3000Kaanyr\u3002\u3000He\u3000offered\u3000the\u3000tanarukk\u3000a\u3000hard\u3000grin\u3000and\u3000clapped\u3000the\u3000creature\u3000on\u3000the\u3000shoulder\u3002\u3000\u3003Save\u3000your\u3000axes\u3000for\u3000the\u3000drow\uff1b\u3000Ruinfist\u3002\u3000We’ll\u3000be\u3000on\u3000them\u3000soon\u3000enough\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000A\u3000hungry\u3000light\u3000flared\u3000in\u3000the\u3000tanarukk’s\u3000eyes\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000demon\u2026orc\u3000raised\u3000his\u3000tusked\u3000jaw\u3000again\u3002\u3000He\u3000growled\u3000in\u3000assent\u3000and\u3000trotted\u3000off\u3000to\u3000go\u3000find\u3000his\u3000fellow\u3000captains\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003You\u3000did\u3000not\u3000discipline\u3000him\uff1f\u3003\u3000Aliisza\u3000asked\uff1b\u3000slinking\u3000out\u3000of\u3000the\u3000shadows\u3002\u3000\u3003Mercy\u3000is\u3000not\u3000a\u3000quality\u3000I\u3000am\u3000accustomed\u3000to\u3000in\u3000you\uff1b\u3000love\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000cambion\u3000lord\u3000turned\u3000at\u3000her\u3000approach\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Sometimes\uff1b\u3003\u3000he\u3000replied\uff1b\u3000\u3003one\u3000soft\u3000word\u3000serves\u3000the\u3000purpose\u3000of\u3000two\u3000hard\u3000ones\u3002\u3000Knowing\u3000which\u3000to\u3000choose\u3000and\u3000when\u3000is\u3000the\u3000art\u3000of\u3000leadership\u3002\u3003\u3000Kaanyr\u3000nudged\u3000one\u3000of\u3000his\u3000dead\u3000warriors\u3000with\u3000his\u3000toe\uff1b\u3000and\u3000smiled\u3002\u3000\u3003Besides\uff1b\u3000how\u3000can\u3000I\u3000take\u3000offense\u3000at\u3000a\u3000show\u3000of\u3000the\u3000very\u3000fighting\u3000spirit\u3000I’ve\u3000worked\u3000so\u3000hard\u3000to\u3000instill\u3000in\u3000my\u3000Scoured\u3000Legion\uff1f\u3000It’s\u3000the\u3000nature\u3000of\u3000a\u3000tanarukk\u3000to\u3000throw\u3000himself\u3000into\u3000battle\u3000and\u3000bring\u3000down\u3000his\u3000foe\u3000or\u3000die\u3000trying\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Aliisza\u3000looked\u3000at\u3000the\u3000purple\u3000worm\u3000and\u3000shuddered\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000think\u3000that’s\u3000the\u3000biggest\u3000worm\u3000I’ve\u3000ever\u3000seen\uff1b\u3003\u3000she\u3000murmured\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000half\u2026demon’s\u3000seat\u3000of\u3000power\u3000in\u3000the\u3000ruins\u3000of\u3000ancient\u3000Ammarindar\u3000was\u3000the\u3000better\u3000part\u3000of\u3000two\u3000hundred\u3000and\u3000fifty\u3000miles\u3000southeast\u3000of\u3000Menzoberranzan\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000Darklake\u3000was\u3000an\u3000obstacle\u3000in\u3000their\u3000path\u3002\u3000Fortunately\uff1b\u3000tanarukks\u3000were\u3000fast\uff1b\u3000hearty\uff1b\u3000and\u3000could\u3000endure\u3000swift\u3000marches\u3000with\u3000few\u3000supplies\u3002\u3000The\u3000dwarves\u3000of\u3000ancient\u3000Ammarindar\u3000had\u3000carved\u3000great\u3000subterranean\u3000highways\u3000through\u3000their\u3000realm\uff1b\u3000broad\uff1b\u3000smooth\u2026floored\u3000tunnels\u3000that\u3000ran\u3000for\u3000mile\u3000after\u3000mile\u3000through\u3000the\u3000endless\u3000gloom\u3002\u3000Kaanyr\u3000was\u3000somewhat\u3000disconcerted\u3000to\u3000think\u3000that\u3000the\u3000tremendous\u3000cavern\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Darklake\u3000lay\u3000somewhere\u3000a\u3000mile\u3000or\u3000two\u3000beneath\u3000his\u3000feet\uff1b\u3000but\u3000the\u3000old\u3000dwarven\u3000road\u3000offered\u3000far\u3000and\u3000away\u3000their\u3000best\u3000route\u3000to\u3000the\u3000environs\u3000of\u3000Menzoberranzan\u3002\u3000If\u3000the\u3000road\u3000happened\u3000to\u3000be\u3000plagued\u3000by\u3000hungry\u3000monsters\uff1b\u3000well\uff1b\u3000any\u3000other\u3000route\u3000would\u3000have\u3000problems\u3000of\u3000its\u3000own\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000He\u3000shook\u3000himself\u3000from\u3000his\u3000reflections\u3000and\u3000started\u3000to\u3000walk\u3000back\u3000toward\u3000the\u3000long\u3000file\u3000of\u3000his\u3000warriors\uff1b\u3000streaming\u3000past\u3000the\u3000scene\u3000of\u3000the\u3000battle\u3000in\u3000a\u3000ragged\u3000double\u2026column\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003So\uff1b\u3000tell\u3000me\u3000again\u3000about\u3000this\u3000Nimor\uff1b\u3003\u3000Kaanyr\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003I\u3000can\u3000easily\u3000understand\u3000Horgar\u3000Steelshadow’s\u3000motive\u3000in\u3000mustering\u3000this\u3000attack\u3002\u3000The\u3000gray\u3000dwarves\u3000and\u3000the\u3000dark\u3000elves\u3000have\u3000fought\u3000many\u3000wars\u3000over\u3000the\u3000centuries\u3002\u3000What\u3000I\u3000don’t\u3000understand\u3000is\u3000what’s\u3000in\u3000it\u3000for\u3000a\u3000drow\u3000assassin\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003As\u3000best\u3000I\u3000can\u3000tell\uff1b\u3003\u3000Aliisza\u3000replied\uff1b\u3000\u3003he\u3000hates\u3000the\u3000great\u3000Houses\u3000of\u3000Menzoberranzan\u3000enough\u3000that\u3000he’ll\u3000destroy\u3000the\u3000city\u3000in\u3000order\u3000to\u3000bring\u3000about\u3000their\u3000fall\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Such\u3000a\u3000purity\u3000of\u3000intent\u3000is\u3000rare\u3000in\u3000a\u3000dark\u3000elf\u3002\u3000You\u3000know\u3000he’s\u3000lied\u3000to\u3000you\uff1b\u3000of\u3000course\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Kaanyr\u3000suspected\uff1b\u3000as\u3000always\uff1b\u3000that\u3000Aliisza\u3000was\u3000holding\u3000something\u3000of\u3000her\u3000encounter\u3000with\u3000Nimor\u3000to\u3000herself\u3002\u3000After\u3000all\uff1b\u3000she\u3000was\u3000an\u3000alu\u2026fiend\uff1b\u3000the\u3000daughter\u3000of\u3000a\u3000succubus\uff1b\u3000and\u3000her\u3000weapons\u3000and\u3000methods\u3000were\u3000obvious\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Lied\uff1f\u3003\u3000she\u3000quipped\u3002\u3000\u3003To\u3000me\uff1f\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000will\u3000exercise\u3000all\u3000due\u3000caution\uff1b\u3000Curnil\u3002\u3003\u3000The\u3000lord\u3000of\u3000the\u3000hall\u3000moved\u3000closer\uff1b\u3000gazing\u3000thoughtfully\u3000into\u3000Halisstra’s\u3000blood\u2026red\u3000eyes\uff1b\u3000and\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003So\uff1b\u3000what\u3000shall\u3000we\u3000call\u3000you\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Halisstra\u3000stood\u3000mute\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003A\u3000drow’s\u3000word\u3000is\u3000regarded\u3000with\u3000some\u3000skepticism\u3000in\u3000these\u3000lands\uff1b\u3003\u3000Dessaer\u3000replied\u3002\u3000\u3003If\u3000you’re\u3000not\u3000Auzkovyn\u3000or\u3000Jaelre\uff1b\u3000then\u3000what\u3000was\u3000your\u3000business\u3000in\u3000Cormanthor\uff1f\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Lord\u3000Dessaer\u3000sighed\uff1b\u3000then\u3000nodded\u3000to\u3000Halisstra’s\u3000guards\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Her\u3000guards\u3000led\u3000her\u3000out\u3000of\u3000the\u3000hall\u3000and\u3000back\u3000outdoors\u3000again\u3002\u3000She\u3000could\u3000feel\u3000the\u3000deep\u3000chill\u3000of\u3000the\u3000air\uff1b\u3000and\u3000sensed\u3000the\u3000growing\u3000brightness\u3000in\u3000the\u3000sky\u3000even\u3000through\u3000her\u3000hood\u3002\u3000Dawn\u3000was\u3000near\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000night\u3000was\u3000vanishing\u3000at\u3000the\u3000sun’s\u3000approach\u3002\u3000She\u3000wondered\u3000if\u3000her\u3000captors\u3000meant\u3000to\u3000lock\u3000her\u3000in\u3000some\u3000open\u3000cage\uff1b\u3000a\u3000place\u3000where\u3000the\u3000curious\u3000and\u3000malcontent\u3000could\u3000e\u3000by\u3000to\u3000jeer\u3000and\u3000torment\u3000her\uff1b\u3000but\u3000instead\u3000they\u3000led\u3000her\u3000into\u3000another\u3000building\u3000and\u3000down\u3000a\u3000short\u3000flight\u3000of\u3000stone\u3000steps\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Listen\u3000well\uff1b\u3000drow\uff1b\u3003\u3000a\u3000voice\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003You\u3000will\u3000be\u3000unhooded\u3000and\u3000ungagged\uff1b\u3000at\u3000Lord\u3000Dessaer’s\u3000mand\u3002\u3000However\uff1b\u3000the\u3000first\u3000time\u3000you\u3000attempt\u3000to\u3000work\u3000a\u3000spell\uff1b\u3000you\u3000will\u3000be\u3000fitted\u3000with\u3000a\u3000steel\u3000muzzle\u3000and\u3000hooded\u3000so\u3000closely\u3000you\u3000will\u3000labor\u3000for\u3000every\u3000breath\u3002\u3000We\u3000don’t\u3000go\u3000out\u3000of\u3000our\u3000way\u3000to\u3000mistreat\u3000prisoners\uff1b\u3000but\u3000we’ll\u3000repay\u3000every\u3000trouble\u3000you\u3000cause\u3000us\u3000threefold\u3002\u3000If\u3000we\u3000have\u3000to\u3000break\u3000your\u3000limbs\u3000and\u3000shatter\u3000your\u3000jaw\u3000to\u3000keep\u3000you\u3000docile\uff1b\u3000we\u3000will\u3002\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000From\u3000what\u3000little\u3000she’d\u3000seen\u3000of\u3000the\u3000surface\u3000town\uff1b\u3000Halisstra\u3000suspected\u3000that\u3000her\u3000rades\u3000could\u3000break\u3000her\u3000out\u3000easily\u3000enough\u3000with\u3000a\u3000determined\u3000effort\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Hardly\u3000likely\uff1b\u3003\u3000Halisstra\u3000muttered\u3000to\u3000herself\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000She\u3000was\u3000a\u3000Houseless\u3000outcast\u3000whose\u3000usefulness\u3000did\u3000not\u3000overe\u3000the\u3000simple\u3000fact\u3000that\uff1b\u3000as\u3000the\u3000eldest\u3000daughter\u3000of\u3000a\u3000high\u3000House\uff1b\u3000she\u3000stood\u3000as\u3000Quenthel’s\u3000most\u3000dangerous\u3000rival\u3000in\u3000the\u3000band\u3002\u3000The\u3000Mistress\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Academy\u3000would\u3000be\u3000only\u3000too\u3000happy\u3000to\u3000abandon\u3000Halisstra\u3000to\u3000whatever\u3000fate\u3000awaited\u3000her\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Danifae\uff1f\u3000Halisstra\u3000thought\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000I\u3000must\u3000be\u3000desperate\u3000indeed\uff1b\u3000to\u3000hope\u3000for\u3000Danifae’s\u3000passion\uff1b\u3000she\u3000thought\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Once\u3000dragged\u3000off\u3000as\u3000a\u3000battle\u3000captive\u3000herself\uff1b\u3000Danifae\u3000would\u3000find\u3000the\u3000situation\u3000deliciously\uff1b\u3000perfectly\u3000ironic\u3002\u3000The\u3000binding\u3000spell\u3000wouldn’t\u3000let\u3000Danifae\u3000raise\u3000a\u3000hand\u3000against\u3000her\uff1b\u3000but\u3000without\u3000specific\u3000instructions\uff1b\u3000the\u3000battle\u3000captive\u3000would\u3000not\u3000be\u3000pelled\u3000to\u3000seek\u3000her\u3000out\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000With\u3000nothing\u3000else\u3000to\u3000do\u3000but\u3000stare\u3000at\u3000the\u3000wall\uff1b\u3000Halisstra\u3000decided\u3000to\u3000close\u3000her\u3000eyes\u3000and\u3000rest\u3002\u3000She\u3000still\u3000ached\u3000in\u3000calf\uff1b\u3000torso\uff1b\u3000and\u3000jaw\u3000from\u3000the\u3000injuries\u3000she’d\u3000sustained\u3000in\u3000her\u3000desperate\u3000last\u3000stand\u3002\u3000As\u3000much\u3000as\u3000she\u3000longed\u3000to\u3000use\u3000the\u3000bae’qeshel\u3000songs\u3000to\u3000heal\u3000herself\uff1b\u3000she\u3000dared\u3000not\u3002\u3000The\u3000pain\u3000would\u3000have\u3000to\u3000be\u3000endured\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000With\u3000a\u3000simple\u3000mental\u3000exercise\u3000she\u3000distanced\u3000her\u3000mind\u3000from\u3000her\u3000body’s\u3000pain\u3000and\u3000fatigue\uff1b\u3000and\u3000slipped\u3000deep\u3000into\u3000Reverie\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003So\uff1b\u3000Seyll\uff1b\u3003\u3000he\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003What\u3000do\u3000you\u3000make\u3000of\u3000this\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000From\u3000behind\u3000a\u3000hidden\u3000screen\u3000a\u3000slender\u3000form\u3000in\u3000a\u3000skirt\u3000and\u3000jacket\u3000of\u3000embroidered\u3000green\u3000glided\u3000forward\u3002\u3000She\u3000was\u3000a\u3000full\u2026blooded\u3000elf\uff1b\u3000thin\u3000and\u3000graceful\u2026and\u3000she\u3000was\u3000also\u3000a\u3000drow\uff1b\u3000her\u3000skin\u3000black\u3000as\u3000ink\uff1b\u3000the\u3000irises\u3000of\u3000her\u3000eyes\u3000a\u3000startling\u3000red\u3002\u3000She\u3000moved\u3000close\u3000to\u3000Dessaer\u3000and\u3000gazed\u3000after\u3000the\u3000departing\u3000soldiers\u3000with\u3000their\u3000hooded\u3000captive\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000think\u3000she’s\u3000telling\u3000the\u3000truth\uff1b\u3003\u3000she\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003At\u3000least\uff1b\u3000she’s\u3000not\u3000a\u3000Jaelre\u3000or\u3000an\u3000Auzkovyn\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003What\u3000shall\u3000I\u3000do\u3000with\u3000her\uff1f\u3003\u3000the\u3000lord\u3000asked\u3002\u3000\u3003She\u3000killed\u3000Harvaldor\uff1b\u3000and\u3000she\u3000damned\u3000near\u3000killed\u3000Fandar\u3000as\u3000well\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003With\u3000Eilistraee’s\u3000grace\uff1b\u3000I\u3000will\u3000restore\u3000Harvaldor\u3000to\u3000life\u3000and\u3000heal\u3000Fandar\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000drow\u3000woman\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003Besides\uff1b\u3000is\u3000it\u3000not\u3000the\u3000case\u3000that\u3000Curnil’s\u3000patrol\u3000attacked\u3000her\u3000and\u3000her\u3000panions\u3000on\u3000sight\uff1f\u3000She\u3000was\u3000simply\u3000defending\u3000herself\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Dessaer\u3000raised\u3000an\u3000eyebrow\u3000in\u3000surprise\u3000and\u3000glanced\u3000at\u3000Seyll\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003You\u3000intend\u3000to\u3000give\u3000her\u3000your\u3000goddess’s\u3000message\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003It\u3000is\u3000my\u3000sacred\u3000duty\uff1b\u3003\u3000Seyll\u3000replied\u3002\u3000\u3003After\u3000all\uff1b\u3000until\u3000it\u3000was\u3000given\u3000to\u3000me\uff1b\u3000I\u3000was\u3000very\u3000much\u3000like\u3000her\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000She\u3000inclined\u3000her\u3000head\u3000to\u3000indicate\u3000the\u3000absent\u3000prisoner\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003She’s\u3000a\u3000proud\u3000one\u3000from\u3000a\u3000high\u3000House\uff1b\u3003\u3000Dessaer\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003I\u3000doubt\u3000she’ll\u3000care\u3000to\u3000hear\u3000Eilistraee’s\u3000words\u3002\u3003\u3000He\u3000rested\u3000a\u3000hand\u3000on\u3000the\u3000drow\u3000priestess’s\u3000shoulder\u3002\u3000\u3003Be\u3000careful\uff1b\u3000Seyll\u3002\u3000She’ll\u3000say\u3000or\u3000do\u3000anything\u3000to\u3000get\u3000you\u3000to\u3000lower\u3000your\u3000guard\uff1b\u3000and\u3000if\u3000you\u3000do\uff1b\u3000she’ll\u3000kill\u3000you\u3000if\u3000you\u3000stand\u3000between\u3000her\u3000and\u3000freedom\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Be\u3000that\u3000as\u3000it\u3000may\uff1b\u3000my\u3000duty\u3000is\u3000clear\uff1b\u3003\u3000Seyll\u3000replied\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000will\u3000delay\u3000my\u3000judgment\u3000for\u3000a\u3000tenday\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000Lord\u3000of\u3000Elventree\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003but\u3000if\u3000she\u3000refuses\u3000to\u3000hear\u3000your\u3000message\u3000I\u3000must\u3000act\u3000to\u3000protect\u3000my\u3000people\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000know\uff1b\u3003\u3000said\u3000Seyll\u3002\u3000\u3003I\u3000do\u3000not\u3000intend\u3000to\u3000fail\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000Houses\u3000of\u3000Menzoberranzan\u3000mustered\u3000for\u3000battle\u3002\u3000From\u3000a\u3000dozen\u3000castles\u3000and\u3000palaces\uff1b\u3000caverns\u3000and\u3000strongholds\uff1b\u3000slender\u3000males\u3000in\u3000elegant\u3000black\u3000chain\u3000mail\u3000marched\u3000in\u3000proud\u3000columns\u3000or\u3000pranced\u3000along\u3000in\u3000the\u3000high\u3000saddles\u3000of\u3000riding\u3000lizards\uff1b\u3000pennons\u3000flying\u3000from\u3000their\u3000lances\u3002\u3000Under\u3000normal\u3000circumstances\u3000each\u3000House\u3000might\u3000have\u3000sent\u3000hundreds\u3000more\u3000slave\u3000warriors\uff1b\u3000a\u3000rabble\u3000of\u3000kobolds\uff1b\u3000orcs\uff1b\u3000goblins\uff1b\u3000and\u3000ogres\u3000to\u3000drive\u3000into\u3000their\u3000foes\u3000before\u3000valuable\u3000drow\u3000troops\u3000were\u3000mitted\u3000to\u3000battle\uff1b\u3000but\u3000armed\u3000slaves\u3000were\u3000something\u3000of\u3000a\u3000scarcity\u3000after\u3000the\u3000alhoon’s\u3000uprising\u3002\u3000Thousands\u3000of\u3000lesser\u3000humanoids\u3000had\u3000survived\u3000the\u3000revolt\u3000and\u3000its\u3000failure\uff1b\u3000as\u3000well\u3000as\u3000the\u3000dreadful\u3000reprisals\u3000that\u3000ensued\uff1b\u3000but\u3000the\u3000warriors\u3000among\u3000the\u3000slave\u3000races\u3000had\u3000naturally\u3000suffered\u3000the\u3000greatest\u3000losses\u3002\u3000Even\u3000those\u3000who’d\u3000been\u3000allowed\u3000to\u3000surrender\u3000were\u3000certainly\u3000not\u3000to\u3000be\u3000trusted\u3000with\u3000weapons\u3000again\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Nimor\u3000sat\u3000in\u3000the\u3000saddle\u3000of\u3000an\u3000Agrach\u3000Dyrr\u3000war\u2026lizard\uff1b\u3000and\u3000smiled\u3000in\u3000satisfaction\u3000as\u3000the\u3000forces\u3000of\u3000House\u3000Dyrr\u3000marched\u3000past\u3000before\u3000him\u3002\u3000The\u3000panies\u3000gathered\u3000in\u3000a\u3000small\uff1b\u3000somewhat\u3000cramped\u3000plaza\u3000near\u3000the\u3000border\u3000between\u3000West\u3000Wall\u3000and\u3000Narbondellyn\uff1b\u3000ironically\u3000enough\u3000not\u3000very\u3000far\u3000at\u3000all\u3000from\u3000the\u3000pound\u3000of\u3000House\u3000Faen\u3000Tlabbar\u3002\u3000Each\u3000drow\u3000swordsman\u3000carried\u3000a\u3000light\u3000kit\u3000in\u3000addition\u3000to\u3000his\u3000arms\u3000and\u3000armor\uff1b\u3000and\u3000a\u3000supply\u3000train\u3000of\u3000sorts\u3000was\u3000taking\u3000shape\u3000as\u3000each\u3000pany\u3000brought\u3000its\u3000own\u3000pack\u3000lizards\u3000and\u3000attendants\u3002\u3000Many\u3000of\u3000the\u3000mon\u3000fol \n
\n \n
\n
\n
\n s\u3000and\u3000attendants\u3002\u3000Many\u3000of\u3000the\u3000mon\u3000folk\u3000of\u3000the\u3000city\u3000had\u3000turned\u3000out\u3000to\u3000watch\u3000the\u3000mustering\u3000of\u3000the\u3000army\uff1b\u3000as\u3000it\u3000was\u3000easily\u3000the\u3000largest\u3000assemblage\u3000of\u3000soldiers\u3000the\u3000matron\u3000mothers\u3000had\u3000manded\u3000since\u3000the\u3000ill\u2026fated\u3000assault\u3000on\u3000Mithral\u3000Hall\u3000years\u3000before\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000surmise\u3000that\u3000the\u3000Council\u3000meeting\u3000went\u3000well\uff1b\u3003\u3000said\u3000Dyrr\uff1b\u3000standing\u3000at\u3000Nimor’s\u3000stirrup\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000undead\u3000sorcerer\u3000did\u3000not\u3000appear\u3000in\u3000his\u3000own\u3000shape\uff1b\u3000of\u3000course\uff1b\u3000nor\u3000even\u3000that\u3000of\u3000the\u3000aged\u3000male\u3000he\u3000affected\u3000within\u3000his\u3000own\u3000house\u3002\u3000His\u3000current\u3000guise\u3000was\u3000that\u3000of\u3000a\u3000nondescript\u3000Agrach\u3000Dyrr\u3000wizard\uff1b\u3000young\u3000and\u3000hale\uff1b\u3000draped\u3000with\u3000the\u3000fine\u3000vestments\u3000of\u3000his\u3000House\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Your\u3000matron\u3000mother\u3000was\u3000well\u3000coached\uff1b\u3003\u3000Nimor\u3000replied\u3002\u3000He\u3000kept\u3000his\u3000voice\u3000low\uff1b\u3000even\u3000though\u3000no\u3000one\u3000stood\u3000close\u3000enough\u3000to\u3000eavesdrop\u3002\u3000\u3003We’ve\u3000got\u3000half\u3000the\u3000soldiers\u3000in\u3000the\u3000city\u3000mustering\u3000for\u3000battle\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Yasraena\u3000has\u3000proven\u3000a\u3000useful\u3000front\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000lich\u3000observed\u3002\u3000\u3003I\u3000have\u3000known\u3000a\u3000dozen\u3000or\u3000more\u3000Matron\u3000Mother\u3000Dyrrs\uff1b\u3000and\u3000from\u3000time\u3000to\u3000time\u3000I\u3000find\u3000that\u3000my\u3000female\u3000relations\u3000object\u3000to\u3000my\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000unique\u3000position\u3000within\u3000the\u3000House\u3002\u3000Yasraena\u3000would\u3000kill\u3000me\u3000if\u3000she\u3000could\uff1b\u3000of\u3000course\uff1b\u3000but\u3000she\u3000knows\u3000that\u3000Agrach\u3000Dyrr\u3000would\u3000of\u3000necessity\u3000be\u3000destroyed\u3000should\u3000something\u3000unfortunate\u3000befall\u3000me\u3002\u3000I\u3000have\u3000made\u3000her\u3000aware\u3000of\u3000certain\u3000long\u2026standing\u3000arrangements\u3000in\u3000order\u3000to\u3000discourage\u3000her\u3000from\u3000surprising\u3000me\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Nimor\u3000chuckled\u3000dryly\u3000and\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003I\u3000suspect\u3000that\u3000you\u3000are\u3000rarely\u3000surprised\uff1b\u3000Lord\u3000Dyrr\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Success\u3000follows\u3000preparation\u3000in\u3000equal\u3000measure\uff1b\u3000young\u3000Nimor\u3002\u3000Consider\u3000that\u3000your\u3000lesson\u3000for\u3000the\u3000day\u3002\u3003\u3000The\u3000lich\u3000affected\u3000a\u3000smile\u3000across\u3000his\u3000illusory\u3000features\uff1b\u3000and\u3000stepped\u3000away\u3000from\u3000Nimor’s\u3000mount\u3002\u3000\u3003Good\u3000luck\u3000in\u3000your\u3000venture\uff1b\u3000Captain\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Nimor\u3000wheeled\u3000the\u3000war\u2026lizard\u3000around\u3000as\u3000the\u3000last\u3000of\u3000the\u3000column\u3000passed\u3000by\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000He\u3000turned\u3000back\u3000to\u3000the\u3000lich\u3000and\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003One\u3000more\u3000word\u3002\u3000Narbondel\u3000was\u3000illuminated\u3000hours\u3000late\u3000a\u3000tenday\u3000ago\uff1b\u3000but\u3000every\u3000day\u3000\u00d7\u00d7\uff1f\uff1fsince\u3000it\u3000has\u3000been\u3000illuminated\u3000on\u3000time\uff1b\u3000and\u3000it\u3000is\u3000whispered\u3000throughout\u3000the\u3000city\u3000that\u3000the\u3000Masters\u3000of\u3000Sorcere\u3000have\u3000misplaced\u3000their\u3000archmage\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Dyrr\u3000smiled\u3000and\u3000spread\u3000his\u3000hands\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003As\u3000Archmage\u3000Baenre\u3000may\u3000be\u3000unavailable\u3000for\u3000quite\u3000some\u3000time\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000lich\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003it\u3000would\u3000please\u3000me\u3000to\u3000find\u3000the\u3000Masters\u3000of\u3000Sorcere\u3000determine\u3000on\u3000their\u3000own\u3000who\u3000among\u3000them\u3000should\u3000take\u3000Gromph’s\u3000seat\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Won’t\u3000Matron\u3000Mother\u3000Baenre\u3000and\u3000the\u3000Council\u3000have\u3000something\u3000to\u3000say\u3000about\u3000that\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Not\u3000if\u3000the\u3000assembled\u3000masters\u3000realize\u3000the\u3000power\u3000they\u3000truly\u3000hold\u3000now\uff1b\u3003\u3000Dyrr\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003I\u3000am\u3000not\u3000a\u3000member\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Academy\uff1b\u3000of\u3000course\uff1b\u3000but\u3000a\u3000couple\u3000of\u3000young\u3000pups\u3000of\u3000my\u3000House\u3000are\uff1b\u3000and\u3000they\u3000keep\u3000me\u3000well\u2026informed\u3002\u3000The\u3000masters\u3000debate\u3000whether\u3000this\u3000is\u3000the\u3000time\u3000to\u3000break\u3000with\u3000tradition\u3000and\u3000name\u3000their\u3000own\u3000archmage\uff1b\u3000but\u3000half\u3000of\u3000them\u3000scheme\u3000to\u3000eliminate\u3000any\u3000fellow\u3000clever\u3000and\u3000bold\u3000enough\u3000to\u3000take\u3000the\u3000job\uff1b\u3000while\u3000the\u3000other\u3000half\u3000contemplate\u3000whether\u3000they\u3000might\u3000return\u3000to\u3000their\u3000own\u3000Houses\u3000and\u3000rule\u3000there\u3002\u3000Breaking\u3000from\u3000the\u3000Council\u3000in\u3000such\u3000a\u3000way\u3000would\u3000mean\u3000civil\u3000war\uff1b\u3000and\u3000those\u3000few\u3000masters\u3000who\u3000don’t\u3000realize\u3000the\u3000civil\u3000war\u3000is\u3000raging\u3000already\u3000are\u3000arguing\u3000to\u3000adhere\u3000to\u3000the\u3000status\u3000quo\u3000in\u3000fear\u3000of\u3000Lolth’s\u3000return\u3002\u3000Regardless\uff1b\u3000Sorcere\u3000is\u3000well\u3000and\u3000truly\u3000paralyzed\u3000by\u3000Gromph’s\u3000absence\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000lich\u3000turned\uff1b\u3000leaning\u3000heavily\u3000on\u3000his\u3000tall\u3000staff\uff1b\u3000and\u3000ambled\u3000off\u3000with\u3000a\u3000dry\uff1b\u3000crackling\u3000laugh\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Nimor\u3000raised\u3000an\u3000eyebrow\u3000and\u3000watched\u3000the\u3000lich\u3000depart\uff1b\u3000considering\u3000his\u3000ally’s\u3000words\uff1b\u3000then\u3000he\u3000trotted\u3000off\u3000after\u3000the\u3000column\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Lieutenant\u3000Jazzt\uff01\u3003\u3000he\u3000called\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000From\u3000alongside\u3000the\u3000marching\u3000column\u3000of\u3000House\u3000Agrach\u3000Dyrr’s\u3000warriors\uff1b\u3000a\u3000small\uff1b\u3000scarred\u3000male\u3000detached\u3000himself\u3000and\u3000came\u3000trotting\u3000to\u3000Nimor’s\u3000side\u3002\u3000The\u3000soldiers\u3000marching\u3000in\u3000the\u3000expedition\u3000knew\u3000very\u3000well\u3000that\u3000\u3003Captain\u3000Zhayemd\u3003\u3000was\u3000no\u3000scion\u3000of\u3000their\u3000House\uff1b\u3000but\u3000it\u3000had\u3000been\u3000explained\u3000to\u3000them\u3000that\u3000the\u3000detachment’s\u3000mander\u3000enjoyed\u3000Matron\u3000Mother\u3000Yasraena’s\u3000plete\u3000confidence\u3000and\u3000had\uff1b\u3000in\u3000fact\uff1b\u3000been\u3000adopted\u3000into\u3000the\u3000leadership\u3000of\u3000their\u3000ancient\u3000clan\u2026a\u3000mon\u3000enough\u3000practice\u3000among\u3000the\u3000high\u3000Houses\u3000of\u3000the\u3000city\u3002\u3000Nimor\u3000didn’t\u3000doubt\u3000that\u3000Jazzt\u3000Dyrr\uff1b\u3000second\u3000cousin\u3000to\u3000the\u3000matron\u3000mother\u3000herself\uff1b\u3000had\u3000received\u3000some\u3000additional\u3000and\u3000specific\u3000orders\u3000concerning\u3000the\u3000circumstances\u3000under\u3000which\u3000he\u3000was\u3000to\u3000ignore\u3000Nimor’s\u3000mands\uff1b\u3000but\u3000as\u3000Nimor\u3000intended\u3000to\u3000scrupulously\u3000honor\u3000his\u3000bargain\u3000with\u3000Agrach\u3000Dyrr\uff1b\u3000he\u3000was\u3000reasonably\u3000certain\u3000that\u3000the\u3000Dyrr\u3000officer\u3000would\u3000offer\u3000no\u3000trouble\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Yes\uff1b\u3000Captain\uff1f\u3003\u3000Jazzt\u3000said\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000have\u3000no\u3000more\u3000to\u3000say\u3000to\u3000your\u3000lord\uff1b\u3003\u3000she\u3000 \n
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\n \n
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Four\u3000days\uff1b\u3000I\u3000think\u3002\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Perhaps\u3000I\u3000will\u3000encourage\u3000Andzrel\u3000to\u3000appoint\u3000me\u3000chief\u3000of\u3000the\u3000expedition’s\u3000scouts\uff1b\u3000Nimor\u3000thought\u3002\u3000No\u3000need\u3000to\u3000trouble\u3000the\u3000Baenre\u3000with\u3000irrelevant\u3000reports\u3000of\u3000armies\u3000on\u3000the\u3000move\uff1b\u3000after\u3000all\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Danifae\u3000watched\u3000her\uff1b\u3000then\u3000restrained\u3000Quenthel’s\u3000agitated\u3000pacing\u3000with\u3000a\u3000gentle\u3000hand\u3000on\u3000the\u3000Baenre’s\u3000arm\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003What\u3000is\u3000it\uff1b\u3000slave\uff1f\u3003\u3000the\u3000priestess\u3000snapped\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Long\u3000hours\u3000passed\u3002\u3000The\u3000night\u3000faded\u3000into\u3000an\u3000overcast\u3000morning\uff1b\u3000which\u3000then\u3000gave\u3000way\u3000to\u3000a\u3000gray\uff1b\u3000rain\u2026soaked\u3000afternoon\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Studying\u3000what\u3000portions\u3000of\u3000the\u3000old\u3000castle\u3000he\u3000could\u3000see\u3000from\u3000the\u3000slitlike\u3000windows\uff1b\u3000Ryld\u3000came\u3000to\u3000the\u3000conclusion\u3000that\u3000Minauthkeep\u3000was\u3000not\u3000half\u3000so\u3000ruined\u3000as\u3000it\u3000first\u3000appeared\u3002\u3000The\u3000Jaelre\u3000had\u3000cleverly\u3000repaired\u3000much\u3000of\u3000the\u3000ancient\u3000structure\u3000while\u3000leaving\u3000the\u3000outward\u3000appearance\u3000mostly\u3000unchanged\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Eventually\uff1b\u3000as\u3000the\u3000wait\u3000grew\u3000interminable\uff1b\u3000the\u3000weapons\u3000master\u3000settled\u3000back\u3000against\u3000the\u3000wall\u3000of\u3000the\u3000chamber\u3000and\u3000allowed\u3000himself\u3000to\u3000drift\u3000off\u3000into\u3000a\u3000light\u3000trance\uff1b\u3000Splitter\u3000bared\u3000across\u3000his\u3000lap\u3000in\u3000case\u3000he\u3000needed\u3000it\u3000quickly\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003You\u3000are\u3000summoned\u3000before\u3000High\u3000Priest\u3000Tzirik\uff1b\u3003\u3000she\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003You\u3000are\u3000to\u3000disarm\u3000yourselves\u3000here\u3002\u3000The\u3000wizard\u3000must\u3000consent\u3000to\u3000have\u3000his\u3000thumbs\u3000bound\u3000together\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3000will\u3000be\u3000manacled\u3002\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003You\u3000came\u3000to\u3000us\uff1b\u3000half\u2026breed\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000captain\u3000said\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Ryld\u3000sighed\u3000and\u3000set\u3000Splitter\u3000on\u3000the\u3000floor\uff1b\u3000kicking\u3000the\u3000blade\u3000to\u3000within\u3000striking\u3000distance\u3000of\u3000Quenthel’s\u3000vipers\u3002\u3000Valas\u3000discarded\u3000his\u3000kukris\u3000as\u3000well\u3002\u3000With\u3000a\u3000grimace\u3000of\u3000distaste\uff1b\u3000Pharaun\u3000stepped\u3000up\u3000and\u3000held\u3000out\u3000his\u3000hands\u3002\u3000A\u3000Jaelre\u3000drow\u3000tied\u3000his\u3000thumbs\u3000together\u3000with\u3000stout\u3000cord\uff1b\u3000a\u3000measure\u3000that\u3000would\u3000make\u3000it\u3000very\u3000difficult\u3000for\u3000the\u3000mage\u3000to\u3000make\u3000the\u3000plex\u3000gestures\u3000and\u3000passes\u3000needed\u3000for\u3000many\u3000of\u3000his\u3000spells\u3002\u3000Jeggred’s\u3000large\u3000upper\u3000arms\uff1b\u3000the\u3000long\u3000ones\u3000with\u3000the\u3000wicked\u3000claws\uff1b\u3000were\u3000chained\u3000together\uff1b\u3000but\u3000his\u3000smaller\u3000humanoid\u3000arms\u3000were\u3000left\u3000free\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000draegloth\u3000rumbled\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000veiled\u3000priest\u3000studied\u3000them\u3002\u3000His\u3000expression\u3000was\u3000virtually\u3000unreadable\u3000behind\u3000the\u3000veil\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Very\u3000well\uff1b\u3003\u3000she\u3000said\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Elventree\u3000was\u3000not\u3000really\u3000a\u3000town\uff1b\u3000nor\u3000an\u3000outpost\uff1b\u3000nor\u3000an\u3000encampment\uff1b\u3000but\u3000something\u3000in\u3000between\u3002\u3000Ruined\u3000walls\u3000of\u3000white\u3000stone\u3000crisscrossed\u3000the\u3000place\uff1b\u3000hinting\u3000at\u3000the\u3000old\u3000ramparts\u3000and\u3000broad\u3000squares\u3000of\u3000a\u3000good\u2026sized\u3000surface\u3000town\uff1b\u3000but\u3000most\u3000were\u3000crumbling\u3000with\u3000age\u3002\u3000Many\u3000of\u3000the\u3000original\u3000buildings\u3000were\u3000nothing\u3000more\u3000than\u3000empty\u3000shells\uff1b\u3000but\u3000a\u3000number\u3000of\u3000them\u3000seemed\u3000to\u3000have\u3000been\u3000appropriated\u3000by\u3000the\u3000town’s\u3000current\u3000residents\uff1b\u3000who\u3000had\u3000covered\u3000the\u3000old\u3000buildings\u3000with\u3000wooden\u3000latticework\u3000or\u3000permanent\u3000tents\u3000in\u3000order\u3000to\u3000turn\u3000the\u3000proud\u3000old\u3000structures\u3000into\u3000humble\uff1b\u3000semi\u2026permanent\u3000woodsmen’s\u3000homes\u3002\u3000Great\u3000gnarled\u3000trees\u3000rose\u3000from\u3000the\u3000cracked\u3000pavement\u3000of\u3000ancient\u3000courtyards\uff1b\u3000and\u3000many\u3000structures\u3000actually\u3000stood\u3000well\u3000off\u3000the\u3000ground\u3000in\u3000their\u3000mighty\u3000branches\uff1b\u3000linked\u3000by\u3000swaying\u3000catwalks\u3000of\u3000silver\u3000rope\u3000and\u3000white\u3000planks\u3002\u3000A\u3000handful\u3000of\u3000the\u3000town’s\u3000original\u3000buildings\u3000still\u3000stood\u3000more\u3000or\u3000less\u3000intact\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Where\u3000are\u3000you\u3000taking\u3000me\uff1f\u3003\u3000Halisstra\u3000asked\u3000as\u3000the\u3000walk\u3000dragged\u3000on\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003We\u3000know\u3000this\u3000trail\u3000well\uff1b\u3003\u3000Seyll\u3000replied\u3002\u3000\u3003In\u3000fact\uff1b\u3000we’re\u3000not\u3000all\u3000that\u3000far\u3000from\u3000where\u3000we\u3000first\u3000encountered\u3000you\u3000and\u3000your\u3000panions\u3002\u3000They\u3000abandoned\u3000you\uff1b\u3000and\u3000haven’t\u3000been\u3000seen\u3000since\u3000that\u3000night\u3002\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Halisstra\u3000scented\u3000opportunity\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000It\u3000was\u3000difficult\u3000with\u3000her\u3000hands\u3000bound\uff1b\u3000even\u3000as\u3000loosely\u3000as\u3000they\u3000were\uff1b\u3000but\u3000the\u3000power\u3000of\u3000the\u3000enchantment\u3000was\u3000in\u3000Halisstra’s\u3000voice\uff1b\u3000not\u3000her\u3000hands\u3002\u3000Even\u3000as\u3000Feliane\u3000lost\u3000patience\u3000and\u3000hopped\u3000forward\u3000to\u3000aid\u3000her\uff1b\u3000Halisstra\u3000turned\u3000around\u3000and\u3000fixed\u3000her\u3000red\u3000eyes\u3000on\u3000the\u3000pale\u3000girl’s\u3000face\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000charm\u3000ensnared\u3000the\u3000young\u3000priestess\u3000easily\u3002\u3000With\u3000a\u3000blank\u3000expression\uff1b\u3000she\u3000drew\u3000her\u3000blade\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003What’s\u3000wrong\uff1f\u3003\u3000Seyll\u3000called\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Seyll\u3000glanced\u3000at\u3000the\u3000creek\uff1b\u3000then\u3000retraced\u3000her\u3000steps\uff1b\u3000leaping\u3000one\u3000rock\u3000to\u3000the\u3000next\u3000as\u3000she\u3000came\u3000back\u3000toward\u3000Halisstra\u3000and\u3000Feliane\u3002\u3000Halisstra\u3000twisted\u3000to\u3000look\u3000back\u3000at\u3000Feliane\uff1b\u3000standing\u3000behind\u3000her\u3000with\u3000her\u3000sword\u3000drawn\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Dear\u3000Feliane\uff1b\u3003\u3000she\u3000said\u3000sweetly\uff1b\u3000\u3003may\u3000I\u3000borrow\u3000your\u3000sword\u3000for\u3000a\u3000moment\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000girl\u3000frowned\u3000slightly\uff1b\u3000perhaps\u3000aware\u3000somewhere\u3000in\u3000the\u3000depths\u3000of\u3000her\u3000enchantment\u2026fogged\u3000mind\u3000that\u3000something\u3000was\u3000not\u3000right\uff1b\u3000but\u3000she\u3000extended\u3000the\u3000sword’s\u3000hilt\u3000to\u3000Halisstra\u3002\u3000Again\u3000concealing\u3000the\u3000movement\u3000with\u3000her\u3000body\uff1b\u3000Halisstra\u3000took\u3000the\u3000blade\u3000in\u3000her\u3000hand\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Here\uff1b\u3003\u3000said\u3000Seyll\u3002\u3000The\u3000Eilistraee\u3000priestess\u3000reached\u3000the\u3000next\u3000boulder\u3000and\u3000set\u3000her\u3000feet\u3000carefully\uff1b\u3000extending\u3000a\u3000hand\u3002\u3000\u3003Take\u3000my\u3000arm\uff1b\u3000and\u3000I\u3000will\u3000steady\u3000you\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Halisstra\u3000spun\u3000with\u3000the\u3000quickness\u3000of\u3000a\u3000cat\u3000and\u3000buried\u3000Feliane’s\u3000sword\u3000beneath\u3000Seyll’s\u3000outstretched\u3000arm\u3002\u3000The\u3000priestess\u3000gasped\u3000in\u3000cold\u3000shock\u3000and\u3000crumpled\u3000at\u3000once\uff1b\u3000slipping\u3000from\u3000her\u3000perch\u3000to\u3000fall\u3000awkwardly\u3000in\u3000the\u3000icy\u3000stream\u3002\u3000She\u3000slumped\u3000down\u3000the\u3000moss\u2026covered\u3000boulder\u3000and\u3000came\u3000to\u3000rest\u3000leaning\u3000against\u3000the\u3000stone\uff1b\u3000sitting\u3000waist\u3000deep\u3000in\u3000the\u3000rushing\u3000water\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Halisstra\u3000withdrew\u3000the\u3000sword\u3000and\u3000turned\u3000back\u3000to\u3000Feliane\uff1b\u3000who\u3000stared\u3000at\u3000her\u3000with\u3000dumb\u3000amazement\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Seyll’s\u3000been\u3000hurt\uff1b\u3000girl\uff1b\u3003\u3000Halisstra\u3000snapped\u3002\u3000\u3003Quick\uff1b\u3000run\u3000back\u3000to\u3000Elventree\u3000and\u3000fetch\u3000help\uff01\u3000Go\uff01\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000pale\u3000elf\u3000maiden\u3000managed\u3000only\u3000one\u3000jerky\u3000nod\u3000before\u3000she\u3000whirled\u3000and\u3000raced\u3000off\u3002\u3000Halisstra\u3000leaped\u3000over\u3000Seyll’s\u3000rock\u3000and\u3000dashed\u3000quickly\u3000over\u3000the\u3000path\u3002\u3000Xarra\uff1b\u3000the\u3000younger\u3000drow\u3000priestess\uff1b\u3000emerged\u3000suddenly\u3000from\u3000the\u3000wooded\u3000banks\u3000ahead\u3000of\u3000her\uff1b\u3000returning\u3000to\u3000find\u3000out\u3000what\u3000had\u3000delayed\u3000the\u3000others\u3002\u3000To\u3000her\u3000credit\uff1b\u3000Xarra\u3000took\u3000in\u3000the\u3000situation\u3000with\u3000a\u3000single\u3000glance\u3002\u3000She\u3000raised\u3000her\u3000crossbow\u3000and\u3000took\u3000quick\u3000aim\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Halisstra\u3000threw\u3000herself\u3000aside\uff1b\u3000twisting\u3000in\u3000midair\u3000as\u3000she\u3000sprang\u3002\u3000Xarra’s\u3000quarrel\u3000hissed\u3000by\u3000her\u3000torso\u3000so\u3000closely\u3000she\u3000felt\u3000it\u3000tug\u3000at\u3000her\u3000coat\u3000as\u3000it\u3000flew\u3000past\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003You\u3000missed\u3000your\u3000shot\uff1b\u3000girl\uff1b\u3003\u3000Halisstra\u3000snarled\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Xarra\u3000dropped\u3000her\u3000crossbow\u3000and\u3000reached\u3000for\u3000her\u3000sword\u3002\u3000She\u3000died\u3000before\u3000the\u3000blade\u3000had\u3000cleared\u3000her\u3000scabbard\uff1b\u3000spitted\u3000through\u3000the\u3000throat\u3002\u3000Halisstra\u3000straightened\u3000and\u3000looked\u3000down\u3000at\u3000the\u3000body\uff1b\u3000her\u3000heart\u3000pounding\u3002\u3000The\u3000stream\u3000sang\u3000loudly\u3000beside\u3000her\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000air\u3000smelled\u3000of\u3000rain\u3000and\u3000wet\u3000leaves\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000What\u3000next\uff1f\u3000she\u3000wondered\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Her\u3000prized\u3000mail\uff1b\u3000mace\uff1b\u3000and\u3000crossbow\u3000were\u3000in\u3000Lord\u3000Dessaer’s\u3000keeping\u3000in\u3000Elventree\uff1b\u3000and\u3000as\u3000much\u3000as\u3000she\u3000wanted\u3000to\u3000recover\u3000her\u3000possessions\uff1b\u3000it\u3000didn’t\u3000seem\u3000likely\u3000that\u3000she\u3000would\u3000be\u3000able\u3000to\u3000without\u3000the\u3000assistance\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Menzoberranyr\u3002\u3000Her\u3000best\u3000move\u3000would\u3000be\u3000to\u3000arm\u3000herself\u3000as\u3000well\u3000as\u3000she\u3000could\uff1b\u3000take\u3000what\u3000provisions\u3000she\u3000could\u3000from\u3000Seyll\u3000and\u3000Xarra\uff1b\u3000and\u3000strike\u3000out\u3000in\u3000search\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Jaelre\u3002\u3000With\u3000luck\u3000she\u3000would\u3000find\u3000them\u3000before\u3000Dessaer’s\u3000rangers\u3000found\u3000her\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Halisstra\u3000thrust\u3000the\u3000sword\u3000through\u3000her\u3000belt\u3000and\u3000ventured\u3000back\u3000out\u3000into\u3000the\u3000stream\u3000to\u3000see\u3000if\u3000Seyll\u3000was\u3000carrying\u3000anything\u3000of\u3000use\u3002\u3000She\u3000splashed\u3000down\u3000into\u3000the\u3000cold\u3000stream\u3000beside\u3000the\u3000Eilistraee\u3000priestess\uff1b\u3000gathered\u3000her\u3000up\u3000beneath\u3000the\u3000arms\uff1b\u3000and\u3000hoisted\u3000her\u3000back\u3000onto\u3000the\u3000stone\u3000slab\u3000in\u3000order\u3000to\u3000get\u3000a\u3000better\u3000look\u3000at\u3000her\u3000gear\u3002\u3000The\u3000armor\u3000was\u3000clearly\u3000magical\uff1b\u3000as\u3000was\u3000the\u3000shield\u3000slung\u3000over\u3000Seyll’s\u3000shoulder\u3000and\u3000the\u3000sword\u3000at\u3000her\u3000belt\u3002\u3000Halisstra\u3000began\u3000unfastening\u3000the\u3000mail\uff1b\u3000intending\u3000to\u3000strip\u3000it\u3000from\u3000Seyll’s\u3000body\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Seyll’s\u3000eyes\u3000fluttered\uff1b\u3000and\u3000she\u3000groaned\uff1b\u3000\u3003Halisstra\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3002\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Halisstra\u3000recoiled\uff1b\u3000startled\u3000above\u3000all\u3000else\uff1b\u3000and\u3000somewhat\u3000repulsed\u3000to\u3000find\u3000that\u3000she\u3000was\u3000stripping\u3000the\u3000corpse\u3000of\u3000someone\u3000who\u3000was\u3000not\u3000quite\u3000dead\u3000yet\u3002\u3000She\u3000glanced\u3000down\u3000at\u3000the\u3000stone\u3000and\u3000studied\u3000a\u3000coursing\u3000rivulet\u3000of\u3000blood\u3000streaming\u3000from\u3000Seyll’s\u3000side\u3000to\u3000the\u3000foaming\u3000water\u3000of\u3000the\u3000creek\u3002\u3000The\u3000priestess’s\u3000breath\u3000sounded\u3000wet\u3000and\u3000shallow\uff1b\u3000and\u3000bright\u3000flecks\u3000of\u3000blood\u3000stained\u3000her\u3000lips\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000hope\u3000you\u3000will\u3000forgive\u3000me\uff1b\u3000Seyll\uff1b\u3000but\u3000I\u3000have\u3000need\u3000of\u3000your\u3000arms\u3000and\u3000armor\uff1b\u3000and\u3000you\u3000will\u3000be\u3000dead\u3000in\u3000a\u3000very\u3000short\u3000time\uff1b\u3003\u3000Halisstra\u3000remarked\u3002\u3000\u3003I\u3000have\u3000decided\u3000to\u3000decline\u3000your\u3000gracious\u3000invitation\u3000to\u3000join\u3000your\u3000observances\u3000tonight\uff1b\u3000as\u3000I\u3000have\u3000pressing\u3000business\u3000elsewhere\u3000in\u3000the\u3000forest\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003The\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000others\uff1f\u3003\u3000Seyll\u3000gasped\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Xarra\u3000had\u3000the\u3000decency\u3000to\u3000die\u3000swiftly\u3000and\u3000without\u3000awkward\u3000conversation\u3002\u3000The\u3000surface\u3000girl\u3000I\u3000charmed\u3000and\u3000sent\u3000running\u3000off\u3000into\u3000the\u3000forest\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Halisstra\u3000unbuckled\u3000Seyll’s\u3000sword\u3000belt\u3000and\u3000dragged\u3000it\u3000loose\uff1b\u3000setting\u3000it\u3000well\u3000out\u3000of\u3000the\u3000dying\u3000drow’s\u3000reach\u3002\u3000She\u3000set\u3000to\u3000work\u3000on\u3000the\u3000armor\u3000fastenings\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003While\u3000I\u3000admire\u3000your\u3000determination\u3000to\u3000save\u3000me\u3000from\u3000myself\uff1b\u3000Seyll\uff1b\u3000I\u3000can’t\u3000believe\u3000you\u3000didn’t\u3000see\u3000this\u3000as\u3000a\u3000likely\u3000oute\u3000of\u3000your\u3000attempt\u3000to\u3000convert\u3000me\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003A\u3000risk\u3000\u3002\u3002\u3002\u3000we\u3000are\u3000all\u3000\u3002\u3002\u3002\u3000prepared\u3000to\u3000take\uff1b\u3003\u3000Seyll\u3000managed\u3002\u3000\u3003No\u3000one\u3000is\u3000beyond\u3000redemption\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000She\u3000mumbled\u3000something\u3000more\u3000and\u3000reached\u3000up\u3000to\u3000interfere\u3000with\u3000Halisstra’s\u3000work\uff1b\u3000but\u3000the\u3000Melarn\u3000priestess\u3000simply\u3000batted\u3000her\u3000hands\u3000away\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003A\u3000foolish\u3000risk\uff1b\u3000then\u3002\u3000Lolth\u3000has\u3000punished\u3000your\u3000faithlessness\u3000through\u3000my\u3000hand\uff1b\u3000apostate\uff1b\u3003\u3000Halisstra\u3000said\u3002\u3000She\u3000pulled\u3000off\u3000Seyll’s\u3000boots\u3000and\u3000undid\u3000the\u3000leggings\u3000of\u3000her\u3000mail\u3002\u3000\u3003Tell\u3000me\uff1b\u3000was\u3000it\u3000worth\u3000it\uff1b\u3000to\u3000follow\u3000the\u3000path\u3000that\u3000led\u3000you\u3000to\u3000a\u3000cold\u3000and\u3000pointless\u3000death\u3000here\u3000in\u3000this\u3000miserable\u3000forest\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000To\u3000Halisstra’s\u3000surprise\uff1b\u3000Seyll\u3000smiled\uff1b\u3000finding\u3000some\u3000last\u3000reservoir\u3000of\u3000strength\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Worth\u3000it\uff1f\u3000Upon\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000my\u3000soul\uff1b\u3000yes\u3002\u3003\u3000She\u3000laid\u3000her\u3000head\u3000back\u3000and\u3000gazed\u3000up\u3000into\u3000Halisstra’s\u3000face\u3002\u3000\u3003I\u3002\u3002\u3002\u3000have\u3000hope\u3000for\u3000you\u3000still\uff1b\u3003\u3000she\u3000whispered\u3002\u3000\u3003Do\u3000not\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000concern\u3000yourself\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000with\u3000me\u3002\u3000I\u3000\u3002\u3002\u3002\u3000have\u3000been\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000redeemed\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Her\u3000eyes\u3000closed\u3000for\u3000the\u3000final\u3000time\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000wet\u3000sound\u3000of\u3000her\u3000breathing\u3000halted\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Halisstra\u3000paused\u3000in\u3000her\u3000work\u3002\u3000She\u3000had\u3000expected\u3000anger\uff1b\u3000resentment\uff1b\u3000perhaps\u3000even\u3000fear\u3000or\u3000scorn\uff1b\u3000but\u3000forgiveness\uff1f\u3000What\u3000power\u3000did\u3000the\u3000Dark\u3000Maiden\u3000hold\u3000over\u3000her\u3000worshipers\u3000that\u3000they\u3000could\u3000die\u3000with\u3000a\u3000blessing\u3000for\u3000their\u3000enemies\u3000on\u3000their\u3000 \n
\n \n
\n
\n
\n Dark\u3000Maiden\u3000hold\u3000over\u3000her\u3000worshipers\u3000that\u3000they\u3000could\u3000die\u3000with\u3000a\u3000blessing\u3000for\u3000their\u3000enemies\u3000on\u3000their\u3000lips\uff1f
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Seyll\u3000turned\u3000away\u3000from\u3000the\u3000Spider\u3000Queen\uff1b\u3000she\u3000told\u3000herself\uff1b\u3000and\u3000through\u3000me\u3000the\u3000Spider\u3000Queen\u3000exacted\u3000her\u3000vengeance\u3002\u3000Yet\u3000Seyll\u3000died\u3000with\u3000calm\u3000assurance\uff1b\u3000as\u3000if\u3000she\u3000had\u3000escaped\u3000Lolth\u3000finally\u3000and\u3000pletely\u3000with\u3000the\u3000ending\u3000of\u3000her\u3000life\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003The\u3000Spider\u3000Queen\u3000take\u3000your\u3000soul\uff1b\u3003\u3000she\u3000said\u3000to\u3000the\u3000dead\u3000priestess\uff1b\u3000but\u3000somehow\u3000she\u3000doubted\u3000that\u3000Lolth\u3000would\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003A\u3000swift\u3000march\u3000is\u3000our\u3000surest\u3000path\u3000to\u3000victory\uff1b\u3003\u3000Andzrel\u3000Baenre\u3000said\uff1b\u3000addressing\u3000the\u3000assembled\u3000priestesses\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Nimor\u3000stood\u3000to\u3000one\u3000side\u3000and\u3000watched\u3000the\u3000Baenre\u3000weapons\u3000master\uff1b\u3000one\u3000of\u3000only\u3000a\u3000handful\u3000of\u3000males\u3000invited\u3000to\u3000take\u3000counsel\u3000with\u3000the\u3000assembled\u3000females\u3002\u3000All\u3000of\u3000the\u3000great\u3000Houses\uff1b\u3000and\u3000no\u3000less\u3000than\u3000sixteen\u3000of\u3000the\u3000minor\u3000ones\uff1b\u3000were\u3000represented\u3000in\u3000the\u3000hastily\u3000mustered\u3000Army\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Black\u3000Spider\uff1b\u3000named\u3000for\u3000the\u3000banners\u3000under\u3000which\u3000they\u3000marched\u3002\u3000Nearly\u3000thirty\u3000high\u3000priestesses\u2026at\u3000least\u3000one\u3000from\u3000almost\u3000every\u3000House\uff1b\u3000and\u3000in\u3000some\u3000cases\uff1b\u3000several\u3000high\u3000priestesses\u3000from\u3000the\u3000same\u3000House\u2026filled\u3000the\u3000great\u3000mand\u3000pavilion\u3000provided\u3000by\u3000the\u3000Baenre\u3000contingent\uff1b\u3000watching\u3000Andzrel\u3000like\u3000predatory\u3000cats\u3000while\u3000reclining\uff1b\u3000sitting\uff1b\u3000or\u3000standing\u3000as\u3000rank\u3000and\u3000opportunity\u3000dictated\u3002\u3000Nimor\u3000and\u3000the\u3000other\u3000few\u3000males\u3000stood\uff1b\u3000of\u3000course\u3002\u3000No\u3000mere\u3000male\u3000would\u3000be\u3000seated\u3000while\u3000a\u3000high\u3000priestess\u3000remained\u3000standing\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003We\u3000lead\u3000some\u3000four\u3000thousand\u3000drow\u3000soldiers\u3000and\u3000twenty\u2026five\u3000hundred\u3000slave\u3000soldiers\u3000into\u3000battle\u3002\u3000By\u3000all\u3000reports\u3000it\u3000would\u3000seem\u3000that\u3000we\u3000are\u3000evenly\u3000matched\u3000with\u3000the\u3000duergar\u3000army\u3000that\u3000marches\u3000up\u3000from\u3000the\u3000south\uff1b\u3000but\u3000we\u3000do\u3000not\u3000intend\u3000to\u3000meet\u3000the\u3000duergar\u3000in\u3000a\u3000fair\u3000fight\uff1b\u3000of\u3000course\u3002\u3003\u3000The\u3000word\u3000\u3003fair\u3003\u3000sent\u3000a\u3000wave\u3000of\u3000chuckles\u3000echoing\u3000through\u3000the\u3000tent\u3002\u3000Andzrel\u3000used\u3000a\u3000slender\u3000baton\u3000to\u3000direct\u3000their\u3000attention\u3000to\u3000a\u3000large\u3000map\u3000inked\u3000on\u3000rothe\u2026vellum\u3002\u3000\u3003We\u3000can\u3000stop\u3000a\u3000force\u3000significantly\u3000stronger\u3000than\u3000our\u3000own\u3000by\u3000picking\u3000the\u3000right\u3000ground\u3000to\u3000fight\u3000for\u3002\u3000The\u3000place\u3000we\u3000will\u3000halt\u3000the\u3000duergar\u3000advance\u3000is\u3000here\uff1b\u3000at\u3000the\u3000Pillars\u3000of\u3000Woe\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003If\u3000I\u3000decide\u3000that\u3000your\u3000plan\u3000has\u3000merit\uff1b\u3000you\u3000mean\uff1b\u3003\u3000drawled\u3000Mez’Barris\u3000Armgo\u3000of\u3000House\u3000Barrison\u3000Del’Armgo\u3002\u3000\u3003Triel\u3000Baenre\u3000may\u3000trust\u3000in\u3000your\u3000judgment\uff1b\u3000but\u3000I\u3000intend\u3000to\u3000think\u3000for\u3000myself\uff1b\u3000boy\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000A\u3000tall\uff1b\u3000powerful\u3000female\uff1b\u3000the\u3000matron\u3000mother\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Second\u3000House\u3000was\u3000the\u3000ranking\u3000priestess\u3000present\u3000and\u3000nominally\u3000in\u3000mand\u3000of\u3000the\u3000entire\u3000expedition\u3002\u3000Each\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Houses\u3000had\u3000contributed\u3000some\u3000number\u3000of\u3000its\u3000priestesses\u3000to\u3000mand\u3000their\u3000contingents\u3000in\u3000battle\uff1b\u3000ranging\u3000from\u3000unblooded\u3000acolytes\u3000to\u3000first\u3000daughters\u3000and\u3000matron\u3000mothers\u3002\u3000Weapons\u3000masters\u3000such\u3000as\u3000Andzrel\u3000and\u3000males\u2026including\u3000Nimor\u3000in\u3000his\u3000role\u3000as\u3000Zhayemd\u3000Dyrr\u2026manded\u3000warbands\uff1b\u3000panies\uff1b\u3000and\u3000cavalry\u3000squadrons\uff1b\u3000attending\u3000to\u3000the\u3000endless\u3000details\u3000of\u3000organizing\u3000the\u3000army\u3000of\u3000Menzoberranzan\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003My\u3000cousin\u3000presents\u3000House\u3000Baenre’s\u3000views\uff1b\u3000Matron\u3000Mez’Barris\uff1b\u3003\u3000Zal’therra\u3000Baenre\u3000rasped\u3002\u3000\u3003Matron\u3000Triel\u3000endorses\u3000the\u3000weapons\u3000master’s\u3000battle\u3000plan\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Foremost\u3000of\u3000Triel\u3000Baenre’s\u3000cousins\uff1b\u3000Zal’therra\u3000looked\u3000nothing\u3000like\u3000the\u3000petite\u3000Matron\u3000Mother\u3000of\u3000House\u3000Baenre\u3002\u3000She\u3000was\u3000tall\u3000and\u3000broadly\u3000built\u3000in\u3000the\u3000shoulders\uff1b\u3000a\u3000strapping\u3000female\u3000with\u3000a\u3000remarkable\u3000amount\u3000of\u3000physical\u3000fortitude\u3000and\u3000a\u3000coarse\uff1b\u3000intimidating\u3000manner\u3002\u3000She\u3000and\u3000Mez’Barris\u3000were\u3000two\u3000of\u3000a\u3000kind\u3000in\u3000physique\uff1b\u3000yet\u3000the\u3000Matron\u3000Mother\u3000of\u3000House\u3000Del’Armgo\u3000possessed\u3000a\u3000brilliant\uff1b\u3000vicious\u3000cunning\u3000that\u3000was\u3000nothing\u3000more\u3000than\u3000a\u3000sullen\u3000streak\u3000in\u3000the\u3000Baenre\u3000priestess\u3002\u3000Mez’Barris\u3000fixed\u3000her\u3000red\u3000eyes\u3000on\u3000the\u3000younger\u3000woman\uff1b\u3000but\u3000did\u3000not\u3000respond\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Andzrel\u3000knew\u3000better\u3000than\u3000to\u3000speak\u3000while\u3000the\u3000two\u3000females\u3000sparred\u3002\u3000He\u3000waited\u3000through\u3000a\u3000moment\u3000of\u3000silence\u3000before\u3000he\u3000continued\u3000the\u3000briefing\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Meanwhile\uff1b\u3000Ryld\u3000measured\u3000the\u3000icy\u3000barrier\u3000in\u3000front\u3000of\u3000him\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Seyll\u3000and\u3000her\u3000followers\u3000had\u3000not\u3000anticipated\u3000a\u3000wilderness\u3000sojourn\u3000of\u3000more\u3000than\u3000a\u3000few\u3000hours\u3002\u3000They\u3000carried\u3000no\u3000more\u3000gear\u3000than\u3000Halisstra\u3000would\u3000have\uff1b\u3000had\u3000she\u3000decided\u3000to\u3000venture\u3000out\u3000to\u3000a\u3000well\u2026known\u3000cavern\u3000a\u3000mile\u3000or\u3000two\u3000from\u3000Ched\u3000Nasad\u3002\u3000They\u3000certainly\u3000hadn’t\u3000equipped\u3000themselves\u3000for\u3000the\u3000convenience\u3000of\u3000their\u3000captive’s\u3000escape\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000She\u3000was\u3000reasonably\u3000sure\u3000that\u3000she’d\u3000managed\u3000to\u3000keep\u3000heading\u3000west\u3000after\u3000her\u3000escape\u3000from\u3000the\u3000heretic\u3002\u3000If\u3000Seyll\u3000hadn’t\u3000been\u3000lying\u3000when\u3000she\u3000said\u3000they\u3000were\u3000near\u3000the\u3000spot\u3000where\u3000Halisstra\u3000had\u3000been\u3000captured\uff1b\u3000the\u3000Melarn\u3000priestess\u3000was\u3000no\u3000more\u3000than\u3000one\u3000or\u3000two\u3000nights’\u3000march\u3000from\u3000the\u3000small\u3000river\u3000Pharaun\u3000had\u3000described\u3000in\u3000his\u3000vision\u3002\u3000Since\u3000the\u3000river\u3000ran\u3000south\u3000to\u3000north\u3000somewhere\u3000in\u3000front\u3000of\u3000her\uff1b\u3000it\u3000seemed\u3000a\u3000difficult\u3000target\u3000to\u3000miss\u3000as\u3000long\u3000as\u3000she\u3000kept\u3000moving\u3000west\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Halisstra\u3000tried\u3000to\u3000keep\u3000the\u3000sunset\u3000and\u3000moons \n
\n \n
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\n \u3000target\u3000to\u3000miss\u3000as\u3000long\u3000as\u3000she\u3000kept\u3000moving\u3000west\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000She\u3000closed\u3000her\u3000eyes\uff1b\u3000trying\u3000to\u3000build\u3000a\u3000mental\u3000picture\u3000of\u3000Cormanthor\u3000and\u3000the\u3000lands\u3000around\u3000it\u3002\u3000She\u3000was\u3000in\u3000the\u3000eastern\u3000part\u3000of\u3000the\u3000forest\uff1b\u3000she\u3000knew\u2026so\u3000was\u3000her\u3000best\u3000course\u3000east\uff1b\u3000toward\u3000the\u3000rising\u3000sun\uff1f\u3000There\u3000was\u3000little\u3000on\u3000that\u3000side\u3000of\u3000the\u3000forest\u3000except\u3000for\u3000the\u3000human\u3000settlement\u3000of\u3000Harrowdale\u3002\u3000if\u3000she\u3000recalled\u3000her\u3000geography\u3002\u3000Or\u3000was\u3000she\u3000better\u3000off\u3000turning\u3000south\uff1f\u3000Several\u3000more\u3000dales\u3000lay\u3000in\u3000that\u3000direction\uff1b\u3000so\u3000her\u3000odds\u3000of\u3000reaching\u3000civilization\u3000seemed\u3000better\u3000that\u3000way\uff1b\u3000even\u3000if\u3000that\u3000meant\u3000she\u3000would\u3000have\u3000a\u3000longer\u3000trek\u3000to\u3000reach\u3000the\u3000eaves\u3000of\u3000the\u3000forest\u3002\u3000North\u3000she\u3000ruled\u3000out\u3000at\u3000once\uff1b\u3000since\u3000she\u3000was\u3000fairly\u3000certain\u3000that\u3000Elventree\u3000lay\u3000in\u3000that\u3000direction\u3002\u3000Any\u3000way\u3000she\u3000went\uff1b\u3000she\u3000would\u3000be\u3000turning\u3000her\u3000back\u3000on\u3000the\u3000Jaelre\u3000and\u3000her\u3000sacred\u3000mission\uff1b\u3000at\u3000least\u3000for\u3000a\u3000time\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000When\u3000she\u3000realized\u3000what\u3000she’d\u3000said\uff1b\u3000she\u3000couldn’t\u3000help\u3000but\u3000glance\u3000around\u3000and\u3000put\u3000a\u3000hand\u3000to\u3000her\u3000mouth\u3002\u3000Lolth\u3000did\u3000not\u3000look\u3000kindly\u3000on\u3000plainers\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000At\u3000nightfall\u3000she\u3000rose\uff1b\u3000gathered\u3000her\u3000belongings\uff1b\u3000and\u3000scrambled\u3000out\u3000of\u3000her\u3000hiding\u3000place\u3002\u3000She\u3000stood\u3000on\u3000the\u3000forest\u3000floor\uff1b\u3000looking\u3000toward\u3000the\u3000direction\u3000she\u3000reckoned\u3000west\uff1b\u3000then\u3000south\uff1b\u3000and\u3000west\u3000again\u3002\u3000South\u3000might\u3000offer\u3000a\u3000better\u3000chance\u3000of\u3000finding\u3000a\u3000human\u3000or\u3000surface\u3000elf\u3000settlement\uff1b\u3000but\u3000she\u3000couldn’t\u3000bring\u3000herself\u3000to\u3000abandon\u3000the\u3000hope\u3000of\u3000rejoining\u3000her\u3000rades\u3002\u3000Better\u3000to\u3000try\u3000one\u3000more\u3000march\u3000west\uff1b\u3000and\u3000if\u3000she\u3000still\u3000hadn’t\u3000found\u3000Pharaun’s\u3000river\u3000by\u3000dawn\uff1b\u3000she’d\u3000think\u3000about\u3000giving\u3000up\u3000the\u3000effort\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003West\uff1b\u3000then\uff1b\u3003\u3000she\u3000said\u3000to\u3000herself\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Carefully\u3000she\u3000stole\u3000forward\uff1b\u3000trotting\u3000softly\u3000through\u3000the\u3000night\uff1b\u3000and\u3000she\u3000emerged\u3000at\u3000the\u3000bank\u3000of\u3000a\u3000wide\uff1b\u3000shallow\u3000brook\u3000that\u3000splashed\u3000over\u3000a\u3000pebbly\u3000bed\u3002\u3000It\u3000was\u3000wider\u3000than\u3000any\u3000she’d\u3000seen\u3000yet\uff1b\u3000easily\u3000thirty\u3000to\u3000forty\u3000feet\uff1b\u3000and\u3000it\u3000ran\u3000from\u3000her\u3000left\u3000to\u3000her\u3000right\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Is\u3000this\u3000it\uff1f\u3003\u3000she\u3000breathed\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000It\u3000seemed\u3000large\u3000enough\uff1b\u3000and\u3000it\u3000was\u3000about\u3000where\u3000she’d\u3000expected\u3000to\u3000find\u3000it\u2026a\u3000march\u3000and\u3000a\u3000half\u3000from\u3000the\u3000place\u3000where\u3000she’d\u3000been\u3000captured\u3002\u3000Halisstra\u3000crouched\u3000and\u3000studied\u3000the\u3000swift\u3000water\uff1b\u3000thinking\u3002\u3000If\u3000she\u3000made\u3000the\u3000wrong\u3000decision\uff1b\u3000she\u3000might\u3000follow\u3000the\u3000stream\u3000into\u3000some\u3000desolate\u3000and\u3000unpopulated\u3000portion\u3000of\u3000the\u3000woods\u3000and\u3000die\u3000a\u3000lonely\u3000death\u3000of\u3000hunger\u3000and\u3000cold\u3002\u3000Then\u3000again\uff1b\u3000her\u3000prospects\u3000weren’t\u3000very\u3000bright\u3000no\u3000matter\u3000what\u3000she\u3000did\u3002\u3000Halisstra\u3000snorted\u3000to\u3000herself\uff1b\u3000and\u3000followed\u3000the\u3000stream\u3000to\u3000her\u3000left\u3002\u3000What\u3000did\u3000she\u3000have\u3000to\u3000lose\uff1f
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Enough\uff1b\u3000Ryld\u3000snarled\u3000to\u3000himself\u3002\u3000We\u3000didn’t\u3000e\u3000all\u3000this\u3000way\u3000to\u3000be\u3000defeated\u3000here\uff01
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000He\u3000redoubled\u3000his\u3000attack\uff1b\u3000stepped\u3000inside\u3000the\u3000big\u3000devil’s\u3000reach\uff1b\u3000and\u3000drove\u3000Splitters\u3000point\u3000through\u3000the\u3000creature’s\u3000scaly\u3000neck\u3002\u3000It\u3000flailed\u3000violently\u3000at\u3000him\uff1b\u3000but\u3000it\u3000was\u3000dying\uff1b\u3000and\u3000its\u3000convulsions\u3000gouged\u3000stone\u3000and\u3000clawed\u3000at\u3000the\u3000air\u3000instead\u3000of\u3000mauling\u3000Ryld\u3002\u3000The\u3000weapons\u3000master\u3000leaped\u3000over\u3000the\u3000creature’s\u3000body\u3000to\u3000engage\u3000the\u3000smaller\u3000barbed\u3000devils\u3000already\u3000moving\u3000toward\u3000him\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Jezz\u3000rejoined\u3000the\u3000fray\uff1b\u3000pulling\u3000out\u3000a\u3000scroll\u3000from\u3000his\u3000belt\u3000and\u3000hurriedly\u3000reading\u3000off\u3000an\u3000abjuration\u3000that\u3000blasted\u3000several\u3000of\u3000the\u3000lesser\u3000devils\u3000back\u3000to\u3000whatever\u3000infernal\u3000realm\u3000they\u3000had\u3000crawled\u3000out\u3000of\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Two\u3000more\u3000instantly\u3000replaced\u3000their\u3000banished\u3000rades\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003We\u3000have\u3000to\u3000move\uff01\u3003\u3000the\u3000Jaelre\u3000cried\u3002\u3000\u3003The\u3000beholder\u3000is\u3000our\u3000enemy\u3002\u3000The\u3000devils\u3000are\u3000just\u3000a\u3000distraction\uff01\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Ryld\u3000grimaced\u3000again\u3002\u3000If\u3000they\u3000tried\u3000to\u3000flee\uff1b\u3000they’d\u3000be\u3000pulled\u3000down\u3000from\u3000behind\u3002\u3000Still\uff1b\u3000he\u3000started\u3000backing\u3000his\u3000way\u3000toward\u3000the\u3000door\u3000leading\u3000to\u3000the\u3000beholder\uff1b\u3000praying\u3000that\u3000the\u3000creature\u3000was\u3000not\u3000in\u3000a\u3000 \n
\n \n
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\n t\u3000in\u3000a\u3000position\u3000to\u3000see\u3000them\u3002\u3000He\u3000gave\u3000ground\u3000grudgingly\uff1b\u3000unwilling\u3000to\u3000blunder\u3000into\u3000another\u3000fight\u3000while\u3000one\u3000still\u3000raged\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000To\u3000his\u3000surprise\uff1b\u3000one\u3000of\u3000the\u3000devils\u3000on\u3000the\u3000other\u3000side\u3000of\u3000the\u3000chamber\u3000dropped\u3000out\u3000of\u3000view\uff1b\u3000and\u3000another\u3000one\u3000shrieked\u3000as\u3000a\u3000serpent\u2026headed\u3000scourge\u3000sank\u3000its\u3000fangs\u3000into\u3000the\u3000back\u3000of\u3000its\u3000neck\u3002\u3000Struggling\u3000through\u3000the\u3000ranks\u3000of\u3000the\u3000devils\uff1b\u3000Valas\u3000and\u3000Quenthel\u3000limped\u3000into\u3000sight\u3002\u3000The\u3000scout\u3000supported\u3000the\u3000badly\u3000injured\u3000priestess\uff1b\u3000warding\u3000her\u3000side\u3000with\u3000one\u3000of\u3000his\u3000kukris\u3000while\u3000she\u3000lashed\u3000and\u3000flailed\u3000with\u3000her\u3000deadly\u3000scourge\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Danifae\u3000and\u3000Ryld\u3000took\u3000advantage\u3000of\u3000the\u3000devils’\u3000momentary\u3000disadvantage\u3000to\u3000press\u3000home\u3000attacks\u3000against\u3000their\u3000immediate\u3000foes\u3002\u3000Quenthel\u3000slumped\u3000to\u3000one\u3000wall\uff1b\u3000fumbling\u3000with\u3000Halisstra’s\u3000healing\u3000wand\u3000at\u3000her\u3000side\uff1b\u3000while\u3000Valas\u3000drew\u3000his\u3000second\u3000knife\u3000and\u3000darted\u3000into\u3000the\u3000fray\uff1b\u3000slashing\u3000and\u3000stabbing\u3000the\u3000devils\u3000from\u3000behind\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Hurry\uff01\u3003\u3000Quenthel\u3000gasped\u3002\u3000\u3003A\u3000pit\u3000fiend\u3000and\u3000a\u3000dozen\u3000more\u3000devils\u3000are\u3000just\u3000behind\u3000us\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Ryld\u3000cut\u3000down\u3000another\u3000of\u3000the\u3000barbed\u3000devils\uff1b\u3000while\u3000Danifae\u3000splattered\u3000the\u3000brains\u3000of\u3000a\u3000second\u3000across\u3000the\u3000chamber\u3000wall\u3000with\u3000a\u3000two\u2026handed\u3000blow\u3000of\u3000her\u3000morningstar\u3002\u3000In\u3000the\u3000space\u3000of\u3000a\u3000few\u3000moments\uff1b\u3000the\u3000dark\u3000elves\u3000cleared\u3000the\u3000room\u3000of\u3000devils\u3002\u3000Jezz\u3000produced\u3000another\u3000scroll\u3000and\u3000quickly\u3000read\u3000off\u3000a\u3000spell\uff1b\u3000sealing\u3000the\u3000doorway\u3000behind\u3000Quenthel\u3000and\u3000Valas\u3000with\u3000a\u3000crackling\u3000sheet\u3000of\u3000sparking\u3000yellow\u3000energy\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003That\u3000will\u3000only\u3000hold\u3000the\u3000creature\u3000for\u3000a\u3000moment\uff1b\u3003\u3000he\u3000cautioned\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000Baenre\u3000looked\u3000around\u3000the\u3000chamber\u3002\u3000The\u3000fall\u3000in\u3000the\u3000shaft\u3000must\u3000have\u3000hurt\u3000her\u3000badly\u3002\u3000Blood\u3000caked\u3000the\u3000side\u3000of\u3000her\u3000head\uff1b\u3000and\u3000her\u3000eyes\u3000didn’t\u3000seem\u3000to\u3000want\u3000to\u3000focus\u3002\u3000One\u3000arm\u3000hung\u3000limp\u3000at\u3000her\u3000side\uff1b\u3000but\u3000she\u3000held\u3000herself\u3000upright\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Where’s\u3000the\u3000beholder\uff1b\u3003\u3000she\u3000asked\uff1b\u3000\u3003Pharaun\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Jeggred\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Ryld\u3000jerked\u3000his\u3000head\u3000at\u3000the\u3000archway\u3000behind\u3000him\u3002\u3000Another\u3000spell\u3000rumbled\u3000through\u3000the\u3000air\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Back\u3000there\u3000somewhere\uff1b\u3003\u3000he\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003The\u3000beholder\u2026\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000He\u3000was\u3000interrupted\u3000by\u3000the\u3000sudden\uff1b\u3000sickening\u3000awareness\u3000of\u3000an\u3000overwhelming\u3000presence\u3000approaching\u3000Jezz’s\u3000barrier\uff1b\u3000something\u3000unseen\u3000that\u3000seemed\u3000to\u3000shake\u3000the\u3000very\u3000stones\u3000of\u3000the\u3000tower\u3000with\u3000its\u3000footfalls\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003The\u3000pit\u3000fiend\u3000es\uff1b\u3003\u3000Danifae\u3000reported\uff1b\u3000panting\u3000for\u3000breath\uff1b\u3000her\u3000eyes\u3000wide\u3000with\u3000alarm\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Go\uff1b\u3003\u3000Quenthel\u3000said\uff1b\u3000waving\u3000them\u3000forward\u3000with\u3000her\u3000good\u3000arm\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Without\u3000another\u3000word\uff1b\u3000the\u3000dark\u3000elves\u3000scrambled\u3000for\u3000the\u3000other\u3000exit\uff1b\u3000plunging\u3000into\u3000the\u3000next\u3000room\u3000heedless\u3000of\u3000the\u3000spells\u3000that\u3000thundered\u3000and\u3000crawled\u3000in\u3000the\u3000space\u3000beyond\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Triel\u3000Baenre\u3000stood\u3000on\u3000a\u3000high\u3000bridge\u3000of\u3000House\u3000Baenre\uff1b\u3000gazing\u3000toward\u3000Narbondel\u3002\u3000The\u3000creeping\u3000ring\u3000of\u3000radiance\u3000that\u3000slowly\u3000climbed\u3000the\u3000mighty\u3000stone\u3000column\u3000marked\u3000the\u3000passage\u3000of\u3000time\u3000in\u3000Menzoberranzan\u3002\u3000The\u3000glow\u3000stood\u3000near\u3000the\u3000pillar’s\u3000upper\u3000end\uff1b\u3000which\u3000meant\u3000that\u3000the\u3000day\u3000would\u3000soon\u3000be\u3000done\u3002\u3000Not\u3000for\u3000the\u3000first\u3000time\u3000it\u3000struck\u3000her\u3000as\u3000ironic\u3000that\u3000a\u3000race\u3000that\u3000had\u3000been\u3000driven\u3000from\u3000the\u3000world\u3000of\u3000light\u3000almost\u3000ten\u3000thousand\u3000years\u3000in\u3000the\u3000past\u3000would\u3000have\u3000the\u3000slightest\u3000use\u3000for\u3000marking\u3000the\u3000passage\u3000of\u3000days\u3000and\u3000nights\u3000in\u3000the\u3000manner\u3000of\u3000the\u3000surface\u3000folk\uff1b\u3000when\u3000the\u3000night\u3000was\u3000eternal\u3000and\u3000changeless\u3000in\u3000the\u3000Underdark\uff1b\u3000but\u3000it\u3000had\u3000proven\u3000somewhat\u3000useful\u3000over\u3000the\u3000years\u3000to\u3000remember\u3000the\u3000endless\u3000march\u3000of\u3000unseen\u3000days\u3000in\u3000the\u3000world\u3000above\u3002\u3000It\u3000helped\u3000in\u3000dealing\u3000with\u3000those\u3000who\u3000had\u3000more\u3000use\u3000for\u3000the\u3000custom\uff1b\u3000such\u3000as\u3000merchants\u3000who\u3000brought\u3000a\u3000few\u3000of\u3000the\u3000surface’s\u3000more\u3000exotic\u3000and\u3000desirable\u3000goods\u3000down\u3000to\u3000the\u3000City\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Spider\u3000Queen\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Not\u3000that\u3000many\u3000of\u3000those\u3000had\u3000visited\u3000Menzoberranzan\u3000of\u3000late\u3002\u3000War\u3000was\u3000hard\u3000on\u3000merce\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000other\u3000question\u3000that\u3000came\u3000to\u3000Triel’s\u3000mind\u3000as\u3000she\u3000looked\u3000out\u3000over\u3000Narbondel\u3000and\u3000the\u3000city\u3000below\u3000was\u3000somewhat\u3000less\u3000abstract\uff1a\u3000Who\u3000would\u3000be\u3000ing\u3000in\u3000an\u3000hour\u3000or\u3000two\u3000to\u3000cast\u3000the\u3000spells\u3000that\u3000renewed\u3000Narbondel’s\u3000fiery\u3000ring\uff1f\u3000The\u3000office\u3000of\u3000archmage\u3000still\u3000belonged\u3000to\u3000her\u3000brother\u3000Gromph\uff1b\u3000missing\u3000for\u3000more\u3000than\u3000a\u3000tenday\uff1b\u3000but\u3000the\u3000Masters\u3000of\u3000Sorcere\u3000would\u3000not\u3000permit\u3000the\u3000high\u3000seat\u3000to\u3000remain\u3000empty\u3000for\u3000much\u3000longer\u3002\u3000She’d\u3000learned\u3000that\u3000several\u3000of\u3000the\u3000more\u3000ambitious\u3000masters\u3000already\u3000maneuvered\u3000for\u3000the\u3000post\u3002\u3000Doubtless\u3000Pharaun\u3000Mizzrym\u3000would\u3000have\u3000been\u3000among\u3000them\u3000if\u3000he\u3000had\u3000remained\u3000in\u3000the\u3000city\uff1b\u3000but\u3000the\u3000errand\u3000to\u3000Ched\u3000Nasad\u3000had\u3000fortunately\u3000removed\u3000the\u3000hero\u3000of\u3000the\u3000hour\u3000from\u3000Menzoberranzan\u3000at\u3000the\u3000very\u3000moment\u3000that\u3000he\u3000might\u3000have\u3000put\u3000his\u3000fame\u3000to\u3000its\u3000best\u3000use\u3002\u3000She\u3000turned\u3000her\u3000head\u3000slightly\u3000and\u3000spoke\u3000over\u3000her\u3000shoulder\u3000to\u3000the\u3000loyal\u3000Baenre\u3000guards\u3000who\u3000stood\u3000a\u3000respectful\u3000distance\u3000behind\u3000her\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Send\u3000for\u3000Nauzhror\uff1b\u3003\u3000she\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003Tell\u3000him\u3000I\u3000desire\u3000his\u3000counsel\u3000on\u3000a\u3000matter\u3000of\u3000some\u3000importance\u3002\u3000He\u3000may\u3000attend\u3000me\u3000in\u3000the\u3000chapel\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Triel\u3000made\u3000her\u3000way\u3000to\u3000the\u3000great\u3000temple\u3000of\u3000Lolth\u3000that\u3000lay\u3000in\u3000the\u3000center\u3000of\u3000House\u3000Baenre’s\u3000Great\u3000Mound\uff1b\u3000her\u3000attention\u3000far\u3000from\u3000her\u3000surroundings\u3000as\u3000she\u3000contemplated\u3000the\u3000multiplicity\u3000of\u3000troubles\u3000that\u3000had\u3000descended\u3000over\u3000the\u3000city\u3000in\u3000the\u3000past\u3000few\u3000months\u3002\u3000She\u3000was\u3000almost\u3000grateful\u3000to\u3000the\u3000duergar\u3000for\u3000providing\u3000her\u3000with\u3000a\u3000cause\u3000to\u3000which\u3000she\u3000could\u3000rally\u3000the\u3000Council\uff1b\u3000and\u3000through\u3000them\u3000the\u3000dozens\u3000of\u3000lesser\u3000Houses\u3000that\u3000prised\u3000Menzoberranzan’s\u3000strength\u3002\u3000A\u3000victory\u3000in\u3000the\u3000tunnels\u3000south\u3000of\u3000the\u3000city\u3000would\u3000do\u3000much\u3000to\u3000restore\u3000House\u3000Baenre’s\u3000preeminence\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000On\u3000the\u3000other\u3000hand\uff1b\u3000another\u3000setback\u3000could\u3000be\u3000disastrous\u3002\u3000Even\u3000if\u3000Baenre\u3000remained\u3000the\u3000wealthiest\u3000and\u3000most\u3000powerful\u3000House\uff1b\u3000the\u3000Council\u3000might\u3000see\u3000fit\u3000to\u3000remove\u3000House\u3000Baenre\u3000as\u3000the\u3000First\u3000House\u3002\u3000None\u3000of\u3000them\u3000alone\uff1b\u3000perhaps\u3000not\u3000even\u3000any\u3000two\u3000of\u3000them\u3000together\uff1b\u3000could\u3000hope\u3000to\u3000defeat\u3000House\u3000Baenre\uff1b\u3000but\u3000what\u3000if\u3000all\u3000seven\u3000of\u3000the\u3000other\u3000Houses\u3000on\u3000the\u3000Council\u3000agreed\u3000that\u3000it\u3000was\u3000time\u3000to\u3000pull\u3000down\u3000the\u3000strongest\u3000among\u3000them\uff1f
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Lolth\u3000preserve\u3000us\uff1b\u3003\u3000Triel\u3000muttered\uff1b\u3000and\u3000shivered\u3000with\u3000true\u3000fear\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000In\u3000terms\u3000of\u3000numbers\u3000of\u3000troops\uff1b\u3000magical\u3000might\uff1b\u3000and\u3000sheer\u3000wealth\uff1b\u3000the\u3000other\u3000Houses\u3000had\u3000always\u3000possessed\u3000the\u3000wherewithal\u3000to\u3000destroy\u3000House\u3000Baenre\u3000if\u3000they\u3000chose\u3000to\u3000unite\u3000against\u3000the\u3000First\u3000House\u3002\u3000What\u3000they\u3000had\u3000never\u3000possessed\u3000was\u3000the\u3000blessing\u3000of\u3000the\u3000goddess\u3000for\u3000an\u3000act\u3000of\u3000such\u3000impropriety\u3002\u3000If\u3000the\u3000Spider\u3000Queen\u3000returned\u3000her\u3000attention\u3000to\u3000Menzoberranzan\u3000and\u3000destroyed\u3000the\u3000Second\u3000through\u3000the\u3000Eighth\u3000Houses\u3000for\u3000their\u3000presumption\u3000the\u3000day\u3000after\u3000they\u3000obliterated\u3000House\u3000Baenre\uff1b\u3000well\uff1b\u3000Baenre\u3000would\u3000hardly\u3000be\u3000helped\u3000by\u3000it\u3002\u3000Without\u3000Lolth’s\u3000wrath\u3000to\u3000deter\u3000the\u3000ambitions\u3000of\u3000the\u3000other\u3000great\u3000Houses\uff1b\u3000a\u3000unified\u3000attack\u3000against\u3000Baenre\u3000seemed\u3000more\u3000like\u3000an\u3000inevitability\u3000than\u3000a\u3000possibility\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000trick\uff1b\u3000mused\u3000Triel\uff1b\u3000is\u3000to\u3000keep\u3000the\u3000other\u3000Houses\u3000from\u3000settling\u3000thorny\u3000issues\u3000such\u3000as\u3000who\u3000would\u3000be\u3000First\u3000House\u3000after\u3000Baenre’s\u3000fall\uff1b\u3000and\u3000tempt\u3000some\u3000of\u3000the\u3000smaller\u3000Houses\u3000with\u3000the\u3000places\u3000of\u3000the\u3000larger\u3000ones\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000If\u3000Houses\u3000such\u3000as\u3000Xorlarrin\u3000or\u3000Agrach\u3000Dyrr\u3000could\u3000be\u3000convinced\u3000that\u3000they\u3000would\u3000advance\u3000with\u3000more\u3000certainty\u3000by\u3000supporting\u3000Baenre\u3000against\u3000a\u3000conspiracy\u3000of\u3000Barrison\u3000Del’Armgo\u3000and\u3000Faen\u3000Tlabbar\u3000than\u3000they\u3000would\u3000by\u3000turning\u3000against\u3000the\u3000First\u3000House\uff1b\u3000then\u3000House\u3000Baenre\u3000could\u3000withstand\u3000almost\u3000any\u3000threat\u3000from\u3000its\u3000lesser\u3000neighbors\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000She\u3000paused\u3000at\u3000the\u3000door\u3000to\u3000the\u3000chapel\uff1b\u3000examining\u3000the\u3000notion\u3000with\u3000acute\u3000distaste\u3002\u3000Could\u3000she\u3000really\u3000feel\u3000that\u3000House\u3000Baenre\u3000needed\u3000allies\uff1f\u3000The\u3000old\u3000Matron\u3000Baenre\u3000had\u3000not\u3000governed\u3000with\u3000anyone’s\u3000consent\u3002\u3000She\u3000had\u3000ruled\u3000the\u3000city\u3000because\u3000she\u3000was\u3000so\u3000strong\u3000no\u3000one\u3000could\u3000contemplate\u3000resisting\u3000her\u3000will\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Triel\u3000scowled\u3000and\u3000gestured\u3000at\u3000the\u3000chapel\u3000guards\uff1b\u3000who\u3000pulled\u3000open\u3000the\u3000doors\u3000and\u3000bowed\u3000before\u3000her\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Her\u3000sister\u3000Sos’Umptu\u3000awaited\u3000her\u3000in\u3000the\u3000chapel\u3002\u3000Sos’Umptu\u3000had\u3000Quenthel’s\u3000height\uff1b\u3000but\u3000took\u3000after\u3000Triel’s\u3000thoughtful\u3000reserve\u3000as\u3000opposed\u3000to\u3000the\u3000willfulness\u3000of\u3000Quenthel\u3000or\u3000her\u3000unlamented\u3000sister\u3000Bladen’Kerst\u3002\u3000Sos’Umptu\u3000possessed\u3000a\u3000calculated\uff1b\u3000deliberate\u3000maliciousness\u3000that\u3000she\u3000kept\u3000in\u3000careful\u3000check\uff1b\u3000never\u3000picking\u3000a\u3000feud\u3000she\u3000could\u3000not\u3000win\u3002\u3000She\u3000briefly\u3000lowered\u3000her\u3000eyes\uff1b\u3000the\u3000minimal\u3000gesture\u3000of\u3000respect\u3000Triel’s\u3000position\u3000demanded\uff1b\u3000then\u3000straightened\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Any\u3000news\u3000from\u3000the\u3000army\uff1b\u3000eldest\u3000sister\uff1f\u3003\u3000she\u3000asked\u3000in\u3000a\u3000soft\u3000voice\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Not\u3000as\u3000yet\u3002\u3000Zal’therra\u3000tells\u3000me\u3000that\u3000Mez’Barris\u3000has\u3000dispatched\u3000a\u3000small\u3000force\u3000to\u3000go\u3000ahead\u3000and\u3000seize\u3000a\u3000strategic\u3000pass\u3000in\u3000the\u3000path\u3000of\u3000the\u3000duergar\u3000army\uff1b\u3000which\u3000seems\u3000sensible\u3000enough\u3002\u3000The\u3000rest\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Army\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Black\u3000Spider\u3000follows\u3000as\u3000fast\u3000as\u3000it\u3000may\u3002\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000She\u3000studied\u3000the\u3000chapel\uff1b\u3000gazing\u3000up\u3000at\u3000the\u3000great\u3000magical\u3000image\u3000depicting\u3000the\u3000Queen\u3000of\u3000Spiders\u3002\u3000While\u3000Sos’Umptu\u3000watched\uff1b\u3000Triel\u3000performed\u3000a\u3000perfunctory\u3000obeisance\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Sos’Umptu’s\u3000eyes\u3000widened\u3000by\u3000the\u3000thickness\u3000of\u3000a\u3000blade\uff1b\u3000and\u3000she\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003You\u3000seek\u3000my\u3000counsel\uff1f\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Sos’Umptu\u3000nodded\u3000and\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003Very\u3000well\u3002\u3000I\u3000think\u3000we\u3000should\u3000presume\u3000that\u3000Gromph\u3000has\u3000been\u3000killed\u3002\u3000He\u3000would\u3000not\u3000have\u3000lightly\u3000abandoned\u3000his\u3000duties\uff1b\u3000and\u3000there\u3000are\u3000at\u3000least\u3000two\u3000reasons\u3000someone\u3000might\u3000have\u3000killed\u3000him\u3002\u3000Either\u3000someone\u3000wanted\u3000to\u3000strike\u3000against\u3000the\u3000archmage\u3000himself\uff1b\u3000or\u3000someone\u3000wanted\u3000to\u3000strike\u3000against\u3000the\u3000leading\u3000wizard\u3000of\u3000House\u3000Baenre\u3002\u3000If\u3000the\u3000former\uff1b\u3000well\uff1b\u3000whomever\u3000bees\u3000archmage\u3000next\u3000will\u3000either\u3000be\u3000the\u3000culprit\uff1b\u3000or\u3000the\u3000next\u3000target\u3002\u3000Why\u3000should\u3000we\u3000hurry\u3000to\u3000place\u3000a\u3000Baenre\u3000wizard\u3000weaker\u3000than\u3000Gromph\u3000into\u3000that\u3000position\uff1b\u3000when\u3000there\u3000is\u3000at\u3000least\u3000some\u3000chance\u3000we\u3000might\u3000lose\u3000whomever\u3000we\u3000promote\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000don’t\u3000like\u3000the\u3000idea\u3000of\u3000surrendering\u3000such\u3000an\u3000important\u3000post\u3000to\u3000another\u3000family\uff1b\u3000but\u3000I\u3000like\u3000the\u3000idea\u3000of\u3000losing\u3000another\u3000skilled\u3000wizard\u3000even\u3000less\uff1b\u3003\u3000Triel\u3000mused\u3002\u3000\u3003Especially\u3000when\u3000we\u3000might\u3000forge\u3000a\u3000stronger\u3000tie\u3000with\u3000another\u3000House\u3000by\u3000allowing\u3000them\u3000to\u3000advance\u3000their\u3000candidate\uff1b\u3000who\u3000would\u3000then\u3000bee\u3000the\u3000target\u3000of\u3000whatever\u3000power\u3000was\u3000strong\u3000enough\u3000to\u3000destroy\u3000Gromph\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000don’t\u3000understand\uff1b\u3003\u3000Sos’Umptu\u3000replied\u3002\u3000\u3003You\u3000seek\u3000allies\uff1f\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003As\u3000I\u3000thought\u3002\u3000Consider\u3000this\uff1b\u3000then\uff1b\u3003\u3000Triel\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003Whomever\u3000engineered\u3000Gromph’s\u3000disappearance\u3000will\u3000most\u3000likely\u3000make\u3000short\u3000work\u3000of\u3000you\u3000if\u3000you\u3000presumed\u3000to\u3000call\u3000yourself\u3000Archmage\u3000of\u3000Menzoberranzan\u3002\u3000The\u3000day\u3000may\u3000e\u3000when\u3000you\u3000realize\u3000your\u3000ambition\uff1b\u3000cousin\uff1b\u3000but\u3000that\u3000day\u3000is\u3000not\u3000today\u3002\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Ryld\u3000had\u3000been\u3000about\u3000to\u3000leap\u3000up\u3000and\u3000engage\u3000the\u3000monster\u3000again\uff1b\u3000but\u3000he\u3000caught\u3000Pharaun’s\u3000cautioning\u3000gesture\uff1b\u3000and\u3000feigned\u3000injury\u3002\u3000The\u3000wizard’s\u3000strategy\u3000was\u3000brilliant\u2026let\u3000the\u3000beholder\u3000and\u3000the\u3000devils\u3000battle\uff1b\u3000and\u3000their\u3000foes\u3000might\u3000destroy\u3000each\u3000other\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000weapons\u3000master\u3000glanced\u3000between\u3000the\u3000two\u3000enemies\uff1b\u3000hesitated\u3000only\u3000a\u3000moment\uff1b\u3000and\u3000decided\u3002\u3000Silently\u3000as\u3000an\u3000arrow\u3000whispering\u3000through\u3000the\u3000dark\uff1b\u3000Ryld\u3000scrambled\u3000up\u3000and\u3000leaped\u3000forward\uff1b\u3000aiming\u3000a\u3000tremendous\u3000cut\u3000at\u3000the\u3000beholder’s\u3000round\u3000body\u3002\u3000The\u3000beholder\u3000mage\u3000spotted\u3000him\u3000at\u3000once\u3000and\u3000blasted\u3000a\u3000bolt\u3000of\u3000lightning\u3000in\u3000his\u3000direction\uff1b\u3000but\u3000he\u3000tumbled\u3000aside\u3000and\u3000kept\u3000ing\u3002\u3000Another\u3000eye\u3000fixed\u3000on\u3000him\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000beholder’s\u3000drone\u3000took\u3000on\u3000a\u3000peculiarly\u3000horrid\u3000and\u3000deadly\u3000sound\u3002\u3000Rather\u3000than\u3000wait\u3000to\u3000find\u3000out\u3000what\u3000spell\u3000the\u3000monster\u3000could\u3000cast\u3000with\u3000that\u3000eye\uff1b\u3000Ryld\u3000altered\u3000his\u3000path\u3000and\u3000bounded\u3000into\u3000the\u3000air\uff1b\u3000reaching\u3000out\u3000to\u3000sever\u3000the\u3000tentacle\u3000cleanly\u3000with\u3000Splitter’s\u3000gleaming\u3000blade\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000beholder’s\u3000drone\u3000broke\u3000in\u3000a\u3000piercing\u3000shriek\u3000of\u3000pain\u3002\u3000The\u3000monster\u3000whirled\u3000to\u3000face\u3000Ryld\u3000with\u3000its\u3000jaws\u3000gaping\uff1b\u3000but\u3000the\u3000weapons\u3000master\u3000took\u3000careful\u3000aim\u3000and\u3000severed\u3000another\u3000waving\u3000eye\u3000before\u3000ducking\u3000down\u3000and\u3000scrambling\u3000beneath\u3000the\u3000bloated\u3000sphere\u3000of\u3000the\u3000hovering\u3000creature’s\u3000body\u3002\u3000None\u3000of\u3000the\u3000beholder’s\u3000eyes\u3000could\u3000see\u3000directly\u3000beneath\u3000its\u3000own\u3000bulk\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Dropping\u3000to\u3000one\u3000knee\uff1b\u3000Ryld\u3000shortened\u3000his\u3000grip\u3000on\u3000Splitter\uff1b\u3000and\u3000thrust\u3000the\u3000greatsword\u3000up\u3000into\u3000the\u3000chitinous\u3000underside\u3000of\u3000the\u3000monster\u3002\u3000Black\u3000thick\u3000gore\u3000streamed\u3000down\u3000the\u3000blade\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000huge\u3000monster\u3000shuddered\u3000and\u3000shrieked\u3000again\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Well\u3000done\uff01\u3003\u3000Jezz\u3000cried\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Ryld\u3000yanked\u3000out\u3000his\u3000sword\u3000and\u3000rolled\u3000aside\u3000even\u3000as\u3000the\u3000beholder\u3000tried\u3000to\u3000crush\u3000him\u3000beneath\u3000its\u3000bulk\uff1b\u3000its\u3000jaws\u3000snapping\u3000at\u3000him\u3002\u3000He\u3000found\u3000himself\u3000looking\u3000directly\u3000at\u3000the\u3000front\u3000of\u3000its\u3000body\uff1b\u3000where\u3000its\u3000great\u3000central\u3000eye\u3000had\u3000once\u3000gazed\u3000out\u3000from\u3000an\u3000armored\u3000carapace\u3002\u3000The\u3000central\u3000eye\u3000was\u3000nothing\u3000but\u3000an\u3000empty\u3000socket\u3002\u3000An\u3000old\u3000lesson\u3000came\u3000to\u3000the\u3000weapons\u3000master’s\u3000mind\uff1a\u3000a\u3000beholder\u3000that\u3000wished\u3000to\u3000learn\u3000magic\u3000had\u3000to\u3000blind\u3000itself\u3000in\u3000order\u3000to\u3000do\u3000so\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Ryld\u3000glanced\u3000up\u3000and\u3000saw\u3000another\u3000devil\u3000closing\u3000on\u3000him\uff1b\u3000apparently\u3000having\u3000discerned\u3000his\u3000true\u3000form\u3000through\u3000the\u3000illusion\uff1b\u3000and\u3000he\u3000snatched\u3000out\u3000his\u3000short\u3000sword\u3000to\u3000gut\u3000the\u3000fiend\u3000as\u3000it\u3000threw\u3000itself\u3000on\u3000him\u3002\u3000The\u3000devil\u3000knocked\u3000him\u3000to\u3000the\u3000floor\uff1b\u3000its\u3000foul\u3000blood\u3000pouring\u3000out\u3000all\u3000over\u3000him\u3002\u3000Ryld\u3000gagged\u3000in\u3000revulsion\u3000and\u3000shouldered\u3000the\u3000jerking\u3000corpse\u3000aside\uff1b\u3000wrenching\u3000his\u3000sword\u3000out\u3000of\u3000the\u3000creature’s\u3000midsection\u3000with\u3000his\u3000right\u3000hand\u3000while\u3000he\u3000dragged\u3000Splitter\u3000clear\u3000of\u3000the\u3000beholder\u3000mage’s\u3000eye\u3000with\u3000the\u3000left\u3002\u3000He\u3000shook\u3000his\u3000head\u3000to\u3000clear\u3000his\u3000eyes\u3000of\u3000the\u3000blood\u3000of\u3000his\u3000foes\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000By\u3000the\u3000chamber’s\u3000entrance\uff1b\u3000Jeggred\u3000sprawled\u3000to\u3000the\u3000ground\u3000beneath\u3000another\u3000terrible\u3000spell\u3000from\u3000the\u3000pit\u3000fiend\uff1b\u3000a\u3000roaring\u3000column\u3000of\u3000fire\u3000that\u3000blackened\u3000the\u3000draegloth’s\u3000fur\u3000and\u3000might\u3000have\u3000incinerated\u3000him\u3000outright\u3000if\u3000not\u3000for\u3000the\u3000half\u2026demon’s\u3000native\u3000resistance\u3000to\u3000fire\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Ryld\u3000started\u3000forward\u3000cautiously\uff1b\u3000preparing\u3000to\u3000engage\u3000the\u3000devil\u3000lord\u3000in\u3000his\u3000own\u3000turn\uff1b\u3000but\u3000Pharaun\uff1b\u3000blistered\u3000and\u3000smoking\uff1b\u3000rose\u3000from\u3000the\u3000spot\u3000where\u3000the\u3000devil’s\u3000fireball\u3000had\u3000blasted\u3000him\uff1b\u3000and\u3000lashed\u3000out\u3000with\u3000a\u3000brilliant\u3000spray\u3000of\u3000iridescent\u3000colors\u3000that\u3000caught\u3000the\u3000pit\u3000fiend\u3000as\u3000it\u3000turned\u3000to\u3000confront\u3000the\u3000archer\u3002\u3000A\u3000green\u3000ray\u3000carved\u3000a\u3000deep\uff1b\u3000black\uff1b\u3000boiling\u3000wound\u3000in\u3000the\u3000center\u3000of\u3000the\u3000pit\u3000fiend’s\u3000torso\uff1b\u3000while\u3000a\u3000virulent\u3000yellow\u3000ray\u3000exploded\u3000with\u3000crackling\u3000arcs\u3000of\u3000electricity\u3000as\u3000it\u3000grazed\u3000the\u3000devil’s\u3000hip\u3002\u3000The\u3000monster\u3000staggered\u3000back\u3000two\u3000steps\uff1b\u3000and\u3000toppled\uff1b\u3000a\u3000smoking\u3000corpse\u3002\u3000The\u3000chamber\u3000fell\u3000silent\u3000as\u3000the\u3000echoes\u3000of\u3000its\u3000thunderous\u3000fall\u3000died\u3000away\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003You\u3000came\u3000to\u3000us\uff1b\u3000spider\u2026kisser\uff1b\u3003\u3000Jezz\u3000said\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Ryld\u3000sat\u3000down\u3000on\u3000a\u3000step\u3000and\u3000started\u3000to\u3000scrape\u3000the\u3000blood\u3000from\u3000Splitter’s\u3000blade\u3002\u3000He\u3000was\u3000exhausted\u3002\u3000Jeggred\uff1b\u3000on\u3000the\u3000other\u3000hand\uff1b\u3000threw\u3000himself\u3000into\u3000the\u3000search\uff1b\u3000hurling\u3000heavy\u3000pieces\u3000of\u3000disused\u3000furniture\u3000aside\u3000and\u3000pulling\u3000down\u3000bookshelves\u3002\u3000It\u3000occurred\u3000to\u3000Ryld\u3000that\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3000was\u3000unlikely\u3000to\u3000find\u3000that\u3000the\u3000beholder\u3000had\u3000stashed\u3000a\u3000valuable\u3000book\u3000underneath\u3000the\u3000wreckage\u3000of\u3000a\u3000dusty\u3000old\u3000couch\uff1b\u3000but\u3000it\u3000seemed\u3000to\u3000keep\u3000the\u3000half\u2026demon\u3000occupied\u3002\u3000Ryld\u3000settled\u3000for\u3000staying\u3000out\u3000of\u3000the\u3000draegloth’s\u3000way\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000She\u3000looked\u3000out\u3000the\u3000narrow\uff1b\u3000barred\u3000window\u3002\u3000Dawn\u3000was\u3000fast\u3000approaching\u3002\u3000The\u3000sky\u3000was\u3000already\u3000growing\u3000painfully\u3000bright\u3000in\u3000the\u3000east\uff1b\u3000though\u3000the\u3000sun\u3000had\u3000not\u3000yet\u3000risen\u3002\u3000Halisstra\u3000could\u3000make\u3000out\u3000the\u3000endless\u3000green\u3000forest\u3000of\u3000Cormanthor\uff1b\u3000rolling\u3000away\u3000from\u3000her\u3000for\u3000mile\u3000after\u3000mile\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000She\u3000snorted\u3000in\u3000amusement\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000priest\u3000escorted\u3000her\u3000from\u3000the\u3000room\u3002\u3000He\u3000led\u3000her\u3000through\u3000the\u3000elegant\u3000pale\u3000halls\u3000and\u3000corridors\u3000of\u3000Minauthkeep\u3002\u3000A\u3000pair\u3000of\u3000Jaelre\u3000warriors\u3000trailed\u3000them\uff1b\u3000dressed\u3000in\u3000cuirasses\u3000dyed\u3000a\u3000mottled\u3000green\u3000and\u3000brown\uff1b\u3000short\u3000swords\u3000at\u3000their\u3000hips\u3002\u3000They\u3000came\u3000to\u3000a\u3000small\u3000chapel\uff1b\u3000decorated\u3000in\u3000the\u3000colors\u3000of\u3000Vhaeraun\uff1b\u3000and\u3000there\u3000they\u3000found\u3000Quenthel\uff1b\u3000Danifae\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000rest\u3000of\u3000the\u3000pany\u3000waiting\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000see\u3000you\u3000have\u3000survived\u3000the\u3000rigors\u3000of\u3000Myth\u3000Drannor\u3000and\u3000returned\u3000to\u3000tell\u3000the\u3000tale\uff1b\u3003\u3000Tzirik\u3000said\u3000by\u3000way\u3000of\u3000a\u3000greeting\u3002\u3000\u3003As\u3000you\u3000see\uff1b\u3000it\u3000seems\u3000I\u3000have\u3000found\u3000something\u3000of\u3000yours\uff1b\u3000just\u3000as\u3000you\u3000have\u3000found\u3000something\u3000of\u3000mine\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Halisstra\u3000studied\u3000the\u3000faces\u3000of\u3000her\u3000former\u3000panions\u3000as\u3000she\u3000appeared\u3002\u3000Most\u3000showed\u3000some\u3000degree\u3000or\u3000another\u3000of\u3000surprise\u2026a\u3000raised\u3000eyebrow\uff1b\u3000an\u3000exchange\u3000of\u3000glances\u3002\u3000Ryld\u3000offered\u3000her\u3000a\u3000warm\u3000smile\u3000before\u3000dropping\u3000his\u3000gaze\u3000and\u3000shifting\u3000his\u3000feet\u3000nervously\uff1b\u3000while\u3000Danifae\u3000actually\u3000came\u3000forward\u3000to\u3000clasp\u3000her\u3000hand\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Mistress\u3000Melarn\uff1b\u3003\u3000she\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003We\u3000thought\u3000you\u3000lost\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000was\uff1b\u3003\u3000Halisstra\u3000replied\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000She\u3000was\u3000surprised\u3000to\u3000find\u3000how\u3000relieved\u3000she\u3000was\u3000to\u3000be\u3000back\u3000among\u3000her\u3000former\u3000panions\u2026though\u3000they\u3000were\u3000interlopers\u3000from\u3000a\u3000rival\u3000city\u2026and\u3000her\u3000scheming\u3000battle\u3000captive\u3002\u3000Danifae\u3000might\u3000not\u3000have\u3000been\u3000Halisstra’s\u3000ornament\u3000anymore\uff1b\u3000but\u3000the\u3000binding\u3000spell\u3000was\u3000still\u3000there\uff1b\u3000making\u3000her\u3000the\u3000only\u3000ally\u3000Halisstra\u3000had\u3000left\u3000in\u3000the\u3000world\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Though\u3000her\u3000heart\u3000glowed\u3000with\u3000dark\u3000pride\u3000at\u3000her\u3000acplishment\uff1b\u3000Halisstra\u3000found\u3000herself\u3000feeling\u3000a\u3000bit\u3000disappointed\u3000by\u3000the\u3000results\u3000of\u3000her\u3000treachery\u3002\u3000She\u3000was\u3000no\u3000stranger\u3000to\u3000the\u3000traito \n
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\n \u3000\u3000\u3000Though\u3000her\u3000heart\u3000glowed\u3000with\u3000dark\u3000pride\u3000at\u3000her\u3000acplishment\uff1b\u3000Halisstra\u3000found\u3000herself\u3000feeling\u3000a\u3000bit\u3000disappointed\u3000by\u3000the\u3000results\u3000of\u3000her\u3000treachery\u3002\u3000She\u3000was\u3000no\u3000stranger\u3000to\u3000the\u3000traitor’s\u3000dark\u3000art\uff1b\u3000but\u3000it\u3000seemed\u3000as\u3000if\u3000she\u3000had\u3000only\u3000managed\u3000to\u3000do\u3000what\u3000was\u3000expected\u3000of\u3000her\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Undoubtedly\u3000the\u3000surface\u3000folk\u3000set\u3000you\u3000free\u3000to\u3000see\u3000what\u3000you\u3000were\u3000up\u3000to\uff1b\u3003\u3000Quenthel\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003It’s\u3000an\u3000old\u3000trick\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003So\u3000we\u3000thought\uff1b\u3000too\uff1b\u3003\u3000Tzirik\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003However\uff1b\u3000we\u3000investigated\u3000Mistress\u3000Melarn’s\u3000story\u3000and\u3000found\u3000it\u3000to\u3000be\u3000true\u3002\u3000It’s\u3000almost\u3000ical\uff1b\u3000the\u3000naivete\u3000of\u3000our\u3000sisters\u3000in\u3000Eilistraee’s\u3000worship\u3002\u3003\u3000He\u3000paused\u3000and\u3000rubbed\u3000his\u3000hands\u3000together\u3002\u3000\u3003Be\u3000that\u3000as\u3000it\u3000may\uff1b\u3000Jezz\u3000informs\u3000me\u3000that\u3000you\u3000helped\u3000him\u3000recover\u3000the\u3000tome\u3000we\u3000needed\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003We\u3000helped\u3000him\uff1f\u3003\u3000Jeggred\u3000growled\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003His\u3000task\u3000was\u3000to\u3000bring\u3000back\u3000the\u3000book\uff1b\u3003\u3000Tzirik\u3000replied\uff1b\u3000\u3003not\u3000to\u3000battle\u3000the\u3000denizens\u3000of\u3000Myth\u3000Drannor\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003You\u3000have\u3000your\u3000book\uff1b\u3003\u3000Quenthel\u3000said\u3002\u3000Ignoring\u3000Jeggred’s\u3000snarl\uff1b\u3000she\u3000folded\u3000her\u3000arms\u3000and\u3000fixed\u3000her\u3000eyes\u3000on\u3000Tzirik\u3002\u3000\u3003Are\u3000you\u3000ready\u3000to\u3000fulfill\u3000your\u3000end\u3000of\u3000the\u3000bargain\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000have\u3000already\u3000done\u3000so\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000priest\u3000replied\u3002\u3000He\u3000glanced\u3000up\u3000at\u3000the\u3000bronze\u3000image\u3000high\u3000on\u3000the\u3000wall\uff1b\u3000and\u3000made\u3000a\u3000small\u3000genuflection\u3002\u3000\u3003Whether\u3000or\u3000not\u3000you\u3000returned\u3000alive\uff1b\u3000I\u3000intended\u3000to\u3000consult\u3000with\u3000the\u3000Masked\u3000Lord\u3000and\u3000find\u3000out\u3000for\u3000myself\u3000what\u3000takes\u3000Lolth\u3000from\u3000you\u3002\u3000Your\u3000story\u3000made\u3000me\u3000quite\u3000curious\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Quenthel\u3000virtually\u3000ground\u3000her\u3000teeth\u3000in\u3000frustration\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000He\u3000steepled\u3000his\u3000fingers\u3000together\u3000and\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003In\u3000all\u3000essentials\u3000your\u3000story\u3000is\u3000true\u3002\u3000Lolth\u3000does\u3000not\u3000grant\u3000her\u3000priestesses\u3000spells\uff1b\u3000nor\u3000does\u3000she\u3000reply\u3000to\u3000any\u3000entreaties\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003We\u3000already\u3000knew\u3000as\u3000much\uff1b\u3003\u3000Pharaun\u3000observed\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003But\u3000I\u3000did\u3000not\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000priest\u3000answered\u3002\u3000\u3003In\u3000any\u3000event\uff1b\u3000it\u3000seems\u3000that\u3000Lolth\u3000has\uff1b\u3000in\u3000some\u3000manner\uff1b\u3000barricaded\u3000herself\u3000within\u3000her\u3000infernal\u3000domain\u3002\u3000She\u3000denies\u3000contact\u3000not\u3000only\u3000to\u3000her\u3000priestesses\uff1b\u3000but\u3000all\u3000other\u3000beings\u3000both\u3000mortal\u3000and\u3000divine\uff1b\u3000which\u3000would\u3000explain\u3000why\u3000the\u3000demons\u3000you\u3000conjured\u3000up\u3000to\u3000question\u3000about\u3000the\u3000Spider\u3000Queen’s\u3000doings\u3000were\u3000unable\u3000to\u3000assist\u3000you\u3002\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Is\u3000she\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000alive\uff1f\u3003\u3000Ryld\u3000asked\u3000quietly\u3002\u3000Quenthel\u3000and\u3000the\u3000other\u3000priestesses\u3000turned\u3000angry\u3000glares\u3000on\u3000the\u3000weapons\u3000master\uff1b\u3000but\u3000he\u3000ignored\u3000them\u3000and\u3000went\u3000on\u3002\u3000\u3003What\u3000I\u3000mean\u3000to\u3000say\u3000is\uff1b\u3000would\u3000we\u3000know\u3000if\u3000she\u3000had\u3000been\u3000slain\u3000by\u3000another\u3000god\uff1b\u3000or\u3000sickened\uff1b\u3000or\u3000imprisoned\u3000against\u3000her\u3000will\uff1f\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003When\u3000will\u3000this\u3000condition\u3000end\uff1f\u3003\u3000Halisstra\u3000asked\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003The\u3000Spider\u3000Queen\u3000requires\u3000a\u3000certain\u3000amount\u3000of\u3000initiative\u3000and\u3000self\u2026reliance\u3000in\u3000her\u3000priestesses\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000Mistress\u3000of\u3000Arach\u2026Tinilith\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003but\u3000she\u3000also\u3000demands\u3000obedience\u3002\u3000To\u3000go\u3000before\u3000her\u3000in\u3000her\u3000divine\u3000abode\u3000in\u3000the\u3000expectation\u3000of\u3000answers\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000Lolth\u3000does\u3000not\u3000smile\u3000on\u3000such\u3000effrontery\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Halisstra\u3000fell\u3000silent\uff1b\u3000thinking\u3000furiously\u3000over\u3000what\u3000Tzirik\u3000suggested\u3002\u3000Ventures\u3000into\u3000other\u3000planes\u3000of\u3000existence\u3000were\u3000not\u3000unknown\uff1b\u3000of\u3000course\u3002\u3000Pharaun’s\u3000spell\u3000had\u3000carried\u3000the\u3000pany\u3000across\u3000the\u3000Plane\u3000of\u3000Shadow\uff1b\u3000after\u3000all\uff1b\u3000and\u3000there\u3000were\u3000many\u3000more\u3000universes\u3000that\u3000mortals\u3000armed\u3000with\u3000the\u3000right\u3000magic\u3000could\u3000reach\uff1b\u3000a\u3000multitude\u3000of\u3000heavens\u3000and\u3000hells\uff1b\u3000wonders\u3000and\u3000terrors\u3000beyond\u3000the\u3000confines\u3000of\u3000the\u3000physical\u3000world\uff1b\u3000but\u3000the\u3000notion\u3000of\u3000attempting\u3000such\u3000a\u3000journey\u3000without\u3000Lolth’s\u3000explicit\u3000invitation\u3000terrified\u3000Halisstra\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Have\u3000we\u3000not\u3000just\u3000heard\u3000the\u3000goddess’s\u3000will\uff1f\u3003\u3000Danifae\u3000asked\u3002\u3000\u3003She\u3000led\u3000us\u3000to\u3000this\u3000place\u3000and\u3000this\u3000question\u3000through\u3000her\u3000silence\uff1b\u3000just\u3000as\u3000surely\u3000as\u3000if\u3000she\u3000had\u3000placed\u3000the\u3000mands\u3000directly\u3000in\u3000our\u3000hearts\u3002\u3000She\u3000might\u3000be\u3000angered\u3000if\u3000we\u3000fail\u3000to\u3000do\u3000this\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Halisstra\u3000was\u3000accustomed\u3000to\u3000a\u3000feeling\u3000of\u3000certainty\u3000when\u3000it\u3000came\u3000to\u3000interpreting\u3000the\u3000Spider\u3000Queen’s\u3000wishes\u3002\u3000Before\u3000the\u3000divine\u3000silence\u3000had\u3000fallen\u3000over\u3000the\u3000priestesses\u3000of\u3000Lolth\uff1b\u3000she’d\u3000known\u3000the\u3000rare\u3000touch\u3000of\u3000the\u3000goddess’s\u3000whispers\u3000in\u3000her\u3000mind\u3002\u3000It\u3000didn’t\u3000happen\u3000often\uff1b\u3000of\u3000course\u2026she\u3000was\u3000only\u3000one\u3000priestess\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Lolth\u3000was\u3000served\u3000by\u3000uncounted\u3000thousands\u2026but\u3000she\u3000knew\u3000what\u3000it\u3000felt\u3000like\u3000to\u3000understand\u3000to\u3000the\u3000depths\u3000of\u3000her\u3000soul\u3000what\u3000the\u3000Spider\u3000Queen\u3000wished\uff1b\u3000and\u3000how\u3000she\u3000could\u3000acplish\u3000it\u3002\u3000Halisstra\u3000felt\u3000nothing\u3002\u3000Lolth’s\u3000will\uff1b\u3000evidently\uff1b\u3000was\u3000that\u3000she\u3000should\u3000figure\u3000it\u3000out\u3000for\u3000herself\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Halisstra\u3000glanced\u3000up\uff1b\u3000where\u3000the\u3000bronze\u3000mask\u3000of\u3000Vhaeraun\u3000hung\u3000over\u3000a\u3000black\u3000altar\u3002\u3000The\u3000foreignness\u3000of\u3000the\u3000place\u3000seemed\u3000palpable\uff1b\u3000a\u3000tangible\u3000expression\u3000of\u3000everything\u3000she\u3000had\u3000lost\u3002\u3000Instead\u3000of\u3000standing\u3000before\u3000the\u3000ancient\u3000altar\u3000in\u3000the\u3000proud\u3000temple\u3000of\u3000House\u3000Melarn\uff1b\u3000Lolth’s\u3000divine\u3000certitude\u3000thrumming\u3000in\u3000her\u3000very\u3000soul\u3000as\u3000she\u3000performed\u3000the\u3000rites\u3000of\u3000sacrifice\u3000and\u3000abasement\u3000the\u3000Spider\u3000Queen\u3000demanded\uff1b\u3000she\u3000stood\u3000alone\uff1b\u3000lost\uff1b\u3000an\u3000interloper\u3000in\u3000the\u3000temple\u3000of\u3000a\u3000pretender\u3000god\uff1b\u3000groping\u3000blindly\u3000for\u3000a\u3000hint\u3000of\u3000Lolth’s\u3000intentions\u3000for\u3000her\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000She\u3000imagined\u3000standing\u3000before\u3000Lolth\uff1b\u3000her\u3000soul\u3000naked\u3000to\u3000her\u3000goddess\uff1b\u3000her\u3000eyes\u3000blasted\u3000by\u3000the\u3000sight\u3000of\u3000Lolth’s\u3000dark\u3000glory\uff1b\u3000her\u3000ears\u3000scoured\u3000by\u3000the\u3000sound\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Spider\u3000Queen’s\u3000sibilant\u3000voice\u3002\u3000Perhaps\u3000it\u3000was\u3000effrontery\u3000to\u3000think\u3000that\u3000Lolth\u3000would\u3000erase\u3000her\u3000doubts\uff1b\u3000supply\u3000answers\u3000for\u3000her\u3000questions\u3000and\u3000a\u3000balm\u3000for\u3000her\u3000wounded\u3000heart\uff1b\u3000but\u3000Halisstra\u3000discovered\u3000that\u3000she\u3000did\u3000not\u3000care\u3002\u3000If\u3000Lolth\u3000chose\u3000to\u3000discard\u3000her\uff1b\u3000to\u3000punish\u3000her\uff1b\u3000then\u3000she\u3000would\uff1b\u3000but\u3000then\u3000why\u3000had\u3000she\u3000destroyed\u3000Ched\u3000Nasad\u3000and\u3000House\u3000Melarn\u3000if\u3000not\u3000to\u3000bring\u3000Halisstra\u3000before\u3000her\u3000and\u3000receive\u3000her\u3000plea\uff1f
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000agree\u3000with\u3000Danifae\uff1b\u3003\u3000she\u3000said\u3000at\u3000last\u3002\u3000\u3003I\u3000cannot\u3000see\u3000what\u3000the\u3000point\u3000of\u3000this\u3000has\u3000been\uff1b\u3000other\u3000than\u3000to\u3000summon\u3000us\u3000before\u3000the\u3000goddess’s\u3000throne\u3002\u3000We\u3000will\u3000find\u3000our\u3000answers\u3000in\u3000her\u3000presence\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Quenthel\u3000nodded\u3000slowly\u3000and\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003I\u3000read\u3000her\u3000will\u3000in\u3000the\u3000same\u3000way\uff1b\u3000sisters\u3002\u3000We\u3000must\u3000go\u3000to\u3000the\u3000Demonweb\u3000Pits\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Ryld\u3000and\u3000Valas\u3000exchanged\u3000worried\u3000looks\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003A\u3000sojourn\u3000to\u3000the\u3000sixty\u2026sixth\u3000layer\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Abyss\uff1b\u3003\u3000Pharaun\u3000observed\u3002\u3000\u3003Well\uff1b\u3000I\u3000have\u3000dreamed\u3000of\u3000the\u3000place\u3002\u3000It\u3000would\u3000be\u3000interesting\u3000to\u3000see\u3000if\u3000the\u3000reality\u3000matches\u3000my\u3000dream\u3000from\u3000years\u3000ago\uff1b\u3000though\u3000I\u3000have\u3000to\u3000say\uff1b\u3000I\u3000do\u3000not\u3000relish\u3000the\u3000thought\u3000of\u3000meeting\u3000Lolth\u3000in\u3000person\u3002\u3000She\u3000minced\u3000my\u3000soul\u3000to\u3000pieces\u3000when\u3000I\u3000had\u3000that\u3000vision\u3002\u3000It\u3000took\u3000me\u3000months\u3000to\u3000recover\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Perhaps\u3000we\u3000should\u3000return\u3000to\u3000Menzoberranzan\u3000and\u3000report\u3000what\u3000we\u3000have\u3000learned\u3000before\u3000we\u3000consider\u3000anything\u3000rash\uff1f\u3003\u3000Ryld\u3000asked\uff1b\u3000clearly\u3000alarmed\u3000by\u3000the\u3000prospect\u3000of\u3000descending\u3000into\u3000the\u3000infernal\u3000realms\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Now\u3000that\u3000I\u3000understand\u3000the\u3000goddess’s\u3000will\uff1b\u3000I\u3000do\u3000not\u3000wish\u3000to\u3000delay\u3000in\u3000obeying\u3000it\uff1b\u3003\u3000Quenthel\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003Pharaun\u3000can\u3000use\u3000his\u3000sending\u3000spell\u3000to\u3000apprise\u3000Gromph\u3000of\u3000our\u3000intentions\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003More\u3000to\u3000the\u3000point\uff1b\u3003\u3000Valas\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003how\u3000exactly\u3000does\u3000one\u3000get\u3000to\u3000the\u3000Demonweb\u3000Pits\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Worship\u3000Lolth\u3000all\u3000your\u3000life\uff1b\u3003\u3000Quenthel\u3000replied\uff1b\u3000a\u3000dark\u3000look\u3000clouding\u3000her\u3000eyes\uff1b\u3000\u3003then\u3000die\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Halisstra\u3000glanced\u3000at\u3000the\u3000high\u3000priestess\uff1b\u3000then\u3000looked\u3000at\u3000the\u3000scout\u3000and\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003Were\u3000the\u3000goddess\u3000granting\u3000us\u3000our\u3000spells\uff1b\u3000we\u3000could\u3000do\u3000it\u3000easily\u3000enough\u3002\u3000Without\u3000them\uff1b\u3000it\u3000is\u3000not\u3000so\u3000easy\u3002\u3000Pharaun\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000wizard\u3000wrung\u3000his\u3000hands\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000will\u3000learn\u3000the\u3000proper\u3000spells\u3000at\u3000the\u3000first\u3000opportunity\uff1b\u3003\u3000he\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003I\u3000suppose\u3000I\u3000will\u3000have\u3000to\u3000locate\u3000a\u3000wizard\u3000of\u3000some\u3000ac \n
\n \n
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\n
\n wizard\u3000of\u3000some\u3000acplishment\u3000who\u3000happens\u3000to\u3000know\u3000the\u3000right\u3000spells\uff1b\u3000and\u3000persuade\u3000him\u3000to\u3000share\u3000one\u3000with\u3000me\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003That\u3000will\u3000not\u3000be\u3000necessary\uff1b\u3000Master\u3000Pharaun\uff1b\u3003\u3000Tzirik\u3000said\u3002\u3000He\u3000stood\u3000up\u3000from\u3000his\u3000seat\u3000and\u3000descended\u3000the\u3000dais\uff1b\u3000powerful\u3000and\u3000confident\u3002\u3000\u3003As\u3000it\u3000so\u3000happens\uff1b\u3000my\u3000god\u3000has\u3000not\u3000seen\u3000fit\u3000to\u3000deprive\u3000me\u3000of\u3000my\u3000spells\u3002\u3000I\u3000have\u3000an\u3000interest\u3000in\u3000seeing\u3000for\u3000myself\u3000what\u3000transpires\u3000in\u3000Lolth’s\u3000domain\u3002\u3000We\u3000can\u3000leave\u3000as\u3000soon\u3000as\u3000tonight\uff1b\u3000if\u3000you\u3000like\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000pany\u3000by\u3000pany\uff1b\u3000the\u3000Army\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Black\u3000Spider\u3000marched\u3000proudly\u3000into\u3000the\u3000open\u3000cavern\u3000behind\u3000the\u3000Pillars\u3000of\u3000Woe\u3002\u3000It\u3000was\u3000nothing\u3000pared\u3000to\u3000the\u3000vast\u3000cavern\u3000of\u3000Menzoberranzan\uff1b\u3000or\u3000the\u3000inprehensible\u3000gulf\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Darklake\uff1b\u3000but\u3000the\u3000plain\u3000at\u3000the\u3000head\u3000of\u3000the\u3000gorge\u3000was\u3000still\u3000impressive\uff1b\u3000an\u3000asymmetrical\u3000space\u3000perhaps\u3000half\u3000a\u3000mile\u3000across\uff1b\u3000its\u3000ceiling\u3000rising\u3000a\u3000couple\u3000of\u3000hundred\u3000feet\u3000overhead\u3002\u3000Innumerable\u3000columns\u3000supported\u3000its\u3000roof\uff1b\u3000and\u3000shelflike\u3000side\u3000caverns\u3000twisted\u3000away\u3000on\u3000all\u3000sides\u3000like\u3000highways\u3000beckoning\u3000in\u3000the\u3000dark\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Nimor\u3000surveyed\u3000the\u3000place\u3000from\u3000astride\u3000his\u3000war\u2026lizard\uff1b\u3000watching\u3000as\u3000the\u3000great\u3000Houses\u3000of\u3000Menzoberranzan\u3000filed\u3000into\u3000the\u3000cavern\uff1b\u3000forming\u3000up\u3000in\u3000glittering\u3000squares\u3000beneath\u3000a\u3000dozen\u3000different\u3000banners\u3002\u3000He’d\u3000had\u3000more\u3000than\u3000two\u3000days\u3000to\u3000reconnoiter\u3000the\u3000various\u3000crevices\uff1b\u3000caves\uff1b\u3000and\u3000passages\u3000leading\u3000to\u3000the\u3000open\u3000spot\u3002\u3000The\u3000strategic\u3000value\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Pillars\u3000of\u3000Woe\u3000was\u3000obvious\u3002\u3000Only\u3000one\u3000road\u3000lead\u3000south\u3000through\u3000a\u3000torturous\u3000canyon\uff1b\u3000yet\u3000several\u3000tunnels\u3000met\u3000where\u3000he’d\u3000led\u3000the\u3000drow\uff1b\u3000each\u3000leading\u3000into\u3000Menzoberranzan’s\u3000Dark\u3000Dominion\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003A\u3000good\u3000place\u3000for\u3000a\u3000battle\uff1b\u3003\u3000he\u3000said\uff1b\u3000nodding\u3000to\u3000himself\u3000with\u3000satisfaction\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000His\u3000mount\uff1b\u3000vicious\u3000and\u3000stupid\u3000beast\u3000that\u3000it\u3000was\uff1b\u3000still\u3000seemed\u3000to\u3000dully\u3000sense\u3000the\u3000impending\u3000conflict\u3002\u3000It\u3000hissed\u3000and\u3000pawed\u3000at\u3000the\u3000pebble\u2026strewn\u3000floor\uff1b\u3000its\u3000tail\u3000twitching\u3000in\u3000agitation\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Nimor\u3000waited\u3000near\u3000the\u3000center\u3000of\u3000the\u3000scout\u3000line\u3000holding\u3000the\u3000gap\u3000between\u3000the\u3000Pillars\uff1b\u3000at\u3000the\u3000head\u3000of\u3000a\u3000force\u3000of\u3000almost\u3000a\u3000hundred\u3000Agrach\u3000Dyrr\u3000riders\u3002\u3000Those\u3000among\u3000his\u3000scout\u3000force\u3000who\u3000had\u3000any\u3000other\u3000House\u3000allegiance\u3000lay\u3000sprawled\u3000among\u3000the\u3000rocks\u3000and\u3000crevices\u3000of\u3000the\u3000gorge\u3000below\uff1b\u3000where\u3000Nimor\u3000and\u3000his\u3000men\u3000had\u3000slaughtered\u3000them\u3000soon\u3000after\u3000reaching\u3000the\u3000Pillars\u3000of\u3000Woe\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Nimor\u3000ached\u3000to\u3000go\u3000riding\u3000up\u3000to\u3000greet\u3000Mez’Barris\u3000Armgo\uff1b\u3000Andzrel\u3000Baenre\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000rest\u3000of\u3000the\u3000army’s\u3000priestesses\u3000and\u3000manders\u3002\u3000He\u3000could\u3000see\u3000their\u3000pavilion\uff1b\u3000already\u3000rising\u3000in\u3000the\u3000center\u3000of\u3000the\u3000cavern\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Our\u3000victory\u3000is\u3000still\u3000in\u3000question\uff1b\u3000Nimor\uff1b\u3003\u3000Horgar\u3000called\u3000from\u3000above\u3002\u3000\u3003The\u3000cursed\u3000wizards\u3000have\u3000checked\u3000our\u3000first\u3000assault\uff01\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Kaanyr\u3000strode\u3000past\u3000the\u3000alu\u2026fiend\u3000and\u3000the\u3000dark\u3000elf\u3000to\u3000the\u3000place\u3000where\u3000his\u3000standard\u2026bearers\u3000stood\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Sound\u3000the\u3000charge\uff01\u3003\u3000he\u3000cried\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Instantly\uff1b\u3000a\u3000dozen\u3000bugbear\u3000drummers\u3000struck\u3000their\u3000instruments\uff1b\u3000sounding\u3000a\u3000simple\u3000three\u2026beat\u3000ruffle\uff1b\u3000repeating\u3000three\u3000times\u3002\u3000Thronging\u3000the\u3000tunnel\u3000below\uff1b\u3000the\u3000tanarukks\u3000of\u3000Kaanyr\u3000Vhok’s\u3000Scoured\u3000Legion\u3000howled\u3000in\u3000bloodlust\u3000and\u3000pressed\u3000forward\uff1b\u3000stamping\u3000their\u3000feet\u3000and\u3000clashing\u3000their\u3000axes\u3000as\u3000they\u3000poured\u3000down\u3000the\u3000tunnel\u3002\u3000Kaanyr\u3000drew\u3000his\u3000own\u3000molten\u3000sword\u3000and\u3000joined\u3000his\u3000charging\u3000troops\uff1b\u3000as\u3000his\u3000guards\u3000and\u3000standard\u2026bearers\u3000hurried\u3000to\u3000keep\u3000up\u3002\u3000Aliisza\u3000caught\u3000her\u3000breath\u3000at\u3000the\u3000sight\uff1b\u3000and\u3000took\u3000to\u3000the\u3000air\u3000to\u3000wing\u3000after\u3000Kaanyr’s\u3000standard\u3002\u3000A\u3000battle\u3000like\u3000this\u3000didn’t\u3000e\u3000along\u3000every\u3000day\uff1b\u3000after\u3000all\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000alu\u2026fiend\u3000alighted\u3000atop\u3000a\u3000blunt\u3000stalagmite\u3000and\u3000stared\u3000down\u3000at\u3000the\u3000battle\u3000below\u3000her\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Ah\uff1b\u3000Nimor\uff1b\u3000she\u3000thought\u3002\u3000What\u3000a\u3000great\u3000and\u3000terrible\u3000thing\u3000you\u3000have\u3000done\uff01
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Who\u3000has\u3000acplished\u3000something\u3000now\uff1b\u3000Revered\u3000Grandfather\uff1f\u3003\u3000he\u3000laughed\u3000aloud\u3002\u3000\u3003Zammzt\u3000may\u3000have\u3000delivered\u3000Ched\u3000Nasad\u3000into\u3000your\u3000hands\uff1b\u3000but\u3000I\u3000have\u3000brought\u3000low\u3000the\u3000favored\u3000city\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Spider\u3000Queen\uff01\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000battle\u3000had\u3000raged\u3000for\u3000several\u3000hours\u3002\u3000Instead\u3000of\u3000holding\u3000an\u3000impregnable\u3000line\u3000between\u3000the\u3000Pillars\u3000of\u3000Woe\uff1b\u3000the\u3000Army\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Black\u3000Spider\u3000had\u3000found\u3000itself\u3000beset\u3000on\u3000all\u3000sides\u3000by\u3000a\u3000foe\u3000who’d\u3000picked\u3000the\u3000terrain\u3000and\u3000the\u3000moment\u3000to\u3000strike\u3002\u3000Of\u3000course\uff1b\u3000like\u3000a\u3000great\u3000dumb\u3000beast\u3000with\u3000a\u3000mortal\u3000wound\u3000in\u3000its\u3000belly\uff1b\u3000a\u3000broken\u3000army\u3000could\u3000take\u3000a\u3000long\u3000time\u3000to\u3000die\uff1b\u3000thrashing\u3000and\u3000convulsing\u3000for\u3000hours\u3000as\u3000its\u3000blood\u3000slowly\u3000ran\u3000out\u3002\u3000In\u3000the\u3000battles\u3000of\u3000the\u3000World\u3000Above\uff1b\u3000perhaps\u3000the\u3000defeated\u3000drow\u3000would\u3000have\u3000thrown\u3000down\u3000their\u3000arms\u3000and\u3000hoped\u3000for\u3000good\u3000terms\u3000from\u3000the\u3000victors\u3002\u3000In\u3000the\u3000ruthless\u3000calculus\u3000of\u3000warfare\u3000in\u3000the\u3000Underdark\uff1b\u3000quarter\u3000was\u3000neither\u3000given\u3000nor\u3000asked\u3002\u3000The\u3000gray\u3000dwarves\u3000had\u3000no\u3000intention\u3000of\u3000allowing\u3000a\u3000single\u3000dark\u3000elf\u3000to\u3000survive\u3000the\u3000day\u3002\u3000The\u3000warriors\u3000of\u3000Menzoberranzan\u3000knew\u3000that\uff1b\u3000and\u3000they\u3000fought\u3000to\u3000the\u3000death\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Some\u3000of\u3000the\u3000smaller\u3000Houses\u3000were\u3000smashed\u3000apart\u3000and\u3000scattered\u3000throughout\u3000the\u3000cavern\uff1b\u3000leaving\u3000drow\u3000in\u3000pairs\u3000or\u3000threes\u3000to\u3000sell\u3000their\u3000lives\u3000as\u3000dearly\u3000as\u3000they\u3000could\u3002\u3000Bands\u3000of\u3000duergar\uff1b\u3000bugbears\uff1b\u3000ogres\uff1b\u3000and\u3000other\u3000soldiers\u3000loyal\u3000to\u3000the\u3000Crown\u3000Prince\u3000of\u3000Gracklstugh\u3000roamed\u3000the\u3000cavern\uff1b\u3000drunk\u3000on\u3000slaughter\u3000as\u3000they\u3000hunted\u3000the\u3000wretched\u3000drow\u3000whose\u3000panies\u3000had\u3000been\u3000scattered\u3000by\u3000the\u3000assault\u3002\u3000Some\u3000Houses\u3000stood\u3000where\u3000they\u3000were\u3000in\u3000the\u3000great\u3000cavern\uff1b\u3000fighting\u3000furiously\u3000as\u3000the\u3000duergar\u3000tide\u3000rose\u3000higher\u3000and\u3000higher\uff1b\u3000assailing\u3000them\u3000from\u3000all\u3000sides\uff1b\u3000and\u3000some\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Houses\u3000held\u3000together\u3000and\u3000tried\u3000to\u3000cut\u3000their\u3000way\u3000out\u3000of\u3000the\u3000fray\uff1b\u3000hoping\u3000to\u3000snatch\u3000survival\u3000from\u3000the\u3000specter\u3000of\u3000a\u3000catastrophic\u3000defeat\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000soldiers\u3000of\u3000Barrison\u3000Del’Armgo\u3000had\u3000been\u3000driven\u3000into\u3000a\u3000narrow\uff1b\u3000twisting\u3000side\u2026tunnel\uff1b\u3000and\u3000forced\u3000from\u3000the\u3000field\u3002\u3000Retreating\u3000through\u3000a\u3000passage\u3000only\u3000twenty\u3000feet\u3000wide\uff1b\u3000the\u3000proud\u3000warriors\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Second\u3000House\u3000held\u3000off\u3000repeated\u3000duergar\u3000assaults\u3002\u3000Mez’Barris\u3000was\u3000penned\u3000in\u3000and\u3000unable\u3000to\u3000join\u3000with\u3000any\u3000other\u3000Houses\uff1b\u3000while\u3000her\u3000supplies\u3000burned\u3000along\u3000with\u3000the\u3000rest\u3000of\u3000the\u3000train\uff1b\u3000fired\u3000by\u3000the\u3000Agrach\u3000Dyrr\u3000infantry\u3000who\u3000had\u3000brought\u3000up\u3000the\u3000rear\u3000of\u3000the\u3000day’s\u3000march\u3002\u3000Del’Armgo\u3000would\u3000have\u3000a\u3000long\u3000and\u3000hungry\u3000march\u3000home\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000proud\u3000pany\u3000of\u3000House\u3000Baenre\uff1b\u3000more\u3000than\u3000five\u3000hundred\u3000strong\uff1b\u3000stood\u3000like\u3000a\u3000rock\u3000as\u3000lesser\u3000Houses\u3000were\u3000shattered\u3000and\u3000pulled\u3000down\u3000around\u3000them\u3002\u3000As\u3000Nimor\u3000had\u3000predicted\uff1b\u3000Andzrel\u3000Baenre\u3000had\u3000been\u3000forced\u3000to\u3000relinquish\u3000the\u3000Pillars\u3000of\u3000Woe\u3000soon\u3000after\u3000seizing\u3000them\uff1b\u3000and\u3000his\u3000forces\u3000had\u3000slowly\u3000battled\u3000their\u3000way\u3000across\u3000the\u3000cavern\u3000to\u3000the\u3000tunnel\u3000mouth\u3000through\u3000which\u3000the\u3000Army\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Black\u3000Spider\u3000had\u3000marched\u3000only\u3000hours\u3000before\u3002\u3000The\u3000Baenre\u3000turned\u3000their\u3000full\u3000attention\u3000on\u3000the\u3000Agrach\u3000Dyrr\u3000who\u3000barred\u3000escape\u3000back\u3000down\u3000the\u3000path\u3000of\u3000the\u3000march\u3002\u3000Quarrels\uff1b\u3000javelins\uff1b\u3000and\u3000deadly\u3000spells\u3000flew\u3000thick\u3000and\u3000fast\u3000as\u3000the\u3000two\u3000Houses\u3000battled\u3000furiously\u3002\u3000While\u3000the\u3000Baenre\u3000outnu \n
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Where\u3000are\u3000the\u3000duergar\u3000now\uff1f\u3003\u3000she\u3000asked\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003How\u3000did\u3000this\u3000happen\uff1f\u3003\u3000she\u3000muttered\u3000aloud\u3002
\n\u3000? \n
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\n ergar\uff1b\u3000and\u3000allow\u3000the\u3000tanarukks\u3000to\u3000sweep\u3000past\uff1f
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Understand\u3000that\u3000I\u3000do\u3000not\u3000hold\u3000you\u3000blameless\uff1b\u3000either\uff1b\u3003\u3000she\u3000said\u3000in\u3000a\u3000low\u3000voice\u3002\u3000\u3003You\u3000were\u3000the\u3000author\u3000of\u3000our\u3000grand\u3000strategy\uff1b\u3000and\u3000I\u3000mitted\u3000the\u3000full\u3000weight\u3000of\u3000House\u3000Baenre’s\u3000power\u3000and\u3000prestige\u3000to\u3000your\u3000battle\u3000plan\uff1b\u3000which\u3000has\u3000led\u3000us\u3000to\u3000a\u3000disaster\u3000the\u3000likes\u3000of\u3000which\u3000we\u3000have\u3000not\u3000seen\u3000since\u3000Mithral\u3000Hall\u3002\u3000In\u3000any\u3000other\u3000circumstances\uff1b\u3000I\u3000would\u3000have\u3000you\u3000dumped\u3000into\u3000a\u3000pit\u3000of\u3000hungry\u3000centipedes\u3000with\u3000your\u3000tendons\u3000slashed\u3000for\u3000your\u3000failure\uff1b\u3000but\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000these\u3000are\u3000unusual\u3000times\uff1b\u3000and\u3000there\u3000exists\u3000the\u3000small\u3000possibility\u3000that\u3000your\u3000skill\u3000and\u3000grasp\u3000of\u3000strategy\u3000may\u3000prove\u3000useful\u3000in\u3000the\u3000days\u3000to\u3000e\u3002\u3000Do\u3000not\u3000fail\u3000me\u3000again\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Yes\uff1b\u3000Matron\u3000Mother\uff1b\u3003\u3000Andzrel\u3000said\uff1b\u3000bowing\u3000low\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Without\u3000hesitation\uff1b\u3000the\u3000weapons\u3000master\u3000replied\uff1b\u3000\u3003We\u3000do\u3000not\uff1b\u3000Matron\u3000Mother\u3002\u3000Given\u3000the\u3000losses\u3000we\u3000have\u3000already\u3000suffered\uff1b\u3000I\u3000advise\u3000withdrawing\u3000back\u3000to\u3000Menzoberranzan\u3000and\u3000preparing\u3000for\u3000a\u3000siege\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000do\u3000not\u3000like\u3000that\u3000option\uff1b\u3003\u3000Triel\u3000snapped\u3002\u3000\u3003It\u3000reeks\u3000of\u3000defeat\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000longer\u3000an\u3000army\u3000sits\u3000on\u3000our\u3000doorstep\uff1b\u3000the\u3000more\u3000likely\u3000it\u3000is\u3000that\u3000they’ll\u3000be\u3000reinforced\u3000by\u3000the\u3000arrival\u3000of\u3000some\u3000other\u3000enemy\uff1b\u3000such\u3000as\u3000the\u3000beholders\u3000or\u3000the\u3000mind\u3000flayers\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003That\u3000is\u3000possible\uff1b\u3000of\u3000course\uff1b\u3003\u3000Andzrel\u3000said\uff1b\u3000his\u3000voice\u3000carefully\u3000neutral\uff1b\u3000\u3003but\u3000the\u3000gray\u3000dwarves\u3000will\u3000not\u3000find\u3000it\u3000easy\u3000to\u3000maintain\u3000a\u3000siege\u3000around\u3000Menzoberranzan\uff1b\u3000a\u3000hundred\u3000miles\u3000from\u3000their\u3000own\u3000city\u3002\u3000I\u3000don’t\u3000think\u3000the\u3000duergar\u3000can\u3000wait\u3000us\u3000out\u3000for\u3000more\u3000than\u3000a\u3000few\u3000months\uff1b\u3000and\u3000I\u3000doubt\u3000they\u3000have\u3000the\u3000numbers\u3000to\u3000take\u3000the\u3000city\u3000by\u3000storm\u3002\u3000Our\u3000best\u3000course\u3000of\u3000action\u3000is\u3000to\u3000make\u3000the\u3000duergar\u3000set\u3000their\u3000siege\uff1b\u3000and\u3000see\u3000what\u3000kind\u3000of\u3000a\u3000threat\u3000we’re\u3000really\u3000facing\u3002\u3000It\u3000would\u3000provide\u3000us\u3000the\u3000opportunity\u3000to\u3000crush\u3000House\u3000Agrach\u3000Dyrr\u3000in\u3000the\u3000meantime\u3002\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Goddess\uff1b\u3000help\u3000me\uff01\u3000she\u3000pleaded\u3000in\u3000the\u3000silence\u3000of\u3000her\u3000own\u3000mind\uff1b\u3000as\u3000she\u3000flailed\u3000her\u3000arms\u3000and\u3000tried\u3000to\u3000extricate\u3000herself\u3000from\u3000the\u3000spinning\u3000mass\u3002\u3000There\u3000was\u3000another\u3000long\u3000moment\u3000of\u3000indescribable\u3000motion\uff1b\u3000and\u2026
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000All\u3000around\u3000there\u3000was\u3000nothing\u3000but\u3000a\u3000black\uff1b\u3000smothering\u3000emptiness\u3000darker\u3000and\u3000more\u3000forbidding\u3000than\u3000the\u3000blackest\u3000chasm\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Underdark\u3002\u3000Her\u3000nostrils\u3000filled\u3000with\u3000a\u3000foul\uff1b\u3000acrid\u3000scent\uff1b\u3000and\u3000a\u3000soft\u3000muttering\u3000updraft\u3000 \n
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\n \u3000chasm\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Underdark\u3002\u3000Her\u3000nostrils\u3000filled\u3000with\u3000a\u3000foul\uff1b\u3000acrid\u3000scent\uff1b\u3000and\u3000a\u3000soft\u3000muttering\u3000updraft\u3000streamed\u3000constantly\u3000from\u3000below\u3002\u3000Halisstra\u3000glanced\u3000into\u3000the\u3000abyss\u3000at\u3000her\u3000left\u3000hand\u3000and\u3000saw\u3000something\u3000gleaming\u3000there\uff1b\u3000a\u3000dull\u3000silver\u3000strand\u3000several\u3000miles\u3000away\u3000that\u3000sloped\u3000down\u3000through\u3000the\u3000darkness\u3002\u3000Lesser\u3000strands\u3000intersected\u3000it\u3000at\u3000odd\u3000intervals\uff1b\u3000and\u3000as\u3000she\u3000followed\u3000some\u3000of\u3000them\u3000with\u3000her\u3000eyes\u3000she\u3000saw\u3000that\u3000they\u3000climbed\u3000back\u3000up\u3000slowly\u3000and\u3000met\u3000the\u3000very\u3000ramp\u3000or\u3000buttress\u3000on\u3000which\u3000she\u3000stood\u3002\u3000The\u3000hot\uff1b\u3000stinking\u3000breeze\u3000grew\u3000momentarily\u3000stronger\u3000and\u3000actually\u3000managed\u3000to\u3000induce\u3000a\u3000great\uff1b\u3000gentle\u3000swaying\u3000in\u3000the\u3000monstrous\u3000strand\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003It’s\u3000a\u3000spiderweb\uff1b\u3003\u3000Ryld\u3000muttered\u3002\u3000\u3003A\u3000gigantic\u3000spiderweb\u3002\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Sticky\uff1b\u3000but\u3000not\u3000dangerously\u3000so\u2026and\u3000we\u3000appear\u3000to\u3000be\u3000pletely\u3000physical\u3000again\u3002\u3003\u3000She\u3000straightened\uff1b\u3000and\u3000stretched\u3000languidly\u3002\u3000\u3003Do\u3000I\u3000have\u3000two\u3000bodies\u3000now\uff1f\u3000One\u3000here\uff1b\u3000and\u3000one\u3000back\u3000in\u3000the\u3000Jaelre\u3000castle\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003In\u3000fact\uff1b\u3000you\u3000do\uff1b\u3003\u3000Tzirik\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003When\u3000one\u3000leaves\u3000the\u3000astral\u3000sea\u3000and\u3000enters\u3000another\u3000plane\uff1b\u3000the\u3000traveling\u3000spirit\u3000constructs\u3000for\u3000itself\u3000the\u3000physical\u3000body\u3000it\u3000expects\u3002\u3000You\u3000might\u3000say\u3000that\u3000your\u3000spirit\u3000must\u3000undergo\u3000a\u3000sort\u3000of\u3000condensation\u3000to\u3000resume\u3000a\u3000physical\u3000existence\u3000on\u3000another\u3000plane\u3002\u3000When\u3000you\u3000leave\u3000this\u3000place\uff1b\u3000your\u3000spirit\u3000will\u3000return\u3000to\u3000the\u3000Astral\u3000Plane\uff1b\u3000while\u3000this\u3000shell\u3000you\u3000have\u3000created\u3000for\u3000yourself\u3000will\u3000simply\u3000fade\u3000away\u3000into\u3000nothingness\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003You\u3000seem\u3000well\u3000acquainted\u3000with\u3000the\u3000rigors\u3000of\u3000planar\u3000travel\uff1b\u3003\u3000Halisstra\u3000observed\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Vhaeraun\u3000has\u3000called\u3000me\u3000to\u3000his\u3000service\u3000in\u3000the\u3000planes\u3000beyond\u3000Faerun\u3000on\u3000several\u3000occasions\uff1b\u3003\u3000Tzirik\u3000admitted\u3002\u3000\u3003In\u3000fact\uff1b\u3000I\u3000have\u3000been\u3000in\u3000the\u3000Demonweb\u3000Pits\u3000before\u3000now\u3002\u3000All\u3000the\u3000gods\u3000of\u3000our\u3000race\u3000reside\u3000here\uff1b\u3000each\u3000in\u3000their\u3000own\u3000domain\u3000within\u3000this\u3000great\u3000chasm\u3000of\u3000webbing\u3002\u3000My\u3000previous\u3000business\u3000did\u3000not\u3000take\u3000me\u3000to\u3000Lolth’s\u3000domain\uff1b\u3000though\uff1b\u3000and\u3000that\u3000was\u3000a\u3000good\u3000many\u3000years\u3000ago\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Quenthel\u3000scowled\u3000and\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003All\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Demonweb\u3000Pits\u3000are\u3000Lolth’s\u3000domain\uff1b\u3000heretic\u3002\u3000She\u3000is\u3000the\u3000queen\u3000of\u3000this\u3000entire\u3000layer\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Abyss\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000other\u3000so\u2026called\u3000gods\u3000of\u3000our\u3000people\u3000exist\u3000here\u3000only\u3000at\u3000her\u3000sufferance\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000am\u3000certain\u3000you\u3000have\u3000correctly\u3000parroted\u3000your\u3000faith’s\u3000beliefs\u3000on\u3000the\u3000matter\uff1b\u3000and\u3000so\u3000I\u3000will\u3000not\u3000argue\u3000the\u3000point\u3000with\u3000you\uff1b\u3000priestess\u3000of\u3000Lolth\u3002\u3000For\u3000our\u3000purposes\uff1b\u3000the\u3000exact\u3000relationship\u3000of\u3000our\u3000pantheon’s\u3000deities\u3000is\u3000not\u3000very\u3000important\u3002\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Somewhere\u3000below\u3000us\u3000we\u3000will\u3000find\u3000some\u3000kind\u3000of\u3000gate\u3000or\u3000border\u3000marking\u3000the\u3000place\u3000where\u3000this\u3000entryway\u3000opens\u3000to\u3000Lolth’s\u3000own\u3000domain\u2026which\uff1b\u3000as\u3000I\u3000understand\u3000it\uff1b\u3000is\u3000much\u3000like\u3000the\u3000rest\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Demonweb\u3000Pits\uff1b\u3000except\u3000subject\u3000to\u3000her\u3000every\u3000whim\u3000and\u3000caprice\u3002\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Bearing\u3000an\u3000iron\u3000palanquin\u3000the\u3000size\u3000of\u3000a\u3000small\u3000coach\u3000on\u3000their\u3000hairy\u3000shoulders\uff1b\u3000a\u3000score\u3000of\u3000tanarukks\u3000loped\u3000into\u3000the\u3000cavern\uff1b\u3000bestial\u3000eyes\u3000aglow\u3000with\u3000red\u3000hate\uff1b\u3000axes\u3000and\u3000maces\u3000gripped\u3000in\u3000their\u3000powerful\u3000fists\u3002\u3000The\u3000gray\u3000dwarves\u3000and\u3000the\u3000orc\u2026demons\u3000glared\u3000at\u3000each\u3000other\uff1b\u3000nervously\u3000muttering\u3000and\u3000fingering\u3000their\u3000weapons\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000door\u3000to\u3000the\u3000palanquin\u3000creaked\u3000open\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Kaanyr\u3000Vhok\u3000slowly\u3000straightened\u3000out\u3000of\u3000the\u3000chair\u3002\u3000The\u3000half\u2026demon\u3000warlord\u3000was\u3000resplendent\u3000in\u3000his\u3000armor\u3000of\u3000crimson\u3000and\u3000gold\uff1b\u3000and\u3000his\u3000fine\u2026scaled\u3000skin\u3000and\u3000strong\u3000features\u3000bespoke\u3000presence\u3000and\u3000charisma\u3000in\u3000a\u3000way\u3000that\u3000Horgar’s\u3000duergar\u3000churlishness\u3000and\u3000suspicious\u3000manner\u3000could\u3000never\u3000match\u3002\u3000The\u3000alu\u2026fiend\u3000Aliisza\u3000followed\u3000sinuously\uff1b\u3000stretching\u3000her\u3000wings\u3000as\u3000she\u3000emerged\u3002\u3000Finally\uff1b\u3000Zammzt\u3000climbed\u3000out\u3000of\u3000the\u3000warlord’s\u3000coach\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Horgar\u3000started\u3000to\u3000pose\u3000an\u3000angry\u3000retort\uff1b\u3000but\u3000Nimor\u3000quickly\u3000stepped\u3000between\u3000the\u3000gray\u3000dwarf\u3000and\u3000the\u3000half\u2026demon\u3000and\u3000raised\u3000his\u3000arms\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003My\u3000lords\uff01\u3003\u3000he\u3000cried\u3002\u3000\u3003The\u3000only\u3000way\u3000the\u3000Menzoberranyr\u3000can\u3000defeat\u3000you\u3000is\u3000if\u3000the\u3000two\u3000of\u3000you\u3000turn\u3000on\u3000each\u3000other\u3002\u3000If\u3000you\u3000cooperate\uff1b\u3000if\u3000you\u3000bine\u3000your\u3000efforts\u3000intelligently\uff1b\u3000the\u3000city\u3000will\u3000fall\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Indeed\uff1b\u3003\u3000said\u3000Zammzt\u3002\u3000The\u3000plain\u2026faced\u3000assassin\u3000stood\u3000by\u3000Vhok’s\u3000palanquin\uff1b\u3000shrouded\u3000in\u3000his\u3000dark\u3000cloak\u3002\u3000\u3003There\u3000is\u3000little\u3000point\u3000in\u3000dividing\u3000the\u3000spoils\u3000of\u3000a\u3000city\u3000that\u3000you\u3000have\u3000yet\u3000to\u3000capture\u3002\u3000There\u3000is\u3000even\u3000less\u3000point\u3000in\u3000allowing\u3000the\u3000effort\u3000of\u3000dividing\u3000the\u3000spoils\u3000to\u3000prevent\u3000the\u3000city’s\u3000fall\u3000in\u3000the\u3000first\u3000place\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003That\u3000may\u3000be\u3000true\uff1b\u3003\u3000Kaanyr\u3000said\uff1b\u3000folding\u3000his\u3000powerful\u3000arms\u3000across\u3000his\u3000broad\u3000chest\uff1b\u3000\u3003but\u3000I\u3000will\u3000not\u3000be\u3000forgotten\u3000when\u3000the\u3000city\u3000is\u3000plundered\u3002\u3000You\u3000brought\u3000me\u3000here\uff1b\u3000assassins\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003You\u3000brought\u3000me\u3000here\uff1b\u3000as\u3000well\uff1b\u3003\u3000Horgar\u3000rumbled\uff1b\u3000\u3003and\u3000you\u3000brought\u3000the\u3000Agrach\u3000Dyrr\u3002\u3000I\u3000suspect\u3000that\u3000your\u3000secret\u3000House\u3000will\u3000be\u3000hard\u2026pressed\u3000to\u3000honor\u3000your\u3000promises\u3000to\u3000all\u3000three\u3000of\u3000your\u3000allies\u3002\u3000Which\u3000of\u3000us\u3000do\u3000you\u3000mean\u3000to\u3000betray\uff1b\u3000I\u3000wonder\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000For\u3000the\u3000first\u3000time\uff1b\u3000Nimor\u3000found\u3000himself\u3000wondering\u3000if\u3000perhaps\u3000he\u3000had\u3000arrayed\u3000too\u3000many\u3000enemies\u3000against\u3000Menzoberranzan\u3000all\u3000at\u3000once\u3002\u3000That\u3000was\u3000the\u3000nature\u3000of\u3000diplomacy\u3000in\u3000the\u3000Underdark\uff1b\u3000after\u3000all\u3002\u3000No\u3000alliance\u3000outlived\u3000its\u3000usefulness\uff1b\u3000not\u3000even\u3000by\u3000a\u3000heartbeat\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Nimor\u3000inclined\u3000his\u3000head\u3000in\u3000gratitude\uff1b\u3000making\u3000a\u3000very\u3000conscious\u3000effort\u3000not\u3000to\u3000allow\u3000his\u3000eyes\u3000to\u3000linger\u3000on\u3000Aliisza\u3000for\u3000too\u3000long\u3000when\u3000she\u3000stood\u3000next\u3000to\u3000Kaanyr\u3000Vhok\u3002\u3000Somehow\u3000he\u3000doubted\u3000that\u3000she’d\u3000shared\u3000with\u3000her\u3000master\u3000the\u3000exact\u3000details\u3000of\u3000her\u3000visit\u3000to\u3000Gracklstugh\uff1b\u3000and\u3000he\u3000didn’t\u3000want\u3000to\u3000give\u3000the\u3000half\u2026demon\u3000any\u3000reason\u3000to\u3000bee\u3000curious\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000travelers\u3000reached\u3000the\u3000thick\u3000ring\u3000and\u3000crossed\u3000one\u3000more\u3000stretch\u3000of\u3000twisted\u3000webbing\u3000only\u3000to\u3000find\u3000that\u3000the\u3000structure\u3000in\u3000the\u3000center\u3000was\u3000some\u3000kind\u3000of\u3000immense\u3000stone\u3000temple\uff1b\u3000a\u3000baroque\u3000building\u3000of\u3000gleaming\u3000black\u3000obsidian\u3000miles\u3000in\u3000diameter\u3002\u3000Spiked\u3000stone\u3000buttresses\u3000soared\u3000across\u3000the\u3000bottomless\u3000space\uff1b\u3000linking\u3000the\u3000structure\u3000to\u3000the\u3000ring\u3000around\u3000it\u3002\u3000Vast\u3000dark\u3000plazas\u3000of\u3000smooth\u3000stone\u3000large\u3000enough\u3000to\u3000swallow\u3000cities\u3000surrounded\u3000the\u3000temple’s\u3000flanks\u3002\u3000Without\u3000speaking\uff1b\u3000the\u3000pany\u3000picked\u3000their\u3000way\u3000over\u3000to\u3000one\u3000of\u3000the\u3000colossal\u3000flying\u3000buttresses\u3000and\u3000advanced\u3000toward\u3000their\u3000goal\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Halisstra\u3000found\u3000herself\u3000trembling\uff1b\u3000not\u3000with\u3000exhaustion\uff1b\u3000but\u3000with\u3000a\u3000bination\u3000of\u3000terror\u3000and\u3000ecstasy\u3000as\u3000she\u3000realized\u3000that\u3000she\u3000must\u3000soon\u3000withstand\u3000Lolth’s\u3000scrutiny\u3000in\u3000the\u3000flesh\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000I\u3000am\u3000worthy\uff1b\u3000she\u3000told\u3000herself\u3002\u3000I\u3000must\u3000be\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Quenthel\u3000oriented\u3000their\u3000march\u3000on\u3000a\u3000sharp\u2026edged\u3000break\u3000in\u3000the\u3000cyclopean\u3000wall\uff1b\u3000a\u3000huge\u3000cleft\u3000that\u3000must\u3000have\u3000been\u3000the\u3000temple’s\u3000portico\u3002\u3000From\u3000time\u3000to\u3000time\u3000they\u3000passed\u3000the\u3000strange\uff1b\u3000inanimate\u3000forms\u3000of\u3000large\uff1b\u3000spiderlike\u3000beings\u3000that\u3000seemed\u3000to\u3000be\u3000sculpted\u3000from\u3000fluid\u3000black\u3000stone\u3002\u3000Oddly\u3000enough\uff1b\u3000the\u3000petrified\u3000forms\u3000grew\u3000smaller\u3000and\u3000smaller\u3000the\u3000closer\u3000they\u3000came\u3000to\u3000the\u3000cleft\u3002\u3000Halisstra\u3000dismissed\u3000the\u3000mystery\u3000from\u3000her\u3000mind\uff1b\u3000concentrating\u3000only\u3000on\u3000the\u3000goal\u3000before\u3000her\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000At\u3000last\u3000they\u3000reached\u3000the\u3000mouth\u3000of\u3000the\u3000temple\uff1b\u3000and\u3000looked\u3000upon\u3000its\u3000entrance\u3002\u3000A\u3000vast\u3000face\u3000confronted\u3000them\uff1b\u3000the\u3000face\u3000of\u3000a\u3000cruelly\u3000beautiful\u3000dark\u3000elf\uff1b\u3000her\u3000features\u3000calm\u3000and\u3000still\u3000as\u3000if\u3000in\u3000contemplation\u3002\u3000Perfect\u3000black\u3000stone\u3000barred\u3000the\u3000entrance\u3000from\u3000one\u3000side\u3000to\u3000the\u3000other\uff1b\u3000sculpted\u3000into\u3000the\u3000image\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Spider\u3000Queen’s\u3000visage\u3002\u3000Only\u3000her\u3000half\u2026lidded\u3000eyes\u3000showed\u3000any\u3000animation\u3000at\u3000all\u3002\u3000Gazing\u3000down\u3000blankly\u3000at\u3000the\u3000tiny\u3000supplicants\u3000below\u3000her\uff1b\u3000Lolth’s\u3000eyes\u3000gleamed\u3000with\u3000a\u3000roiling\uff1b\u3000hellish\u3000glee\u3000focused\u3000entirely\u3000on\u3000whatever\u3000thoughts\u3000or\u3000processes\u3000lay\u3000behind\u3000them\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000face\u3000did\u3000not\u3000respond\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Still\u3000the\u3000face\u3000did\u3000not\u3000respond\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Enough\uff1b\u3000sisters\uff1b\u3003\u3000said\u3000the\u3000Mistress\u3000of\u3000Arach\u2026Tinilith\u3002\u3000\u3003The\u3000goddess\u3000plainly\u3000does\u3000not\u3000deign\u3000to\u3000answer\u3000us\u3000at\u3000this\u3000time\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Perhaps\u3000we\u3000are\u3000in\u3000the\u3000wrong\u3000place\uff1b\u3003\u3000Pharaun\u3000suggested\u3002\u3000\u3003Perhaps\u3000we\u3000must\u3000go\u3000farther\u3000in\u3000order\u3000for\u3000you\u3000to\u3000offer\u3000your\u3000prayers\u3002\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003But\u3000why\u3000does\u3000she\u3000continue\u3000to\u3000ignore\u3000us\uff1f\u3003\u3000Halisstra\u3000asked\u3000in\u3000a\u3000plaintive\u3000voice\u3002\u3000She\u3000climbed\u3000to\u3000her\u3000feet\uff1b\u3000her\u3000heart\u3000sick\u3000with\u3000longing\u3002\u3000After\u3000all\u3000that\u3000had\u3000happened\u2026the\u3000fall\u3000of\u3000her\u3000House\uff1b\u3000the\u3000destruction\u3000of\u3000her\u3000city\uff1b\u3000the\u3000travails\u3000of\u3000the\u3000quest\u2026to\u3000stand\u3000before\u3000Lolth’s\u3000temple\u3000and\u3000be\u3000ignored\u3000was\u3000simply\u3000inprehensible\u3002\u3000\u3003What\u3000more\u3000do\u3000we\u3000have\u3000to\u3000do\uff1f\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Lolth\uff01\u3003\u3000Halisstra\u3000screamed\u3002\u3000\u3003Answer\u3000me\uff1b\u3000damn\u3000you\uff01\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000And\u3000from\u3000the\u3000depths\u3000of\u3000blackness\u3000within\u3000the\u3000rift\uff1b\u3000a\u3000voice\u3000of\u3000ineffable\u3000power\uff1b\u3000of\u3000terrible\u3000potency\uff1b\u3000answered\uff1b\u3000\u3003Good\u3002\u3000I\u3000e\u3002\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003He\u3000has\u3000opened\u3000a\u3000gate\u3000for\u3000me\uff1b\u3003 \n
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003He\u3000has\u3000opened\u3000a\u3000gate\u3000for\u3000me\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000being\u3000who\u3000could\u3000only\u3000be\u3000a\u3000god\u3000said\uff1b\u3000with\u3000a\u3000cruel\u3000smile\u3000on\u3000his\u3000face\u3002\u3000\u3003Do\u3000you\u3000not\u3000recognize\u3000the\u3000son\u3000of\u3000your\u3000own\u3000goddess\uff1b\u3000priestess\u3000of\u3000Lolth\uff1f\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pharaun\u3000managed\u3000to\u3000break\u3000himself\u3000free\u3000of\u3000his\u3000indecision\u3002\u3000He\u3000drifted\u3000close\u3000to\u3000Quenthel\u3000and\u3000seized\u3000her\u3000by\u3000the\u3000arm\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000A\u3000few\u3000hundred\u3000yards\u3000distant\uff1b\u3000cloaked\u3000in\u3000darkness\u3000and\u3000drifting\u3000vapors\uff1b\u3000Pharaun\u3000sat\u3000cross\u2026legged\u3000on\u3000the\u3000hard\u3000stone\uff1b\u3000hurrying\u3000to\u3000finish\u3000his\u3000spell\u3002\u3000He’d\u3000watched\u3000the\u3000two\u3000gods\u3000battle\u3000to\u3000a\u3000standstill\u3000and\u3000plummet\u3000out\u3000of\u3000sight\uff1b\u3000but\u3000he\u3000was\u3000mitted\u3000to\u3000his\u3000course\u3000and\u3000did\u3000not\u3000intend\u3000to\u3000stop\u3002\u3000The\u3000spell\u3000of\u3000sending\u3000could\u3000not\u3000be\u3000cast\u3000quickly\uff1b\u3000and\u3000if\u3000he\u3000attempted\u3000to\u3000rush\u3000it\uff1b\u3000he\u3000would\u3000lose\u3000it\u3000all\u3000together\u3002\u3000In\u3000the\u3000part\u3000of\u3000his\u3000mind\u3000that\u3000was\u3000not\u3000absorbed\u3000in\u3000the\u3000shaping\u3000of\u3000the\u3000magic\uff1b\u3000he\u3000wondered\u3000with\u3000no\u3000little\u3000trepidation\u3000whether\u3000the\u3000gods’\u3000omniscience\u3000might\u3000be\u3000plete\u3000enough\u3000to\u3000note\u3000his\u3000presence\uff1b\u3000note\u3000that\u3000he\u3000was\u3000casting\u3000a\u3000spell\uff1b\u3000and\u3000deduce\u3000why\u3000he\u3000was\u3000casting\u3000it\u2026and\u3000whether\u3000the\u3000gods\u3000would\u3000deign\u3000to\u3000stop\u3000him\u3002\u3000As\u3000best\u3000he\u3000could\u3000tell\u3000from\u3000his\u3000safe\u3000distance\uff1b\u3000though\uff1b\u3000Vhaeraun\u3000and\u3000Selvetarm\u3000were\u3000occupied\u3000with\u3000their\u3000fierce\u3000battle\u3000and\u3000were\u3000unlikely\u3000to\u3000be\u3000paying\u3000him\u3000much\u3000attention\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000He\u3000pleted\u3000the\u3000spell\u3000and\u3000whispered\u3000the\u3000message\u3000it\u3000would\u3000carry\u3000for\u3000him\u3000through\u3000the\u3000incalculable\u3000distances\u3000of\u3000dimensions\u3000and\u3000space\uff1b\u3000\u3003Jeggred\u3002\u3000We\u3000are\u3000in\u3000mortal\u3000peril\u3002\u3000Slay\u3000Tzirik’s\u3000physical\u3000body\u3000at\u3000once\u3002\u3000We\u3000will\u3000return\u3000quickly\uff1b\u3000but\u3000guard\u3000us\u3000until\u3000we\u3000do\u3002\u3000Quenthel\u3000mands\u3000it\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pharaun\u3000sighed\u3000and\u3000stood\uff1b\u3000his\u3000expression\u3000thoughtful\u3002\u3000The\u3000sending\u3000was\u3000reliable\uff1b\u3000but\u3000he\u3000didn’t\u3000know\u3000for\u3000certain\u3000the\u3000effects\u3000of\u3000attempting\u3000it\u3000from\u3000another\u3000plane\u3000of\u3000existence\u3002\u3000Nor\u3000did\u3000he\u3000know\u3000how\u3000long\u3000it\u3000would\u3000take\u3000his\u3000words\u3000to\u3000reach\u3000Jeggred\u3000back\u3000in\u3000Minauthkeep\uff1b\u3000or\u3000if\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3000would\u3000choose\u3000to\u3000do\u3000as\u3000he\u3000asked\u3000even\u3000in\u3000Quenthel’s\u3000name\u3000\u3002\u3002\u3002\u3000or\u3000even\u3000if\u3000the\u3000cursed\u3000half\u2026demon\u3000was\u3000still\u3000alive\u3000and\u3000free\u3000to\u3000kill\u3000the\u3000high\u3000priest\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000Master\u3000of\u3000Sorcere\u3000had\u3000a\u3000good\u3000sense\u3000of\u3000what\u3000to\u3000expect\u3000if\u3000all\u3000went\u3000as\u3000he\u3000hoped\u3002\u3000It\u3000was\u3000only\u3000a\u3000matter\u3000of\u3000time\uff1b\u3000and\u3000not\u3000much\u3000at\u3000that\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003This\u3000would\u3000not\u3000be\u3000a\u3000good\u3000time\u3000to\u3000bee\u3000obstinate\uff1b\u3000Jeggred\uff1b\u3003\u3000Pharaun\u3000muttered\uff1b\u3000even\u3000though\u3000his\u3000sending\u3000was\u3000gone\u3000already\u3002\u3000\u3003For\u3000once\uff1b\u3000do\u3000as\u3000I\u3000ask\u3000without\u3000question\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Warily\uff1b\u3000he\u3000began\u3000to\u3000creep\u3000back\u3000toward\u3000the\u3000distant\u3000cleft\u3000in\u3000the\u3000temple’s\u3000massive\u3000wall\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Surrounded\u3000by\u3000his\u3000tumbling\u3000wall\u3000of\u3000blades\uff1b\u3000Tzirik\u3000stood\u3000aside\u3000from\u3000the\u3000rest\u3000of\u3000the\u3000pany\uff1b\u3000quickly\u3000and\u3000expertly\u3000reading\u3000aloud\u3000from\u3000his\u3000scroll\u3002\u3000He\u3000didn’t\u3000bother\u3000explaining\u3000to\u3000the\u3000Menzoberranyr\u3000what\u3000Vhaeraun\u3000had\u3000told\u3000him\u3000to\u3000do\uff1b\u3000or\u3000why\u3000he\u3000was\u3000doing\u3000it\u3002\u3000He\u3000simply\u3000proceeded\u3000as\u3000if\u3000they\u3000were\u3000not\u3000there\u3000at\u3000all\uff1b\u3000though\u3000he’d\u3000taken\u3000the\u3000precaution\u3000of\u3000raising\u3000a\u3000blade\u3000barrier\u3000to\u3000keep\u3000them\u3000from\u3000interfering\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Ryld\u3000and\u3000Valas\u3000stood\u3000close\u3000to\u3000the\u3000deadly\uff1b\u3000spinning\u3000razors\uff1b\u3000watching\u3000helplessly\u3000as\u3000the\u3000priest\u3000droned\u3000on\u3002\u3000Danifae\u3000and\u3000Quenthel\u3000crouched\u3000a\u3000little\u3000father\u3000back\uff1b\u3000equally\u3000helpless\uff1b\u3000the\u3000determination\u3000to\u3000do\u3000something\u3000battling\u3000with\u3000their\u3000inability\u3000to\u3000discern\u3000what\uff1b\u3000exactly\uff1b\u3000they\u3000could\u3000do\u3002\u3000Halisstra\u3000stood\u3000watching\u3000as\u3000well\uff1b\u3000but\u3000she\u3000merely\u3000waited\u3000to\u3000see\u3000what\u3000form\u3000her\u3000doom\u3000would\u3000take\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Tzirik\uff1b\u3000stop\uff01\u3003\u3000cried\u3000Valas\u3002\u3000\u3003You\u3000have\u3000put\u3000us\u3000all\u3000in\u3000sufficient\u3000peril\u3000today\u3002\u3000We\u3000will\u3000not\u3000allow\u3000you\u3000to\u3000continue\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Kill\u3000him\uff1b\u3000Valas\uff1b\u3003\u3000Danifae\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003He\u3000will\u3000not\u3000listen\uff1b\u3000and\u3000he\u3000will\u3000not\u3000stop\u3002\u3003
\n
\n \n
\n
\n
\n u\u3000to\u3000continue\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Kill\u3000him\uff1b\u3000Valas\uff1b\u3003\u3000Danifae\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003He\u3000will\u3000not\u3000listen\uff1b\u3000and\u3000he\u3000will\u3000not\u3000stop\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000scout\u3000stood\u3000paralyzed\u3000as\u3000the\u3000priest’s\u3000chant\u3000approached\u3000the\u3000final\uff1b\u3000triumphant\u3000notes\u3002\u3000His\u3000shoulders\u3000slumped\uff1b\u3000stricken\u3000with\u3000defeat\u3002\u3000Without\u3000warning\uff1b\u3000Valas\u3000brought\u3000up\u3000his\u3000shortbow\u3000and\u3000fired\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000first\u3000arrow\u3000was\u3000deflected\u3000by\u3000a\u3000whirling\u3000blade\u3000in\u3000the\u3000magical\u3000barrier\uff1b\u3000but\u3000the\u3000second\u3000passed\u3000through\u3000cleanly\u3000and\u3000pierced\u3000Tzirik’s\u3000gauntleted\u3000hand\u3002\u3000The\u3000priest\u3000cried\u3000out\u3000in\u3000pain\u3000and\u3000dropped\u3000his\u3000scroll\uff1b\u3000which\u3000fluttered\u3000to\u3000the\u3000stone\u3000plaza\uff1b\u3000unexpended\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000Jaelre\u3000whirled\u3000on\u3000Valas\uff1b\u3000eyes\u3000afire\u3000with\u3000hate\u3000through\u3000his\u3000masked\u3000helm\uff1b\u3000and\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003Are\u3000you\u3000still\u3000the\u3000bitches’\u3000errand\u2026boy\uff1b\u3000Valas\uff1f\u3000Don’t\u3000you\u3000see\u3000that\u3000you’re\u3000nothing\u3000but\u3000a\u3000well\u2026heeled\u3000dog\u3000to\u3000them\uff1f\u3000Why\u3000do\u3000you\u3000persist\u3000in\u3000giving\u3000the\u3000Spider\u3000Queen\u3000your\u3000loyalty\uff1b\u3000when\u3000you\u3000could\u3000take\u3000the\u3000Masked\u3000Lord\u3000for\u3000your\u3000god\u3000and\u3000know\u3000true\u3000freedom\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Lolth\u3000will\u3000do\u3000as\u3000she\u3000will\uff1b\u3003\u3000Valas\u3000answered\u3002\u3000\u3003I\uff1b\u3000however\uff1b\u3000am\u3000loyal\u3000to\u3000Bregan\u3000D’aerthe\uff1b\u3000and\u3000to\u3000my\u3000city\u3002\u3000We\u3000can’t\u3000allow\u3000you\uff1b\u3000or\u3000even\u3000your\u3000god\uff1b\u3000to\u3000deflect\u3000us\u3000from\u3000our\u3000quest\uff1b\u3000Tzirik\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Tzirik’s\u3000face\u3000clouded\u3000and\u3000he\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003You\u3000and\u3000your\u3000panions\u3000will\u3000not\u3000gainsay\u3000the\u3000will\u3000of\u3000Vhaeraun\u3002\u3000I\u3000refuse\u3000to\u3000permit\u3000it\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000He\u3000crouched\u3000and\u3000raised\u3000his\u3000shield\uff1b\u3000snarling\u3000out\u3000the\u3000words\u3000of\u3000another\u3000divine\u3000spell\u3002\u3000Valas\u3000fired\u3000again\uff1b\u3000but\u3000his\u3000arrows\u3000only\u3000ricocheted\u3000from\u3000the\u3000priest’s\u3000shield\u3002\u3000Tzirik\u3000finished\u3000his\u3000spell\u3000and\u3000placed\u3000his\u3000wounded\u3000hand\u3000on\u3000the\u3000ground\u3002\u3000A\u3000powerful\u3000tremor\u3000blasted\u3000through\u3000the\u3000stone\u3000and\u3000bludgeoned\u3000the\u3000Menzoberranyr\uff1b\u3000flinging\u3000them\u3000about\u3000like\u3000dolls\u3000and\u3000ripping\u3000open\u3000great\u3000cracks\u3000in\u3000the\u3000substance\u3000of\u3000the\u3000stone\u3000plain\uff1b\u3000crevices\u3000that\u3000led\u3000into\u3000absolute\u3000blackness\u3000below\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Valas\u3000staggered\u3000back\u3000and\u3000forth\uff1b\u3000trying\u3000to\u3000keep\u3000his\u3000balance\u3000as\u3000the\u3000stones\u3000cracked\u3000and\u3000buckled\u3000beneath\u3000him\u3002\u3000Danifae\u3000steadied\u3000herself\u3000and\u3000snapped\u3000off\u3000a\u3000shot\u3000with\u3000her\u3000crossbow\u3000that\u3000passed\u3000through\u3000the\u3000blades\u3000and\u3000struck\u3000Tzirik\u3000a\u3000ringing\u3000hit\u3000on\u3000the\u3000breastplate\uff1b\u3000but\u3000the\u3000bolt\u3000shivered\u3000into\u3000pieces\u3000on\u3000the\u3000priest’s\u3000armor\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Quenthel\u3000managed\u3000a\u3000desperate\uff1b\u3000off\u2026balance\u3000leap\u3000to\u3000keep\u3000from\u3000toppling\u3000into\u3000a\u3000gaping\u3000crevice\u3000beneath\u3000her\u3002\u3000She\u3000rolled\u3000awkwardly\uff1b\u3000and\u3000came\u3000up\u3000with\u3000a\u3000short\u3000iron\u3000rod\u3000in\u3000her\u3000hand\u3002\u3000The\u3000high\u3000priestess\u3000barked\u3000a\u3000mand\u3000word\u3000and\u3000discharged\u3000a\u3000white\u3000sphere\u3000of\u3000some\u3000magical\uff1b\u3000viscous\u3000substance\u3000at\u3000the\u3000priest\uff1b\u3000but\u3000Tzirik’s\u3000seething\u3000blades\u3000ripped\u3000apart\u3000the\u3000viscid\u3000glob\u3000in\u3000a\u3000spray\u3000of\u3000gluey\u3000strands\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000powerful\u3000tremors\u3000took\u3000Halisstra’s\u3000feet\u3000out\u3000from\u3000under\u3000her\u3000the\u3000first\u3000time\u3000she\u3000tried\u3000to\u3000stand\u3002\u3000She\u3000shook\u3000her\u3000head\u3000and\u3000tried\u3000again\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000My\u3000sisters\u3000need\u3000me\uff1f\u3000she\u3000thought\u3002\u3000Strange\uff1b\u3000as\u3000our\u3000goddess\u3000apparently\u3000has\u3000no\u3000use\u3000for\u3000any\u3000of\u3000us\u3000who\u3000serve\u3000as\u3000her\u3000priestesses\u3002\u3000If\u3000Lolth\u3000chooses\u3000to\u3000turn\u3000her\u3000back\u3000on\u3000me\uff1b\u3000to\u3000spurn\u3000my\u3000faithfulness\u3000and\u3000devotion\uff1b\u3000then\u3000the\u3000least\u3000I\u3000can\u3000do\u3000is\u3000return\u3000the\u3000favor\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Throughout\u3000Halisstra’s\u3000life\u3000she\u3000had\u3000willingly\u3000joined\u3000ranks\u3000with\u3000her\u3000worst\u3000enemies\uff1b\u3000her\u3000most\u3000bitter\u3000rivals\uff1b\u3000when\u3000something\u3000rose\u3000to\u3000threaten\u3000the\u3000absolute\u3000dominion\u3000over\u3000dark\u3000elf\u3000society\u3000she\u3000and\u3000her\u3000sister\u3000priestesses\u3000shared\u3002\u3000Staring\u3000off\u3000into\u3000the\u3000endless\uff1b\u3000empty\u3000expanse\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Demonweb\u3000Pits\uff1b\u3000she\u3000found\u3000that\u3000she\u3000would\u3000not\u3000take\u3000one\u3000single\u3000step\u3000in\u3000Lolth’s\u3000name\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Let\u3000him\u3000do\u3000as\u3000he\u3000will\uff1b\u3003\u3000she\u3000said\u3000to\u3000Quenthel\u3002\u3000\u3003Lolth\u3000has\u3000taught\u3000me\u3000not\u3000to\u3000care\u3002\u3000If\u3000we\u3000managed\u3000to\u3000preserve\u3000Lolth’s\u3000very\u3000existence\u3000today\uff1b\u3000do\u3000you\u3000think\u3000she\u3000would\u3000be\u3000grateful\uff1f\u3000If\u3000I\u3000tore\u3000my\u3000own\u3000heart\u3000out\u3000and\u3000laid\u3000it\u3000on\u3000the\u3000Spider\u3000Queen’s\u3000altar\uff1b\u3000do\u3000you\u3000think\u3000she\u3000would\u3000be\u3000pleased\u3000by\u3000my\u3000sacrifice\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Bitter\u3000laughter\u3000welled\u3000up\u3000in\u3000her\u3000throat\u3000and\u3000Halisstra\u3000gave\u3000herself\u3000over\u3000to\u3000it\uff1b\u3000even\u3000as\u3000Tzirik’s\u3000tremors\u3000subsided\u3002\u3000Her\u3000heart\u3000ached\u3000with\u3000a\u3000hurt\u3000that\u3000could\u3000rend\u3000the\u3000world\u3000in\u3000two\uff1b\u3000but\u3000she\u3000could\u3000not\u3000find\u3000a\u3000voice\u3000for\u3000it\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Quenthel\u3000stared\u3000at\u3000her\u3000in\u3000horror\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Blasphemy\uff1b\u3003\u3000she\u3000managed\u3000to\u3000whisper\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000Mistress\u3000of\u3000Arach\u2026Tinilith\u3000gathered\u3000up\u3000her\u3000whip\u3000and\u3000turned\u3000on\u3000Halisstra\uff1b\u3000but\u3000before\u3000she\u3000could\u3000strike\uff1b\u3000Tzirik\u3000struck\u3000with\u3000another\u3000spell\uff1b\u3000scouring\u3000the\u3000entire\u3000party\u3000with\u3000sheets\u3000of\u3000incandescent\u3000flames\u3000that\u3000raced\u3000back\u3000and\u3000forth\u3000across\u3000the\u3000stone\u3000plain\u3000like\u3000water\u3000sloshing\u3000on\u3000a\u3000plate\u3002\u3000Halisstra\u3000threw\u3000herself\u3000flat\u3000and\u3000cried\u3000out\u3000in\u3000pain\u3002\u3000The\u3000others\u3000cursed\u3000or\u3000cried\u3000out\uff1b\u3000scrabbling\u3000for\u3000cover\u3000that\u3000did\u3000not\u3000exist\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Leave\u3000me\uff01\u3003\u3000Tzirik\u3000manded\u3000from\u3000within\u3000his\u3000cage\u3000of\u3000whirling\u3000steel\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000He\u3000stooped\u3000down\u3000and\u3000picked\u3000up\u3000his\u3000scroll\uff1b\u3000while\u3000the\u3000Menzoberranyr\u3000picked\u3000themselves\u3000up\u3000from\u3000the\u3000smoking\u3000stones\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Rest\uff1f\u3000Halisstra\u3000thought\u3002
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\n \n
\n
\n
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