{"id":23987,"date":"2025-04-24T00:26:03","date_gmt":"2025-04-23T16:26:03","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.7colors.vip\/?p=23987"},"modified":"2025-04-24T00:26:03","modified_gmt":"2025-04-23T16:26:03","slug":"war-of-the-spider-queen-5-annihilation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.7colors.vip\/?p=23987","title":{"rendered":"war of the spider queen 5 annihilation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\n Book\u30005\u3000of\u3000the\u3000War\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Spider\u3000Queen\u3000series
\nA\u3000Forgotten\u3000Realms\u3000novel
\nBy\u3000Philip\u3000Athans
\n
\n
\nFor\u3000Deanne
\n
\nAcknowledgements
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000people\u3000who\u3000made\u3000this\u3000book\u3000and\u3000the\u3000others\u3000in\u3000this\u3000series\u3000possible\u3000are\uff1a\u3000Peter\u3000Archer\uff1b\u3000Mary\u3000Kirchoff\uff1b\u3000Matt\u3000Adelsperger\uff1b\u3000Liz\u3000Schuh\uff1b\u3000Mary\u2026Elizabeth\u3000Allen\uff1b\u3000Rachel\u3000Kirkman\uff1b\u3000Angle\u3000Lokotz\u3000and\u3000her\u3000outstanding\u3000team\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000workflow\u3000masters\u3000Marty\u3000Durham\u3000and\u3000Josh\u3000Fischer\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Needless\u3000to\u3000say\u3000there\u3000would\u3000be\u3000no\u3000Book\u3000V\u3000without\u3000Books\u3000I\uff1b\u3000II\uff1b\u3000III\uff1b\u3000IV\uff1b\u3000and\u3000VI\u3000\u3000so\u3000I\u3000owe\u3000a\u3000huge\u3000debt\u3000of\u3000gratitude\u3000to\u3000the\u3000other\u3000Spider\u3000Queen\u3000authors\uff1a\u3000Richard\u3000Lee\u3000Byers\uff1b\u3000Thomas\u3000M\u3002\u3000Reid\uff1b\u3000Richard\u3000Baker\uff1b\u3000Lisa\u3000Smedman\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Paul\u3000S\u3002\u3000Kemp\u3002\u3000Thanks\u3000to\u3000Elaine\u3000Cunningham\u3000for\u3000helping\u3000us\u3000with\u3000a\u3000particular\u3000continuity\u3000problem\u3000and\u3000Ed\u3000Greenwood\u3000for\u3000Creating\u3000the\u3000World\u3000in\u3000the\u3000first\u3000place\u3002\u3000Brom\uff1b\u3000thank\u3000you\u3000for\u3000the\u3000cover\u3000paintings\uff1b\u3000masterpieces\u3000all\u3002\u3000Thanks\u3000also\u3000to\u3000game\u3000designers\u3000Eric\u3000L\u3002\u3000Boyd\uff1b\u3000Bruce\u3000R\u3002\u3002\u3000Cordell\uff1b\u3000Gwendolyn\u3000EM\u3002\u3000Kestrel\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Jeff\u3000Quick\u3000for\u3000lots\u3000of\u3000fun\u3000new\u3000Underdark\u3000toys\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000But\u3000most\u3000of\u3000all\u3000I\u3000have\u3000to\u3000thank\u3000R\u3002A\u3002\u3000Salvatore\uff1b\u3000who\u3000gave\u3000so\u3000much\u3000more\u3000than\u3000just\u3000his\u3000name\u3000to\u3000this\u3000series\u3002\u3000He\u3000gave\u3000his\u3000limitless\u3000creativity\uff1b\u3000energy\uff1b\u3000and\u3000generosity\u3000of\u3000spirit\u3000in\u3000portions\u3000larger\u3000than\u3000any\u3000of\u3000us\u3000had\u3000a\u3000right\u3000to\u3000expect\u3002\u3000If\u3000any\u3000of\u3000these\u3000six\u3000books\u3000are\u3000good\u3000at\u3000all\uff1b\u3000it’s\u3000because\u3000of\u3000him\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000
\nShe\u3000was\u3000the\u3000strongest\u3002\u3000She\u3000had\u3000feasted\u3000on\u3000more\u3000than\u3000any\u3000still\u3000alive\u3002\u3000She\u3000had\u3000killed\u3000more\u3000than\u3000any\u3000still\u3000alive\u3002\u3000She\u3000had\u3000killed\u3000all\u3000those\u3000around\u3000her\u3000and\u3000hadn’t\u3000even\u3000bothered\u3000to\u3000devour\u3000their\u3000carcasses\u3000before\u3000moving\u3000on\u3000to\u3000those\u3000outside\u3000the\u3000zone\u3000of\u3000the\u3000dead\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000She\u3000was\u3000the\u3000strongest\u3002\u3000She\u3000knew\u3000she\u3000was\u3000the\u3000strongest\u3000as\u3000yet\u3000another\u3000fell\u3000before\u3000her\u3000snapping\u3000mandibles\u3002\u3000She\u3000was\u3000the\u3000one\u3000who\u3000would\u3000rise\u3000through\u3000the\u3000carnage\u3000and\u3000rule\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000She\u3000was\u3000the\u3000strongest\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000others\u3000soon\u3000knew\u3000this\u3000as\u3000well\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000So\u3000she\u3000was\u3000dead\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Within\u3000the\u3000chaos\uff1b\u3000there\u3000was\u3000intelligence\u3000and\u3000purpose\u3002\u3000Within\u3000the\u3000hunger\u3000and\u3000the\u3000slaughter\uff1b\u3000there\u3000was\u3000mon\u3000cause\u3002\u3000She\u3000was\u3000the\u3000strongest\u3000and\u3000would\u3000kill\u3000them\u3000all\u3000or\u3000rule\u3000them\u3000all\uff1b\u3000so\u3000they\u3000bonded\u3000together\u3000and\u3000tore\u3000her\u3000eight\u3000legs\u3000from\u3000her\uff1b\u3000devouring\u3000her\u3000fully\u3000before\u3000turning\u3000again\u3000upon\u3000each\u3000other\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Another\u3000rose\u3000to\u3000prominence\u3000through\u3000deed\u3000and\u3000fearsome\u3000assault\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000That\u3000one\uff1b\u3000too\uff1b\u3000fell\u3000to\u3000the\u3000mon\u3000cause\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000mortal\u3000test\u3000continued\u3002\u3000The\u3000strongest\u3000died\uff1b\u3000but\u3000the\u3000smartest\u3000remained\u3002\u3000The\u3000manipulative\u3000remained\u2026those\u3000who\u3000hid\u3000their\u3000strengths\u3000beyond\u3000what\u3000was\u3000necessary\u3000to\u3000kill\u3000the\u3000present\u3000opponent\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Those\u3000who\u3000stepped\u3000forward\uff1b\u3000who\u3000rose\u3000above\u3000the\u3000tumult\uff1b\u3000died\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Through\u3000all\u3000the\u3000millennia\uff1b\u3000she\u3000had\u3000recognized\u3000those\u3000who\u3000were\u3000stronger\u3000than\u3000she\uff1b\u3000and\u3000she\u3000had\u3000persuaded\u3000them\u3000to\u3000do\u3000her\u3000bidding\u3000or\u3000be\u3000killed\u3002\u3000Strength\u3000came\u3000not\u3000from\u3000the\u3000size\u3000of\u3000her\u3000muscles\u3000but\u3000from\u3000the\u3000power\u3000of\u3000her\u3000cunning\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000In\u3000the\u3000frenzy\u3000of\u3000the\u3000birthing\uff1b\u3000in\u3000the\u3000contest\u3000of\u3000the\u3000slaughter\uff1b\u3000these\u3000traits\u3000paved\u3000the\u3000road\u3000to\u3000victory\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000To\u3000find\u3000the\u3000moment\u3000when\u3000individual\u3000strength\u3000was\u3000beyond\u3000the\u3000collective\u3000power\u3000to\u3000defeat\u3000it\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000To\u3000intrigue\u3000amidst\u3000battle\u3000to\u3000destroy\u3000any\u3000who\u3000were\u3000stronger\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000And\u3000for\u3000some\uff1b\u3000to\u3000admit\u3000defeat\u3000before\u3000oblivion’s\u3000descent\uff1b\u3000to\u3000escape\u3000and\u3000survive\uff1b\u3000new\u3000demons\u3000of\u3000chaos\u3000to\u3000run\u3000wild\u3000about\u3000the\u3000planes\u3000and\u3000in\u3000the\u3000end\u3000to\u3000serve\u3000the\u3000winner\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000numbers\u3000dwindled\u3002\u3000Those\u3000left\u3000grew\u3000in\u3000power\u3000and\u3000size\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Each\u3000waited\u3000and\u3000watched\uff1b\u3000deciding\u3000who\u3000must\u3000die\u3000before\u3000she\u3000could\u3000reign\u3000supreme\uff1b\u3000sorting\u3000through\u3000the\u3000tumult\u3000to\u3000facilitate\u3000that\u3000desired\u3000end\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Those\u3000driven\u3000by\u3000uncontrollable\u3000hunger\u3000were\u3000dead\u3000now\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Those\u3000driven\u3000by\u3000simple\u3000self\u2026defense\u3000were\u3000dead\u3000now\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Those\u3000driven\u3000by\u3000foolish\u3000pride\u3000were\u3000dead\u3000now\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Those\u3000driven\u3000by\u3000instinctual\u3000survival\u3000were\u3000dead\u3000or\u3000were\u3000fleeing\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Those\u3000driven\u3000by\u3000cunning\u3000remained\uff1b\u3000knowing\u3000only\u3000one\u3000could\u3000emerge\u3000in\u3000the\u3000end\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000For\u3000all\u3000the\u3000others\uff1b\u3000it\u3000would\u3000be\u3000servitude\u3000or\u3000oblivion\u3002\u3000There\u3000were\u3000no\u3000other\u3000choices\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000As\u3000she\u3000had\u3000manipulated\u3000the\u3000mortals\u3000who\u3000served\u3000her\u3000and\u3000the\u3000mortals\u3000who\u3000feared\u3000her\uff1b\u3000as\u3000she\u3000had\u3000maneuvered\u3000even\u3000other\u3000gods\u3000through\u3000the\u3000centuries\uff1b\u3000so\u3000she\u3000controlled\u3000her\u3000offspring\u3002\u3000This\u3000was\u3000the\u3000test\u3000of\u3000her\u3000decree\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000There\u3000were\u3000no\u3000other\u3000choices\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000
\nChapter\u3000One
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000found\u3000himself\u3000growing\u3000accustomed\u3000to\u3000seeing\u3000the\u3000world\u3000through\u3000his\u3000familiar’s\u3000eyes\u3002\u3000It\u3000was\u3000that\u3000feeling\u3000that\u3000prompted\u3000him\u3000to\u3000do\u3000something\u3000about\u3000it\u3002\u3000Gromph\u3000Baenre\uff1b\u3000brother\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Matron\u3000Mother\u3000of\u3000the\u3000First\u3000House\u3000of\u3000the\u3000City\u3000of\u3000Spiders\uff1b\u3000Archmage\u3000of\u3000Menzoberranzan\uff1b\u3000would\u3000not\u3000look\u3000through\u3000the\u3000eyes\u3000of\u3000a\u3000rat\u3000any\u3000longer\u3000than\u3000he\u3000had\u3000to\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Kyorli’s\u3000head\u3000bobbed\u3000from\u3000side\u3000to\u3000side\u3000and\u3000up\u3000and\u3000down\u3000as\u3000she\u3000sniffed\u3000the\u3000air\u3002\u3000The\u3000rat\u3000was\u3000bound\u3000to\u3000look\u3000where\u3000Gromph\u3000willed\u3000her\u3000to\uff1b\u3000but\u3000she\u3000was\u3000easily\u3000distracted\u3002\u3000She\u3000didn’t\u3000see\u3000as\u3000well\u3000in\u3000the\u3000dark\uff1b\u3000either\uff1b\u3000which\u3000in\u3000the\u3000Underdark\u3000meant\u3000she\u3000didn’t\u3000ever\u3000see\u3000well\uff1b\u3000and\u3000there\u3000were\u3000no\u3000colors\u3002\u3000Gromph\u3000perceived\u3000the\u3000casting\u3000chamber\uff1b\u3000like\u3000the\u3000rest\u3000of\u3000the\u3000world\uff1b\u3000in\u3000dull\u3000hues\u3000of\u3000gray\u3000and\u3000black\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000knew\u3000the\u3000chamber\u3000well\u3000enough\uff1b\u3000though\uff1b\u3000that\u3000he\u3000didn’t\u3000need\u3000the\u3000rat’s\u3000vision\u3000to\u3000reveal\u3000its\u3000limits\u3002\u3000The\u3000fuzzy\u3000blurs\u3000at\u3000the\u3000edge\u3000of\u3000Kyorli’s\u3000vision\u3000were\u3000the\u3000great\u3000columns\u3000that\u3000rose\u3000to\u3000a\u3000series\u3000of\u3000flying\u3000buttresses\uff1b\u3000eighty\u3000feet\u3000into\u3000the\u3000gloom\u3000overhead\u3002\u3000The\u3000carvings\u3000on\u3000the\u3000columns\u3000were\u3000sparse\uff1b\u3000and\u3000what\u3000they\u3000lacked\u3000in\u3000beauty\u3000they\u3000made\u3000up\u3000for\u3000in\u3000magical\u3000utility\u3002\u3000The\u3000chamber\uff1b\u3000deep\u3000in\u3000the\u3000maze\u3000of\u3000Sorcere\uff1b\u3000was\u3000there\u3000for\u3000a\u3000purpose\u3000and\u3000not\u3000to\u3000impress\u3002\u3000Spells\u3000were\u3000cast\u3000there\u3000in\u3000the\u3000course\u3000of\u3000training\u3000the\u3000students\uff1b\u3000testing\u3000the\u3000masters\uff1b\u3000in\u3000researching\u3000new\u3000spells\uff1b\u3000straining\u3000the\u3000limits\u3000of\u3000their\u3000powers\uff1b\u3000and\u3000for\u3000the\u3000odd\u3000summoning\u3000or\u3000scrying\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000stepped\u3000into\u3000the\u3000center\u3000of\u3000the\u3000room\uff1b\u3000and\u3000from\u3000the\u3000corner\u3000of\u3000Kyorli’s\u3000eyes\u3000he\u3000saw\u3000the\u3000two\u3000drow\u3000waiting\u3000for\u3000him\u3002\u3000They\u3000bowed\u3002\u3000The\u3000rat\u3000was\u3000sniffing\u3000the\u3000air\uff1b\u3000her\u3000nose\u3000angled\u3000up\u3000in\u3000the\u3000direction\u3000of\u3000the\u3000circle\u3000of\u3000giant\u3000mushroom\u3000stems\u3000that\u3000had\u3000been\u3000secured\u3000to\u3000the\u3000floor\u3000in\u3000the\u3000center\u3000of\u3000the\u3000cavernous\u3000chamber\u3002\u3000There\u3000were\u3000ten\u3000of\u3000them\uff1b\u3000and\u3000to\u3000each\u3000was\u3000bound\u3000a\u3000single\u3000drow\u3000male\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Archmage\uff1b\u3003\u3000one\u3000of\u3000the\u3000two\u3000wizards\u3000in\u3000attendance\u3000whispered\u3000reverently\uff1b\u3000his\u3000voice\u3000hissing\u3000off\u3000the\u3000distant\u3000walls\u3000in\u3000a\u3000thousand\u3000echoes\u3000that\u3000Gromph\u3000doubted\u3000he\u3000would\u3000have\u3000heard\u3000if\u3000he\u3000still\u3000had\u3000his\u3000eyesight\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000archmage\u3000willed\u3000Kyorli\u3000to\u3000turn\u3000her\u3000head\u3000to\u3000face\u3000the\u3000wizards\uff1b\u3000and\u3000he\u3000was\u3000satisfied\u3000to\u3000see\u3000that\u3000they\u3000were\u3000dressed\u3000and\u3000equipped\u3000as\u3000he\u3000had\u3000manded\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000During\u3000his\u3000time\u3000away\u3000from\u3000Menzoberranzan\uff1b\u3000thanks\u3000to\u3000the\u3000traitorous\u3000lichdrow\u3000Dyrr\uff1b\u3000certain\u3000elements\u3000within\u3000the\u3000Academy\u3000had\u3000revealed\u3000themselves\u3002\u3000It\u3000had\u3000taken\u3000Gromph\u3000less\u3000time\u3000that\u3000he\u3000feared\u3000but\u3000more\u3000time\u3000than\u3000he’d\u3000wished\u3000to\u3000reassert\u3000himself\u3000at\u3000Sorcere\u3002\u3000Triel\u3000had\uff1b\u3000to\u3000Gromph’s\u3000surprise\uff1b\u3000actually\u3000done\u3000well\u3000in\u3000maintaining\u3000the\u3000House’s\u3000hold\u3000over\u3000the\u3000school\u3000of\u3000wizards\uff1b\u3000but\u3000still\u3000there\u3000were\u3000traitors\u3000to\u3000kill\u3000and\u3000conspirators\u3000to\u3000bring\u3000back\u3000into\u3000the\u3000fold\u3002\u3000All\u3000that\u3000had\u3000delayed\u3000his\u3000efforts\u3000to\u3000regain\u3000his\u3000eyesight\u3002\u3000No\u3000more\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Prath\u3000was\u3000young\uff1b\u3000still\u3000barely\u3000an\u3000apprentice\uff1b\u3000and\u3000though\u3000Gromph\u3000couldn’t\u3000see\u3000the\u3000two\u3000dark\u3000elves’\u3000faces\u3000since\u3000Kyorli\u3000insisted\u3000on\u3000occasionally\u3000scratching\u3000her\u3000own\u3000hindquarters\u3000with\u3000her\u3000sharp\u3000front\u3000teeth\uff1b\u3000he\u3000was\u3000sure\u3000that\u3000the\u3000other\u2026a\u3000Master\u3000of\u3000Sorcere\u3000named\u3000Jaemas\u3000Xorlarrin\u2026was\u3000looking\u3000at\u3000the\u3000younger\u3000drow\u3000with\u3000impatience\u3002\u3000Baenre\u3000or\u3000no\uff1b\u3000Sorcere\u3000had\u3000its\u3000hierarchies\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003As\u3000you\u3000wish\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000Xorlarrin\u3000mage\u3000replied\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000rat\u3000left\u3000off\u3000her\u3000scratching\u3000when\u3000Gromph\u3000snapped\u3000his\u3000fingers\u3002\u3000He\u3000watched\u3000through\u3000the\u3000rat’s\u3000eyes\u3000as\u3000Kyorli\u3000scampered\u3000up\u3000his\u3000leg\uff1b\u3000to\u3000his\u3000hand\uff1b\u3000up\u3000his\u3000arm\uff1b\u3000and\u3000sat\uff1b\u3000twitching\u3000and\u3000sniffing\uff1b\u3000on\u3000the\u3000archmage’s\u3000shoulder\u3002\u3000Seeing\u3000himself\u3000through\u3000the\u3000rat’s\u3000eyes\u3000unsettled\u3000Gromph\uff1b\u3000and\u3000feeling\u3000the\u3000rat’s\u3000feet\u3000on\u3000him\u2026both\u3000senses\u3000detached\u3000from\u3000each\u3000other\u2026was\u3000something\u3000the\u3000archmage\u3000was\u3000determined\u3000not\u3000to\u3000experience\u3000again\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000stepped\u3000toward\u3000the\u3000bound\u3000dark\u3000elves\uff1b\u3000sharply\u3000aware\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Xorlarrin\u3000mage\u3000following\u3000close\u3000behind\u3000him\u3002\u3000As\u3000they\u3000came\u3000closer\uff1b\u3000a\u3000shadowy\u3000form\u3000revealed\u3000itself\u2026another\u3000drow\u3000standing\u3000inside\u3000the\u3000circle\u3000of\u3000captives\u3002\u3000It\u3000was\u3000Zillak\uff1b\u3000one\u3000of\u3000the\u3000archmage’s\u3000most\u3000trusted\u3000assassins\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Yes\uff1b\u3000Archmage\uff1b\u3003\u3000Jaemas\u3000Xorlarrin\u3000replied\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000stepped\u3000close\u3000to\u3000one\u3000of\u3000the\u3000bound\u3000dark\u3000elves\u3002\u3000All\u3000ten\u3000of\u3000them\u3000were\u3000cousins\u2026the\u3000wicked\u3000sons\u3000of\u3000House\u3000Agrach\u3000Dyrr\u3000and\u3000traitors\u3000to\u3000Menzoberranzan\u3000every\u3000last\u3000one\u3002\u3000Gromph\u3000had\u3000asked\u3000for\u3000the\u3000youngest\uff1b\u3000the\u3000strongest\uff1b\u3000the\u3000ablest\u3000of\u3000them\u3000to\u3000be\u3000spared\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Dyrr\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000archmage\u3000said\uff1b\u3000doing\u3000his\u3000best\u3000to\u3000fix\u3000his\u3000sightless\u3000eyes\u3000on\u3000the\u3000captive’s\u3000face\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000prisoner\u3000squirmed\u3000a\u3000little\u3000at\u3000the\u3000sound\u3000of\u3000his\u3000family’s\u3000name\u3002\u3000Gromph\u3000wondered\u3000if\u3000the\u3000boy\u3000felt\u3000the\u3000shame\u3000his\u3000traitorous\u3000House\u3000had\u3000inflicted\u3000on\u3000every\u3000last\u3000one\u3000of\u3000his\u3000kin\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3003\u3000the\u3000prisoner\u3000muttered\u3002\u3000\u3003I\u3000know\u3000why\u3000I’m\u3000here\uff1b\u3000Baenre\u3002\u3000You\u3000can\u3000do\u3000your\u3000worst\u3000to\u3000me\uff1b\u3000and\u3000I\u3000will\u3000not\u3000betray\u3000my\u3000House\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000laughed\u3002\u3000It\u3000felt\u3000good\u3002\u3000He\u3000hadn’t\u3000had\u3000a\u3000good\u3000laugh\u3000in\u3000a\u3000long\u3000time\uff1b\u3000and\u3000with\u3000the\u3000siege\u3000of\u3000Menzoberranzan\u3000only\u3000digging\u3000in\uff1b\u3000with\u3000no\u3000word\u3000of\u3000Lolth\u3000or\u3000break\u3000in\u3000her\u3000Silence\uff1b\u3000he\u3000didn’t\u3000think\u3000he’d\u3000be\u3000laughing\u3000much\u3000in\u3000the\u3000days\uff1b\u3000t \n
\n \n
\n
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\n in\u3000the\u3000days\uff1b\u3000tendays\uff1b\u3000months\uff1b\u3000or\u3000even\u3000years\u3000ahead\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Thank\u3000you\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000archmage\u3000said\u3000to\u3000the\u3000boy\u3002\u3000He\u3000caught\u3000the\u3000edge\u3000of\u3000the\u3000captive’s\u3000confused\uff1b\u3000surprised\u3000expression\u3000as\u3000Kyorli\u3000began\u3000again\u3000to\u3000worry\u3000at\u3000her\u3000itchy\u3000hip\u3002\u3000\u3003I\u3000don’t\u3000care\u3000what\u3000you\u3000might\u3000have\u3000to\u3000say\u3000about\u3000your\u3000doomed\u3000House\u3002\u3000You\u3000will\u3000answer\u3000only\u3000one\u3000question\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000what\u3000is\u3000that\u3000sigil\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000There\u3000was\u3000a\u3000silence\u3000Gromph\u3000took\u3000as\u3000confusion\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003The\u3000sign\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000archmage\u3000said\uff1b\u3000letting\u3000impatience\u3000sound\u3000in\u3000his\u3000voice\u3002\u3000\u3003The\u3000sigil\u3000my\u3000young\u3000nephew\u3000is\u3000holding\u3000up\u3000in\u3000front\u3000of\u3000you\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000As\u3000ordered\uff1b\u3000Prath\u3000had\u3000taken\u3000up\u3000a\u3000position\u3000some\u3000yards\u3000away\uff1b\u3000against\u3000the\u3000wall\u3000of\u3000the\u3000giant\u3000chamber\uff1b\u3000and\u3000was\u3000holding\u3000up\u3000a\u3000small\u3000placard\u3000maybe\u3000six\u3000inches\u3000on\u3000each\u3000side\u3002\u3000Painted\u3000onto\u3000its\u3000surface\u3000was\u3000a\u3000simple\uff1b\u3000easily\u3000recognizable\u3000rune\u2026one\u3000any\u3000drow\u3000would\u3000recognize\u3000as\u3000marking\u3000a\u3000way\u3000to\u3000shelter\uff1b\u3000a\u3000place\u3000of\u3000safety\u3000in\u3000the\u3000wilds\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Underdark\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000could\u3000pel\u3000you\u3000to\u3000read\u3000it\uff1b\u3000fool\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000archmage\u3000drawled\u3000into\u3000the\u3000prisoner’s\u3000hesitation\u3002\u3000\u3003Tell\u3000me\u3000what\u3000it\u3000is\uff1b\u3000and\u3000let\u3000us\u3000move\u3000on\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003It’s\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3003\u3000the\u3000captive\u3000said\uff1b\u3000squinting\u3002\u3000\u3003Is\u3000it\u3000the\u3000symbol\u3000of\u3000Lolth\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000sighed\u3000and\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003Almost\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000archmage\u3000mentally\u3000nudged\u3000the\u3000rat\u3000on\u3000his\u3000shoulder\u3000and\u3000turned\u3000her\u3000head\u3000to\u3000see\u3000Zillak\u3000wrap\u3000a\u3000thin\u3000wire\u3000garrote\u3000around\u3000the\u3000prisoner’s\u3000neck\u3002\u3000When\u3000blood\u3000began\u3000to\u3000ooze\u3000from\u3000under\u3000the\u3000wire\u3000and\u3000spittle\u3000sprinkled\u3000from\u3000his\u3000mouth\uff1b\u3000Kyorli\u3000paid\u3000closer\u3000attention\u3002\u3000Gromph\u3000waited\u3000for\u3000the\u3000prisoner\u3000to\u3000stop\u3000struggling\uff1b\u3000then\u3000die\uff1b\u3000before\u3000he\u3000stepped\u3000to\u3000the\u3000next\u3000traitor\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000won’t\u3000read\u3000it\uff01\u3003\u3000that\u3000one\u3000barked\uff1b\u3000the\u3000fear\u3000ing\u3000off\u3000him\u3000in\u3000waves\u3002\u3000\u3003What\u3000is\u3000this\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\uff1b\u3000aggravated\u3000at\u3000the\u3000waste\u3000of\u3000time\u3000a\u3000spell\u3000of\u3000pulsion\u3000would\u3000take\uff1b\u3000tipped\u3000his\u3000head\u3000to\u3000the\u3000Xorlarrin\u3000mage\u3000who\u3000still\u3000stood\u3000right\u3000behind\u3000him\u3000and\u3000asked\uff1b\u3000\u3003What\u3000color\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003A\u3000garish\u3000magenta\uff1b\u3000Archmage\uff1b\u3003\u3000Jaemas\u3000answered\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Well\uff1b\u3003\u3000Gromph\u3000replied\uff1b\u3000\u3003that\u3000won’t\u3000do\u3000at\u3000all\uff1b\u3000will\u3000it\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000That\u3000was\u3000enough\u3000for\u3000Zillak\uff1b\u3000who\u3000slipped\u3000the\u3000garrote\uff1b\u3000still\u3000dripping\u3000with\u3000the\u3000first\u3000Dyrr\u3000cousins\u3000blood\uff1b\u3000around\u3000the\u3000second’s\u3000neck\u3002\u3000Gromph\u3000didn’t\u3000bother\u3000waiting\u3000for\u3000the\u3000prisoner\u3000to\u3000die\u3000before\u3000stepping\u3000to\u3000the\u3000third\u3000in\u3000the\u3000circle\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000There\u3000was\u3000a\u3000sharp\u3000stench\u3000of\u3000urine\u3000that\u3000almost\u3000made\u3000Gromph\u3000step\u3000back\uff1b\u3000and\u3000a\u3000spattering\u3000of\u3000droplets\u3000echoed\u3000on\u3000the\u3000hard\u3000stone\u3000floor\u3002\u3000The\u3000archmage\u3000blew\u3000air\u3000out\u3000his\u3000nostrils\u3000to\u3000clear\u3000the\u3000smell\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Read\u3000it\uff1b\u3003\u3000he\u3000said\u3000to\u3000the\u3000terrified\u3000captive\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003It’s\u3000a\u3000way\u3000shelter\u3000rune\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000terrified\u3000Dyrr\u3000cousin\u3000almost\u3000barked\u3002\u3000\u3003A\u3000way\u3000shelter\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000could\u3000tell\u3000by\u3000the\u3000feminine\u3000timbre\u3000in\u3000his\u3000voice\u3000that\u3000he\u3000was\u3000a\u3000younger\u3000cousin\u3002\u3000That\u3000was\u3000positive\u3000in\u3000itself\u3002\u3000Kyorli\uff1b\u3000perhaps\u3000sensing\u3000the\u3000boy’s\u3000fear\u3000or\u3000drawn\u3000to\u3000the\u3000stench\u3000of\u3000piss\uff1b\u3000looked\u3000the\u3000prisoner\u3000in\u3000the\u3000face\u3000and\u3000Gromph\u3000did\u3000his\u3000best\u3000to\u3000keep\u3000the\u3000rat’s\u3000gaze\u3000fixed\u3000on\u3000the\u3000boy’s\u3000eyes\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Jaemas\u3000Xorlarrin\u3000leaned\u3000in\u3000from\u3000behind\u3000and\u3000said\u3000quietly\uff1b\u3000\u3003A\u3000pleasing\u3000blood\u3000red\uff1b\u3000Archmage\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000smiled\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000bound\u3000prisoner\u3000did\u3000his\u3000best\u3000to\u3000look\u3000away\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003The\u3000smaller\uff1b\u3003\u3000Gromph\u3000said\u3000then\u3000listened\u3000to\u3000the\u3000sounds\u3000of\u3000Prath’s\u3000robes\u3000rustling\u3000behind\u3000him\u3002\u3000\u3003Read\u3000it\uff1b\u3003\u3000he\u3000said\u3000to\u3000the\u3000prisoner\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000boy\u3000looked\u3000up\uff1b\u3000tears\u3000streaming\u3000down\u3000his\u3000cheeks\uff1b\u3000and\u3000blinked\u3000at\u3000the\u3000young\u3000Baenre\uff1b\u3000who\u3000Gromph\u3000knew\u3000was\u3000holding\u3000up\u3000the\u3000other\u3000side\u3000of\u3000the\u3000placard\u3000upon\u3000which\u3000was\u3000drawn\uff1b\u3000half\u3000again\u3000smaller\u3000than\u3000the\u3000way\u3000shelter\u3000rune\uff1b\u3000the\u3000number\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Five\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000prisoner\u3000said\uff1b\u3000his\u3000voice\u3000squeaking\u3000in\u3000a\u3000most\u3000unseemly\u3000way\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000smiled\u3000and\u3000stepped\u3000back\uff1b\u3000Jaemas\u3000moving\u3000smoothly\u3000to\u3000get\u3000out\u3000of\u3000his\u3000way\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Yes\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000archmage\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003this\u3000one\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Jaemas\u3000snapped\u3000his\u3000fingers\u3000and\u3000Prath\u3000came\u3000quickly\u3000back\u3000to\u3000attend\u3000his\u3000superiors\u3002\u3000The\u3000sound\u3000of\u3000a\u3000dark\u3000elf\u3000being\u3000strangled\u3000again\u3000echoed\u3000through\u3000the\u3000chamber\uff1b\u3000then\u3000again\uff1b\u3000and\u3000seven\u3000more\u3000times\u3000as\u3000Zillak\u3000executed\u3000the\u3000rest\u3000of\u3000the\u3000captives\uff1b\u3000save\u3000the\u3000one\u3000with\u3000the\u3000sensitive\uff1b\u3000blood\u2026crimson\u3000eyes\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000As\u3000Zillak\u3000went\u3000methodically\u3000about\u3000his\u3000bloody\u3000work\uff1b\u3000Gromph\uff1b\u3000Jaemas\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Prath\u3000stripped\u3000off\u3000their\u3000robes\u3000to\u3000stand\u3000barefoot\uff1b\u3000naked\u3000from\u3000the\u3000waist\u3000up\uff1b\u3000covered\u3000only\u3000by\u3000simple\u3000breeches\u3002\u3000Gromph\u3000concentrated\u3000on\u3000the\u3000sounds\u3000of\u3000the\u3000executions\uff1b\u3000keeping\u3000his\u3000mind\u3000as\u3000clear\u3000as\u3000he\u3000could\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000In\u3000his\u3000rise\u3000through\u3000a\u3000demanding\u3000House\uff1b\u3000then\u3000through\u3000the\u3000ranks\u3000of\u3000Sorcere\uff1b\u3000Gromph\u3000had\u3000seen\u3000and\u3000done\u3000much\u3002\u3000He\u3000was\u3000no\u3000stranger\u3000to\u3000pain\u3000and\u3000sacrifice\u3000and\u3000was\u3000able\u3000to\u3000withstand\u3000much\u3000that\u3000would\u3000break\u3000even\u3000other\u3000noble\u3000drow\u3002\u3000He\u3000told\u3000himself\u3000that\u3000he\u3000would\u3000bear\u3000the\u3000proceedings\u3000that\u3000day\u3000as\u3000well\uff1b\u3000for\u3000his\u3000own\u3000good\u3000and\u3000for\u3000the\u3000sake\u3000of\u3000Menzoberranzan\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000He\u3000kept\u3000mental\u3000note\u3000of\u3000the\u3000number\u3000of\u3000strangulations\u3000he\u3000heard\uff1b\u3000and\u3000when\u3000Zillak\u3000was\u3000squeezing\u3000the\u3000last\u3000of\u3000the\u3000life\u3000out\u3000of\u3000the\u3000last\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Dyrr\u3000captives\uff1b\u3000he\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003Bring\u3000in\u3000the\u3000table\u3000when\u3000you’re\u3000through\u3000there\uff1b\u3000Zillak\u3002\u3000Then\u3000leave\u3000us\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Yes\u3000\u3002\u3002\u3002\u3003\u3000the\u3000assassin\u3000grunted\u3000as\u3000he\u3000strained\u3000through\u3000the\u3000last\u3000execution\uff1b\u3000\u3003Archmage\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000When\u3000that\u3000last\u3000life\u3000was\u3000spent\uff1b\u3000Gromph\u3000caught\u3000a\u3000glimpse\u3000through\u3000Kyorli’s\u3000eyes\u3000of\u3000Zillak\u3000walking\u3000quickly\u3000out\u3000of\u3000the\u3000circle\u3000of\u3000dead\uff1b\u3000wiping\u3000his\u3000hands\u3000dry\u3000on\u3000a\u3000rag\u3002\u3000The\u3000surviving\u3000Dyrr\u3000was\u3000crying\uff1b\u3000and\u3000by\u3000the\u3000sound\u3000of\u3000it\u3000Gromph\u3000thought\u3000the\u3000boy\u3000was\u3000more\u3000ashamed\u3000than\u3000afraid\u3002\u3000He\u3000had\u3000broken\uff1b\u3000after\u3000all\u3002\u3000He\u3000had\u3000behaved\u3000like\u3000some\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000goblin\u2026certainly\u3000not\u3000a\u3000drow\u3002\u3000Dark\u3000elves\u3000didn’t\u3000wet\u3000themselves\u3000at\u3000the\u3000prospect\u3000of\u3000death\u3000or\u3000torture\u3002\u3000Dark\u3000elves\u3000didn’t\u3000cry\u3000in\u3000the\u3000face\u3000of\u3000their\u3000enemies\u2026didn’t\u3000cry\u3000at\u3000all\u3002\u3000If\u3000the\u3000boy\u3000hadn’t\u3000proved\u3000his\u3000keen\u3000darkvision\uff1b\u3000Gromph\u3000might\u3000have\u3000thought\u3000him\u3000half\u3000human\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000An\u3000example\uff1b\u3000he\u3000thought\uff1b\u3000for\u3000us\u3000all\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Zillak\u3000wheeled\u3000in\u3000a\u3000table\u3000upon\u3000which\u3000were\u3000secured\u3000four\u3000sturdy\u3000rothe\u3000leather\u3000straps\u3002\u3000At\u3000one\u3000end\u3000was\u3000a\u3000drain\u3000that\u3000emptied\u3000into\u3000a\u3000big\u3000glass\u3000bottle\u3000hanging\u3000from\u3000the\u3000bottom\u3000of\u3000the\u3000table\u3002\u3000Zillak\u3000left\u3000the\u3000table\u3000where\u3000Jaemas\u3000Xorlarrin\u3000indicated\u3000and\u3000quickly\u3000left\u3000the\u3000room\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000took\u3000hold\u3000of\u3000Kyorli\u3000and\u3000cradled\u3000the\u3000rat\u3000in\u3000his\u3000arms\u3000as\u3000he\u3000sat\u3000on\u3000the\u3000table\u3002\u3000Holding\u3000the\u3000rat\uff1b\u3000he\u3000found\u3000he\u3000could\u3000turn\u3000the\u3000beast\u3000physically\u3000to\u3000keep\u3000her\u3000eyes\u3000focused\u3000where\u3000he\u3000wished\u3002\u3000Gromph\u3000chuckled\u3000at\u3000the\u3000odd\u3000timing\u3000of\u3000that\u3000revelation\u3000and\u3000turned\u3000the\u3000rat’s\u3000face\u3000to\u3000Jaemas\u3002\u3000The\u3000Xorlarrin\u3000mage\u3000was\u3000making\u3000a\u3000point\u3000of\u3000not\u3000acknowledging\u3000Gromph’s\u3000sign\u3000of\u3000humor\u3002\u3000Young\u3000Prath\u3000just\u3000looked\u3000nervous\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003This\u3000is\u3000something\uff1b\u3003\u3000Gromph\u3000said\u3000to\u3000his\u3000nephew\uff1b\u3000\u3003that\u3000few\u3000masters\u3000have\u3000seen\u3000in\u3000a\u3000centuries\u2026long\u3000lifetime\uff1b\u3000young\u3000nephew\u3002\u3000You\u3000will\u3000be\u3000able\u3000to\u3000tell\u3000your\u3000grandchildren\u3000that\u3000you\u3000were\u3000here\u3000to\u3000witness\u3000it\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000apprentice\u3000mage\u3000nodded\uff1b\u3000obviously\u3000unsure\u3000how\u3000to\u3000respond\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Gromph\u3000laughed\u3000at\u3000him\u3000even\u3000as\u3000he\u3000lay\u3000down\u3000on\u3000the\u3000table\u3002\u3000The\u3000steel\u3000was\u3000cold\u3000against\u3000his\u3000back\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Gromph\u3000broke\u3000out\u3000in\u3000gooseflesh\u3002\u3000He\u3000let\u3000out\u3000a\u3000long\u3000sigh\u3000to\u3000keep\u3000from\u3000shivering\u3000and\u3000held\u3000Kyorli\u3000to\u3000his\u3000bare\u3000chest\u3002\u3000The\u3000rat’s\u3000claws\u3000pricked\u3000him\uff1b\u3000but\u3000Gromph\u3000didn’t\u3000mind\u3002\u3000There\u3000would\u3000be\u3000greater\u3000pain\u3000soon\uff1b\u3000and\u3000not\u3000only\u3000for\u3000the\u3000archmage\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Reeling\u3000at\u3000first\u3000from\u3000the\u3000dizzying\u3000perspective\uff1b\u3000Gromph\u3000held\u3000the\u3000rat\u3000aloft\u3000and\u3000turned\u3000it\u3000to\u3000face\u3000the\u3000Master\u3000of\u3000Sorcere\u3002\u3000From\u3000the\u3000bowl\u3000that\u3000Prath\u3000was\u3000holding\u3000Jaemas\u3000had\u3000taken\u3000a\u3000polished\u3000silver\u3000spoon\u3002\u3000No\u3000ordinary\u3000eating\u3000utensil\uff1b\u3000the\u3000edges\u3000of\u3000the\u3000spoon\u3000were\u3000sharpened\u3000to\u3000a\u3000razor’s\u3000keenness\uff1b\u3000Jaemas\u3000gestured\u3000for\u3000Prath\u3000to\u3000step\u3000closer\u3000to\u3000the\u3000prisoner\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Jaemas\u3000began\u3000to\u3000chant\u3000a\u3000spell\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000words\u3000of\u3000power\u3000were\u3000like\u3000music\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000sound\u3000of\u3000them\u3000sent\u3000a\u3000shiver\u3000through\u3000Gromph’s\u3000already\u3000freezing\u3000spine\u3002\u3000It\u3000was\u3000a\u3000good\u3000spell\uff1b\u3000a\u3000hard\u3000spell\uff1b\u3000a\u3000rare\u3000spell\uff1b\u3000and\u3000one\u3000that\u3000only\u3000a\u3000handful\u3000of\u3000drow\u3000knew\u3002\u3000Jaemas\u3000had\u3000been\u3000chosen\u3000carefully\uff1b\u3000after\u3000all\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000As\u3000the\u3000cadence\u3000rose\u3000and\u3000fell\uff1b\u3000the\u3000words\u3000repeating\u3000then\u3000turning\u3000upon\u3000themselves\uff1b\u3000the\u3000Xorlarrin\u3000mage\u3000stepped\u3000closer\u3000still\u3000to\u3000the\u3000shaking\uff1b\u3000terrified\u3000captive\u3002\u3000He\u3000held\u3000the\u3000spoon\u3000in\u3000a\u3000delicate\u3000grip\uff1b\u3000like\u3000an\u3000artist\u3000holds\u3000his\u3000brush\u3002\u3000With\u3000his\u3000other\u3000hand\uff1b\u3000Jaemas\u3000held\u3000the\u3000prisoner’s\u3000left\u3000eye\u3000open\u3000wide\u3002\u3000It\u3000wasn’t\u3000until\u3000the\u3000shining\u3000silver\u3000spoon\u3000was\u3000an\u3000inch\u3000from\u3000the\u3000boy’s\u3000eye\u3000that\u3000the\u3000captive\u3000seemed\u3000to\u3000understand\u3000what\u3000was\u3000about\u3000to\u3000happen\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000He\u3000screamed\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000When\u3000the\u3000sharp\u3000edge\u3000of\u3000the\u3000spoon\u3000slipped\u3000up\u3000under\u3000his\u3000eyelid\uff1b\u3000he\u3000screamed\u3000louder\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000When\u3000Jaemas\uff1b\u3000in\u3000one\u3000deft\uff1b\u3000fluid\u3000motion\uff1b\u3000scooped\u3000the\u3000eye\u3000from\u3000its\u3000socket\uff1b\u3000he\u3000screamed\u3000louder\u3000still\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000When\u3000the\u3000eye\u3000fell\u3000with\u3000a\u3000soft\uff1b\u3000wet\u3000sound\u3000into\u3000the\u3000bowl\u3000that\u3000Prath\u3000held\u3000under\u3000the\u3000prisoner’s\u3000chin\uff1b\u3000he\u3000shrieked\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Seen\u3000through\u3000the\u3000rat’s\u3000eyes\uff1b\u3000the\u3000blood\u3000that\u3000poured\u3000from\u3000the\u3000empty\u3000socket\u3000looked\u3000black\u3002\u3000Jaemas\u3000held\u3000open\u3000the\u3000prisoner’s\u3000right\u3000eye\u3000and\u3000the\u3000young\u3000drow\u3000started\u3000to\u3000beg\u3002\u3000All\u3000the\u3000while\uff1b\u3000the\u3000Master\u3000of\u3000Sorcere\u3000continued\u3000his\u3000incantation\uff1b\u3000not\u3000missing\u3000a\u3000beat\uff1b\u3000not\u3000missing\u3000a\u3000syllable\uff1b\u3000when\u3000he\u3000slid\u3000the\u3000spoon\u3000under\u3000the\u3000right\u3000eyelid\uff1b\u3000the\u3000boy\u3000began\u3000to\u3000pray\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000When\u3000the\u3000eye\u3000came\u3000out\uff1b\u3000all\u3000the\u3000traitor\u3000could\u3000do\u3000was\u3000shake\uff1b\u3000mouth\u3000open\u3000wide\uff1b\u3000cords\u3000showing\u3000in\u3000his\u3000neck\uff1b\u3000blood\u3000flooding\u3000over\u3000his\u3000face\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000had\u3000a\u3000fleeting\u3000thought\u3000of\u3000telling\u3000the\u3000prisoner\uff1b\u3000paralyzed\u3000with\u3000agony\u3000and\u3000horror\uff1b\u3000that\u3000at\u3000least\u3000the\u3000last\u3000thing\u3000he\u3000saw\u3000was\u3000a\u3000drow\u3000face\u3000and\u3000the\u3000simple\u3000line\u3000of\u3000a\u3000silver\u3000spoon\u3002\u3000The\u3000next\u3000thing\u3000Gromph\u3000would\u3000see\u3000might\u3000drive\u3000even\u3000the\u3000archmage\u3000mad\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\uff1b\u3000of\u3000course\uff1b\u3000said\u3000nothing\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Through\u3000Kyorli’s\u3000eyes\uff1b\u3000Gromph\u3000saw\u3000Jaemas\u3000slip\u3000the\u3000silver\u3000spoon\u3000into\u3000the\u3000bowl\uff1b\u3000careful\u3000not\u3000to\u3000cut\u3000either\u3000of\u3000the\u3000fragile\u3000orbs\u3002\u3000The\u3000Xorlarrin\u3000mage\uff1b\u3000still\u3000incanting\uff1b\u3000took\u3000the\u3000rat\u3000from\u3000his\u3000master’s\u3000hands\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Gromph’s\u3000vision\u3000reeled\u3002\u3000He\u3000heard\u3000Prath\u3000set\u3000the\u3000bowl\u3000gently\u3000on\u3000the\u3000floor\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Jaemas\u3000turned\u3000the\u3000rat\u3000so\u3000that\u3000Gromph\u3000could\u3000see\u3000himself\u3000lying\u3000on\u3000his\u3000back\u3000on\u3000the\u3000cold\u3000steel\u3000table\u3002\u3000He\u3000could\u3000see\u3000Prath’s\u3000hands\u3000shaking\u3000as\u3000he\u3000gently\uff1b\u3000almost\u3000reluctantly\uff1b\u3000folded\u3000the\u3000leather \n
\n \n
\n
\n
\n steel\u3000table\u3002\u3000He\u3000could\u3000see\u3000Prath’s\u3000hands\u3000shaking\u3000as\u3000he\u3000gently\uff1b\u3000almost\u3000reluctantly\uff1b\u3000folded\u3000the\u3000leather\u3000straps\u3000around\u3000Gromph’s\u3000right\u3000wrist\u3002\u3000He\u3000fastened\u3000the\u3000strap\uff1b\u3000but\u3000not\u3000nearly\u3000tight\u3000enough\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Tighter\uff1b\u3000boy\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000archmage\u3000growled\u3002\u3000\u3003Don’t\u3000be\u3000squeamish\uff1b\u3000and\u3000don’t\u3000be\u3000afraid\u3000you’re\u3000going\u3000to\u3000hurt\u3000me\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000allowed\u3000himself\u3000a\u3000laugh\u3000as\u3000his\u3000nephew\u3000tightened\u3000the\u3000strap\u3000then\u3000moved\u3000on\u3000to\u3000his\u3000right\u3000ankle\u3002\u3000Jaemas\u3000continued\u3000to\u3000chant\u3000the\u3000words\u3000of\u3000the\u3000spell\u3000as\u3000Prath\u3000finished\u3000strapping\u3000his\u3000uncle\u3000to\u3000the\u3000table\u3000at\u3000both\u3000wrists\u3000and\u3000both\u3000ankles\u3002\u3000When\u3000Gromph\u3000was\u3000satisfied\u3000that\u3000he\u3000was\u3000properly\u3000secured\uff1b\u3000he\u3000nodded\u3000to\u3000the\u3000Xorlarrin\u3000mage\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Odd\uff1b\u3000the\u3000Archmage\u3000of\u3000Menzoberranzan\u3000thought\u3000as\u3000Jaemas\u3000set\u3000Kyorli\u3000down\u3000on\u3000his\u3000bare\u3000chest\u3002\u3000If\u3000Lolth\u3000wished\u3000it\uff1b\u3000none\u3000of\u3000this\u3000would\u3000have\u3000been\u3000necessary\uff1b\u3000but\u3000whether\u3000she\u3000answers\u3000her\u3000priestesses’\u3000prayers\u3000or\u3000not\uff1b\u3000all\u3000of\u3000it\u3000would\u3000still\u3000be\u3000possible\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000That\u3000thought\u3000brought\u3000a\u3000tentative\u3000peace\u3000to\u3000Gromph\u3002\u3000The\u3000knowledge\u2026no\uff1b\u3000the\u3000certainty\u2026of\u3000his\u3000power\u3000had\u3000always\u3000reassured\u3000him\uff1b\u3000and\u3000it\u3000did\u3000still\u3002\u3000It\u3000was\u3000that\u3000certainty\u3000that\u3000helped\u3000him\u3000breathe\u3000normally\u3000and\u3000remain\u3000still\u3000as\u3000he\u3000watched\uff1b\u3000from\u3000the\u3000rat’s\u3000own\u3000eyes\uff1b\u3000Kyorli’s\u3000meandering\uff1b\u3000reluctant\u3000march\u3000up\u3000his\u3000chest\u3000and\u3000onto\u3000his\u3000chin\u3002\u3000The\u3000rat\u3000paused\u3000and\u3000Gromph\u3000saw\u3000black\u3000fingertips\u2026Jaemas’s\u2026descend\u3000over\u3000his\u3000left\u3000eye\u3000with\u3000a\u3000twisted\u3000bit\u3000of\u3000wire\u3002\u3000The\u3000Xorlarrin’s\u3000touch\u3000was\u3000cool\u3000and\u3000dry\u3000on\u3000Gromph’s\u3000eyelids\u3002\u3000The\u3000archmage\u3000held\u3000still\u3000while\u3000the\u3000Xorlarrin\u3000mage\u3000set\u3000the\u3000wires\u3000gently\uff1b\u3000carefully\uff1b\u3000to\u3000hold\u3000his\u3000eyelid\u3000open\u3002\u3000That\u3000was\u3000repeated\u3000on\u3000his\u3000right\u3000eye\u3000while\u3000Jaemas\u3000continued\u3000to\u3000chant\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Kyorli\u3000looked\u3000on\u3000with\u3000uncharacteristic\u3000patience\u3002\u3000The\u3000rat\u3000was\u3000slowly\u3000ing\u3000under\u3000the\u3000influence\u3000of\u3000the\u3000spell\uff1b\u3000and\u3000it\u3000was\u3000that\u3000magic\u3000that\u3000was\u3000focusing\u3000the\u3000rodent’s\u3000attention\u3000on\u3000Gromph’s\u3000eyes\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Though\u3000he\u3000could\u3000feel\u3000the\u3000wires\u3000holding\u3000his\u3000eyes\u3000open\uff1b\u3000Gromph\uff1b\u3000when\u3000he\u3000let\u3000his\u3000concentration\u3000fall\u3000away\u3000from\u3000his\u3000familiar\uff1b\u3000could\u3000see\u3000nothing\u3002\u3000There\u3000was\u3000not\u3000a\u3000hint\u3000of\u3000light\u3000or\u3000shadow\uff1b\u3000not\u3000a\u3000sliver\u3000of\u3000reflection\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000took\u3000a\u3000deep\uff1b\u3000steadying\u3000breath\u3000and\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003Proceed\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000His\u3000concentration\u3000off\u3000the\u3000rat\u3000and\u3000onto\u3000himself\uff1b\u3000Gromph\u3000couldn’t\u3000see\u3000Kyorli\u3000crawl\u3000over\u3000his\u3000face\uff1b\u3000but\u3000he\u3000could\u3000feel\u3000every\u3000needle\u3000prick\u3000of\u3000her\u3000claws\uff1b\u3000could\u3000smell\u3000her\u3000musk\uff1b\u3000and\u3000could\u3000hear\u3000her\u3000sniffing\u3002\u3000A\u3000whisker\u3000slipped\u3000across\u3000one\u3000of\u3000Gromph’s\u3000open\u3000eyes\uff1b\u3000and\u3000he\u3000flinched\u3002\u3000It\u3000stung\u3002\u3000His\u3000eyes\u3000might\u3000have\u3000been\u3000useless\uff1b\u3000but\u3000they\u3000could\u3000still\u3000register\u3000pain\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Well\uff1b\u3000thought\u3000Gromph\uff1b\u3000too\u3000bad\u3000for\u3000me\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000first\u3000bite\u3000sent\u3000a\u3000wave\u3000of\u3000burning\u3000agony\u3000blasting\u3000through\u3000the\u3000archmage’s\u3000head\u3002\u3000Gromph’s\u3000entire\u3000body\u3000tensed\uff1b\u3000and\u3000his\u3000teeth\u3000ground\u3000together\u3002\u3000He\u3000could\u3000feel\u3000the\u3000rat\u3000back\u3000off\u3000and\u3000could\u3000feel\u3000the\u3000blood\u3000slowly\u3000drip\u3000down\u3000the\u3000side\u3000of\u3000his\u3000face\u3002\u3000Jaemas\u3000continued\u3000to\u3000chant\u3002\u3000The\u3000pain\u3000didn’t\u3000stop\u3000either\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Kyorli\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000archmage\u3000grunted\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000rat\u3000was\u3000hesitating\u3002\u3000Even\u3000under\u3000the\u3000influence\u3000of\u3000the\u3000spell\uff1b\u3000even\u3000offered\u3000the\u3000tasty\u3000morsel\u3000of\u3000a\u3000living\u2026if\u3000sightless\u2026eye\uff1b\u3000the\u3000rat\u3000knew\u3000that\u3000she\u3000was\u3000mutilating\u3000her\u3000own\u3000master\uff1b\u3000a\u3000master\u3000who\u3000had\u3000proven\u3000in\u3000the\u3000past\u3000to\u3000be\u3000anything\u3000but\u3000forgiving\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000slipped\u3000his\u3000consciousness\u3000into\u3000his\u3000familiar’s\uff1b\u3000and\u3000despite\u3000the\u3000one\u3000already\u3000ruined\u3000eye\u3000sending\u3000blood\u3000dripping\u3000down\u3000the\u3000side\u3000of\u3000his\u3000head\uff1b\u3000Gromph\u3000could\u3000see\u3002\u3000It\u3000was\u3000the\u3000same\u3000colorless\uff1b\u3000dull\u3000rat’s\u3000vision\uff1b\u3000though\u3002\u3000He\u3000could\u3000see\u3000the\u3000bite\u3000the\u3000rat\u3000had\u3000already\u3000taken\u3000out\u3000of\u3000his\u3000right\u3000eye\uff1b\u3000could\u3000see\u3000the\u3000blood\uff1b\u3000could\u3000see\u3000himself\u3000shaking\uff1b\u3000could\u3000see\u3000the\u3000grim\u3000set\u3000of\u3000his\u3000jaw\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000open\uff1b\u3000helpless\u3000orb\u3000of\u3000his\u3000other\u3000blind\u3000eye\u3000awaiting\u3000the\u3000rodent’s\u3000reluctant\u3000ministrations\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000pelled\u3000the\u3000rat\u3000to\u3000finish\u3000her\u3000work\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Kyorli\u3000might\u3000have\u3000hesitated\u3000at\u3000the\u3000orders\u3000of\u3000Jaemas\uff1b\u3000but\u3000she\u3000responded\u3000to\u3000her\u3000master’s\u3000invitation\u3000to\u3000feed\u3000without\u3000a\u3000second’s\u3000pause\u3002\u3000For\u3000at\u3000least\u3000three\u3000bites\uff1b\u3000Gromph\u3000watched\u3000his\u3000own\u3000eye\u3000being\u3000chewed\u3000out\u3000of\u3000his\u3000head\uff1b\u3000then\u3000Kyorli’s\u3000vision\u3000blurred\u3000as\u3000she\u3000plunged\u3000her\u3000head\u3000into\u3000the\u3000ruined\u3000orb\u3000to\u3000tear\u3000at\u3000the\u3000tender\uff1b\u3000blood\u2026soaked\u3000bits\u3000inside\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000pain\u3000was\u3000unlike\u3000anything\u3000Gromph\u3000had\u3000ever\u3000imagined\uff1b\u3000and\u3000in\u3000his\u3000long\uff1b\u3000uneasy\u3000life\uff1b\u3000the\u3000Archmage\u3000of\u3000Menzoberranzan\u3000had\u3000imagined\u3000a\u3000lot\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Scream\u3000if\u3000you\u3000have\u3000to\uff1b\u3000Archmage\uff1b\u3003\u3000his\u3000nephew\u3000whispered\u3000into\u3000his\u3000ear\uff1b\u3000barely\u3000audible\u3000over\u3000the\u3000sound\u3000of\u3000the\u3000feeding\u3000rat\u3002\u3000\u3003There\u3000is\u3000no\u3000shame\u3000in\u3000it\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000grunted\uff1b\u3000trying\u3000to\u3000speak\uff1b\u3000but\u3000kept\u3000his\u3000jaw\u3000clamped\u3000shut\u3002\u3000The\u3000young\u3000apprentice\u3000had\u3000no\u3000idea\u3000what\u3000shame\u3000was\uff1b\u3000but\u3000even\u3000in\u3000his\u3000maddening\u3000agony\uff1b\u3000Gromph\u3000promised\u3000himself\u3000that\u3000his\u3000nephew\u3000would\u3000learn\u3000and\u3000that\u3000would\u3000be\u3000the\u3000last\u3000time\u3000Prath\u3000Baenre\u3000offered\u3000his\u3000uncle\u3000advice\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000didn’t\u3000scream\uff1b\u3000even\u3000when\u3000the\u3000rat\u3000moved\u3000on\u3000to\u3000the\u3000other\u3000eye\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000
\nChapter\u3000Two
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000demon\u3000steered\u3000them\u3000to\u3000the\u3000darkest\u3000part\u3000of\u3000the\u3000lake\uff1b\u3000and\u3000not\u3000one\u3000of\u3000the\u3000drow\u3000thought\u3000anything\u3000of\u3000it\u3002\u3000Bobbing\u3000at\u3000anchor\u3000in\u3000the\u3000deep\u3000gloom\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Lake\u3000of\u3000Shadows\uff1b\u3000the\u3000ship\u3000of\u3000chaos\u2026Raashub’s\u3000ship\u3000of\u3000chaos\u2026stood\u3000out\u3000stark\u3000white\u3000against\u3000the\u3000inky\u3000darkness\u3002\u3000The\u3000water\u3000itself\u3000was\u3000a\u3000black\u3000matched\u3000only\u3000by\u3000the\u3000deep\u3000ebony\u3000of\u3000his\u3000drow\u3000master’s\u3000skin\u3002\u3000The\u3000wizard\uff1b\u3000the\u3000one\u3000they\u3000called\u3000Pharaun\uff1b\u3000had\u3000found\u3000him\uff1b\u3000bound\u3000him\uff1b\u3000chained\u3000him\u3000to\u3000his\u3000own\u3000deck\uff1b\u3000and\u3000had\u3000done\u3000so\u3000with\u3000no\u3000humility\uff1b\u3000no\u3000respect\uff1b\u3000and\u3000no\u3000fear\u3002\u3000The\u3000thought\u3000of\u3000it\u3000made\u3000the\u3000wiry\u3000black\u3000hairs\u3000that\u3000dotted\u3000the\u3000demon’s\u3000wrinkled\u3000gray\u3000flesh\u3000stand\u3000on\u3000end\u3002\u3000For\u3000a\u3000few\u3000moments\uff1b\u3000the\u3000demon\u3000stood\u3000reveling\u3000in\u3000the\u3000hatred\u3000he\u3000felt\u3000for\u3000that\u3000drow\u3000and\u3000his\u3000haughty\u3000kin\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000drow\u3000had\u3000been\u3000gating\u3000in\u3000one\u3000servile\uff1b\u3000simpering\uff1b\u3000weak\u2026willed\u3000mane\u3000after\u3000another\u3002\u3000The\u3000damned\u3000souls\u3000of\u3000petty\u3000sinners\u3000were\u3000food\u3000in\u3000the\u3000Abyss\uff1b\u3000and\u3000they\u3000were\u3000food\u3000for\u3000the\u3000ship\u3000of\u3000chaos\u3002\u3000The\u3000uridezu\u3000took\u3000note\u3000of\u3000the\u3000number\u3000of\u3000manes\u3000the\u3000drow\u3000wizard\u3000brought\u3000in\u3000at\u3000any\u3000given\u3000time\u3000in\u3000hopes\u3000of\u3000gauging\u3000the\u3000dark\u3000elf’s\u3000power\u3002\u3000If\u3000it\u3000was\u3000an\u3000exact\u3000science\uff1b\u3000the\u3000gating\u3000in\u3000of\u3000lesser\u3000demons\uff1b\u3000Raashub\u3000didn’t\u3000know\u3000its\u3000finer\u3000points\uff1b\u3000but\u3000so\u3000many\u3000of\u3000them\u3000were\u3000ing\u3000through\u3000there\u3000could\u3000be\u3000no\u3000doubt\u3000that\u3000the\u3000drow\u3000was\u3000skilled\u3002\u3000Raashub\u3000wasn’t\u3000helping\u3000the\u3000drow\u3000and\u3000was\u3000happy\u3000to\u3000let\u3000them\u3000not\u3000only\u3000feed\u3000his\u3000ship\u3000but\u3000exhaust\u3000their\u3000spells\uff1b\u3000efforts\uff1b\u3000and\u3000attention\u3000in\u3000the\u3000process\u3002\u3000The\u3000presence\u3000of\u3000all\u3000those\u3000wailing\uff1b\u3000miserable\u3000demons\u3000must\u3000have\u3000clouded\u3000the\u3000drow\u3000priestess’s\u3000senses\u3000enough\u3000that\u3000at\u3000times\u3000Raashub\u3000could\u3000push\u3000the\u3000boundaries\u3000of\u3000his\u3000captivity\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000A\u3000rat’s\u3000primitive\u3000consciousness\u3000intruded\u3000on\u3000his\u3000own\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Raashub\u3000sent\u3000only\u3000the\u3000tiniest\u3000hint\u3000of\u3000a\u3000glance\u3000its\u3000way\u3002\u3000He’d\u3000been\u3000calling\u3000them\uff1b\u3000subtly\uff1b\u3000for\u3000two\u3000days\u2026ever\u3000since\u3000the\u3000drow\u3000had\u3000first\u3000e\u3000aboard\u3002\u3000The\u3000rodents\u3000swam\u3000the\u3000surface\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Lake\u3000of\u3000Shadows\uff1b\u3000and\u3000they\u3000inhabited\u3000the\u3000spaces\u3000between\u3000decks\u3000and\u3000under\u3000steps\u3000on\u3000the\u3000ship\u3000of\u3000chaos\u3000the\u3000same\u3000way\u3000rats\u3000everywhere\u3000swam\uff1b\u3000hid\uff1b\u3000and\u3000survived\u3002\u3000Raashub\uff1b\u3000an\u3000uridezu\uff1b\u3000was\u3000as\u3000much\u3000rat\u3000as\u3000anything\u3000else\u3000a\u3000mundane\u3000prime\u3000could\u3000understand\uff1b\u3000and\u3000he\u3000knew\u3000the\u3000rats\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Underdark\u3000as\u3000he\u3000knew\u3000rats\u3000in\u3000every\u3000corner\u3000of\u3000the\u3000endless\u3000planes\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000rodent\u3000responded\u3000to\u3000Raashub’s\u3000glance\u3000with\u3000a\u3000silent\u3000twitch\u3000of\u3000its\u3000whiskers\uff1b\u3000a\u3000gesture\u3000the\u3000uridezu\u3000felt\u3000more\u3000than\u3000saw\u3002\u3000It\u3000scurried\u3000behind\u3000the\u3000thick\u3000base\u3000of\u3000the\u3000main\u3000mast\u3000and\u3000crept\u3000cautiously\u3000toward\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000They\u3000called\u3000the\u3000half\u2026breed\u3000Jeggred\u3002\u3000As\u3000draegloths\u3000went\u3000he\u3000was\u3000an\u3000average\u3000specimen\u3002\u3000If\u3000Raashub\u3000were\u3000stupid\u3000enough\u3000to\u3000engage\u3000him\uff1b\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3000would\u3000win\u3000a\u3000one\u2026on\u2026one\u3000fight\uff1b\u3000but\u3000the\u3000uridezu\u3000would\u3000never\u3000be\u3000that\u3000stupid\u3002\u3000He\u3000would\u3000never\u3000be\u3000as\u3000stupid\u3000as\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000rat\u3000didn’t\u3000want\u3000to\u3000bite\u3000the\u3000half\u2026demon\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Raashub\u3000had\u3000to\u3000silently\u3000insist\u3002\u3000It\u3000was\u3000a\u3000gamble\uff1b\u3000but\u3000the\u3000uridezu\u3000didn’t\u3000mind\u3000the\u3000odd\u3000risk\u3000for\u3000the\u3000odder\u3000reward\u3002\u3000His\u3000psychic\u3000urging\u3000drew\u3000the\u3000attention\u3000of\u3000one\u3000of\u3000the\u3000female\u3000drow\u3000again\uff1b\u3000though\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000uridezu\u3000backed\u3000off\uff1b\u3000looking\u3000away\u3000before\u3000they\u3000made\u3000eye\u3000contact\u3002\u3000All\u3000of\u3000the\u3000drow\u3000deferred\uff1b\u3000if\u3000grudgingly\uff1b\u3000to\u3000the\u3000female\u3000named\u3000Quenthel\uff1b\u3000who\u3000was\u3000apparently\u3000some\u3000high\u3000priestess\u3000of\u3000the\u3000drow\u3000spider\u2026bitch\u3000Lolth\u3002\u3000That\u3000one\u3000was\u3000as\u3000conceited\u3000and\u3000as\u3000unworthy\u3000of\u3000that\u3000conceit\u3000as\u3000the\u3000rest\u3000of\u3000them\uff1b\u3000but\u3000she\u3000was\u3000sensitive\u3002\u3000Raashub\u3000worried\u3000that\u3000she\u3000could\u3000actually\u3000hear\u3000him\u3000when\u3000he\u3000didn’t\u3000want\u3000her\u3000to\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Darting\u3000in\u3000fast\uff1b\u3000the\u3000rat\u3000nipped\u3000at\u3000the\u3000draegloth’s\u3000ankle\u3002\u3000The\u3000half\u2026demon\u3000swatted\u3000it\u3000away\u3000with\u3000a\u3000grunt\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000tiny\u3000rodent\u3000flew\u3000through\u3000the\u3000air\uff1b\u3000out\u3000into\u3000the\u3000darkness\u3002\u3000The\u3000splash\u3000was\u3000almost\u3000too\u3000far\u3000away\u3000to\u3000hear\u3002\u3000The\u3000draegloth\uff1b\u3000whose\u3000skin\u3000was\u3000unmarred\u3000by\u3000the\u3000puny\u3000creature’s\u3000teeth\uff1b\u3000locked\u3000his\u3000eyes\u3000on\u3000Raashub’s\u3000and\u3000glared\u3000at\u3000him\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000draegloth\u3000had\u3000been\u3000doing\u3000little\u3000the\u3000past\u3000two\u3000days\u3000but\u3000glare\u3000at\u3000him\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Annoying\u3000little\u3000vermin\uff1b\u3000Raashub\u3000sent\u3000into\u3000the\u3000draegloth’s\u3000mind\uff1b\u3000aren’t\u3000they\uff1b\u3000Jeggred\uff1f
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000draegloth\u3000blew\u3000a\u3000short\uff1b\u3000vile\u2026smelling\u3000breath\u3000out\u3000of\u3000his\u3000nostrils\u3000and\u3000his\u3000lips\u3000peeled\u3000slowly\u3000back\u3000to\u3000reveal\u3000fangs\u2026rows\u3000of\u3000dagger\u3000blades\u3000as\u3000sharp\u3000as\u3000razors\u3000and\u3000as\u3000piercing\u3000as\u3000needles\u3002\u3000The\u3000half\u2026demon\u3000hissed\u3000his\u3000anger\uff1b\u3000and\u3000boiling\u3000spittle\u3000sizzled\u3000on\u3000his\u3000lips\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pretty\uff1b\u3000Raashub\u3000taunted\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000draegloth’s\u3000eyes\u3000narrowed\u3000in\u3000confusion\u3002\u3000Raashub\u3000allowed\u3000himself\u3000to\u3000laugh\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000high\u3000priestess\u3000turned\u3000and\u3000looked\u3000at\u3000them\u3000both\u3002\u3000Again\uff1b\u3000Raashub\u3000avoided\u3000eye\u3000contact\u3002\u3000He\u3000moved\u3000his\u3000foot\u3000enough\u3000to\u3000let\u3000the\u3000chain\u3000that\u3000bound\u3000him\u3000rattle\u3000against\u3000the\u3000single\u3000dragon\u3000bone\u3000that\u3000prised\u3000most\u3000of\u3000the\u3000deck\u3000of\u3000his\u3000ship\u3002\u3000Above\u3000him\uff1b\u3000the\u3000tattered\u3000sails\u3000of\u3000human\u3000skin\u3000hung\u3000limp\u3000in\u3000the\u3000still\u3000air\u3002\u3000The\u3000demon\u3000heard\u3000Jeggred\u3000turn\u3002\u3000Raashub\u3000liked\u3000the\u3000game\u2026they\u3000were\u3000both\u3000caught\u3000by\u3000a\u3000sternly\u3000disapproving\u3000mother\u3000in\u3000their\u3000boyish\u3000mischief\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Quenthel\u3000looked\u3000away\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Jeggred\u3000locked\u3000his\u3000eyes\u3000on\u3000Raashub\u3000again\u3002\u3000The\u3000uridezu\u3000didn’t\u3000bother\u3000taunting\u3000him\u3000anymore\u3000that\u3000day\u3002\u3000It\u3000was\u3000being\u3000boring\u3002\u3000Instead\uff1b\u3000the\u3000demon\u3000contented\u3000himself\u3000with\u3000standing\u3000quietly \n
\n \n
\n
\n
\n im\u3000anymore\u3000that\u3000day\u3002\u3000It\u3000was\u3000being\u3000boring\u3002\u3000Instead\uff1b\u3000the\u3000demon\u3000contented\u3000himself\u3000with\u3000standing\u3000quietly\uff1b\u3000occasionally\u3000nudging\u3000the\u3000ship\u3000a\u3000little\u3000closer\u3000to\u3000the\u3000deeper\u3000gloom\u3000along\u3000the\u3000cavern\u3000wall\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Patience\u3000was\u3000not\u3000normally\u3000a\u3000quality\u3000enjoyed\u3000by\u3000his\u3000kind\uff1b\u3000but\u3000Raashub\u3000had\u3000been\u3000trapped\u3000in\u3000the\u3000Lake\u3000of\u3000Shadows\u3000for\u3000a\u3000long\u3000time\u3002\u3000The\u3000appearance\u3000of\u3000the\u3000drow\u3000had\u3000been\u3000something\u3000of\u3000a\u3000godsend\u2026though\u3000by\u3000the\u3000tone\u3000of\u3000their\u3000conversations\u3000and\u3000the\u3000snippets\u3000of\u3000facts\u3000regarding\u3000their\u3000mission\u3000the\u3000drow\u3000had\u3000let\u3000slip\uff1b\u3000Raashub\u3000knew\u3000it\u3000was\u3000hardly\u3000a\u3000god\u3000or\u3000goddess\u3000who’d\u3000sent\u3000them\u3002\u3000They\u3000had\u3000managed\u3000to\u3000release\u3000his\u3000ship\u3000and\u3000release\u3000him\u3002\u3000If\u3000he\u3000was\u3000anything\u3000but\u3000an\u3000uridezu\uff1b\u3000a\u3000demon\u3000born\u3000in\u3000the\u3000whirling\u3000chaos\u3000of\u3000Mother\u3000Abyss\uff1b\u3000he\u3000might\u3000have\u3000been\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000ah\uff1b\u3000what\u3000was\u3000the\u3000word\uff1f\u3000Grateful\uff1f\u3000Instead\uff1b\u3000he\u3000was\u3000patient\uff1b\u3000a\u3000little\u3000patient\u3000for\u3000a\u3000little\u3000longer\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Soon\u3000the\u3000drow\u3000would\u3000slip\u3000into\u3000their\u3000Reverie\uff1b\u3000their\u3000meditative\u3000trance\u3000so\u3000like\u3000sleep\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000high\u3000priestess\u3000would\u3000look\u3000inward\u3002\u3000When\u3000that\u3000time\u3000came\u3000and\u3000she\u3000couldn’t\u3000sense\u3000what\u3000he\u3000was\u3000doing\uff1b\u3000Raashub\u3000would\u3000bring\u3000another\u3000of\u3000his\u3000kind\u3000across\u3000the\u3000limitless\u3000infinity\u3000between\u3000planes\u3002\u3000He\u3000had\u3000already\u3000called\u3000one\u3000of\u3000them\u3000the\u3000day\u3000before\u3002\u3000The\u3000drow\uff1b\u3000over\u2026confident\u3000in\u3000their\u3000measure\u3000of\u3000control\u3000over\u3000him\uff1b\u3000hadn’t\u3000sensed\u3000him\u3000calling\uff1b\u3000failed\u3000to\u3000notice\u3000his\u3000cousin\u3000Jaershed\u3000cross\u3000from\u3000the\u3000Abyss\uff1b\u3000and\u3000still\u3000didn’t\u3000realize\u3000that\u3000the\u3000other\u3000uridezu\u3000was\u3000even\u3000then\u3000clinging\u3000to\u3000the\u3000keel\uff1b\u3000wrapped\u3000in\u3000conjured\u3000darkness\uff1b\u3000waiting\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Jaershed\u3000hadn’t\u3000learned\u3000patience\u3000the\u3000way\u3000Raashub\u3000had\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000lust\u3000for\u3000blood\u3000and\u3000chaos\u3000sometimes\u3000came\u3000out\u3000of\u3000him\u3000in\u3000waves\u3002\u3000When\u3000it\u3000did\u3000the\u3000damnable\u3000high\u3000priestess\u3000would\u3000look\u3000around\u3000as\u3000if\u3000she’d\u3000heard\u3000something\uff1b\u3000as\u3000if\u3000she\u3000thought\u3000she\u3000were\u3000being\u3000watched\u3002\u3000Raashub\u3000would\u3000silently\u3000wail\uff1b\u3000then\uff1b\u3000adding\u3000his\u3000mental\u3000voice\u3000to\u3000the\u3000anguished\u3000moans\u3000of\u3000the\u3000parade\u3000of\u3000manes\u3000they\u3000brought\u3000in\u3000and\u3000led\u3000into\u3000the\u3000hold\u3000one\u3000by\u3000one\u3002\u3000Quenthel\u3000would\u3000be\u3000curious\uff1b\u3000disturbed\u3000even\uff1b\u3000but\u3000she\u3000would\u3000ultimately\u3000believe\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000dark\u3000elves\u3000had\u3000bested\u3000Raashub\u3000after\u3000all\u3002\u3000Their\u3000powerful\u3000mage\u3000had\u3000trapped\u3000him\u3000on\u3000that\u3000miserable\u3000plane\uff1b\u3000chained\u3000him\u3000to\u3000his\u3000own\u3000deck\uff1b\u3000cowed\u3000him\uff1b\u3000enslaved\u3000him\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000and\u3000none\u3000of\u3000them\u3000could\u3000imagine\u3000that\u3000as\u3000true\u3000as\u3000that\u3000was\uff1b\u3000nothing\u2026not\u3000in\u3000the\u3000Abyss\uff1b\u3000the\u3000Underdark\uff1b\u3000the\u3000Lake\u3000of\u3000Shadows\uff1b\u3000or\u3000aboard\u3000a\u3000ship\u3000of\u3000bone\u3000and\u3000chaos\u2026lasted\u3000forever\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Raashub\u3000closed\u3000his\u3000eyes\uff1b\u3000suppressed\u3000his\u3000anticipation\uff1b\u3000and\u3000smiled\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000It\u3000swiped\u3000at\u3000Ryld\u3000with\u3000one\u3000set\u3000of\u3000claws\u3002\u3000Ryld\u3000was\u3000ready\u3000to\u3000meet\u3000it\uff1b\u3000fully\u3000engaged\u3000to\u3000sever\u3000the\u3000animal’s\u3000front\u3000leg\u3000at\u3000the\u3000elbow\u2026when\u3000both\u3000of\u3000them\u3000jerked\u3000backward\u3000to\u3000avoid\u3000something\u3000that\u3000whizzed\u3000through\u3000the\u3000air\u3000between\u3000them\u3000in\u3000a\u3000flurry\u3000of\u3000feathers\uff1b\u3000talons\uff1b\u3000and\u3000turbulent\u3000air\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Ryld\u3000followed\u3000the\u3000animal’s\u3000eyes\u3000as\u3000it\u3000followed\u3000the\u3000new\u3000player’s\u3000mad\u3000course\u3000through\u3000the\u3000air\u3002\u3000It\u3000was\u3000some\u3000kind\u3000of\u3000bird\uff1b\u3000but\u3000with\u3000four\u3000wings\u3002\u3000Its\u3000multicolored\u3000feathers\u3000blended\u3000well\u3000into\u3000the\u3000dark\u3000background\u3000of\u3000the\u3000forest\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Ryld\u3000actually\u3000lost\u3000sight\u3000of\u3000it\u3000for\u3000a\u3000second\u3002\u3000The\u3000huge\u3000furry\u3000beast\u3000stepped\u3000back\uff1b\u3000trying\u3000to\u3000look\u3000at\u3000Ryld\u3000and\u3000look\u3000out\u3000for\u3000the\u3000bird\u2026thing\u3000at\u3000the\u3000same\u3000time\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Even\u3000Ryld\u3000wasn’t\u3000able\u3000to\u3000do\u3000that\uff1b\u3000and\u3000since\u3000the\u3000furry\u3000animal\u3000was\u3000in\u3000front\u3000of\u3000him\u3000and\u3000at\u3000least\u3000a\u3000little\u3000off\u3000its\u3000guard\uff1b\u3000the\u3000weapons\u3000master\u3000stepped\u3000in\u3000to\u3000attack\u3000again\u2026and\u3000again\u3000the\u3000bird\u2026thing\u3000flashed\u3000between\u3000them\uff1b\u3000raking\u3000the\u3000air\u3000with\u3000its\u3000needle\u2026like\u3000talons\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Ryld\u3000barely\u3000twitched\u3000away\uff1b\u3000but\u3000the\u3000big\u3000animal\u3000all\u3000but\u3000fell\u3000onto\u3000its\u3000back\u3000to\u3000avoid\u3000the\u3000newer\u3002\u3000Ryld\uff1b\u3000already\u3000in\u3000mid\u2026slash\uff1b\u3000quickly\u3000changed\u3000the\u3000direction\u3000of\u3000his\u3000attack\u3000and\u3000was\u3000half\u3000an\u3000inch\u3000from\u3000cutting\u3000the\u3000fast\u2026flying\u3000bird\u2026thing\u3000in\u3000half\u3000when\u3000Halisstra\u3000called\u3000out\u3000from\u3000behind\u3000him\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Wait\uff01\u3003\u3000she\u3000shouted\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Ryld\u3000tipped\u3000the\u3000point\u3000of\u3000his\u3000blade\u3000down\u3000barely\u3000enough\u3000to\u3000let\u3000the\u3000bird\u3000fly\u3000past\u3002\u3000\u3003It’s\u3000mine\u3002\u3000I\u3000summoned\u3000it\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Ryld\u3000didn’t\u3000have\u3000time\u3000to\u3000ask\u3000her\u3000how\u3000she’d\u3000managed\u3000to\u3000do\u3000that\u3002\u3000Instead\u3000he\u3000stepped\u3000back\u3000three\u3000long\u3000strides\uff1b\u3000keeping\u3000his\u3000eyes\u3000on\u3000the\u3000beast\uff1b\u3000which\u3000was\u3000already\u3000back\u3000on\u3000its\u3000feet\u3002\u3000The\u3000bird\u2026thing\u3000slashed\u3000in\u3000from\u3000the\u3000darkness\u3000behind\u3000the\u3000animal\u3000and\u3000dragged\u3000its\u3000talons\u3000across\u3000the\u3000beast’s\u3000head\u3002\u3000The\u3000creature\u3000howled\u3000in\u3000pain\u3000and\u3000surprise\u3000and\u3000snapped\u3000its\u3000jaws\u3000at\u3000the\u3000passing\u3000bird\u2026thing\uff1b\u3000missing\u3000it\u3000by\u3000a\u3000yard\u3000or\u3000more\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003What\u3000is\u3000that\uff1f\u3003\u3000Ryld\u3000asked\uff1b\u3000not\u3000looking\u3000at\u3000Halisstra\u3000but\u3000keeping\u3000his\u3000eyes\u3000on\u3000the\u3000furious\u3000forest\u3000animal\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003It’s\u3000an\u3000arrowhawk\uff1b\u3003\u3000Halisstra\u3000answered\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000animal\u3000looked\u3000at\u3000him\uff1b\u3000grunted\uff1b\u3000and\u3000came\u3000on\u3002\u3000Either\u3000it\u3000had\u3000forgotten\u3000about\u3000the\u3000arrowhawk\u3000or\u3000had\u3000given\u3000up\u3000trying\u3000to\u3000see\u3000it\u3000ing\u3002\u3000Ryld\u3000crouched\uff1b\u3000Splitter\u3000out\u3000in\u3000front\u3000of\u3000him\uff1b\u3000awaiting\u3000the\u3000beast’s\u3000charge\u3002\u3000He\u3000kept\u3000his\u3000shoulders\u3000loose\u3000and\u3000told\u3000himself\u3000that\u3000the\u3000fight\u3000had\u3000gone\u3000on\u3000long\u3000enough\u3002\u3000He\u3000was\u3000not\u3000going\u3000to\u3000be\u3000made\u3000a\u3000fool\u3000of\u3000by\u2026
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u2026and\u3000the\u3000arrowhawk\u3000swished\u3000over\u3000his\u3000head\uff1b\u3000missing\u3000the\u3000top\u3000of\u3000his\u3000close\u2026cropped\u3000white\u3000hair\u3000by\u3000a\u3000finger’s\u3000width\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Ryld\u3000tucked\u3000his\u3000head\u3000down\u3000as\u3000it\u3000shot\u3000over\u3000him\u3002\u3000The\u3000bird\u3000flew\u3000as\u3000fast\u3000as\u3000an\u3000arrow\u3000shot\u3000from\u3000a\u3000longbow\uff1b\u3000and\u3000it\u3000was\u3000easy\u3000for\u3000Ryld\u3000to\u3000understand\u3000how\u3000the\u3000creature\u3000had\u3000received\u3000its\u3000name\u3002\u3000It\u3000looked\u3000as\u3000if\u3000the\u3000hawk\u3000was\u3000flying\u3000straight\u3000for\u3000the\u3000furry\u3000creature’s\u3000eyes\u3002\u3000Half\u3000of\u3000Ryld\u3000wanted\u3000the\u3000arrowhawk\u3000to\u3000kill\u3000it\uff1b\u3000the\u3000other\u3000half\u3000didn’t\u3000want\u3000to\u3000be\u3000shown\u3000up\u3000by\u3000some\u3000conjured\u3000bird\u3002\u3000At\u3000least\u3000not\u3000in\u3000front\u3000of\u2026
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000That\u3000thought\u3000too\u3000went\u3000unfinished\u3000when\u3000Ryld\u3000heard\u3000himself\u3000gasp\u3000at\u3000the\u3000sight\u3000of\u3000the\u3000huge\u3000ground\u3000animal\u3000grabbing\u3000the\u3000arrowhawk\u3000right\u3000out\u3000of\u3000the\u3000air\u3000with\u3000one\u3000huge\uff1b\u3000clawed\u3000hand\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000bird\u3000let\u3000out\u3000an\u3000ear\u2026rattling\u3000squawk\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000creature\u3000looked\u3000it\u3000in\u3000the\u3000eyes\u3000as\u3000it\u3000started\u3000to\u3000squeeze\u3002\u3000Ryld\u3000didn’t\u3000doubt\u3000for\u3000a\u3000moment\u3000that\u3000the\u3000big\u3000animal\u3000could\u3000break\u3000the\u3000long\uff1b\u3000slender\u3000arrowhawk\u3000in\u3000two\u3000with\u3000one\u3000hand\u3002\u3000It\u3000was\u3000half\u3000a\u3000second\u3000away\u3000from\u3000doing\u3000just\u3000that\u3000when\u3000the\u3000arrowhawk\u3000flipped\u3000its\u3000long\uff1b\u3000feathered\u3000tail\u3000up\u3000and\u3000pointed\u3000it\u3000at\u3000the\u3000animal’s\u3000face\u3002\u3000An\u3000eye\u2026searing\u3000flash\u3000of\u3000blinding\u3000light\u3000arced\u3000from\u3000the\u3000arrowhawk’s\u3000tail\u3000to\u3000the\u3000tip\u3000of\u3000the\u3000animal’s\u3000nose\u3002\u3000Ryld\u3000snapped\u3000his\u3000eyes\u3000shut\u3000and\u3000gritted\u3000his\u3000teeth\u3000against\u3000the\u3000pain\u3002\u3000There\u3000was\u3000a\u3000loud\u3000rustle\u3000of\u3000leathers\uff1b\u3000another\u3000angry\u3000squawk\uff1b\u3000and\u3000a\u3000high\u2026pitched\u3000wail\u3000that\u3000could\u3000only\u3000have\u3000e\u3000from\u3000the\u3000big\u3000ground\u3000animal\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Ryld\u3000opened\u3000his\u3000eyes\u3000and\u3000had\u3000to\u3000blink\u3000away\u3000an\u3000afterimage\u3000of\u3000the\u3000graceful\u3000purple\u3000spark\u3000that\u3000had\u3000shot\u3000from\u3000the\u3000arrowhawk’s\u3000tail\u3002\u3000The\u3000animal\u3000had\u3000let\u3000go\u3000of\u3000the\u3000bird\uff1b\u3000which\u3000was\u3000nowhere\u3000to\u3000be\u3000seen\u3002\u3000A\u3000tendril\u3000of\u3000smoke\u3000rose\u3000from\u3000its\u3000burned\u3000nose\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000stench\u3000of\u3000singed\u3000hair\u3000quickly\u3000filled\u3000the\u3000still\u3000night\u3000air\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Halisstra\u3000stepped\u3000up\u3000to\u3000Ryld\uff1b\u3000and\u3000they\u3000shared\u3000a\u3000glance\u3000and\u3000a\u3000smile\u3000as\u3000the\u3000big\u3000animal\u3000writhed\u3000in\u3000pain\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Not\u3000bad\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000weapons\u3000master\u3000joked\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Halisstra\u3000responded\u3000with\u3000a\u3000pleased\u3000smile\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Praise\u3000Eilistraee\uff1b\u3003\u3000she\u3000said\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000As\u3000if\u3000it\u3000understood\u3000her\u3000and\u3000had\u3000no\u3000love\u3000for\u3000her\u3000goddess\uff1b\u3000the\u3000big\u3000animal\u3000looked\u3000up\uff1b\u3000coughed\u3000out\u3000two\u3000more\u3000feral\u3000grunts\uff1b\u3000and\u3000started\u3000at\u3000them\u3002\u3000Ryld\u3000put\u3000out\u3000one\u3000hand\u3000to\u3000push\u3000Halisstra\u3000behind\u3000h \n
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\n wo\u3000more\u3000feral\u3000grunts\uff1b\u3000and\u3000started\u3000at\u3000them\u3002\u3000Ryld\u3000put\u3000out\u3000one\u3000hand\u3000to\u3000push\u3000Halisstra\u3000behind\u3000him\uff1b\u3000but\u3000she\u3000had\u3000already\u3000skipped\u3000back\u3000into\u3000the\u3000darkness\u3002\u3000He\u3000set\u3000his\u3000feet\uff1b\u3000ready\u3000for\u3000the\u3000charge\uff1b\u3000and\u3000saw\u3000the\u3000arrowhawk\u3000shoot\u3000out\u3000of\u3000the\u3000darkness\u3000again\u3002\u3000The\u3000arrowhawk\u3000whipped\u3000its\u3000tail\u3000forward\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Ryld\uff1b\u3000knowing\u3000what\u3000was\u3000ing\uff1b\u3000closed\u3000his\u3000eyes\u3000and\u3000lifted\u3000one\u3000arm\u2026both\u3000hands\u3000on\u3000Splitter’s\u3000pommel\u2026to\u3000shield\u3000his\u3000sensitive\u3000eyes\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000There\u3000was\u3000a\u3000sizzle\u3000of\u3000electricity\uff1b\u3000the\u3000faint\u3000smell\u3000of\u3000ozone\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000none\u2026too\u2026faint\u3000stench\u3000of\u3000burned\u3000hair\u3000again\u3002\u3000The\u3000furred\u3000creature\u3000growled\u3000in\u3000agony\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Ryld\u3000opened\u3000his\u3000eyes\u3002\u3000Again\uff1b\u3000the\u3000arrowhawk\u3000was\u3000nowhere\u3000to\u3000be\u3000seen\uff1b\u3000likely\u3000whirling\u3000through\u3000the\u3000forest\u3000dodging\u3000tree\u3000trunks\uff1b\u3000circling\u3000back\u3000for\u3000another\u3000pass\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Wait\uff01\u3003\u3000a\u3000woman’s\u3000voice\u3000called\u3002\u3000Ryld\u3000thought\u3000at\u3000first\u3000that\u3000it\u3000was\u3000Halisstra\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003No\uff1b\u3000Feliane\uff1b\u3003\u3000Halisstra\u3000called\u3000back\u3002\u3000\u3003It’s\u3000all\u3000right\u3002\u3000Between\u3000Ryld\u3000and\u3000the\u2026\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003No\uff01\u3003\u3000the\u3000surface\u3000drow\u3000cut\u3000in\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Ryld\u3000would\u3000have\u3000turned\u3000to\u3000watch\u3000Feliane\u3000approach\uff1b\u3000but\u3000the\u3000animal\u3000had\u3000decided\u3000to\u3000charge\u3000him\u3000again\u3002\u3000Not\u3000sure\u3000what\u3000Feliane\u3000was\u3000trying\u3000to\u3000stop\uff1b\u3000exactly\uff1b\u3000Ryld\u3000stepped\u3000in\u3000toward\u3000the\u3000big\u3000animal\u3002\u3000He\u3000saw\u3000the\u3000arrowhawk\u3000ing\uff1b\u3000though\u3000and\u3000slid\u3000to\u3000a\u3000stop\u3000in\u3000the\u3000snow\u3002\u3000The\u3000animal\u3000must\u3000have\u3000realized\u3000why\u3000the\u3000drow\u3000came\u3000to\u3000such\u3000a\u3000sudden\u3000halt\uff1b\u3000and\u3000when\u3000the\u3000arrowhawk\u3000came\u3000in\u3000low\u3000for\u3000another\u3000slash\u3000with\u3000its\u3000talons\uff1b\u3000the\u3000creature\u3000saw\u3000it\u3000as\u3000well\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Jaws\u3000snapped\u3000over\u3000the\u3000arrowhawk\u3002\u3000There\u3000was\u3000a\u3000loud\u3000confusion\u3000of\u3000fluttering\u3000wings\uff1b\u3000screaming\uff1b\u3000growling\uff1b\u3000snapping\uff1b\u3000and\u3000popping\u2026and\u3000the\u3000arrowhawk\u3000fell\u3000to\u3000the\u3000snow\u3000in\u3000two\u3000twitching\uff1b\u3000bleeding\u3000pieces\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003What’s\u3000going\u3000on\u3000here\uff1f\u3003\u3000Feliane\u3000called\uff1b\u3000her\u3000voice\u3000much\u3000closer\u3002\u3000\u3003What\u3000in\u3000the\u3000goddess’s\u3000name\u3000are\u3000you\u3000doing\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Its\u3000long\uff1b\u3000fang\u2026lined\u3000jaws\u3000dripping\u3000with\u3000the\u3000arrowhawk’s\u3000blood\uff1b\u3000the\u3000animal\u3000looked\u3000fiercer\uff1b\u3000more\u3000dangerous\uff1b\u3000and\u3000angrier\u3000than\u3000ever\u3002\u3000Ryld\u3000smiled\uff1b\u3000spun\u3000his\u3000massive\u3000enchanted\u3000greatsword\u3000in\u3000front\u3000of\u3000him\uff1b\u3000and\u3000ran\u3000at\u3000the\u3000thing\u3000head\u3000on\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Behind\u3000him\u3000and\u3000off\u3000in\u3000the\u3000underbrush\uff1b\u3000Halisstra\u3000and\u3000Feliane\u3000were\u3000talking\u3000in\u3000urgent\u3000tones\uff1b\u3000but\u3000Ryld’s\u3000trained\u3000senses\u3000put\u3000that\u3000aside\u3002\u3000They\u3000were\u3000allies\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000only\u3000opponent\u3000of\u3000note\u3000was\u3000the\u3000furious\u3000beast\u3002\u3000Whatever\u3000they\u3000were\u3000discussing\uff1b\u3000they\u3000could\u3000tell\u3000him\u3000about\u3000it\u3000later\uff1b\u3000after\u3000he\u3000had\u3000dispatched\u3000the\u3000vicious\uff1b\u3000cunning\u3000predator\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000creature\u3000reared\u3000up\u3000again\u3000as\u3000Ryld\u3000came\u3000in\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000drow\u3000slipped\u3000Splitter\u3000in\u3000low\u3000in\u3000front\u3000of\u3000him\uff1b\u3000slicing\u3000a\u3000deep\u3000furrow\u3000in\u3000the\u3000beast’s\u3000exposed\u3000underbelly\u3002\u3000Blood\u3000oozed\u3000from\u3000the\u3000wound\uff1b\u3000and\u3000quickly\u3000soaked\u3000the\u3000matted\uff1b\u3000dirty\u3000brown\u3000fur\u3000around\u3000it\u3002\u3000Ryld\u3000spun\u3000his\u3000greatsword\u3000back\u3000around\u3000and\u3000pointed\u3000it\u3000forward\uff1b\u3000held\u3000in\u3000both\u3000hands\u3000above\u3000his\u3000head\uff1b\u3000for\u3000a\u3000final\u3000impaling\u3000stab\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000forest\u3000predator\u3000again\u3000proved\u3000it\u3000wouldn’t\u3000go\u3000down\u3000easily\u3002\u3000Before\u3000Ryld\u3000could\u3000plunge\u3000Splitter\u3000home\uff1b\u3000the\u3000thing’s\u3000huge\uff1b\u3000handlike\u3000claw\u3000wrapped\u3000around\u3000his\u3000right\u3000arm\uff1b\u3000digging\u3000into\u3000the\u3000space\u3000between\u3000his\u3000pauldron\u3000and\u3000vambrace\u3000to\u3000puncture\u3000the\u3000skin\u3000of\u3000his\u3000underarm\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Ryld\u3000tucked\u3000his\u3000right\u3000arm\u3000down\uff1b\u3000pressing\u3000the\u3000claw\u3000against\u3000his\u3000armored\u3000side\u3000to\u3000keep\u3000the\u3000beast\u3000from\u3000tearing\u3000away\u3000his\u3000pauldron\u2026and\u3000a\u3000good\u3000portion\u3000of\u3000skin\u3000and\u3000muscle\u3000with\u3000it\u3002\u3000That\u3000had\u3000the\u3000unfortunate\u3000effect\u3000of\u3000tipping\u3000the\u3000point\u3000of\u3000his\u3000greatsword\u3000up\u3002\u3000The\u3000animal\u3000pushed\u3000down\uff1b\u3000and\u3000its\u3000weight\u3000was\u3000enough\u3000to\u3000send\u3000Ryld\u3000sinking\uff1b\u3000slipping\uff1b\u3000then\u3000falling\u3000onto\u3000his\u3000back\u3002\u3000Splitter’s\u3000tip\u3000passed\u3000harmlessly\u3000past\u3000the\u3000animal’s\u3000shoulder\u3002\u3000When\u3000he\u3000felt\u3000the\u3000other\u3000claw\u3000clamp\u3000onto\u3000his\u3000left\u3000pauldron\uff1b\u3000Ryld\u3000knew\u3000he\u3000was\u3000pinned\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000beast\u3000snapped\u3000at\u3000his\u3000face\uff1b\u3000but\u3000Ryld\u3000still\u3000had\u3000enough\u3000room\u3000to\u3000jerk\u3000his\u3000head\u3000out\u3000of\u3000the\u3000way\u3002\u3000With\u3000all\u3000his\u3000considerable\u3000strength\uff1b\u3000the\u3000weapons\u3000master\u3000pushed\u3000up\uff1b\u3000but\u3000with\u3000his\u3000arms\u3000trapped\u3000over\u3000his\u3000head\u3000and\u3000his\u3000sword\u3000all\u3000but\u3000immobile\u3000next\u3000to\u3000the\u3000animal’s\u3000ear\uff1b\u3000he\u3000had\u3000to\u3000use\u3000his\u3000back\u3000and\u3000shoulders\u3000to\u3000try\u3000to\u3000lift\u3000himself\u3000off\u3000the\u3000ground\u2026carrying\u3000the\u3000fifteen\u2026foot\u3000animal\u3000that\u3000must\u3000have\u3000weighed\u3000a\u3000ton\u3000at\u3000least\u3000with\u3000him\u3002\u3000He\u3000didn’t\u3000move\u3000it\u3000far\uff1b\u3000but\u3000when\u3000the\u3000animal\u3000felt\u3000him\u3000trying\u3000to\u3000push\u3000up\uff1b\u3000it\u3000pushed\u3000down\uff1b\u3000extending\u3000its\u3000arms\u3000the\u3000fraction\u3000of\u3000an\u3000inch\u3000Ryld\u3000needed\u3000to\u3000muscle\u3000his\u3000sword\u3000down\u3000and\u3000under\u3002\u3000Twisting\u3000his\u3000wrists\u3000painfully\uff1b\u3000Ryld\u3000managed\u3000to\u3000get\u3000the\u3000greatsword’s\u3000tip\u3000up\u3000under\u3000the\u3000beast’s\u3000chin\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000animal\u3000rolled\uff1b\u3000its\u3000dark\uff1b\u3000dull\u3000eyes\u3000down\u3000and\u3000stretched\u3000its\u3000neck\u3000up\u3000and\u3000away\u3000from\u3000the\u3000sword\u3002\u3000The\u3000two\u3000of\u3000them\u3000were\u3000stuck\u3000that\u3000way\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Ryld\u3000feared\u3000that\u3000that\u3000was\u3000how\u3000they\u3000were\u3000going\u3000to\u3000remain\u3000for\u3000a\u3000very\u3000long\u3000time\uff1a\u3000it\u3000pushing\u3000him\u3000away\uff1b\u3000he\u3000trying\u3000to\u3000stab\u3000it\u3000through\u3000the\u3000throat\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Halisstra\uff01\u3003\u3000Feliane\u3000screamed\u3002\u3000\u3003No\uff01\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000sound\u3000was\u3000shrill\uff1b\u3000panicked\uff1b\u3000and\u3000close\u3000enough\u3000that\u3000it\u3000finally\u3000registered\u3000on\u3000Ryld\u3000that\u3000the\u3000two\u3000females\u3000were\u3000still\u3000there\u3002\u3000He\u3000wasn’t\u3000alone\u3002\u3000As\u3000females\u3000were\u3000wont\u3000to\u3000do\uff1b\u3000they\u3000were\u3000letting\u3000him\u3000take\u3000the\u3000brunt\u3000of\u3000the\u3000punishment\uff1b\u3000but\u3000they\u3000wouldn’t\u3000leave\u3000him\u3000like\u3000that\u2026of\u3000would\u3000they\uff1f\u3000From\u3000the\u3000sound\u3000of\u3000Feliane’s\u3000voice\uff1b\u3000it\u3000was\u3000exactly\u3000what\u3000she\u3000intended\u3000to\u3000do\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Ryld\u3000redoubled\u3000his\u3000efforts\uff1b\u3000but\u3000so\u3000did\u3000the\u3000beast\u3000and\u3000they\u3000got\u3000no\u3000closer\u3000to\u3000a\u3000resolution\u2026until\u3000Ryld\u3000heard\u3000a\u3000woman\u3000growl\u3000in\u3000an\u3000odd\u3000way\uff1b\u3000realizing\u3000it\u3000was\u3000Halisstra\u3002\u3000The\u3000thing\u3000dipped\u3000that\u3000fraction\u3000of\u3000an\u3000inch\u3000forward\u3000that\u3000Ryld\u3000was\u3000hoping\u3000for\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000tip\u3000of\u3000the\u3000greatsword\u3000bit\u3000into\u3000the\u3000animal’s\u3000throat\uff1b\u3000and\u3000blood\u3000poured\u3000down\u3000the\u3000blade\u3002\u3000The\u3000animal\u3000grunted\uff1b\u3000opening\u3000its\u3000mouth\u3000a\u3000quarter\u3000of\u3000an\u3000inch\u2026and\u3000allowing\u3000the\u3000blade\u3000to\u3000slip\u3000that\u3000much\u3000farther\u3000in\u3002\u3000Hot\u3000red\u3000blood\u3000exploded\u3000from\u3000the\u3000wound\uff1b\u3000then\u3000pumped\u3000out\u3000of\u3000the\u3000monstrosity’s\u3000neck\u3000in\u3000rhythm\u3000to\u3000its\u3000speeding\u3000heart\u2026Ryld\u3000had\u3000found\u3000the\u3000artery\u3000he’d\u3000been\u3000hoping\u3000for\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000He\u3000saw\u3000Halisstra’s\u3000boot\u3000to\u3000his\u3000right\u3000and\u3000heard\u3000a\u3000sword\u3000e\u3000out\u3000of\u3000its\u3000sheath\u3002\u3000She\u3000had\u3000jumped\u3000onto\u3000the\u3000animal’s\u3000back\u3000and\u3000was\u3000straddling\u3000it\uff1b\u3000drawing\u3000the\u3000Crescent\u3000Blade\u3000to\u3000deliver\u3000the\u3000killing\u3000blow\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Ryld\u3000celebrated\u3000that\u3000realization\u3000by\u3000twisting\u3000Splitter’s\u3000tip\u3000into\u3000the\u3000creature’s\u3000throat\uff1b\u3000bringing\u3000more\u3000blood\u3000and\u3000sending\u3000a\u3000shiver\u3000rippling\u3000through\u3000the\u3000creature’s\u3000fur\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Feliane\u3000ran\u3000up\u3000next\u3000to\u3000them\u3000and\u3000must\u3000have\u3000hit\u3000the\u3000side\u3000of\u3000the\u3000animal\u3000hard\u3002\u3000Halisstra\u3000grunted\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000hulk\u3000started\u3000to\u3000topple\u3000sideways\u3002\u3000Ryld\u3000sawed\u3000into\u3000its\u3000neck\u3000for\u3000good\u3000measure\uff1b\u3000not\u3000sure\u3000it\u3000was\u3000actually\u3000dead\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Feliane’s\u3000boot\u3000scuffled\u3000in\u3000the\u3000snow\u3000next\u3000to\u3000him\uff1b\u3000and\u3000she\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003Stop\u3000it\u3002\u3000For\u3000Eilistraee’s\u3000sake\uff1b\u3000that’s\u3000not\u3000what\u3000the\u3000Crescent\u3000Blade\u3000was\u3000meant\u3000for\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Ryld\u3000let\u3000the\u3000quivering\u3000carcass\u3000roll\u3000off\u3000him\u3000and\u3000fall\u3000into\u3000a\u3000dead\u3000sprawl\u3000in\u3000the\u3000underbrush\u3002\u3000Wincing\u3000from\u3000the\u3000pain\u3000in\u3000his\u3000shoulder\u3000and\u3000underarm\uff1b\u3000he\u3000slid\u3000his\u3000blade\u3000out\u3000of\u3000the\u3000dead\u3000animal’s\u3000neck\u3000and\u3000got\u3000to\u3000his\u3000feet\uff1b\u3000stepping\u3000back\u3000a\u3000few\u3000steps\u3000before\u3000he\u3000had\u3000his\u3000legs\u3000under\u3000him\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Halisstra\u3000and\u3000Feliane\u3000were\u3000standing\u3000next\u3000to\u3000the\u3000fallen\u3000animal\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Feliane’s\u3000hand\u3000was\u3000wrapped\u3000tightly\u3000around\u3000Halisstra’s\u3000sword\u3000arm\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000couldn’t\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3003\u3000Halisstra\u3000said\uff1b\u3000her\u3000voice\u3000quavering\uff1b\u3000each\u3000word\u3000punctuated\u3000by\u3000a\u3000puff\u3000of\u3000steam\u3000that\u3000rolled\u3000into\u3000the\u3000frigid\u3000air\u3002\u3000\u3003I\u3000couldn’t\u3000let\u3000it\u3000kill\u3000him\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Both\u3000of\u3000the\u3000women\u3000turned\u3000to\u3000look\u3000at\u3000Ryld\uff1b\u3000who\u3000could\u3000only\u3000shrug\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003She\u3000was\u3000only\u3000protecting\u3000her\u3000young\uff1b\u3003\u3000Feliane\u3000said\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000She\u3000was\u3000looking\u3000at\u3000Ryld\uff1b\u3000but\u3000the\u3000weapons\u3000master\u3000got\u3000the\u3000distinct\u3000impression\u3000she\u3000was\u3000talking\u3000to\u3000Halisstra\u3002\u3000Ryld\u3000didn’t\u3000understand\u3002\u3000Who\u3000was\u3000protecting\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\uff1f
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003The\u3000animal\uff1f\u3003\u3000he\u3000asked\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003She’s\u3000a\u3000giant\u3000land\u3000sloth\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000Eilistraeen\u3000said\uff1b\u3000releasing\u3000Halisstra’s\u3000arm\u3000and\u3000stepping\u3000away\u3000from\u3000her\u3002\u3000\u3003She\u3000was\u3000a\u3000giant\u3000land\u3000sloth\u3002\u3000They’re\u3000rare\uff1b\u3000especially\u3000this\u3000far\u3000north\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Good\uff1b\u3003\u3000Ryld\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003It\u3000was\u3000tougher\u3000than\u3000it\u3000looks\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Damn\u3000it\uff01\u3003\u3000Feliane\u3000cursed\u3002\u3000\u3003She\u3000was\u3000only\u3000protecting\u3000her\u3000young\u3002\u3000You\u3000didn’t\u3000have\u3000to\u3000kill\u3000her\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Halisstra\u3000was\u3000looking\u3000at\u3000her\u3000sword\uff1b\u3000the\u3000blade\u3000glowing\u3000in\u3000the\u3000darkness\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Why\uff1b\u3003\u3000Ryld\u3000asked\uff1b\u3000\u3003would\u3000it\u3000attack\u3000an\u3000armed\u3000drow\u3000to\u3000protect\u3000its\u3000young\uff1f\u3000It\u3000could\u3000have\u3000lived\u3000to\u3000birth\u3000more\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Feliane\u3000opened\u3000her\u3000mouth\u3000to\u3000answer\u3000but\u3000said\u3000nothing\u3002\u3000A\u3000strange\u3000look\u3000came\u3000over\u3000her\uff1b\u3000one\u3000that\u3000Ryld\u3000couldn’t\u3000remember\u3000ever\u3000seeing\u3000on\u3000the\u3000face\u3000of\u3000a\u3000drow\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Halisstra\u3000looked\u3000down\u3000at\u3000the\u3000dead\u3000sloth\u3000and\u3000whispered\uff1b\u3000\u3003She\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Ryld\u3000shook\u3000his\u3000head\u3002\u3000He\u3000didn’t\u3000understand\u3000and\u3000was\u3000beginning\u3000to\u3000think\u3000he\u3000never\u3000would\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000
\nChapter\u3000Three
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000It\u3000had\u3000been\u3000two\u3000days\u3000since\u3000Pharaun\u3000had\u3000contacted\u3000his\u3000master\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000news\u3000that\u3000sending\u3000had\u3000brought\u3000still\u3000sat\u3000heavily\u3000on\u3000the\u3000wizard’s\u3000shoulders\u3002\u3000The\u3000spell\u3000allowed\u3000only\u3000a\u3000short\u3000message\u3000to\u3000travel\u3000through\u3000the\u3000Weave\u3000from\u3000the\u3000Lake\u3000of\u3000Shadows\u3000into\u3000Menzoberranzan\u3000and\u3000an\u3000equally\u3000short\u3000message\u3000back\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Ship\u3000of\u3000chaos\u3000is\u3000ours\uff1b\u3000Pharaun\u3000had\u3000sent\uff1b\u3000careful\u3000to\u3000use\u3000no\u3000unnecessary\u3000words\u3000though\u3000that\u3000was\u3000against\u3000his\u3000natural\u3000tendencies\u3002\u3000Advise\u3000on\u3000proper\u3000diet\u3002\u3000Don’t\u3000trust\u3000captain\u3002\u3000Any\u3000word\u3000of\u3000Ryld\u3000Argith\u3000or\u3000Halisstra\u3000Melarn\uff1f\u3000Sent\u3000home\u3000to\u3000report\u3000details\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000He’d\u3000waited\u3000the\u3000interminable\u3000seconds\u3000for\u3000a\u3000reply\uff1b\u3000all\u3000the\u3000time\u3000wondering\u3000if\u3000the\u3000time\u3000he\u3000had\u3000been\u3000waiting\u3000for\u3000had\u3000e\u2026the\u3000moment\u3000when\u3000Gromph\u3000Baenre\uff1b\u3000Archmage\u3000of\u3000Menzoberranzan\uff1b\u3000would\u3000fail\u3000to\u3000answer\u3002\u3000That\u3000would\u3000be\u3000the\u3000moment\u3000Pharaun\u3000would\u3000know\u3000that\u3000they\u3000had\u3000failed\uff1b\u3000that\u3000they\u3000had\u3000no\u3000city\u3000to\u3000return\u3000to\uff1b\u3000no\u3000civilization\u3000to\u3000protect\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000That\u3000time\u3000had\u3002\u3000not\u3000yet\u3000e\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Feed\u3000it\u3000manes\uff1b\u3000the\u3000archmage\u3000had\u3000replied\u3002\u3000As\u3000many\u3000as\u3000you\u3000can\u3002\u3000Captain\u3000will\u3000serve\u3000power\u3002\u3000Master\u3000Argith\u3000and\u3000Mistress\u3000Melarn\u3000not\u3000here\u3002\u3000Stop\u3000your\u3000squabbling\u3000and\u3000get\u3000moving\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pharaun\u3000didn’t\u3000stop\u3000to\u3000wonder\u3000how\u3000Gromph\u3000had\u3000known\u3000that\u3000the\u3000tenuous\u3000alliances\u3000within\u3000the\u3000expedition\u3000were\u3000fraying\u3002\u3000Gromph\u3000was\u3000a\u3000drow\u3000himself\uff1b\u3000after\u3000all\uff1b\u3000and\u3000probably\u3000assumed\u3000it\u3002\u3000If\u3000he\u3000thought\u3000he’d\u3000had\u3000the\u3000time\uff1b\u3000Pharaun\u3000might\u3000have\u3000studied\u3000that\u3000point\u3000much\u3000more\u3000closely\uff1b\u3000tried\u3000to\u3000determine\u3000the\u3000degree\u3000to\u3000w \n
\n \n
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\n
\n he\u3000time\uff1b\u3000Pharaun\u3000might\u3000have\u3000studied\u3000that\u3000point\u3000much\u3000more\u3000closely\uff1b\u3000tried\u3000to\u3000determine\u3000the\u3000degree\u3000to\u3000which\u3000Gromph\u3000was\u3000aware\u3000of\u3000their\u3000actions\uff1b\u3000but\u3000there\u3000was\u3000work\u3000to\u3000do\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000A\u3000manes\u3000demon\u3000was\u3000hardly\u3000the\u3000most\u3000daunting\u3000creature\u3000to\u3000either\u3000summon\u3000or\u3000control\uff1b\u3000but\u3000it\u3000was\u3000a\u3000demon\u3000nonetheless\u3002\u3000He\u3000would\u3000have\u3000to\u3000use\u3000powerful\u3000spells\u3000to\u3000summon\u3000and\u3000bind\u3000them\uff1b\u3000all\u3000the\u3000while\u3000maintaining\u3000some\u3000measure\u3000of\u3000control\u3000over\u3000the\u3000uridezu\u3000captain\u3000who\u3000gave\u3000his\u3000name\u3000as\u3000Raashub\u3002\u3000It\u3000had\u3000been\u3000two\u3000long\uff1b\u3000difficult\uff1b\u3000and\u3000tiring\u3000days\u3000for\u3000Pharaun\u3002\u3000He\u3000had\u3000taken\u3000only\u3000enough\u3000Reverie\u3000to\u3000replenish\u3000his\u3000spells\u3000and\u3000was\u3000doing\u3000everything\u3000his\u3000considerable\u3000training\u3000allowed\u3000him\u3000to\u3000push\u3000his\u3000casting\u3000to\u3000its\u3000limit\u3002\u3000The\u3000parade\u3000of\u3000hideous\uff1b\u3000groveling\uff1b\u3000snapping\u3000sub\u2026demons\u3000he\u3000brought\u3000to\u3000the\u3000ship’s\u3000deck\u3000began\u3000to\u3000amaze\u3000even\u3000himself\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Pharaun\u3000hoped\u3000that\u3000Quenthel\u3000and\u3000the\u3000others\u3000were\u3000taking\u3000note\u3002\u3000Those\u3000among\u3000them\u3000capable\u3000of\u3000gauging\u3000such\u3000abilities\u3000would\u3000have\u3000to\u3000be\u3000impressed\uff1b\u3000and\u3000if\u3000they\u3000were\u3000impressed\u3000they\u3000would\u3000be\u3000scared\u3002\u3000So\u3000long\u3000as\u3000they\u3000were\u3000scared\uff1b\u3000he\u3000would\u3000be\u3000safe\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000As\u3000he\u3000led\u3000a\u3000string\u3000of\u3000the\u3000vile\u2026smelling\u3000fiends\u3000into\u3000the\u3000gnashing\u3000jaws\u3000of\u3000the\u3000demonic\u3000ship’s\u3000hold\uff1b\u3000Pharaun\u3000let\u3000his\u3000mind\u3000wander\u3000back\u3000to\u3000the\u3000rest\u3000of\u3000that\u3000sending\u3002\u3000Ryld\u3000hadn’t\u3000made\u3000it\u3000to\u3000Menzoberranzan\uff1b\u3000but\u3000that\u3000could\u3000mean\u3000anything\u3002\u3000He\u3000could\u3000be\u3000dead\u3000anywhere\u3000between\u3000that\u3000cave\u3000on\u3000the\u3000World\u3000Above\u3000and\u3000the\u3000City\u3000of\u3000Spiders\uff1b\u3000or\u3000he\u3000could\u3000still\u3000be\u3000on\u3000his\u3000way\u3002\u3000There\u3000was\u3000no\u3000straight\u3000line\u3000between\u3000any\u3000two\u3000points\u3000in\u3000the\u3000Underdark\uff1b\u3000and\u3000he\u3000could\u3000be\u3000only\u3000a\u3000few\u3000miles\u3000as\u3000the\u3000worm\u3000bored\u3000from\u3000Menzoberranzan\u3000and\u3000still\u3000have\u3000a\u3000tenday’s\u3000travel\u3000ahead\u3000of\u3000him\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Ryld\u3000might\u3000still\u3000hold\u3000a\u3000grudge\u3000for\u3000Pharaun’s\u3000having\u3000abandoned\u3000him\u3000all\u3000those\u3000days\u3000before\uff1b\u3000back\u3000in\u3000the\u3000city\uff1b\u3000but\u3000Pharaun\u3000knew\u3000he\u3000still\u3000had\u3000a\u3000powerful\u3000ally\u3000in\u3000the\u3000Master\u3000of\u3000Melee\u2026Magthere\u3002\u3000The\u3000warrior\u3000might\u3000have\u3000fallen\u3000under\u3000the\u3000spell\u3000of\u3000the\u3000First\u3000Daughter\u3000of\u3000House\u3000Melarn\uff1b\u3000but\u3000if\u3000Halisstra\u3000herself\u3000still\u3000lived\uff1b\u3000surely\u3000she\u3000would\u3000be\u3000on\u3000her\u3000way\u3000to\u3000Menzoberranzan\u3000herself\u3002\u3000Pharaun\u3000couldn’t\u3000imagine\u3000the\u3000homeless\u3000priestess\u3000had\u3000anywhere\u3000else\u3000to\u3000go\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Still\uff1b\u3000the\u3000Mistress\u3000of\u3000Arach\u2026Tinilith\u3000had\u3000been\u3000more\u3000than\u3000a\u3000little\u3000displeased\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Jeggred\u3000had\u3000made\u3000another\u3000serious\u3000attempt\u3000at\u3000a\u3000physical\u3000assault\u3002\u3000Quenthel\u3000had\u3000held\u3000him\u3000back\uff1b\u3000if\u3000reluctantly\uff1b\u3000and\u3000charged\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3000with\u3000guarding\u3000the\u3000uridezu\u3002\u3000They\u3000were\u3000two\u3000of\u3000the\u3000same\uff1a\u3000demons\u3000on\u3000the\u3000wrong\u3000plane\uff1b\u3000pressed\u3000into\u3000the\u3000service\u3000of\u3000drow\u3000who\u3000were\u3000ready\u3000to\u3000take\u3000them\u3000back\u3000to\u3000the\u3000Abyss\u3000that\u3000spawned\u3000them\u3002\u3000Pharaun\u3000let\u3000himself\u3000sigh\u3000at\u3000that\u3000thought\u3002\u3000He\u3000knew\u3000it\u3000was\u3000a\u3000bad\u3000idea\u3000on\u3000its\u3000surface\uff1b\u3000going\u3000to\u3000the\u3000Abyss\uff1b\u3000but\u3000they\u3000had\u3000passed\u3000up\u3000the\u3000acceptable\u3000a\u3000long\u3000time\u3000before\u3002\u3000They\u3000were\u3000in\u3000new\u3000territory\u3002\u3000They\u3000were\u3000headed\u3000for\u3000the\u3000Spider\u3000Queen\u3000herself\uff1b\u3000and\u3000right\u3000when\u3000Lolth\u3000seemed\u3000least\u3000inclined\u3000to\u3000greet\u3000them\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pharaun\u3000was\u3000sure\u3000he\u3000wasn’t\u3000the\u3000only\u3000one\u3000who\u3000had\u3000second\u3000thoughts\u3000about\u3000the\u3000expedition\uff1b\u3000even\u3000as\u3000strenuously\u3000as\u3000he’d\u3000argued\u3000for\u3000their\u3000going\u3000forward\u3002\u3000For\u3000a\u3000Master\u3000of\u3000Sorcere\uff1b\u3000it\u3000was\u3000a\u3000mission\u3000that\u3000could\u3000make\u3000him\u3000Archmage\u3000of\u3000Menzoberranzan\u3002\u3000For\u3000her\u3000part\uff1b\u3000Quenthel\u3000had\u3000already\u3000achieved\u3000the\u3000highest\u3000post\u3000she\u3000could\u3000hope\u3000for\u3002\u3000As\u3000Mistress\u3000of\u3000Arach\u2026Tinilith\uff1b\u3000Quenthel\u3000was\u3000the\u3000spiritual\u3000leader\u3000of\u3000all\u3000Menzoberranzan\u3000and\u3000the\u3000second\u3000most\u3000powerful\u3000female\u3000in\u3000the\u3000city\u3002\u3000Some\u3000would\u3000argue\u3000that\u3000she\u3000was\u3000indeed\u3000more\u3000powerful\u3000than\u3000her\u3000sister\u3000Triel\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Of\u3000all\u3000drow\u3000under\u3000Faerun\uff1b\u3000she\u3000would\u3000surely\u3000be\u3000weled\u3000into\u3000Lolth’s\u3000domain\u2026assuming\u3000there\u3000was\u3000either\u3000a\u3000Lolth\u3000or\u3000a\u3000Demonweb\u3000Pits\u3000at\u3000all\u3000anymore\u2026but\u3000still\u3000the\u3000high\u3000priestess\u3000was\u3000on\u3000edge\u3002\u3000Her\u3000normally\u3000stern\u3000countenance\u3000had\u3000gone\u3000nearly\u3000rigid\uff1b\u3000and\u3000her\u3000movements\u3000were\u3000jerky\u3000and\u3000twitching\u3002\u3000Any\u3000talk\u3000of\u3000the\u3000journey\u3000ahead\u3000made\u3000her\u3000pace\u3000around\u3000the\u3000deck\uff1b\u3000all\u3000but\u3000oblivious\u3000to\u3000the\u3000lesser\u3000demons\u3000that\u3000often\u3000snapped\u3000at\u3000her\u3000or\u3000reached\u3000out\u3000to\u3000grab\u3000her\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Even\u3000Pharaun\uff1b\u3000cynical\u3000as\u3000he\u3000was\uff1b\u3000didn’t\u3000want\u3000to\u3000believe\u3000that\u3000the\u3000Mistress\u3000of\u3000Arach\u2026Tinilith\u3000might\u3000be\u3000losing\u3000her\u3000faith\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000fact\u3000that\u3000Jeggred\u3000also\u3000noticed\u3000Quenthel’s\u3000unease\u3000didn’t\u3000make\u3000the\u3000wizard\u3000feel\u3000any\u3000better\u3002\u3000The\u3000draegloth’s\u3000expressions\u3000weren’t\u3000always\u3000easy\u3000to\u3000read\uff1b\u3000though\u3000the\u3000half\u2026demon\u3000was\u3000the\u3000least\u3000intellectually\u3000capable\u3000of\u3000the\u3000party\uff1b\u3000but\u3000since\u3000ing\u3000to\u3000the\u3000Lake\u3000of\u3000Shadows\u2026perhaps\u3000even\u3000before\u2026Jeggred\u3000had\u3000looked\u3000at\u3000his\u3000aunt\u3000quite\u3000differently\u3002\u3000He\u3000could\u3000see\u3000her\u3000agitation\uff1b\u3000though\u3000he\u3000might\u3000have\u3000thought\u3000it\u3000fear\uff1b\u3000and\u3000he\u3000didn’t\u3000like\u3000it\u3002\u3000He\u3000didn’t\u3000like\u3000it\u3000at\u3000all\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Before\u3000you\u3000slip\u3000into\u3000Reverie\uff1b\u3003\u3000Valas\u3000Hune\u3000said\u3000from\u3000behind\u3000him\uff1b\u3000\u3003we\u3000should\u3000discuss\u3000practical\u3000concerns\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pharaun\u3000turned\u3000to\u3000look\u3000at\u3000the\u3000Bregan\u3000D’aerthe\u3000scout\u3000and\u3000offered\u3000him\u3000a\u3000twisted\u3000smile\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pharaun\u3000closed\u3000his\u3000eyes\u3000and\u3000shook\u3000his\u3000head\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Are\u3000you\u3000all\u3000right\uff1f\u3003\u3000the\u3000scout\u3000asked\uff1b\u3000his\u3000tone\u3000fortably\u3000devoid\u3000of\u3000real\u3000concern\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000scout\u3000nodded\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003We’ll\u3000need\u3000supplies\uff1b\u3003\u3000he\u3000said\uff1b\u3000addressing\u3000all\u3000four\u3000of\u3000them\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Quenthel\u3000didn’t\u3000look\u3000up\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Jeggred\u3000only\u3000glanced\u3000away\u3000from\u3000the\u3000chained\u3000demon\u3000for\u3000a\u3000second\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000draegloth\u3000shrugged\u3000and\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003I\u3000can\u3000eat\u3000the\u3000captain\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pharaun\u3000didn’t\u3000bother\u3000to\u3000look\u3000at\u3000the\u3000uridezu\u3000for\u3000a\u3000response\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000demon\uff1b\u3000sensibly\uff1b\u3000didn’t\u3000offer\u3000one\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Well\uff1b\u3000I\u3000can’t\uff1b\u3003\u3000Valas\u3000replied\u3002\u3000\u3003Neither\u3000can\u3000the\u3000rest\u3000of\u3000us\u3002\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003What\u3000did\u3000you\u3000have\u3000in\u3000mind\uff1b\u3000Valas\uff1f\u3003\u3000Pharaun\u3000asked\u3002\u3000\u3003How\u3000much\u3000are\u3000we\u3000talking\u3000about\uff1f\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Quenthel\u3000almost\u3000recoiled\u3000from\u3000the\u3000question\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Jeggred\u3000turned\u3000to\u3000stare\u3000daggers\u3000at\u3000her\u3000back\u3000for\u3000a\u3000heartbeat\u3000or\u3000two\u3000before\u3000returning\u3000his\u3000attention\u3000to\u3000the\u3000captured\u3000uridezu\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Quenthel\u3000stared\u3000hard\u3000at\u3000Pharaun\uff1b\u3000her\u3000face\u3000blank\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000She\u3000looked\u3000at\u3000Valas\uff1b\u3000her\u3000white\u3000eyebrows\u3000arched\u3000high\u3000on\u3000her\u3000smooth\u3000black\u3000forehead\u3002\u3000Valas\u3000nodded\uff1b\u3000still\u3000looking\u3000at\u3000Quenthel\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000None\u3000of\u3000us\u3000do\uff1b\u3003\u3000she\u3000went\u3000on\uff1b\u3000ignoring\u3000the\u3000reaction\uff1b\u3000\u3003which\u3000is\u3000precisely\u3000why\u3000we’re\u3000going\u3000in\u3000the\u3000first\u3000place\u3002\u3000Lolth\u3000will\u3000do\u3000with\u3000us\u3000as\u3000she\u3000pleases\u3000once\u3000we\u3000are\u3000in\u3000the\u3000Demonweb\u3000Pits\u3002\u3000If\u3000we\u3000must\u3000be\u3000supplied\uff1b\u3000then\u3000we\u3000will\u3000need\u3000supplies\u3000for\u3000the\u3000length\u3000of\u3000our\u3000journey\u3000there\u3000and\u3000perhaps\u3000our\u3000journey\u3000back\u3002\u3000If\u3000Lolth\u3000chooses\u3000to\u3000provide\u3000for\u3000us\u3000while\u3000we’re\u3000there\uff1b\u3000so\u3000be\u3000it\u3002\u3000If\u3000not\uff1b\u3000we\u3000will\u3000need\u3000no\u3000sustenance\uff1b\u3000at\u3000least\u3000none\u3000that\u3000can\u3000be\u3000had\u3000in\u3000this\u3000world\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000high\u3000priestess\u3000wrapped\u3000her\u3000hands\u3000around\u3000her\u3000arms\u3000and\u3000hugged\u3000herself\u3000close\u3002\u3000All\u3000of\u3000them\u3000saw\u3000her\u3000shiver\u3000with\u3000undisguised\u3000dread\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pharaun\u3000was\u3000too\u3000taken\u3000aback\u3000to\u3000see\u3000the\u3000further\u3000reactions\u3000of\u3000the\u3000others\u3002\u3000A\u3000low\uff1b\u3000rumbling\u3000growl\u3000from\u3000Jeggred\u3000finally\u3000drew\u3000his\u3000attention\uff1b\u3000and\u3000he\u3000looked\u3000over\u3000to\u3000see\u3000the\u3000draegloth’s\u3000eyes\u3000locked\u3000on\u3000Quenthel\uff1b\u3000who\u3000was\u3000successfully\u3000ignoring\u3000her\u3000Abyssal\u3000nephew\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003You\u3000talk\u3000like\u3000humans\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3000growled\u3002\u3000\u3003You\u3000speak\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Abyss\u3000as\u3000if\u3000it\u3000was\u3000some\u3000feral\u3000dog\u3000you\u3000think\u3000might\u3000nip\u3000at\u3000your\u3000rumps\uff1b\u3000so\u3000you\u3000never\u3000rise\u3000from\u3000your\u3000chairs\u3002\u3000You\u3000forget\u3000that\u3000for\u3000you\uff1b\u3000the\u3000Abyss\u3000has\u3000been\u3000a\u3000hunting\u3000ground\uff1b\u3000though\u3000you\u3000do\u3000most\u3000of\u3000your\u3000hunting\u3000from\u3000across\u3000the\u3000planes\u3002\u3000Are\u3000you\u3000drow\uff1f\u3000Masters\u3000of\u3000this\u3000world\u3000and\u3000the\u3000next\uff1f\u3000Or\u3000are\u3000you\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Jeggred\u3000stopped\uff1b\u3000his\u3000jaw\u3000and\u3000throat\u3000tight\uff1b\u3000and\u3000returned\u3000his\u3000steely\u3000gaze\u3000to\u3000the\u3000uridezu\u3002\u3000The\u3000demon\u3000captain\u3000looked\u3000away\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003You\u3000assume\u3000much\uff1b\u3000honored\u3000draegloth\uff1b\u3003\u3000Danifae\u3000said\uff1b\u3000her\u3000clear\u3000voice\u3000echoing\u3000across\u3000the\u3000still\u3000water\u3002\u3000\u3003It\u3000is\u3000not\u3000fear\u3000that\u3000prepares\u3000us\u3000for\u3000our\u3000journey\uff1b\u3000I’m\u3000sure\uff1b\u3000but\u3000necessity\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Jeggred\u3000turned\u3000slowly\u3000but\u3000didn’t\u3000look\u3000at\u3000Danifae\u3002\u3000Instead\uff1b\u3000his\u3000eyes\u3000once\u3000more\u3000found\u3000the\u3000Mistress\u3000of\u3000Arach\u2026Tinilith\u3002\u3000Quenthel\u3000appeared\uff1b\u3000to\u3000Pharaun’s\u3000eyes\u3000at\u3000least\uff1b\u3000to\u3000have\u3000succumbed\u3000to\u3000the\u3000Reverie\u3002\u3000Jeggred\u3000blew\u3000a\u3000short \n
\n \n
\n
\n
\n uenthel\u3000appeared\uff1b\u3000to\u3000Pharaun’s\u3000eyes\u3000at\u3000least\uff1b\u3000to\u3000have\u3000succumbed\u3000to\u3000the\u3000Reverie\u3002\u3000Jeggred\u3000blew\u3000a\u3000short\uff1b\u3000sharp\u3000breath\u3000through\u3000his\u3000wide\u3000nostrils\u3000and\u3000turned\u3000a\u3000fang\u2026lined\u3000smile\u3000on\u3000Danifae\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Fear\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003has\u3000a\u3000smell\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Danifae\u3000returned\u3000the\u3000half\u2026demon’s\u3000smile\u3000and\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003Fear\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Spider\u3000Queen\u3000surely\u3000smells\u3000the\u3000sweetest\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Yes\uff1b\u3003\u3000Valas\u3000broke\u3000in\uff1b\u3000though\u3000Danifae\u3000and\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3000continued\u3000to\u3000stare\u3000at\u3000each\u3000other\u3000with\u3000expressions\u3000impossible\u3000to\u3000read\u3002\u3000\u3003Well\uff1b\u3000that’s\u3000all\u3000well\u3000and\u3000good\uff1b\u3000but\u3000surely\u3000someone\u3000knows\u3000how\u3000long\u3000it\u3000will\u3000take\u3000us\u3000to\u3000get\u3000there\u3000and\u3000how\u3000long\u3000to\u3000get\u3000back\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003A\u3000tenday\uff1b\u3003\u3000Pharaun\u3000said\uff1b\u3000guessing\u3000for\u3000no\u3000other\u3000reason\u3000than\u3000to\u3000get\u3000on\u3000with\u3000it\u3000so\u3000he\u3000could\u3000rest\u3000and\u3000replenish\u3000his\u3000magic\u3002\u3000\u3003Each\u3000way\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000scout\u3000nodded\uff1b\u3000and\u3000no\u3000one\u3000else\u3000offered\u3000any\u3000argument\u3002\u3000Jeggred\u3000went\u3000back\u3000to\u3000staring\u3000at\u3000the\u3000captain\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Danifae\u3000drew\u3000out\u3000a\u3000whetstone\u3000to\u3000sharpen\u3000a\u3000dagger\u3002\u3000The\u3000vipers\u3000of\u3000Quenthel’s\u3000scourge\u3000wrapped\u3000themselves\u3000lovingly\u3000around\u3000her\u3000and\u3000began\uff1b\u3000one\u3000by\u3000one\uff1b\u3000to\u3000sink\u3000into\u3000slumber\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I’ll\u3000be\u3000off\u3000then\uff1b\u3003\u3000Valas\u3000said\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Off\uff1f\u3003\u3000Pharaun\u3000asked\u3002\u3000\u3003To\u3000where\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Sshamath\uff1b\u3000I\u3000think\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000scout\u3000replied\u3002\u3000\u3003It’s\u3000reasonably\u3000close\uff1b\u3000and\u3000I\u3000have\u3000contacts\u3000there\u3002\u3000If\u3000I\u3000go\u3000alone\uff1b\u3000I\u3000can\u3000be\u3000there\u3000and\u3000back\u3000quickly\uff1b\u3000and\u3000no\u3000one\u3000who\u3000doesn’t\u3000fear\u3000Bregan\u3000D’aerthe\u3000will\u3000even\u3000know\u3000I\u3000was\u3000there\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003No\uff1b\u3003\u3000Danifae\u3000said\uff1b\u3000startling\u3000both\u3000Valas\u3000and\u3000Pharaun\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003The\u3000young\u3000mistress\u3000has\u3000a\u3000better\u3000suggestion\uff1f\u3003\u3000Pharaun\u3000asked\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Sschindylryn\uff1b\u3003\u3000she\u3000said\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003What\u3000of\u3000it\uff1f\u3003\u3000asked\u3000Pharaun\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003It’s\u3000closer\uff1b\u3003\u3000Danifae\u3000replied\uff1b\u3000\u3003and\u3000it’s\u3000not\u3000ruled\u3000by\u3000Vhaeraunites\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000She\u3000sent\u3000a\u3000pointed\u3000look\u3000Valas’s\u3000way\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Pharaun\u3000allowed\u3000himself\u3000a\u3000smirk\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I’m\u3000tired\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000Master\u3000of\u3000Sorcere\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003so\u3000I\u3000will\u3000weaken\u3000enough\u3000to\u3000speak\u3000on\u3000Valas’s\u3000behalf\u3002\u3000He\u3000is\u3000Bregan\u3000D’aerthe\uff1b\u3000young\u3000mistress\uff1b\u3000and\u3000his\u3000loyalty\u3000goes\u3000to\u3000she\u3000who\u3000is\u3000paying\u3002\u3000I\u3000don’t\u3000believe\u3000we’ll\u3000have\u3000trouble\u3000with\u3000our\u3000guide\u3000jumping\u3000deities\u3000on\u3000us\u3002\u3000If\u3000he\u3000can\u3000get\u3000to\uff1b\u3000through\uff1b\u3000and\u3000out\u3000of\u3000Sshamath\u3000faster\uff1b\u3000then\u3000let\u3000him\u3000do\u3000what\u3000he’s\u3000been\u3000hired\u3000to\u3000do\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003He\u3000will\u3000go\u3000to\u3000Sschindylryn\uff1b\u3003\u3000Quenthel\u3000said\uff1b\u3000her\u3000voice\u3000so\u3000flat\u3000and\u3000quiet\u3000that\u3000Pharaun\u3000wasn’t\u3000certain\u3000he’d\u3000heard\u3000correctly\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Mistress\uff1f\u3003\u3000he\u3000prompted\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003You\u3000heard\u3000me\uff1b\u3003\u3000she\u3000said\uff1b\u3000finally\u3000looking\u3000up\u3000at\u3000him\u3002\u3000She\u3000let\u3000her\u3000cold\u3000gaze\u3000linger\u3000for\u3000a\u3000moment\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Pharaun\u3000held\u3000it\u3002\u3000She\u3000turned\u3000to\u3000Valas\u3002\u3000\u3003Sschindylryn\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000If\u3000the\u3000scout\u3000had\u3000any\u3000thought\u3000of\u3000arguing\uff1b\u3000he\u3000suppressed\u3000it\u3000quickly\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003As\u3000you\u3000wish\uff1b\u3000Mistress\uff1b\u3003\u3000Valas\u3000replied\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000will\u3000acpany\u3000you\uff1b\u3003\u3000Danifae\u3000said\uff1b\u3000speaking\u3000to\u3000Valas\u3000but\u3000looking\u3000at\u3000Quenthel\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000can\u3000move\u3000faster\u3000on\u3000my\u3000own\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000scout\u3000argued\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003We\u3000have\u3000time\uff1b\u3003\u3000said\u3000the\u3000battle\u2026captive\uff1b\u3000still\u3000looking\u3000at\u3000Quenthel\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000high\u3000priestess\u3000turned\u3000to\u3000Danifae\u3000slowly\u3002\u3000Her\u3000frigid\u3000red\u3000eyes\u3000warmed\u3000as\u3000they\u3000played\u3000across\u3000the\u3000girl’s\u3000curves\u3002\u3000Danifae\u3000leaned\u3000in\u3000ever\u3000so\u3000slightly\uff1b\u3000eliciting\u3000a\u3000smile\u3000from\u3000Pharaun\u3000that\u3000was\u3000as\u3000impressed\u3000as\u3000it\u3000was\u3000amused\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Sschindylryn\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3003\u3000the\u3000wizard\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003I’ve\u3000passed\u3000through\u3000it\u3000a\u3000time\u3000or\u3000two\u3002\u3000Portals\uff1b\u3000yes\uff1f\u3000A\u3000city\u3000crowded\u3000with\u3000portals\u3000that\u3000could\u3000slip\u3000you\u3000in\u3000an\u3000instant\u3000from\u3000one\u3000end\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Underdark\u3000to\u3000another\u3000\u3002\u3002\u3002\u3000or\u3000elsewhere\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Danifae\u3000turned\u3000to\u3000Pharaun\u3000and\u3000returned\u3000his\u3000smile\u2026impressed\u3000and\u3000amused\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003How\u3000much\u3000time\u3000do\u3000we\u3000have\uff1f\u3003\u3000Valas\u3000asked\uff1b\u3000still\u3000ignoring\u3000the\u3000more\u3000subtle\uff1b\u3000silent\u3000conversation\u2026within\u2026a\u2026conversation\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pharaun\u3000shrugged\u3000and\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003Five\u3000days\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000perhaps\u3000as\u3000many\u3000as\u3000seven\u3002\u3000I\u3000should\u3000have\u3000provided\u3000the\u3000ship\u3000with\u3000adequate\u3000sustenance\u3000by\u3000then\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000can\u3000do\u3000it\uff1b\u3003\u3000Valas\u3000replied\u3002\u3000\u3003Barely\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000scout\u3000looked\u3000to\u3000Quenthel\u3000for\u3000an\u3000answer\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Pharaun\u3000sighed\uff1b\u3000pushing\u3000back\u3000his\u3000frustration\u3002\u3000He\u3000too\u3000looked\u3000at\u3000Quenthel\uff1b\u3000who\u3000was\u3000gently\u3000stroking\u3000the\u3000head\u3000of\u3000one\u3000of\u3000her\u3000whip\u3000vipers\u3002\u3000The\u3000snake\u3000swayed\u3000in\u3000the\u3000air\u3000next\u3000to\u3000her\u3000smooth\u3000ebon\u3000cheek\u3000while\u3000the\u3000other\u3000vipers\u3000slept\u3002\u3000Pharaun\u3000got\u3000the\u3000distinct\u3000impression\u3000that\u3000the\u3000snake\u3000was\u3000speaking\u3000to\u3000her\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000A\u3000sound\u3000caught\u3000Pharaun’s\u3000attention\uff1b\u3000and\u3000he\u3000saw\u3000Jeggred\u3000shifting\u3000unfortably\u3002\u3000The\u3000draegloth’s\u3000eyes\u3000twitched\u3000back\u3000and\u3000forth\u3000between\u3000his\u3000aunt\u3000and\u3000the\u3000viper\u3002\u3000Pharaun\u3000wondered\u3000if\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3000could\u3000hear\u3000some\u3000silent\uff1b\u3000mental\u3000exchange\u3000between\u3000the\u3000high\u3000priestess\u3000and\u3000her\u3000whip\u3002\u3000If\u3000he\u3000could\uff1b\u3000what\u3000he\u3000heard\u3000was\u3000making\u3000him\u3000angry\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003You\u3000will\u3000take\u3000Danifae\u3000with\u3000you\uff1b\u3003\u3000Quenthel\u3000said\uff1b\u3000her\u3000eyes\u3000never\u3000leaving\u3000the\u3000viper\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000If\u3000Valas\u3000was\u3000disappointed\uff1b\u3000he\u3000didn’t\u3000let\u3000it\u3000show\u3002\u3000Instead\uff1b\u3000he\u3000simply\u3000nodded\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Leave\u3000when\u3000you’re\u3000ready\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000high\u3000priestess\u3000said\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I’m\u3000ready\u3000now\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000scout\u3000replied\uff1b\u3000perhaps\u3000a\u3000second\u3000too\u3000quickly\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000viper\u3000turned\u3000to\u3000look\u3000at\u3000the\u3000scout\uff1b\u3000who\u3000met\u3000its\u3000black\u3000eyes\u3000with\u3000a\u3000furrowed\u3000brow\u3002\u3000Pharaun\u3000was\u3000fascinated\u3000by\u3000the\u3000exchange\uff1b\u3000but\u3000exhaustion\u3000was\u3000claiming\u3000him\u3000all\u3000the\u3000more\u3000quickly\u3000as\u3000the\u3000discussion\u3000wore\u3000on\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Quenthel\u3000slid\u3000back\u3000to\u3000rest\u3000against\u3000the\u3000bone\u3000rail\u3000of\u3000the\u3000undead\u3000ship\u3002\u3000The\u3000last\u3000viper\u3000rested\u3000its\u3000head\u3000on\u3000her\u3000thigh\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003We\u3000will\u3000take\u3000Reverie\uff1b\u3000then\uff1b\u3000Pharaun\u3000and\u3000I\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000Mistress\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Academy\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003Jeggred\u3000will\u3000stand\u3000watch\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000two\u3000of\u3000you\u3000will\u3000be\u3000on\u3000your\u3000way\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Danifae\u3000stood\u3000and\u3000said\u3000quietly\uff1b\u3000\u3003Thank\u3000you\uff1b\u3000M\u2026\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Quenthel\u3000stopped\u3000her\u3000with\u3000an\u3000abrupt\u3000wave\u3000of\u3000her\u3000hand\uff1b\u3000then\u3000the\u3000high\u3000priestess\u3000closed\u3000her\u3000eyes\u3000and\u3000sat\u3000very\u3000still\u3002\u3000Jeggred\u3000growled\u3000again\uff1b\u3000low\u3000and\u3000rumbling\u3002\u3000Pharaun\u3000prepared\u3000himself\u3000for\u3000Reverie\u3000as\u3000well\u3000but\u3000couldn’t\u3000help\u3000feeling\u3000uneasy\u3000at\u3000the\u3000way\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3000was\u3000looking\u3000at\u3000his\u3000mistress\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Danifae\u3000slipped\u3000on\u3000her\u3000pack\u3000as\u3000Valas\u3000gathered\u3000his\u3000own\u3000gear\u3002\u3000The\u3000battle\u2026captive\u3000walked\u3000to\u3000Jeggred\u3000and\u3000put\u3000a\u3000hand\u3000lightly\u3000on\u3000the\u3000draegloth’s\u3000bristling\u3000white\u3000mane\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003All\u3000is\u3000well\uff1b\u3000Jeggred\uff1b\u3003\u3000she\u3000whispered\u3002\u3000\u3003We\u3000are\u3000all\u3000tired\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Jeggred\u3000leaned\u3000in\u3000to\u3000her\u3000touch\u3000ever\u3000so\u3000slightly\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Pharaun\u3000looked\u3000away\u3002\u3000The\u3000draegloth\u3000stopped\u3000his\u3000growling\uff1b\u3000but\u3000Pharaun\u3000could\u3000feel\u3000the\u3000half\u2026demon\u3000watch\u3000Danifae’s\u3000every\u3000move\u3000until\u3000she\u3000finally\u3000followed\u3000Valas\u3000through\u3000a\u3000dimensional\u3000portal\u3000of\u3000the\u3000scout’s\u3000making\u3000and\u3000was\u3000gone\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Why\u3000Sschindylryn\uff1f\u3000Pharaun\u3000asked\u3000himself\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000It\u3000was\u3000the\u3000battle\u2026captive’s\u3000calming\u3000touch\u3000with\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3000that\u3000accounted\u3000for\u3000the\u3000wizard’s\u3000uneasy\u3000Reverie\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000
\nChapter\u3000Four
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000A\u3000little\u3000more\u3000than\u3000half\u3000a\u3000mile\u3000under\u3000the\u3000ruins\u3000of\u3000the\u3000surface\u3000city\u3000of\u3000Tilverton\uff1b\u3000two\u3000dark\u3000elves\u3000ran\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Danifae\u3000breathed\u3000hard\u3000trying\u3000to\u3000keep\u3000up\u3000with\u3000Valas\uff1b\u3000but\u3000she\u3000stayed\u3000only\u3000a\u3000few\u3000strides\u3000behind\u3000him\u3002\u3000The\u3000scout\u3000moved\u3000in\u3000something\u3000between\u3000a\u3000walk\u3000and\u3000run\uff1b\u3000his\u3000feet\u3000sometimes\u3000appearing\u3000not\u3000even\u3000to\u3000touch\u3000the\u3000slick\u3000flowstone\u3000of\u3000the\u3000tunnel\u3000floor\u3002\u3000As\u3000they’d\u3000emerged\u3000from\u3000the\u3000last\u3000in\u3000a\u3000rapid\uff1b\u3000head\u2026spinning\u3000series\u3000of\u3000gates\uff1b\u3000Valas\u3000had\u3000told\u3000her\u3000they\u3000were\u3000more\u3000than\u3000halfway\u3000to\u3000Sschindylryn\uff1b\u3000and\u3000it\u3000had\u3000been\u3000only\u3000a\u3000single\u3000day\u3002\u3000Danifae\u3000admired\u3000the\u3000mercenary’s\u3000skill\u3000in\u3000navigating\u3000the\u3000Underdark\uff1b\u3000even\u3000as\u3000she\u3000dismissed\u3000his\u3000obvious\u3000lack\u3000of\u3000ambition\u3000and\u3000drive\u3002\u3000He\u3000seemed\u3000content\u3000in\u3000his\u3000position\u3000as\u3000a\u3000hired\u3000hand\u2026scout\u3000and\u3000errand\u3000boy\u3000for\u3000Quenthel\u3000Baenre\u2026and\u3000the\u3000idea\u3000of\u3000that\u3000sort\u3000of\u3000contentment\u3000was\u3000utterly\u3000alien\u3000to\u3000Danifae\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000After\u3000all\uff1b\u3000she\u3000thought\u3000in\u3000time\uff1b\u3000Valas\u3000is\u3000only\u3000a\u3000male\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000scout\u3000came\u3000to\u3000an\u3000abrupt\u3000halt\uff1b\u3000so\u3000abrupt\u3000in\u3000fact\u3000that\u3000Danifae\u3000had\u3000to\u3000stumble\u3000to\u3000an\u3000undignified\u3000stop\u3000to\u3000avoid\u3000running\u3000into\u3000him\u3002\u3000Happy\u3000for\u3000the\u3000chance\u3000to\u3000pause\u3000and\u3000rest\uff1b\u3000though\uff1b\u3000she\u3000didn’t\u3000bother\u3000to\u3000plain\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Where\u2026\uff1f\u3003\u3000she\u3000started\uff1b\u3000but\u3000Valas\u3000held\u3000up\u3000a\u3000hand\u3000to\u3000silence\u3000her\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000He\u3000turned\u3000to\u3000her\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Danifae\u3000was\u3000surprised\u3000to\u3000see\u3000no\u3000hint\u3000of\u3000annoyance\u3000or\u3000irritation\u3000on\u3000his\u3000face\uff1b\u3000even\u3000as\u3000her\u3000one\u3000word\u3000still\u3000echoed\u3000faintly\u3000in\u3000the\u3000cool\uff1b\u3000still\u3000air\u3000of\u3000the\u3000cavern\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Another\u3000portal\u3000up\u3000ahead\uff1b\u3000he\u3000told\u3000her\u3000with\u3000his\u3000fingers\u3002\u3000It\u3000will\u3000take\u3000us\u3000far\uff1b\u3000almost\u3000to\u3000Sschindylryn’s\u3000eastern\u3000gate\uff1b\u3000but\u3000it’s\u3000not\u3000one\u3000I’ve\u3000used\u3000in\u3000a\u3000very\u3000long\u3000time\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Danifae\u3000smiled\u3000at\u3000him\u3002\u3000Valas\u3000tipped\u3000his\u3000head\u3000to\u3000one\u3000side\uff1b\u3000surprised\u3000and\u3000confused\u3000by\u3000the\u3000smile\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Stay\u3000here\uff1b\u3000he\u3000signed\uff1b\u3000and\u3000keep\u3000still\u3002\u3000I’ll\u3000go\u3000on\u3000ahead\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Danifae\u3000looked\u3000back\u3000along\u3000the\u3000way\u3000they’d\u3000e\u3000then\u3000forward\u3000in\u3000the\u3000direction\u3000they\u3000were\u3000going\u3002\u3000The\u3000tunnel\u2026twenty\u2026five\u3000or\u3000thirty\u3000feet\u3000wide\u3000and\u3000about\u3000as\u3000tall\u2026stretched\u3000into\u3000darkness\u3000in\u3000both\u3000directions\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000If\u3000you\u3000leave\u3000me\u3000behind\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000Danifae\u3000threatened\u3000with\u3000her\u3000fingers\u3000and\u3000with\u3000her\u3000cold\uff1b\u3000hard\u3000eyes\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Valas\u3000didn’t\u3000react\u3000at\u3000all\u3002\u3000He\u3000seemed\u3000to\u3000be\u3000waiting\u3000for\u3000her\u3000to\u3000finish\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Danifae\u3000again\u3000glanced\u3000to\u3000the\u3000seemingly\u3000endless\u3000tunnel\u3000ahead\uff1b\u3000only\u3000for\u3000half\u3000a\u3000heartbeat\u3002\u3000When\u3000she\u3000turned\u3000back\uff1b\u3000Valas\u3000was\u3000gone\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000
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\n \u3000\u3000\u3000
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Ryld\u3000drew\u3000the\u3000whetstone\u3000slowly\u3000along\u3000Splitter’s\u3000razor\u3000edge\u3002\u3000The\u3000enchanted\u3000sword\u3000hardly\u3000needed\u3000sharpening\uff1b\u3000but\u3000Ryld\u3000found\u3000he\u3000was\u3000always\u3000better\u3000able\u3000to\u3000think\u3000when\u3000he\u3000was\u3000performing\u3000the\u3000simple\u3000tasks\u3000of\u3000a\u3000soldier\u3002\u3000The\u3000sword\u3000had\u3000no\u3000outward\u3000signs\u3000of\u3000an\u3000intelligence\u3000of\u3000its\u3000own\uff1b\u3000but\u3000Ryld\u3000had\u3000convinced\u3000himself\u3000some\u3000years\u3000before\u3000that\u3000Splitter\u3000enjoyed\u3000the\u3000attention\u3000he\u3000gave\u3000it\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000He\u3000was\u3000alone\u3000in\u3000the\u3000crumbling\uff1b\u3000weed\u2026choked\u3000hovel\u3000he\u3000shared\u3000with\u3000Halisstra\u3002\u3000The\u3000sounds\u3000and\u3000smells\u3000of\u3000the\u3000forest\u3000all\u3000around\u3000him\u3000managed\u3000to\u3000invade\u3000even\u3000that\u3000personal\u3000time\u3000with\u3000his\u3000sword\u3000and\u3000his\u3000thoughts\u3002\u3000He\u3000knew\u3000he\u3000was\u3000as\u3000relaxed\u3000as\u3000he\u3000would\u3000ever\u3000be\u3000on\u3000the\u3000surface\u3000in\u3000the\u3000daylight\u3000under\u3000the\u3000endless\u3000sky\u2026at\u3000least\uff1b\u3000when\u3000Halisstra\u3000wasn’t\u3000with\u3000him\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000Master\u3000of\u3000Melee\u2026Magthere\u3000was\u3000alone\u3000because\u3000he\u3000hadn’t\u3000been\u3000invited\u3000to\u3000the\u3000circle\u3000that\u3000Halisstra\u3000had\u3000gone\u3000to\u3000join\u3002\u3000The\u3000curious\uff1b\u3000heretical\u3000surface\u3000drow\u3000were\u3000planning\u3000something\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Halisstra\u3000and\u3000her\u3000newfound\u3000toy\u2026the\u3000Crescent\u3000Blade\u2026were\u3000obviously\u3000a\u3000big\u3000part\u3000of\u3000it\u3002\u3000He\u3000had\u3000killed\u3000the\u3000raging\u3000animal\u3000that\u3000attacked\u3000him\uff1b\u3000and\u3000as\u3000many\u3000times\u3000as\u3000Feliane\u3000had\u3000tried\u3000to\u3000explain\u3000it\u3000to\u3000him\uff1b\u3000he\u3000couldn’t\u3000imagine\u3000why\u3000that\u3000made\u3000him\u3000an\u3000outcast\u3002\u3000Still\uff1b\u3000Ryld\u3000knew\u3000he\u3000had\u3000been\u3000left\u3000out\u3000for\u3000more\u3000than\u3000that\u3000one\u3000reason\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000He\u3000sat\u3000alone\u3000also\u3000because\uff1b\u3000unlike\u3000Halisstra\uff1b\u3000he\u3000had\u3000not\u3000openly\u3000rejected\u3000the\u3000Spider\u3000Queen\u3000nor\u3000openly\u3000embraced\u3000her\u3000sun\u2026ravaged\u3000rival\uff1b\u3000the\u3000Lady\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Dance\u3002\u3000Ryld\u3000didn’t\u3000understand\u3000that\u3000frivolous\u3000goddess\u3000of\u3000theirs\u3002\u3000The\u3000Lady\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Dance\uff1f\u3000Were\u3000they\u3000to\u3000set\u3000their\u3000lives\u3000along\u3000a\u3000path\u3000defined\u3000by\u3000dancing\uff1f\u3000What\u3000sort\u3000of\u3000a\u3000bizarre\u3000goddess\u3000could\u3000draw\uff1b\u3000much\u3000less\u3000mete\u3000out\uff1b\u3000power\u3000from\u3000something\u3000so\u3000pointless\u3000as\u3000dancing\uff1f\u3000Lolth\u3000was\u3000a\u3000cruel\u3000and\u3000capricious\u3000mistress\uff1b\u3000and\u3000her\u3000priestesses\u3000held\u3000her\u3000power\u3000close\uff1b\u3000but\u3000she\u3000was\u3000the\u3000Queen\u3000of\u3000Spiders\u3002\u3000Spiders\u3000were\u3000strong\uff1b\u3000resourceful\u3000predators\u2026survivors\u3002\u3000Ryld\u3000could\u3000see\u3000himself\u3000as\u3000a\u3000spider\u3002\u3000Spiders\u3000knew\u3000no\u3000mercy\u3000and\u3000never\u3000asked\u3000for\u3000forgiveness\u3002\u3000They\u3000spun\u3000their\u3000webs\uff1b\u3000caught\u3000their\u3000prey\uff1b\u3000and\u3000lived\u3002\u3000Spiders\u3000made\u3000sense\uff1b\u3000spiders\u3000had\u3000power\uff1b\u3000and\u3000power\u3000was\u3000all\u3000any\u3000drow\u3000needed\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Apparently\u3000not\u3000every\u3000drow\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Still\uff1b\u3000Ryld\u3000knew\u3000that\u3000there\u3000was\u3000a\u3000third\u3000reason\u3000why\u3000he\u3000sat\u3000sharpening\u3000his\u3000sword\u3000while\u3000the\u3000females\u3000plotted\u3000and\u3000planned\uff1b\u3000and\u3000that\u3000was\u3000precisely\u3000because\u3000he\u3000wasn’t\u3000a\u3000female\u3002\u3000In\u3000Menzoberranzan\uff1b\u3000Ryld\u3000Argith\u3000was\u3000a\u3000highly\u3000regarded\u3000and\u3000well\u2026respected\u3000warrior\uff1b\u3000a\u3000soldier\u3000with\u3000powerful\u3000friends\u3000and\u3000much\u3000to\u3000remend\u3000him\u3000to\u3000his\u3000superiors\u3002\u3000He\u3000led\u3000a\u3000fortable\u3000life\uff1b\u3000wielded\u3000some\u3000items\u3000imbued\u3000with\u3000powerful\u3000magic\u2026the\u3000greatsword\u3000not\u3000the\u3000least\u3000of\u3000them\u2026and\u3000was\u3000even\u3000trusted\u3000to\u3000be\u3000a\u3000principal\u3000member\u3000of\u3000the\u3000vital\u3000expedition\u3000in\u3000search\u3000of\u3000their\u3000silent\u3000goddess\u3002\u3000Despite\u3000all\u3000that\uff1b\u3000Ryld\u3000Argith\u3000was\u3000a\u3000male\u3002\u3000As\u3000such\u3000he\u3000would\u3000never\u3000be\u3000anything\u3000but\u3000second\uff1b\u3000and\u3000he\u3000well\u3000knew\u3000likely\u3000not\u3000even\u3000that\u3002\u3000He\u3000would\u3000lead\u3000other\u3000males\uff1b\u3000other\u3000warriors\uff1b\u3000but\u3000would\u3000never\u3000mand\u3000a\u3000female\u3002\u3000He\u3000would\u3000be\u3000asked\u3000his\u3000opinion\uff1b\u3000and\u3000that\u3000opinion\u3000would\u3000occasionally\u3000even\u3000be\u3000considered\uff1b\u3000but\u3000he\u3000would\u3000never\u3000make\u3000decisions\u3002\u3000He\u3000would\u3000be\u3000a\u3000soldier\u2026a\u3000tool\uff1b\u3000a\u3000weapon\u2026but\u3000never\u3000a\u3000leader\u3002\u3000Not\u3000in\u3000Menzoberranzan\u3000among\u3000the\u3000daughters\u3000of\u3000Lolth\u3000and\u3000not\u3000in\u3000the\u3000sun\u2026baked\u3000forest\u3000among\u3000the\u3000dancing\u3000priestesses\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Three\u3000reasons\u3000for\u3000being\u3000left\u3000out\uff1b\u3000Ryld\u3000thought\uff1b\u3000while\u3000at\u3000home\u3000there\u3000is\u3000only\u3000the\u3000third\u3002\u3000Three\u3000reasons\u3000to\u3000go\u3000home\u3000to\u3000Menzoberranzan\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000One\u3000reason\u3000to\u3000stay\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000In\u3000the\u3000past\u3000lingering\u3000hours\u3000of\u3000solitude\u3000Ryld\u3000had\u3000thought\u3000often\u3000of\u3000returning\u3000to\u3000the\u3000Underdark\u3002\u3000Pharaun\u3000and\u3000the\u3000others\u3000would\u3000have\u3000moved\u3000on\uff1b\u3000continued\u3000their\u3000quest\u3002\u3000Likely\u3000they’d\u3000all\u3000forgotten\u3000about\u3000the\u3000Master\u3000of\u3000Melee\u2026Magthere\u3000who\u3000had\u3000left\u3000the\u3000City\u3000of\u3000Spiders\u3000with\u3000them\u3002\u3000Ryld\u3000held\u3000no\u3000illusions\u3000about\u3000his\u3000worth\u3000to\u3000the\u3000likes\u3000of\u3000Quenthel\u3000Baenre\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Pharaun\u3000had\u3000at\u3000least\u3000once\u3000proved\u3000that\u3000Ryld’s\u3000life\u3000was\u3000less\u3000important\u3000than\u3000the\u3000wizard’s\u3000convenience\uff1b\u3000let\u3000alone\u3000the\u3000Master\u3000of\u3000Sorcere’s\u3000own\u3000well\u2026being\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pharaun\uff1b\u3000however\uff1b\u3000was\u3000predictable\u3002\u3000Ryld\u3000knew\u3000the\u3000mage\u3000and\u3000knew\u3000what\u3000to\u3000expect\u2026even\u3000if\u3000that\u3000meant\u3000expecting\u3000betrayal\u3002\u3000Pharaun\u3000was\u3000a\u3000dark\u3000elf\uff1b\u3000not\u3000only\u3000well\u3000tuned\u3000to\uff1b\u3000but\u3000prone\u3000to\u3000revel\u3000in\uff1b\u3000his\u3000drow\u3000nature\u3002\u3000Quenthel\u3000Baenre\u3000was\u3000the\u3000same\uff1b\u3000which\u3000was\u3000why\u3000they\u3000so\u3000irritated\u3000one\u3000another\u3002\u3000Those\u3000two\u3000and\u3000the\u3000others\u2026even\u3000the\u3000laconic\u3000Valas\u3000Hune\u2026were\u3000like\u3000spiders\u3000too\uff1a\u3000predictable\uff1b\u3000efficient\u3000survivors\u3002\u3000Ryld\u3000saw\u3000himself\u3000in\u3000the\u3000same\u3000terms\uff1b\u3000and\u3000being\u3000in\u3000like\u3000pany\u3000had\u3000a\u3000pelling\u3000draw\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Until\u3000he\u3000thought\u3000of\u3000Halisstra\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000In\u3000his\u3000years\u3000in\u3000Menzoberranzan\uff1b\u3000Ryld\u3000had\u3000enjoyed\u3000the\u3000pany\u3000of\u3000more\u3000than\u3000a\u3000handful\u3000of\u3000females\uff1b\u3000but\u3000like\u3000any\u3000male\u3000in\u3000the\u3000City\u3000of\u3000Spiders\u3000he\u3000knew\u3000well\u3000enough\u3000not\u3000to\u3000allow\u3000attachments\u3000to\u3000run\u3000too\u3000deep\u3002\u3000He\u3000had\u3000known\u3000from\u3000time\u3000to\u3000time\u3000that\u3000he\u3000was\u3000a\u3000plaything\uff1b\u3000a\u3000tool\uff1b\u3000a\u3000dalliance\uff1b\u3000a\u3000performer\u2026but\u3000never\u3000one\u3000of\u3000those\u3000surface\u3000elf\u3000words\uff1b\u3000those\u3000oddities\u3000such\u3000as\u3000lover\uff1b\u3000panion\uff1b\u3000friend\uff1b\u3000husband\u3002\u3000Those\u3000words\u3000had\u3000no\u3000meaning\u3000until\u3000Halisstra\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Ryld\u3000tried\u3000and\u3000tried\uff1b\u3000but\u3000he\u3000couldn’t\u3000understand\u3000the\u3000hold\u3000the\u3000First\u3000Daughter\u3000of\u3000House\u3000Melarn\u3000had\u3000on\u3000him\u3002\u3000He\u3000had\u3000even\u3000drawn\u3000upon\u3000the\u3000unique\u3000power\u3000of\u3000Splitter\u3000to\u3000dispel\u3000whatever\u3000magic\u3000she\u3000had\u3000cast\u3000on\u3000him\u3000to\u3000draw\u3000him\u3000along\u3000with\u3000her\u2026but\u3000there\u3000was\u3000no\u3000magic\u3002\u3000She\u3000had\u3000cast\u3000no\u3000spell\uff1b\u3000sang\u3000no\u3000bae’qeshel\u3000ballad\uff1b\u3000slipped\u3000him\u3000no\u3000potion\u3000to\u3000wrap\u3000herself\u3000around\u3000him\u3000so\u3000tightly\u3002\u3000She\u3000hadn’t\uff1b\u3000Ryld\u3000mused\uff1b\u3000even\u3000done\u3000or\u3000said\u3000anything\u3000too\u3000different\u3000than\u3000things\u3000he’d\u3000heard\u3000before\uff1b\u3000though\u3000in\u3000the\u3000past\u3000such\u3000things\u3000were\u3000said\u3000in\u3000tones\u3000of\u3000mockery\u3000or\u3000even\u3000cold\uff1b\u3000bitter\u3000irony\u3000by\u3000those\u3000dozen\u3000or\u3000more\u3000drow\u3000females\u3000who\u3000had\u3000had\u3000him\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Halisstra\u3000had\u3000simply\u3000smiled\u3000at\u3000him\uff1b\u3000held\u3000his\u3000gaze\u3000with\u3000hers\uff1b\u3000touched\u3000him\uff1b\u3000kissed\u3000him\uff1b\u3000looked\u3000at\u3000him\u3000with\u3000fear\uff1b\u3000longing\uff1b\u3000regret\uff1b\u3000pain\uff1b\u3000anger\uff1b\u3000desperation\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000looked\u3000at\u3000him\u3000with\u3000honesty\u3002\u3000Ryld\u3000had\u3000never\u3000seen\u3000any\u3000of\u3000it\u3000before\uff1b\u3000not\u3000on\u3000the\u3000black\u3000face\u3000of\u3000a\u3000dark\u3000elf\uff1b\u3000not\u3000in\u3000the\u3000cool\u3000gloom\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Underdark\u3002\u3000He\u3000could\u3000feel\u3000her\u3000when\u3000she\u3000was\u3000close\uff1b\u3000as\u3000if\u3000she\u3000gave\u3000off\u3000some\u3000ripple\u3000that\u3000tuned\u3000his\u3000senses\u3000to\u3000her\u3002\u3000She\u3000was\u3000simply\u3000Halisstra\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000Master\u3000of\u3000Melee\u2026Magthere\u3000was\u3000dumbfounded\u3000to\u3000find\u3000that\u3000was\u3000enough\u3002\u3000Her\u3000mere\u3000presence\u3000was\u3000sufficient\u3000to\u3000drag\u3000him\u3000away\u3000from\u3000a\u3000life\u3000that\u3000was\uff1b\u3000and\u3000would\u3000continue\u3000to\u3000be\uff1b\u3000as\u3000rewarding\u3000as\u3000a\u3000drow\u3000male\u3000could\u3000expect\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000There\u3000he\u3000was\uff1b\u3000putting\u3000up\u3000with\u3000the\u3000same\u3000things\uff1b\u3000still\u3000the\u3000male\u3000whose\u3000strong\u3000sword\u3000arm\u3000would\u3000be\u3000called\u3000into\u3000service\u3000on\u3000a\u3000second’s\u3000notice\u3000but\u3000who\u3000would\u3000not\u3000dine\u3000at\u3000the\u3000same\u3000table\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Ryld\u3000closed\u3000his\u3000eyes\u3000and\u3000drew\u3000in\u3000a\u3000long\u3000breath\uff1b\u3000calming\u3000his\u3000suddenly\u3000racing\u3000heart\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000It\u3000was\uff1b\u3000after\u3000all\uff1b\u3000why\u3000Halisstra\u3000had\u3000been\u3000sent\u3000to\u3000retrieve\u3000the\u3000Crescent\u3000Blade\u3002\u3000It\u3000was\u3000why\u3000the\u3000Eilistraeen\u3000priestesses\u3000put\u3000up\u3000with\u3000the\u3000obviously\u3000unpleasant\u3000presence\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Master\u3000of\u3000Melee\u2026Magthere\u2026at\u3000Halisstra’s\u3000demand\u3002\u3000It\u3000was\u3000why\u3000Halisstra\u3000stayed\u3000and\u3000why\u3000she\u3000carried\u3000herself\u3000with\u3000a\u3000confidence\u3000and\u3000posure\u3000he\u3000hadn’t\u3000seen\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000well\uff1b\u3000never\u3000in\u3000the\u3000outcast\u3000from\u3000the\u3000ruins\u3000of\u3000Ched\u3000Nasad\u3002\u3000It\u3000was\u3000why\u3000Halisstra\u3000no\u3000longer\u3000trembled\u3000in\u3000fear\u3002\u3000It\u3000was\u3000why\u3000she\u3000woke\u3000in\u3000the\u3000morning\u3000and\u3000why\u3000she\u3000drew\u3000breath\u3000during\u3000the\u3000day\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Ryld\u3000set\u3000the\u3000whetstone\u3000in\u3000motion\u3000again\u3000and\u3000smiled\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Valas\u3000held\u3000the\u3000crystal\u3000to\u3000his\u3000left\u3000eye\u3000and\u3000scanned\u3000the\u3000chamber\u3002\u3000He\u3000stood\u3000in\u3000the\u3000deep\u3000shadows\u3000at\u3000the\u3000edge\u3000of\u3000where\u3000the\u3000tunnel\u2026a\u3000very\u3000old\u3000lava\u3000tube\u2026emptied\u3000into\u3000the\u3000pyramidal\u3000cavern\u3002\u3000The\u3000ancient\u3000monastery\u3000was\u3000obvious\u3000to\u3000even\u3000his\u3000unaided\u3000darkvision\u3002\u3000Set\u3000against\u3000the\u3000northern\u3000wall\u3000of\u3000the\u3000cathedral\u2026like\u3000space\u3000off\u3000to\u3000Valas’s\u3000right\u3000was\u3000a\u3000half\u3000circle\u3000of\u3000stone\uff1b\u3000perhaps\u3000seventy\u2026five\u3000feet\u3000in\u3000radius\u3002\u3000The\u3000curved\u3000wall\u3000rose\u3000as\u3000tall\u3000as\u3000two\u3000hundred\u3000feet\u3000before\u3000rounding\u3000to\u3000a\u3000domed\u3000roof\uff1b\u3000with\u3000the\u3000apex\u3000about\u3000thirty\u3000or\u3000forty\u3000feet\u3000above\u3000that\u3002\u3000Two\u3000huge\u3000slit\u3000windows\uff1b\u3000not\u3000much\u3000wider\u3000than\u3000Valas\u3000was\u3000tall\u3000but\u3000eighty\u3000feet\u3000in\u3000length\uff1b\u3000were\u3000set\u3000high\u3000on\u3000the\u3000walls\u3002\u3000A\u3000thief\u3000might\u3000have\u3000to\u3000climb\u3000the\u3000brick\u3000wall\u3000for\u3000a\u3000dangerous\u3000hundred\u3000feet\u3000before\u3000being\u3000able\u3000to\u3000slip\u3000inside\u3002\u3000Between\u3000the\u3000two\u3000tall\u3000windows\u3000and\u3000a\u3000few\u3000feet\u3000below\u3000their\u3000bottom\u3000edges\u3000loomed\u3000a\u3000pair\u3000of\u3000small\uff1b\u3000dark\u3000holes\u3000tall\u3000enough\u3000that\u3000Valas\u3000might\u3000be\u3000able\u3000to\u3000step\u3000through\u3000them\u3000without\u3000dipping\u3000his\u3000head\u3002\u3000Below\u3000those\u3000round\u3000holes\u3000a\u3000drooping\u3000oblong\u3000opening\u3000led\u3000into\u3000the\u3000pitch\u2026black\u3000interior\u3000of\u3000the\u3000ruin\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000windows\uff1b\u3000the\u3000two\u3000round\u3000holes\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000oblong\u3000opening\u3000gave\u3000the\u3000ruined\u3000monastery\u3000the\u3000look\u2026obviously\u3000intentional\u2026of\u3000a\u3000frowning\u3000face\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Stalactites\u3000had\u3000formed\u3000along\u3000the\u3000upper\u3000edge\u3000of\u3000the\u3000mouth\u3000and\u3000hung\u3000down\u3000to\u3000form\u3000ragged\u3000fangs\uff1b\u3000and\u3000dripping\u3000water\u3000had\u3000carried\u3000centuries\u3000of\u3000sediment\u3000onto\u3000the\u3000dome\u3000so\u3000that\u3000a\u3000wide\u3000patch\u3000of\u3000smooth\u3000white\u3000flowstone\u3000capped\u3000the\u3000far\u3000end\u3000of\u3000the\u3000great\u3000head\u3000like\u3000some\u3000gaily\u3000off\u2026kilter\u3000hat\u3002\u3000What\u3000grim\u3000ceremonies\u3000might\u3000have\u3000been\u3000held\u3000before\u3000that\u3000giant\u3000face\u3000Valas\u3000didn’t\u3000bother\u3000to\u3000imagine\u3002\u3000The\u3000centuries\u3000that\u3000had\u3000passed\u3000since\u3000his\u3000ancient\u3000ancestors\u3000had\u3000abandoned\u3000it\u3000had\u3000been\u3000unkind\u3000to\u3000the\u3000building\uff1b\u3000but\u3000Valas\u3000knew\u3000that\u3000the\u3000ravages\u3000of\u3000dripping\u3000water\uff1b\u3000mold\uff1b\u3000and\u3000earthquakes\u3000hadn’t\u3000touched\u3000the\u3000gate\u3000that\u3000rested\u3000inside\u3000it\u3002\u3000Twice\u3000before\uff1b\u3000though\u3000many\u3000years\u3000gone\u3000by\uff1b\u3000Valas\u3000had\u3000climbed\u3000into\u3000that\u3000drooping\uff1b\u3000melancholy\u3000mouth\u3000and\u3000passed\u3000between\u3000two\u3000rune\u2026 \n
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\n ing\uff1b\u3000melancholy\u3000mouth\u3000and\u3000passed\u3000between\u3000two\u3000rune\u2026carved\u3000pillars\u3000to\u3000step\u3000two\u3000hundred\u3000miles\u3000to\u3000the\u3000northwest\u3000shore\u3000of\u3000Lake\u3000Thalmiir\uff1b\u3000an\u3000easy\u3000walk\u3000to\u3000Sschindylryn\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Valas\u3000knew\u3000he\u3000wasn’t\u3000the\u3000only\u3000one\u3000who’d\u3000used\u3000it\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000A\u3000crystal\u3000normally\u3000hung\u3000on\u3000his\u3000vest\u2026an\u3000enchanted\u3000garment\u3000that\u3000gave\u3000Valas\u3000much\u3000of\u3000his\u3000nimble\u3000footing\u3000and\u3000lightning\u3000reaction\u2026with\u3000many\u3000other\u3000magical\u3000trinkets\u3000he’d\u3000picked\u3000up\u3000over\u3000a\u3000lifetime\u3000in\u3000the\u3000wilds\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Underdark\u3002\u3000Through\u3000that\u3000crystal\u3000the\u3000scout\u3000could\u3000see\u3000that\u3000which\u3000others\u3000couldn’t\u2026most\u3000things\u3000rendered\u3000invisible\u3000by\u3000magic\u3000either\u3000sorcerous\u3000or\u3000innate\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Valas\u3000slowly\u3000and\u3000carefully\u3000scanned\u3000the\u3000base\u3000of\u3000the\u3000great\u3000face\uff1b\u3000then\u3000to\u3000the\u3000left\u3000along\u3000the\u3000still\u3000pool\u3000of\u3000black\u3000water\u3000that\u3000bisected\u3000the\u3000round\u3000floor\u3000of\u3000the\u3000cavern\u3002\u3000There\u3000was\u3000a\u3000cave\u3000low\u3000in\u3000the\u3000sloping\u3000wall\u3000across\u3000from\u3000him\u3000and\u3000a\u3000smaller\u3000one\u2026another\u3000lava\u3000tube\u3000of\u3000similar\u3000dimensions\u3000to\u3000the\u3000one\u3000Valas\u3000had\u3000e\u3000through\u2026higher\u3000up\u3000and\u3000to\u3000the\u3000right\u3002\u3000The\u3000scout\u3000began\u3000to\u3000scan\u3000the\u3000roof\u3000of\u3000the\u3000ruined\u3000monastery\u3000when\u3000he\u3000heard\u3000Danifae\u3000all\u3000but\u3000stomping\u3000through\u3000the\u3000tunnel\u3000behind\u3000him\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Valas\u3000didn’t\u3000stop\u3000his\u3000slow\uff1b\u3000methodical\u3000examination\u3000of\u3000the\u3000structure\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Let\u3000her\u3000stomp\u3000on\u3000in\uff1b\u3000he\u3000thought\u3002\u3000Let\u3000her\u2026
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Valas\u3000froze\u3000when\u3000the\u3000crystal\u3000revealed\u3000the\u3000tip\u3000of\u3000what\u3000could\u3000only\u3000be\u3000a\u3000talon\u3000resting\u3000on\u3000the\u3000top\u3000of\u3000the\u3000monastery\u3002\u3000Holding\u3000his\u3000breath\uff1b\u3000the\u3000Bregan\u3000D’aerthe\u3000scout\u3000drew\u3000his\u3000head\u3000back\u3000half\u3000an\u3000inch\u3000and\u3000played\u3000the\u3000crystal\uff1b\u3000still\u3000held\u3000close\u3000to\u3000his\u3000left\u3000eye\uff1b\u3000along\u3000the\u3000domed\u3000roof\u3000of\u3000the\u3000ancient\u3000face\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000creature\u3000that\u3000rested\u3000atop\u3000the\u3000ruin\u3000wasn’t\u3000too\u3000big\uff1b\u3000at\u3000least\u3000not\u3000as\u3000far\u3000as\u3000dragons\u3000go\u3002\u3000No\u3000taller\u3000than\u3000Valas\u3000himself\uff1b\u3000with\u3000a\u3000wingspan\u3000maybe\u3000twice\u3000that\uff1b\u3000the\u3000beast\u3000was\u3000coiled\u3000fortably\u3000but\u3000alert\u3000atop\u3000the\u3000dome\u3002\u3000Though\u3000the\u3000crystal\u3000tended\u3000to\u3000bleed\u3000any\u3000color\u3000from\u3000the\u3000scene\uff1b\u3000Valas\u3000knew\u3000the\u3000monster\u3000was\u3000as\u3000gray\u3000in\u3000color\u3000as\u3000it\u3000appeared\u3000to\u3000him\u3000through\u3000the\u3000magic\u3000item\u3002\u3000Even\u3000through\u3000the\u3000crystal\u3000it\u3000seemed\u3000undefined\uff1b\u3000blurred\u3000as\u3000if\u3000it\u3000had\u3000been\u3000painted\u3000onto\u3000the\u3000giant\u3000face\u3000in\u3000watercolors\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000That’s\u3000how\u3000you\u3000hide\uff1b\u3000Valas\u3000thought\u3002\u3000You\u3000blend\u3000into\u3000the\u3000darkness\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Danifae\u3000passed\u3000him\u3000and\u3000strode\u3000uncaring\u3000to\u3000the\u3000mouth\u3000of\u3000the\u3000lava\u3000tube\u3002\u3000She\u3000stood\u3000for\u3000a\u3000moment\uff1b\u3000one\u3000hand\u3000resting\u3000casually\u3000on\u3000the\u3000rock\u3000wall\uff1b\u3000gazing\u3000out\u3000into\u3000the\u3000cavern\u3002\u3000Valas\u3000could\u3000tell\u3000she\u3000hadn’t\u3000seen\u3000the\u3000dragon\u3000on\u3000the\u3000top\u3000of\u3000the\u3000face\uff1b\u3000but\u3000a\u3000last\u3000quick\u3000glimpse\u3000through\u3000the\u3000crystal\u3000showed\u3000him\u3000that\u3000the\u3000dragon\u3000had\u3000seen\u3000her\u3002\u3000It\u3000slowly\u3000uncoiled\u3000itself\uff1b\u3000drawing\u3000up\u3000its\u3000wings\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Valas\u3000slipped\u3000into\u3000the\u3000cavern\uff1b\u3000relying\u3000in\u3000no\u3000small\u3000part\u3000on\u3000his\u3000own\u3000training\u3000and\u3000experience\u3000but\u3000not\u3000too\u3000proud\u3000to\u3000call\u3000on\u3000the\u3000power\u3000of\u3000an\u3000enchanted\u3000ring\u3000to\u3000speed\u3000his\u3000way\u3002\u3000Mithral\u3000chain\u3000mail\u3000hushed\u3000any\u3000sound\u3000he\u3000might\u3000make\u3000as\u3000he\u3000moved\uff1b\u3000and\u3000it\u3000helped\u3000his\u3000toes\u3000find\u3000safe\uff1b\u3000quiet\u3000footing\u3002\u3000Keeping\u3000always\u3000in\u3000shadow\uff1b\u3000always\u3000without\u3000the\u3000slightest\u3000scrape\u3000of\u3000sole\u3000on\u3000stone\uff1b\u3000without\u3000the\u3000faintest\u3000reflection\u3000of\u3000stray\u3000light\u3000on\u3000metal\uff1b\u3000Valas\u3000came\u3000down\u3000the\u3000incline\u3000from\u3000the\u3000mouth\u3000of\u3000the\u3000lava\u3000tube\u3000and\u3000along\u3000the\u3000bowl\u2026shaped\u3000edge\u3000of\u3000the\u3000huge\u3000space\u3000to\u3000the\u3000yawning\u3000black\u3000cave\u3000across\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000He\u3000risked\u3000the\u3000occasional\u3000glance\u3000up\u3000at\u3000the\u3000creature\uff1b\u3000whose\u3000outline\u3000he\u3000could\u3000only\u3000barely\u3000discern\u3000in\u3000the\u3000gloom\u3000high\u3000up\u3000in\u3000the\u3000cavern\u2026and\u3000only\u3000then\u3000because\u3000he\u3000knew\u3000it\u3000was\u3000there\u3002\u3000Valas\u3000also\u3000risked\u3000a\u3000glance\u3000or\u3000two\u3000back\u3000at\u3000Danifae\uff1b\u3000who\u3000was\u3000slowly\uff1b\u3000and\u3000with\u3000surprising\u3000grace\uff1b\u3000making\u3000her\u3000way\u3000down\u3000into\u3000the\u3000bowl\u3000of\u3000the\u3000cavern\u3002\u3000She\u3000looked\u3000all\u3000around\u3000but\u3000not\u3000up\u3002\u3000Her\u3000eyes\u3000never\u3000rested\u3000on\u3000either\u3000Valas\u3000or\u3000the\u3000stone\u2026gray\u3000dragon\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Danifae\u3000walked\u3000slowly\u3000toward\u3000the\u3000edge\u3000of\u3000the\u3000pool\u3000as\u3000Valas\u3000drew\u3000the\u3000shortbow\u3000from\u3000his\u3000back\u3002\u3000He\u3000nocked\u3000an\u3000arrow\u3000and\u3000drew\u3000back\u3000the\u3000string\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000female\u3000was\u3000all\u3000but\u3000offering\u3000herself\u3000on\u3000a\u3000silver\u3000platter\u3000to\u3000the\u3000beast\uff1b\u3000and\u3000though\u3000Valas\u3000ached\u3000to\u3000allow\u3000her\u3000to\u3000see\u3000her\u3000folly\u3000through\uff1b\u3000he\u3000worried\u3000about\u3000Quenthel\u3002\u3000The\u3000high\u3000priestess\u3000seemed\u3000to\u3000have\u3000taken\u3000a\u3000liking\u3000to\u3000the\u3000Melarn\u3000battle\u2026captive\uff1b\u3000stealing\u3000her\u3000away\u3000without\u3000a\u3000thought\u3000from\u3000the\u3000female\u3000from\u3000Ched\u3000Nasad\u3002\u3000Valas\u3000didn’t\u3000want\u3000to\u3000find\u3000out\u3000the\u3000hard\u3000way\u3000that\u3000he’d\u3000let\u3000the\u3000battle\u2026captive\u3000die\u3000when\u3000Quenthel\u3000had\u3000plans\u3000for\u3000Danifae\u3000beyond\u3000their\u3000occasional\u3000loveplay\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Valas\uff1f\u3003\u3000the\u3000female\u3000called\u3000into\u3000the\u3000dark\uff1b\u3000still\u3000cavern\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Her\u3000voice\u3000echoed\uff1b\u3000Valas\u3000cringed\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000dragon\u3000took\u3000wing\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Nimor\u3000Imphraezl\u3000watched\u3000from\u3000above\u3000as\u3000the\u3000duergar\u3000engaged\u3000the\u3000spiders\u3002\u3000Drow\u3000warriors\u2026all\u3000male\u2026rode\u3000the\u3000enormous\u3000arachnids\u3000into\u3000battle\u3002\u3000The\u3000spiders\u3000skittered\u3000and\u3000whirled\u3000around\u3000them\u3000while\u3000the\u3000riders\u3000sat\u3000stiff\u3000and\u3000straight\u3000in\u3000their\u3000saddles\u3002\u3000The\u3000mounted\u3000drow\u3000carried\u3000long\u3000pikes\u2026weapons\u3000the\u3000duergar\u3000were\u3000unaccustomed\u3000to\uff1b\u3000as\u3000rare\u3000as\u3000the\u3000long\u3000weapons\u3000were\u3000in\u3000the\u3000confines\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Underdark\u2026and\u3000they\u3000skewered\u3000one\u3000after\u3000another\u3000before\u3000the\u3000gray\u3000dwarves\u3000drew\u3000any\u3000dark\u3000elf\u3000blood\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000spider\u3000riders\u3000were\u3000hopelessly\u3000outnumbered\u3000by\u3000the\u3000horde\u3000of\u3000duergar\u3000who\u3000continued\u3000to\u3000lay\u3000siege\u3000to\u3000the\u3000slowly\u3000crumbling\u3000city\u3000of\u3000Menzoberranzan\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Nimor\u3000was\u3000content\u3000to\u3000lose\u3000a\u3000few\u3000gray\u3000dwarves\u3000for\u3000the\u3000chance\u3000to\u3000watch\u3000the\u3000drow\u3000fight\u3002\u3000They\u3000were\u3000good\uff1b\u3000he\u3000would\u3000grant\u3000them\u3000that\u3002\u3000The\u3000spiders\u3000killed\u3000as\u3000many\u3000duergar\u3000as\u3000the\u3000pikes\u3000did\uff1b\u3000but\u3000the\u3000beasts\u3000were\u3000never\u3000out\u3000of\u3000their\u3000riders’\u3000control\u3002\u3000All\u3000in\u3000all\u3000it\u3000was\u3000a\u3000beautiful\uff1b\u3000bloody\u3000dance\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000In\u3000the\u3000center\u3000of\u3000the\u3000spider\u3000riders\u3000a\u3000mounted\u3000drow\u3000male\u3000wearing\u3000armor\u3000of\u3000the\u3000finest\u3000mithral\u3000positively\u3000glowed\u3000with\u3000magic\u3002\u3000He\u3000carried\u3000a\u3000pike\u3000like\u3000the\u3000others\u3000but\u3000hadn’t\u3000brought\u3000his\u3000to\u3000bear\u3002\u3000He\u3000held\u3000it\u3000up\uff1b\u3000and\u3000from\u3000it\u3000a\u3000long\uff1b\u3000thin\u3000banner\u3000wafted\u3000in\u3000the\u3000cool\u3000Underdark\u3000air\u3002\u3000It\u3000took\u3000Nimor\u3000a\u3000minute\u3000or\u3000so\u3000to\u3000recognize\u3000the\u3000sigil\u3000emblazoned\u3000on\u3000the\u3000banner\u3002\u3000The\u3000riders\u3000represented\u3000House\u3000Shobalar\u2026a\u3000lesser\u3000House\uff1b\u3000but\u3000one\u3000loyal\u3000to\u3000the\u3000Baenres\u3000and\u3000known\u3000throughout\u3000the\u3000drow\u2026settled\u3000Underdark\u3000for\u3000their\u3000effective\u3000and\u3000impeccably\u3000trained\u3000cavalry\u3002\u3000The\u3000dark\u3000elf\u3000with\u3000the\u3000banner\u3000must\u3000be\u3000their\u3000leader\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000One\u3000of\u3000the\u3000riders\u3000took\u3000two\u3000duergar\u3000at\u3000once\uff1b\u3000pinning\u3000them\u3000together\u3000then\u3000using\u3000their\u3000weight\u3000at\u3000the\u3000end\u3000of\u3000his\u3000pike\u3000to\u3000topple\u3000three\u3000more\u3000of\u3000their\u3000panions\u3000onto\u3000the\u3000flowstone\u3000floor\u3002\u3000Nimor\u3000smiled\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000He\u3000had\u3000e\u3000to\u3000that\u3000particular\u3000tunnel\u3000after\u3000hearing\u3000three\u3000separate\u3000times\u3000of\u3000unusual\u3000activity\u3000there\u3002\u3000The\u3000duergar\u3000had\u3000managed\u3000to\u3000kill\u3000a\u3000Menzoberranyr\u3000scout\u3000only\u3000a\u3000day\u3000before\uff1b\u3000and\u3000even\u3000the\u3000gruff\u3000gray\u3000dwarves\u3000had\u3000admitted\u3000that\u3000other\u3000drow\u3000had\u3000been\u3000there\u3000and\u3000gotten\u3000away\u3002\u3000It\u3000wasn’t\u3000the\u3000most\u3000well\u3000defended\u3000approach\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Nimor\u3000had\u3000been\u3000keeping\u3000an\u3000eye\u3000on\u3000it\uff1b\u3000certain\u3000the\u3000Menzoberranyr\u3000would\u3000be\u3000testing\u3000it\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000When\u3000the\u3000scout\u3000was\u3000killed\uff1b\u3000Nimor\u3000had\u3000Crown\u3000Prince\u3000Horgar\u3000send\u3000reinforcements\uff1b\u3000but\u3000only\u3000a\u3000few\u3002\u3000Enough\uff1b\u3000Nimor\u3000hoped\uff1b\u3000to\u3000satisfy\u3000the\u3000drow\u3000but\u3000not\u3000enough\u3000to\u3000close\u3000the\u3000approach\u3002\u3000Nimor\u3000wanted\u3000to\u3000draw\u3000them\u3000out\uff1b\u3000and\u3000like\u3000the\u3000arrogant\u3000aristocrats\u3000they\u3000were\uff1b\u3000they’d\u3000taken\u3000the\u3000bait\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Nimor\u3000hung\u3000upside\u3000down\uff1b\u3000hidden\u3000by\u3000a\u3000spell\u3000of\u3000invisibility\uff1b\u3000his\u3000piwafwi\uff1b\u3000another\u3000spell\u3000that\u3000prevented\u3000anyone\u3000using\u3000similar\u3000magic\u3000from\u3000finding\u3000him\uff1b\u3000and\u3000another\u3000that\u3000would\u3000draw\u3000enemies’\u3000attention\u3000away\u3000even\u3000if\u3000they\u3000thought\u3000to\u3000look\u3000up\u3000at\u3000him\u3002\u3000Those\u3000things\u3000and\u3000the\u3000immediate\u3000threat\u3000of\u3000the\u3000duergar\u3000soldiers\u3000were\u3000enough\u3000that\u3000he\u3000could\u3000wait\u3000and\u3000watch\u3000in\u3000peace\u2026wait\u3000and\u3000watch\u3000for\u3000the\u3000spider\u3000rider\u3000captain\u3000to\u3000send\u3000his\u3000arachnid\u3000mount\u3000scurrying\u3000into\u3000the\u3000fray\uff1b\u3000scurrying\u3000right\u3000under\u3000Nimor\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000With\u3000a\u3000touch\u3000to\u3000a\u3000brooch\u3000that\u3000bore\u3000the\u3000sign\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Jaezred\u3000Chaulssin\uff1b\u3000Nimor\u3000dropped\u3000slowly\uff1b\u3000still\u3000hidden\u3000from\u3000sight\u3000by\u3000magic\u3002\u3000As\u3000he\u3000descended\uff1b\u3000Nimor\u3000drew\u3000his\u3000dagger\u2026a\u3000very\u3000special\u3000dagger\u2026and\u3000when\u3000he\u3000came\u3000to\u3000rest\u3000on\u3000the\u3000spider\uff1b\u3000inches\u3000behind\u3000the\u3000cavalry\u3000leader\uff1b\u3000he\u3000flicked\u3000the\u3000blade\u3000across\u3000the\u3000back\u3000of\u3000the\u3000drow\u3000warrior’s\u3000neck\u3002\u3000There\u3000was\u3000a\u3000perfect\u3000space\u3000there\u3000between\u3000his\u3000helm\u3000and\u3000his\u3000pauldron\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000spider\u3000rider\u3000flinched\u3000and\u3000turned\u3000in\u3000his\u3000saddle\u3002\u3000Nimor\uff1b\u3000still\u3000invisible\uff1b\u3000grabbed\u3000the\u3000drow\u3000around\u3000his\u3000neck\u3000and\u3000held\u3000the\u3000poisoned\u3000blade\u3000to\u3000his\u3000throat\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000spider\u3000rider\u3000couldn’t\u3000see\u3000him\uff1b\u3000but\u3000he\u3000could\u3000hear\u3000Nimor\u3000whisper\u3000in\u3000his\u3000ear\uff1b\u3000\u3003What\u3000is\u3000your\u3000name\uff1b\u3000Shobalar\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Who\u3000are\u3000you\uff1f\u3003\u3000the\u3000warrior\u3000asked\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Nimor\u3000cut\u3000him\u3000again\u2026not\u3000too\u3000deeply\u2026in\u3000response\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000drow\u3000grunted\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Nimor\u3000could\u3000feel\u3000his\u3000body\u3000stiffen\uff1b\u3000jerk\uff1b\u3000and\u3000quiver\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Yes\uff1b\u3003\u3000Nimor\u3000hissed\u3000into\u3000the\u3000slowly\u3000dying\u3000officer’s\u3000ear\uff1b\u3000\u3003it\u3000is\u3000poison\u3002\u3000Very\uff1b\u3000very\u3000elegant\u3000poison\u3002\u3000It\u3000will\u3000paralyze\u3000you\uff1b\u3000twist\u3000your\u3000throat\u3000closed\uff1b\u3000squeeze\u3000the\u3000last\u3000gasp\u3000of\u3000air\u3000from\u3000your\u3000lungs\uff1b\u3000and\u3000keep\u3000you\u3000from\u3000screaming\u3000while\u3000you\u3000suffocate\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000drow\u3000growled\u3000and\u3000said\uff1b\u3000his\u3000voice\u3000already\u3000quiet\u3000and\u3000tight\uff1b\u3000\u3003My\u3000House\u3000will\u3000avenge\u3000me\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Your\u3000House\u3000will\u3000burn\uff1b\u3000Captain\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Vilto’sat\u3000Shobalar\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000drow\u3000answered\u3000even\u3000as\u3000his\u3000throat\u3000squeezed\u3000shut\uff1b\u3000\u3003of\u3000the\u3000Spider\u3000Riders\u3000of\u3000House\u3000Sh\u2026\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Smiling\u3000all\u3000the\u3000while\uff1b\u3000Nimor\u3000held\u3000the\u3000dying\u3000drow\u3000upright\u3000in\u3000his\u3000saddle\u3000as\u3000he\u3000suffocated\u3002\u3000The\u3000Anointed\u3000Blade\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Jaezred\u3000Chaulssin\u3000waited\u3000until\u3000Captain\u3000Vilto’sat\u3000Shobalar\u3000quivered\u3000through\u3000his\u3000last\u3000attempt\u3000at\u3000a\u3000breath\u3000and\u3000his\u3000magenta\u3000eyes\u3000glazed\u3000over\u3002\u3000Then\u3000Nimor\u3000levitated\u3000up\u3000and\u3000away\u3000from\u3000the\u3000suddenly\u3000uncontrolled\uff1b\u3000feral\u3000war\u2026spider\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000arachnid\u3000went\u3000berserk\uff1b\u3000chewing\u3000through\u3000duergar\u3000after\u3000duergar\u3000then\u3000turning\u3000on\u3000another\u3000of\u3000its\u3000kind\u3002\u3000The\u3000rider\u3000of\u3000that\u3000spider\u3000turned\u3000his\u3000attention\u3000to\u3000protecting\u3000his\u3000mount\u3000from\u3000the\u3000wild\u3000arachnid\u2026just\u3000long\u3000enough\u3000for\u3000a\u3000particularly\u3000enthusiastic\u3000duergar\u3000footman\u3000to\u3000take\u3000his\u3000head\u3000with\u3000a\u3000poleaxe\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Nimor\u3000killed\u3000eight\u3000more\u3000drow\u3000himself\u3000over\u3000the\u3000next\u3000ten\u3000minutes\u3000or\u3000so\uff1b\u3000while\u3000the\u3000duergar\u3000claimed\u3000three\u3002\u3000The\u3000rest\u3000f \n
\n \n
\n
\n
\n \u3000\u3000\u3000Nimor\u3000killed\u3000eight\u3000more\u3000drow\u3000himself\u3000over\u3000the\u3000next\u3000ten\u3000minutes\u3000or\u3000so\uff1b\u3000while\u3000the\u3000duergar\u3000claimed\u3000three\u3002\u3000The\u3000rest\u3000finally\u3000turned\u3000and\u3000ran\u3000back\u3000through\u3000the\u3000tunnel\uff1b\u3000past\u3000the\u3000outer\u3000siege\u3000line\u3000and\u3000back\u3000into\u3000Menzoberranzan\u3002\u3000They\u3000had\u3000taken\u3000back\u3000nothing\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Nimor\u3000had\u3000four\u3000of\u3000their\u3000spiders\u3000and\u3000the\u3000dead\u3000drow\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Nimor\u3000ordered\u3000up\u3000more\u3000duergar\u3000to\u3000resecure\u3000the\u3000position\uff1b\u3000had\u3000the\u3000spiders\u3000bound\u3000and\u3000made\u3000ready\u3000for\u3000travel\uff1b\u3000and\u3000went\u3000back\u3000to\u3000his\u3000mand\u3000post\u3000with\u3000the\u3000corpse\u3000of\u3000Captain\u3000Vilto’sat\u3000Shobalar\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Spoils\u3000of\u3000war\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000
\nChapter\u3000Five
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Valas\u3000could\u3000tell\u3000that\u3000Danifae\u3000didn’t\u3000know\u3000the\u3000drake\u3000was\u3000behind\u3000her\u3000until\u3000the\u3000second\u3000his\u3000arrow\u3000sliced\u3000through\u3000the\u3000fine\u3000membrane\u3000of\u3000its\u3000wing\uff1b\u3000surprising\u3000it\u3002\u3000It\u3000made\u3000a\u3000noise\u3000deep\u3000in\u3000its\u3000throat\uff1b\u3000the\u3000arrow\u3000made\u3000a\u3000wet\u3000ripping\u3000sound\u3000as\u3000it\u3000entered\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000drake’s\u3000smooth\u3000motion\u3000ended\u3000in\u3000a\u3000jerk\u3002\u3000All\u3000that\u3000was\u3000enough\u3000for\u3000anyone\u3000to\u3000sense\u3000some\u3000disturbance\u3000behind\u3000her\u3000and\u3000turn\u2026and\u3000it\u3000was\u3000that\u3000simple\u3000reflex\u3000that\u3000saved\u3000Danifae’s\u3000life\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Though\u3000the\u3000drake\u3000forgot\u3000its\u3000intended\u3000target\uff1b\u3000it\u3000landed\u3000hard\u3000in\u3000a\u3000skidding\u3000roll\u3000and\u3000would\u3000have\u3000bowled\u3000her\u3000over\u3000if\u3000she\u3000hadn’t\u3000jumped\u3000clear\u2026and\u3000she\u3000barely\u3000managed\u3000that\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000portal\u3000drake\u3000whirled\u3000in\u3000the\u3000direction\u3000from\u3000which\u3000Valas’s\u3000arrow\u3000had\u3000e\u3002\u3000Saliva\u3000dripped\u3000from\u3000its\u3000open\u3000mouth\uff1b\u3000curling\u3000around\u3000jagged\u3000teeth\u3000and\u3000collecting\u3000on\u3000the\u3000cave\u3000floor\u3000in\u3000steaming\u3000pools\u3002\u3000Valas\u3000saw\u3000the\u3000intelligence\u3000in\u3000the\u3000thing’s\u3000eyes\uff1b\u3000the\u3000great\u3000age\u2026centuries\u3000spent\u3000stalking\u3000the\u3000alluring\u3000magical\u3000portals\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Underdark\u2026and\u3000the\u3000cold\uff1b\u3000hard\u3000anger\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000drake\u3000searched\u3000the\u3000darkness\u3000for\u3000him\uff1b\u3000but\u3000Valas\u3000knew\u3000it\u3000wouldn’t\u3000see\u3000him\u3002\u3000Valas\u3000didn’t\u3000want\u3000to\u3000be\u3000seen\uff1b\u3000it\u3000was\u3000that\u3000simple\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Behind\u3000the\u3000creature\uff1b\u3000Danifae\u3000scrambled\u3000to\u3000her\u3000feet\uff1b\u3000drawing\u3000her\u3000morningstar\u3000at\u3000the\u3000same\u3000time\u3002\u3000Valas\u3000already\u3000had\u3000another\u3000arrow\u3000in\u3000his\u3000hand\uff1b\u3000and\u3000as\u3000he\u3000slipped\u3000sideways\u3000along\u3000the\u3000edge\u3000of\u3000a\u3000deep\u3000shadow\u3000he\u3000set\u3000it\u3000to\u3000his\u3000bow\u3000and\u3000drew\u3000back\u3000the\u3000string\u3002\u3000The\u3000drake\u3000mirrored\u3000that\u3000expansive\u3000movement\u3000by\u3000drawing\u3000air\u3000into\u3000its\u3000lungs\u3002\u3000It\u3000couldn’t\u3000see\u3000Valas\uff1b\u3000but\u3000it\u3000had\u3000apparently\u3000concluded\u3000that\u3000all\u3000it\u3000had\u3000to\u3000do\u3000was\u3000get\u3000close\u3002\u3000It\u3000was\u3000a\u3000conclusion\u3000with\u3000which\u3000Valas\u3000could\u2026unfortunately\u2026find\u3000no\u3000fault\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000After\u3000taking\u3000a\u3000heartbeat\u3000to\u3000aim\uff1b\u3000Valas\u3000let\u3000the\u3000arrow\u3000fly\u3002\u3000The\u3000drake\u3000exhaled\uff1b\u3000releasing\u3000a\u3000billowing\u3000cloud\u3000of\u3000greasy\u3000green\u3000vapor\u3000into\u3000the\u3000air\u3002\u3000It\u3000rolled\u3000and\u3000expanded\u3000as\u3000it\u3000left\u3000the\u3000dragon’s\u3000mouth\u3002\u3000The\u3000drake\u3000began\u3000to\u3000strain\u3000to\u3000get\u3000it\u3000all\u3000out\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Danifae\u3000struck\u3000with\u3000her\u3000morningstar\u2026a\u3000weapon\u3000enchanted\u3000with\u3000the\u3000power\u3000of\u3000lightning\u2026from\u3000behind\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000portal\u3000drake\u3000jerked\u3000forward\u3002\u3000Valas’s\u3000arrow\u3000bit\u3000deeply\u3000into\u3000its\u3000chest\uff1b\u3000finding\u3000the\u3000half\u3000inch\u3000it\u3000needed\u3000between\u3000two\u3000hard\u3000scales\u3002\u3000The\u3000thing’s\u3000armored\u3000skin\u3000quivered\uff1b\u3000and\u3000muscles\u3000rippled\u3000and\u3000jerked\u3002\u3000The\u3000breath\u3000caught\u3000in\u3000its\u3000throat\uff1b\u3000and\u3000its\u3000cloud\u3000was\u3000cut\u3000short\u3002\u3000Still\u3000the\u3000gas\u3000rolled\u3000in\u3000Valas’s\u3000direction\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000scout\u3000could\u3000see\u3000it\u3000ing\u3002\u3000It\u3000was\u3000aimed\u3000toward\u3000rather\u3000than\u3000at\u3000him\uff1b\u3000so\u3000he\u3000flipped\u3000backward\u3000away\u3000from\u3000it\u3002\u3000He\u3000had\u3000no\u3000way\u3000to\u3000protect\u3000himself\u3000from\u3000poison\u3000gas\u3002\u3000It\u3000was\u3000a\u3000weakness\u3000in\u3000that\u3000situation\u3000that\u3000Valas\u3000found\u3000frustrating\u3002\u3000All\u3000he\u3000could\u3000do\u3000was\u3000avoid\u3000the\u3000gas\uff1b\u3000and\u3000avoidance\uff1b\u3000at\u3000least\uff1b\u3000was\u3000something\u3000he\u3000was\u3000well\u3000versed\u3000in\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Hide\u3000in\u3000the\u3000dark\u3000there\u3000if\u3000you\u3000wish\uff1b\u3000drow\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000portal\u3000drake\u3000hissed\u3000in\u3000Undermon\u3002\u3000Its\u3000voice\u3000was\u3000cold\u3000and\u3000sharp\uff1b\u3000almost\u3000mechanical\uff1b\u3000and\u3000it\u3000echoed\u3000in\u3000the\u3000high\u2026ceilinged\u3000chamber\u3000with\u3000a\u3000sound\u3000like\u3000glass\u3000breaking\u3002\u3000\u3003I\u3000can’t\u3000see\u3000you\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000creature\u3000turned\u3000to\u3000face\u3000Danifae\uff1b\u3000who\u3000was\u3000whirling\u3000her\u3000morningstar\uff1b\u3000looking\u3000him\u3000in\u3000the\u3000eye\u3002\u3000She\u3000was\u3000backing\u3000up\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003But\u3000I\u3000can\u3000see\u3000her\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000drake\u3000said\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Danifae\u3000smiled\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000expression\u3000sent\u3000a\u3000chill\u3000down\u3000Valas’s\u3000spine\u3002\u3000He\u3000stopped\uff1b\u3000noting\u3000the\u3000sensation\u3000but\u3000utterly\u3000confused\u3000by\u3000it\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000When\u3000the\u3000battle\u2026captive\u3000lashed\u3000out\u3000with\u3000the\u3000enchanted\u3000morningstar\u3000again\uff1b\u3000the\u3000drake\u3000dodged\u3000it\u3000easily\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003What\u3000are\u3000you\u3000expecting\uff1b\u3000lizard\uff1f\u3003\u3000Danifae\u3000asked\u3000the\u3000drake\u3002\u3000\u3003Do\u3000you\u3000think\u3000he’ll\u3000reveal\u3000himself\u3000to\u3000save\u3000me\uff1f\u3000Have\u3000you\u3000never\u3000met\u3000a\u3000dark\u3000elf\u3000before\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Valas\uff1b\u3000about\u3000to\u3000draw\u3000another\u3000arrow\uff1b\u3000let\u3000it\u3000drop\u3000silently\u3000back\u3000into\u3000his\u3000quiver\u3002\u3000He\u3000slipped\u3000the\u3000bow\u3000over\u3000his\u3000shoulder\u3000and\u3000made\u3000his\u3000way\u3000around\u3000the\u3000back\u3000of\u3000the\u3000drake\uff1b\u3000skirting\u3000the\u3000edge\u3000of\u3000the\u3000cavern\u3000wall\u3000toward\u3000the\u3000giant\u3000face\u3002\u3000He\u3000quickly\u3000estimated\u3000the\u3000number\u3000of\u3000steps\uff1b\u3000the\u3000number\u3000of\u3000seconds\uff1b\u3000and\u3000gauged\u3000the\u3000background\u3000noise\u3000for\u3000sound\u3000cover\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Dark\u3000elves\uff1f\u3003\u3000the\u3000drake\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003I’ve\u3000eaten\u3000one\u3000or\u3000two\u3000in\u3000my\u3000years\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Danifae\u3000tried\u3000to\u3000hit\u3000him\u3000again\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000drake\u3000tried\u3000to\u3000bite\u3000her\u3002\u3000They\u3000dodged\u3000at\u3000the\u3000same\u3000time\uff1b\u3000which\u3000ruined\u3000both\u3000their\u3000attacks\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Let\u3000us\u3000pass\uff1b\u3003\u3000Danifae\u3000said\uff1b\u3000and\u3000her\u3000voice\u3000had\u3000an\u3000air\u3000of\u3000mand\u3000to\u3000it\u3000that\u3000got\u3000Valas’s\u3000attention\u3000as\u3000well\u3000as\u3000the\u3000drake’s\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003No\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000drake\u3000answered\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Danifae\u3000stepped\u3000in\u3000faster\u3000than\u3000Valas\u3000would\u3000have\u3000thought\u3000her\u3000capable\u3000of\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000alu\u2026fiend\u3000smiled\uff1b\u3000showing\u3000a\u3000row\u3000of\u3000yellow\u2026white\u3000fangs\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Agrach\u3000Dyrr\u3000is\u3000alone\uff1b\u3003\u3000Triel\u3000Baenre\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003Alone\u3000and\u3000under\u3000siege\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000nodded\u3000but\u3000didn’t\u3000look\u3000at\u3000his\u3000sister\u3002\u3000He\u3000was\u3000captivated\u3000by\u3000the\u3000sight\u3000of\u3000Menzoberranzan\u3002\u3000The\u3000City\u3000of\u3000Spiders\u3000stretched\u3000out\u3000before\u3000him\uff1b\u3000ablaze\u3000in\u3000faerie\u3000fire\uff1b\u3000magnificent\u3000in\u3000its\u3000chaos\uff1b\u3000in\u3000its\u3000perversion\u3000of\u3000nature\u2026a\u3000cave\u3000made\u3000into\u3000a\u3000home\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000He\u3000could\u3000sense\u3000Triel\u3000stiffen\u3000behind\u3000him\u3000then\u3000shake\u3000his\u3000words\u3000off\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003You\u3000have\u3000been\uff1b\u3003\u3000she\u3000said\uff1b\u3000letting\u3000no\u3000small\u3000amount\u3000of\u3000acid\u3000into\u3000her\u3000own\u3000voice\uff1b\u3000\u3003but\u3000let\u3000us\u3000not\u3000dwell\u3000on\u3000failures\u3000in\u3000the\u3000face\u3000of\u3000such\u3000grave\u3000danger\u3000to\u3000all\u3000we\u3000hold\u3000dear\u3002\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Not\u3000all\u3000the\u3000Houses\u3000are\u3000at\u3000our\u3000beck\u3000and\u3000call\uff1b\u3000though\uff1b\u3000are\u3000they\uff1f\u3003\u3000he\u3000asked\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Triel\u3000sighed\u3000and\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003It\u3000is\u3000still\u3000Menzoberranzan\uff1b\u3000and\u3000we\u3000are\u3000still\u3000dark\u3000elves\u3002\u3000Houses\u3000Xorlarrin\u3000and\u3000Faen\u3000Tlabbar\u3000are\u3000firmly\u3000with\u3000us\u3002\u3000Faen\u3000Tlabbar\u3000brings\u3000with\u3000it\u3000House\u3000Srune’letr\uff1b\u3000who’s\u3000strongly\u3000allied\u3000with\u3000House\u3000Duskryn\u3002\u3000Of\u3000the\u3000lesser\u3000Houses\u3000we\u3000can\u3000rely\u3000on\u3000Symryvvin\uff1b\u3000Hunzrin\uff1b\u3000Vandree\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Mizzrym\u3000to\u3000serve\u3000us\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003That’s\u3000all\uff1f\u3003\u3000Gromph\u3000asked\u3000after\u3000a\u3000pause\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Barrison\u3000Del’Armgo\u3000perhaps\u3000still\u3000stings\u3000over\u3000Oblodra\uff1b\u3003\u3000Triel\u3000replied\u3002\u3000\u3003They\u3000remain\u3000loyal\u3000to\u3000Menzoberranzan\uff1b\u3000and\u3000they\u3000fight\uff1b\u3000but\u3000they\u3000keep\u3000their\u3000own\u3000council\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003And\u3000carry\u3000their\u3000own\u3000allies\uff1b\u3003\u3000Gromph\u3000added\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Thankfully\uff1b\u3000no\uff1b\u3003\u3000Triel\u3000corrected\uff1b\u3000obviously\u3000pleased\u3000with\u3000proving\u3000her\u3000brother\u3000wrong\u3000at\u3000the\u3000same\u3000time\u3000she\u3000was\u3000pleased\u3000that\u3000that\u3000powerful\u3000House\u3000was\u3000on\u3000its\u3000own\u3002\u3000\u3003The\u3000other\u3000lesser\u3000Houses\u3000remain\u3000neutral\u3000but\u3000offer\u3000their\u3000assets\u3000in\u3000defense\u3000of\u3000the\u3000city\u3002\u3000Better\u3000a\u3000dark\u3000elf\u3000neighbor\u3000you\u3000hate\u3000than\u3000a\u3000duergar\u3000in\u3000any\u3000capacity\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Or\u3000a\u3000tanarukk\uff1b\u3003\u3000Gromph\u3000added\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Or\u3000a\u3000tanarukk\uff1b\u3003\u3000his\u3000sister\u3000agreed\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000turned\u3000his\u3000attention\u3000back\u3000to\u3000the\u3000city\u3000at\u3000large\u3002\u3000There\u3000were\u3000very\u3000few\u3000drow\u3000in\u3000the\u3000streets\u3000and\u3000the\u3000archmage\u3000could\u3000see\u3000columns\u3000of\u3000troops\u3000moving\uff1b\u3000some\u3000at\u3000double\u3000time\uff1b\u3000through\u3000the\u3000winding\u3000thoroughfares\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003The\u3000city\u3000is\u3000quiet\uff1b\u3003\u3000he\u3000mented\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003The\u3000city\uff1b\u3003\u3000Andzrel\u3000cut\u3000in\uff1b\u3000\u3003is\u3000hard\u3000under\u3000siege\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000bristled\u3000at\u3000that\u3000but\u3000knew\u3000better\u3000than\u3000to\u3000kill\u3000the\u3000messenger\uff1b\u3000at\u3000least\u3000in\u3000that\u3000case\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003We\u3000are\u3000surrounded\u3000on\u3000all\u3000sides\uff1b\u3000but\u3000we’re\u3000fighting\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000weapons\u3000master\u3000continued\uff1b\u3000\u3003and\u3000will\u3000continue\u3000to\u3000fight\u3002\u3000Our\u3000own\u3000forces\u3000hold\u3000Qu’ellarz’orl\u3000and\u3000are\u3000moving\u3000to\u3000support\u3000House\u3000Hunzrin\u3000in\u3000Donigarten\u3000north\u3002\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Is\u3000the\u3000lichdrow\u3000dead\uff1f\u3003\u3000asked\u3000Gromph\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000There\u3000was\u3000a\u3000pause\uff1b\u3000during\u3000which\u3000neither\u3000the\u3000matron\u3000mother\u3000nor\u3000the\u3000weapons\u3000master\u3000bothered\u3000to\u3000answer\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Then\u3000they\u3000could\u3000have\u3000a\u3000firmer\u3000hand\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000archmage\u3000concluded\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Andzrel\u3000cleared\u3000his\u3000throat\u3000and\u3000continued\uff1b\u3000\u3003Faen\u3000Tlabbar\uff1b\u3000aside\u3000from\u3000blocking\u3000Agrach\u3000Dyrr’s\u3000retreat\u3000west\uff1b\u3000guards\u3000the\u3000southwest\u3000approaches\u3000to\u3000the\u3000Dark\u3000Dominion\u3000from\u3000the\u3000Web\u3000to\u3000the\u3000western\u3000tip\u3000of\u3000Qu’ellarz’orl\u3002\u3000They\u3000face\u3000the\u3000largest\u3000concentration\u3000of\u3000gray\u3000dwarves\uff1b\u3000assisted\u3000by\u3000House\u3000Srune’lett\u3002\u3000Faen\u3000Tlabbar\u3000also\u3000supports\u3000House\u3000Duskryn’s\u3000efforts\u3000to\u3000hold\u3000the\u3000caves\u3000north\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Westrift\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Well\uff1b\u3003\u3000said\u3000Gromph\u3000with\u3000a\u3000wry\u3000edge\u3000to\u3000his\u3000voice\uff1b\u3000\u3003isn’t\u3000Faen\u3000Tlabbar\u3000impressive\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003They\u3000are\uff1b\u3003\u3000Triel\u3000agreed\uff1b\u3000\u3003and\u3000Srune’lett\u3000and\u3000Duskryn\u3000require\u3000no\u3000more\u3000proof\u3002\u3000If\u3000Faen\u3000Tlabbar\u3000were\u3000to\u3000betray\u3000us\uff1b\u3000they\u3000would\u3000take\u3000those\u3000two\u3000Houses\u3000with\u3000them\u3000at\u3000least\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Why\u3000in\u3000all\u3000the\u3000Underdark\u3000might\u3000they\u3000do\u3000that\uff1f\u3003\u3000Gromph\u3000joked\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Triel\u3000laughed\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000weapons\u3000master\u3000cleared\u3000his\u3000throat\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003What\u3000of\u3000the\u3000lesser\u3000Houses\uff1f\u3003\u3000Gromph\u3000asked\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Symryvvin\u3000assists\u3000Duskryn\u3000above\u3000the\u3000Westrift\uff1b\u3003\u3000Andzrel\u3000said\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Another\u3000probably\u3000in\u3000Ghenni’s\u3000pocket\uff1b\u3000should\u3000it\u3000e\u3000to\u3000that\uff1b\u3003\u3000Triel\u3000mented\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000shrugged\u3000and\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003If\u3000they\u3000defend\u3000Menzoberranzan\u3000now\uff1b\u3000let\u3000them\u3000make\u3000plans\u3000for\u3000afterward\u3002\u3000If\u3000we\u3000survive\uff1b\u3000we\u3000survive\u3000as\u3000First\u3000House\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000agree\uff1b\u3000Archmage\uff1b\u3003\u3000said\u3000Andzrel\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000turned\u3000to\u3000look\u3000at\u3000the\u3000warrior\uff1b\u3000letting\u3000a\u3000cold\u3000gaze\u3000linger\u3000over\u3000the\u3000drow’s\u3000rough\u3000features\u3000and\u3000battle\u2026scarred\u3000armor\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Of\u3000course\u3000you\u3000do\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000archmage\u3000said\uff1b\u3000his\u3000voice\u3000barely\u3000above\u3000a\u3000whisper\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Andzrel\u3000looked\u3000down\u3000then\u3000looked\u3000at\u3000Triel\uff1b\u3000who\u3000only\u3000smiled\u3000at\u3000him\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003House\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3003\u3000the\u3000weapons\u3000master\u3000began\uff1b\u3000obviously\u3000thinking\u3000it\u3000safer\u3000to\u3000continue\u3000his\u3000debriefing\u3000than\u3000further\u3000patronize\u3000the\u3000powerful\u3000archmage\u3000with\u3000his\u3000support\u3002\u3000He\u3000cleared\u3000his\u3000throat\u3000and\u3000continued\uff1b\u3000\u3003House\u3000Hunzrin\u3000is\u3000hard\u3000pressed\u3000against\u3000forces\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Scoured\u3000Legion\u3000in\u3000Donigarten\u3000north\u3002\u3000Vandree\u3000holds\u3000well\u3000against\u3000duergar\u3000south\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Westrift\u3002\u3000Mizzrym\u3000lends\u3000what\u3000it\u3000can\u3000to\u3000Xorlarrin’s\u3000efforts\u3000against\u3000Agrach\u3000Dyrr\uff1b\u3000and\u3000they\u3000also\u3000send\u3000patrols\u3000into\u3000the\u3000mushroom\u3000forest\u3000where\u3000they’ve\u3000encountered\u3000the\u3000odd\u3000spy\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003The\u3000tanarukks\u3000are\u3000mostly\u3000in\u3000the\u3000east\uff1b\u3000then\uff1f\u3003\u3000Gromph\u3000asked\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003As\u3000one\u3000would\u3000expect\uff1b\u3000Archmage\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000weapons\u3000master\u3000risked\u3002\u3000\u3003They\u3000marched\u3000from\u3000below\u3000Hellgate\u3000Keep\uff1b\u3000which\u3000lies\u3000to\u3000our\u3000east\u3002\u3000The\u3000duergar\u3000are\u3000from\u3000Gracklstugh\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000let\u3000a\u3000breath\u3000out\u3000slowly\u3000through\u3000his\u3000nose\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000never\u3000thought\u3000I’d\u3000live\u3000to\u3000see\u3000the\u3000day\uff1b\u3003\u3000Triel\u3000murmured\u3002\u3000\u3003Gracklstugh\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003The\u3000tanarukks\u3000are\u3000more\u3000formidable\u3000foes\uff1b\u3003\u3000Gromph\u3000went\u3000on\uff1b\u3000ignoring\u3000his\u3000sister\u3002\u3000\u3003Tell\u3000me\u3000that\u3000more\u3000than\u3000House\u3000Hunzrin\u3000are\u3000holding\u3000against\u3000them\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Barrison\u3000Del’Armgo\u3000fights\u3000well\u3000in\u3000the\u3000south\u3000of\u3000Donigarten\uff1b\u3003\u3000Andzrel\u3000replied\uff1b\u3000\u3003against\u3000the\u3000largest\u3000concentration\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Scoured\u3000Legion\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Mez’Barris\u3000will\u3000have\u3000her\u3000heroes\uff1b\u3003\u3000Triel\u3000sighed\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003North\uff1f\u3003\u3000Gromph\u3000asked\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Barrison\u3000Del’Armgo\u3000again\uff1b\u3000with\u3000help\u3000from\u3000the\u3000Academy\uff1b\u3000holds\u3000the\u3000Clawrift\uff1b\u3003\u3000replied\u3000the\u3000weapons\u3000master\uff1b\u3000\u3003mostly\u3000east\u3000into\u3000Eastmyr\u3002\u3000The\u3000duergar\u3000are\u3000thin\u3000there\u3002\u3000There\u3000have\u3000been\u3000reports\u3000of\u3000illithid\u3000incursions\u2026mostly\u3000one\u3000or\u3000two\u3000at\u3000a\u3000time\u2026in\u3000the\u3000east\uff1b\u3000from\u3000beyond\u3000the\u3000Wanderways\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003The\u3000flayers\u3000sense\u3000weakness\uff1b\u3003\u3000Gromph\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003They’re\u3000scavengers\u3002\u3000They’ll\u3000harry\u3000us\u3000when\u3000they\u3000can\u3000and\u3000disappear\u3000entirely\u3000when\u3000they\u3000can’t\u3002\u3000Some\u3000of\u3000them\u3000can\u3000prove\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000irritating\uff1b\u3000but\u3000they’ll\u3000wait\u3000till\u3000we’re\u3000weaker\u2026if\u3000we\u3000let\u3000ourselves\u3000get\u3000weaker\u2026before\u3000they\u3000appear\u3000in\u3000force\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Neither\u3000Triel\u3000nor\u3000Andzrel\u3000risked\u3000ment\u3000on\u3000that\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003And\u3000the\u3000other\u3000Houses\uff1f\u3003\u3000asked\u3000Gromph\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003They\u3000protect\u3000themselves\uff1b\u3003\u3000Triel\u3000answered\u3002\u3000\u3003They\u3000patrol\u3000the\u3000immediate\u3000surrounds\u3000of\u3000their\u3000manors\uff1b\u3000assist\u3000in\u3000keeping\u3000the\u3000peace\u3000in\u3000the\u3000st \n
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\n
\n
\n \u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003They\u3000protect\u3000themselves\uff1b\u3003\u3000Triel\u3000answered\u3002\u3000\u3003They\u3000patrol\u3000the\u3000immediate\u3000surrounds\u3000of\u3000their\u3000manors\uff1b\u3000assist\u3000in\u3000keeping\u3000the\u3000peace\u3000in\u3000the\u3000streets\uff1b\u3000and\u3000I’d\u3000prefer\u3000to\u3000believe\uff1b\u3000they\u3000await\u3000mand\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Well\uff1b\u3003\u3000said\u3000Gromph\uff1b\u3000\u3003I’m\u3000sure\u3000we’ll\u3000find\u3000out\u3000soon\u3000enough\u3002\u3000Still\uff1b\u3000I’d\u3000have\u3000liked\u3000more\u3000allies\u3000within\u3000our\u3000own\u3000damned\u3000city\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Tier\u3000Breche\u3000is\u3000with\u3000us\uff1b\u3003\u3000Triel\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003though\u3000I\u3000doubt\u3000I\u3000have\u3000to\u3000tell\u3000you\u3000that\u3002\u3000In\u3000Quenthel’s\u3000absence\uff1b\u3000Arach\u2026Tinilith\u3000answers\u3000only\u3000to\u3000me\u3002\u3000I\u3000know\u3000you\u3000have\u3000done\u3000well\u3000in\u3000your\u3000return\u3000to\u3000power\u3000at\u3000Sorcere\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Melee\u2026Magthere\u3000will\u3000always\u3000fight\u3000should\u3000one\u3000raise\u3000a\u3000blade\u3000against\u3000the\u3000City\u3000of\u3000Spiders\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Your\u3000gold\u3000has\u3000paid\u3000for\u3000the\u3000mercenaries\uff1b\u3000I\u3000assume\uff1b\u3003\u3000Gromph\u3000said\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Triel\u3000shrugged\u3000and\u3000replied\uff1b\u3000\u3003Bregan\u3000D’aerthe\u3000is\u3000on\u3000extended\u3000contract\uff1b\u3000though\u3000the\u3000Abyss\u3000knows\u3000where\u3000Jarlaxle’s\u3000been\u3002\u3000It’ll\u3000take\u3000every\u3000dead\u3000duergar’s\u3000gold\u3000teeth\u3000to\u3000replenish\u3000our\u3000coffers\u3000in\u3000the\u3000end\uff1b\u3000but\u3000in\u3000the\u3000meantime\uff1b\u3000Bregan\u3000D’aerthe\u3000act\u3000as\u3000infiltrators\u3000and\u3000scouts\u3000and\u3000are\u3000moving\u3000forces\u3000throughout\u3000the\u3000city\u3000to\u3000monitor\u3000and\u3000support\u3000the\u3000lesser\u3000Houses\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Much\u3000of\u3000what\u3000we’ve\u3000told\u3000you\u3000today\uff1b\u3000Archmage\uff1b\u3003\u3000Andzrel\u3000offered\uff1b\u3000\u3003came\u3000from\u3000Bregan\u3000D’aerthe\u3000reports\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Good\u3000for\u3000them\uff1b\u3003\u3000Gromph\u3000lied\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Menzoberranzan\u3000will\u3000stand\uff1b\u3003\u3000Andzrel\u3000declared\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003But\u3000not\u3000forever\uff1b\u3003\u3000Triel\u3000added\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Not\u3000for\u3000long\uff1b\u3003\u3000said\u3000Gromph\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000There\u3000was\u3000a\u3000long\u3000silence\u3002\u3000Gromph\u3000spent\u3000the\u3000time\u3000watching\u3000the\u3000flickering\u3000of\u3000valuable\u3000battle\u3000magic\u3000being\u3000spent\u3000against\u3000House\u3000Agrach\u3000Dyrr\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003What\u3000will\u3000be\u3000left\uff1f\u3003\u3000asked\u3000Triel\u3000after\u3000a\u3000time\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Matron\u3000Mother\uff1b\u3003\u3000Andzrel\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003Archmage\uff1b\u3000in\u3000my\u3000opinion\u3000the\u3000greatest\u3000threat\u3000from\u3000within\u3000the\u3000city\u3000is\u3000no\u3000longer\u3000Agrach\u3000Dyrr\u3000but\u3000Barrison\u3000Del’Armgo\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000lifted\u3000an\u3000eyebrow\u3000and\u3000turned\u3000to\u3000look\u3000at\u3000the\u3000weapons\u3000master\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Even\u3000without\u3000any\u3000of\u3000the\u3000lesser\u3000Houses\u3000at\u3000their\u3000side\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000warrior\u3000went\u3000on\uff1b\u3000\u3003they\u3000are\u3000the\u3000greatest\u3000threat\u3000to\u3000the\u3000First\u3000House’s\u3000power\u3002\u3000Matron\u3000Mother\u3000Armgo\u3000is\u3000already\u3000making\u3000overtures\u3000to\u3000many\u3000of\u3000the\u3000lesser\u3000Houses\uff1b\u3000especially\u3000Hunzrin\u3000and\u3000Kenafin\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003And\uff1f\u3003\u3000Triel\u3000prompted\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003And\uff1b\u3003\u3000Gromph\u3000broke\u3000in\uff1b\u3000finishing\u3000on\u3000Andzrel’s\u3000behalf\uff1b\u3000\u3003they\u3000could\u3000bite\u3000off\u3000Donigarten\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Our\u3000food\u3000supply\uff1b\u3003\u3000Andzrel\u3000added\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000smiled\u3000when\u3000Triel’s\u3000face\u3000turned\u3000almost\u3000gray\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Yes\uff1b\u3000well\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000archmage\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003all\u3000things\u3000in\u3000their\u3000turn\u3002\u3000Barrison\u3000Del’Armgo\u3000will\u3000answer\u3000for\u3000their\u3000ambitions\u3000only\u3000after\u3000I’ve\u3000cleaned\u3000up\u3000a\u3000more\u3000open\u3000insurrection\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Dyrr\uff1f\u3003\u3000Triel\u3000didn’t\u3000have\u3000to\u3000ask\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003It’s\u3000time\u3000for\u3000our\u3000old\u3000friend\u3000the\u3000lichdrow\u3000to\u3000die\u3000again\uff1b\u3003\u3000Gromph\u3000replied\u3002\u3000\u3003This\u3000time\uff1b\u3000permanently\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000
\nChapter\u3000Seven
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Danifae\u3000counted\u3000the\u3000warriors\u3000in\u3000front\u3000of\u3000her\u2026eight\u3000armed\u3000with\u3000spears\uff1b\u3000and\u3000a\u3000row\u3000of\u3000a\u3000dozen\u3000crossbowmen\u3000behind\u3000them\u2026and\u3000waited\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Wele\u3000to\u3000the\u3000City\u3000of\u3000Portals\uff1b\u3003\u3000one\u3000of\u3000the\u3000spearmen\u3000said\uff1b\u3000his\u3000blood\u2026red\u3000eyes\u3000darting\u3000quickly\uff1b\u3000alertly\uff1b\u3000between\u3000Danifae\u3000and\u3000Valas\u3002\u3000\u3003If\u3000you\u3000reach\u3000for\u3000a\u3000weapon\u3000or\u3000begin\u3000to\u3000cast\u3000a\u3000spell\uff1b\u3000we’ll\u3000kill\u3000you\u3000before\u3000you\u3000get\u3000a\u3000single\u3000breath\u3000out\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Danifae\u3000flashed\u3000the\u3000male\u3000a\u3000smile\u3000and\u3000was\u3000gratified\u3000to\u3000see\u3000his\u3000gaze\u3000linger\u3000on\u3000her\u3002\u3000If\u3000Valas\u3000were\u3000going\u3000to\u3000attack\uff1b\u3000he\u3000would\u3000have\u3000at\u3000that\u3000moment\u3002\u3000He\u3000didn’t\uff1b\u3000so\u3000Danifae\u3000found\u3000herself\u3000in\u3000the\u3000position\u3000of\u3000having\u3000to\u3000trust\u3000him\u3000again\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Who\u3000are\u3000you\uff1b\u3000where\u3000are\u3000you\u3000from\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000guard\u3000asked\uff1b\u3000\u3003and\u3000what\u3000is\u3000your\u3000business\u3000in\u3000Sschindylryn\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000am\u3000Valas\u3000Hune\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000scout\u3000answered\u3002\u3000He\u3000paused\u3000and\u3000reached\u3000up\u3000slowly\u3000to\u3000the\u3000neck\u3000of\u3000his\u3000piwafwi\u3002\u3000When\u3000he\u3000drew\u3000his\u3000cloak\u3000aside\uff1b\u3000the\u3000guard’s\u3000eyes\u3000fixed\u3000on\u3000something\u3002\u3000Danifae\u3000was\u3000sure\u3000it\u3000had\u3000to\u3000be\u3000the\u3000insignia\u3000of\u3000the\u3000mercenary\u3000pany\u3000to\u3000which\u3000Valas\u3000was\u3000attached\u3002\u3000\u3003My\u3000business\u3000here\u3000is\u3000to\u3000resupply\u3002\u3000Give\u3000us\u3000a\u3000day\u3000or\u3000so\u3000to\u3000gather\u3000what\u3000we\u3000need\uff1b\u3000and\u3000we’ll\u3000be\u3000on\u3000our\u3000way\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000guard\u3000nodded\u3000and\u3000looked\u3000at\u3000Danifae\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003And\u3000you\uff1f\u3003\u3000he\u3000asked\u3002\u3000\u3003You\u3000don’t\u3000look\u3000Bregan\u3000D’aerthe\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Danifae\u3000chuckled\u3000playfully\u3000and\u3000replied\uff1b\u3000\u3003I\u3000am\u3000Danifae\u3000Yauntyrr\u3002\u3000And\u3000you\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000guard\u3000was\u3000puzzled\u3000by\u3000the\u3000question\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003She\u3000is\u3000a\u3000battle\u2026captive\u3000in\u3000the\u3000service\u3000of\u3000the\u3000First\u3000Daughter\u3000of\u3000House\u3000Melarn\uff1b\u3003\u3000Valas\u3000answered\u3000for\u3000her\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Danifae\u3000felt\u3000her\u3000skin\u3000tingle\u3000with\u3000suppressed\u3000rage\u3002\u3000What\u3000kind\u3000of\u3000scout\u3000volunteered\u3000such\u3000information\uff1f\u3000Or\u3000did\u3000he\u3000mean\u3000to\u3000put\u3000her\u3000in\u3000her\u3000place\u3000by\u3000reminding\u3000her\u3000that\u3000while\u3000he\u3000was\u3000free\uff1b\u3000she\u3000was\u3000not\uff1f
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000guard\u3000smiled\u2026leered\u3000almost\u2026and\u3000looked\u3000Danifae\u3000briefly\u3000up\u3000and\u3000down\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Melarn\uff1f\u3003\u3000he\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003Never\u3000heard\u3000of\u3000it\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003A\u3000lesser\u3000House\uff1b\u3003\u3000Valas\u3000answered\u3000again\u3000before\u3000Danifae\u3000could\u3000speak\u3000up\u3002\u3000\u3003It\u3000was\u3000destroyed\u3000with\u3000the\u3000others\u3000in\u3000the\u3000fall\u3000of\u3000Ched\u3000Nasad\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000guard\u3000looked\u3000at\u3000her\u3000again\u3000and\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003That\u3000means\u3000you’re\u3000free\uff1b\u3000eh\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Danifae\u3000shrugged\uff1b\u3000saying\u3000nothing\u3002\u3000She\uff1b\u3000unlike\u3000Valas\uff1b\u3000wasn’t\u3000about\u3000to\u3000give\u3000away\u3000information\u3002\u3000The\u3000last\u3000thing\u3000she\u3000needed\u3000was\u3000for\u3000anyone\u3000to\u3000know\u3000that\u3000she’d\u3000e\u3000to\u3000Sschindylryn\u3000to\u3000address\u3000that\u3000very\u3000question\u3000once\u3000and\u3000for\u3000all\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003We\u3000want\u3000no\u3000trouble\u3000with\u3000Bregan\u3000D’aerthe\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000guard\u3000said\u3000to\u3000Valas\u3002\u3000\u3003Get\u3000your\u3000supplies\uff1b\u3000then\u3000get\u3000out\u3002\u3000Menzoberranyr\u3000are\u3000less\u3000than\u3000popular\u3000here\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Why\u3000would\u3000that\u3000be\uff1f\u3003\u3000asked\u3000Valas\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000guards\u3000visibly\u3000relaxed\uff1b\u3000and\u3000half\u3000the\u3000crossbowmen\u3000slipped\u3000the\u3000bolts\u3000off\u3000their\u3000weapons\u3000and\u3000stepped\u3000back\u3000from\u3000the\u3000firing\u3000line\u3002\u3000The\u3000spearmen\u3000put\u3000their\u3000weapons\u3000up\u3000but\u3000still\u3000stood\u3000ready\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003It’s\u3000your\u3000fault\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000guard\u3000replied\uff1b\u3000\u3003or\u3000so\u3000they\u3000say\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003What\u3000is\u3000our\u3000fault\uff1f\u3003\u3000Danifae\u3000asked\uff1b\u3000not\u3000certain\u3000why\u3000she\u3000identified\u3000herself\u3000as\u3000Menzoberranyr\uff1b\u3000having\u3000never\u3000even\u3000been\u3000there\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003They\u3000say\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000guard\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003that\u3000it\u3000was\u3000a\u3000Menzoberranyr\u3000who\u3000killed\u3000Lolth\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Valas\u3000laughed\uff1b\u3000letting\u3000a\u3000generous\u3000portion\u3000of\u3000contempt\u3000coat\u3000the\u3000sound\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Yes\uff1b\u3000well\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3003\u3000the\u3000guard\u3000finished\u3002\u3000\u3003That’s\u3000what\u3000they\u3000say\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003This\u3000way\uff1b\u3003\u3000Valas\u3000said\u3000over\u3000his\u3000shoulder\u3000to\u3000Danifae\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000battle\u2026captive\u3000nodded\uff1b\u3000took\u3000stock\u3000of\u3000her\u3000belongings\uff1b\u3000and\u3000followed\u3000the\u3000scout\u3000past\u3000the\u3000guards\u3000and\u3000toward\u3000the\u3000wide\uff1b\u3000open\u3000gate\u3000into\u3000the\u3000city\u3000proper\u3002\u3000As\u3000she\u3000passed\u3000him\uff1b\u3000Danifae\u3000gave\u3000the\u3000guard\u3000captain\u3000a\u3000playful\u3000wink\u3002\u3000The\u3000male’s\u3000jaw\u3000opened\uff1b\u3000but\u3000he\u3000managed\u3000to\u3000catch\u3000it\u3000before\u3000it\u3000dropped\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000When\u3000she\u3000was\u3000certain\u3000they\u3000were\u3000out\u3000of\u3000earshot\u3000of\u3000the\u3000guards\uff1b\u3000Danifae\u3000drew\u3000closer\u3000to\u3000the\u3000Bregan\u3000D’aerthe\u3000scout\u3002\u3000Valas\u3000flinched\u3000away\u3000from\u3000her\u3000touch\u3000then\u3000seemed\u3000to\u3000force\u3000himself\u3000to\u3000relax\u3002\u3000Danifae\uff1b\u3000making\u3000careful\u3000note\u3000of\u3000his\u3000reaction\u3000to\u3000her\uff1b\u3000leaned\u3000in\u3000very\u3000close\u3002\u3000With\u3000a\u3000greater\u3000than\u3000necessary\u3000exhalation\u3000of\u3000hot\u3000air\u3000from\u3000her\u3000husky\uff1b\u3000hushed\u3000voice\uff1b\u3000Danifae\u3000whispered\u3000into\u3000his\u3000ear\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I’m\u3000not\u3000going\u3000with\u3000you\uff1b\u3003\u3000she\u3000told\u3000Valas\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Why\u3000not\uff1f\u3003\u3000he\u3000answered\uff1b\u3000matching\u3000her\u3000discreet\u3000volume\u3000but\u3000not\u3000her\u3000flirtatiousness\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000never\u3000enjoyed\u3000shopping\uff1b\u3003\u3000Danifae\u3000replied\uff1b\u3000\u3003and\u3000I\u3000have\u3000errands\u3000of\u3000my\u3000own\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000For\u3000a\u3000moment\u3000it\u3000looked\u3000to\u3000Danifae\u3000as\u3000if\u3000Valas\u3000were\u3000actually\u3000going\u3000to\u3000argue\u3000or\u3000at\u3000least\u3000press\u3000her\u3000for\u3000more\u3000information\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Very\u3000well\uff1b\u3003\u3000he\u3000said\u3000after\u3000a\u3000few\u3000seconds\u3002\u3000\u3003I\u3000have\u3000a\u3000way\u3000of\u3000calling\u3000you\u3000when\u3000it’s\u3000time\u3000to\u3000go\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000have\u3000a\u3000way\u3000of\u3000ignoring\u3000you\u3000if\u3000I’m\u3000not\u3000ready\uff1b\u3003\u3000she\u3000replied\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Valas\u3000didn’t\u3000respond\uff1b\u3000though\u3000that\u3000time\u3000Danifae\u3000was\u3000sure\u3000she’d\u3000broken\u3000through\u3000his\u3000impenetrable\u3000armor\u3002\u3000She\u3000turned\u3000away\u3000and\u3000stepped\u3000into\u3000the\u3000crowd\u3000that\u3000was\u3000flowing\u3000past\u3000the\u3000columned\uff1b\u3000temple\u2026like\u3000structure\u3000that\u3000surrounded\u3000the\u3000gate\u3002\u3000Within\u3000seconds\u3000she\u3000had\u3000effectively\u3000lost\u3000herself\u3000in\u3000the\u3000strange\u3000city\uff1b\u3000leaving\u3000the\u3000scout\u3000behind\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000city\u3000of\u3000Sschindylryn\u3000was\u3000contained\u3000in\u3000a\u3000single\u3000pyramid\u2026shaped\u3000void\u3000in\u3000the\u3000solid\u3000rock\u3000some\u3000unfathomable\u3000distance\u3000below\u3000the\u3000surface\u3000of\u3000Faerun\u3002\u3000The\u3000pyramid\u3000had\u3000three\u3000sides\uff1b\u3000each\u3000more\u3000than\u3000two\u3000miles\u3000long\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000apex\u3000was\u3000two\u3000miles\u3000above\u3002\u3000Bioluminescent\u3000fungus\u3000grew\u3000in\u3000patches\u3000all\u3000around\u3000the\u3000smooth\u3000outer\u3000walls\uff1b\u3000giving\u3000the\u3000whole\u3000city\u3000an\u3000eerie\uff1b\u3000dim\u3000yellow\u3000ambient\u3000light\u3002\u3000The\u3000drow\u3000who\u3000called\u3000the\u3000city\u3000home\u3000lived\u3000in\u3000houses\u3000constructed\u3000of\u3000stone\u3000and\u3000brick\u2026unusual\u3000in\u3000a\u3000dark\u3000elf\u3000city\u2026that\u3000were\u3000built\u3000on\u3000stepped\u3000tiers\u3002\u3000The\u3000outer\u3000edges\u3000of\u3000the\u3000city\u3000were\u3000actually\u3000trenches\u3000carved\u3000into\u3000the\u3000stone\u3000floor\u3000of\u3000the\u3000pyramid\u3002\u3000In\u3000the\u3000center\uff1b\u3000a\u3000sort\u3000of\u3000huge\u3000ziggurat\u3000rose\u3000up\u3000into\u3000the\u3000cool\uff1b\u3000still\u3000air\u3002\u3000There\u3000was\u3000no\u3000physical\u3000way\u3000in\u3000or\u3000out\u3000of\u3000the\u3000city\u3002\u3000No\u3000tunnel\u3000connected\u3000the\u3000cavern\u3000to\u3000the\u3000rest\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Underdark\u3002\u3000Sschindylryn\u3000was\u3000sealed\u3002\u3000Locked\u3000away\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Except\u3000for\u3000the\u3000gates\uff1b\u3000and\u3000there\u3000were\u3000thousands\u3000of\u3000those\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000They\u3000were\u3000everywhere\u3002\u3000In\u3000only\u3000the\u3000first\u3000few\u3000blocks\u3000Danifae\u3000saw\u3000a\u3000dozen\u3000of\u3000them\u3002\u3000They\u3000led\u3000to\u3000every\u3000corner\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Underdark\uff1b\u3000onto\u3000the\u3000World\u3000Above\uff1b\u3000perhaps\u3000beyond\u3000to\u3000the\u3000planes\u3000and\u3000elsewhere\u3002\u3000Some\u3000were\u3000open\u3000to\u3000the\u3000public\uff1b\u3000left\u3000there\u3000by\u3000no\u3000one\u3000remembered\u3000whom\u3002\u3000Others\u3000were\u3000mercial\u3000ventures\uff1b\u3000offering\u3000transport\u3000to\u3000some\u3000other\u3000drow\u3000city\u3000or\u3000trade\u3000site\u3000of\u3000the\u3000lesser\u3000races\u3000for\u3000a\u3000fee\u3002\u3000Still\u3000others\u3000were\u3000kept\u3000secret\uff1b\u3000used\u3000only\u3000by\u3000a\u3000chosen\u3000few\u3002\u3000Gangs\u3000controlled\u3000some\uff1b\u3000merchant\u3000costers\u3000controlled\u3000more\uff1b\u3000while\u3000the\u3000clergy\u3000maintained\u3000hundreds\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000On\u3000the\u3000narrow\u3000streets\u3000Danifae\u3000passed\u3000mostly\u3000other\u3000dark\u3000elves\uff1b\u3000and\u3000all\u3000of\u3000them\u3000seemed\uff1b\u3000like\u3000her\uff1b\u3000concerned\u3000entirely\u3000with\u3000their\u3000own\u3000business\u3002\u3000They\u3000ignored\u3000her\uff1b\u3000and\u3000she\u3000did\u3000likewise\u3002\u3000As\u3000she\u3000walked\uff1b\u3000she\u3000became\u3000increasingly\u3000aware\u3000that\u3000she\u3000was\u3000in\u3000a\u3000strange\u3000city\uff1b\u3000alone\uff1b\u3000looking\u3000for\u3000a\u3000single\u3000drow\u3000who\u3000was\u3000very\u3000likely\u3000still\u3000making\u3000every\u3000effort\u3000to\u3000hide\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000House\u3000Agrach\u3000Dyrr\u3000had\u3000been\u3000part\u3000of\u3000the\u3000political\u3000landscape\u3000of\u3000Menzoberranzan\u3000for\u3000more\u3000than\u3000five\u3000thousand\u3000years\u3002\u3000Only\u3000House\u3000Baenre\u3000was\u3000older\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000For\u3000most\u3000of\u3000that\u3000time\uff1b\u3000Houses\u3000Baenre\u3000and\u3000Agrach\u3000Dyrr\u3000had\u3000maintained\u3000a\u3000close\u3000relationship\u3002\u3000Of\u3000course\u3000there\u3000was\u3000never\u3000trust\uff1b\u3000that\u3000wasn’t\u3000something\u3000that\u3000existed\u3000in\u3000any\u3000but\u3000the\u3000must\u3000tenuous\u3000and\u3000rudimentary\u3000form\u3000in\u3000the\u3000City\u3000o \n
\n \n
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\n n\u3000the\u3000City\u3000of\u3000Spiders\uff1b\u3000but\u3000they\u3000had\u3000had\u3000certain\u3000arrangements\u3002\u3000They\u3000shared\u3000mon\u3000interests\u3000and\u3000mon\u3000goals\u3002\u3000Agrach\u3000Dyrr\u3000had\u3000fulfilled\u3000its\u3000role\u3000in\u3000the\u3000city’s\u3000hierarchy\u3002\u3000It\u3000went\u3000to\u3000war\u3000with\u3000the\u3000city\uff1b\u3000defended\u3000itself\u3000against\u3000rival\u3000Houses\uff1b\u3000destroyed\u3000a\u3000few\u3000from\u3000time\u3000to\u3000time\u3000as\u3000necessity\u3000dictated\uff1b\u3000and\u3000in\u3000all\u3000things\u3000followed\u3000the\u3000teachings\u3000and\u3000the\u3000whims\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Queen\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Demonweb\u3000Pits\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Matron\u3000Mother\u3000Yasraena\u3000Dyrr\u3000enjoyed\u3000pain\u3002\u3000She\u3000enjoyed\u3000chaos\uff1b\u3000and\u3000she\u3000enjoyed\u3000the\u3000blessings\u3000of\u3000Lolth\u3002\u3000When\u3000that\u3000last\u3000bit\u3000went\u3000away\uff1b\u3000things\u3000changed\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000From\u3000their\u3000palace\u3000on\u3000the\u3000wide\u3000shelf\u3000of\u3000Qu’ellarz’orl\uff1b\u3000the\u3000Lichdrow\u3000Dyrr\u3000had\u3000stood\u3000with\u3000his\u3000much\u3000younger\u3000granddaughter\u3000and\u3000watched\u3000the\u3000city\u3000turn\u3000against\u3000them\u3002\u3000Well\uff1b\u3000that\u3000wasn’t\u3000entirely\u3000accurate\uff1b\u3000the\u3000lichdrow\u3000knew\u3002\u3000He\u3000had\u3000turned\u3000against\u3000the\u3000city\uff1b\u3000and\u3000he\u3000had\u3000done\u3000it\u3000with\u3000precise\u3000and\u3000careful\u3000timing\u3002\u3000He\u3000had\u3000made\u3000the\u3000final\u3000decision\uff1b\u3000as\u3000he\u3000always\u3000had\u3000in\u3000times\u3000of\u3000greatest\u3000peril\u3000and\u3000greatest\u3000opportunity\u3002\u3000Yasraena\u3000did\u3000what\u3000she\u3000was\u3000told\uff1b\u3000occasionally\u3000being\u3000made\u3000to\u3000feel\u3000as\u3000if\u3000it\u3000was\u3000her\u3000idea\u3000in\u3000the\u3000first\u3000place\uff1b\u3000sometimes\u3000merely\u3000given\u3000an\u3000order\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000palace\u3000of\u3000House\u3000Agrach\u3000Dyrr\u3000was\u3000a\u3000ring\u3000of\u3000nine\u3000giant\u3000stalagmites\u3000that\u3000rose\u3000from\u3000the\u3000rocky\u3000floor\u3000of\u3000Qu’ellarz’orl\uff1b\u3000surrounded\u3000by\u3000a\u3000dry\u3000moat\u3000crossed\u3000at\u3000only\u3000one\u3000point\u3000by\u3000a\u3000wide\uff1b\u3000defensible\u3000bridge\u3002\u3000In\u3000the\u3000center\u3000of\u3000the\u3000ring\u3000of\u3000stalagmites\uff1b\u3000behind\u3000a\u3000square\u3000wall\u3000of\u3000spell\u2026crafted\u3000stone\uff1b\u3000was\u3000the\u3000House\u3000temple\u3002\u3000That\u3000massive\u3000cathedral\u3000was\u3000more\u3000than\u3000a\u3000symbol\u3000to\u3000the\u3000drow\u3000of\u3000House\u3000Agrach\u3000Dyrr\u2026it\u3000was\u3000a\u3000sincere\u3000and\u3000passionate\u3000proclamation\u3000of\u3000their\u3000faith\u3000in\u3000the\u3000Spider\u3000Queen\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000In\u3000the\u3000past\u3000months\uff1b\u3000though\uff1b\u3000the\u3000temple\u3000had\u3000grown\u3000as\u3000quiet\u3000as\u3000the\u3000goddess\u3000it\u3000was\u3000built\u3000to\u3000honor\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Lolth\u3000has\u3000abandoned\u3000us\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000lichdrow\u3000said\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000He\u3000stood\u3000at\u3000the\u3000entrance\u3000to\u3000the\u3000temple\u3002\u3000A\u3000hundred\u3000yards\u3000in\u3000front\u3000or\u3000him\uff1b\u3000his\u3000granddaughter\u3000kneeled\u3000before\u3000the\u3000black\u3000altar\u3000and\u3000stared\u3000silently\u3000up\u3000at\u3000an\u3000enormous\uff1b\u3000stylized\u3000representation\u3000of\u3000the\u3000goddess\u3002\u3000The\u3000idol\u3000weighed\u3000several\u3000tons\u3000and\u3000had\u3000been\u3000shaped\u3000by\u3000divine\u3000magic\u3000out\u3000of\u3000a\u3000thousand\u3000of\u3000the\u3000most\u3000precious\u3000materials\u3000the\u3000Underdark\u3000had\u3000to\u3000offer\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003We\u3000have\u3000abandoned\u3000her\uff1b\u3003\u3000Yasraena\u3000replied\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Well\uff1b\u3003\u3000he\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003what\u3000could\u3000she\u3000expect\uff1f\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003They\u3000have\u3000us\u3000bottled\u3000in\u3000our\u3000palace\u3000like\u3000rats\u3000in\u3000a\u3000trap\uff1b\u3003\u3000said\u3000the\u3000matron\u3000mother\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Dyrr\u3000laughed\uff1b\u3000the\u3000sound\u3000muffled\u3000and\u3000strained\u3000from\u3000under\u3000his\u3000mask\u3002\u3000The\u3000lichdrow\u3000almost\u3000never\u3000allowed\u3000anyone\u3000to\u3000see\u3000his\u3000face\u3002\u3000Yasraena\u3000was\u3000one\u3000of\u3000the\u3000few\u3000to\u3000whom\u3000he\u3000would\u3000reveal\u3000himself\uff1b\u3000but\u3000even\u3000then\uff1b\u3000not\u3000often\u3002\u3000Though\u3000she\u3000wasn’t\u3000looking\u3000at\u3000him\uff1b\u3000he\u3000maintained\u3000the\u3000affectation\u3000of\u3000leaning\u3000on\u3000his\u3000staff\u3002\u3000The\u3000outward\u3000illusion\u3000of\u3000advanced\u3000age\u3000and\u3000physical\u3000weakness\u3000had\u3000bee\u3000second\u3000nature\u3000to\u3000him\uff1b\u3000and\u3000he’d\u3000begun\u3000to\u3000maintain\u3000that\u3000attitude\u3000even\u3000when\u3000no\u3000one\u3000was\u3000looking\u3002\u3000His\u3000body\uff1b\u3000free\u3000of\u3000the\u3000demands\u3000of\u3000life\u3000for\u3000a\u3000millennia\uff1b\u3000was\u3000as\u3000responsive\u3000as\u3000it\u3000had\u3000been\u3000the\u3000day\u3000he\u3000died\u3000and\u3000was\u3000resurrected\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Don’t\u3000begin\u3000to\u3000believe\u3000our\u3000own\u3000ruse\uff1b\u3000granddaughter\uff1b\u3003\u3000Dyrr\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003Not\u3000everything\u3000has\u3000gone\u3000strictly\u3000to\u3000plan\uff1b\u3000but\u3000all\u3000is\u3000far\u3000from\u3000lost\uff1b\u3000and\u3000we\u3000are\u3000far\u3000from\u3000trapped\u3002\u3000We\u3000were\u3000meant\u3000to\u3000be\u3000in\u3000the\u3000city\uff1b\u3000and\u3000here\u3000we\u3000are\u3002\u3000The\u3000two\u3000of\u3000us\u3000are\u3000in\u3000our\u3000own\u3000temple\uff1b\u3000unmolested\u3002\u3000We\u3000have\u3000lost\u3000troops\u3000and\u3000the\u3000odd\u3000consort\u3000and\u3000cousin\uff1b\u3000but\u3000we\u3000live\uff1b\u3000and\u3000our\u3000assets\u3000are\u3000largely\u3000intact\u3002\u3000Our\u3000’new\u3000friends’\u3000as\u3000you\u3000call\u3000them\uff1b\u3000have\u3000the\u3000city\u3000hard\u3000under\u3000siege\uff1b\u3000and\u3000many\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Houses\u3000refuse\u3000to\u3000join\u3000the\u3000fight\u2026join\u3000it\u3000in\u3000any\u3000real\u3000way\uff1b\u3000at\u3000least\u3002\u3000All\u3000we\u3000have\u3000to\u3000do\u3000is\u3000keep\u3000pressing\uff1b\u3000keep\u3000pressing\uff1b\u3000keep\u3000pressing\uff1b\u3000and\u3000we\u3000will\u3000win\u3000the\u3000day\u3002\u3000I\u3000grant\u3000you\u3000that\u3000it\u3000is\u3000an\u3000inconvenience\u3000that\u3000Gromph\u3000escaped\u3000my\u3000little\u3000snare\u3002\u3000I\u3000do\u3000wonder\u3000how\u3000he\u3000managed\u3000it\u3002\u3000But\u3000I\u3000assure\u3000you\u3000it\u3000will\u3000be\u3000the\u3000last\u3000time\u3000I\u3000underestimate\u3000the\u3000Archmage\u3000of\u3000Menzoberranzan\u3002\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000know\u3000you\u3000don’t\u3000trust\u3000him\uff1b\u3003\u3000she\u3000said\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003And\u3000that\u3000cause\uff1f\u3003\u3000asked\u3000the\u3000matron\u3000mother\u3002\u3000\u3003The\u3000downfall\u3000of\u3000Menzoberranzan\uff1f\u3000The\u3000destruction\u3000of\u3000the\u3000matriarchy\uff1f\u3000The\u3000wholesale\u3000abandonment\u3000of\u3000the\u3000worship\u3000of\u3000Lolth\uff1f\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003As\u3000I\u3000said\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000lichdrow\u3000replied\uff1b\u3000\u3003I\u3000will\u3000kill\u3000him\u3002\u3000He\u3000will\u3000e\u3000for\u3000me\uff1b\u3000and\u3000I\u3000will\u3000be\u3000ready\u3002\u3000When\u3000the\u3000time\u3000es\uff1b\u3000I\u3000will\u3000meet\u3000him\u3002\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Normal\u3000circumstances\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Valas\u3000could\u3000feel\u3000other\u3000eyes\u3000on\u3000him\u3002\u3000Drow\uff1b\u3000duergar\uff1b\u3000and\u3000representatives\u3000of\u3000a\u3000few\u3000more\u3000lesser\u3000races\u3000looked\u3000his\u3000way\u3002\u3000Though\u3000they\u3000would\u3000be\u3000angry\uff1b\u3000impatient\u3000at\u3000having\u3000to\u3000wait\u3000in\u3000line\u3000while\u3000Valas\u3000presumed\u3000to\u3000bypass\u3000it\uff1b\u3000none\u3000of\u3000them\u3000spoke\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000With\u3000a\u3000glance\u3000at\u3000the\u3000increasingly\u3000restless\u3000line\uff1b\u3000the\u3000gnoll\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003Follow\u3002\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000A\u3000single\uff1b\u3000stooped\u3000old\u3000drow\u3000sat\u3000at\u3000a\u3000table\u3000in\u3000the\u3000center\u3000of\u3000the\u3000storehouse\u3002\u3000A\u3000dozen\u3000different\u3000types\u3000of\u3000coins\u3000were\u3000arranged\u3000in\u3000neat\u3000stacks\u3000on\u3000the\u3000table\u3000in\u3000front\u3000of\u3000him\u3002\u3000The\u3000gnoll\u3000nodded\u3000toward\u3000him\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Valas\u3000stepped\u3000closer\u3000to\u3000the\u3000merchant\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Firritz\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000scout\u3000said\uff1b\u3000his\u3000voice\u3000echoing\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000old\u3000drow\u3000didn’t\u3000turn\u3000to\u3000look\u3000at\u3000him\u3002\u3000Instead\uff1b\u3000he\u3000slowly\u3000counted\u3000a\u3000stack\u3000of\u3000gold\u3000coins\u3000then\u3000wrote\u3000the\u3000total\u3000on\u3000a\u3000piece\u3000of\u3000parchment\u3000on\u3000the\u3000table\u3000in\u3000front\u3000of\u3000him\u3002\u3000Valas\u3000waited\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Perhaps\u3000ten\u3000minutes\u3000wen \n
\n \n
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Perhaps\u3000ten\u3000minutes\u3000went\u3000by\uff1b\u3000and\u3000in\u3000that\u3000time\u3000the\u3000gnoll\u3000left\u3000the\u3000room\u3000and\u3000came\u3000back\u3000three\u3000times\u3002\u3000Each\u3000time\u3000he\u3000came\u3000back\uff1b\u3000he\u3000seemed\u3000a\u3000bit\u3000more\u3000perplexed\u3002\u3000Valas\u3000hadn’t\u3000moved\u3000a\u3000muscle\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Finally\uff1b\u3000when\u3000the\u3000gnoll\u3000had\u3000left\u3000the\u3000room\u3000again\uff1b\u3000Firritz\u3000looked\u3000up\u3000from\u3000his\u3000counting\u3000and\u3000glanced\u3000at\u3000Valas\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003That’s\u3000about\u3000how\u3000long\u3000you\u3000would\u3000have\u3000waited\u3000in\u3000line\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000old\u3000drow\u3000said\uff1b\u3000his\u3000voice\u3000reedy\u3000and\u3000forced\u3002\u3000\u3003Now\uff1b\u3000what\u3000can\u3000I\u3000do\u3000for\u3000you\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Remember\u3000that\u3000you\u3000kept\u3000Bregan\u3000D’aerthe\u3000waiting\uff1b\u3003\u3000Valas\u3000said\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000go\u3000where\u3000the\u3000coin\u3000leads\u3000me\uff1b\u3003\u3000said\u3000the\u3000scout\u3002\u3000\u3003Just\u3000like\u3000you\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003The\u3000coin\u3000doesn’t\u3000lead\u3000to\u3000Menzoberranzan\u3000anymore\uff1b\u3000does\u3000it\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Bregan\u3000D’aerthe’s\u3000credit\u3000is\u3000still\u3000good\u3000here\uff1b\u3003\u3000Valas\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003I\u3000need\u3000supplies\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Credit\uff1f\u3003\u3000said\u3000Firritz\u3002\u3000\u3003That\u3000word\u3000implies\u3000that\u3000your\u3000master\u3000at\u3000some\u3000point\u3000intends\u3000to\u3000pay\u3000his\u3000debt\u3002\u3000I\u3000run\u3000up\u3000a\u3000tab\uff1b\u3000more\u3000and\u3000more\uff1b\u3000year\u3000after\u3000year\uff1b\u3000and\u3000see\u3000nothing\u3000for\u3000it\u3002\u3000Maybe\u3000things\u3000have\u3000changed\u3000enough\u3000that\u3000that\u3000isn’t\u3000necessary\u3000anymore\uff1b\u3000eh\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Take\u3000a\u3000deep\u3000breath\uff1b\u3003\u3000Valas\u3000said\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000old\u3000drow\u3000looked\u3000up\u3000at\u3000him\u3002\u3000They\u3000stayed\u3000like\u3000that\u3000for\u3000a\u3000bit\uff1b\u3000but\u3000finally\u3000Firritz\u3000drew\u3000in\u3000a\u3000deep\u3000breath\u3000then\u3000exhaled\u3000slowly\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003That’s\u3000what\u3000you\u3000see\u3000for\u3000it\uff1b\u3003\u3000Valas\u3000finished\uff1b\u3000\u3003and\u3000its\u3000necessary\u3000I\u3000get\u3000a\u3000few\u3000supplies\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Firritz\u3000frowned\u3000and\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003Nothing\u3000magical\u3002\u3000Everyone’s\u3000been\u3000buying\u3000up\u3000the\u3000magic\u3000bits\u2026and\u3000for\u3000twice\uff1b\u3000even\u3000thrice\u3000the\u3000market\u3000value\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000need\u3000food\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000scout\u3000replied\uff1b\u3000\u3003waterskins\uff1b\u3000a\u3000few\u3000odds\u3000and\u3000ends\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003You\u3000have\u3000a\u3000pack\u3000lizard\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003No\uff1b\u3003\u3000Valas\u3000said\u3000with\u3000a\u3000smile\u3000and\u3000a\u3000tip\u3000of\u3000his\u3000head\uff1b\u3000\u3003so\u3000I’ll\u3000need\u3000something\u3000to\u3000carry\u3000it\u3000in\u3002\u3000Something\u3000magical\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Firritz\u3000swept\u3000his\u3000arm\u3000across\u3000the\u3000table\uff1b\u3000scattering\u3000the\u3000coins\u3000onto\u3000the\u3000floor\u3000with\u3000a\u3000thousand\u3000echoing\u3000clatters\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Food\uff1b\u3000Firritz\uff1b\u3003\u3000Valas\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003Time\u3000has\u3000bee\u3000an\u3000issue\u3000for\u3000me\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000
\nChapter\u3000Eight
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Danifae\u3000could\u3000feel\u3000the\u3000Binding\uff1b\u3000and\u3000she\u3000could\u3000feel\u3000Halisstra\u3002\u3000No\u3000matter\u3000how\u3000many\u3000thousands\u3000of\u3000feet\u3000of\u3000rock\u3000separated\u3000them\uff1b\u3000they\u3000were\u3000connected\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Danifae’s\u3000skin\u3000crawled\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000farther\u3000from\u3000the\u3000center\u3000of\u3000the\u3000city\u3000she\u3000walked\uff1b\u3000the\u3000higher\u3000the\u3000mix\u3000of\u3000non\u2026drow\u3000she\u3000passed\u3000on\u3000the\u3000streets\u3002\u3000It\u3000was\u3000with\u3000no\u3000little\u3000relief\uff1b\u3000and\u3000after\u3000enduring\u3000lewd\u3000remarks\u3000from\u3000a\u3000trio\u3000of\u3000hobgoblins\u3000that\u3000she\u3000came\u3000to\u3000her\u3000destination\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000She\u3000had\u3000never\u3000been\u3000to\u3000Sschindylryn\u3000before\u3000and\u3000had\u3000never\u3000seen\u3000that\u3000one\u3000particular\u3000structure\uff1b\u3000but\u3000she\u3000had\u3000gone\u3000straight\u3000to\u3000it\u3002\u3000She’d\u3000made\u3000no\u3000wrong\u3000turns\u3000and\u3000asked\u3000for\u3000no\u3000directions\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Danifae\u3000stood\u3000in\u3000front\u3000of\u3000a\u3000plex\u3000jumble\u3000of\u3000mud\u3000bricks\u3000and\u3000flagstones\u3000arranged\u3000into\u3000what\u3000looked\u3000like\u3000some\u3000kind\u3000of\u3000hive\u3000or\u3000termite\u3000hill\u3002\u3000Over\u3000the\u3000wide\u3000door\u2026wide\u3000enough\u3000to\u3000acmodate\u3000a\u3000pack\u3000lizard\u3000and\u3000a\u3000decent\u2026sized\u3000wagon\u2026hung\u3000a\u3000slab\u3000of\u3000black\u3000stone\u3000into\u3000which\u3000was\u3000carved\u3000an\u3000elaborate\u3000sigil\u3002\u3000The\u3000symbol\u3000contained\u3000unmistakable\u3000traces\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Yauntyrr\u3000crest\u3000but\u3000somehow\u3000turned\u3000in\u3000on\u3000itself\uff1b\u3000imploded\uff1b\u3000perverted\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000She\u3000stepped\u3000inside\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Zinnirit’s\u3000gatehouse\uff1b\u3000not\u3000unlike\u3000the\u3000larger\u3000gatehouse\u3000they’d\u3000entered\u3000the\u3000city\u3000through\uff1b\u3000was\u3000mostly\u3000open\u3000space\u3000on\u3000the\u3000street\u3000level\u3002\u3000There\u3000looked\u3000to\u3000be\u3000room\u3000for\u3000another\u3000floor\u3000or\u3000even\u3000two\u3000above\u2026likely\u3000Zinnirit’s\u3000private\u3000residence\u2026but\u3000the\u3000heart\u3000of\u3000the\u3000establishment\u3000was\u3000in\u3000that\u3000single\u3000cavernous\u3000chamber\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000There\u3000were\u3000three\u3000gates\uff1b\u3000each\u3000a\u3000circle\u3000of\u3000elaborately\u3000interconnected\u3000stones\u3000easily\u3000thirty\u3000feet\u3000in\u3000diameter\u3002\u3000No\u3000seething\u3000magical\u3000light\u3000pulsed\u3000through\u3000them\u3002\u3000All\u3000three\u3000were\u3000inactive\uff1b\u3000dark\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Zinnirit\uff01\u3003\u3000Danifae\u3000called\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Her\u3000voice\u3000echoed\u3000in\u3000the\u3000empty\u3000space\u3002\u3000There\u3000was\u3000no\u3000immediate\u3000reply\u3002\u3000Danifae\u3000had\u3000lost\u3000track\u3000of\u3000time\u3000quite\u3000a\u3000while\u3000before\uff1b\u3000and\u3000as\u3000she\u3000called\u3000the\u3000former\u3000House\u3000Mage’s\u3000name\u3000again\uff1b\u3000she\u3000realized\u3000she\u3000might\u3000have\u3000dropped\u3000in\u3000on\u3000the\u3000wizard\u3000in\u3000the\u3000middle\u3000of\u3000his\u3000Reverie\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000She\u3000didn’t\u3000care\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Zinnirit\uff01\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000A\u3000quiet\uff1b\u3000slow\u3000shuffling\u3000of\u3000feet\u3000answered\u3000Danifae’s\u3000third\u3000entreaty\u3002\u3000The\u3000sound\u3000was\u3000unmistakable\u3000but\u3000difficult\u3000to\u3000trace\u3000in\u3000the\u3000huge\uff1b\u3000echoing\u3000space\u3002\u3000Despite\u3000the\u3000echoes\uff1b\u3000Danifae\u3000got\u3000the\u3000distinct\u3000impression\u3000that\u3000there\u3000was\u3000more\u3000than\u3000one\u3000set\u3000of\u3000feet\u3002\u3000She\u3000couldn’t\u3000count\u3000exactly\u3000how\u3000many\u2026maybe\u3000half\u3000a\u3000dozen\u2026and\u3000they\u3000were\u3000getting\u3000closer\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Danifae\u3000drew\u3000her\u3000morningstar\u3000and\u3000set\u3000it\u3000swinging\u3000at\u3000her\u3000right\u3000side\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Zinnirit\uff1b\u3003\u3000she\u3000called\u3002\u3000\u3003Show\u3000yourself\uff1b\u3000you\u3000old\u3000fool\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Again\uff1b\u3000the\u3000only\u3000answer\u3000was\u3000that\u3000same\u3000echoing\u3000set\u3000of\u3000shuffling\u3000footsteps\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000A\u3000shadow\u3000bobbed\u3000back\u3000and\u3000forth\u3000at\u3000the\u3000edge\u3000of\u3000her\u3000peripheral\u3000vision\u3000from\u3000deeper\u3000into\u3000the\u3000gatehouse\u3002\u3000Danifae\u3000reacted\u3000with\u3000a\u3000thought\uff1b\u3000calling\u3000without\u3000question\u3000or\u3000hesitation\u3000on\u3000an\u3000ability\u3000bred\u3000into\u3000all\u3000highborn\u3000drow\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Five\u3000figures\u3000blazed\u3000to\u3000life\u3000with\u3000shimmering\u3000purple\u3000light\u3002\u3000The\u3000faerie\u3000fire\u3000ringed\u3000their\u3000bodies\u3000and\u3000outlined\u3000them\u3000against\u3000the\u3000dull\u3000gloom\u3000behind\u3000them\u3002\u3000The\u3000figures\u3000slowly\u3000shambled\u3000toward\u3000her\u3000and\u3000took\u3000no\u3000notice\u3000of\u3000the\u3000faerie\u3000fire\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000realization\u3000of\u3000what\u3000they\u3000were\u3000hit\u3000her\u3000half\u3000a\u3000second\u3000after\u3000the\u3000foul\u3000smell\u3000did\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003All\u3000right\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000old\u3000mage\u3000breathed\u3002\u3000\u3003I\u3000don’t\u3000need\u3000to\u3000know\uff1b\u3000do\u3000I\uff1f\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000It\u3000was\u3000over\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Menzoberranzan\u3000is\u3000under\u3000siege\uff1b\u3003\u3000he\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003I\u3000suppose\u3000you\u3000know\u3000that\u3002\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Your\u3000heart\u3000will\u3000remain\u3000intact\u3000then\uff1b\u3003\u3000he\u3000replied\u3002\u3000\u3003I\u3000don’t\u3000suppose\u3000it\u3000would\u3000hurt\u3000you\u3000to\u3000tell\u3000me\u3000who\u3000lays\u3000siege\u3000to\u3000my\u3000home\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003It\u3000might\u3000just\uff1b\u3003\u3000she\u3000replied\u3000with\u3000a\u3000wink\u3002\u3000\u3003Let’s\u3000not\u3000risk\u3000it\u3002\u3000Of\u3000course\uff1b\u3000if\u3000I\u3000knew\u3000what\u3000you\u3000know\u3000about\u3000the\u3000fate\u3000of\u3000your\u3000Spider\u3000Queen\uff1b\u3000that\u3000might\u3000cushion\u3000the\u3000blow\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Ah\uff1b\u3003\u3000he\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003I\u3000tell\u3000you\u3000the\u3000big\u3000secret\uff1b\u3000and\u3000you\u3000tell\u3000me\u3000the\u3000little\u3000one\u3002\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003You\u3000know\uff1b\u3000Aliisza\uff1b\u3003\u3000Pharaun\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003We\u3000should\u3000get\u3000together\u3000and\u3000tell\u3000each\u3000other\u3000nothing\u3000more\u3000often\u3002\u3000It\u3000beats\u3000preparing\u3000spells\u3000or\u3000getting\u3000on\u3000with\u3000my\u3000life\u3002\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Yes\uff1b\u3000well\uff1b\u3003\u3000Pharaun\u3000said\uff1b\u3000unconcerned\u3000that\u3000she’d\u3000drawn\u3000those\u3000obvious\u3000conclusions\u3002\u3000\u3003Good\u3000for\u3000you\u3002\u3000Do\u3000run\u3000along\u3000and\u3000change\u3000the\u3000course\u3000of\u3000life\u3000in\u3000the\u3000Underdark\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003You’re\u3000playing\u3000games\u3000with\u3000me\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000alu\u2026demon\u3000said\uff1b\u3000ice\u3000in\u3000her\u3000voice\u3000and\u3000in\u3000her\u3000eyes\u3000like\u3000Pharaun\u3000had\u3000never\u3000seen\u3002\u3000\u3003I\u3000like\u3000that\u3000but\u3000not\u3000forever\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003You’re\u3000withholding\u3000information\u3000from\u3000me\uff1b\u3003\u3000he\u3000retorted\u3002\u3000\u3003I\u3000never\u3000like\u3000that\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000They\u3000floated\u3000in\u3000midair\uff1b\u3000wrapped\u3000in\u3000a\u3000tight\uff1b\u3000familiar\u3000embrace\uff1b\u3000staring\u3000into\u3000each\u3000other’s\u3000cold\uff1b\u3000uninviting\u3000eyes\u3000for\u3000a\u3000long\u3000time\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000could\u3000be\u3000your\u3000friend\u3000still\uff1b\u3000Pharaun\uff1b\u3003\u3000Aliisza\u3000said\u3000quietly\uff1b\u3000her\u3000voice\u3000barely\u3000above\u3000a\u3000whisper\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000Master\u3000of\u3000Sorcere\u3000found\u3000himself\u3000struggling\u3000for\u3000something\u3000to\u3000say\u3002\u3000He\u3000knew\u3000they\u3000were\u3000finished\uff1b\u3000feared\u3000they\u3000were\u3000finished\u3000forever\uff1b\u3000and\u3000found\u3000himself\u3000wishing\u3000that\u3000weren’t\u3000true\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Longing\uff1b\u3000Pharaun\u3000silently\u3000mused\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pharaun\u3000pushed\u3000her\u3000away\u3002\u3000Aliisza\u3000hung\u3000in\u3000the\u3000air\u3000for\u3000half\u3000a\u3000second\u3000before\u3000she\u3000started\u3000to\u3000fall\u3002\u3000She\u3000stared\u3000daggers\u3000at\u3000him\u3000even\u3000as\u3000her\u3000wings\u3000opened\u3000to\u3000slow\u3000her\u3000descent\u3002\u3000Pharaun\u3000thought\u3000she\u3000looked\u3000more\u3000hurt\u3000than\u3000angry\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003We’ll\u3000talk\u3000again\uff1b\u3003\u3000she\u3000said\uff1b\u3000then\u3000she\u3000was\u3000gone\u3000with\u3000a\u3000flash\u3000of\u3000dull\u3000purple\u3000light\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Pharaun\u3000was\u3000alone\u3000in\u3000the\u3000impenetrable\u3000shadows\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000I\u3000hope\u3000so\uff1b\u3000he\u3000found\u3000himself\u3000thinking\u3002\u3000I\u3000really\u3000do\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000
\nChapter\u3000Nine
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Having\u3000a\u3000captive\u3000bound\u3000to\u3000her\u3000by\u3000that\u3000obscure\u3000drow\u3000magic\u3000was\u3000a\u3000strange\u3000and\u3000subtle\u3000experience\u3002\u3000It\u3000wasn’t\u3000something\u3000she\u3000was\u3000conscious\u3000of\u3000really\uff1b\u3000not\u3000on\u3000a\u3000moment\u2026by\u2026moment\u3000basis\u3002\u3000Rather\u3000it\u3000was\u3000always\u3000there\uff1b\u3000in\u3000the\u3000background\uff1b\u3000like\u3000the\u3000sound\u3000of\u3000her\u3000own\u3000breathing\uff1b\u3000the\u3000feeling\u3000of\u3000her\u3000own\u3000pulse\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000She\u3000was\u3000dancing\u3000when\u3000it\u3000stopped\u3002\u3000The\u3000priestesses\u3000who\u3000had\u3000weled\u3000her\u3000into\u3000their\u3000circle\u3000danced\u3000often\u3002\u3000They\u3000danced\u3000in\u3000different\u3000binations\u3000of\u3000certain\u3000females\u3000and\u3000danced\u3000in\u3000different\u3000places\u3000both\u3000sacred\u3000and\u3000mundane\u3002\u3000They\u3000danced\u3000naked\u3000most\u3000of\u3000the\u3000time\uff1b\u3000clothed\u3000some\u3000of\u3000the\u3000time\u3002\u3000They\u3000danced\u3000wearing\u3000armor\u3000and\u3000weapons\u3000and\u3000danced\u3000with\u3000offerings\u3000of\u3000fruit\u3000or\u3000works\u3000of\u3000art\u3002\u3000They\u3000danced\u3000around\u3000fires\u3000or\u3000in\u3000the\u3000cold\u3002\u3000They\u3000danced\u3000at\u3000night\u2026in\u3000the\u3000dark\u3000that\u3000Halisstra\u3000still\u3000found\u3000forting\u2026or\u3000in\u3000the\u3000day\u3002\u3000She\u3000was\u3000still\u3000learning\u3000the\u3000significance\u3000of\u3000each\u3000of\u3000those\u3000different\u3000venues\uff1b\u3000every\u3000subtle\u3000shift\u3000in\u3000ponents\u3000and\u3000approach\uff1b\u3000rhythm\u3000and\u3000movement\u3002
\n \n
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\n ch\uff1b\u3000rhythm\u3000and\u3000movement\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000He\u3000put\u3000the\u3000alu\u2026fiend\u3000out\u3000of\u3000his\u3000mind\u3000and\u3000peered\u3000deeper\u3000into\u3000the\u3000darkness\uff1b\u3000though\u3000there\u3000was\u3000still\u3000nothing\u3000to\u3000see\u3002\u3000Pharaun\u3000didn’t\u3000have\u3000to\u3000turn\u3000around\u3000to\u3000know\u3000that\u3000Quenthel\u3000was\u3000sitting\u3000against\u3000the\u3000rail\uff1b\u3000absently\u3000chatting\u3000in\u3000some\u3000kind\u3000of\u3000silent\u3000telepathy\u3000with\u3000the\u3000bound\u3000imps\u3000that\u3000gave\u3000her\u3000venomous\u3000whip\u3000its\u3000evil\u3000intelligence\u3002\u3000He\u3000couldn’t\u3000imagine\u3000the\u3000substance\u3000of\u3000a\u3000conversation\u3000someone\u3000might\u3000have\u3000with\u3000a\u3000demon\u3000trapped\u3000in\u3000the\u3000body\u3000of\u3000a\u3000snake\u3000that\u3000was\u3000stuck\u3000to\u3000the\u3000end\u3000of\u3000a\u3000whip\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Whatever\u3000they\u3000talked\u3000about\uff1b\u3000it\u3000didn’t\u3000seem\u3000to\u3000be\u3000helping\u3000Quenthel\u3002\u3000The\u3000high\u3000priestess\uff1b\u3000as\u3000far\u3000as\u3000Pharaun\u3000could\u3000tell\uff1b\u3000was\u3000going\u3000quietly\u3000mad\u3002\u3000She\u3000had\u3000always\u3000been\u3000sullen\u3000and\u3000temperamental\uff1b\u3000but\u3000recently\u3000she\u3000had\u3000bee\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000twitchy\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Her\u3000half\u2026demon\u3000nephew\u3000grew\u3000angrier\u3000and\u3000angrier\u3000the\u3000more\u3000bored\u3000he\u3000became\u3002\u3000Jeggred\u3000sent\u3000a\u3000large\u3000portion\u3000of\u3000his\u3000hatred\u3000out\u3000through\u3000his\u3000eyes\u3000and\u3000into\u3000the\u3000uridezu\u3002\u3000Raashub\u3000did\u3000an\u3000admirable\u3000job\u3000of\u3000ignoring\u3000him\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Something\u3000caught\u3000Pharaun’s\u3000attention\uff1b\u3000movement\u3000out\u3000of\u3000the\u3000corner\u3000of\u3000his\u3000eye\uff1b\u3000and\u3000he\u3000stepped\u3000back\u3000from\u3000the\u3000rail\u3000as\u3000an\u3000emaciated\uff1b\u3000soaking\u2026wet\u3000rat\u3000scurried\u3000along\u3000the\u3000bone\u2026and\u2026cartilage\u3000rail\u3000in\u3000front\u3000of\u3000him\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pharaun\u3000watched\u3000the\u3000rat\u3000run\uff1b\u3000absently\u3000wondering\u3000where\u3000it\u3000thought\u3000it\u3000was\u3000going\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Anywhere\u3000dry\uff1b\u3000he\u3000thought\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Noises\u3000echoed\u3000from\u3000behind\u3000him\u2026Jeggred\u3000fidgeting\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pharaun\u3000stepped\u3000back\u3000to\u3000the\u3000rail\u3000an \n
\n \n
\n
\n
\n \u3000\u3000\u3000Anywhere\u3000dry\uff1b\u3000he\u3000thought\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Noises\u3000echoed\u3000from\u3000behind\u3000him\u2026Jeggred\u3000fidgeting\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pharaun\u3000stepped\u3000back\u3000to\u3000the\u3000rail\u3000and\u3000was\u3000about\u3000to\u3000let\u3000his\u3000eyes\u3000wander\u3000through\u3000the\u3000impenetrable\u3000darkness\u3000again\u3000when\u3000another\u3000rat\u3000crawled\u3000quickly\u3000past\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Damn\u3000it\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000Master\u3000of\u3000Sorcere\u3000whispered\u3000to\u3000himself\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000He\u3000turned\u3000to\u3000voice\u3000some\u3000impotent\u3000plaint\u3000to\u3000Jeggred\uff1b\u3000but\u3000the\u3000words\u3000stuck\u3000in\u3000his\u3000throat\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000There\u3000were\u3000more\u3000than\u3000the\u3000two\u3000rats\u3000that\u3000ran\u3000past\u3000him\u3002\u3000There\u3000were\u3000dozens\u3000of\u3000them\uff1b\u3000hundreds\u3000perhaps\uff1b\u3000and\u3000they\u3000swarmed\u3000over\u3000Jeggred\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Something’s\u3000wrong\uff1b\u3000thought\u3000Pharaun\uff1b\u3000marveling\u3000even\u3000as\u3000the\u3000words\u3000formed\u3000in\u3000his\u3000head\u3000at\u3000how\u3000slowly\u3000his\u3000mind\u3000was\u3000working\u3000after\u3000days\u3000of\u3000tedium\u3000aboard\u3000the\u3000anchored\u3000ship\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000draegloth\u3000looked\u3000more\u3000annoyed\u3000than\u3000anything\u3000else\u3002\u3000The\u3000rats\u3000were\u3000crawling\u3000over\u3000him\uff1b\u3000tangling\u3000themselves\u3000in\u3000his\u3000hair\uff1b\u3000nibbling\u3000at\u3000any\u3000loose\u3000fold\u3000of\u3000skin\uff1b\u3000but\u3000they\u3000could\u3000not\u3000pierce\u3000the\u3000half\u2026demon’s\u3000hide\u3002\u3000More\u3000of\u3000them\u3000were\u3000climbing\u3000onto\u3000the\u3000deck\u3002\u3000Pharaun\u3000could\u3000hear\u3000splashing\u3000in\u3000the\u3000water\u3000on\u3000the\u3000other\u3000side\u3000of\u3000the\u3000demonic\u3000vessel\u3002\u3000It\u3000sounded\u3000as\u3000if\u3000dozens\uff1b\u3000even\u3000hundreds\u3000more\u3000rats\u3000were\u3000swimming\u3000up\u3000to\u3000the\u3000ship\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pharaun\u3000started\u3000casting\u3000defensive\u3000spells\u3000on\u3000himself\uff1b\u3000watching\u3000as\u3000Quenthel\u3000finally\u3000looked\u3000up\u3000and\u3000over\u3000at\u3000her\u3000nephew\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000Mistress\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Academy’s\u3000eyes\u3000widened\uff1b\u3000then\u3000narrowed\u3000as\u3000she\u3000watched\u3000Jeggred\u3000smash\u3000one\u3000rat\u3000after\u3000another\u3000in\u3000his\u3000bigger\u3000set\u3000of\u3000hands\uff1b\u3000while\u3000his\u3000smaller\u3000hands\u3000brushed\u3000others\u3000off\u3000his\u3000face\u3002\u3000Quenthel\u3000slowly\u3000rose\u3000to\u3000her\u3000feet\uff1b\u3000the\u3000vipers\u3000tangling\u3000loosely\uff1b\u3000affectionately\u3000around\u3000her\u3000legs\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Jeggred\uff1f\u3003\u3000she\u3000asked\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Rats\uff1b\u3003\u3000was\u3000the\u3000draegloth’s\u3000grunted\u3000reply\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pharaun\u3000layered\u3000more\u3000magical\u3000protections\u3000over\u3000himself\u3000as\u3000Quenthel\u3000started\u3000toward\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Raashub\uff1b\u3003\u3000Pharaun\u3000said\uff1b\u3000keeping\u3000his\u3000voice\u3000steely\u3000and\u3000cold\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000demon\u3000flinched\u3000at\u3000the\u3000sound\u3000of\u3000his\u3000name\u3000but\u3000didn’t\u3000look\u3000up\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003What\u3000are\u3000you\u3000doing\uff1b\u3000Raashub\uff1f\u3003\u3000Pharaun\u3000asked\u3000between\u3000two\u3000more\u3000spells\u3000of\u3000protection\u3002\u3000\u3003Stop\u3000it\u3002\u3000Stop\u3000it\u3000now\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000demon\u3000looked\u3000up\u3000at\u3000him\u3000with\u3000smoldering\u3000eyes\u3000and\u3000hissed\uff1b\u3000\u3003It’s\u3000not\u3000me\u3002\u3000They’re\u3000not\u3000my\u3000rats\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pharaun\u3000couldn’t\u3000shake\u3000the\u3000feeling\u3000that\u3000the\u3000uridezu\u3000was\u3000telling\u3000the\u3000truth\u2026at\u3000least\uff1b\u3000a\u3000version\u3000of\u3000the\u3000truth\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Pharaun\uff1f\u3003\u3000Quenthel\u3000said\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000mage\u3000detected\u3000a\u3000trace\u2026more\u3000than\u3000a\u3000trace\u2026of\u3000panic\u3000creeping\u3000into\u3000her\u3000voice\u3002\u3000\u3003What\u3000are\u3000all\u3000these\u3000rats\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Pay\u3000close\u3000attention\uff1b\u3000both\u3000of\u3000you\uff1b\u3003\u3000Pharaun\u3000said\uff1b\u3000at\u3000the\u3000same\u3000time\u3000readying\u3000a\u3000more\u3000offensive\u3000spell\u3002\u3000\u3003There’s\u3000ano\u2026\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000A\u3000globe\u3000of\u3000darkness\u3000enveloped\u3000Quenthel\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Any\u3000drow\u3000could\u3000have\u3000done\u3000it\u3000but\u3000not\u3000only\u3000a\u3000drow\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000unmistakable\u3000sounds\u3000of\u3000a\u3000physical\u3000struggle\u3000resounded\u3000from\u3000inside\u3000the\u3000slowly\u3000undulating\u3000cloud\u3000of\u3000blackness\u3002\u3000Something\u3000hit\u3000the\u3000deck\uff1b\u3000and\u3000something\u3000cracked\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pharaun\u3000changed\u3000direction\u3000before\u3000he’d\u3000actually\u3000begun\u3000casting\u3000the\u3000spell\u3000he’d\u3000had\u3000in\u3000mind\u3002\u3000Instead\uff1b\u3000he\u3000formed\u3000the\u3000words\u3000and\u3000gestures\u3000to\u3000a\u3000spell\u3000he\u3000hoped\u3000would\u3000eliminate\u3000the\u3000darkness\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000From\u3000inside\u3000the\u3000gloom\uff1b\u3000Pharaun\u3000could\u3000hear\u3000the\u3000shriek\u3000of\u3000metal\u3000being\u3000dragged\u3000across\u3000metal\u2026or\u3000was\u3000it\u3000bone\u3000against\u3000bone\uff1f
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000His\u3000spell\u3000went\u3000off\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000darkness\u3000blew\u3000into\u3000nothingness\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Suddenly\u3000visible\uff1b\u3000Quenthel\u3000lay\u3000on\u3000her\u3000stomach\u3000on\u3000the\u3000deck\u3002\u3000She\u3000was\u3000patting\u3000the\u3000carved\u3000bone\u3000surface\u3000in\u3000front\u3000of\u3000her\uff1b\u3000reaching\u3000for\u3000her\u3000scourge\uff1b\u3000which\u3000lay\u3000just\u3000out\u3000of\u3000her\u3000reach\u3002\u3000Her\u3000nose\u3000was\u3000bleeding\uff1b\u3000and\u3000she\u3000winced\u3000every\u3000time\u3000she\u3000bent\u3000her\u3000back\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Standing\u3000over\u3000her\u3000was\u3000another\u3000uridezu\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000demon\u3000was\uff1b\u3000like\u3000Raashub\uff1b\u3000a\u3000humanoid\u3000rat\u3002\u3000Smaller\u3000than\u3000Raashub\uff1b\u3000thinner\uff1b\u3000it\u3000wore\u3000tattered\u3000rags\u3000that\u3000left\u3000little\u3000of\u3000its\u3000mottled\u3000gray\u3000body\u3000to\u3000the\u3000imagination\u3002\u3000Its\u3000long\uff1b\u3000pink\u3000tail\u3000was\u3000spattered\u3000with\u3000pustules\u3002\u3000Cold\u3000black\u3000eyes\u3000stared\u3000down\u3000at\u3000the\u3000high\u3000priestess\u3000with\u3000murderous\u3000intent\u3002\u3000Foam\u3000gathered\u3000at\u3000the\u3000corners\u3000of\u3000its\u3000fang\u2026lined\u3000mouth\uff1b\u3000and\u3000angry\u3000yellow\u3000claws\u3000curved\u3000at\u3000the\u3000ends\u3000of\u3000its\u3000spindly\uff1b\u3000arthritic\u3000fingers\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Jeggred\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3003\u3000Pharaun\u3000said\uff1b\u3000glancing\u3000over\u3000at\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000half\u2026demon\u3000was\u3000covered\u3000head\u3000to\u3000foot\u3000with\u3000rats\u3000of\u3000every\u3000size\u3000and\u3000description\u3002\u3000It\u3000was\u3000as\u3000if\u3000all\u3000the\u3000vermin\u3000in\u3000the\u3000Lake\u3000of\u3000Shadows\u3000had\u3000staged\u3000some\u3000sort\u3000of\u3000family\u3000reunion\u2026one\u3000that\u3000took\u3000place\u3000on\uff1b\u3000under\uff1b\u3000and\u3000all\u3000around\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3002\u3000They\u3000swarmed\u3000onto\u3000him\u3000faster\u3000than\u3000he\u3000could\u3000kill\u3000them\uff1b\u3000though\u3000he\u3000was\u3000dispatching\u3000the\u3000rodents\u3000four\u3000at\u3000a\u3000time\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pharaun\u3000ran\u3000quickly\u3000through\u3000possible\u3000spells\uff1b\u3000stepping\u3000forward\u3000a\u3000few\u3000paces\u3000toward\u3000Quenthel\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000uridezu\u3000smashed\u3000her\u3000on\u3000the\u3000back\u3000with\u3000its\u3000tail\u3002\u3000The\u3000high\u3000priestess’s\u3000face\u3000was\u3000forced\u3000into\u3000the\u3000bone\u2026hard\u3000deck\u3002\u3000Blood\u3000sprayed\uff1b\u3000but\u3000not\u3000much\uff1b\u3000and\u3000she\u3000took\u3000the\u3000strong\u3000hit\u3000with\u3000a\u3000grunt\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pharaun\u3000was\u3000impressed\u3002\u3000Something\u3000made\u3000him\u3000set\u3000aside\u3000his\u3000first\u3000choice\u3000of\u3000spell\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Too\u3000much\uff1b\u3000he\u3000thought\uff1b\u3000for\u3000only\u3000one\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000Master\u3000of\u3000Sorcere\u3000looked\u3000over\u3000at\u3000Raashub\u3002\u3000The\u3000demon\u3000captain’s\u3000eyes\u3000were\u3000darting\u3000rapidly\u3000between\u3000Quenthel\u3000and\u3000the\u3000newer\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000He’s\u3000testing\u3000us\uff1b\u3000Pharaun\u3000thought\u3002\u3000The\u3000wily\u3000bastard\u3000gated\u3000in\u3000one\u3000of\u3000his\u3000kind\u3000and\u3000is\u3000setting\u3000it\u3000against\u3000us\u3000so\u3000we\u3000can\u3000show\u3000off\uff1b\u3000reveal\u3000our\u3000strengths\u3000and\u3000weaknesses\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Raashub\u3000might\u3000have\u3000been\u3000bound\uff1b\u3000but\u3000he\u3000was\u3000a\u3000demon\u3000still\uff1b\u3000and\u3000there\u3000was\u3000always\u3000fight\u3000left\u3000in\u3000a\u3000demon\u2026it\u3000always\u3000had\u3000a\u3000way\u3000out\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000other\u3000uridezu\u3000clawed\u3000at\u3000Quenthel’s\u3000legs\uff1b\u3000opening\u3000deep\u3000gashes\uff1b\u3000and\u3000she\u3000kicked\u3000back\u3000at\u3000it\u3002\u3000The\u3000demon\u3000danced\u3000out\u3000of\u3000reach\u3000of\u3000her\u3000boots\u3002\u3000The\u3000high\u3000priestess\u3000extended\u3000a\u3000hand\u3000back\u3000over\u3000her\u3000head\uff1b\u3000but\u3000she\u3000still\u3000couldn’t\u3000reach\u3000her\u3000whip\u3002\u3000The\u3000vipers\u3000seemed\u3000panicked\u3000and\u3000weren’t\u3000able\u3000to\u3000coordinate\u3000their\u3000movements\u3000well\u3000enough\u3000to\u3000crawl\u3000to\u3000her\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pharaun\u3000pronounced\u3000a\u3000quick\u3000set\u3000of\u3000rhyming\u3000syllables\u3000and\u3000made\u3000a\u3000fast\u3000motion\u3000with\u3000his\u3000right\u3000hand\u3002\u3000Pushed\u3000by\u3000his\u3000magic\uff1b\u3000the\u3000viper\u3000whip\u3000slid\u3000along\u3000the\u3000deck\u3000a\u3000few\u3000inches\uff1b\u3000well\u3000within\u3000Quenthel’s\u3000reach\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000As\u3000the\u3000high\u3000priestess’s\u3000fingers\u3000closed\u3000around\u3000the\u3000handle\u3000of\u3000the\u3000scourge\uff1b\u3000Pharaun\u3000laughed\u3000inwardly\u3002\u3000The\u3000spell\u3000he’d\u3000used\u3000was\u3000no\u3000more\u3000than\u3000a\u3000cantrip\uff1b\u3000a\u3000transmutation\u3000so\u3000simple\u3000any\u3000first\u3000year\u3000student\u3000at\u3000Sorcere\u3000could\u3000master\u3000it\u3002\u3000It\u3000would\u3000tell\u3000Raashub\u3000nothing\u3000about\u3000the\u3000limits\u3000of\u3000his\u3000power\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000uridezu\u3000hissed\u3000at\u3000Quenthel\uff1b\u3000backing\u3000farther\u3000away\u3000from\u3000her\uff1b\u3000his\u3000tail\u3000twitching\u3000behind\u3000him\uff1b\u3000and\u3000his\u3000claws\u3000flickering\u3000in\u3000anticipation\u3002\u3000The\u3000demon\u3000obviously\u3000thought\u3000he\u3000was\u3000well\u3000out\u3000of\u3000reach\u3000of\u3000the\u3000whip\u3002\u3000He\u3000was\u3000wrong\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000five\u3000vipers\u3000that\u3000prised\u3000Quenthel’s\u3000scourge\u3000were\u3000five\u3000feet\u3000long\uff1b\u3000giving\u3000the\u3000weapon\u3000considerable\u3000reach\u3002\u3000The\u3000high\u3000priestess\u3000was\u3000still\u3000on\u3000the\u3000deck\u3000and\u3000didn’t\u3000bother\u3000to\u3000stand\u3002\u3000She\u3000lashed\u3000the\u3000whip\u3000behind\u3000her\uff1b\u3000her\u3000jaw\u3000set\u3000tightly\u3000and\u3000her\u3000eyes\u3000wild\u3000with\u3000rage\u3002\u3000When\u3000she\u3000brought\u3000the\u3000weapon\u3000forward\uff1b\u3000the\u3000snakes\u3000whipped\u3000outward\u3000to\u3000their\u3000full\u3000length\u3002\u3000The\u3000uridezu\u3000flinched\uff1b\u3000though\u3000he\u3000seemed\u3000confident\u3000enough\u3000that\u3000he\u3000was\u3000still\u3000out\u3000of\u3000the\u3000weapon’s\u3000range\u3002\u3000The\u3000vipers\u3000extended\u3000farther\uff1b\u3000though\uff1b\u3000drawing\u3000themselves\u3000out\uff1b\u3000stretching\u3000thinner\u3000and\u3000thinner\uff1b\u3000farther\u3000and\u3000farther\uff1b\u3000adding\u3000another\u3000few\u3000feet\u3000to\u3000their\u3000length\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000uridezu\u3000didn’t\u3000register\u3000what\u3000was\u3000happening\u3000nearly\u3000fast\u3000enough\u3000to\u3000avoid\u3000the\u3000vipers\u3002\u3000All\u3000but\u3000one\u3000of\u3000them\u3000sank\u3000needle\u2026sharp\u3000fangs\u3000into\u3000the\u3000rat\u2026demon’s\u3000flesh\u3002\u3000As\u3000the\u3000whip\u3000lashed\u3000back\uff1b\u3000they\u3000dug\u3000long\uff1b\u3000bleeding\u3000furrows\u3000in\u3000the\u3000uridezu’s\u3000leathery\u3000hide\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000demon\u3000screamed\uff1b\u3000high\u2026pitched\u3000and\u3000loud\u3000enough\u3000to\u3000rattle\u3000Pharaun’s\u3000eardrums\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Anything\u3000else\u3000would\u3000have\u3000been\u3000dead\u3002\u3000Each\u3000viper\u3000possessed\u3000a\u3000deadly\u3000venom\uff1b\u3000wickedly\u3000potent\u3002\u3000Quenthel\uff1b\u3000wild\u3000with\u3000a\u3000battle\u2026frenzy\u3000Pharaun\u3000had\u3000never\u3000imagined\uff1b\u3000much\u3000less\u3000seen\u3000from\u3000her\uff1b\u3000wouldn’t\u3000have\u3000let\u3000the\u3000snakes\u3000hold\u3000a\u3000drop\u3000of\u3000venom\u3000back\u3002\u3000It\u3000would\u3000have\u3000been\u3000enough\u3000to\u3000drop\u3000a\u3000rothe\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000victim\u3000of\u3000that\u3000venomous\u3000lash\u3000wasn’t\u3000a\u3000dumb\u3000food\u3000beast\uff1b\u3000it\u3000was\u3000an\u3000uridezu\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Pharaun\u3000had\u3000studied\u3000demons\u3000long\u3000enough\u3000to\u3000know\u3000the\u3000traits\u3000that\u3000all\u3000of\u3000them\u3000shared\u3002\u3000Poison\u3000would\u3000never\u3000affect\u3000one\u3002\u3000The\u3000whip\u3000had\u3000wounded\u3000the\u3000captain\u3000but\u3000hadn’t\u3000killed\u3000him\u3002\u3000Pharaun\u3000knew\u3000he\u3000could\u3000take\u3000more\u3000than\u3000that\u3002\u3000Even\u3000a\u3000demon\u3000as\u3000relatively\u3000weak\u3000as\u3000an\u3000uridezu\u2026and\u3000the\u3000rat\u2026creatures\u3000were\u3000hardly\u3000the\u3000sturdiest\u3000of\u3000their\u3000kind\u2026could\u3000withstand\u3000extremes\u3000of\u3000cold\u3000and\u3000heat\u3000and\u3000muster\u3000innate\u3000magical\u3000abilities\u3000such\u3000as\u3000the\u3000darkness\u3000he\u3000had\u3000used\u3000to\u3000ambush\u3000Quenthel\u3002\u3000Uridezu\u3000could\u3000call\u3000on\u3000their\u3000rodent\u3000cousins\uff1b\u3000as\u3000the\u3000one\u3000Pharaun\u3000faced\u3000had\u3000set\u3000them\u3000against\u3000Jeggred\u3002\u3000There\u3000was\u3000something\u3000about\u3000the\u3000bite\u3000of\u3000the\u3000uridezu\u3000that\u3000Pharaun\u3000knew\u3000he\u3000should\u3000remember\uff1b\u3000but\u3000that\u3000wasn’t\u3000ing\u3000to\u3000him\u3002\u3000Of\u3000course\uff1b\u3000like\u3000all\u3000tanar’ri\uff1b\u3000lightning\u3000only\u3000passed\u3000through\u3000them\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Even\u3000as\u3000that\u3000thought\u3000crossed\u3000his\u3000mind\u3000Pharaun\u3000had\u3000a\u3000hand\u3000on\u3000a\u3000wand\u3000that\u3000would\u3000have\u3000unleashed\u3000lightning\u3000bolts\u3002\u3000Knowing\u3000that\u3000was\u3000useless\uff1b\u3000the\u3000Master\u3000of\u3000Sorcere\u3000shifted\u3000his\u3000hand\u3000an\u3000inch\u3000over\u3000and\u3000drew\u3000a\u3000different\u3000wand\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pharaun\u3000hesitated\u3000and\u3000watched\u3000Quenthel\u3000hop\u3000nimbly\u3000to\u3000her\u3000feet\u3000and\u3000face\u3000the\u3000uridezu\u3002\u3000The\u3000demon\u3000hissed\u3000at\u3000her\uff1b\u3000but\u3000Quenthel\u3000made\u3000no\u3000sound\u3000or\u3000sign\u3000she’d\u3000heard\u3000it\u3002\u3000The\u3000high\u3000priestess\u3000cracked\u3000her\u3000whip\u3000at\u3000the\u3000demon\u3000again\uff1b\u3000and\u3000three\u3000of\u3000the\u3000five\u3000snakes\u3000bit\u3000deeply\u3000into\u3000the\u3000rat\u2026demon’s\u3000chest\u3002\u3000The\u3000creature\u3000lashed\u3000out\u3000at\u3000the\u3000snakes\u3000with\u3000one\u3000set\u3000of\u3000razor\u2026sharp\u3000claws\uff1b\u3000but\u3000the\u3000vipers\u3000withdrew\u3000in\u3000time\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000talons\u3000slashed\u3000through\u3000empty\u3000air\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Ignoring\u3000that\u3000failure\uff1b\u3000the\u3000uridezu\u3000whirled\uff1b\u3000whipping\u3000at\u3000the\u3000drow\u3000priestess\u3000with\u3000its\u3000heavy\uff1b\u3000fast\u2026moving\u3000tail\u3002\u3000Quenthel\u3000brought\u3000the\u3000buckler\u3000in\u3000her\u3000left\u3000hand\u3000up\u3000to\u3000meet\u3000the\u3000tail\u3002\u3000The\u3000appendage\u3000hit\u3000her\u3000with\u3000enough\u3000force\u3000that\u3000Pharaun\u3000was\u3000sure\u3000her\u3000arm\u3000would\u3000snap\uff1b\u3000but\u3000instead\u3000she\u3000managed\u3000to\u3000bat\u3000the\u3000tail\u3000away\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000uridezu\u3000recovered\u3000more\u3000quickly\u3000than\u3000Quenthel\uff1b\u3000though\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000tail\u3000reversed\u3000and\u3000dropped\u3000lower\uff1b\u3000clipping\u3000the\u3000priestess\u3000in\u3000th \n
\n \n
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\n
\n \u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000uridezu\u3000recovered\u3000more\u3000quickly\u3000than\u3000Quenthel\uff1b\u3000though\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000tail\u3000reversed\u3000and\u3000dropped\u3000lower\uff1b\u3000clipping\u3000the\u3000priestess\u3000in\u3000the\u3000ribs\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pharaun\u3000could\u3000hear\u3000the\u3000breath\u3000driven\u3000from\u3000her\u3000lungs\u3002\u3000She\u3000stepped\u3000to\u3000the\u3000side\uff1b\u3000almost\u3000staggering\u3002\u3000The\u3000demon\uff1b\u3000a\u3000feral\u3000smile\u3000spread\u3000across\u3000its\u3000face\uff1b\u3000stepped\u3000in\u3002\u3000It\u3000meant\u3000to\u3000bite\u3000her\u3000and\u3000rake\u3000her\u3000with\u3000its\u3000claws\u3000at\u3000the\u3000same\u3000time\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pharaun\u3000drew\u3000a\u3000breath\u3000to\u3000pronounce\u3000the\u3000mand\u3000word\u3000for\u3000his\u3000wand\u3000even\u3000as\u3000the\u3000demon\u3000attacked\u2026and\u3000took\u3000Quenthel’s\u3000buckler\u3000full\u3000in\u3000the\u3000face\u3002\u3000There\u3000was\u3000a\u3000loud\uff1b\u3000wet\u3000crack\uff01\u3000and\u3000blood\u3000splashed\u3000out\u3000from\u3000between\u3000the\u3000buckler\u3000and\u3000the\u3000uridezu’s\u3000nose\u3002\u3000The\u3000demon’s\u3000hands\u3000flailed\u3000harmlessly\u3000in\u3000front\u3000of\u3000Quenthel\u3000and\u3000each\u3000of\u3000the\u3000five\u3000vipers\u3000took\u3000their\u3000pick\u3000of\u3000the\u3000demon’s\u3000most\u3000sensitive\u3000spots\u3000in\u3000which\u3000to\u3000sink\u3000their\u3000fangs\u3002\u3000The\u3000uridezu\u3000howled\u3000in\u3000agony\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Well\uff1b\u3000Pharaun\u3000thought\uff1b\u3000not\u3000bothering\u3000to\u3000activate\u3000the\u3000magic\u3000in\u3000his\u3000wand\uff1b\u3000looks\u3000like\u3000she’s\u3000got\u3000this\u3000well\u3000in\u2026
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000His\u3000eyes\u3000settled\u3000on\u3000Raashub\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Pharaun\u3000stopped\u3002\u3000The\u3000bound\u3000uridezu\u3000was\u3000looking\u3000at\u3000him\uff1b\u3000his\u3000eyes\u3000running\u3000down\u3000the\u3000length\u3000of\u3000the\u3000wand\u3002\u3000Anticipation\u3000was\u3000plain\u3000on\u3000the\u3000demon\u3000captain’s\u3000face\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pharaun\u3000looked\u3000at\u3000his\u3000wand\u3000then\u3000back\u3000at\u3000Raashub\u3002\u3000Their\u3000eyes\u3000locked\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Raashub\u3000smiled\u3000at\u3000him\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000With\u3000a\u3000smile\u3000of\u3000his\u3000own\uff1b\u3000Pharaun\u3000slid\u3000the\u3000wand\u3000back\u3000into\u3000his\u3000pack\u3000where\u3000it\u3000belonged\u3002\u3000Raashub\u3000hid\u3000his\u3000disappointment\u3000well\uff1b\u3000turning\u3000his\u3000attention\u3000back\u3000to\u3000Quenthel\u3000and\u3000his\u3000fellow\u3000uridezu\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pharaun\u3000made\u3000the\u3000decision\u3000to\u3000help\u3000Jeggred\u3002\u3000Raashub\u3000would\u3000know\u3000what\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3000was\u3000capable\u3000of\uff1b\u3000and\u3000if\u3000Pharaun\u3000could\u3000deal\u3000with\u3000the\u3000swarming\u3000rats\u3000and\u3000allow\u3000Jeggred\u3000to\u3000help\u3000Quenthel\uff1b\u3000the\u3000unbound\u3000uridezu\u3000could\u3000be\u3000dispatched\u3000quickly\u3000and\u3000without\u3000Pharaun\u3000having\u3000to\u3000take\u3000a\u3000more\u3000active\u2026and\u3000more\u3000revealing\u2026role\u3000in\u3000the\u3000fight\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000As\u3000Pharaun\u3000came\u3000to\u3000that\u3000decision\uff1b\u3000a\u3000loud\u3000series\u3000of\u3000cracking\u3000and\u3000popping\u3000noises\u3000drew\u3000his\u3000attention\u3000back\u3000to\u3000Quenthel\u3002\u3000The\u3000Mistress\u3000of\u3000Arach\u2026Tinilith\u3000pulled\u3000up\u3000a\u3000whole\u3000section\u3000of\u3000railing\u3002\u3000Bone\u3000and\u3000cartilage\u3000separated\u3000from\u3000the\u3000deck\uff1b\u3000snapping\u3000off\u3000like\u3000dried\u3000mushroom\u3000stems\u3002\u3000Her\u3000whip\u3000was\u3000in\u3000her\u3000belt\uff1b\u3000the\u3000uridezu\u3000was\u3000staggering\u3000in\u3000front\u3000of\u3000her\u3000with\u3000blood\u3000pouring\u3000from\u3000its\u3000ruined\u3000snout\uff1b\u3000and\u3000she\u3000lifted\u3000the\u3000ten\u2026foot\u3000length\u3000of\u3000railing\u3000over\u3000her\u3000head\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pharaun\u3000quickly\u3000prepared\u3000a\u3000spell\u3000to\u3000aid\u3000Jeggred\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Quenthel\u3000attacked\u3002\u3000The\u3000high\u3000priestess\u3000brought\u3000the\u3000section\u3000of\u3000railing\u3000down\u3000on\u3000the\u3000uridezu\u3000fast\u3000and\u3000hard\u3002\u3000The\u3000demon\uff1b\u3000not\u3000quite\u3000blinded\u3000by\u3000its\u3000bleeding\u3000nose\uff1b\u3000skittered\u3000away\u3000from\u3000the\u3000attack\u3000and\u3000managed\u3000to\u3000leap\u3000out\u3000of\u3000range\u3000at\u3000the\u3000last\u3000second\u3002\u3000The\u3000railing\u3000crashed\u3000onto\u3000the\u3000deck\u3000and\u3000shattered\uff1b\u3000sending\u3000bone\u3000fragments\u3000whirling\u3000through\u3000the\u3000air\u3002\u3000Several\u3000of\u3000them\u3000bounced\u3000off\u3000Pharaun’s\u3000spell\u2026wards\u3000and\u3000shields\uff1b\u3000and\u3000he\u3000watched\u3000a\u3000couple\u3000of\u3000them\u3000slice\u3000into\u3000two\u3000of\u3000the\u3000rats\u3000that\u3000covered\u3000Jeggred\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Quenthel\u3000growled\u3000in\u3000nearly\u3000incoherent\u3000rage\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Pharaun\u3000found\u3000the\u3000noise\u3000unsettling\u2026unbeing\u3000to\u3000the\u3000Mistress\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Academy\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pools\u3000of\u3000blood\u3000were\u3000collecting\u3000where\u3000the\u3000railing\u3000had\u3000smashed\u3000into\u3000the\u3000deck\u3002\u3000The\u3000ship\u3000of\u3000chaos\u3000itself\u3000was\u3000bleeding\u3002\u3000The\u3000wizard\u3000wasn’t\u3000sure\u3000if\u3000he’d\u3000be\u3000able\u3000to\u3000repair\u3000it\uff1b\u3000and\u3000any\u3000further\u3000damage\u3000might\u3000delay\u3000or\u3000even\u3000prevent\u3000their\u3000voyage\u3002\u3000However\uff1b\u3000Pharaun\u3000didn’t\u3000want\u3000to\u3000say\u3000anything\u3000out\u3000loud\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Quenthel\u3000wasn’t\u3000looking\u3000at\u3000him\u3000so\u3000he\u3000couldn’t\u3000sign\u3000to\u3000her\u3000to\u3000stop\u3000damaging\u3000the\u3000ship\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pharaun\u3000cast\u3000a\u3000spell\u3000at\u3000the\u3000rats\u3000on\u3000Jeggred\u3002\u3000It\u3000was\u3000a\u3000simple\u3000spell\uff1b\u3000one\u3000that\u3000conjured\u3000a\u3000cone\u3000of\u3000flickering\uff1b\u3000multicolored\u3000Weave\u3000energy\u3002\u3000Pharaun\u3000was\u3000careful\u3000in\u3000his\u3000placement\u3000of\u3000the\u3000spell\u3000so\u3000that\u3000the\u3000effect\u3000brushed\u3000along\u3000the\u3000side\u3000of\u3000the\u3000rat\u2026encrusted\u3000draegloth\u3002\u3000The\u3000magic\u3000didn’t\u3000affect\u3000Jeggred\u3000in\u3000the\u3000least\uff1b\u3000but\u3000a\u3000goodly\u3000portion\u3000of\u3000the\u3000swarming\u3000rodents\u3000fell\u3000off\u3000him\u3000and\u3000onto\u3000the\u3000deck\uff1b\u3000where\u3000they\u3000lay\u3000twitching\u3000and\u3000writhing\u3000in\u3000a\u3000pile\u3000of\u3000wet\uff1b\u3000furry\u3000bodies\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Jeggred\u3000roared\u3000as\u3000he\u3000shook\u3000himself\uff1b\u3000sending\u3000his\u3000wild\u3000mane\u3000of\u3000snow\u2026white\u3000hair\u3000whipping\u3000rats\uff1b\u3000blood\uff1b\u3000and\u3000water\u3000across\u3000the\u3000deck\u3002\u3000The\u3000draegloth\u3000smashed\u3000four\u3000more\u3000of\u3000the\u3000filthy\u3000creatures\u2026one\u3000in\u3000each\u3000hand\u2026and\u3000stepped\u3000on\u3000three\u3000others\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pharaun\u3000sneaked\u3000a\u3000glance\u3000at\u3000Raashub\u3000and\u3000was\u3000rewarded\u3000by\u3000a\u3000look\u3000of\u3000disappointed\u3000frustration\u3000on\u3000the\u3000uridezu\u3000captain’s\u3000face\u3002\u3000It\u3000was\u3000another\u3000easy\u3000spell\u3000the\u3000Master\u3000of\u3000Sorcere\u3000cast\uff1b\u3000one\u3000he’d\u3000learned\u3000while\u3000still\u3000a\u3000child\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Raashub\u3000knew\u3000it\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pharaun\u3000turned\u3000his\u3000attention\u3000back\u3000to\u3000Jeggred\u3000and\u3000called\uff1b\u3000\u3003Leave\u3000the\u3000rats\uff1b\u3000Jeggred\u3002\u3000Your\u3000mistress\u3000is\u3000having\u3000demon\u3000troubles\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000With\u3000another\u3000roar\uff1b\u3000Jeggred\u3000threw\u3000more\u3000dead\u3000or\u3000unconscious\u3000rats\u3000off\u3000him\u3000and\u3000leaped\u3000at\u3000Raashub\uff1b\u3000bringing\u3000all\u3000four\u3000of\u3000his\u3000hands\u3000up\uff1b\u3000ready\u3000to\u3000shred\u3000the\u3000uridezu\u3000captain\u3002\u3000Raashub\u3000shrank\u3000away\u3000from\u3000the\u3000draegloth\uff1b\u3000holding\u3000up\u3000his\u3000hands\u3000and\u3000straining\u3000against\u3000his\u3000bonds\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003No\uff01\u3003\u3000Quenthel\u3000shouted\uff1b\u3000her\u3000voice\u3000hoarse\u3000and\u3000feral\u3002\u3000\u3003Not\u3000that\u3000one\uff1b\u3000damn\u3000it\uff01\u3000Kill\u3000this\u3000one\uff01\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Jeggred\u3000whirled\uff1b\u3000his\u3000eyes\u3000flashing\u3000across\u3000the\u3000scene\u3000of\u3000the\u3000ongoing\u3000struggle\u3000between\u3000Quenthel\u3000and\u3000the\u3000second\u3000uridezu\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000rat\u2026demon\uff1b\u3000taking\u3000full\u3000advantage\u3000of\u3000Quenthel’s\u3000momentary\u3000lapse\u3000in\u3000attention\uff1b\u3000slipped\u3000in\u3000and\u3000raked\u3000claws\u3000across\u3000her\u3000midsection\uff1b\u3000digging\u3000deep\u3000furrows\u3000across\u3000her\u3000armor\u3000and\u3000drawing\u3000blood\u3002\u3000Quenthel\u3000grimaced\u3000and\u3000gritted\u3000her\u3000teeth\u3000against\u3000the\u3000pain\u3000but\u3000answered\u3000in\u3000kind\u3000with\u3000her\u3000scourge\u3002\u3000Both\u3000of\u3000them\u3000staggered\u3000a\u3000bit\uff1b\u3000their\u3000footing\u3000treacherous\u3000amidst\u3000a\u3000pile\u3000of\u3000bone\u3000fragments\u3000from\u3000the\u3000shattered\u3000railing\u3000and\u3000pools\u3000of\u3000blood\u3000from\u3000the\u3000wounded\u3000ship\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Jeggred’s\u3000lips\u3000curled\u3000back\u3000to\u3000reveal\u3000a\u3000monstrous\u3000row\u3000of\u3000vicious\u3000fangs\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3000entered\u3000the\u3000fray\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000
\nChapter\u3000Ten
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Danifae\u3000sat\u3000on\u3000the\u3000floor\u3000of\u3000the\u3000gatehouse\u3000for\u3000what\u3000felt\u3000like\u3000a\u3000very\u3000long\u3000time\u3002\u3000She\u3000hadn’t\u3000allowed\u3000herself\u3000to\u3000think\u3000too\u3000much\u3000about\u3000her\u3000life\u3000before\u3000her\u3000captivity\u3002\u3000There\u3000were\u3000only\u3000a\u3000few\u3000ways\u3000to\u3000survive\u3000as\u3000a\u3000battle\u2026captive\uff1b\u3000including\u3000convincing\u3000yourself\u3000that\u3000you’ve\u3000always\u3000been\u3000one\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Before\u3000the\u3000raid\u3000that\u3000put\u3000her\u3000in\u3000the\u3000hands\u3000of\u3000House\u3000Melarn\uff1b\u3000Danifae\u3000had\u3000been\u3000taking\u3000lessons\u3000from\u3000the\u3000Yauntyrr\u3000House\u3000Mage\u3002\u3000Zinnirit\u3000was\u3000a\u3000capable\u3000and\u3000detail\u2026oriented\u3000teacher\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Danifae\u3000had\u3000learned\u3000much\u3000from\u3000him\uff1b\u3000especially\u3000in\u3000the\u3000fields\u3000of\u3000teleportation\uff1b\u3000translocation\uff1b\u3000and\u3000dimensional\u3000travel\u3002\u3000They\u3000hadn’t\u3000actually\u3000begun\u3000her\u3000study\u3000of\u3000the\u3000arcane\u3000Art\u3000before\u3000her\u3000House\u3000was\u3000overwhelmed\uff1b\u3000but\u3000Zinnirit\u3000had\u3000familiarized\u3000the\u3000young\u3000daughter\u3000of\u3000House\u3000Yauntyrr\u3000with\u3000a\u3000variety\u3000of\u3000enchanted\u3000items\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Danifae\u3000touched\u3000her\u3000mother’s\u3000ring\uff1b\u3000feeling\u3000the\u3000cold\u3000metal\u3000warming\u3000against\u3000her\u3000skin\u3002\u3000The\u3000ring\u3000could\u3000bounce\u3000her\u3000across\u3000the\u3000Underdark\u2026but\u3000just\u3000her\u3000and\u3000one\u3000other\u3002\u3000Danifae\u3000had\u3000plans\u3000that\u3000required\u3000more\u3000than\u3000that\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Her\u3000eyes\u3000settled\u3000on\u3000the\u3000still\u3000hand\u3000of\u3000the\u3000dead\u3000wizard\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003More\u3000rings\uff1b\u3003\u3000Danifae\u3000whispered\uff1b\u3000a\u3000smile\u3000playing\u3000at\u3000the\u3000corners\u3000of\u3000her\u3000mouth\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000All\u3000she\u3000had\u3000to\u3000do\u3000was\u3000remember\u3000how\u3000to\u3000work\u3000them\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000demon\u3000screamed\uff1b\u3000the\u3000sound\u3000echoing\u3000unnaturally\u3000then\u3000fading\u3000even\u3000as\u3000the\u3000uridezu\u3000itself\u3000began\u3000to\u3000evaporate\u3000into\u3000nothingness\u3002\u3000It\u3000was\u3000returning\u3000to\u3000the\u3000Abyss\u3000while\u3000it\u3000still\u3000lived\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003You\u3000can’t\u3000control\u3000him\uff1b\u3003\u3000she\u3000said\u3000to\u3000Pharaun\u3002\u3000\u3003How\u3000can\u3000you\u3000stop\u3000him\u3000from\u3000doing\u3000that\u3000again\uff1f\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Let\u3000me\u3000eat\u3000his\u3000kidneys\uff1b\u3003\u3000Jeggred\u3000growled\uff1b\u3000his\u3000eyes\u3000still\u3000locked\u3000on\u3000the\u3000uridezu\u3002\u3000\u3003Maybe\u3000just\u3000one\u3000kidney\u3002\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Raashub\u3000screamed\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Jeggred\u3000turned\u3000to\u3000look\u3000at\u3000her\uff1b\u3000but\u3000she\u3000ignored\u3000him\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Who\u3000told\u3000you\u3000that\uff1f\u3003\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3000asked\u3000in\u3000a\u3000low\u3000growl\u3002\u3000\u3003The\u3000dandy\uff1f\u3003\u2026he\u3000nodded\u3000at\u3000Pharaun\u2026\u3003or\u3000the\u3000snakes\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Quenthel\u3000ignored\u3000the\u3000question\uff1b\u3000but\u3000Pharaun\u3000thought\u3000long\u3000and\u3000hard\u3000about\u3000it\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000gates\u3000were\u3000used\u3000primarily\u3000for\u3000transportation\u2026whisking\u3000someone\u3000or\u3000something\u3000hundreds\uff1b\u3000even\u3000thousands\u3000of\u3000miles\u3000in\u3000the\u3000blink\u3000of\u3000an\u3000eye\u2026but\u3000they\u3000could\u3000also\u3000be\u3000used\u3000to\u3000find\u3000someone\u3002\u3000Though\u3000the\u3000strong\u3000psychic\u3000link\u3000that\u3000the\u3000Binding\u3000had\u3000provided\u3000was\u3000gone\uff1b\u3000Danifae\u3000still\u3000had\u3000some\u3000connection\u3000to\u3000her\u3000former\u3000mistress\u3002\u3000She\u3000knew\u3000Halisstra\u3000better\u3000than\u3000anyone\u3000ever\u3000had\uff1b\u3000even\u3000ranking\u3000members\u3000of\u3000House\u3000Melarn\u3002\u3000Halisstra’s\u3000sister\u3000had\u3000tried\u3000to\u3000kill\u3000her\uff1b\u3000and\u3000her\u3000mother\u3000had\u3000always\u3000been\u3000the\u3000model\u3000of\u3000the\u3000aloof\uff1b\u3000controlling\u3000matron\u3000mother\u3002\u3000Danifae\uff1b\u3000though\u3000always\u3000seething\u3000with\u3000hate\uff1b\u3000had\u3000served\u3000Halisstra\u3000loyally\u3000and\u3000well\u3000every\u3000minute\u3000of\u3000every\u3000day\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Ultimately\u3000all\u3000Danifae\u3000really\u3000had\u3000to\u3000do\u3000was\u3000remember\u3000her\u3002\u3000All\u3000she\u3000had\u3000to\u3000do\u3000was\u3000imagine\u3000what\u3000Halisstra\u3000looked\u3000like\uff1b\u3000visualize\u3000her\uff1b\u3000and\u3000activate\u3000one\u3000of\u3000the\u3000portals\u3000in\u3000precisely\u3000the\u3000right\u3000way\u3002\u3000At\u3000least\uff1b\u3000she\u3000thought\u3000that\u3000was\u3000all\u3000she\u3000needed\u3000to\u3000do\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000After\u3000several\u3000false\u3000starts\u3000and\u3000failed\u3000attempts\uff1b\u3000Danifae\u3000stepped\u3000away\u3000from\u3000the\u3000gate\u3000and\u3000began\u3000pacing\u3002\u3000As\u3000she\u3000did\u3000she\u3000fiddled\u3000with\u3000a\u3000ring\u3000on\u3000her\u3000finger\uff1b\u3000then\u3000another\u3000ring\u3000on\u3000her\u3000other\u3000hand\uff1b\u3000and\u2026
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000She\u3000stopped\u3000and\u3000looked\u3000at\u3000her\u3000hands\u3002\u3000Danifae\u3000had\u3000taken\u3000three\u3000rings\u3000from\u3000the\u3000dead\u3000wizard\u3002\u3000Two\u3000of\u3000them\u3000were\u3000tucked\u3000safely\u3000in\u3000a\u3000pocket\u3002\u3000She\u3000wore\u3000the\u3000ring\u3000that\u3000Zinnirit\u3000had\u3000created\u3000for\u3000her\u3000mother\uff1b\u3000the\u3000one\u3000that\u3000would\u3000bring\u3000her\u3000back\u3000to\u3000the\u3000gatehouse\u3000from\u3000anywhere\uff1b\u3000but\u3000she\u3000wore\u3000another\u3000ring\u3000as\u3000well\u2026one\u3000she’d\u3000almost\u3000forgotten\u3000about\u3002\u3000It\u3000belonged\u3000to\u3000Ryld\u3000Argith\uff1b\u3000the\u3000Menzoberranyr\u3000weapons\u3000master\u3000who\uff1b\u3000like\u3000Danifae’s\u3000former\u3000mistress\uff1b\u3000had\u3000abandoned\u3000the\u3000expedition\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Even\u3000having\u3000seen\u3000that\u3000ruined\u3000plane\u3000herself\uff1b\u3000though\uff1b\u3000Danifae\u3000had\u3000been\u3000a\u3000priestess\u3000of\u3000Lolth\u3000when\u3000she\u3000was\u3000free\u3000and\u3000living\u3000in\u3000Eryndlyn\uff1b\u3000and\u3000she\u3000had\u3000served\u3000the\u3000goddess\u3000more\u3000faithfully\u3000and\u3000more\u3000sincerely\u3000than\u3000she\u3000served\u3000House\u3000Melarn\u3000ever\u3000since\uff1b\u3000so\u3000her\u3000faith\u3000remained\u3000strong\u3002\u3000Guarded\uff1b\u3000perhaps\uff1b\u3000more\u3000curious\uff1b\u3000but\u3000strong\u3002\u3000Danifae\u3000wouldn’t\u3000presume\u3000to\u3000question\u3000the\u3000goddess’s\u3000will\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Halisstra’s\u3000mitment\u3000to\u3000the\u3000Spider\u3000Queen\u3000was\u3000none\u3000of\u3000Danifae’s\u3000concern\u3002\u3000Danifae\u3000could\u3000easily\u3000enough\u3000set\u3000aside\u3000her\u3000religion\u3000if\u3000necessary\uff1b\u3000but\u3000she\u3000would\u3000never\u3000set\u3000aside\u3000her\u3000vengeance\u3002\u3000Halisstra\u3000Melarn\u3000had\u3000to\u3000die\uff1b\u3000and\u3000not\u3000on\u3000Lolth’s\u3000behalf\u3002\u3000For\u3000Danifae\u3000it\u3000was\u3000a\u3000simple\u3000imperative\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Halisstra\u3000let\u3000one\u3000side\u3000of\u3000her\u3000mouth\u3000draw\u3000up\u3000into\u3000half\u3000a\u3000smile\u3002\u3000She\u3000indicated\u3000Ryld\u3000with\u3000a\u3000slow\u3000movement\u3000of\u3000her\u3000eyes\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Danifae\u3000shook\u3000her\u3000head\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Halisstra\u3000stood\u3000slowly\u3000and\u3000carefully\uff1b\u3000making\u3000sure\u3000not\u3000to\u3000disturb\u3000Ryld\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Are\u3000you\u3000all\u3000right\uff1f\u3003\u3000the\u3000weapons\u3000master\u3000whispered\uff1b\u3000his\u3000eyes\u3000still\u3000closed\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000Binding\uff1f\u3000Halisstra\u3000signed\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Danifae\u3000replied\uff1b\u3000Removed\u3000 \n
\n \n
\n
\n
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000Binding\uff1f\u3000Halisstra\u3000signed\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000How\u3000long\u3000before\u3000they\u3000leave\uff1f\u3000Halisstra\u3000asked\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Days\u3000still\uff1b\u3000answered\u3000Danifae\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Why\u3000are\u3000you\u3000telling\u3000me\u3000this\uff1f\u3000Halisstra\u3000asked\u3002\u3000You’re\u3000free\u3000now\u3002\u3000Go\u3000back\u3000to\u3000Eryndlyn\u3000if\u3000you\u3000dare\uff1b\u3000or\u3000go\u3000on\u3000with\u3000the\u3000Menzoberranyr\u3000until\u3000you\u3000all\u3000inevitably\u3000die\u3002\u3000Do\u3000as\u3000you\u3000wish\uff1b\u3000but\u3000you\u3000no\u3000longer\u3000need\u3000seek\u3000my\u3000permission\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Lolth\u3000isn’t\u3000ing\u3000back\uff1b\u3000is\u3000she\uff1f\u3000Danifae\u3000asked\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000I\u3000don’t\u3000know\uff1b\u3000replied\u3000Halisstra\uff1b\u3000but\u3000it\u3000doesn’t\u3000look\u3000good\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000If\u3000I\u3000die\u3000still\u3000serving\u3000her\uff1b\u3000Danifae\u3000asked\uff1b\u3000where\u3000will\u3000my\u3000soul\u3000go\uff1f\u3000There\u3000were\u3000no\u3000drow\u3000souls\u3000in\u3000the\u3000Demonweb\u3000Pits\uff1b\u3000and\u3000no\u3000entrance\u3000past\u3000the\u3000sealed\u3000doors\u3002\u3000Where\u3000are\u3000all\u3000those\u3000souls\uff1f
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000What\uff1b\u3000Danifae\u3000asked\uff1b\u3000are\u3000your\u3000intentions\u3000here\uff1f
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000No\uff1b\u3000Danifae\u3000replied\u3000sharply\u3002\u3000I\u3000sneaked\u3000away\u3000from\u3000Valas\u3000in\u3000Sschindylryn\u3002\u3000It\u3000was\u3000the\u3000only\u3000place\u3000to\u3000find\u3000a\u3000portal\u3000and\u3000to\u3000find\u3000you\uff1b\u3000I\u3000don’t\u3000trust\u3000the\u3000Menzoberranyr\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Why\u3000would\u3000you\uff1f\u3000Halisstra\u3000replied\uff1b\u3000eyeing\u3000her\u3000former\u3000servant\u3000carefully\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000What\u3000is\u3000the\u3000weapons\u3000master\u3000doing\u3000here\uff1f\u3000asked\u3000Danifae\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Halisstra\u3000drew\u3000herself\u3000to\u3000her\u3000full\u3000height\u3000and\u3000tried\u3000to\u3000recapture\u3000the\u3000manner\u3000of\u3000a\u3000slaveholder\u3002\u3000Danifae\u3000was\u3000unwilling\u3000to\u3000play\u3000the\u3000part\u3000of\u3000the\u3000battle\u2026captive\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Do\u3000you\u3000sit\u3000the\u3000same\u3000way\u3000with\u3000Quenthel\uff1f\u3000Halisstra\u3000signed\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Halisstra\u3000looked\u3000her\u3000up\u3000and\u3000down\uff1b\u3000appraising\u3000her\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I’ll\u3000be\u3000waiting\uff1b\u3003\u3000Halisstra\u3000whispered\u3000in\u3000Danifae’s\u3000ear\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003What\u3000better\u3000reason\uff1b\u3003\u3000asked\u3000Dyrr\uff1b\u3000\u3003than\u3000the\u3000City\u3000of\u3000Spiders\u3000herself\uff1f\u3000From\u3000here\uff1b\u3000the\u3000Underdark\uff1b\u3000and\u3000from\u3000there\uff1b\u3000the\u3000World\u3000Above\u3002\u3003
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\nChapter\u3000Twelve
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000demonic\u3000ship\u3000didn’t\u3000quite\u3000figure\u3000into\u3000Pharaun’s\u3000esthetic\u3002\u3000The\u3000wizard\u3000brushed\u3000the\u3000hair\u3000from\u3000his\u3000eyes\u3000and\u3000tried\u3000not\u3000to\u3000think\u3000about\u3000what\u3000he\u3000must\u3000look\u3000like\u3002\u3000He\u3000hadn’t\u3000bathed\u3000in\u3000far\u3000too\u3000long\u2026hygiene\u3000had\u3000bee\u3000secondary\u3000for\u3000them\u3000all\uff1b\u3000and\u3000they\u3000were\u3000rapidly\u3000beginning\u3000to\u3000stink\u3002\u3000Jeggred\u3000was\u3000the\u3000worst\u3000of\u3000them\u3000all\u3000on\u3000a\u3000good\u3000day\uff1b\u3000but\u3000the\u3000wizard\u3000found\u3000himself\u3000avoiding\u3000Quenthel\u3000as\u3000well\u3002\u3000Still\uff1b\u3000the\u3000thought\u3000of\u3000ba \n
\n \n
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\n \u3000all\u3000on\u3000a\u3000good\u3000day\uff1b\u3000but\u3000the\u3000wizard\u3000found\u3000himself\u3000avoiding\u3000Quenthel\u3000as\u3000well\u3002\u3000Still\uff1b\u3000the\u3000thought\u3000of\u3000bathing\u3000in\u3000the\u3000cold\uff1b\u3000dark\u3000waters\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Lake\u3000of\u3000Shadows\u3000held\u3000no\u3000appeal\u3002\u3000Pharaun\u3000could\u3000well\u3000imagine\u3000what\u3000might\u3000be\u3000living\u3000in\u3000that\u3000lake’s\u3000depths\uff1b\u3000and\u3000he\u3000didn’t\u3000want\u3000to\u3000offer\u3000himself\u3000up\u3000like\u3000a\u3000worm\u3000on\u3000a\u3000hook\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000ship\u3000creaked\u3000and\u3000groaned\u3000but\u3000not\u3000too\u3000much\u3002\u3000Only\u3000rarely\u3000did\u3000there\u3000e\u3000the\u3000echo\u3000of\u3000a\u3000splash\u3000or\u3000drip\u3000or\u3000other\u3000small\u3000disturbance\u3000from\u3000the\u3000water\u3002\u3000Pharaun\u3000was\u3000beginning\u3000to\u3000think\u3000it\u3000was\u3000the\u3000silence\u3000itself\u3000that\u3000he\u3000found\u3000so\u3000unnerving\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000wizard\u3000knew\u3000that\u3000he’d\u3000been\u3000right\uff1b\u3000that\u3000the\u3000first\u3000uridezu\u3000Raashub\u3000had\u3000gated\u3000in\u3000was\u3000meant\u3000to\u3000test\u3000them\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Content\u3000to\u3000let\u3000the\u3000rapier\u3000keep\u3000the\u3000demon\u3000busy\uff1b\u3000Pharaun\u3000kicked\u3000away\u3000from\u3000the\u3000duel\uff1b\u3000pulling\u3000his\u3000hand\u3000crossbow\u3000and\u3000a\u3000quarrel\u3000from\u3000his\u3000belt\u3000at\u3000the\u3000same\u3000time\u3002\u3000When\u3000the\u3000bolt\u3000was\u3000set\u3000and\u3000cocked\uff1b\u3000Pharaun\u3000called\u3000on\u3000the\u3000power\u3000of\u3000his\u3000brooch\u3000to\u3000levitate\u3000quickly\u3000up\u3000and\u3000out\u3000of\u3000the\u3000lake\u3002\u3000The\u3000second\u3000his\u3000face\u3000broke\u3000the\u3000surface\u3000he\u3000coughed\u3000out\u3000lungfuls\u3000of\u3000fluid\u3002\u3000He\u3000shot\u3000into\u3000the\u3000air\u3000a\u3000dozen\u3000feet\u3000above\u3000the\u3000water\u3000and\u3000hung\u3000there\uff1b\u3000black\u3000droplets\u3000pattering\u3000off\u3000him\u3000to\u3000rain\u3000back\u3000down\u3000onto\u3000the\u3000rippling\u3000surface\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Lake\u3000of\u3000Shadows\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pharaun\u3000counted\u3000four\u3000more\u3000of\u3000the\u3000demons\uff1b\u3000in\u3000addition\u3000to\u3000Raashub\u3002\u3000The\u3000captain\u3000had\u3000gathered\u3000seven\u3000of\u3000his\u3000kind\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000wizard\u3000looked\u3000down\uff1b\u3000checking\u3000on\u3000the\u3000progress\u3000of\u3000the\u3000dancing\u3000rapier\u3002\u3000The\u3000animated\u3000blade\u3000slit\u3000the\u3000swimming\u3000uridezu’s\u3000throat\u3002\u3000The\u3000demon\u3000shivered\u3000then\u3000went\u3000limp\u3000in\u3000the\u3000water\uff1b\u3000slowly\u3000floating\u3000to\u3000the\u3000surface\u3002\u3000Its\u3000scalding\u3000blood\u3000sent\u3000coppery\u2026smelling\u3000steam\u3000rising\u3000into\u3000the\u3000air\u3000below\u3000the\u3000hovering\u3000mage\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Movement\u3000from\u3000Jeggred\u3000caught\u3000Pharaun’s\u3000eye\u3002\u3000The\u3000draegloth\u3000advanced\u3000on\u3000Raashub\u3002\u3000A\u3000wave\u3000of\u3000panic\u3000coursed\u3000through\u3000the\u3000Master\u3000of\u3000Sorcere\u3002\u3000Attack\u3000or\u3000no\u3000attack\uff1b\u3000they\u3000needed\u3000Raashub\u3000to\u3000pilot\u3000the\u3000ship\u3002\u3000Jeggred\u3000had\u3000been\u3000itching\u3000to\u3000kill\u3000the\u3000captain\u3000since\u3000they’d\u3000first\u3000claimed\u3000the\u3000vessel\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000boarding\u3000action\u3000was\u3000excuse\u3000enough\u3000for\u3000him\u3000to\u3000finally\u3000make\u3000good\u3000on\u3000his\u3000many\u3000threats\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pharaun\uff1b\u3000fully\u3000aware\u3000of\u3000the\u3000irony\u3000of\u3000the\u3000situation\uff1b\u3000threw\u3000a\u3000spell\u3000that\u3000set\u3000a\u3000wall\u3000of\u3000invisible\u3000force\u3000between\u3000the\u3000uridezu\u3000captain\u3000and\u3000the\u3000advancing\u3000draegloth\u3002\u3000Jeggred\u3000hit\u3000the\u3000wall\u3000hard\uff1b\u3000setting\u3000him\u3000back\u3000on\u3000his\u3000heels\u3000for\u3000a\u3000moment\u3002\u3000Raashub\u3000cowered\u3000away\u3000from\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3000then\u3000started\u3000to\u3000sniff\u3000the\u3000air\u3000in\u3000front\u3000of\u3000him\uff1b\u3000as\u3000puzzled\u3000by\u3000his\u3000unexplained\uff1b\u3000last\u2026second\u3000reprieve\u3000as\u3000was\u3000Jeggred\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Quenthel\u3000threw\u3000an\u3000elbow\u3000at\u3000the\u3000uridezu\u3000that\u3000had\u3000bitten\u3000her\uff1b\u3000but\u3000the\u3000demon\u3000was\u3000able\u3000to\u3000avoid\u3000the\u3000blow\u3002\u3000Quenthel’s\u3000attacks\u3000were\u3000spasmodic\u3000and\u3000haphazard\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Pharaun\u3000knew\u3000it\u3000was\u3000only\u3000a\u3000matter\u3000of\u3000time\u3000before\u3000the\u3000two\u3000uridezu\u3000she\u3000faced\u3000managed\u3000to\u3000kill\u3000her\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000An\u3000enormous\uff1b\u3000disembodied\u3000black\u3000hand\u3000faded\u3000into\u3000existence\u3000from\u3000the\u3000thin\u3000air\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Pharaun\u3000took\u3000control\u3000over\u3000it\u3000with\u3000a\u3000thought\u3002\u3000The\u3000uridezu\u3000that\u3000were\u3000harrying\u3000Quenthel\u3000stepped\u3000back\u3000from\u3000the\u3000hand\u3000but\u3000too\u3000slowly\u3000for\u3000the\u3000demon\u3000that\u3000had\u3000bitten\u3000her\u3002\u3000The\u3000hand\u3000closed\u3000around\u3000the\u3000creature\u3000and\u3000began\u3000to\u3000squeeze\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Taking\u3000stock\u3000of\u3000the\u3000situation\u3000again\uff1b\u3000Pharaun\u3000saw\u3000that\u3000Jeggred\u3000had\u3000moved\u3000on\u3000to\u3000another\u3000uridezu\uff1b\u3000leaving\u3000Raashub\u3000to\u3000grovel\u3000behind\u3000the\u3000wall\u3000of\u3000force\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000uridezu\u3000in\u3000the\u3000hand\u3000had\u3000its\u3000mouth\u3000wide\u3000open\uff1b\u3000but\u3000no\u3000sound\u3000came\u3000out\u3002\u3000All\u3000the\u3000air\u3000had\u3000been\u3000squeezed\u3000from\u3000its\u3000lungs\u3002\u3000Pharaun\u3000reloaded\u3000his\u3000hand\u3000crossbow\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000conjured\u3000hand\u3000squeezed\u3000even\u3000tighter\u3002\u3000The\u3000demon’s\u3000eyes\u3000bulged\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Pharaun\u3000couldn’t\u3000help\u3000but\u3000watch\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000wizard\u3000launched\u3000another\u3000bolt\u3000at\u3000the\u3000demon\u3000that\u3000was\u3000still\u3000managing\u3000to\u3000dodge\u3000the\u3000high\u3000priestess’s\u3000whip\u3002\u3000The\u3000missile\u3000slammed\u3000home\uff1b\u3000pushing\u3000the\u3000uridezu\u3000toward\u3000Quenthel\u3002\u3000The\u3000rat\u2026man\u3000was\u3000staggered\u3000but\u3000far\u3000from\u3000dead\u2026whic \n
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\n \u3000slammed\u3000home\uff1b\u3000pushing\u3000the\u3000uridezu\u3000toward\u3000Quenthel\u3002\u3000The\u3000rat\u2026man\u3000was\u3000staggered\u3000but\u3000far\u3000from\u3000dead\u2026which\u3000was\u3000more\u3000than\u3000Pharaun\u3000could\u3000say\u3000for\u3000the\u3000creature\u3000in\u3000the\u3000hand\u3002\u3000Its\u3000body\u3000bulged\u3000past\u3000the\u3000breaking\u3000point\u3000then\u3000burst\u3000in\u3000a\u3000torrent\u3000of\u3000blood\u3000and\u3000tissue\u3002\u3000A\u3000few\u3000agonizing\u3000seconds\u3000later\u3000and\u3000it\u3000was\u3000dead\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pharaun\u3000raised\u3000an\u3000eyebrow\uff1b\u3000looked\u3000at\u3000the\u3000priestess\uff1b\u3000and\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003I’m\u3000afraid\u3000I\u3000had\u3000to\u3000cancel\u3000the\u3000spell\u3000that\u3000allowed\u3000me\u3000to\u3000breathe\u3000underwater\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000priestess\u3000turned\u3000on\u3000him\u3000angrily\uff1b\u3000but\u3000any\u3000further\u3000discussion\u3000was\u3000stopped\u3000by\u3000the\u3000sound\u3000of\u3000another\u3000splash\u3002\u3000Something\u3000arced\u3000out\u3000of\u3000the\u3000water\u3000and\u3000thumped\u3000onto\u3000the\u3000deck\u3002\u3000The\u3000uridez \n
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000draegloth\u3000climbed\u3000slowly\u3000onto\u3000the\u3000deck\u3000behind\u3000the\u3000two\u3000dark\u3000elves\u3002\u3000The\u3000half\u2026demon\u3000shook\u3000himself\u3000hard\uff1b\u3000spraying\u3000water\u3000all\u3000over\u3000Pharaun\u3000and\u3000Quenthel\u3002\u3000The\u3000two\u3000dark\u3000elves\u3000turned\u3000to\u3000regard\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3002
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\nChapter\u3000Thirteen
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Danifae\u3000wanted\u3000them\u3000to\u3000meet\u3000her\u3000in\u3000a\u3000ruined\u3000temple\u3000on\u3000the\u3000edge\u3000of\u3000a\u3000swamp\uff1b\u3000on\u3000the\u3000east\u3000bank\u3000of\u3000which\u3000a\u3000wide\u3000river\u3000emptied\u3000into\u3000a\u3000sea\u3002\u3000Halisstra\u3000spent\u3000the\u3000first\u3000night’s\u3000walk\u3000explaining\u3000to\u3000Ryld\u3000what\u3000most\u3000of\u3000those\u3000words\u3000meant\u3002\u3000By\u3000sunrise\u3000the\u3000first\u3000day\uff1b\u3000they\u3000had\u3000made\u3000the\u3000coast\u3002\u3000The\u3000sight\u3000of\u3000the\u3000seemingly\u3000endless\u3000expanse\u3000of\u3000cold\u3000gray\u3000water\u3000took\u3000Halisstra’s\u3000breath\u3000away\u3002\u3000Like\u3000most\u3000of\u3000the\u3000rest\u3000of\u3000the\u3000World\u3000Above\uff1b\u3000it\u3000had\u3000made\u3000Ryld\u3000unfortable\uff1b\u3000even\u3000nervous\u3002\u3000Halisstra\u3000was\u3000confident\u3000that\u3000he’d\u3000eventually\u3000get\u3000used\u3000to\u3000it\uff1b\u3000even\u3000grow\u3000to\u3000like\u3000it\u3002\u3000He\u3000had\u3000to\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000They\u3000followed\u3000the\u3000western\u3000shore\u3000of\u3000what\u3000the\u3000surface\u3000dwellers\u3000called\u3000the\u3000Dragon\u3000Reach\u3000for\u3000two\u3000long\u3000nights’\u3000march\uff1b\u3000using\u3000Ryld’s\u3000keen\u3000senses\uff1b\u3000Halisstra’s\u3000bae’qeshel\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Eilistraeen\u3000magic\u3000to\u3000avoid\u3000fellow\u3000travelers\u3000and\u3000unexpected\u3000dangers\u3002\u3000In\u3000the\u3000hours\u3000before\u3000sunrise\u3000of\u3000the\u3000third\u3000day\u3000they\u3000stood\u3000at\u3000the\u3000bank\u3000of\u3000the\u3000wide\u3000Lis\u3000river\u3000delta\uff1b\u3000the\u3000Dragon\u3000Reach\u3000spreading\u3000out\u3000in\u3000angry\uff1b\u3000windswept\u3000white\u3000and\u3000gray\u3000to\u3000their\u3000right\u3002\u3000To\u3000their\u3000left\u2026north\u2026was\u3000the\u3000river\u3000and\u3000intermittent\u3000woods\u3000and\u3000rolling\uff1b\u3000snowy\u3000hills\u3002\u3000The\u3000weather\u3000was\u3000dark\u3000and\u3000bitterly\u3000cold\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Halisstra\u3000had\u3000to\u3000use\u3000spells\u3000to\u3000keep\u3000them\u3000from\u3000losing\u3000fingers\u3000and\u3000toes\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Ryld\u3000nodded\u3000and\u3000continued\u3000to\u3000study\u3000the\u3000water\u3000as\u3000the\u3000sun’s\u3000glow\u3000began\u3000to\u3000kiss\u3000the\u3000horizon\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000weapons\u3000master\u3000shook\u3000his\u3000head\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Then\u3000we’ll\u3000need\u3000help\u3000getting\u3000across\uff1b\u3003\u3000said\u3000the\u3000priestess\u3002\u3000\u3003It’s\u3000too\u3000far\u3000and\u3000too\u3000cold\u3000to\u3000swim\uff1b\u3000and\u3000we’ll\u3000attract\u3000too\u3000much\u3000attention\u3000using\u3000spells\u3002\u3000If\u3000we\u3000keep\u3000our\u3000piwafwis\u3000up\u3000and\u3000over\u3000our\u3000heads\uff1b\u3000a\u3000less\u3000observant\u3000ferryman\u3000might\u3000not\u3000mark\u3000us\u3000as\u3000dark\u3000elves\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Ryld\u3000let\u3000out\u3000a\u3000sigh\u3000that\u3000told\u3000her\u3000he\u3000doubted\u3000that\u3000was\u3000possible\u3000but\u3000that\u3000he\u3000would\u3000try\u3000anyway\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000They\u3000set\u3000out\u3000along\u3000the\u3000river’s\u3000edge\uff1b\u3000working\u3000their\u3000way\u3000slowly\u3000northward\u3000in\u3000the\u3000pre\u2026dawn\u3000gloom\u3002\u3000Ryld\u3000stopped\u3000her\u3000occasionally\u3000to\u3000look\u3000around\u3000or\u3000study\u3000a\u3000boat\u3000that\u3000was\u3000either\u3000sitting\u3000on\u3000or\u3000adrift\u3000close\u3000to\u3000the\u3000riverbank\u3002\u3000He\u3000never\u3000bothered\u3000to\u3000explain\u3000why\u3000he\u3000rejected\u3000first\u3000one\u3000then\u3000another\u3000and\u3000another\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Halisstra\u3000didn’t\u3000ask\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Finally\uff1b\u3000they\u3000came\u3000upon\u3000a\u3000wide\uff1b\u3000square\u2026keeled\u3000boat\u3000with\u3000a\u3000single\u3000long\u3000oar\u3000attached\u3000to\u3000a\u3000tall\u3000pole\u3002\u3000The\u3000vessel\u3000had\u3000been\u3000pulled\u3000up\u3000on\u3000the\u3000riverbank\uff1b\u3000and\u3000a\u3000few\u3000feet\u3000away\u3000there\u3000was\u3000the\u3000indistinct\u3000lump\u3000of\u3000some\u3000humanoid\u3000creature\u3000asleep\u3000on\u3000the\u3000coarse\u3000sand\u3002\u3000He’d\u3000built\u3000a\u3000fire\u3000before\u3000he\u3000drifted\u3000off\u3000to\u3000unconsciousness\uff1b\u3000and\u3000it\u3000sat\u3000next\u3000to\u3000him\uff1b\u3000the\u3000last\u3000of\u3000the\u3000embers\u3000quickly\u3000fading\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Ryld\u3000rolled\u3000him\u3000over\u3000with\u3000a\u3000purposely\u3000harsh\uff1b\u3000violent\u3000push\u3002\u3000The\u3000sleeper\u3000had\u3000the\u3000gruff\u3000grayish\u2026yellow\u3000features\u3000of\u3000an\u3000orc\uff1b\u3000but\u3000not\u3000entirely\u3002\u3000His\u3000eyes\u3000bulged\uff1b\u3000and\u3000he\u3000took\u3000a\u3000deep\u3000breath\uff1b\u3000his\u3000heavy\u3000brow\u3000wrinkled\u3000in\u3000anger\u3002\u3000Ryld\u3000dropped\u3000the\u3000blade\u3000of\u3000his\u3000short\u3000sword\u3000to\u3000the\u3000boatman’s\u3000neck\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000angry\u3000man\u3000stopped\u3000very\u3000suddenly\u3002\u3000Halisstra\u3000stepped\u3000in\u3002\u3000When\u3000she\u3000looked\u3000more\u3000closely\u3000at\u3000him\uff1b\u3000she\u3000saw\u3000that\u3000the\u3000ferryman\u3000was\u3000a\u3000half\u2026orc\u3002\u3000That\u3000was\u3000good\u3000luck\u3000for\u3000them\u3002\u3000Half\u2026orcs\u3000tended\u3000to\u3000be\u3000as\u3000despised\u3000on\u3000the\u3000World\u3000Above\u3000as\u3000they\u3000were\u3000in\u3000the\u3000Underdark\uff1b\u3000so\u3000he\u3000would\u3000be\u3000easier\u3000to\u3000manipulate\u3000into\u3000keeping\u3000their\u3000presence\u3000secret\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000wasn’t\u3000asking\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000weapons\u3000master\u3000added\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000half\u2026orc\u3000nodded\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Within\u3000minutes\u3000they\u3000were\u3000on\u3000the\u3000boat\u3002\u3000The\u3000horizon\u3000in\u3000front\u3000of\u3000them\u3000turned\u3000from\u3000black\u3000to\u3000a\u3000deep\u3000indigo\u3002\u3000Halisstra\u3000had\u3000begun\u3000to\u3000grow\u3000accustomed\u3000to\u3000the\u3000sun\uff1b\u3000but\u3000Ryld\u3000still\u3000hated\u3000it\uff1b\u3000so\u3000they\u3000had\u3000been\u3000traveling\u3000at\u3000night\u3002\u3000In\u3000order\u3000to\u3000make\u3000their\u3000arranged\u3000rendezvous\u3000with\u3000Danifae\uff1b\u3000they\u3000might\u3000have\u3000to\u3000continue\u3000through\u3000the\u3000morning\uff1b\u3000but\u3000Halisstra\u3000knew\u3000Ryld\u3000wouldn’t\u3000plain\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000think\u3000the\u3000ferryman\u3000expects\u3000us\u3000to\u3000pay\u3000him\u3000when\u3000we\u3000get\u3000to\u3000the\u3000other\u3000side\uff1b\u3003\u3000Ryld\u3000said\u3000in\u3000Low\u3000Drow\uff1b\u3000glancing\u3000at\u3000the\u3000half\u2026orc\u3000who\u3000was\u3000pretending\u3000not\u3000to\u3000be\u3000staring\u3000at\u3000them\u3002\u3000\u3003Or\u3000do\u3000they\u3000breed\u3000half\u2026orcs\u3000as\u3000slaves\u3000here\u3000too\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000At\u3000first\u3000Halisstra\u3000thought\u3000he\u3000was\u3000joking\u3002\u3000It\u3000was\u3000hard\u3000to\u3000see\u3000his\u3000eyes\u3000with\u3000the\u3000cowl\u3000of\u3000his\u3000piwafwi\u3000pulled\u3000over\u3000his\u3000head\u3002\u3000Halisstra\u3000wore\u3000her\u3000own\u3000hood\u3000the\u3000same\u3000way\uff1b\u3000but\u3000by\u3000the\u3000time\u3000they\u3000got\u3000to\u3000the\u3000midpoint\u3000in\u3000the\u3000wide\u3000river\u3000delta\uff1b\u3000the\u3000priestess\u3000realized\u3000that\u3000no\u3000one\u3000on\u3000any\u3000of\u3000the\u3000other\u3000boats\u3000was\u3000bothering\u3000to\u3000look\u3000at\u3000them\u3000and\u3000night\u2026blind\u3000humans\u3000wouldn’t\u3000be\u3000able\u3000to\u3000see\u3000them\u3000in\u3000the\u3000dark\u2026not\u3000from\u3000a\u3000distance\u3000anyway\u3002\u3000She\u3000slipped\u3000the\u3000hood\u3000off\u3000her\u3000head\uff1b\u3000eliciting\u3000an\u3000irritated\u3000scowl\u3000from\u3000Ryld\uff1b\u3000who\u3000kept\u3000his\u3000own\u3000cowl\u3000up\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000You\u3000can\u3000put\u3000your\u3000sword\u3000away\uff1b\u3000she\u3000added\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000weapons\u3000master\u3000sheathed\u3000his\u3000blade\u3000and\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003If\u3000he\u3000understands\u3000the\u3000sign\uff1b\u3000he\u3000should\u3000say\u3000so\u3000now\u3000or\u3000I\u3000will\u3000kill\u3000him\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000half\u2026orc\u3000waved\u3000a\u3000hand\u3000and\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003No\uff1b\u3000no\uff1b\u3000sir\u3002\u3000I\u3000swear\u3000to\u3000you\u3002\u3000I\u3000didn’t\u3000even\u3000know\u3000what\u3000you\u3000were\u3000doing\u3002\u3000I\u3000just\u3000paddle\uff1b\u3000yes\uff1f\u3000Paddle\uff1f\u3000You\u3000don’t\u3000even\u3000have\u3000to\u3000pay\u3000me\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Pay\u3000you\uff1f\u3003\u3000Ryld\u3000asked\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000half\u2026orc\u3000looked\u3000away\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000He\u3000heard\u3000us\u3000mention\u3000the\u3000temple\uff1b\u3000Ryld\u3000signed\u3002\u3000It\u3000goes\u3000without\u3000saying\u3000that\u3000he\u3000can’t\u3000be\u3000trusted\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Who\u3000can\uff1f\u3000Halisstra\u3000answered\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Not\u3000Danifae\uff1b\u3000the\u3000weapons\u3000master\u3000signed\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Eilistraee\u3000will\u3000guide\u3000us\uff1b\u3000she\u3000replied\u3002\u3000Danifae\u3000has\u3000no\u3000goddess\u3000to\u3000guide\u3000her\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Ryld\u3000nodded\uff1b\u3000though\u3000he\u3000made\u3000his\u3000continued\u3000skepticism\u3000plain\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000They\u3000rode\u3000the\u3000rest\u3000of\u3000the\u3000way\u3000in\u3000silence\uff1b\u3000and\u3000soon\u3000they\u3000were\u3000at\u3000the\u3000other\u3000side\u3000of\u3000the\u3000river\u3002\u3000Halisstra\u3000stepped\u3000off\u3000the\u3000boat\uff1b\u3000wading\u3000in\u3000inches\u3000deep\u3000water\u3000to\u3000the\u3000rocky\u3000riverbank\u3002\u3000She\u3000looked\u3000back\u3000for\u3000Ryld\uff1b\u3000who\u3000was\u3000stepping\u3000toward\u3000the\u3000half\u2026orc\u3002\u3000The\u3000weapons\u3000master\u3000reached\u3000behind\u3000the\u3000ferryman\uff1b\u3000unsheathed\u3000Splitter\uff1b\u3000took\u3000off\u3000the\u3000half\u2026orc’s\u3000head\uff1b\u3000and\u3000resheathed\u3000his\u3000weapon\u3000in\u3000precisely\u3000the\u3000space\u3000of\u3000one\u3000of\u3000Halisstra’s\u3000heartbeats\u3002\u3000The\u3000head\u3000splashed\u3000into\u3000the\u3000water\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000weapons\u3000master\u3000kicked\u3000the\u3000body\u3000in\u3000after\u3000it\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Ryld\u3000turned\u3000to\u3000wade\u3000ashore\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Halisstra\u3000looked\u3000away\u3000into\u3000the\u3000blue\u2026gray\u3000 \n
\n \n
\n
\n
\n \u3000\u3000\u3000Ryld\u3000turned\u3000to\u3000wade\u3000ashore\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Halisstra\u3000looked\u3000away\u3000into\u3000the\u3000blue\u2026gray\u3000light\u3000of\u3000the\u3000dawn\u3002\u3000She\u3000could\u3000hear\u3000his\u3000footsteps\u3000in\u3000the\u3000water\u3000then\u3000on\u3000the\u3000rocks\u3000behind\u3000her\uff1b\u3000but\u3000she\u3000didn’t\u3000want\u3000to\u3000look\u3000at\u3000his\u3000face\u3000just\u3000then\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Danifae\u3000materialized\u3000on\u3000the\u3000deck\u3000of\u3000the\u3000ship\u3000of\u3000chaos\u3000and\u3000was\u3000instantly\u3000struck\u3000by\u3000how\u3000much\u3000had\u3000changed\u3002\u3000Valas\u3000appeared\u3000next\u3000to\u3000her\uff1b\u3000and\u3000she\u3000watched\u3000his\u3000expression\u3000change\u3000from\u3000his\u3000normal\u3000stoic\uff1b\u3000blank\u3000pragmatism\u3000to\u3000an\u3000uneasy\u3000curiosity\u2026he’d\u3000noticed\u3000it\u3000too\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pharaun\u3000and\u3000Quenthel\u3000both\u3000looked\u3000bad\u3000and\u3000smelled\u3000bad\u3002\u3000The\u3000ship\u3000itself\u3000looked\u3000different\u3002\u3000The\u3000deck\uff1b\u3000which\u3000had\u3000been\u3000a\u3000dull\u3000white\u3000expanse\u3000of\u3000stark\u3000bone\uff1b\u3000was\u3000covered\u3000in\u3000spots\u3000with\u3000pink\u3000tissue\u3000and\u3000crossed\u3000with\u3000gently\u3000throbbing\u3000arteries\u3002\u3000Sinew\u3000and\u3000what\u3000might\u3000have\u3000been\u3000ligaments\u3000stretched\u3000between\u3000gaps\u3000in\u3000the\u3000bone\u3002\u3000The\u3000ship\u3000felt\u3000alive\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pharaun\u3000and\u3000Jeggred\u3000both\u3000looked\u3000up\u3000at\u3000them\u3000when\u3000they\u3000appeared\uff1b\u3000but\u3000only\u3000Pharaun\u3000stood\u3002\u3000The\u3000draegloth\u3000looked\u3000to\u3000one\u3000side\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Danifae\u3000followed\u3000his\u3000gaze\u3000to\u3000Quenthel\u3002\u3000Jeggred’s\u3000eyes\u3000burned\u3000when\u3000he\u3000looked\u3000at\u3000the\u3000high\u3000priestess\uff1b\u3000who\u3000sat\u3000on\u3000the\u3000deck\u3000with\u3000her\u3000back\u3000to\u3000the\u3000others\uff1b\u3000one\u3000hand\u3000absently\u3000caressing\u3000one\u3000of\u3000the\u3000vipers\u3000that\u3000made\u3000up\u3000her\u3000whip\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Wele\u3000back\u3000to\u3000the\u3000Underdark’s\u3000dull\u3000wet\u3000arse\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000Master\u3000of\u3000Sorcere\u3000said\u3002\u3000He\u3000only\u3000glanced\u3000at\u3000Danifae\u3000but\u3000approached\u3000Valas\u3000with\u3000his\u3000hand\u3000out\u3002\u3000\u3003You\u3000have\u3000what\u3000we\u3000need\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000Bregan\u3000D’aerthe\u3000scout\u3000nodded\u3000and\u3000handed\u3000the\u3000wizard\u3000one\u3000of\u3000the\u3000magical\u3000sacks\u3000that\u3000held\u3000their\u3000supplies\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Danifae\u3000kept\u3000her\u3000attention\u3000on\u3000Jeggred\uff1b\u3000who\u3000made\u3000eye\u3000contact\u3000with\u3000her\u3000finally\u3000and\u3000nodded\u3002\u3000The\u3000former\u3000battle\u2026captive\u3000gave\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3000a\u3000smile\u3000and\u3000a\u3000slight\u3000bow\u2026then\u3000she\u3000noticed\u3000that\u3000the\u3000bound\u3000uridezu\u3000was\u3000missing\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003What\u3000happened\u3000here\uff1f\u3003\u3000she\u3000asked\u3000Pharaun\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000wizard\u3000began\u3000to\u3000laugh\uff1b\u3000and\u3000at\u3000first\u3000it\u3000seemed\u3000as\u3000if\u3000he\u3000would\u3000be\u3000laughing\u3000for\u3000a\u3000long\u3000time\u3002\u3000When\u3000no\u3000one\u3000joined\u3000him\uff1b\u3000he\u3000calmed\u3000himself\u3000and\u3000took\u3000a\u3000deep\u3000breath\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Mistress\uff1f\u3003\u3000Danifae\u3000called\u3000to\u3000Quenthel\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Nothing\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Jeggred\u3000stared\u3000at\u3000the\u3000high\u3000priestess’s\u3000back\uff1b\u3000saying\u3000nothing\u3000as\u3000well\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Are\u3000we\u3000\u3002\u3002\u3002\u3000\uff1f\u3003\u3000the\u3000scout\u3000asked\u3000Pharaun\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Oh\uff1b\u3000yes\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000wizard\u3000replied\uff1b\u3000\u3003we’ll\u3000be\u3000setting\u3000sail\u3000as\u3000planned\u3002\u3000It\u3000turns\u3000out\u3000that\u3000we\u3000didn’t\u3000need\u3000the\u3000captain’s\u3000services\u3000after\u3000all\u3002\u3000Jeggred\u3000was\u3000kind\u3000enough\u3000to\u3000retire\u3000his\u3000mission\u3000for\u3000us\u3002\u3000I\u3000will\u3000be\u3000piloting\u3000the\u3000ship\u3000to\u3000the\u3000Abyss\u3000and\u3000back\uff1b\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Valas\u3000nodded\uff1b\u3000sat\uff1b\u3000and\u3000began\u3000to\u3000sort\u3000through\u3000their\u3000supplies\u3002\u3000Pharaun\u3000stood\u3000over\u3000him\uff1b\u3000occasionally\u3000menting\u3000on\u3000what\u3000the\u3000scout\u3000had\u3000purchased\u3002\u3000Quenthel\u3000continued\u3000to\u3000sit\u3000with\u3000her\u3000back\u3000to\u3000the\u3000rest\u3000of\u3000them\uff1b\u3000saying\u3000nothing\u3002\u3000Danifae\u3000approached\u3000Jeggred\uff1b\u3000gauging\u3000his\u3000mood\u3000as\u3000she\u3000moved\u3000closer\u3002\u3000He\u3000seemed\u3000to\u3000want\u3000to\u3000speak\u3000to\u3000her\uff1b\u3000so\u3000she\u3000sat\u3000down\u3000next\u3000to\u3000him\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Reverie\uff1f\u3003\u3000she\u3000asked\uff1b\u3000nodding\u3000at\u3000Quenthel\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003No\uff1b\u3003\u3000said\u3000the\u3000draegloth\uff1b\u3000making\u3000no\u3000effort\u3000to\u3000lower\u3000his\u3000voice\u3002\u3000\u3003She\u3000has\u3000been\u3000unable\u3000to\u3000take\u3000the\u3000Reverie\u3002\u3000The\u3000mistress\u3000is\u3000weakening\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Danifae\u3000took\u3000a\u3000deep\u3000breath\uff1b\u3000searching\u3000the\u3000draegloth’s\u3000eyes\u3000for\u3000some\u3000hint\u3000that\u3000he\u3000was\u3000anything\u3000but\u3000genuinely\u3000angry\u3000with\u3000Quenthel\u3002\u3000It\u3000didn’t\u3000seem\u3000possible\u3000that\u3000Jeggred\u3000had\u3000e\u3000that\u3000far\u3000in\u3000the\u3000relatively\u3000short\u3000time\u3000that\u3000she\u3000and\u3000Valas\u3000had\u3000been\u3000gone\uff1b\u3000but\u3000obviously\u3000things\u3000had\u3000progressed\u3000much\u3000more\u3000swiftly\u3000than\u3000she’d\u3000hoped\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003The\u3000’captain’\uff1b\u3003\u3000Jeggred\u3000grumbled\uff1b\u3000\u3003gated\u3000in\u3000some\u3000of\u3000his\u3000kind\u3002\u3000They\u3000attacked\u3000us\uff1b\u3000and\u3000we\u3000prevailed\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Quenthel\u3000didn’t\u3000fight\uff1f\u3003\u3000Danifae\u3000guessed\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Jeggred\u3000looked\u3000at\u3000the\u3000silent\u3000high\u3000priestess\u3000and\u3000thought\u3000about\u3000that\u3000for\u3000a\u3000while\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003She\u3000fought\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3000said\u3000finally\uff1b\u3000\u3003but\u3000she\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Danifae\u3000waited\u3000a\u3000few\u3000heartbeats\u3000for\u3000him\u3000to\u3000finish\u3000then\u3000prodded\uff1b\u3000\u3003We\u3000all\u3000serve\u3000greater\u3000mistresses\uff1b\u3000Jeggred\u3002\u3000The\u3000Matron\u3000Mother\u3000of\u3000House\u3000Baenre\uff1b\u3000in\u3000your\u3000case\uff1b\u3000and\u3000in\u3000mine\uff1b\u3000Lolth\u3000herself\u2026both\u3000greater\u3000mistresses\u3000than\u3000Quenthel\u3002\u3000If\u3000you\u3000have\u3000something\u3000that\u3000either\u3000your\u3000matron\u3000mother\u3000or\u3000your\u3000goddess\u3000need\u3000to\u3000know\uff1b\u3000you\u3000must\u3000speak\u3002\u3000Duty\u3000demands\u3000it\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Jeggred\u3000looked\u3000deep\u3000into\u3000her\u3000eyes\uff1b\u3000and\u3000she\u3000let\u3000him\u3002\u3000She\u3000held\u3000the\u3000half\u2026demon’s\u3000gaze\u3000for\u3000a\u3000long\u3000time\uff1b\u3000never\u3000permitting\u3000herself\u3000the\u3000slightest\u3000twitch\uff1b\u3000the\u3000most\u3000minuscule\u3000sign\u3000of\u3000weakness\u3000or\u3000indecision\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003She’s\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000sensitive\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3000said\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Sensitive\uff1f\u3003\u3000Danifae\u3000pressed\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003The\u3000Mistress\u3000of\u3000Arach\u2026Tinilith\u3000has\u3000a\u3000sensitivity\u3000to\u3000beings\u3000from\u3000the\u3000outer\u3000planes\uff1b\u3003\u3000he\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003She\u3000can\u3000sense\u3000the\u3000presence\u3000of\u3000demons\u3000and\u3000municate\u3000with\u3000them\u3002\u3000It’s\u3000not\u3000something\u3000that\u3000everyone\u3000knows\u3000about\u3000her\uff1b\u3000but\u3000I\u3000do\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Then\u3000why\u3000didn’t\u3000she\u3000know\u3000that\u3000Raashub\u3000was\u3000gating\u3000in\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\uff1f\u3003\u3000She\u3000let\u3000the\u3000question\u3000fade\u3000away\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000look\u3000in\u3000Jeggred’s\u3000eyes\u3000as\u3000he\u3000stared\u3000at\u3000Quenthel’s\u3000still\u3000back\u3000told\u3000her\u3000all\u3000she\u3000needed\u3000to\u3000know\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000am\u3000a\u3000priestess\u3000of\u3000Lolth\uff1b\u3003\u3000she\u3000told\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3002\u3000\u3003I\u3000serve\u3000the\u3000Queen\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Demonweb\u3000Pits\uff1b\u3000and\u3000on\u3000this\u3000ship\u3000that\u3000means\u3000I\u3000serve\u3000Quenthel\u3000Baenre\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Jeggred\u3000tipped\u3000his\u3000huge\u3000head\u3000to\u3000one\u3000side\uff1b\u3000his\u3000wild\u3000mane\u3000of\u3000white\u3000hair\u3000spilling\u3000over\u3000his\u3000muscular\uff1b\u3000gray\u2026furred\u3000shoulders\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000serve\u3000her\uff1b\u3003\u3000Danifae\u3000went\u3000on\uff1b\u3000\u3003whether\u3000she\u3000knows\u3000it\u3000or\u3000not\uff1b\u3000whether\u3000she\u3000appreciates\u3000it\u3000or\u3000not\uff1b\u3000and\u3000whether\u3000she\u3000desires\u3000it\u3000or\u3000not\u3002\u3000Something\u3000is\u3000\u3002\u3002\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Danifae\u3000wasn’t\u3000sure\u3000how\u3000to\u3000finish\u3000that\u3000thought\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003She\u3000has\u3000succumbed\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3000said\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Succumbed\uff1f\u3003\u3000asked\u3000Danifae\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003To\u3000fear\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Danifae\u3000let\u3000that\u3000settle\u3000in\u3000then\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003She\u3000requires\u3000our\u3000services\u3000more\u3000than\u3000ever\u3000now\u3002\u3000Lolth’s\u3000servant\u3000demands\u3000our\u3000service\uff1b\u3000and\u3000we\u3000both\u3000live\u3000to\u3000serve\uff1b\u3000do\u3000we\u3000not\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Jeggred\u3000nodded\u3000slowly\uff1b\u3000making\u3000it\u3000plain\u3000he\u3000was\u3000waiting\u3000to\u3000hear\u3000more\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000former\u3000battle\u2026captive\u3000reached\u3000into\u3000her\u3000pouch\u3000and\u3000drew\u3000out\u3000one\u3000of\u3000the\u3000rings\u3000she’d\u3000taken\u3000from\u3000the\u3000cold\uff1b\u3000dead\u3000hand\u3000of\u3000her\u3000former\u3000House\u3000mage\u3002\u3000She\u3000held\u3000it\u3000up\u3000so\u3000that\u3000only\u3000Jeggred\u3000could\u3000see\u3000it\uff1b\u3000sliding\u3000it\u3000between\u3000her\u3000fingertips\u3000so\u3000that\u3000it\u3000reflected\u3000the\u3000feeble\u3000illumination\u2026enough\u3000for\u3000the\u3000draegloth’s\u3000dark\u2026sensitive\u3000eyes\u3000to\u3000see\u3000it\u3002\u3000Jeggred\u3000opened\u3000one\u3000hand\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Danifae\u3000let\u3000the\u3000ring\u3000fall\u3000onto\u3000the\u3000half\u2026demon’s\u3000palm\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000I\u3000need\u3000you\u3000to\u3000go\u3000somewhere\u3000with\u3000me\uff1b\u3000Danifae\u3000signed\uff1b\u3000her\u3000hands\u3000close\u3000to\u3000her\u3000stomach\u3000so\u3000none\u3000of\u3000the\u3000others\u3000could\u3000see\uff1b\u3000and\u3000do\u3000something\u3000for\u3000me\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Ask\uff1b\u3000he\u3000replied\uff1b\u3000also\u3000careful\u3000to\u3000keep\u3000his\u3000hands\u3000where\u3000only\u3000she\u3000could\u3000see\u3000them\u3002\u3000I\u3000live\u3000to\u3000serve\uff1b\u3000Mistress\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000
\nChapter\u3000Fourteen
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000They\u3000hadn’t\u3000managed\u3000to\u3000kill\u3000each\u3000other\u3000yet\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000floated\u3000in\u3000the\u3000still\u3000darkness\u3000above\u3000the\u3000Clawrift\u3000surrounded\u3000by\u3000a\u3000globe\u3000of\u3000magical\u3000energy\u3002\u3000He’d\u3000conjured\u3000it\u3000from\u3000his\u3000staff\uff1b\u3000draining\u3000some\u3000of\u3000the\u3000item’s\u3000magical\u3000essence\u3000in\u3000the\u3000process\u3002\u3000The\u3000cost\u3000was\u3000worth\u3000it\u3000to\u3000keep\u3000out\u3000even\u3000the\u3000rudimentary\u3000spells\u3000the\u3000globe\u3000protected\u3000him\u3000from\u3002\u3000Gromph\u3000knew\u3000the\u3000lich\u3000was\u3000capable\u3000of\u3000much\u3000more\u3000powerful\u3000castings\u2026spells\u3000that\u3000would\u3000pass\u3000through\u3000the\u3000globe\u3000without\u3000the\u3000slightest\u3000degradation\u3000in\u3000power\u2026but\u3000at\u3000least\u3000it\u3000would\u3000limit\u3000Dyrr’s\u3000options\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Regardless\u3000of\u3000the\u3000globe\uff1b\u3000no\u3000matter\u3000what\u3000he\u3000tried\uff1b\u3000Gromph\u3000couldn’t\u3000get\u3000within\u3000sixty\u3000yards\u3000of\u3000the\u3000lich\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000repulsion\u3000effect\u3000is\u3000ing\u3000from\u3000Dyrr’s\u3000staff\uff1b\u3000Nauzhror\u3000whispered\u3000into\u3000Gromph’s\u3000mind\u3002\u3000We\u3000are\u3000studying\u3000possible\u3000solutions\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000repulsion\u3000was\u3000another\u3000petty\u3000defense\uff1b\u3000another\u3000meager\u3000drain\u3000on\u3000a\u3000powerful\u3000item\uff1b\u3000and\u3000in\u3000that\u3000way\u3000Gromph\u3000and\u3000Dyrr\u3000were\u3000even\u2026again\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003What\u3000are\u3000you\u3000afraid\u3000of\uff1b\u3000lich\uff1f\u3003\u3000the\u3000archmage\u3000called\u3000to\u3000his\u3000opponent\u3002\u3000\u3003I\u3000won’t\u3000try\u3000to\u3000kiss\u3000you\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Dyrr\uff1b\u3000who\u3000was\u3000also\u3000floating\u3000above\u3000the\u3000black\u3000depths\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Clawrift\uff1b\u3000actually\u3000laughed\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003We\u3000could\u3000simply\u3000float\u3000here\uff1b\u3003\u3000Dyrr\u3000replied\uff1b\u3000\u3003waiting\u3000for\u3000one\u3000of\u3000the\u3000defenses\u3000to\u3000go\u3000down\u2026your\u3000globe\uff1b\u3000my\u3000repulsion\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000but\u3000where’s\u3000the\u3000sport\u3000in\u3000that\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Good\u3000question\uff1b\u3003\u3000Gromph\u3000whispered\uff1b\u3000not\u3000caring\u3000if\u3000the\u3000lich\u3000could\u3000hear\u3000him\u3000or\u3000not\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000archmage\u3000began\u3000to\u3000cast\u3000a\u3000spell\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000lich\u3000pressed\u3000his\u3000fingertips\u3000together\uff1b\u3000waiting\u3000to\u3000defend\u3000against\u3000it\u3002\u3000Gromph\u3000set\u3000himself\u3000moving\u3000through\u3000the\u3000air\u3000toward\u3000the\u3000lich\u3000the\u3000second\u3000he\u3000finished\u3000his\u3000incantation\u3000and\u3000knew\u3000it\u3000was\u3000successful\u3000when\u3000the\u3000distance\u3000between\u3000them\u3000abruptly\u3000closed\u3002\u3000The\u3000repulsion\u3000effect\u3000successfully\u3000dispelled\uff1b\u3000Gromph\u3000swooped\u3000in\u3000quickly\u3000to\u3000get\u3000into\u3000range\u3000for\u3000a\u3000more\u3000damaging\u3000spell\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Dyrr\uff1b\u3000who\u3000didn’t\u3000seem\u3000the\u3000least\u3000bit\u3000surprised\uff1b\u3000dropped\u3000out\u3000of\u3000the\u3000air\u3002\u3000Gromph\u3000knew\u3000he’d\u3000dispelled\u3000the\u3000repulsion\u3000effect\uff1b\u3000not\u3000Dyrr’s\u3000ability\u3000to\u3000fly\u3002\u3000The\u3000lich\u3000was\u3000trying\u3000to\u3000escape\u3000into\u3000the\u3000black\u3000abyss\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Clawrift\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000dropped\u3000after\u3000him\u3002\u3000The\u3000air\uff1b\u3000moving\u3000fast\u3000over\u3000the\u3000surface\u3000of\u3000the\u3000magical\u3000globe\u3000that\u3000still\u3000surrounded\u3000him\uff1b\u3000made\u3000a\u3000curious\u3000humming\u3000sound\u3000that\u3000Gromph\u3000found\u3000distracting\u3002\u3000Still\uff1b\u3000he\u3000managed\u3000to\u3000cast\u3000another\u3000spell\u3000as\u3000he\u3000flew\u3000and\u3000succeeded\u3000in\u3000closing\u3000the\u3000distance\u3000between\u3000them\u3000even\u3000more\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000A\u3000bead\u3000of\u3000pulsing\u3000orange\u3000light\u3000appeared\u3000in\u3000Gromph’s\u3000right\u3000hand\u3002\u3000He\u3000looked\u3000up\u3000at\u3000Dyrr\uff1b\u3000brought\u3000his\u3000arm\u3000back\u3000to\u3000throw\u3000the\u3000bead\uff1b\u3000and\u3000hesitated\u3002\u3000Dyrr\uff1b\u3000a\u3000cold\u3000light\u3000in\u3000his\u3000dead\u3000eyes\uff1b\u3000was\u3000ing\u3000at\u3000him\u3002\u3000The\u3000distance\u3000between\u3000the\u3000two\u3000mages\u3000was\u3000closing\u3000faster\u3000and\u3000faster\u2026and\u3000the\u3000lichdrow\u3000was\u3000casting\u3000a\u3000spell\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000words\u3000of\u3000Dyrr’s\u3000spell\u2026a\u3000series\u3000of\u3000almost\u3000nonsensical\u3000quatrains\u3000in\u3000an\u3000obscure\u3000dialect\u3000of\u3000Draconic\u2026echoed\u3000around\u3000them\u3000both\u3002\u3000Gromph\u3000drew\u3000his\u3000right\u3000arm\u3000back\u3000farther\u3000still\uff1b\u3000aiming\u3000the\u3000bead\u3000at\u3000his\u3000opponent’s\u3000face\u3000while\u3000holding\u3000his\u3000staff\u3000in\u3000his\u3000left\u3000hand\u3002\u3000Dyrr\u3000had\u3000something\u3000cupped\u3000in\u3000his\u3000own\u3000left\u3000hand\u3000and\u3000his\u3000own\u3000staff\u3000in\u3000his\u3000right\u3002\u3000It\u3000was\u3000as\u3000if\u3000they\u3000were\u3000both\u3000looking\u3000in\u3000a\u3000mirror\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Dyrr\u3000threw\u3000his\u3000first\u3002\u3000A\u3000cloud\u3000of\u3000sparkling\u3000red\u3000dust\u2026Crushed\u3000rubies\uff1b\u3000Grendan\u3000reported\u2026burst\u3000into\u3000the\u3000air\u3000around\u3000the\u3000lich\u3002\u3000The\u3000dust\u3000swirled\u3000on\u3000some\u3000twist\u3000of\u3000wind\u3000for\u3000half\u3000a\u3000heartbeat\u3000then\u3000was\u3000gone\u3002\u3000As\u3000the\u3000last\u3000grain\u3000of\u3000the\u3000powdered\u3000g \n
\n \n
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\n \u3002\u3000As\u3000the\u3000last\u3000grain\u3000of\u3000the\u3000powdered\u3000gemstone\u3000disappeared\uff1b\u3000Gromph\u3000threw\u3000the\u3000bead\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000archmage\u3000came\u3000to\u3000a\u3000sudden\u3000stop\u3000in\u3000the\u3000air\u3002\u3000The\u3000breath\u3000was\u3000forced\u3000from\u3000his\u3000lungs\uff1b\u3000and\u3000he\u3000grunted\u3000loudly\u3002\u3000His\u3000own\u3000staff\u3000hit\u3000him\u3000in\u3000the\u3000face\uff1b\u3000numbing\u3000his\u3000bottom\u3000lip\u3000and\u3000making\u3000his\u3000eyes\u3000water\u3002\u3000His\u3000joints\u3000went\u3000limp\u3000for\u3000a\u3000few\u3000seconds\uff1b\u3000and\u3000his\u3000arms\u3000and\u3000legs\u3000flapped\u3000out\u3000of\u3000control\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000bead\u3000of\u3000pressed\u3000fire\u3000should\u3000have\u3000hit\u3000the\u3000lich\u3000in\u3000the\u3000face\u3000and\u3000exploded\u3000in\u3000a\u3000ball\u3000of\u3000flame\u3000six\u3000paces\u3000wide\u3002\u3000It\u3000should\u3000have\u3000burned\u3000the\u3000lich’s\u3000face\u3000off\u2026but\u3000it\u3000didn’t\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\uff1b\u3000as\u3000he\u3000finally\u3000gained\u3000control\u3000of\u3000his\u3000body\u3000and\u3000came\u3000to\u3000rest\u3000once\u3000again\u3000hovering\u3000in\u3000midair\uff1b\u3000could\u3000see\u3000the\u3000tiny\u3000speck\u3000of\u3000orange\u3000light\u3000fly\u3000true\u3000toward\u3000the\u3000lich’s\u3000face\u3000then\u3000curve\u3000in\u3000the\u3000air\u3000and\u3000dive\u3000into\u3000the\u3000garish\u3000crown\u3000the\u3000Agrach\u3000Dyrr\u3000wizard\u3000had\u3000the\u3000audacity\u3000to\u3000wear\u3002\u3000The\u3000bead\u3000blazed\u3000briefly\u3000to\u3000life\u3000in\u3000a\u3000splash\u3000of\u3000orange\u3000and\u3000yellow\u3000luminescence\u3000that\u3000lit\u3000the\u3000lichdrow’s\u3000face\u3000but\u3000didn’t\u3000e\u3000close\u3000to\u3000burning\u3000it\u3000off\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000crown\uff1b\u3000Gromph\u3000thought\u3002\u3000I\u3000should\u3000have\u3000remembered\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000fireball\u3000has\u3000been\u3000absorbed\u3000by\u3000the\u3000crown\uff1b\u3000Nauzhror\u3000hissed\u3000into\u3000Gromph’s\u3000mind\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000was\u3000certain\u3000he’d\u3000see\u3000it\u3000again\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000item\u3000will\u3000allow\u3000him\u3000to\u3000redirect\u3000the\u3000fireball\u3000at\u3000you\uff1b\u3000Grendan\u3000warned\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Yes\uff1b\u3000gentlemen\uff1b\u3000Gromph\u3000replied\u3002\u3000Thank\u3000you\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Dyrr\u3000drew\u3000to\u3000an\u3000abrupt\u3000stop\u3000and\u3000hung\u3000in\u3000the\u3000air\uff1b\u3000bouncing\u3000ever\u3000so\u3000slightly\u3002\u3000He\u3000looked\u3000like\u3000a\u3000mushroom\u3000cap\u3000bobbing\u3000on\u3000the\u3000surface\u3000of\u3000Donigarten\u3000Lake\u3002\u3000Gromph\uff1b\u3000on\u3000the\u3000other\u3000hand\uff1b\u3000was\u3000frozen\u3000in\u3000air\uff1b\u3000standing\u3000on\u3000what\u3000felt\u3000like\u3000a\u3000solid\u3000surface\u3000but\u3000looked\u3000like\u3000a\u3000dim\uff1b\u3000phosphorescent\u3000glow\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph’s\u3000globe\u3000was\u3000still\u3000up\uff1b\u3000but\u3000it\u3000wasn’t\u3000the\u3000only\u3000thing\u3000that\u3000surrounded\u3000him\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000An\u3000impressive\u3000spell\uff1b\u3000Nauzhror\u3000said\u3002\u3000Difficult\u3000to\u3000cast\u3000and\u3000expensive\u3000what\u3000with\u3000the\u3000ruby\u3000dust\u3000and\u3000all\u3002\u3000It’s\u3000nothing\u3000you\u3000can’t\u3000handle\uff1b\u3000Archmage\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003A\u3000forcecage\uff1f\u3003\u3000Gromph\u3000asked\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000lichdrow\u3000didn’t\u3000bother\u3000answering\u3002\u3000Instead\uff1b\u3000he\u3000began\u3000to\u3000cast\u3000another\u3000spell\u3002\u3000Clearly\u3000he\u3000thought\u3000he\u3000had\u3000Gromph\u3000trapped\uff1b\u3000so\u3000of\u3000course\u3000he\u3000would\u3000take\u3000advantage\u3000of\u3000the\u3000situation\u3002\u3000The\u3000archmage\u3000brought\u3000a\u3000spell\u3000to\u3000mind\u3000and\u3000rushed\u3000through\u3000the\u3000casting\u3000of\u3000it\uff1b\u3000racing\u3000the\u3000lich\uff1b\u3000though\u3000he\u3000would\u3000likely\u3000still\u3000have\u3000to\u3000suffer\u3000through\u3000whatever\u3000Dyrr\u3000was\u3000throwing\u3000at\u3000him\u3002\u3000He\u3000needed\u3000to\u3000get\u3000the\u3000forcecage\u3000off\u3000him\u3002\u3000Being\u3000trapped\u3000in\u3000a\u3000magical\u3000box\u3000was\u3000hardly\u3000convenient\u3000at\u3000that\u3000moment\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Dyrr’s\u3000spell\u3000took\u3000effect\u3000half\u3000a\u3000heartbeat\u3000before\u3000Gromph’s\u3002\u3000As\u3000the\u3000lich\u3000finished\u3000the\u3000last\u3000gestures\u3000and\u3000the\u3000final\u3000plex\u3000verbalization\u3000and\u3000crunched\u3000a\u3000lodestone\u3000and\u3000a\u3000pinch\u3000of\u3000dust\u3000in\u3000his\u3000right\u3000hand\uff1b\u3000something\u3000opened\u3000under\u3000the\u3000archmage’s\u3000feet\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph’s\u3000spell\u3000went\u3000off\uff1b\u3000and\u3000his\u3000own\u3000globe\u3000fell\u3000victim\u3000to\u3000it\u2026but\u3000so\u3000did\u3000the\u3000forcecage\u2026and\u3000Gromph\u3000was\u3000falling\u3000into\u3000whatever\u3000it\u3000was\u3000Dyrr\u3000had\u3000conjured\u3000underneath\u3000him\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000archmage\u3000touched\u3000his\u3000brooch\u3000and\u3000made\u3000himself\u3000stop\u3000quickly\uff1b\u3000well\u3000before\u3000he\u3000contacted\u3000Dyrr’s\u3000dramatic\u3000magical\u3000effect\u3002\u3000As\u3000he\u3000drew\u3000himself\u3000up\uff1b\u3000moving\u3000farther\u3000and\u3000farther\u3000away\u3000from\u3000it\uff1b\u3000Gromph\u3000looked\u3000down\u2026and\u3000into\u3000a\u3000whole\u3000other\u3000universe\u3002\u3000The\u3000lichdrow\u3000had\u3000opened\u3000a\u3000gate\u3000beneath\u3000him\uff1b\u3000and\u3000a\u3000blinding\uff1b\u3000eye\u2026searing\u3000light\u3000poured\u3000out\u3000of\u3000it\u3002\u3000Gromph\u3000had\u3000seen\u3000light\u3000like\u3000it\u3000only\u3000a\u3000few\u3000times\u3000in\u3000his\u3000long\u3000life\u3002\u3000It\u3000was\u3000sunlight\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000Archmage\u3000of\u3000Menzoberranzan\u3000didn’t\u3000like\u3000it\u3000at\u3000all\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Where\u3000are\u3000you\u3000trying\u3000to\u3000send\u3000me\uff1f\u3003\u3000Gromph\u3000asked\u3000his\u3000opponent\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000World\u3000Above\uff1f\u3000Prath\u3000mused\uff1b\u3000though\u3000only\u3000Gromph\u3000could\u3000hear\u3000him\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Dyrr\u3000didn’t\u3000answer\u3000but\u3000busied\u3000himself\u3000gathering\u3000some\u3000spell\u3000ponent\u3000or\u3000perhaps\u3000another\u3000magic\u3000item\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003You’ve\u3000imprisoned\u3000me\u3000more\u3000than\u3000once\u3000already\uff1b\u3003\u3000Gromph\u3000went\u3000on\uff1b\u3000\u3003though\u3000they\u3000seem\u3000to\u3000hold\u3000me\u3000less\u3000time\u3000each\u3000attempt\u3002\u3000Now\u3000you\u3000want\u3000to\u3000send\u3000me\u3000away\uff1f\u3000For\u3000pity’s\u3000sake\uff1b\u3000Dyrr\uff1b\u3000why\u3000not\u3000simply\u3000kill\u3000me\u3000and\u3000get\u3000it\u3000over\u3000with\uff1f\u3000Or\u3000is\u3000it\u3000that\u3000you\u3000can’t\u3000kill\u3000me\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000certainly\u3000wished\u3000that\u3000were\u3000the\u3000case\u2026and\u3000maybe\u3000by\u3000some\u3000bizarre\u3000twist\u3000of\u3000fate\u3000it\u3000was\u2026but\u3000Dyrr\u3000seemed\u3000to\u3000have\u3000something\u3000else\u3000in\u3000mind\u3002\u3000The\u3000lich\u3000finished\u3000casting\u3000his\u3000spell\u3002\u3000The\u3000immediate\u3000effect\u3000was\u3000that\u3000Gromph’s\u3000stomach\u3000lifted\u3000in\u3000his\u3000gut\u3002\u3000He\u3000caught\u3000his\u3000breath\u3000in\u3000a\u3000hissing\u3000gasp\u3000and\u3000started\u3000to\u3000fall\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000He\u3000couldn’t\u3000levitate\u2026Dyrr\u3000had\u3000dispelled\u3000the\u3000magic\u3000that\u3000was\u3000keeping\u3000him\u3000aloft\u2026and\u3000Gromph\u3000fell\u3000toward\u3000the\u3000rotating\u3000pool\u3000of\u3000daylight\u3000beneath\u3000him\u3002\u3000Knowing\u3000Dyrr\uff1b\u3000it\u3000would\u3000be\u3000a\u3000worse\u3000fate\u3000than\u3000simply\u3000splattering\u3000at\u3000the\u3000bottom\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Clawrift\u3002\u3000It\u3000was\u3000a\u3000fate\u3000Gromph\u3000would\u3000do\u3000anything\u3000to\u3000avoid\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000archmage\u3000extended\u3000himself\uff1b\u3000wiping\u3000more\u3000stored\u3000energy\uff1b\u3000more\u3000access\u3000to\u3000the\u3000Weave\u3000from\u3000his\u3000mind\u3000than\u3000he\u3000normally\u3000would\u3000have\u3000had\u3000to\uff1b\u3000but\u3000he\u3000needed\u3000the\u3000spell\u3000to\u3000take\u3000effect\u3000faster\u3000and\u3000couldn’t\u3000spare\u3000the\u3000time\u3000for\u3000plicated\u3000incantations\u3002\u3000The\u3000effect\u3000felt\u3000the\u3000same\u3000as\u3000Dyrr’s\u3000dispelling\u3000of\u3000his\u3000levitation\uff1b\u3000but\u3000instead\u3000of\u3000falling\u3000down\uff1b\u3000Gromph\u3000drifted\u3000to\u3000a\u3000stop\u3000then\u3000started\u3000falling\u3000upward\u3002\u3000The\u3000source\u3000of\u3000gravity\uff1b\u3000with\u3000enough\u3000magic\uff1b\u3000could\u3000be\u3000moved\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000twisted\u3000in\u3000the\u3000air\u3000as\u3000he\u3000accelerated\u3000toward\u3000the\u3000roof\u3000of\u3000the\u3000cavern\u3000that\u3000housed\u3000Menzoberranzan\u3002\u3000As\u3000the\u3000lich\u3000crossed\u3000his\u3000field\u3000of\u3000vision\uff1b\u3000Gromph\u3000could\u3000see\u3000him\u3000grimace\u3000in\u3000frustration\u3002\u3000The\u3000archmage\u3000didn’t\u3000waste\u3000time\u3000gloating\u3002\u3000His\u3000brooch\u3000was\u3000useless\u3000to\u3000him\u2026at\u3000least\u3000for\u3000the\u3000time\u3000being\u2026Gromph\u3000would\u3000continue\u3000to\u3000fall\u3000upward\u3000toward\u3000the\u3000new\u3000source\u3000of\u3000gravity\u3000until\u3000he\u3000was\u3000dashed\u3000against\u3000the\u3000ceiling\u3002\u3000He\u3000would\u3000have\u3000to\u3000stop\u3000himself\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000mand\u3000word\uff1b\u3000Gromph\u3000sent\u3000to\u3000the\u3000masters\u3000of\u3000Sorcere\u3002\u3000Quickly\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000staff\u3000that\u3000he’d\u3000used\u3000to\u3000surround\u3000himself\u3000in\u3000the\u3000globe\u3000of\u3000protective\u3000magic\u3000had\u3000been\u3000charged\u3000with\u3000more\u3000than\u3000one\u3000effect\u3002\u3000He’d\u3000never\u3000used\u3000it\uff1b\u3000but\u3000the\u3000staff\u3000would\u3000grant\u3000him\u3000the\u3000same\u3000power\u3000of\u3000levitation\u3000as\u3000his\u3000brooch\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Sshivex\uff1b\u3000Nauzhror\u3000provided\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Sshivex\uff1b\u3003\u3000Gromph\u3000repeated\u3000and\u3000immediately\u3000began\u3000to\u3000levitate\u3000\u3003up\u3003\u3000and\u3000away\u3000from\u3000the\u3000ceiling\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000In\u3000a\u3000fraction\u3000of\u3000a\u3000second\u2026before\u3000he\u3000\u3003landed\u3003\u3000on\u3000the\u3000ceiling\u2026Gromph\u3000once\u3000again\u3000drew\u3000to\u3000a\u3000halt\u3000in\u3000midair\u3002\u3000The\u3000pool\u3000of\u3000blinding\u3000sunlight\u3000was\u3000far\u3000below\u3000him\u3002\u3000The\u3000light\u3000made\u3000it\u3000difficult\uff1b\u3000but\u3000Gromph\u3000finally\u3000managed\u3000to\u3000spot\u3000the\u3000lichdrow\uff1b\u3000who\u3000was\u3000flying\u3000slowly\uff1b\u3000well\u3000away\u3000from\u3000the\u3000gate\uff1b\u3000and\u3000casting\u3000another\u3000spell\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003That\u3000was\u3000close\uff1b\u3000Dyrr\uff1b\u3003\u3000Gromph\u3000called\u3000out\u3002\u3000\u3003You\u3000almost\u2026\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000words\u3000caught\u3000in\u3000Gromph’s\u3000throat\u3002\u3000His\u3000vision\u3000blurred\u3002\u3000For\u3000a\u3000few\u3000seconds\u3000he\u3000couldn’t\u3000breathe\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003You\u3000al\u2026\u3003\u3000Gromph\u3000started\u3000again\uff1b\u3000but\u3000the\u3000words\u3000were\u3000pinched\u3000off\u3000when\u3000his\u3000throat\u3000clamped\u3000shut\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Tears\u3000welled\u3000up\u3000in\u3000the\u3000archmage’s\u3000eyes\uff1b\u3000and\u3000a\u3000wave\u3000of\u3000overwhelming\u3000despair\u3000passed\u3000through\u3000him\uff1b\u3000leaving\u3000his\u3000skin\u3000clammy\uff1b\u3000and\u3000his\u3000head\u3000spinning\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000It’s\u3000an\u3000enchantment\uff1b\u3000Grendan\u3000told\u3000him\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Fight\u3000it\uff1b\u3000Archmage\uff1b\u3000Nauzhror\u3000urged\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Cry\uff1f\u3000Gromph\u3000thought\u3002\u3000Am\u3000I\u3000crying\uff1f
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000No\uff1b\u3000a\u3000voice\u3000in\u3000Gromph’s\u3000mind\u3000all\u3000but\u3000shouted\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000hadn’t\u3000realized\u3000he\u3000was\u3000moving\u2026levitating\u3000slowly\u3000\u3003down\u3003\u3000toward\u3000the\u3000ceiling\uff1b\u3000moving\u3000away\u3000from\u3000the\u3000blinding\u3000light\u3000pouring\u3000from\u3000Dyrr’s\u3000gate\u3002\u3000The\u3000archmage\u3000slowed\u3000his\u3000descent\u3000and\u3000came\u3000to\u3000a\u3000stop\uff1b\u3000hanging\u3000only\u3000a\u3000few\u3000yards\u3000from\u3000the\u3000jagged\u3000stalactites\u3000that\u3000hung\u3000from\u3000the\u3000ceiling\u3000like\u3000fangs\u3000ready\u3000to\u3000puncture\u3000the\u3000neck\u3000of\u3000Menzoberranzan\u3000the\u3000Mighty\uff1b\u3000ready\u3000to\u3000punish\u3000them\u3000all\u3000for\u3000their\u3000weakness\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003There\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3003\u3000the\u3000lichdrow\u3000murmured\uff1b\u3000his\u3000voice\u3000sending\u3000a\u3000quivering\u3000chill\u3000down\u3000Gromph’s\u3000spine\u3002\u3000\u3003There\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000lich\u3000was\u3000holding\u3000something\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000How\u3000did\u3000he\u3000get\u3000so\u3000close\uff1f
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Archmage\uff1b\u3000the\u3000voice\u3000in\u3000his\u3000head\u3000asked\uff1b\u3000shall\u3000I\u3000e\u3000help\u3000you\uff1f
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000No\uff1b\u3000he\u3000thought\u3000back\u3000at\u3000the\u3000voice\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000tried\u3000to\u3000flinch\u3000away\uff1b\u3000but\u3000the\u3000lichdrow\u3000touched\u3000him\u3000with\u3000a\u3000long\uff1b\u3000thin\u3000wand\u3000of\u3000gem\u2026inlaid\u3000silver\u3002\u3000The\u3000touch\u3000of\u3000it\u3000sent\u3000a\u3000wave\u3000of\u3000blinding\u3000agony\u3000ripping\u3000through\u3000the\u3000archmage’s\u3000body\u3002\u3000Every\u3000muscle\u3000tensed\uff1b\u3000joints\u3000popped\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000wizard\u3000clenched\u3000his\u3000teeth\u3000against\u3000the\u3000pain\u3002\u3000His\u3000eyes\u3000watered\u3000more\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Gromph\u3000could\u3000feel\u3000tears\u3000streaming\u3000down\u3000his\u3000tingling\u3000black\u3000cheeks\u3002
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\n \n
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\n m\u3000but\u3000had\u3000been\u3000above\u3000him\u3002\u3000Gromph\u3000wasn’t\u3000sure\u3000at\u3000that\u3000instant\u3000what\u3000he\u3000was\u3000seeing\u3002\u3000Dyrr\u3000had\u3000fooled\u3000him\uff1b\u3000or\u3000he\u3000was\u3000disoriented\u3000\u3002\u3002\u3002\u3000or\u3000he\u3000was\u3000dying\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Am\u3000I\u3000dying\uff1f\u3000Gromph\u3000thought\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Am\u3000I\uff1f\u3003\u3000he\u3000said\u3000aloud\u3000then\u3000clamped\u3000a\u3000hand\u3000over\u3000his\u3000face\uff1b\u3000closing\u3000his\u3000eyes\u3000and\u3000mouth\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000No\uff1b\u3000Archmage\uff1b\u3000said\u3000the\u3000voice\u3000in\u3000his\u3000head\u3002\u3000You\u3000are\u3000under\u3000the\u3000effect\u3000of\u3000a\u3000powerful\u3000enchantment\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000In\u3000that\u3000moment\uff1b\u3000Gromph\u3000lost\u3000all\u3000memory\u3000of\u3000any\u3000plan\uff1b\u3000of\u3000any\u3000determination\uff1b\u3000of\u3000any\u3000purpose\u3000for\u3000the\u3000ruin\u3000of\u3000a\u3000life\u3000he’d\u3000been\u3000cursed\u3000with\u3002\u3000He\u3000wanted\u3000to\u3000get\u3000away\u3002\u3000He\u3000needed\u3000to\u3000run\uff1b\u3000but\u3000he\u3000was\u3000still\u3000the\u3000Archmage\u3000of\u3000Menzoberranzan\uff1b\u3000so\u3000he\u3000cast\u3000a\u3000spell\u3000that\u3000would\u3000get\u3000him\u3000away\u3000a\u3000little\u3000faster\uff1b\u3000a\u3000little\u3000farther\u3002\u3000With\u3000a\u3000few\u3000words\u3000and\u3000gestures\u3000he’d\u3000repeated\u3000so\u3000many\u3000times\u3000that\u3000even\u3000in\u3000his\u3000confused\uff1b\u3000despairing\u3000state\u3000of\u3000mind\u3000he\u3000managed\u3000to\u3000get\u3000right\uff1b\u3000Gromph\u3000brought\u3000forth\u3000the\u3000magic\u3000to\u3000open\u3000a\u3000doorway\u3000through\u3000the\u3000dimensions\u2026a\u3000break\u3000in\u3000space\u3000and\u3000time\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000levitated\u3000toward\u3000it\uff1b\u3000but\u3000something\u3000hit\u3000him\u3000and\u3000hit\u3000him\u3000hard\u3002\u3000It\u3000was\u3000Dyrr\u3002\u3000The\u3000lichdrow\u3000had\u3000put\u3000away\u3000his\u3000wand\u3002\u3000The\u3000slim\u3000magical\u3000weapon\u3000caused\u3000physical\u3000damage\u3000and\u3000pain\uff1b\u3000but\u3000it\u3000didn’t\u3000cause\u3000an\u3000impact\u2026not\u3000like\u3000that\u3002\u3000The\u3000air\u3000was\u3000forced\u3000from\u3000Gromph’s\u3000lungs\u3000again\uff1b\u3000and\u3000he\u3000found\u3000himself\u3000pinwheeling\u3000through\u3000the\u3000air\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000light\u3000from\u3000the\u3000gate\u3000grew\u3000brighter\u3000and\u3000brighter\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Gromph\u3000was\u3000only\u3000dimly\u3000aware\u3000that\u3000he\u3000was\u3000moving\u3000toward\u3000it\u3002\u3000The\u3000pain\u3000was\u3000everywhere\uff1b\u3000still\u3000burning\u3000from\u3000the\u3000wand\u3000and\u3000joined\u3000by\u3000whatever\u3000it\u3000was\u3000that\u3000had\u3000hit\u3000him\u3000to\u3000send\u3000him\u3000falling\u3000toward\u3000the\u3000light\u3002\u3000The\u3000pain\u3000turned\u3000to\u3000numbness\u3000in\u3000spots\u3000then\u3000was\u3000gone\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Gromph\u3000took\u3000a\u3000deep\uff1b\u3000shuddering\u3000breath\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Yes\uff1b\u3000Archmage\uff1b\u3000the\u3000voice\u3000said\uff1b\u3000the\u3000ring\u3002\u3000The\u3000ring\u3000will\u3000keep\u3000you\u3000alive\u3000but\u3000not\u3000forever\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000closed\u3000his\u3000eyes\u3000tight\u3000again\u3000and\u3000let\u3000his\u3000body\u3000relax\u3002\u3000The\u3000ring\u3000he’d\u3000slipped\u3000on\u3000at\u3000Sorcere\u3000before\u3000meeting\u3000Dyrr\u3000at\u3000the\u3000Clawrift\u3000would\u3000regenerate\u3000injuries\uff1a\u3000knit\u3000broken\u3000bones\u3000back\u3000together\uff1b\u3000seal\u3000cuts\uff1b\u3000even\u3000re\u2026grow\u3000severed\u3000limbs\u3002\u3000He\u3000remembered\u3000putting\u3000the\u3000ring\u3000on\u3000but\u3000couldn’t\u3000for\u3000the\u3000life\u3000of\u3000him\u3000remember\u3000why\u3002\u3000What\u3000could\u3000possibly\u3000have\u3000been\u3000the\u3000point\uff1f\u3000To\u3000live\uff1f\u3000To\u3000live\u3000in\u3000the\u3000shattered\u3000ruins\u3000of\u3000a\u3000Menzoberranzan\u3000ruled\u3000by\u3000the\u3000traitorous\u3000Dyrr\u3000and\u3000an\u3000army\u3000of\u3000stinking\u3000gray\u3000dwarves\uff1f
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Take\u3000it\u3000off\uff1b\u3003\u3000Dyrr\u3000chuckled\u3002\u3000\u3003It\u3000won’t\u3000help\u3000with\u3000burns\u3000anyway\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Archmage\uff01\u3000another\u3000voice\u3000shouted\u3000into\u3000his\u3000mind\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000lich\u3000blinked\u3000and\u3000jerked\u3000forward\u3000with\u3000his\u3000head\u3000and\u3000shoulders\u3002\u3000From\u3000the\u3000grotesque\u3000crown\u3000on\u3000his\u3000head\u3000came\u3000a\u3000tiny\u3000ball\u3000of\u3000undulating\u3000orange\u3000light\u3002\u3000It\u3000spiraled\u3000through\u3000the\u3000air\uff1b\u3000riding\u3000a\u3000sort\u3000of\u3000wave\uff1b\u3000and\u3000drew\u3000a\u3000long\uff1b\u3000curved\u3000trajectory\u3000directly\u3000at\u3000Gromph\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Your\u3000fireball\uff1b\u3000the\u3000voice\u3000in\u3000his\u3000head\u3000warned\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003My\u3000fireball\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3003\u3000the\u3000archmage\u3000whispered\uff1b\u3000as\u3000he\u3000instinctively\u3000tucked\u3000himself\u3000into\u3000a\u3000fetal\u3000position\uff1b\u3000wrapping\u3000his\u3000body\u3000around\u3000his\u3000staff\u3000and\u3000closing\u3000his\u3000eyes\u3000tightly\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Even\u3000with\u3000his\u3000eyes\u3000closed\u3000the\u3000flare\u3000of\u3000hot\u3000orange\u3000light\u3000burned\u3000his\u3000retinas\u3002\u3000The\u3000fireball\u3000warmed\u3000his\u3000skin\u3000but\u3000didn’t\u3000burn\u3000him\u3002\u3000He\u3000and\u3000the\u3000other\u3000Masters\u3000of\u3000Sorcere\u3000had\u3000thought\uff1b\u3000of\u3000course\uff1b\u3000to\u3000protect\u3000him\u3000against\u3000fire\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003A\u3000little\u3000longer\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3003\u3000the\u3000archmage\u3000murmured\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Gromph\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000lichdrow\u3000spat\u3000back\u3002\u3000\u3003You\u3000live\uff01\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003For\u3000now\uff1b\u3003\u3000was\u3000the\u3000archmage’s\u3000shaking\uff1b\u3000muttered\u3000reply\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Dyrr\u3000didn’t\u3000wait\u3000for\u3000Gromph\u3000to\u3000elaborate\u3002\u3000He\u3000began\u3000to\u3000work\u3000another\u3000spell\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000fireball\u3000had\u3000broken\u3000Gromph’s\u3000concentration\u3000on\u3000the\u3000levitation\u3000effect\uff1b\u3000and\u3000once\u3000again\u3000his\u3000stomach\u3000lurched\u3000up\u3000as\u3000he\u3000began\u3000to\u3000fall\u3002\u3000Gravity\u3000was\u3000still\u3000upside\u3000down\uff1b\u3000and\u3000his\u3000fall\u3000took\u3000him\u3000away\u3000from\u3000the\u3000gate\u3000and\u3000toward\u3000the\u3000ceiling\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000While\u3000Dyrr\u3000finished\u3000his\u3000spell\uff1b\u3000Gromph\u3000began\u3000to\u3000list\u3000in\u3000his\u3000own\u3000mind\u3000the\u3000many\u3000reasons\u3000he\u3000should\u3000simply\u3000let\u3000himself\u3000fall\u3000into\u3000the\u3000ceiling\u3000and\u3000die\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Before\u3000the\u3000troubled\u3000archmage\u3000could\u3000reach\u3000a\u3000conclusion\uff1b\u3000shards\u3000of\u3000jagged\uff1b\u3000half\u2026molten\u3000rock\u3000burst\u3000into\u3000existence\uff1b\u3000flying\u3000with\u3000extraordinary\u3000speed\u3000toward\u3000the\u3000falling\u3000archmage\u3002\u3000There\u3000were\u3000too\u3000many\u3000of\u3000them\u3000to\u3000count\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Gromph\uff1b\u3000mumbling\u3000to\u3000himself\u3000of\u3000his\u3000lost\u3000position\u3000and\u3000the\u3000bleak\u3000fate\u3000of\u3000his\u3000House\uff1b\u3000didn’t\u3000bother\u3000trying\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000When\u3000the\u3000meteors\u3000entered\u3000the\u3000area\u3000in\u3000which\u3000Gromph\u3000had\u3000affected\u3000gravity\uff1b\u3000their\u3000courses\u3000radically\u3000changed\u3002\u3000They\u3000went\u3000everywhere\uff1b\u3000scattering\uff1b\u3000dipping\uff1b\u3000curving\uff1b\u3000colliding\u3000with\u3000each\u3000other\uff1b\u3000some\u3000even\u3000curving\u3000back\u3000at\u3000Dyrr\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000One\u3000of\u3000the\u3000burning\u3000projectiles\u3000struck\u3000Gromph\u3000a\u3000glancing\u3000blow\uff1b\u3000sending\u3000him\u3000spinning\u3000as\u3000he\u3000fell\u3002\u3000Pain\u3000blazed\u3000in\u3000his\u3000side\uff1b\u3000and\u3000without\u3000thinking\u3000he\u3000cast\u3000a\u3000spell\u3002\u3000With\u3000only\u3000a\u3000few\u3000words\u3000and\u3000a\u3000quick\u3000gesture\uff1b\u3000Gromph’s\u3000skin\u3000tightened\uff1b\u3000stretched\u2026painfully\u2026and\u3000took\u3000on\u3000the\u3000gleam\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000hardness\uff1b\u3000of\u3000cold\u3000black\u3000iron\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Very\u3000good\uff1b\u3000Master\uff1b\u3000the\u3000voice\u3000\u3002\u3002\u3002\u3000it\u3000was\u3000Nauzhror\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000said\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000watched\u3000one\u3000of\u3000the\u3000meteors\u3000e\u3000right\u3000at\u3000him\u3002\u3000He\u3000might\u3000have\u3000twisted\u3000out\u3000of\u3000the\u3000way\uff1b\u3000but\u3000he\u3000didn’t\u3000care\u3002\u3000The\u3000rock\u3000hit\u3000him\u3000square\u3000in\u3000the\u3000chest\uff1b\u3000exploding\u3000in\u3000a\u3000shower\u3000of\u3000yellow\u2026orange\u3000sparks\u3000and\u3000sending\u3000a\u3000deafening\u3000clang\u3000rippling\u3000away\u3000from\u3000him\u3000in\u3000the\u3000air\u3002\u3000He\u3000started\u3000to\u3000spin\u3000in\u3000a\u3000different\u3000direction\u3000and\u3000began\u3000to\u3000wonder\u3000why\u3000he\u3000hadn’t\u3000hit\u3000the\u3000ceiling\u3002\u3000As\u3000he\u3000whirled\u3000around\u3000he\u3000saw\u3000Dyrr\u3000slip\u3000through\u3000a\u3000dark\u3000hole\u3000in\u3000the\u3000sky\u3000that\u3000was\u3000rimmed\u3000with\u3000purple\u3000light\u3000like\u3000faerie\u3000fire\u3002\u3000The\u3000lichdrow\u3000was\u3000passing\u3000through\u3000a\u3000dimension\u3000door\u3000of\u3000his\u3000own\u3000to\u3000avoid\u3000the\u3000meteors\u3000that\u3000had\u3000e\u3000careening\u3000back\u3000at\u3000him\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Spinning\uff1b\u3000falling\uff1b\u3000Gromph\u3000saw\u3000the\u3000jagged\uff1b\u3000stalagmite\u2026cluttered\u3000ceiling\u3000racing\u3000toward\u3000him\uff1b\u3000closer\u3000and\u3000closer\u2026only\u3000inches\u3000from\u3000oblivion\uff1b\u3000from\u3000the\u3000sweet\u3000release\u3000of\u3000death\u2026
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u2026and\u3000the\u3000spell\u3000effect\u3000ended\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000hadn’t\u3000made\u3000it\u3000permanent\u3000after\u3000all\u3002\u3000Gravity\u3000went\u3000back\u3000to\u3000its\u3000normal\u3000place\uff1b\u3000and\u3000once\u3000again\u3000Gromph\u3000hung\u3000in\u3000midair\u3000for\u3000a\u3000second\u2026less\u3000than\u3000a\u3000second\u3000maybe\u2026his\u3000stomach\u3000feeling\u3000as\u3000if\u3000it\u3000were\u3000rotating\u3000in\u3000his\u3000belly\u3002\u3000He\u3000started\u3000to\u3000fall\u3000again\u3000but\u3000toward\u3000the\u3000floor\u2026toward\u3000the\u3000Clawrift\uff1b\u3000toward\u3000the\u3000light\uff1b\u3000toward\u3000the\u3000gate\uff1b\u3000toward\u3000wherever\u3000it\u3000was\u3000that\u3000Dyrr\u3000was\u3000trying\u3000to\u3000send\u3000him\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000didn’t\u3000care\u3002\u3000He’d\u3000go\uff1b\u3000then\u3002\u3000He’d\u3000go\u3000anywhere\u3000as\u3000long\u3000as\u3000he\u3000could\u3000get\u3000out\u3000of\u3000Menzoberranzan\uff1b\u3000where\u3000every\u3000stone\uff1b\u3000every\u3000stalactite\u3000and\u3000stalagmite\uff1b\u3000every\u3000glow\u3000of\u3000faerie\u3000fire\uff1b\u3000reminded\u3000him\u3000of\u3000his\u3000failure\u3000and\u3000despair\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Archmage\uff1b\u3000Nauzhror\u3000said\u3002\u3000Gromph\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000no\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Closing\u3000his\u3000eyes\u3000against\u3000the\u3000blinding\u3000sunlight\uff1b\u3000Gromph\u3000fell\u3000through\u3000the\u3000gate\u3002\u3000Squinting\uff1b\u3000able\u3000only\u3000to\u3000see\u3000a\u3000vague\u3000play\u3000of\u3000shadow\u3000and\u3000light\uff1b\u3000he\u3000watched\u3000the\u3000gate\u3000close\u3000behind\u3000him\u3002\u3000He\u3000was\u3000enveloped\uff1b\u3000enclosed\u3000in\u3000blinding\u3000light\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000He\u3000hit\u3000the\u3000ground\u3000hard\u3000enough\u3000to\u3000break\u3000a\u3000leg\uff1b\u3000more\u3000than\u3000a\u3000few\u3000ribs\uff1b\u3000his\u3000left\u3000arm\uff1b\u3000and\u3000very\u3000nearly\u3000his\u3000neck\u3002\u3000Quivering\u3000from\u3000pain\u3000and\u3000shock\uff1b\u3000blinded\u3000by\u3000the\u3000relentless\u3000sunlight\uff1b\u3000Gromph\u3000lay\u3000in\u3000a\u3000heap\u3000on\u3000a\u3000bed\u3000of\u3000what\u3000felt\u3000like\u3000some\u3000kind\u3000of\u3000moss\u3002\u3000Blood\u3000roared\u3000in\u3000his\u3000ears\uff1b\u3000which\u3000were\u3000still\u3000ringing\u3000from\u3000the\u3000whine\u3000of\u3000the\u3000meteors\u3000and\u3000the\u3000rush\u3000of\u3000wind\u3002\u3000Something\u3000in\u3000his\u3000chest\u3000popped\uff1b\u3000and\u3000his\u3000leg\u3000twitched\u3000out\u3000from\u3000under\u3000him\uff1b\u3000rolling\u3000him\u3000over\u3000onto\u3000his\u3000back\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000put\u3000a\u3000hand\u3000over\u3000his\u3000face\u3000and\u3000realized\u3000that\u3000his\u3000broken\u3000arm\u3000was\u3000obeying\u3000his\u3000mands\u3000with\u3000only\u3000a\u3000little\u3000pain\u3002\u3000His\u3000leg\u3000was\u3000numb\u3000and\u3000tingling\uff1b\u3000and\u3000he\u3000could\u3000actually\u3000feel\u3000his\u3000ribs\u3000popping\u3000back\u3000into\u3000place\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000ring\uff1b\u3000he\u3000thought\u3000again\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000He\u3000almost\u3000wanted\u3000to\u3000laugh\u3002\u3000It\u3000was\u3000his\u3000own\u3000fault\u3000after\u3000all\uff1b\u3000for\u3000insisting\u3000on\u3000wearing\u3000that\u3000cursed\u3000ring\u3002\u3000He’d\u3000wanted\u3000to\u3000save\u3000his\u3000own\u3000life\u3000when\u3000he’d\u3000put\u3000it\u3000on\uff1b\u3000and\u3000it\u3000hadn’t\u3000occurred\u3000to\u3000him\u3000then\u3000that\u3000all\u3000it\u3000would\u3000end\u3000up\u3000doing\u3000was\u3000keeping\u3000him\u3000alive\u3000in\u3000whatever\u3000blazing\u3000hell\u3000Dyrr\u3000had\u3000banished\u3000him\u3000to\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000blinked\u3000his\u3000eyes\u3000open\u3000and\u3000found\u3000that\u3000he\u3000could\u3000actually\u3000see\u3002\u3000The\u3000light\u3000was\u3000still\u3000unfortably\u3000bright\uff1b\u3000but\u3000something\u3000had\u3000moved\u3000between\u3000the\u3000brightest\u3000part\u3000of\u3000it\u3000and\u3000himself\u3002\u3000The\u3000archmage\u3000blinked\u3000again\uff1b\u3000rubbed\u3000his\u3000eyes\uff1b\u3000and\u3000struggled\u3000to\u3000sit\u3000up\u3002\u3000His\u3000face\u3000was\u3000still\u3000wet\u3000with\u3000tears\uff1b\u3000and\u3000he\u3000was\u3000breathing\u3000hard\u2026panting\u3000like\u3000a\u3000slave\u3000at\u3000hard\u3000labor\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Are\u3000you\u3000keerjaan\uff1f\u3003\u3000a\u3000voice\u3000asked\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000held\u3000out\u3000a\u3000hand\uff1b\u3000fending\u3000off\u3000the\u3000voice\uff1b\u3000and\u3000blinked\u3000some\u3000more\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000It\u3000was\u3000all\u3000at\u3000once\u3000that\u3000he\u3000realized\u3000the\u3000thing\u3000that\u3000had\u3000e\u3000between\u3000him\u3000and\u3000the\u3000source\u3000of\u3000the\u3000light\u3000was\u3000a\u3000creature\u3000of\u3000some\u3000kind\uff1b\u3000and\u3000it\u3000was\u3000speaking\u3000to\u3000him\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Am\u3000I\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\uff1f\u3003\u3000the\u3000archmage\u3000started\u3000to\u3000answer\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000He\u3000paused\uff1b\u3000rubbed\u3000his\u3000eyes\uff1b\u3000and\u3000found\u3000himself\u3000concentrating\u3000on\u3000a\u3000spell\u3000he’d\u3000long\u3000ago\u3000made\u3000permanent\u3002\u3000It\u3000was\u3000a\u3000spell\u3000that\u3000allowed\u3000him\u3000to\u3000understand\u3000and\u3000be\u3000understood\u3000by\u3000anyone\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Are\u3000you\u3000all\u3000right\uff1f\u3003\u3000the\u3000strange\u3000creature\u3000asked\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Gromph\u3000understood\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000He\u3000looked\u3000up\u3000and\u3000saw\u3000that\u3000he\u3000was\u3000surrounded\u3000by\u3000tiny\uff1b\u3000drowlike\u3000creatures\u2026drowlike\u3000in\u3000that\u3000they\u3000were\u3000roughly\u3000the\u3000same\u3000shape\uff1b\u3000with\u3000two\u3000arms\uff1b\u3000two\u3000legs\uff1b\u3000and\u3000a\u3000head\u3002\u3000There\u3000the\u3000similarity\u3000ended\u3002\u3000The\u3000creatures\u3000that\u3000surrounded\u3000him\u3000had\u3000pale\u3000skin\u3000that\u3000was\u3000almost\u3000pink\u3002\u3000Their\u3000hair\u3000was\u3000curly\u3000and\u3000an\u3000unsightly\u3000shade\u3000of\u3000brown\u2026orange\u3002\u3000Their\u3000skin\u3000was\u3000spattered\u3000with\u3000tiny\u3000brown\u3000spots\u3002\u3000Plastered\u3000on\u3000their\u3000faces\u3000were\u3000the\u3000most\u3000childlike\u3000expressions\u3000of\u3000delighted\u3000curiosity\u3002\u3000They\u3000hovered\u3000around\u3000him\u3000in\u3000a\u3000circle\uff1b\u3000several\u3000feet\u3000off\u3000the\u3000plant\u2026covered\u3000ground\uff1b\u3000each\u3000of\u3000them\u3000borne\u3000aloft\u3000on\u3000a\u3000set\u3000of\u3000short\u3000feathered\u3000wings\u3000of\u3000the\u3000most\u3000garish\u3000colors\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Most\u3000of\u3000them\u3000were\u3000naked\uff1b\u3000though\u3000some\u3000wore\u3000robes\u3000of\u3000flowing\u3000white\u3000silk\uff1b\u3000and\u3000a\u3000couple\u3000wore\u3000breeches\u3000and\u3000fine\u3000silk\u3000blouses\u3002\u3000They\u3000were\u3000no\u3000more\u3000than\u3000three\u3000feet\u3000tall\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003By\u3000all\u3000the\u3000howling\u3000expanse\u3000of\u3000th \n
\n \n
\n
\n
\n \u3000fine\u3000silk\u3000blouses\u3002\u3000They\u3000were\u3000no\u3000more\u3000than\u3000three\u3000feet\u3000tall\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003By\u3000all\u3000the\u3000howling\u3000expanse\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Abyss\uff1b\u3000Dyrr\uff1b\u3003\u3000Gromph\u3000murmured\uff1b\u3000curling\u3000his\u3000legs\u3000under\u3000him\u3000and\u3000resting\u3000his\u3000face\u3000in\u3000his\u3000hands\uff1b\u3000\u3003where\u3000have\u3000you\u3000dropped\u3000me\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Words\u3000began\u3000to\u3000pop\u3000into\u3000his\u3000mind\u3000like\u3000soap\u3000bubbles\u3000bursting\uff1a
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Halflings\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Spells\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Crushing\u3000\u3002\u3002\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Crushing\u3000despair\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Damn\u3000you\uff1b\u3003\u3000Gromph\u3000breathed\uff1b\u3000his\u3000body\u3000relaxing\uff1b\u3000his\u3000eyes\u3000drying\uff1b\u3000his\u3000mood\u3000lifting\u3000as\u3000if\u3000by\u3000magic\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000It\u3000wasn’t\u3000magic\u3000that\u3000was\u3000lifting\u3000it\uff1b\u3000he\u3000realized\u3002\u3000It\u3000was\u3000magic\u3000that\u3000sank\u3000it\u3000in\u3000the\u3000first\u3000pace\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Well\u3000played\uff1b\u3000traitor\uff1b\u3003\u3000Gromph\u3000said\uff1b\u3000looking\u3000up\u3000into\u3000the\u3000bright\u3000blue\u3000sky\u3000of\u3000the\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000where\u3000was\u3000he\uff1f\u3000The\u3000World\u3000Above\uff1f
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Who\u3000are\u3000you\u3000talking\u3000to\uff1f\u3003\u3000one\u3000of\u3000the\u3000winged\u3000halflings\u3000asked\uff1b\u3000tipping\u3000its\u3000head\u3000to\u3000one\u3000side\u3000like\u3000a\u3000confused\u3000pack\u3000lizard\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Where\u3000am\u3000I\uff1f\u3003\u3000Gromph\u3000asked\u3000the\u3000strange\u3000creature\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000archmage\uff1b\u3000not\u3000waiting\u3000for\u3000an\u3000answer\uff1b\u3000stood\uff1b\u3000brushing\u3000soot\uff1b\u3000dust\uff1b\u3000and\u3000pieces\u3000of\u3000the\u3000odd\uff1b\u3000needle\u2026like\u3000plant\u3000life\u3000from\u3000his\u3000piwafwi\u3002\u3000He\u3000leaned\u3000on\u3000his\u3000staff\uff1b\u3000but\u3000thanks\u3000to\u3000the\u3000ring\u3000he\u3000was\u3000feeling\u3000stronger\u3000with\u3000each\u3000breath\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003You\u3000don’t\u3000know\u3000where\u3000you\u3000are\uff1f\u3003\u3000one\u3000of\u3000the\u3000winged\u3000halflings\u2026a\u3000female\u2026asked\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Tell\u3000me\u3000where\u3000I\u3000am\uff1b\u3000or\u3000I’ll\u3000kill\u3000you\u3000and\u3000ask\u3000someone\u3000else\uff1b\u3003\u3000Gromph\u3000growled\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000halflings\u3000reacted\uff1b\u3000maybe\u3000with\u3000fear\u2026Gromph\u3000couldn’t\u3000be\u3000sure\u3002\u3000They\u3000bobbed\u3000up\u3000and\u3000down\u3000and\u3000quivered\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Are\u3000you\u3000a\u3000cambion\uff1f\u3003\u3000one\u3000of\u3000them\u3000asked\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000am\u3000a\u3000drow\uff1b\u3003\u3000Gromph\u3000replied\uff1b\u3000\u3003and\u3000I\u3000asked\u3000you\u3000a\u3000question\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000winged\u3000halflings\u3000all\u3000looked\u3000at\u3000each\u3000other\u3002\u3000Some\u3000smiled\uff1b\u3000some\u3000nodded\u2026some\u3000smiled\u3000and\u3000nodded\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003How\u3000did\u3000you\u3000get\u3000here\uff1f\u3003\u3000the\u3000female\u3000asked\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000asked\u3000you\u3000a\u3000question\uff1b\u3003\u3000Gromph\u3000repeated\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000female\u3000smiled\u3000at\u3000him\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Gromph\u3000had\u3000to\u3000squint\u3000from\u3000the\u3000brightness\u3000of\u3000her\u3000perfect\u3000white\u3000teeth\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003How\u3000could\u3000you\u3000e\u3000here\u3000from\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000where\u3000did\u3000you\u3000e\u3000from\uff1f\u3003\u3000one\u3000of\u3000the\u3000males\u3000said\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000am\u3000from\u3000Menzoberranzan\uff1b\u3003\u3000replied\u3000Gromph\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Where’s\u3000that\uff1f\u3003\u3000asked\u3000another\u3000of\u3000the\u3000males\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003The\u3000Underdark\uff1b\u3003\u3000Gromph\u3000said\uff1b\u3000his\u3000crushing\u3000despair\u3000gone\uff1b\u3000being\u3000replaced\u3000by\u3000burning\u3000impatience\u3002\u3000\u3003Faerun\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000Toril\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Faerun\uff1b\u3003\u3000one\u3000of\u3000the\u3000males\u3000gasped\u3002\u3000The\u3000others\u3000looked\u3000at\u3000him\u3000and\u3000he\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003I\u3000was\u3000from\u3000there\u3002\u3000From\u3000Luiren\u3002\u3000Faerun\u3000is\u3000a\u3000continent\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Toril\u3000is\u3000a\u3000world\u3002\u3000On\u3000the\u3000Prime\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000other\u3000winged\u3000halflings\u3000nodded\u3000and\u3000shrugged\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003So\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000one\u3000who’d\u3000asked\u3000the\u3000question\u3000before\u3000repeated\uff1b\u3000\u3003how\u3000could\u3000you\u3000e\u3000here\u3000from\u3000Menzoberranzan\uff1b\u3000the\u3000Underdark\uff1b\u3000Faerun\uff1b\u3000Toril\uff1b\u3000and\u3000not\u3000know\u3000where\u3000you\u3000are\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003You’re\u3000not\u3000even\u3000on\u3000the\u3000Prime\u3000anymore\uff1b\u3000drow\uff1b\u3003\u3000said\u3000the\u3000halfling\u3000who’d\u3000claimed\u3000to\u3000be\u3000from\u3000Faerun\u3002\u3000Gromph\u3000could\u3000see\u3000contempt\u3000starting\u3000to\u3000manifest\u3000in\u3000that\u3000halfling’s\u3000beady\u3000brown\u3000eyes\u3002\u3000\u3003You’ve\u3000e\u3000to\u3000the\u3000Green\u3000Fields\uff1b\u3000and\u3000you\u3000don’t\u3000belong\u3000here\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003That’s\u3000all\u3000right\uff1b\u3003\u3000Gromph\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003I’m\u3000not\u3000staying\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Looking\u3000over\u3000the\u3000vast\u3000landscape\u3000of\u3000gently\u3000rolling\u3000hills\u3000covered\u3000in\u3000a\u3000blanket\u3000of\u3000the\u3000tiny\u3000green\uff1b\u3000needle\u2026like\u3000plants\u3000and\u3000punctuated\u3000with\u3000a\u3000scattering\u3000of\u3000rainbow\u2026colored\u3000blossoms\u3000like\u3000delicate\uff1b\u3000paper\u2026thin\u3000mushrooms\uff1b\u3000Gromph\u3000almost\u3000sank\u3000into\u3000despair\u3000again\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Dyrr\u3000had\u3000sent\u3000him\u3000far\u2026sent\u3000him\u3000to\u3000another\u3000plane\u3000of\u3000existence\u3000altogether\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003The\u3000Green\u3000Fields\uff1b\u3003\u3000Gromph\u3000repeated\u3002\u3000\u3003Halfling\u3000Heaven\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Nauzhror\uff1b\u3000he\u3000thought\uff1b\u3000sending\u3000the\u3000name\u3000out\u3000into\u3000the\u3000Weave\u3002\u3000Grendan\uff1f\u3000Can\u3000you\u3000hear\u3000me\uff1f
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Nothing\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000sighed\u3002\u3000It\u3000was\u3000going\u3000to\u3000take\u3000him\u3000a\u3000while\u3000to\u3000get\u3000home\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000
\nChapter\u3000Fifteen
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Oh\uff1b\u3000now\uff1b\u3000why\u3000the\u3000long\u3000face\uff1f\u3003\u3000Aliisza\u3000purred\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000It\u3000took\u3000them\u3000both\u3000several\u3000minutes\u3000to\u3000maneuver\u3000themselves\u3000behind\u3000the\u3000sail\u3000without\u3000making\u3000it\u3000obvious\u3000they\u3000were\u3000hiding\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Jeggred\u3000took\u3000a\u3000deep\u3000breath\u3000and\u3000looked\u3000around\u3000at\u3000the\u3000dark\u3000interior\u3000of\u3000the\u3000gatehouse\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Where\u3000are\u3000we\uff1f\u3003\u3000he\u3000asked\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Danifae\u3000took\u3000his\u3000hand\u3000and\u3000led\u3000him\u3000to\u3000one\u3000of\u3000the\u3000gates\u3002\u3000Not\u3000answering\u3000his\u3000question\uff1b\u3000she\u3000busied\u3000herself\u3000with\u3000the\u3000gate\u3000itself\uff1b\u3000activating\u3000it\u3000first\uff1b\u3000then\u3000tuning\u3000the\u3000location\u3000to\u3000the\u3000agreed\u2026on\u3000meeting\u3000place\u3002\u3000The\u3000portal\u3000blazed\u3000to\u3000life\u3000in\u3000an\u3000almost\u3000blinding\u3000torrent\u3000of\u3000violet\u3000light\u3002\u3000Still\u3000holding\u3000Jeggred’s\u3000hand\uff1b\u3000she\u3000stepped\u3000through\u3002\u3000The\u3000draegloth\u3000didn’t\u3000hesitate\u3000to\u3000follow\uff1b\u3000and\u3000they\u3000stepped\u3000out\u3000into\u3000a\u3000dimly\u3000lit\u3000ruin\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003It\u3000smells\u3000strange\u3000here\uff1b\u3003\u3000Jeggred\u3000grumbled\u3002\u3000\u3003What\u3000is\u3000this\u3000place\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Danifae\u3000looked\u3000around\u3000to\u3000get\u3000her\u3000bearings\u3002\u3000The\u3000dull\u3000gray\u3000light\u3000seeped\u3000in\u3000through\u3000dozens\u3000if\u3000not\u3000hundreds\u3000of\u3000cracks\u3000and\u3000holes\u3000in\u3000the\u3000decaying\u3000walls\u3002\u3000On\u3000one\u3000side\u3000of\u3000the\u3000room\u3000a\u3000set\u3000of\u3000uneven\u3000steps\u3000led\u3000up\u3000to\u3000a\u3000floor\u3000above\u3002\u3000On\u3000the\u3000other\u3000side\u3000was\u3000a\u3000similar\u3000staircase\u3000leading\u3000down\u3002\u3000Danifae\u3000started\u3000up\u3000the\u3000stairs\u3000to\u3000the\u3000higher\u3000room\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Jeggred\u3000followed\u3000her\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003This\u3000was\u3000once\u3000a\u3000temple\u3000to\u3000the\u3000orcs’\u3000foul\uff1b\u3000grunting\u3000pig\u2026god\uff1b\u3003\u3000she\u3000explained\u3002\u3000\u3003Now\u3000it’s\u3000just\u3000another\u3000piece\u3000of\u3000rotting\u3000garbage\u3000being\u3000eaten\u3000away\u3000by\u3000the\u3000World\u3000Above\u3002\u3000A\u3000suitable\u3000place\u3000to\u3000do\u3000what\u3000we’ve\u3000e\u3000here\u3000to\u3000do\uff1b\u3000don’t\u3000you\u3000think\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003What\u3000have\u3000we\u3000e\u3000here\u3000to\u3000do\uff1f\u3003\u3000asked\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Danifae\uff1b\u3000disappointed\u3000but\u3000not\u3000surprised\u3000that\u3000the\u3000subtlety\u3000was\u3000lost\u3000on\u3000the\u3000draegloth\uff1b\u3000replied\uff1b\u3000\u3003The\u3000traitors\u3000are\u3000ing\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000They\u3000came\u3000out\u3000into\u3000a\u3000more\u3000brightly\u3000lit\u3000room\uff1b\u3000and\u3000both\u3000of\u3000them\u3000had\u3000to\u3000shade\u3000their\u3000eyes\u3000with\u3000their\u3000hands\u3002\u3000Danifae\u3000moved\u3000to\u3000a\u3000wide\u3000crack\u3000in\u3000the\u3000ancient\u3000wall\u3000and\u3000looked\u3000out\u3000onto\u3000the\u3000World\u3000Above\u3002\u3000The\u3000sun\u3000had\u3000set\uff1b\u3000but\u3000the\u3000light\u3000was\u3000still\u3000difficult\u3000to\u3000take\u3002\u3000In\u3000time\uff1b\u3000though\uff1b\u3000her\u3000eyes\u3000began\u3000to\u3000adjust\u3002\u3000Half\u3000a\u3000dozen\u3000yards\u3000below\u3000her\u3000was\u3000what\u3000surface\u3000dwellers\u3000called\u3000a\u3000swamp\u3002\u3000It\u3000was\u3000a\u3000place\u3000where\u3000water\u3000covered\u3000the\u3000ground\u2026in\u3000most\u3000places\u3000at\u3000least\u2026but\u3000it\u3000wasn’t\u3000a\u3000proper\u3000lake\u3002\u3000The\u3000whole\u3000area\u3000around\u3000the\u3000temple\u3000was\u3000choked\u3000with\u3000alien\u3000vegetation\u3002\u3000The\u3000sounds\u3000of\u3000the\u3000myriad\u3000creatures\u3000of\u3000the\u3000World\u3000Above\u3000were\u3000almost\u3000deafening\u3002\u3000The\u3000swamp\u3000crawled\u3000with\u3000life\u3002\u3000Beyond\u3000the\u3000edge\u3000of\u3000the\u3000swamp\uff1b\u3000miles\u3000to\u3000the\u3000west\uff1b\u3000was\u3000a\u3000wide\u3000expanse\u3000of\u3000water\uff1a\u3000the\u3000end\u3000of\u3000a\u3000long\u3000river\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Danifae\u3000let\u3000out\u3000a\u3000slow\u3000breath\u3000through\u3000her\u3000nose\u3000and\u3000heard\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3000scuffle\u3000on\u3000the\u3000loose\u3000rocks\u3000behind\u3000her\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000hate\u3000this\uff1b\u3003\u3000she\u3000whispered\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003What\uff1f\u3003\u3000Jeggred\u3000asked\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003The\u3000surface\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Danifae\u3000scanned\u3000the\u3000ground\u3000below\u3000the\u3000ruined\u3000temple\u3002\u3000Finally\u3000she\u3000drew\u3000from\u3000a\u3000pouch\u3000one\u3000of\u3000the\u3000rings\u3000she’d\u3000taken\u3000from\u3000Zinnirit\u3000and\u3000turned\u3000it\u3000over\u3000in\u3000her\u3000fingers\u3002\u3000The\u3000fading\u3000light\u3000played\u3000against\u3000its\u3000polished\u3000surface\u3000and\u3000picked\u3000out\u3000a\u3000scattering\u3000of\u3000ruby\u3000chips\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pressing\u3000the\u3000ring\u3000into\u3000one\u3000of\u3000the\u3000draegloth’s\u3000four\u3000hands\u3000she\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003Use\u3000this\u3000ring\u3000to\u3000return\u3000at\u3000will\u3000to\u3000the\u3000ship\u3000of\u3000chaos\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Jeggred\u3000nodded\uff1b\u3000slipped\u3000the\u3000ring\u3000on\uff1b\u3000and\u3000stood\u3000patiently\u3000behind\u3000her\uff1b\u3000listening\u3000attentively\u3000as\u3000she\u3000explained\u3000the\u3000proper\u3000use\u3000of\u3000the\u3000ring’s\u3000magic\u3002\u3000Confident\u3000that\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3000understood\uff1b\u3000Danifae\u3000let\u3000the\u3000minutes\u3000drag\u3000on\u2026and\u3000finally\u3000she\u3000saw\u3000them\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003There\u3000they\u3000are\uff1b\u3003\u3000she\u3000said\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000draegloth\u3000moved\u3000closer\u3000behind\u3000her\uff1b\u3000and\u3000she\u3000suppressed\u3000a\u3000gag\u3000when\u3000his\u3000breath\u3000rolled\u3000over\u3000her\u3002\u3000She\u3000waited\u3000while\u3000he\u3000searched\u3000for\u3000them\uff1b\u3000and\u3000when\u3000he\u3000finally\u3000saw\u3000them\u3000he\u3000growled\u3000low\u3000in\u3000his\u3000throat\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003They’re\u3000together\uff1b\u3003\u3000he\u3000said\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003They\u3000lied\uff1b\u3003\u3000said\u3000Danifae\u3002\u3000\u3003She\u3000didn’t\u3000go\u3000to\u3000Menzoberranzan\u3002\u3000She\u3000went\u3000to\u3000the\u3000Velarswood\u2026a\u3000forest\u3000where\u3000there’s\u3000a\u3000temple\u3000to\u3000\u3002\u3002\u3002\u3003\u3000She\u3000feigned\u3000difficulty\u3000in\u3000articulating\u3000the\u3000word\u3002\u3000\u3003Eilistraee\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Jeggred\u3000growled\u3000again\u3000and\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003And\u3000the\u3000weapons\u3000master\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003He’s\u3000made\u3000a\u3000choice\uff1b\u3003\u3000she\u3000replied\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Jeggred\u3000began\u3000to\u3000growl\u3000with\u3000every\u3000exhale\u3002\u3000He\u3000was\u3000ready\u3000to\u3000kill\u3002\u3000Danifae\u3000could\u3000smell\u3000it\u3000on\u3000him\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Take\u3000the\u3000male\uff1b\u3003\u3000she\u3000whispered\u3000to\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3002\u3000\u3003Just\u3000him\u3000for\u3000now\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000She\u3000pushed\u3000Jeggred\u3000back\u3000away\u3000from\u3000the\u3000crack\u3000but\u3000held\u3000him\u3000so\u3000he\u3000wouldn’t\u3000leave\u3002\u3000Stepping\u3000up\u3000onto\u3000the\u3000bottom\u3000of\u3000the\u3000wound\u3000in\u3000the\u3000wall\uff1b\u3000Danifae\u3000drew\u3000herself\u3000up\u3000into\u3000the\u3000dimming\u3000light\u3002\u3000She\u3000waved\u3000a\u3000hand\u3000over\u3000her\u3000head\u3000to\u3000attract\u3000her\u3000former\u3000mistress’s\u3000attention\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000It\u3000took\u3000an\u3000infuriatingly\u3000long\u3000time\uff1b\u3000but\u3000eventually\u3000Halisstra\u3000stopped\u3000at\u3000the\u3000edge\u3000of\u3000the\u3000swamp\u3000and\u3000pointed\u3000up\u3000at\u3000Danifae\u3002\u3000Ryld\u3000looked\u3000up\u3000as\u3000well\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Halisstra\u3000waved\u3000in\u3000answer\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Danifae\u3000made\u3000exaggerated\uff1b\u3000wide\u3000gestures\uff1b\u3000an\u3000unsubtle\u3000form\u3000of\u3000the\u3000drow\u3000sign\u3000language\uff1b\u3000sending\u3000the\u3000message\uff1a\u3000Only\u3000you\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Halisstra\u3000turned\u3000to\u3000Ryld\uff1b\u3000and\u3000they\u3000conversed\u3002\u3000Even\u3000from\u3000so\u3000far\u3000away\u3000Danifae\u3000could\u3000tell\u3000that\u3000Ryld\u3000was\u3000reluctant\u3000to\u3000let\u3000her\u3000go\u3000alone\u3002\u3000The\u3000weapons\u3000master\u3000might\u3000have\u3000been\u3000a\u3000traitor\u3000to\u3000his\u3000city\uff1b\u3000his\u3000goddess\uff1b\u3000and\u3000his\u3000race\uff1b\u3000but\u3000he\u3000was\u3000no\u3000fool\u3002\u3000Still\uff1b\u3000Halisstra\u3000managed\u3000to\u3000convince\u3000him\u2026or\u3000mand\u3000him\u2026to\u3000stay\u3000behind\u3002\u3000He\u3000stood\u3000with\u3000his\u3000arms\u3000crossed\u3000as\u3000Halisstra\u3000stepped\u3000gingerly\u3000into\u3000the\u3000swamp\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Danifae\u3000stepped\u3000down\u3000from\u3000the\u3000crack\u3000in\u3000the\u3000wall\u3000and\u3000took\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3000by\u3000the\u3000shoulders\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Doing\u3000her\u3000best\u3000to\u3000withstand\u3000the\u3000half\u2026demon’s\u3000foul\u3000breath\uff1b\u3000she\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003Go\u3002\u3000Don’t\u3000let\u3000her\u3000see\u3000you\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000draegloth\u3000smiled\uff1b\u3000and\u3000a\u3000thick\uff1b\u3000ropy\u3000strand\u3000of\u3000drool\u3000dropped\u3000from\u3000his\u3000lower\u3000lip\u3002\u3000His\u3000fangs\u3000glimmered\u3000in\u3000the\u3000dim\u3000light\uff1b\u3000and\u3000so\u3000did\u3000his\u3000burning\u3000red\u3000eyes\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Danifae\u3000thought\u3000he\u3000was\u3000the\u3000most\u3000beautiful\u3000thing\u3000she’d\u3000ever\u3000seen\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000
\nChapter\u3000Sixteen
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000swamplight\u3000lynx\u3000didn’t\u3000smell\u3000prey\u3002\u3000The\u3000scent\u3000that\u3000filled\u3000the\u3000great\u3000cat’s\u3000nostrils\u3000was\u3000something\u3000different\u3002\u3000The\u3000lynx\u3000had\u3000never\u3000e\u3000across\u3000anything\u3000like\u3000it\uff1b\u3000but\u3000whatever\u3000it\u3000was\uff1b\u3000it\u3000was\u3000a\u3000predator\u2026the\u3000odor\u3000of\u3000a\u3000meat\u2026eater\u3000was\u3000unmistakable\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Padding\u3000softly\uff1b\u3000silently\u3000through\u3000the\u3000cold\uff1b\u3000shallow\u3000water\uff1b\u3000the\u3000lynx\u3000tipped\u3000its\u3000head\u3000up\u3000and\u3000waved\u3000its\u3000nose\u3000from\u3000side\u3000to\u3000side\uff1b\u3000honing\u3000in\u3000on\u3000the\u3000scent\u3002\u3000A\u3000charge\u3000of\u3000energy\u3000thrilled\u3000through\u3000the\u3000cat\u3002\u3000Its\u3000flesh\u3000tingled\uff1b\u3000its\u3000fur\u3000stood\u3000on\u3000end\u2026a\u3000familiar\u3000feeling\u3000for\u3000the\u3000lynx\uff1b\u3000forting\uff1b\u3000foretelling\u3000of\u3000a\u3000kill\u3000ahead\u3000and\u3000food\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000lynx\u3000moved\u3000from\u3000shadow\u3000to\u3000shadow\uff1b\u3000still\u3000inside\u3000the\u3000treeline\u3002\u3000It\u3000caught\u3000sight\u3000of\u3000the\u3000peting\u3000predator\u3000and\u3000recognized\u3000the\u3000shape\u3000of\u3000a\u3000man\u3002\u3000Powerful\u3000and\u3000cunning\u3000hunters\u3000in\u3000their\u3000own\u3000right\uff1b\u3000men\u3000never\u3000respected\u3000another\u3000predator’s\u3000stalking\u3000grounds\u3002\u3000They\u3000ignored\u3000the\u3000scent\u3000markers\uff1b\u3000the\u3000scratches\u3000on\u3000trees\uff1b\u3000the\u3000most\u3000obvious\u3000signs\u3002\u3000Its\u3000eyesight\u3000was\u3000the\u3000least\u3000of\u3000the\u3000cat’s\u3000senses\u3000even\u3000in\u3000daylight\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000creature\u3000could\u3000see\u3000and\u3000smell\u3000only\u3000that\u3000the\u3000intruder\u3000was\u3000a\u3000man\u3002\u3000It\u3000had\u3000no\u3000way\u3000of\u3000discerning\u3000the\u3000man’s\u3000black\u3000skin\uff1b\u3000pointed\u3000ears\uff1b\u3000crimson\u3000eyes\uff1b\u3000and\u3000white\u3000hair\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000swamplight\u3000lynx\u3000gathered\u3000the\u3000Weave\u3000energy\u3000in\u3000its\u3000body\uff1b\u3000bared\u3000its\u3000fangs\uff1b\u3000and\u3000tightened\u3000into\u3000a\u3000crouch\uff1b\u3000ready\u3000to\u3000spring\u2026when\u3000another\u3000scent\u3000all\u3000but\u3000slammed\u3000into\u3000its\u3000nostrils\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Another\u3000predator\u3000was\u3000approaching\u3002\u3000It\u3000was\u3000bigger\uff1b\u3000and\u3000it\u3000smelled\u3000bad\u3002\u3000It\u3000smelled\u3000like\u3000a\u3000scavenger\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000swamplight\u3000lynx\u3000relaxed\u3000but\u3000only\u3000a\u3000little\u3002\u3000It\u3000watched\u3000the\u3000man\uff1b\u3000occasionally\u3000scanning\u3000the\u3000swamp’s\u3000edge\u3000for\u3000the\u3000scavenger\uff1b\u3000and\u3000waited\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Ryld\u3000was\u3000surrounded\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000There\u3000were\u3000noises\u3000everywhere\u3002\u3000The\u3000place\u3000Halisstra\u3000had\u3000called\u3000a\u3000\u3003swamp\u3003\u3000was\u3000even\u3000more\u3000alive\u3000than\u3000the\u3000rest\u3000of\u3000the\u3000World\u3000Above\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000weapons\u3000master\u3000didn’t\u3000like\u3000it\u3000at\u3000all\u3002\u3000He\u3000could\u3000see\u3000things\u3000moving\u3000in\u3000the\u3000darkness\u3000around\u3000him\u3002\u3000There\u3000were\u3000insects\u3000and\u3000spiders\uff1b\u3000all\u3000manner\u3000of\u3000flying\u3000creatures\uff1b\u3000and\u3000snakes\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000lots\u3000of\u3000snakes\u3002\u3000The\u3000ground\u3000under\u3000his\u3000feet\u3000was\u3000spongy\u3002\u3000He’d\u3000felt\u3000similar\u3000in\u3000some\u3000of\u3000the\u3000bigger\u3000fungal\u3000colonies\u3000in\u3000the\u3000Underdark\uff1b\u3000but\u3000down\u3000there\u3000it\u3000was\u3000at\u3000least\u3000quiet\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000ruined\u3000temple\u3000rose\u3000in\u3000black\u3000silhouette\u3000against\u3000the\u3000night\u3000sky\u3000in\u3000front\u3000of\u3000him\u3002\u3000He’d\u3000watched\u3000Halisstra\u3000walk\u3000toward\u3000it\u3000through\u3000ever\u3000deepening\u3000water\u3000with\u3000an\u3000increasing\u3000certainty\u3000that\u3000she\u3000was\u3000walking\u3000toward\u3000her\u3000own\u3000demise\u3002\u3000Going\u3000to\u3000meet\u3000Danifae\u3000was\u3000stupid\uff1b\u3000even\u3000if\u3000Halisstra\u3000had\u3000allowed\u3000him\u3000to\u3000e\u3000along\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Ryld\u3000wasn’t\u3000sure\u3000why\u3000he’d\u3000let\u3000it\u3000happen\u3002\u3000Could\u3000it\u3000be\u3000that\u3000she\u3000simply\u3000wished\u3000it\u3000and\u3000he\u3000was\u3000so\u3000accustomed\u3000to\u3000obeying\u3000priestesses\u3000that\u3000he’d\u3000obeyed\u3000her\uff1f
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000weapons\u3000master\u3000took\u3000a\u3000deep\u3000breath\uff1b\u3000set\u3000his\u3000feet\u3000close\u3000together\uff1b\u3000and\u3000pressed\u3000his\u3000hands\u3000palm\u3000to\u3000palm\u3000in\u3000front\u3000of\u3000his\u3000chest\u3002\u3000He\u3000steadied\u3000his\u3000breathing\u3000and\u3000cleared\u3000his\u3000mind\u3000as\u3000best\u3000he\u3000could\uff1b\u3000surrounded\u3000as\u3000he\u3000was\u3000by\u3000the\u3000unseen\u3000dangers\u3000of\u3000the\u3000swamp\u3002\u3000He\u3000watched\u3000tiny\u3000yellow\u3000lights\u3000flicker\u3000in\u3000the\u3000air\u2026some\u3000kind\u3000of\u3000bioluminescent\u3000insects\u3000mov \n
\n \n
\n
\n
\n \u3000the\u3000swamp\u3002\u3000He\u3000watched\u3000tiny\u3000yellow\u3000lights\u3000flicker\u3000in\u3000the\u3000air\u2026some\u3000kind\u3000of\u3000bioluminescent\u3000insects\u3000moving\u3000slowly\uff1b\u3000sluggish\u3000in\u3000the\u3000cold\u3000night\u3000air\u3002\u3000Pinpoints\u3000of\u3000light\u3000spattered\u3000across\u3000the\u3000black\u3000dome\u3000of\u3000the\u3000sky\uff1b\u3000not\u3000painful\u3000to\u3000look\u3000at\u3000and\u3000actually\u3000helping\u3000Ryld’s\u3000natural\u3000darkvision\u3002\u3000There\u3000was\u3000no\u3000other\u3000light\u3000except\u2026
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Except\u3000for\u3000a\u3000faint\u3000purple\u3000glow\u3000shimmering\u3000in\u3000chaotic\u3000waves\u3000over\u3000Ryld\u3000himself\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Faerie\u3000fire\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Ryld\u3000drew\u3000Splitter\u3000and\u3000stepped\u3000back\uff1b\u3000opening\u3000his\u3000stance\uff1b\u3000then\u3000he\u3000turned\u3000around\u3000once\u3000three\u3000hundred\u3000and\u3000sixty\u3000degrees\u3000looking\u3000for\u3000anything\u3000moving\u3000toward\u3000him\u2026looking\u3000for\u3000Danifae\u3002\u3000It\u3000was\u3000a\u3000dark\u3000elf\u3000who\u3000had\u3000picked\u3000him\u3000out\u3000from\u3000the\u3000dark\u3000background\u3000using\u3000the\u3000magical\u3000ability\u3000she\uff1b\u3000like\u3000all\u3000drow\uff1b\u3000was\u3000born\u3000with\u3002\u3000Who\u3000else\u3000could\u3000it\u3000be\uff1f
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000She\u3000must\u3000have\u3000already\u3000killed\u3000Halisstra\uff1b\u3000Ryld\u3000thought\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000world\u3000exploded\u3000in\u3000agonizing\u3000light\uff1b\u3000and\u3000he\u3000could\u3000hear\u3000something\u3000big\u3000running\u3000at\u3000him\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Ryld\u3000had\u3000been\u3000trained\u3000to\u3000fight\u3000when\u3000unable\u3000to\u3000see\uff1b\u3000and\u3000as\u3000the\u3000foe\u3000that\u3000blinded\u3000him\u3000charged\uff1b\u3000he\u3000fell\u3000back\u3000on\u3000that\u3000training\u3002\u3000The\u3000weapons\u3000master\u3000surprised\u3000himself\u3000with\u3000how\u3000well\u3000he’d\u3000adapted\u3000to\u3000the\u3000way\u3000sound\u3000traveled\u3000on\u3000the\u3000surface\u3000world\u3002\u3000He\u3000timed\u3000Danifae’s\u3000charge\u2026and\u3000it\u3000had\u3000to\u3000be\u3000Danifae\u2026so\u3000that\u3000when\u3000she\u3000was\u3000no\u3000more\u3000than\u3000three\u3000strides\u3000from\u3000him\uff1b\u3000he\u3000stepped\u3000to\u3000the\u3000side\u3002\u3000The\u3000echoes\u3000were\u3000oddly\u3000spaced\u3002\u3000It\u3000almost\u3000sounded\u3000as\u3000if\u3000Danifae\u3000had\u3000four\u3000legs\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000That\u3000aside\uff1b\u3000Ryld\u3000had\u3000estimated\u3000correctly\uff1b\u3000and\u3000he\u3000stepped\u3000out\u3000of\u3000the\u3000way\u3000of\u3000the\u3000former\u3000battle\u2026captive\u3000in\u3000time\u3000to\u3000feel\u3000her\u3000brush\u3000past\u3000him\u3000in\u3000a\u3000rush\u3000of\u3000cold\u3000air\u3000and\u3000an\u3000unpleasant\uff1b\u3000uncharacteristic\u3000strong\u3000musky\u3000smell\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Still\u3000blind\uff1b\u3000Ryld\u3000heard\u3000her\u3000scuffle\u3000to\u3000a\u3000stop\u3000in\u3000the\u3000ankle\u2026deep\uff1b\u3000wet\u3000moss\u3002\u3000She\u3000turned\u3000quickly\u3000and\u3000Ryld\u3000could\u3000feel\u3000her\u3000ready\u3000to\u3000e\u3000at\u3000him\u3000again\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Ryld\u3000heaved\u3000Splitter\u3000in\u3000front\u3000of\u3000him\uff1b\u3000again\u3000as\u3000he\u3000was\u3000trained\u3000to\u3000do\u3002\u3000The\u3000blade\u3000never\u3000bit\u3000into\u3000flesh\u3000and\u3000bone\uff1b\u3000but\u3000the\u3000purpose\u3000of\u3000that\u3000attack\u3000wasn’t\u3000so\u3000much\u3000to\u3000kill\u3000as\u3000it\u3000was\u3000to\u3000fend\u3000off\u3002\u3000He\u3000had\u3000been\u3000blinded\u3000by\u3000some\u3000sort\u3000of\u3000conjured\u3000light\uff1b\u3000which\u3000meant\u3000that\u3000his\u3000eyesight\u3000would\u3000return\u3000in\u3000time\u3002\u3000The\u3000first\u3000rule\u3000of\u3000fighting\u3000blind\u3000was\u3000keeping\u3000yourself\u3000alive\u3000until\u3000you\u3000weren’t\u3000blind\u3000anymore\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000It\u3000was\u3000exactly\u3000what\u3000he\u3000was\u3000supposed\u3000to\u3000do\uff1b\u3000but\u3000it\u3000didn’t\u3000work\u3002\u3000The\u3000moment\u3000Splitter\u3000passed\u3000to\u3000his\u3000left\u3000side\uff1b\u3000opening\u3000up\u3000his\u3000chest\u3000and\u3000face\uff1b\u3000she\u2026it\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000something\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000dived\u3000on\u3000him\u3002\u3000It\u3000was\u3000definitely\u3000not\u3000Danifae\u3002\u3000It\u3000was\u3000no\u3000drow\u3000at\u3000all\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000thing\u3000that\u3000smashed\u3000Ryld\u3000to\u3000the\u3000ground\u3000was\u3000enormous\u3000and\u3000covered\u3000in\u3000thick\uff1b\u3000coarse\u3000fur\u3002\u3000It\u3000had\u3000four\u3000strong\u3000legs\u3000each\u3000with\u3000a\u3000set\u3000of\u3000long\uff1b\u3000sharp\u3000claws\u3000that\u3000tugged\u3000at\u3000his\u3000armor\u3000but\u3000were\u3000unable\u3000to\u3000cut\u3000him\u3000through\u3000his\u3000dwarven\u3000mithral\u3000breastplate\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Ryld\u3000smelled\u3000hot\uff1b\u3000rank\u3000breath\uff1b\u3000and\u3000a\u3000name\u3000came\u3000to\u3000his\u3000mind\uff1a\u3000Jeggred\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Why\u3000would\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3000be\u3000there\u3000with\u3000Danifae\uff1f\u3000Unless\u3000the\u3000former\u3000battle\u2026captive\u3000had\u3000brought\u3000Quenthel\u3000with\u3000her\uff1b\u3000but\u3000would\u3000they\u3000all\u3000really\u3000waste\u3000their\u3000time\u3000running\u3000after\u3000him\u3000and\u3000Halisstra\u3000when\u3000there\u3000was\u3000still\u3000a\u3000goddess\u3000to\u3000awaken\uff1f
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Ryld\u3000blinked\uff1b\u3000his\u3000sight\u3000returning\u3000in\u3000aching\uff1b\u3000cramping\u3000vibrations\u3000in\u3000his\u3000tired\u3000eyes\u3002\u3000The\u3000claws\u3000worried\u3000at\u3000his\u3000armor\u3000and\u3000came\u3000dangerously\u3000close\u3000to\u3000his\u3000face\u3000as\u3000the\u3000creature\u2026could\u3000it\u3000be\u3000the\u3000draegloth\uff1f\u2026shifted\u3000in\u3000an\u3000effort\u3000to\u3000find\u3000some\u3000gap\u3000in\u3000his\u3000armor\u3000to\u3000exploit\u3000for\u3000the\u3000kill\u3002\u3000Ryld\u3000pushed\u3000up\u3000with\u3000the\u3000flat\u3000of\u3000his\u3000blade\u3000and\u3000both\u3000his\u3000feet\u3000and\u3000rolled\u3000the\u3000heavy\u3000creature\u3000off\u3000him\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000When\u3000it\u3000hit\u3000the\u3000cold\uff1b\u3000spongy\u3000ground\uff1b\u3000it\u3000wriggled\u3000on\u3000its\u3000side\u3000in\u3000an\u3000effort\u3000to\u3000get\u3000to\u3000its\u3000feet\u3002\u3000The\u3000thing\u3000growled\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000sound\u3000was\u3000both\u3000higher\u3000in\u3000pitch\u3000and\u3000less\u3000intelligent\u3000than\u3000Jeggred’s\u3002\u3000Ryld\u3000blinked\u3000blotches\u3000of\u3000purple\u3000from\u3000his\u3000eyes\u3000and\u3000whirled\u3000around\u3000and\u3000up\u3000to\u3000his\u3000feet\uff1b\u3000Splitter\u3000in\u3000front\u3000of\u3000him\u3000to\u3000guard\u3000against\u3000the\u3000inevitable\u3000next\u3000pounce\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000If\u3000it\u3000was\u3000Jeggred\uff1b\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3000was\u3000down\u3000on\u3000all\u3000fours\u3000and\u3000attacking\u3000him\u3000only\u3000with\u3000fangs\u3000and\u3000one\u3000set\u3000of\u3000claws\u3002\u3000Ryld\u3000batted\u3000away\u3000a\u3000rake\u3000from\u3000the\u3000thing\u3000with\u3000the\u3000flat\u3000of\u3000his\u3000blade\u3000but\u3000failed\u3000to\u3000slice\u3000off\u3000the\u3000paw\u3002\u3000It\u3000bit\u3000at\u3000him\uff1b\u3000but\u3000he\u3000stepped\u3000back\uff1b\u3000leaning\u3000away\u3000from\u3000the\u3000attack\u3000so\u3000that\u3000the\u3000creature’s\u3000fangs\u3000snapped\u3000down\u3000on\u3000thin\u3000air\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Ryld\u3000blinked\u3000again\uff1b\u3000and\u3000his\u3000eyesight\u3000returned\u3000to\u3000nearly\u3000normal\u3002\u3000He\u3000wasn’t\u3000fighting\u3000Danifae\u3000or\u3000Jeggred\u3000but\u3000some\u3000kind\u3000of\u3000furred\u3000surface\u3000animal\u3002\u3000Ryld\u3000had\u3000seen\u3000similar\u3000animals\uff1a\u3000cats\u3002\u3000The\u3000one\u3000that\u3000was\u3000trying\u3000to\u3000kill\u3000him\u3000was\u3000huge\uff1b\u3000ten\u3000feet\u3000from\u3000nose\u3000to\u3000tail\u3002\u3000Mottled\u3000gray\u3000fur\u3000rippled\u3000over\u3000rolling\u3000muscles\u3002\u3000Its\u3000tall\uff1b\u3000pointed\u3000ears\u3000twitched\u3000and\u3000moved\u3000independently\u3000of\u3000each\u3000other\u3000to\u3000track\u3000Ryld\u3000as\u3000it\u3000circled\u3000him\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000weapons\u3000master\u3000turned\u3000to\u3000keep\u3000the\u3000animal\u3000in\u3000sight\u3000at\u3000all\u3000times\u3002\u3000Steam\u3000puffed\u3000from\u3000its\u3000nostrils\u3000into\u3000the\u3000cold\u3000air\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Ryld\u3000felt\u3000a\u3000chill\u3000run\u3000through\u3000the\u3000undersides\u3000of\u3000his\u3000arms\u3002\u3000He\u3000had\u3000a\u3000strange\u3000feeling\u3000of\u3000relief\u3000that\u3000he\u3000was\u3000only\u3000being\u3000hunted\u2026again\u2026by\u3000a\u3000native\u3000surface\u3000animal\u3002\u3000Danifae\u3000hadn’t\u3000taken\u3000her\u3000revenge\u3000after\u3000all\uff1b\u3000certainly\u3000not\u3000with\u3000Jeggred\u3000as\u3000her\u3000second\u3002\u3000The\u3000weapons\u3000master\u3000briefly\u3000entertained\u3000the\u3000idea\u3000that\u3000Halisstra\u3000was\u3000right\u3000about\u3000her\u3000former\u3000servant\uff1b\u3000but\u3000the\u3000reality\u3000of\u3000his\u3000situation\u3000intruded\u3000once\u3000again\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000animal\u3000leaped\u3000at\u3000him\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Ryld\u3000was\u3000ready\u3000for\u3000it\u3002\u3000He\u3000had\u3000Splitter\u3000up\u3000and\u3000to\u3000the\u3000side\u3000and\u3000had\u3000just\u3000tensed\u3000his\u3000arms\u3000in\u3000preparation\u3000for\u3000a\u3000downward\u3000slice\u3000across\u3000his\u3000chest\u3000to\u3000dig\u3000at\u3000the\u3000animal’s\u3000head\u3000when\u3000the\u3000thing\u3000stopped\u3002\u3000The\u3000animal\u3000halted\u3000in\u3000midair\u3000for\u3000a\u3000heartbeat\u3000then\u3000fell\u3002\u3000It\u3000made\u3000a\u3000sound\u3000that\u3000was\u3000halfway\u3000between\u3000a\u3000growl\u3000and\u3000a\u3000whimper\u3000when\u3000it\u3000hit\u3000the\u3000ground\uff1b\u3000already\u3000scrambling\u3000to\u3000regain\u3000its\u3000feet\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000weapons\u3000master\u3000hopped\u3000back\uff1b\u3000bringing\u3000Splitter\u3000quickly\u3000in\u3000front\u3000of\u3000him\u3000to\u3000guard\u3000against\u2026
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Jeggred\uff1b\u3003\u3000Ryld\u3000said\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000draegloth\u3000held\u3000the\u3000huge\u3000cat\u3000by\u3000its\u3000tail\uff1b\u3000his\u3000eyes\u3000glowing\u3000red\u3000in\u3000the\u3000darkness\u3002\u3000Even\u3000as\u3000the\u3000animal\u3000turned\u3000on\u3000him\uff1b\u3000Jeggred’s\u3000lips\u3000pulled\u3000back\u3000over\u3000his\u3000teeth\u3000in\u3000a\u3000feral\uff1b\u3000hate\u2026filled\u3000smile\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Halisstra\u3000stepped\u3000off\u3000the\u3000stairs\u3000onto\u3000what\u3000she\u3000assumed\u3000was\u3000the\u3000highest\u3000floor\u3000of\u3000the\u3000slowly\u3000crumbling\u3000structure\u3000and\u3000there\u3000she\u3000saw\u3000Danifae\u3002\u3000A\u3000gasp\u3000passed\u3000across\u3000her\u3000parted\u3000lips\u3000at\u3000the\u3000sight\u3000of\u3000her\u3000former\u3000servant\u3002\u3000Danifae\u3000had\u3000always\u3000been\u3000beautiful\u2026that\u3000was\u3000part\u3000of\u3000what\u3000made\u3000her\u3000such\u3000a\u3000desirable\u3000possession\u2026but\u3000though\u3000it\u3000hardly\u3000seemed\u3000possible\uff1b\u3000the\u3000girl\u3000had\u3000grown\u3000even\u3000more\u3000attractive\u3002\u3000The\u3000ample\u3000curves\u3000of\u3000her\u3000strong\u3000body\u3000made\u3000an\u3000alluring\u3000silhouette\u3000in\u3000the\u3000dark\u3000space\uff1b\u3000and\u3000her\u3000bright\u3000white\u3000hair\u3000framed\u3000her\u3000round\uff1b\u3000beautiful\u3000face\u3000in\u3000a\u3000way\u3000Halisstra\u3000had\u3000never\u3000seen\u3000on\u3000her\u3000normally\u3000pragmatic\u3000and\u3000simple\u3000battle\u2026captive\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003What’s\u3000wrong\uff1f\u3003\u3000Danifae\u3000asked\uff1b\u3000her\u3000voice\u3000quiet\u3002\u3000\u3003Do\u3000I\u3000look\u3000different\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Halisstra\u3000nodded\u3000and\u3000stepped\u3000away\u3000from\u3000the\u3000top\u3000of\u3000the\u3000stairs\uff1b\u3000careful\u3000to\u3000keep\u3000her\u3000back\u3000to\u3000the\u3000wall\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Yes\uff1b\u3000you\u3000do\u3002\u3000Freedom\u3000agrees\u3000with\u3000you\uff1b\u3000Danifae\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Yes\uff1b\u3000Halisstra\uff1b\u3003\u3000Danifae\u3000replied\u3002\u3000Halisstra\u3000did\u3000not\u3000fail\u3000to\u3000miss\u3000the\u3000fact\u3000that\u3000Danifae\u3000had\u3000called\u3000her\u3000by\u3000name\u3002\u3000\u3003Freedom\u3000does\u3000agree\u3000with\u3000me\uff1b\u3003\u3000she\u3000continued\uff1b\u3000\u3003but\u3000there\u3000is\u3000much\u3000to\u3000discuss\u3000and\u3000precious\u3000little\u3000time\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Halisstra\u3000arced\u3000an\u3000eyebrow\u3000and\u3000let\u3000a\u3000hand\u3000slip\u3000to\u3000the\u3000hilt\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Crescent\u3000Blade\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003You\u3000are\u3000in\u3000danger\u3000here\uff1b\u3003\u3000Danifae\u3000warned\uff1b\u3000her\u3000eyes\u3000darting\u3000to\u3000Halisstra’s\u3000weapon\u3002\u3000\u3003I\u3000was\u3000careless\u3000and\u3000was\u3000found\u3000out\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Halisstra’s\u3000blood\u3000went\u3000cold\uff1b\u3000and\u3000she\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003Found\u3000out\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000was\u3000gone\u3000too\u3000long\uff1b\u3003\u3000said\u3000Danifae\u3002\u3000\u3003I\u3000was\u3000questioned\u3000by\u3000the\u3000high\u3000priestess\u3000and\u3000the\u3000mage\uff1b\u3000and\u3000they\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000did\u3000things\u3000to\u3000me\u3000to\u3000make\u3000me\u3000tell\u3000them\u3000about\u3000you\uff1b\u3000about\u3000Ryld\uff1b\u3000and\u3000all\u3000of\u3000it\u3002\u3000All\u3000of\u3000it\u3000that\u3000I\u3000know\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Halisstra\u3000tried\u3000to\u3000take\u3000a\u3000deep\u3000breath\u3000but\u3000found\u3000her\u3000chest\u3000tight\u3000with\u3000anxiety\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Where\u3000are\u3000they\uff1f\u3003\u3000Halisstra\u3000asked\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Far\u3000away\uff1b\u3003\u3000replied\u3000Danifae\uff1b\u3000\u3003and\u3000well\u3000prepared\u3000for\u3000their\u3000journey\u3000to\u3000the\u3000Abyss\uff1b\u3000but\u3000they\u3000sent\u3000Jeggred\u3000back\u3000with\u3000me\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Halisstra’s\u3000blood\u3000ran\u3000even\u3000colder\uff1b\u3000and\u3000she\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003The\u3000draegloth\uff1f\u3000Why\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003To\u3000kill\u3000you\u3000both\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Halisstra\u3000looked\u3000madly\u3000around\u3000the\u3000ruin\u3000and\u3000found\u3000the\u3000crack\u3000in\u3000the\u3000wall\u3000she’d\u3000earlier\u3000seen\u3000Danifae\u3000standing\u3000in\u3002\u3000Though\u3000it\u3000meant\u3000turning\u3000her\u3000back\u3000on\u3000Danifae\uff1b\u3000Halisstra\u3000ran\u3000to\u3000the\u3000crack\u3000and\u3000began\u3000wildly\u3000scanning\u3000the\u3000dark\u3000swamp\u3000below\u3000for\u3000any\u3000sign\u3000of\u3000Ryld\u3002\u3000There\u3000was\u3000a\u3000pain\u3000in\u3000her\u3000chest\u3000she’d\u3000never\u3000felt\u3000before\u3002\u3000She\u3000couldn’t\u3000see\u3000either\u3000the\u3000weapons\u3000master\u3000or\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003He’s\u3000out\u3000there\uff1b\u3000I\u3000assure\u3000you\uff1b\u3003\u3000said\u3000Danifae\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003So\u3000you\u3000drew\u3000me\u3000here\uff1f\u3003\u3000Halisstra\u3000asked\uff1b\u3000not\u3000turning\u3000from\u3000her\u3000fruitless\u3000search\u3000of\u3000the\u3000swamp\u3000below\u3002\u3000\u3003You\u3000drew\u3000us\u3000both\u3000into\u3000a\u3000trap\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Yes\uff1b\u3000I\u3000did\uff1b\u3003\u3000said\u3000the\u3000former\u3000battle\u2026captive\uff1b\u3000\u3003but\u3000I\u3000can\u3000save\u3000you\u3002\u3000I\u3000can\u3000save\u3000you\uff1b\u3000but\u3000I\u3000can’t\u3000save\u3000you\u3000both\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003How\u3000can\u3000you\u3000stop\u3000a\u3000draegloth\u3000that\u3000has\u3000been\u3000sent\u3000to\u3000kill\uff1f\u3003\u3000Halisstra\u3000asked\u3002\u3000She\u3000scowled\uff1b\u3000still\u3000scanning\u3000the\u3000swamp\u3002\u3000There\u3000were\u3000spaces\u3000where\u3000the\u3000trees\u3000were\u3000tall\u3000and\u3000thick\u3000enough\u3000to\u3000hide\u3000the\u3000surface\u3000all\u3000together\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Ryld\u3000must\u3000have\u3000gone\u3000in\u3000there\uff1b\u3000Halisstra\u3000thought\uff1b\u3000perhaps\u3000lured\u3000in\u3000by\u3000Jeggred\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000can’t\u3000stop\u3000a\u3000draegloth\uff1b\u3003\u3000Danifae\u3000admitted\u3002\u3000\u3003If\u3000Jeggred\u3000means\u3000to\u3000kill\u3000you\u3000both\uff1b\u3000he\u3000will\uff1b\u3000or\u3000Ryld\u3000will\u3000kill\u3000him\uff1b\u3000or\u3000I\u3000will\u3000kill\u3000him\u3002\u3000Either\u3000way\uff1b\u3000there\u3000will\u3000be\u3000deaths\u3000tonight\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Halisstra\u3000sighed\uff1b\u3000not\u3000sure\u3000what\u3000to\u3000do\u3000and\u3000afraid\u3000that\u3000Ryld\u3000was\u3000already\u3000dead\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000don’t\u3000have\u3000to\u3000stop\u3000Jeggred\uff1b\u3003\u3000Danifae\u3000continued\uff1b\u3000\u3003or\u3000kill\u3000him\u3002\u3000Just\u3000go\uff1b\u3000and\u3000leave\u3000the\u3000rest\u3000to\u3000Ryld\u3000and\u3000me\u3002\u3000If\u3000the\u3000weapons\u3000master\u3000can\u3000best\u3000the\u3000draegloth\uff1b\u3000fine\u3002\u3000If\u3000not\uff1b\u3000I\u3000can\u3000convince\u3000Jeggred\u3000that\u3000I\u3000killed\u3000you\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Why\u3000would\u3000he\u3000trust\u3000you\uff1f\u3003\u3000asked\u3000Halisstra\u3002\u3000\u3003He’ll\u3000want\u3000to\u3000see\u3000my\u3000body\u3000\u3002\u3002\u3002\u3000or\u3000part\u3000of\u3000it\u3000at\u3000least\u3002\u3000And\u3000what\u3000of\u3000Ryld\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Let\u3000me\u3000get\u3000you\u3000out\u3000of\u3000here\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000former\u3000battle\u2026captive\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003Get\u3000enough\u3000distance\u3000between\u3000yourself\u3000and\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3000whi \n
\n \n
\n
\n
\n \u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Let\u3000me\u3000get\u3000you\u3000out\u3000of\u3000here\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000former\u3000battle\u2026captive\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003Get\u3000enough\u3000distance\u3000between\u3000yourself\u3000and\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3000while\u3000he’s\u3000still\u3000engaged\u3000with\u3000the\u3000weapons\u3000master\u3000and\u3000we\u3000can\u3000e\u3000to\u3000some\u3000arrangement\u3002\u3000We’ll\u3000have\u3000time\u3000to\u3000sort\u3000something\u3000out\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Halisstra\u3000shook\u3000her\u3000head\u3000and\u3000stepped\u3000away\u3000from\u3000the\u3000crack\u3000in\u3000the\u3000wall\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000won’t\u3000leave\u3000Ryld\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Halisstra\u3000smiled\u3000at\u3000the\u3000finality\u3000of\u3000her\u3000statement\u3000and\u3000the\u3000feeling\u3000that\u3000went\u3000with\u3000it\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000can\u3000get\u3000you\u3000out\u3000of\u3000here\u3000fast\uff1b\u3003\u3000Danifae\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003and\u3000I\u3000can\u3000move\u3000Ryld\u3000almost\u3000as\u3000easily\uff1b\u3000but\u3000it\u3000has\u3000to\u3000be\u3000one\u3000at\u3000a\u3000time\u3002\u3000e\u3000with\u3000me\u3000now\uff1b\u3000and\u3000I’ll\u3000go\u3000back\u3000for\u3000the\u3000weapons\u3000master\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Halisstra\u3000studied\u3000her\u3000former\u3000servant’s\u3000face\u3000and\u3000saw\u3000nothing\u3002\u3000Danifae\u3000didn’t\u3000seem\u3000to\u3000be\u3000lying\uff1b\u3000but\u3000at\u3000the\u3000same\u3000time\u3000she\u3000didn’t\u3000seem\u3000to\u3000be\u3000telling\u3000the\u3000truth\u3002\u3000It\u3000was\u3000as\u3000if\u3000all\u3000expression\u3000had\u3000been\u3000sanded\u3000from\u3000her\u3000face\u3002\u3000She\u3000was\u3000blank\uff1b\u3000impenetrable\u3002\u3000That\u3000scared\u3000Halisstra\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003You’ve\u3000trusted\u3000me\u3000this\u3000far\uff1b\u3000Mistress\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Halisstra\u3000registered\u3000the\u3000return\u3000of\u3000the\u3000traditional\u3000title\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Danifae\u3000held\u3000out\u3000a\u3000hand\u3000to\u3000her\u3000former\u3000mistress\uff1b\u3000and\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003Trust\u3000me\uff1b\u3000Halisstra\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Confused\uff1b\u3000the\u3000First\u3000Daughter\u3000of\u3000House\u3000Melarn\u3000shook\u3000her\u3000head\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000former\u3000servant\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003The\u3000longer\u3000we\u3000do\u3000this\uff1b\u3000the\u3000longer\u3000your\u3000weapons\u3000master\u3000fights\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000alone\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000There\u3000was\u3000a\u3000brief\u3000moment\u3000of\u3000silence\u3002\u3000Halisstra\u3000sighed\uff1b\u3000stepped\u3000toward\u3000Danifae\uff1b\u3000and\u3000took\u3000her\u3000hand\u3002\u3000Eilistraee\u3000had\u3000been\u3000pushing\u3000her\u3000along\u3000for\u3000some\u3000time\u3002\u3000Halisstra\u3000knew\u3000that\uff1b\u3000and\u3000she\u3000felt\u3000pushed\u3000again\u3002\u3000She\u3000tried\u3000to\u3000remind\u3000herself\u3000of\u3000what\u3000she’d\u3000told\u3000Ryld\uff1b\u3000that\u3000Eilistraee\u3000was\u3000guiding\u3000her\u3000but\u3000no\u3000goddess\u3000was\u3000guiding\u3000Danifae\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000As\u3000the\u3000interior\u3000of\u3000the\u3000ruined\u3000temple\u3000faded\u3000in\u3000a\u3000wave\u3000of\u3000vertigo\u3000and\u3000purple\u3000light\u3000to\u3000be\u3000replaced\u3000by\u3000a\u3000strange\u3000place\u3000somewhere\u3000that\u3000smelled\u3000and\u3000felt\u3000like\u3000the\u3000Underdark\uff1b\u3000Halisstra\u3000tried\u3000so\u3000hard\u3000to\u3000trust\u3000in\u3000Eilistraee\u3000that\u3000her\u3000head\u3000started\u3000to\u3000hurt\u3002\u3000She\u3000thought\u3000about\u3000Ryld\u3000and\u3000her\u3000eyes\u3000filled\u3000with\u3000tears\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000animal\u3000turned\u3000on\u3000Jeggred\uff1b\u3000and\u3000it\u3000was\u3000all\u3000claws\u3000and\u3000fangs\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000swamp\u3000creature\u3000ripped\u3000a\u3000deep\u3000furrow\u3000in\u3000Jeggred’s\u3000abdomen\u3000with\u3000its\u3000foreclaws\u3002\u3000Blood\u3000welled\u3000up\u3000in\u3000the\u3000wound\u3002\u3000Jeggred\u3000didn’t\u3000flinch\u3000or\u3000cry\u3000out\u3002\u3000Only\u3000a\u3000subtle\u3000narrowing\u3000of\u3000the\u3000half\u2026demon’s\u3000blazing\u3000red\u3000eyes\u3000indicated\u3000he’d\u3000felt\u3000the\u3000cut\u3000at\u3000all\u3002\u3000The\u3000draegloth\u3000stepped\u3000in\uff1b\u3000slashing\u3000with\u3000two\u3000of\u3000his\u3000four\u3000sets\u3000of\u3000claws\uff1b\u3000but\u3000the\u3000cat\u3000leaped\u3000to\u3000the\u3000side\uff1b\u3000avoiding\u3000the\u3000attack\uff1b\u3000and\u3000at\u3000the\u3000same\u3000time\u3000stepped\u3000in\u3000again\uff1b\u3000forcing\u3000Jeggred\u3000to\u3000defend\u3000himself\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000cat\u3000was\u3000making\u3000a\u3000good\u3000showing\u3000of\u3000it\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Ryld\u3000knew\u3000it\u3000was\u3000the\u3000best\u3000chance\u3000he\u3000would\u3000have\u3000to\u3000run\u3002\u3000By\u3000the\u3000time\u3000Jeggred\u3000managed\u3000to\u3000dispatch\u3000the\u3000beast\u2026if\u3000he\u3000was\u3000able\u3000to\u3000at\u3000all\u2026Ryld\u3000could\u3000be\u3000long\u3000gone\u3002\u3000Even\u3000if\u3000he\u3000could\u3000leave\u3000Halisstra\uff1b\u3000wherever\u3000he\u3000went\u3000Jeggred\u3000would\u3000follow\u3002\u3000If\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3000had\u3000been\u3000sent\u3000to\u3000kill\u3000him\uff1b\u3000that’s\u3000what\u3000he\u3000would\u3000do\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000cat\u3000bit\u3000at\u3000Jeggred\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3000moved\u3000his\u3000arm\u3000in\u3000and\u3000allowed\u3000the\u3000creature\u3000to\u3000fasten\u3000its\u3000powerful\u3000jaws\u3000on\u3000his\u3000upper\u3000right\u3000wrist\u3002\u3000The\u3000fangs\u3000dented\u3000the\u3000draegloth’s\u3000skin\u3000but\u3000didn’t\u3000puncture\u3000it\u3002\u3000Smiling\uff1b\u3000steam\u3000pouring\u3000from\u3000his\u3000nostrils\u3000into\u3000the\u3000cold\u3000air\uff1b\u3000Jeggred\u3000drew\u3000the\u3000claws\u3000of\u3000both\u3000of\u3000his\u3000left\u3000hands\u3000along\u3000the\u3000cat’s\u3000flanks\u3002\u3000The\u3000animal\u3000opened\u3000its\u3000mouth\u3000to\u3000howl\u3000in\u3000pain\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000half\u2026demon’s\u3000arm\u3000came\u3000free\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Jeggred\u3000let\u3000the\u3000animal\u3000cut\u3000him\u3002\u3000Four\u3000parallel\u3000lines\u3000of\u3000deep\u3000red\u3000blood\u3000traced\u3000behind\u3000the\u3000cat’s\u3000raking\u3000claws\u3002\u3000The\u3000animal\u3000was\u3000trying\u3000to\u3000hurt\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3000in\u3000any\u3000way\u3000it\u3000could\uff1b\u3000but\u3000it\u3000was\u3000wounded\u3000and\u3000desperate\u3000and\u3000was\u3000making\u3000rash\u3000decisions\u3002\u3000On\u3000the\u3000other\u3000hand\uff1b\u3000Jeggred\u3000only\u3000appeared\u3000feral\u3002\u3000He\u3000was\u3000in\u3000control\u3000of\u3000himself\u3002\u3000Ryld\u3000could\u3000see\u3000it\u3000in\u3000every\u3000twitch\u3000of\u3000the\u3000draegloth’s\u3000eyes\u3000that\u3000anticipated\u3000the\u3000cat’s\u3000attacks\u3000three\u3000or\u3000four\u3000moves\u3000ahead\u3002\u3000Though\u3000the\u3000animal\u3000clawed\u3000him\uff1b\u3000Jeggred\u3000got\u3000in\u3000closer\u3000and\u3000wrapped\u3000one\u3000of\u3000his\u3000bigger\uff1b\u3000stronger\u3000arms\u3000around\u3000the\u3000animal’s\u3000belly\u3002\u3000The\u3000draegloth’s\u3000claws\u3000made\u3000a\u3000popping\u3000sound\u3000when\u3000they\u3000punctured\u3000the\u3000cat’s\u3000flesh\uff1b\u3000then\u3000a\u3000ripping\u3000sound\u3000as\u3000they\u3000opened\u3000its\u3000underside\u3000in\u3000three\u3000deep\uff1b\u3000ragged\u3000incisions\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Things\u3000started\u3000spilling\u3000out\u3000of\u3000the\u3000madly\u3000writhing\u3000animal\u3002\u3000Long\u3000ropes\u3000of\u3000intestines\uff1b\u3000things\u3000that\u3000must\u3000have\u3000been\u3000its\u3000kidneys\uff1b\u3000and\u3000other\u3000organs\u3000rode\u3000a\u3000torrent\u3000of\u3000steaming\u3000blood\u3000onto\u3000the\u3000spongy\u3000moss\u3002\u3000Jeggred\u3000held\u3000the\u3000animal\u3000close\u3000to\u3000him\u3000and\u3000squeezed\u3000until\u3000more\u3000came\u3000out\u3000and\u3000kept\u3000squeezing\u3000until\u3000the\u3000cat\u3000was\u3000dead\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Ryld\u3000stood\u3000a\u3000few\u3000paces\u3000away\uff1b\u3000watching\uff1b\u3000ready\u3002\u3000He\u3000thought\u3000back\u3000on\u3000his\u3000training\u3000and\u3000the\u3000single\u3000overriding\u3000principal\u3000of\u3000defending\u3000against\u3000claws\u3002\u3000Things\u3000with\u3000claws\u2026any\u3000number\u3000of\u3000demons\uff1b\u3000trolls\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000like\u2026stabbed\u3000then\u3000pulled\u3000down\u3002\u3000Claw\u3000attacks\u3000always\u3000came\u3000high\u3000and\u3000ripped\u3000down\u3002\u3000All\u3000he\u3000had\u3000to\u3000do\u3000was\u3000be\u3000ready\u3000for\u3000that\u3002\u3000There\u3000was\u3000the\u3000fact\u3000that\u3000anything\u3000that\u3000attacked\u3000with\u3000claws\u3000would\u3000never\u3000parry\u3002\u3000If\u3000Ryld\u3000set\u3000his\u3000blade\u3000against\u3000Jeggred’s\u3000attack\uff1b\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3000would\u3000avoid\u3000contact\u3000with\u3000the\u3000keen\u3000edge\u3000or\u3000risk\u3000dismemberment\u3002\u3000Ryld\u3000could\u3000use\u3000that\u3000to\u3000his\u3000advantage\u3000simply\u3000by\u3000defending\u3000against\u3000the\u3000draegloth’s\u3000arms\u3000as\u3000if\u3000they\u3000were\u3000swords\u3002\u3000Jeggred\u3000would\u3000be\u3000put\u3000on\u3000the\u3000defensive\u3000by\u3000being\u3000unable\u3000to\u3000defend\uff1b\u3000and\u3000he\u3000wouldn’t\u3000parry\u3000Ryld’s\u3000attacks\uff1b\u3000but\u3000he\u3000would\u3000dodge\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000draegloth\u3000looked\u3000up\u3000from\u3000his\u3000still\u2026quivering\u3000kill\u3000and\u3000bared\u3000his\u3000knifelike\u3000fangs\u3000at\u3000Ryld\u3002\u3000The\u3000weapons\u3000master\u3000stood\u3000his\u3000ground\u3002\u3000He\u3000wasn’t\u3000as\u3000strong\u3000as\u3000Jeggred\uff1b\u3000and\u3000he\u3000might\u3000not\u3000be\u3000as\u3000fast\uff1b\u3000but\u3000he\u3000was\u3000smarter\u3000and\u3000better\u3000trained\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000That\u3000might\u3000be\u3000enough\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Why\u3000are\u3000you\u3000here\uff1f\u3003\u3000Ryld\u3000asked\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3002\u3000\u3003Surely\u3000you\u3000didn’t\u3000e\u3000all\u3000this\u3000way\u3000just\u3000to\u3000save\u3000me\u3000from\u3000that\u3000cat\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000half\u2026demon\uff1b\u3000covered\u3000in\u3000the\u3000animal’s\u3000still\u2026hot\u3000blood\uff1b\u3000was\u3000steaming\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000was\u3000told\u3000things\u3000about\u3000you\uff1b\u3000weapons\u3000master\uff1b\u3003\u3000Jeggred\u3000growled\u3002\u3000\u3003Disturbing\u3000things\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Ryld\u3000held\u3000Splitter\u3000in\u3000both\u3000hands\u3000in\u3000front\u3000of\u3000him\u3000and\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003I\u3000can\u3000only\u3000imagine\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003The\u3000priestess\u3000I\u3000can\u3000understand\uff1b\u3003\u3000said\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3002\u3000He\u3000took\u3000a\u3000wide\uff1b\u3000slow\u3000step\u3000sideways\uff1b\u3000moving\u3000away\u3000from\u3000the\u3000dead\u3000animal\u3002\u3000\u3003They’re\u3000feeling\u3000particularly\u3000betrayed\u3000by\u3000Lolth\u3002\u3000They\u3000seek\u3000power\u3000and\u3000munion\uff1b\u3000so\u3000it\u3000seems\u3000only\u3000fitting\u3000that\u3000if\u3000one\u3000goddess\u3000turns\u3000her\u3000back\u3000on\u3000them\uff1b\u3000they\u3000might\u3000seek\u3000the\u3000embrace\u3000of\u3000another\uff1b\u3000but\u3000you\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000can’t\u3000seek\u3000the\u3000embrace\u3000of\u3000a\u3000goddess\uff1f\u3003\u3000asked\u3000Ryld\uff1b\u3000stalling\u3000as\u3000he\u3000examined\u3000the\u3000half\u2026demon\u3000for\u3000wounds\u3000and\u3000weaknesses\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Why\u3000would\u3000you\uff1b\u3003\u3000asked\u3000the\u3000draegloth\uff1b\u3000\u3003when\u3000you\u3000can\u3000have\u3000the\u3000embrace\u3000of\u3000a\u3000flesh\u3000and\u3000blood\u3000female\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003You\u3000have\u3000me\u3000all\u3000figured\u3000out\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000weapons\u3000master\u3000said\uff1b\u3000surprised\u3000that\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3000seemed\u3000to\u3000have\u3000done\u3000just\u3000that\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003My\u3000mistress\u3000has\uff1b\u3003\u3000Jeggred\u3000said\u3000with\u3000a\u3000shrug\u3002\u3000He\u3000stepped\u3000to\u3000the\u3000side\u3000again\uff1b\u3000beginning\u3000to\u3000circle\u3000Ryld\u3002\u3000\u3003She\u3000even\u3000now\u3000stands\u3000over\u3000the\u3000corpse\u3000of\u3000your\u3000traitor\u3000priestess\u3002\u3000I\u3000get\u3000the\u3000pleasure\u3000of\u3000ending\u3000your\u3000life\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003It’ll\u3000be\u3000a\u3000particularly\u3000painful\u3000and\u3000violent\u3000death\uff1b\u3000no\u3000doubt\uff1b\u3003\u3000Ryld\u3000said\uff1b\u3000irony\u3000absent\u3000from\u3000his\u3000voice\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000draegloth\u3000smiled\uff1b\u3000coughed\u3000out\u3000a\u3000laugh\uff1b\u3000and\u3000charged\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000big\u3000claws\u3000came\u3000in\u3000first\uff1b\u3000high\uff1b\u3000aimed\u3000for\u3000his\u3000chest\u3002\u3000Ryld\u3000whirled\u3000Splitter\u3000in\u3000front\u3000of\u3000him\u3000then\u3000abruptly\u3000stopped\u3000the\u3000blade’s\u3000spin\u3000and\u3000sliced\u3000up\u3000to\u3000parry\u3000the\u3000draegloth’s\u3000right\u3000arm\u3002\u3000As\u3000he\u3000expected\uff1b\u3000Jeggred\u3000drew\u3000his\u3000arm\u3000back\u3000sharply\u3000in\u3000an\u3000effort\u3000to\u3000avoid\u3000the\u3000enchanted\u3000greatsword\u3002\u3000Ryld\u3000quickly\u3000changed\u3000direction\uff1b\u3000tucking\u3000the\u3000blade\u3000in\uff1b\u3000stepping\u3000back\uff1b\u3000and\u3000stabbing\u3000at\u3000the\u3000dodging\u3000half\u2026demon\u3002\u3000The\u3000tip\u3000of\u3000Ryld’s\u3000sword\u3000penetrated\u3000the\u3000draegloth’s\u3000furred\u3000hide\u3000under\u3000his\u3000shoulder\u3000blade\u3000to\u3000a\u3000depth\u3000of\u3000an\u3000inch\u3000or\u3000two\u3002\u3000The\u3000half\u2026demon\uff1b\u3000bleeding\uff1b\u3000hopped\u3000back\uff1b\u3000sliding\u3000off\u3000the\u3000blade\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Ryld\u3000stepped\u3000back\u3000too\uff1b\u3000rolling\u3000the\u3000greatsword\u3000in\u3000both\u3000hands\u3000in\u3000a\u3000slow\u3000figure\u3000eight\u3000in\u3000front\u3000of\u3000him\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Soon\uff1b\u3000one\u3000of\u3000them\u3000would\u3000be\u3000dead\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000
\nChapter\u3000Seventeen
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Where\u3000is\u3000he\uff1f\u3003\u3000Quenthel\u3000asked\uff1b\u3000her\u3000red\u3000eyes\u3000wild\u3000with\u3000barely\u3000contained\u3000fury\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003He’s\u3000gone\u3000to\u3000kill\u3000them\uff1b\u3003\u3000Danifae\u3000answered\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003On\u3000whose\u3000mand\uff1f\u3003\u3000the\u3000high\u3000priestess\u3000asked\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pharaun\u3000pressed\u3000one\u3000of\u3000his\u3000hands\u3000against\u3000the\u3000deck\u3000and\u3000felt\u3000the\u3000pulse\u3000in\u3000a\u3000cluster\u3000of\u3000veins\u3000that\u3000was\u3000growing\u3000there\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000high\u3000priestess\u3000slapped\u3000Danifae\u3000across\u3000the\u3000face\uff1b\u3000but\u3000the\u3000battle\u2026captive\u3000stood\u3000her\u3000ground\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Halisstra\u3000Melarn\u3000and\u3000Ryld\u3000Argith\u3000are\u3000traitors\uff1b\u3003\u3000Danifae\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003They\u3000are\u3000traitors\u3000to\u3000this\u3000expedition\uff1b\u3000traitors\u3000to\u3000Lolth\uff1b\u3000and\u3000traitors\u3000to\u3000drow\u3000civilization\u3002\u3000You\u3000know\u3000that\uff1b\u3000I\u3000know\u3000that\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Jeggred\u3000knows\u3000that\u3002\u3000That’s\u3000why\u3000he’s\u3000there\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003On\u3000your\u3000mand\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000Mistress\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Academy\u3000pressed\uff1b\u3000\u3003not\u3000mine\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003He’s\u3000doing\u3000what\u3000has\u3000to\u3000be\u3000done\uff1b\u3003\u3000Danifae\u3000replied\uff1b\u3000her\u3000voice\u3000finally\u3000showing\u3000some\u3000emotion\uff1a\u3000anger\u3000and\u3000impatience\u3002\u3000\u3003You\u3000weren’t\u3000able\u3000to\u3000give\u3000him\u3000the\u3000order\uff1b\u3000so\u3000I\u3000did\u3000it\u3000for\u3000you\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pharaun\u3000laughed\u3000at\u3000the\u3000exchange\u3000and\u3000at\u3000the\u3000thrill\u3000of\u3000the\u3000ship\u3000reacting\u3000to\u3000his\u3000thoughts\u3000and\u3000touch\u3002\u3000He\u3000found\u3000Danifae’s\u3000hijacking\u3000of\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3000fascinating\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003We\u3000have\u3000the\u3000time\uff1b\u3000Mistress\uff1b\u3003\u3000Pharaun\u3000offered\u3000in\u3000Danifae’s\u3000defense\u2026if\u3000only\u3000for\u3000the\u3000sport\u3000of\u3000it\u3002\u3000\u3003Why\u3000not\u3000let\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3000clean\u3000up\u3000some\u3000messes\uff1f\u3000If\u3000Mistress\u3000Melarn\u3000is\u3000indeed\u3000a\u3000traitor\uff1b\u3000and\u3000after\u3000watching\u3000her\u3000in\u3000the\u3000face\u3000of\u3000Lolth’s\u3000temple\u3000that’s\u3000hardly\u3000a\u3000surprise\uff1b\u3000consider\u3000it\u3000a\u3000favor\u3000from\u3000a\u3000loyal\u3000young\u3000priestess\u3000in\u3000your\u3000service\u3002\u3000Master\u3000Argith\uff1b\u3000on\u3000the\u3000o \n
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\n vor\u3000from\u3000a\u3000loyal\u3000young\u3000priestess\u3000in\u3000your\u3000service\u3002\u3000Master\u3000Argith\uff1b\u3000on\u3000the\u3000other\u3000hand\uff1b\u3000is\u3000likely\u3000not\u3000a\u3000traitor\u3000to\u3000the\u3000City\u3000of\u3000Spiders\u3002\u3000He\u3000lacks\u3000the\u3000necessary\u3000spark\u3000for\u3000rebellion\uff1b\u3000I’m\u3000afraid\u3002\u3000If\u3000you\u3000wish\u3000to\u3000be\u3000concerned\u3000with\u3000anything\u3000it\u3000should\u3000be\u3000that\u3000the\u3000weapons\u3000master\u3000might\u3000actually\u3000kill\u3000your\u3000nephew\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Quenthel\u3000looked\u3000over\u3000at\u3000Pharaun\uff1b\u3000who\u3000met\u3000her\u3000gaze\u3000for\u3000a\u3000moment\u3000then\u3000returned\u3000his\u3000attention\u3000to\u3000the\u3000ship\u3002\u3000The\u3000high\u3000priestess\u3000glanced\u3000at\u3000Danifae\uff1b\u3000who\u3000stood\u3000tall\u3000and\u3000resolute\uff1b\u3000giving\u3000no\u3000ground\u3002\u3000The\u3000Mistress\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Academy\u3000held\u3000her\u3000scourge\u3000in\u3000one\u3000hand\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000vipers\u3000curled\u3000around\u3000the\u3000fingers\u3000of\u3000her\u3000other\u3002\u3000She\u3000looked\u3000down\u3000at\u3000the\u3000vipers\u3000then\u3000back\u3000at\u3000Danifae\u3002\u3000Pharaun\u3000watched\u3000the\u3000whole\u3000thing\u3000while\u3000feeling\u3000the\u3000ship’s\u3000pulse\u3000momentarily\u3000quicken\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Quenthel\u3000took\u3000a\u3000step\u3000away\u3000and\u3000turned\u3000her\u3000back\u3000on\u3000Danifae\uff1b\u3000who\u3000sighed\u3002\u3000Pharaun\u3000thought\u3000the\u3000battle\u2026captive\u3000might\u3000have\u3000been\u3000disappointed\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003That\uff1b\u3003\u3000Danifae\u3000said\u3000to\u3000Quenthel’s\u3000back\uff1b\u3000\u3003is\u3000why\u3000Jeggred\u3000serves\u3000me\u3000now\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000They\u3000began\u3000to\u3000circle\u3000each\u3000other\uff1b\u3000testing\u3000their\u3000steps\u3000on\u3000the\u3000spongy\uff1b\u3000uneven\u3000moss\u3002\u3000Jeggred\u3000looked\u3000down\u3000and\u3000considered\u3000the\u3000puncture\u3000wound\u3002\u3000He\u3000lifted\u3000one\u3000eyebrow\u3000in\u3000a\u3000sort\u3000of\u3000grudging\u3000salute\u3000then\u3000let\u3000his\u3000tongue\u3000unroll\u3000from\u3000his\u3000mouth\u3002\u3000The\u3000black\uff1b\u3000rough\u3000tongue\u3000slowly\u3000licked\u3000the\u3000wound\u3002\u3000When\u3000he\u3000smiled\u3000next\uff1b\u3000Jeggred’s\u3000own\u3000blood\u3000stained\u3000his\u3000razor\u2026sharp\u3000fangs\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Just\u3000keep\u3000your\u3000distance\uff1b\u3000Ryld\u3000told\u3000himself\u3002\u3000Keep\u3000your\u3000distance\u3000and\u3000go\u3000for\u3000the\u3000hands\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000draegloth\u3000charged\u3000again\uff1b\u3000and\u3000again\u3000his\u3000claws\u3000came\u3000in\u3000high\u3000at\u3000first\u3002\u3000Ryld\u3000had\u3000the\u3000wide\uff1b\u3000heavy\u3000blade\u3000of\u3000Splitter\u3000parallel\u3000to\u3000the\u3000ground\u3002\u3000All\u3000he\u3000had\u3000to\u3000do\u3000was\u3000bend\u3000his\u3000knees\uff1b\u3000step\u3000in\uff1b\u3000then\u3000stand\uff1b\u3000and\u3000he\u3000met\u3000the\u3000draegloth’s\u3000descending\u3000rake\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000weapons\u3000master\u3000stepped\u3000into\u3000the\u3000attack\u3000and\u3000parried\u3000precisely\u3000as\u3000if\u3000the\u3000huge\u3000claw\u3000was\u3000a\u3000sword\u3000blade\u3002\u3000Jeggred\u3000brought\u3000his\u3000smaller\u3000claws\u3000down\u3000fast\u3000and\u3000hard\u3000so\u3000that\u3000Ryld\u3000barely\u3000had\u3000to\u3000press\u3000the\u3000parry\u3002\u3000The\u3000draegloth\u3000drove\u3000his\u3000own\u3000arm\u3000down\u3000onto\u3000the\u3000blade\u3002\u3000Ryld\u3000felt\u3000a\u3000tug\uff1b\u3000then\u3000release\u3002\u3000Blood\u3000sprayed\u3002\u3000Jeggred’s\u3000right\uff1b\u3000smaller\u3000hand\u3000tumbled\u3000through\u3000the\u3000air\u3000and\u3000bounced\u3000once\u3000when\u3000it\u3000hit\u3000the\u3000moss\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Ryld\u3000didn’t\u3000allow\u3000himself\u3000the\u3000time\u3000to\u3000celebrate\u3000having\u3000cut\u3000off\u3000one\u3000of\u3000the\u3000draegloth’s\u3000hands\u3002\u3000He\u3000stepped\u3000back\u3000away\u3000from\u3000the\u3000blood\u3000that\u3000was\u3000spraying\u3000from\u3000the\u3000half\u2026demon’s\u3000stump\u3002\u3000Jeggred\u3000screamed\u2026an\u3000unsettling\uff1b\u3000ear\u2026rattling\u3000sound\u2026and\u3000he\u3000started\u3000backing\u3000quickly\u3000away\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Well\u3000aware\u3000that\u3000the\u3000half\u2026demon\u3000could\u3000change\u3000direction\u3000very\u3000quickly\uff1b\u3000Ryld\u3000stepped\u3000back\u3000too\uff1b\u3000though\u3000not\u3000quite\u3000as\u3000far\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003You\u3000will\u3000pay\u3000for\u3000that\u3000with\u3000your\u3000hands\u3000and\u3000feet\uff1b\u3000whelp\uff1b\u3003\u3000Jeggred\u3000hissed\u3000around\u3000clenched\u3000teeth\u3002\u3000\u3003I\u3000was\u3000following\u3000orders\u3000when\u3000I\u3000came\u3000here\u3000to\u3000kill\u3000you\uff1b\u3000but\u3000now\u2026\u3003\u3000he\u3000held\u3000up\u3000the\u3000stump\u3000from\u3000which\u3000blood\u3000was\u3000still\u3000pumping\u2026\u3003it’s\u3000personal\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000A\u3000refreshing\u3000cycle\u3000of\u3000darkness\u3000had\u3000passed\u3000during\u3000which\u3000Gromph\u3000alternated\u3000between\u3000brief\u3000periods\u3000of\u3000Reverie\uff1b\u3000infuriating\u3000sessions\u3000with\u3000the\u3000same\u3000handful\u3000of\u3000winged\u3000halflings\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000casting\u3000of\u3000powerful\u3000divinations\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000darkness\u3000was\u3000a\u3000wele\u3000fort\u3000to\u3000the\u3000archmage’s\u3000light\u2026ravaged\u3000eyes\u3002\u3000He\u3000had\u3000spent\u3000nights\u3000under\u3000the\u3000open\u3000sky\u3000before\u2026though\u3000not\u3000many\u2026and\u3000he\u3000had\u3000seen\u3000stars\u3002\u3000The\u3000stars\u3000in\u3000the\u3000Green\u3000Fields\u3000seemed\u3000a\u3000little\u3000brighter\u3000than\u3000those\u3000visible\u3000from\u3000Faerun\u3002\u3000Gromph\u3000wasn’t\u3000familiar\u3000enough\u3000with\u3000either\u3000to\u3000sense\u3000any\u3000difference\u3000between\u3000the\u3000number\u3000and\u3000positions\u3000of\u3000the\u3000stars\u3000there\u3000and\u3000Faerun’s\uff1b\u3000but\u3000he\u3000knew\u3000they\u3000were\u3000different\u3002\u3000The\u3000Green\u3000Fields\u3000was\u3000a\u3000separate\u3000reality\u3000all\u3000together\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000needle\u2026like\u3000plant\u3000that\u3000covered\u3000the\u3000rolling\u3000hills\u3000was\u3000something\u3000he’d\u3000seen\u3000before\u3000as\u3000well\u3002\u3000In\u3000the\u3000trade\u3000language\u3000of\u3000the\u3000World\u3000Above\u3000it\u3000was\u3000called\u3000\u3003grass\u3002\u3003\u3000The\u3000halflings\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Green\u3000Fields\u3000called\u3000it\u3000\u3003ens\u3003\u3002\u3000There\u3000were\u3000other\u3000things\u3000he’d\u3000seen\u3000before\u3000in\u3000the\u3000World\u3000Above\uff1a\u3000\u3003flowers\uff1b\u3003\u3000\u3003trees\uff1b\u3003\u3000and\u3000things\u3000like\u3000that\u3002\u3000It\u3000made\u3000Gromph\u3000wonder\u3000if\u3000there\u3000was\u3000an\u3000Underdark\u3000of\u3000sorts\u3000somewhere\u3000beneath\u3000his\u3000feet\u2026then\u3000he\u3000reminded\u3000himself\u3000that\u3000he\u3000wouldn’t\u3000be\u3000there\u3000long\u3000enough\u3000to\u3000find\u3000out\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000halflings\u3000he’d\u3000first\u3000encountered\u3000had\u3000all\u3000but\u3000adopted\u3000him\u3002\u3000A\u3000few\u3000of\u3000the\u3000little\u3000folk\u3000seemed\u3000genuinely\u3000happy\u3000to\u3000receive\u3000him\u3002\u3000The\u3000one\u3000who\u3000called\u3000himself\u3000Dietr\u3000and\u3000who\u3000claimed\u3000to\u3000have\u3000been\u3000from\u3000Faerun\u3000was\u3000suspicious\u3000but\u3000wanted\u3000something\u2026something\u3000he\u3000wouldn’t\u3000or\u3000couldn’t\u3000ask\u3000for\u3002\u3000However\u3000they\u3000approached\u3000Gromph\uff1b\u3000all\u3000of\u3000them\u3000were\u3000easy\u3000and\u3000casual\u3000with\u3000each\u3000other\u3002\u3000They\u3000had\u3000a\u3000sense\u3000of\u3000hospitality\u3000and\u3000were\u3000determined\u3000to\u3000help\u3000him\u3002\u3000They\u3000brought\u3000him\u3000food\u3000that\u3000fell\u3000into\u3000one\u3000of\u3000two\u3000categories\uff1a\u3000heavy\u3000and\u3000swimming\u3000in\u3000fragrant\u3000cream\u3000sauces\u3000or\u3000a\u3000confusing\u3000variety\u3000of\u3000sweet\uff1b\u3000fresh\u3000fruit\u3002\u3000Neither\u3000appealed\u3000much\u3000to\u3000Gromph\uff1b\u3000but\u3000he\u3000ate\u3000enough\u3000to\u3000give\u3000him\u3000the\u3000energy\u3000he\u3000needed\u3000to\u3000prepare\u3000spells\u3000and\u3000collect\u3000himself\u3000for\u3000his\u3000return\u3000to\u3000Menzoberranzan\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000hadn’t\u3000moved\u3000far\u3000from\u3000the\u3000spot\u3000at\u3000which\u3000he’d\u3000first\u3000appeared\u3002\u3000The\u3000Green\u3000Fields\u3000seemed\u3000to\u3000be\u3000exactly\u3000that\uff1a\u3000an\u3000endless\u3000open\u3000landscape\u3000of\u3000green\u3000grass\u3000and\u3000other\u3000plants\u3002\u3000Gromph\u3000hadn’t\u3000seen\u3000a\u3000building\u3000of\u3000any\u3000kind\uff1b\u3000and\u3000it\u3000appeared\u3000as\u3000if\u3000the\u3000halflings\u3000lived\u3000out\u3000in\u3000the\u3000open\uff1b\u3000slowly\u3000but\u3000constantly\u3000moving\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000When\u3000the\u3000light\u3000returned\uff1b\u3000Gromph\u3000knew\u3000he\u3000would\u3000have\u3000to\u3000be\u3000on\u3000his\u3000way\u3002\u3000He\u3000cast\u3000the\u3000last\u3000in\u3000a\u3000series\u3000of\u3000divinations\u3000that\u3000would\u3000help\u3000him\u3000not\u3000only\u3000return\u3000to\u3000the\u3000Prime\u3000Material\u3000Plane\u3000but\u3000go\u3000back\u3000to\u3000Toril\uff1b\u3000back\u3000to\u3000the\u3000Underdark\u3000below\u3000Faerun\uff1b\u3000and\u3000back\u3000to\u3000Menzoberranzan\u3000herself\u3002\u3000It\u3000was\u3000no\u3000mean\u3000feat\uff1b\u3000and\u3000certainly\u3000Dyrr\u3000hadn’t\u3000expected\u3000him\u3000to\u3000be\u3000able\u3000to\u3000acplish\u3000it\uff1b\u3000but\u3000then\u3000Dyrr\u3000hadn’t\u3000expected\u3000him\u3000to\u3000break\u3000free\u3000of\u3000the\u3000imprisonment\u3000either\u3002\u3000The\u3000lichdrow’s\u3000insistence\u3000on\u3000underestimating\u3000him\u3000would\uff1b\u3000possibly\uff1b\u3000allow\u3000Gromph\u3000the\u3000luxury\u3000of\u3000beating\u3000him\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000archmage\u3000stood\uff1b\u3000shielding\u3000his\u3000eyes\u3000from\u3000the\u3000pervasive\u3000light\u3000and\u3000watched\u3000Dietr\u3000and\u3000one\u3000of\u3000the\u3000females\u3000approaching\u3000with\u3000another\u3000tray\u3000of\u3000fruit\u3002\u3000Dietr\u3000held\u3000a\u3000waterskin\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003We\u3000thought\u3000you\u3000might\u3000want\u3000breakfast\uff1b\u3003\u3000Dietr\u3000said\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000halfling\u3000looked\u3000at\u3000Gromph\u3000with\u3000that\u3000same\u3000expression\u3000of\u3000vague\u3000hopefulness\u3000and\u3000fear\u3002\u3000The\u3000female\u3000barely\u3000seemed\u3000to\u3000notice\u3000him\u3000at\u3000all\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I’ve\u3000had\u3000enough\u3000of\u3000your\u3000food\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000archmage\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003and\u3000I’m\u3000taking\u3000my\u3000leave\u3000of\u3000your\u3000pointless\u3000expanse\u3002\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000He\u3000waited\u3000for\u3000an\u3000answer\uff1b\u3000but\u3000all\u3000he\u3000got\u3000was\u3000a\u3000squinting\u3000sneer\u3000from\u3000the\u3000winged\u3000female\u3002\u3000Dietr’s\u3000eyes\u3000bounced\u3000back\u3000and\u3000forth\u3000between\u3000them\uff1b\u3000and\u3000his\u3000breathing\u3000grew\u3000shallow\u3000and\u3000expectant\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Leave\u3000me\u3000in\u3000peace\uff1b\u3003\u3000Gromph\u3000manded\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000When\u3000the\u3000two\u3000halflings\u3000didn’t\u3000immediately\u3000turn\u3000to\u3000leave\uff1b\u3000the\u3000archmage\u3000raised\u3000an\u3000eyebrow\u3002\u3000The\u3000female\u3000did\u3000her\u3000best\u3000to\u3000stare\u3000him\u3000down\uff1b\u3000but\u3000her\u3000best\u3000wasn’t\u3000anywhere\u3000near\u3000good\u3000enough\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003You\u3000were\u3000alive\u3000once\uff1b\u3003\u3000Gromph\u3000asked\u3000her\uff1b\u3000\u3003weren’t\u3000you\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Neither\u3000of\u3000the\u3000halflings\u3000responded\u3000right\u3000away\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003This\u3000one\u3003\u2026Gromph\u3000indicated\u3000Dietr\u3000with\u3000a\u3000wave\u3000of\u3000his\u3000hand\u2026\u3003was\u3000a\u3000living\uff1b\u3000material\u3000being\u3000on\u3000Faerun\u3002\u3000Where\u3000did\u3000you\u3000live\u3000before\u3000you\u3000went\u3000to\u3000your\u3000Great\u3000Beyond\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Again\u3000the\u3000female\u3000said\u3000nothing\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I’ll\u3000admit\u3000to\u3000being\u3000curious\uff1b\u3003\u3000Gromph\u3000went\u3000on\u3002\u3000\u3003If\u3000you\u3000died\u3000on\u3000whatever\u3000world\u3000you\u3000came\u3000from\u3000and\u3000your\u3000soul\u3000came\u3000here\u3000to\u3000rest\u3000in\u3000peace\u3000for\u3000all\u3000eternity\uff1b\u3000what\u3000happens\u3000when\u3000I\u3000kill\u3000you\u3000here\uff1f\u3000Does\u3000your\u3000soul\u3000go\u3000somewhere\u3000else\uff1b\u3000or\u3000are\u3000you\u3000consigned\u3000to\u3000oblivion\uff1f\u3000Will\u3000one\u3000of\u3000your\u3000weakling\u3000halfling\u3000godlings\u3000stop\u3000me\uff1f\u3000Even\u3000a\u3000halfling\u3000god\u3000on\u3000his\u3000home\u3000plane\u3000can\u3000be\u3000an\u3000inconvenience\u3000I’m\u3000sure\uff1b\u3000but\u3000it\u3000might\u3000be\u3000amusing\u3000to\u3000make\u3000the\u3000effort\u3000anyway\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003If\u3000you\u3000think\u3000you\u3000can\u3000kill\u3000me\uff1b\u3000interloper\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000female\u3000sneered\uff1b\u3000\u3003try\u3000it\u3000now\u3000or\u3000shut\u3000up\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000smiled\uff1b\u3000and\u3000it\u3000must\u3000have\u3000been\u3000that\u3000expression\u3000that\u3000made\u3000Dietr\u3000finally\u3000step\u3000forward\uff1b\u3000his\u3000hands\u3000held\u3000out\u3000in\u3000a\u3000gesture\u3000of\u3000weak\u3000conciliation\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Easy\uff1b\u3003\u3000he\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003Easy\u3000there\uff1b\u3000everybody\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000laughed\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003That’s\u3000better\uff1b\u3003\u3000said\u3000Dietr\uff1b\u3000a\u3000grin\u3000plastered\u3000across\u3000his\u3000cherubic\u3000face\u3002\u3000\u3003If\u3000the\u3000venerable\u3000drow\u3000would\u3000like\u3000to\u3000leave\uff1b\u3000then\u3000he’s\u3000certainly\u3000free\u3000to\u3000go\u3000on\u3000his\u3000way\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003There\u3000will\u3000be\u3000no\u3000violence\u3000here\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000female\u3000said\uff1b\u3000her\u3000voice\u3000even\u3000and\u3000strong\u3002\u3000\u3003If\u3000I\u3000have\u3000to\u3000blast\u3000you\u3000to\u3000pieces\u3000to\u3000ensure\u3000that\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003We’ve\u3000all\u3000been\u3000blasted\u3000to\u3000pieces\u3000at\u3000least\u3000once\uff1b\u3000haven’t\u3000we\uff1f\u3003\u3000Dietr\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003No\u3000one\u3000wants\u3000to\u3000do\u3000that\u3000again\uff1b\u3000so\u3000let’s\u3000all\u3000be\u3000friends\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000took\u3000a\u3000deep\u3000breath\u3000and\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003I\u3000will\u3000be\u3000leaving\uff1b\u3000but\u3000there\u3000will\u3000be\u3000residual\u3000effects\u3000from\u3000the\u3000gate\uff1b\u3000and\u3000you\u3000won’t\u3000want\u3000to\u3000go\u3000where\u3000I’m\u3000going\u3002\u3000Back\u3000away\u3000or\u3000not\uff1b\u3000I’ll\u3000leave\u3000that\u3000up\u3000to\u3000you\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000female\u3000continued\u3000to\u3000stare\u3000daggers\u3000at\u3000him\uff1b\u3000but\u3000still\u3000she\u3000drifted\u3000the\u3000slightest\u3000bit\u3000back\u3000from\u3000the\u3000archmage\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000looked\u3000her\u3000up\u3000and\u3000down\u3002\u3000She\u3000was\u3000half\u3000his\u3000size\uff1b\u3000and\u3000she\u3000looked\u3000ridiculous\u3002\u3000The\u3000whole\u3000world\u3000looked\u3000ridiculous\u2026the\u3000whole\u3000world\u3000was\u3000ridiculous\u3002\u3000Dyrr\u3000had\u3000sent\u3000him\u3000there\u3000on\u3000purpose\uff1b\u3000and\u3000looking\u3000at\u3000the\u3000winged\u3000halfling\u3000in\u3000her\u3000grass\u2026infested\u3000setting\u3000made\u3000Gromph\u3000angrier\u3000and\u3000angrier\u3000by\u3000the\u3000second\u3002\u3000Dyrr\u3000was\u3000trying\u3000to\u3000get\u3000rid\u3000of\u3000him\uff1b\u3000was\u3000trying\u3000to\u3000dismiss\u3000him\u3000by\u3000sending\u3000him\u3000to\u3000that\u3000pastoral\u3000universe\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Gromph\u3000Baenre\uff1b\u3000Archmage\u3000of\u3000Menzoberranzan\uff1b\u3000would\u3000not\u3000be\u3000dismissed\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Fine\uff1b\u3003\u3000Gromph\u3000said\uff1b\u3000and\u3000he\u3000began\u3000to\u3000cast\u3000his\u3000spell\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000He\u3000was\u3000only\u3000vaguely\u3000aware\u3000of\u3000the\u3000female\u3000moving\u3000farther\u3000away\uff1b\u3000and\u3000he\u3000assumed\u3000that\u3000Dietr\u3000was\u3000doing\u3000the\u3000same\u3000thing\u3002\u3000The\u3000words\u3000of\u3000the\u3000spell\u3000came\u3000easily\u3000enough\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000gestures\u3000went\u3000smoothly\u3000from\u3000one\u3000to\u3000another\u3002\u3000There\u3000was\u3000a\u3000part\u3000of\u3000the\u3000spell\u3000that\u3000few\u3000of\u3000the\u3000experienced\u3000casters\u3000who’d\u3000ever\u3000done\u3000it\u3000knew\u3000could\u3000be\u3000manipulated\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Gromph\u3000began\u3000to\u3000maneuver\u3000it\u3002\u3000He\u3000wo \n
\n \n
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\n rienced\u3000casters\u3000who’d\u3000ever\u3000done\u3000it\u3000knew\u3000could\u3000be\u3000manipulated\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Gromph\u3000began\u3000to\u3000maneuver\u3000it\u3002\u3000He\u3000wove\u3000into\u3000the\u3000spell\u3000a\u3000subtle\u3000modification\u3000that\u3000would\u3000take\u3000him\u3000precisely\u3000where\u3000he\u3000wanted\u3000to\u3000go\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000He\u3000finished\u3000and\u3000could\u3000feel\u3000himself\u3000falling\u3000backward\u3000out\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Green\u3000Fields\u2026and\u3000he\u3000felt\u3000a\u3000hand\u3000on\u3000his\u3000arm\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000There\u3000was\u3000light\u3000everywhere\u3000but\u3000it\u3000wasn’t\u3000too\u3000bright\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000There\u3000was\u3000sound\u3000ing\u3000from\u3000all\u3000around\u3000him\u3000but\u3000it\u3000wasn’t\u3000too\u3000loud\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000There\u3000were\u3000colors\u3000in\u3000the\u3000air\u3000but\u3000they\u3000weren’t\u3000too\u3000vibrant\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000They\u3000were\u3000moving\u3000in\u3000every\u3000direction\u3000at\u3000once\u3000but\u3000not\u3000too\u3000fast\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000They\u3000appeared\u3000in\u3000Menzoberranzan\uff1b\u3000their\u3000feet\u3000on\u3000solid\u3000rock\uff1b\u3000their\u3000eyes\u3000forted\u3000by\u3000the\u3000gloom\u3000lit\u3000by\u3000faerie\u3000fire\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000turned\u3000and\u3000looked\u3000at\u3000the\u3000halfling\u3002\u3000He\u3000was\u3000naked\uff1b\u3000shaking\uff1b\u3000his\u3000wings\u3000were\u3000gone\uff1b\u3000and\u3000he\u3000looked\u3000older\uff1b\u3000smaller\uff1b\u3000and\u3000weaker\u3002\u3000His\u3000eyes\u3000were\u3000red\uff1b\u3000his\u3000skin\u3000dry\u3000and\u3000yellow\u3002\u3000His\u3000face\uff1b\u3000twisted\u3000in\u3000a\u3000rictus\u3000of\u3000suffering\uff1b\u3000revealed\u3000gray\uff1b\u3000decaying\u3000teeth\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000With\u3000a\u3000sigh\uff1b\u3000the\u3000archmage\u3000turned\u3000to\u3000survey\u3000his\u3000surroundings\u3002\u3000It\u3000was\u3000Menzoberranzan\u2026the\u3000Bazaar\u3002\u3000He’d\u3000made\u3000it\u3002\u3000There\u3000weren’t\u3000many\u3000drow\u3000in\u3000the\u3000streets\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000few\u3000who\u3000were\u3000there\u3000recognized\u3000the\u3000archmage\u3000immediately\u3002\u3000The\u3000smart\u3000ones\u3000scattered\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Nauzhror\uff1b\u3000Gromph\u3000thought\uff1b\u3000sending\u3000the\u3000name\u3000along\u3000the\u3000Weave\u3000to\u3000the\u3000Baenre\u3000wizard\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000After\u3000a\u3000tense\u3000moment\u3000of\u3000silence\u3000a\u3000voice\u3000echoed\u3000in\u3000Gromph’s\u3000mind\uff1a\u3000Archmage\u3002\u3000It\u3000is\u3000gratifying\u3000to\u3000hear\u3000you\u3000again\u3002\u3000Wele\u3000back\u3000to\u3000Menzoberranzan\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000It\u3000was\u3000Nauzhror\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Before\u3000he\u3000could\u3000reply\uff1b\u3000Gromph\u3000was\u3000distracted\u3000by\u3000a\u3000high\u2026pitched\u3000whine\u3002\u3000He\u3000looked\u3000down\u3000at\u3000the\u3000desiccated\u3000halfling\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003You\u3000are\u3000a\u3000fool\uff1b\u3003\u3000Gromph\u3000said\u3000to\u3000Dietr\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000halfling\u3000cowered\u3000from\u3000his\u3000gaze\u3000and\u3000quivered\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000didn’t\u3000ask\u3000you\u3000to\u3000e\u3000with\u3000me\uff1b\u3003\u3000Gromph\u3000added\uff1b\u3000\u3003and\u3000you\u3000don’t\u3000belong\u3000here\u3000any\u3000more\u3000than\u3000I\u3000belonged\u3000in\u3000the\u3000Green\u3000Fields\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000wanted\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3003\u3000the\u3000halfling\u3000began\u3000then\u3000coughed\u3002\u3000Dust\u3000puffed\u3000from\u3000his\u3000throat\u3002\u3000\u3003I\u3000wanted\u3000to\u3000live\u3000again\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Why\uff1f\u3003\u3000Gromph\u3000asked\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003My\u3000mother\u3002\u3000She\u3000has\u3000been\u3000attending\u3000seances\u3000to\u3000contact\u3000me\u3002\u3000She\u3000has\u3000no\u3000other\u3000family\u3000and\u3000needs\u3000me\u3000to\u3000support\u3000her\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000laughed\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003It’s\u3000not\u3000funny\uff1b\u3003\u3000Dietr\u3000said\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000laughed\u3000more\u3000then\u3000cast\u3000a\u3000spell\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003An\u3000amusing\u3000diversion\uff1b\u3000traitor\uff1b\u3003\u3000he\u3000said\u3000into\u3000the\u3000air\uff1b\u3000\u3003but\u3000a\u3000temporary\u3000one\u3002\u3000We’ll\u3000finish\u3000it\u3000in\u3000the\u3000Bazaar\u3002\u3000Now\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000He\u3000still\u3000had\u3000ten\u3000words\u3000left\u3000in\u3000the\u3000spell\u3000but\u3000had\u3000nothing\u3000more\u3000to\u3000say\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000lichdrow\u3000has\u3000been\u3000hiding\u3000in\u3000House\u3000Agrach\u3000Dyrr\uff1b\u3000Nauzhror\u3000sent\u3002\u3000The\u3000siege\u3000continues\u3000at\u3000a\u3000stalemate\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000don’t\u3000understand\uff1b\u3003\u3000Dietr\u3000said\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000turned\u3000to\u3000look\u3000down\u3000at\u3000the\u3000halfling\u3000again\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Can\u3000you\u3000get\u3000me\u3000home\uff1f\u3003\u3000Dietr\u3000asked\u3002\u3000\u3003Can\u3000you\u3000send\u3000me\u3000back\u3000to\u3000Luiren\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000raised\u3000an\u3000eyebrow\u3000at\u3000the\u3000little\u3000creature’s\u3000audacity\u3000then\u3000slid\u3000his\u3000tongue\u3000around\u3000a\u3000quick\u3000divination\u3002\u3000Obvious\u3000as\u3000it\u3000was\u3000by\u3000the\u3000halfling’s\u3000appearance\uff1b\u3000it\u3000didn’t\u3000hurt\u3000to\u3000be\u3000certain\u3002\u3000The\u3000spell\u3000revealed\u3000a\u3000telltale\u3000glow\u3000around\u3000the\u3000slight\u3000humanoid\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Where\u3000have\u3000you\u3000been\uff1f\u3000Nauzhror\u3000asked\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Nowhere\u3000I’d\u3000like\u3000to\u3000visit\u3000again\uff1b\u3000he\u3000replied\uff1b\u3000but\u3000someone’s\u3000e\u3000back\u3000with\u3000me\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000I\u3000see\uff1b\u3000said\u3000Nauzhror\u3002\u3000The\u3000gate\u3000effect\u3000seems\u3000to\u3000have\u3000given\u3000him\u3000some\u3000kind\u3000of\u3000physical\u3000form\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000But\u3000he\u3000died\u3000on\u3000this\u3000plane\uff1b\u3000Gromph\u3000added\uff1b\u3000so\u3000when\u3000he\u3000came\u3000back\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Yes\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000archmage\u3000finally\u3000answered\u3000the\u3000halfling\u3002\u3000\u3003I\u3000can\u3000take\u3000you\u3000anywhere\u3000you\u3000want\u3000to\u3000go\u3002\u3000Of\u3000course\uff1b\u3000I\u3000won’t\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000halfling\u3000shook\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Gromph\u3000thought\u3000he\u3000could\u3000actually\u3000hear\u3000the\u3000creature’s\u3000bones\u3000rattle\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Please\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\uff1f\u3003\u3000the\u3000halfling\u3000whimpered\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Your\u3000mother\u3000will\u3000not\u3000be\u3000happy\u3000to\u3000see\u3000you\uff1b\u3000Dietr\uff1b\u3003\u3000Gromph\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003You\u3000died\u3002\u3000Remember\uff1f\u3000You\u3000came\u3000back\u3000to\u3000this\u3000world\u3000unbidden\u3002\u3000You\u3000came\u3000back\u3000as\u3000a\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000It\u3000is\u3000a\u3000huecuva\uff1b\u3000Nauzhror\u3000provided\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003An\u3000undead\u3000creature\uff1b\u3003\u3000Gromph\u3000said\u3000to\u3000the\u3000halfling\u3002\u3000\u3003You’re\u3000a\u3000huecuva\u3002\u3000Do\u3000you\u3000know\u3000what\u3000that\u3000is\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000halfling\u3000shook\u3000his\u3000head\uff1b\u3000terror\u3000plain\u3000in\u3000his\u3000bloodshot\u3000eyes\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\uff1b\u3000my\u3000young\u3000friend\uff1b\u3000the\u3000lichdrow’s\u3000voice\u3000reverberated\u3000in\u3000the\u3000wizard’s\u3000head\uff1b\u3000wele\u3000back\u3002\u3000Of\u3000course\u3000I\u3000accept\u3000your\u3000gracious\u3000invitation\u3002\u3000It\u3000will\u3000be\u3000my\u3000honor\u3000to\u3000attend\u3000you\u3000on\u3000your\u3000last\u3000day\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000nodded\uff1b\u3000mumbled\u3000through\u3000a\u3000simple\u3000necromancy\uff1b\u3000and\u3000directed\u3000it\u3000at\u3000the\u3000halfling\u3002\u3000The\u3000archmage\u3000felt\u3000the\u3000undead\u3000creature\u3000e\u3000under\u3000his\u3000control\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Stand\u3000up\u3000straight\uff1b\u3003\u3000Gromph\u3000manded\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Dietr\u3000instantly\u3000plied\uff1b\u3000though\u3000it\u3000seemed\u3000to\u3000cause\u3000him\u3000some\u3000disfort\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000cast\u3000another\u3000spell\u3000on\u3000him\uff1b\u3000one\u3000that\u3000set\u3000a\u3000flicker\u3000of\u3000magical\u3000fire\u3000playing\u3000over\u3000the\u3000halfling’s\u3000dead\u3000flesh\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003No\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3003\u3000the\u3000halfling\u3000muttered\u3002\u3000\u3003Please\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000tightened\u3000his\u3000grip\u3000on\u3000his\u3000staff\u3000and\u3000conjured\u3000a\u3000globe\u3000of\u3000protective\u3000force\u3000around\u3000himself\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Please\u3000don’t\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3003\u3000the\u3000huecuva\u3000pleaded\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000looked\u3000around\u3000the\u3000Bazaar\u2026abandoned\u3000tents\u3000and\u3000stalls\uff1b\u3000most\u3000with\u3000their\u3000wares\u3000secured\u3000under\u3000lock\u3000and\u3000key\uff1b\u3000and\u3000a\u3000few\u3000curious\u3000drow\u3000eyes\u3000watching\u3000from\u3000safe\u3000places\u3000in\u3000the\u3000surrounding\u3000stalactites\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Won’t\u3000you\u3000please\u3000just\u3000let\u3000me\u2026\uff1f\u3003\u3000Dietr\u3000begged\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Silence\uff1b\u3003\u3000Gromph\u3000said\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000halfling\u3000was\u3000pelled\u3000to\u3000obey\u3002\u3000\u3003You\u3000decided\u3000to\u3000e\u3000through\u3000with\u3000me\uff1b\u3000Dietr\uff1b\u3000and\u3000now\u3000you’re\u3000in\u3000Menzoberranzan\uff1b\u3000not\u3000Luiren\u3002\u3000In\u3000Menzoberranzan\uff1b\u3000undead\u3000are\u3000property\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000huecuva’s\u3000mouth\u3000worked\u3000in\u3000silence\uff1b\u3000and\u3000his\u3000skin\u3000crawled\u3000over\u3000his\u3000bones\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000felt\u3000something\uff1b\u3000a\u3000presence\uff1b\u3000and\u3000quickly\u3000scanned\u3000the\u3000Bazaar\u3000again\u3002\u3000At\u3000the\u3000far\u3000end\u3000of\u3000the\u3000wide\u3000thoroughfare\u3000was\u3000a\u3000splash\u3000of\u3000green\u3000light\u3002\u3000The\u3000spell\u3000he’d\u3000cast\u3000on\u3000Dietr\u3000continued\u3000to\u3000give\u3000Gromph\u3000the\u3000ability\u3000to\u3000see\u3000a\u3000distinctive\u3000aura\u3000around\u3000undead\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000green\u3000light\u3000was\u3000just\u3000such\u3000an\u3000emanation\uff1b\u3000but\u3000all\u3000Gromph\u3000saw\u3000was\u3000the\u3000aura\u2026a\u3000smudge\u3000of\u3000green\u3000light\u3000surrounding\u3000empty\u3000space\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000rushed\u3000through\u3000another\u3000incantation\uff1b\u3000leaning\u3000his\u3000staff\u3000against\u3000his\u3000chest\u3000so\u3000he\u3000could\u3000use\u3000both\u3000hands\u3000to\u3000work\u3000the\u3000magic\u3002\u3000Twisting\u3000tendrils\u3000of\u3000blue\u2026hot\u3000flame\u3000leaped\u3000from\u3000his\u3000fingertips\uff1b\u3000growing\u3000as\u3000they\u3000made\u3000their\u3000way\u3000unerringly\u3000at\u3000the\u3000green\u3000shadow\u3002\u3000The\u3000fire\u3000shuddered\u3000in\u3000the\u3000air\u3000and\u3000was\u3000drawn\u3000thin\u3002\u3000It\u3000poured\u3000into\u3000a\u3000spot\u3000at\u3000the\u3000top\u3000of\u3000the\u3000shadow\u3000and\u3000disappeared\u3000into\u3000it\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000crown\uff1b\u3000Nauzhror\u3000sighed\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Stand\u3000in\u3000front\u3000of\u3000me\uff1b\u3003\u3000Gromph\u3000said\u3000to\u3000the\u3000halfling\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000huecuva\u3000did\u3000precisely\u3000as\u3000he\u3000was\u3000told\uff1b\u3000even\u3000as\u3000the\u3000wave\u3000of\u3000blue\u3000fire\u3000shot\u3000back\u3000at\u3000Gromph\u3002\u3000The\u3000flames\u3000hit\u3000the\u3000halfling\u3000full\u3000in\u3000the\u3000chest\uff1b\u3000and\u3000activated\u3000the\u3000protective\u3000spell\u3000Gromph\u3000had\u3000cast\u3000on\u3000him\u3002\u3000The\u3000blue\u3000fire\u3000was\u3000replaced\u3000by\u3000a\u3000flash\u3000of\u3000red\u2026orange\u3000that\u3000carried\u3000back\u3000along\u3000the\u3000path\u3000of\u3000the\u3000reflected\u3000spell\u3002\u3000The\u3000green\u3000shadow\u3000was\u3000replaced\u3000by\u3000the\u3000fully\u3000revealed\u3000form\u3000of\u3000the\u3000lichdrow\u3000Dyrr\uff1b\u3000who\u3000was\u3000no\u3000longer\u3000invisible\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000fire\u3000from\u3000the\u3000huecuva’s\u3000defensive\u3000aura\u3000burned\u3000the\u3000lich\uff1b\u3000making\u3000Gromph\u3000smile\u3002\u3000He\u3000looked\u3000at\u3000the\u3000halfling\u3000and\u3000saw\u3000that\u3000Dietr\u3000was\u3000smoking\uff1b\u3000his\u3000dead\u3000flesh\u3000smoldering\u3002\u3000His\u3000face\u3000was\u3000twisted\u3000with\u3000agony\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Go\uff1b\u3003\u3000Gromph\u3000manded\u3002\u3000\u3003Kill\u3000the\u3000lich\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Dyrr\u3000cast\u3000a\u3000spell\u3000on\u3000him\uff1b\u3000but\u3000Gromph’s\u3000defenses\u3000proved\u3000capable\u3000of\u3000turning\u3000it\u3000away\u3002\u3000It\u3000made\u3000the\u3000archmage\u3000a\u3000little\u3000dizzy\uff1b\u3000and\u3000that\u3000was\u3000all\u3002\u3000Dietr\u3000staggered\u3000forward\uff1b\u3000reluctant\u3000but\u3000pelled\u3000to\u3000act\u3002\u3000He\u3000wasn’t\u3000moving\u3000fast\u3000enough\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Kill\u3000the\u3000lich\uff1b\u3003\u3000Gromph\u3000called\u3000after\u3000him\uff1b\u3000\u3003and\u3000I’ll\u3000send\u3000you\u3000home\u3000to\u3000your\u3000mother\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Dietr\u3000believed\u3000the\u3000lie\u3000and\u3000broke\u3000into\u3000a\u3000run\u3002\u3000Dyrr\u3000moved\u3000up\u3000to\u3000meet\u3000him\u3000and\u3000raked\u3000a\u3000clawed\u3000hand\u3000across\u3000the\u3000huecuva’s\u3000face\u3002\u3000Red\u2026orange\u3000fire\u3000flared\u3000at\u3000the\u3000touch\uff1b\u3000blowing\u3000blistering\u3000heat\u3000into\u3000the\u3000lichdrow’s\u3000masked\u3000face\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Dyrr\u3000threw\u3000up\u3000an\u3000arm\uff1b\u3000but\u3000the\u3000damage\u3000had\u3000been\u3000done\u3002\u3000He\u3000roared\uff1b\u3000frustrated\u3000and\u3000angry\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000was\u3000already\u3000working\u3000his\u3000next\u3000spell\u3002\u3000Before\u3000Dyrr\u3000could\u3000strike\u3000again\uff1b\u3000it\u3000took\u3000effect\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000lichdrow’s\u3000arm\u3000stopped\u3000in\u3000mid\u2026swipe\u3002\u3000Gromph\u3000hadn’t\u3000quite\u3000expected\u3000the\u3000spell\u3000to\u3000work\uff1b\u3000but\u3000it\u3000had\u3002\u3000Dyrr\u3000was\u3000frozen\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Take\u3000me\u3000home\uff01\u3003\u3000the\u3000undead\u3000halfling\u3000shrieked\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000He\u3000raked\u3000his\u3000own\u3000set\u3000of\u3000undead\u3000talons\u3000across\u3000Dyrr’s\u3000sunken\u3000cheeks\u3002\u3000The\u3000frozen\u3000lichdrow\u3000growled\u3000at\u3000the\u3000pain\u3000and\u3000humiliation\u3000of\u3000the\u3000wound\u3000and\u3000was\u3000able\u3000to\u3000move\u3000again\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Taking\u3000advantage\u3000of\u3000Dyrr’s\u3000misdirected\u3000rage\u3000at\u3000the\u3000huecuva\uff1b\u3000Gromph\u3000channeled\u3000the\u3000energy\u3000of\u3000a\u3000minor\u3000divination\u3000into\u3000a\u3000blast\u3000of\u3000arcane\u3000fire\u3002\u3000He\u3000sent\u3000the\u3000silvery\u3000light\u3000pouring\u3000over\u3000the\u3000lichdrow\u3000and\u3000had\u3000to\u3000close\u3000his\u3000own\u3000eyes\u3000against\u3000its\u3000brilliance\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Dyrr\u3000had\u3000been\u3000casting\u3000a\u3000spell\u2026likely\u3000one\u3000that\u3000would\u3000have\u3000blasted\u3000Dietr\u3000to\u3000flinders\u2026but\u3000the\u3000arcane\u3000fire\u3000took\u3000him\u3000full\u3000in\u3000the\u3000face\u3002\u3000His\u3000spell\u3000was\u3000ruined\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000lichdrow\u3000was\u3000burned\u3000again\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000You’re\u3000hurting\u3000him\uff1b\u3000Grendan\u3000said\u3000into\u3000Gromph’s\u3000mind\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Dietr\u3000struck\u3000again\uff1b\u3000digging\u3000a\u3000deep\u3000furrow\u3000into\u3000the\u3000lichdrow’s\u3000forearm\u3002\u3000Thick\uff1b\u3000dead\u3000blood\u3000oozed\u3000slowly\u3000from\u3000the\u3000wound\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000lichdrow\u3000looked\u3000at\u3000Gromph\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000archmage\u3000could\u3000see\u3000in\u3000his\u3000undead\u3000eyes\u3000that\u3000he\u3000was\u3000hurt\uff1b\u3000and\u3000hurt\u3000badly\u3002\u3000Gromph\u3000smiled\uff1b\u3000and\u2026
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Dietr\u3000exploded\u3000in\u3000a\u3000shower\u3000of\u3000black\u3000fire\uff1b\u3000dead\u3000flesh\uff1b\u3000and\u3000yellowed\u3000bones\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000What’s\u3000happening\uff1f\u3000Nauzhror\u3000asked\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000sphere\u3000of\u3000magical\u3000energy\u3000that\u3000surrounded\u3000Gromph\u3000winked\u3000out\u2026its\u3000magic\u3000spent\u2026as\u3000the\u3000archmage\u3000realized\u3000that\u3000the\u3000black\u3000fire\u3000that\u3000had\u3000destroyed\u3000his\u3000huecuva\u3000hadn’t\u3000e\u3000from\u3000Dyrr\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000lichdrow\u3000looked\u3000up\u3000into\u3000the\u3000air\u3000over\u3000the\u3000Bazaar\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Gromph\u3000followed\u3000his\u3000gaze\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Nimor\u3000Imphraezl\u3000hung\u3000suspended\u3000on\u3000batlike\u3000wings\u3000a\u3000dozen\u3000yards\u3000above\u3000the\u3000floor\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Bazaar\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Wings\uff1f\u3000Gromph\u3000thought\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000I\u3000knew\u3000he\u3000was\u3000no\u3000true\u3000drow\uff1b\u3000said\u3000Nauzhror\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Well\uff1b\u3003\u3000Nimor\u3000said\u3000to\u3000the\u3000lich\uff1b\u3000his\u3000voice\u3000deeper\uff1b\u3000weightier\u3000than\u3000Gromph\u3000remembered\uff1b\u3000\u3003seems\u3000you\u3000need\u3000me\u3000after\u3000all\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000
\nChapter\u3000Eighteen
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Ryld\u3000stood\u3000knee\u2026deep\u3000in\u3000the\u3000freezing\u3000w \n
\n \n
\n
\n
\n \u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Well\uff1b\u3003\u3000Nimor\u3000said\u3000to\u3000the\u3000lich\uff1b\u3000his\u3000voice\u3000deeper\uff1b\u3000weightier\u3000than\u3000Gromph\u3000remembered\uff1b\u3000\u3003seems\u3000you\u3000need\u3000me\u3000after\u3000all\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000
\nChapter\u3000Eighteen
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Ryld\u3000stood\u3000knee\u2026deep\u3000in\u3000the\u3000freezing\u3000water\u3000of\u3000the\u3000cold\u3000swamp\u3002\u3000Jeggred\u3000was\u3000nowhere\u3000to\u3000be\u3000seen\u3002\u3000The\u3000constant\u3000noise\u3000made\u3000it\u3000hard\u3000to\u3000pick\u3000out\u3000the\u3000sound\u3000of\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3000moving\uff1b\u3000The\u3000strange\u3000smells\u3000masked\u3000Jeggred’s\u3000rancid\u3000breath\u3002\u3000The\u3000pinpoint\u3000stars\u3000and\u3000the\u3000odd\u3000patch\u3000of\u3000bioluminescence\u3000made\u3000it\u3000impossible\u3000to\u3000see\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3000in\u3000the\u3000cold\u3000water\u3000and\u3000thick\u3000vegetation\u3002\u3000The\u3000faerie\u3000fire\u3000the\u3000strange\u3000swamp\u3000cat\u3000had\u3000cast\u3000on\u3000him\u3000had\u3000long\u3000since\u3000faded\u3000away\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000He\u3000saw\u3000things\u3000moving\u3000in\u3000the\u3000water\u3000from\u3000time\u3000to\u3000time\uff1b\u3000mostly\u3000snakes\uff1b\u3000but\u3000no\u3000disturbances\u3000big\u3000enough\u3000to\u3000be\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3002\u3000Something\u3000slid\u3000past\u3000his\u3000leg\uff1b\u3000but\u3000there\u3000was\u3000no\u3000sign\u3000on\u3000the\u3000slime\u2026covered\u3000surface\u3000that\u3000anything\u3000had\u3000passed\u3000by\u3002\u3000It\u3000was\u3000definitely\u3000something\u3000alive\uff1b\u3000but\u3000it\u3000couldn’t\u3000possibly\u3000be\u3000Jeggred\u3002\u3000It\u3000didn’t\u3000touch\u3000him\u3000again\uff1b\u3000whatever\u3000it\u3000was\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Careful\u3000with\u3000each\u3000step\uff1b\u3000Ryld\u3000made\u3000his\u3000way\u3000across\u3000the\u3000swamp\u3000much\u3000more\u3000slowly\u3000than\u3000he’d\u3000hoped\u3002\u3000The\u3000thin\u3000coating\u3000of\u3000bright\u3000green\u3000algae\u3000that\u3000covered\u3000the\u3000water\u3000made\u3000it\u3000impossible\u3000for\u3000the\u3000weapons\u3000master\u3000to\u3000see\u3000his\u3000feet\u3002\u3000With\u3000each\u3000step\u3000his\u3000boot\u3000met\u3000some\u3000resistance\uff1a\u3000a\u3000rock\uff1b\u3000something\u3000soft\uff1b\u3000something\u3000that\u3000might\u3000have\u3000been\u3000alive\uff1b\u3000something\u3000that\u3000was\u3000solid\u3000and\u3000round\u3000like\u3000a\u3000quarterstaff\u2026there\u3000were\u3000a\u3000lot\u3000of\u3000those\u2026and\u3000something\u3000sharp\u3000like\u3000a\u3000dagger\u3000blade\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000A\u3000bubble\u3000as\u3000big\u3000as\u3000Ryld’s\u3000fist\u3000slowly\u3000expanded\u3000on\u3000the\u3000surface\u3000a\u3000few\u3000feet\u3000in\u3000front\u3000of\u3000him\uff1b\u3000sat\u3000there\u3000for\u3000a\u3000few\u3000seconds\uff1b\u3000then\u3000popped\u3002\u3000Ryld\u3000stopped\u3000and\u3000watched\u3000it\u3000and\u3000winced\u3000when\u3000the\u3000smell\u3000of\u3000the\u3000air\u3000that\u3000had\u3000been\u3000trapped\u3000in\u3000the\u3000bubble\u3000finally\u3000wafted\u3000past\u3000his\u3000nose\u3002\u3000The\u3000smell\u3000was\u3000reminiscent\u3000of\u3000the\u3000draegloth’s\u3000horrid\u3000breath\uff1b\u3000but\u3000it\u3000was\u3000different\u3000enough\u3000that\u3000Ryld\u3000was\u3000sure\u3000that\u3000it\u3000wasn’t\u3000Jeggred\u3000who’d\u3000sent\u3000up\u3000the\u3000bubble\u2026and\u3000it\u3000wasn’t\u3000the\u3000first\u3000such\u3000bubble\u3000he’d\u3000seen\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Ryld\u3000stepped\u3000forward\uff1b\u3000his\u3000foot\u3000again\u3000brushing\u3000past\u3000some\u3000hard\u3000object\u3000below\u3000the\u3000water\u3002\u3000He\u3000used\u3000a\u3000Melee\u2026Magthere\u3000technique\u3000to\u3000slow\u3000his\u3000breathing\u3000and\u3000steady\u3000the\u3000shivering\u3000that\u3000threatened\u3000to\u3000slow\u3000his\u3000reaction\u3000time\u3002\u3000He\u3000could\u3000see\u3000his\u3000breath\u3000condensing\u3000in\u3000the\u3000air\u3000in\u3000front\u3000of\u3000him\u3000in\u3000puffs\u3000of\u3000white\u3000steam\u3000when\u3000he\u3000exhaled\uff1b\u3000the\u3000air\u3000cold\u3000enough\u3000to\u3000make\u3000his\u3000teeth\u3000sting\u3000when\u3000he\u3000inhaled\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000An\u3000explosion\u3000of\u3000water\u3000doused\u3000his\u3000face\u3000and\u3000made\u3000him\u3000close\u3000his\u3000eyes\u3002\u3000The\u3000water\u3000was\u3000thick\u3000with\u3000slime\u3000and\u3000grainy\u3000bits\u3000of\u3000something\u2026Ryld\u3000couldn’t\u3000even\u3000guess\u3000what\u3002\u3000His\u3000eyes\u3000blazed\u3000with\u3000flashes\u3000of\u3000yellow\u3000light\u3000and\u3000pain\u3000that\u3000made\u3000his\u3000jaw\u3000tense\u3002\u3000Still\uff1b\u3000he\u3000brought\u3000his\u3000sword\u3000up\u3000in\u3000front\u3000of\u3000him\u3000and\u3000slashed\u3000twice\u3000at\u3000whatever\u3000it\u3000was\u3000that\u3000had\u3000splashed\u3000him\u3002\u3000His\u3000blade\u3000met\u3000no\u3000resistance\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000From\u3000much\u3000farther\u3000below\uff1b\u3000a\u3000set\u3000of\u3000claws\u3000grabbed\u3000at\u3000his\u3000left\u3000thigh\uff1b\u3000punctured\uff1b\u3000then\u3000pulled\u3000down\u3002\u3000The\u3000claws\u3000dragged\u3000deep\uff1b\u3000ragged\u3000furrows\u3000in\u3000his\u3000skin\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Ryld\u3000could\u3000feel\u3000the\u3000heat\u3000of\u3000his\u3000own\u3000blood\u3000soaking\u3000his\u3000leg\u3000then\u3000cooling\u3000when\u3000it\u3000mixed\u3000with\u3000the\u3000cold\u3000water\u3000of\u3000the\u3000swamp\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Stepping\u3000back\u3000and\u3000stabbing\u3000down\uff1b\u3000Ryld\u3000tripped\u3000over\u3000something\u3000in\u3000the\u3000water\u3000that\u3000felt\u3000like\u3000a\u3000length\u3000of\u3000petrified\u3000rope\u3002\u3000Though\u3000he\u3000did\u3000his\u3000best\u3000to\u3000judge\u3000where\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3000must\u3000have\u3000been\u3000to\u3000have\u3000clawed\u3000him\u3000like\u3000that\uff1b\u3000Splitter\u3000sank\u3000into\u3000the\u3000spongy\u3000ground\u3000under\u3000the\u3000water\uff1b\u3000never\u3000touching\u3000Jeggred\u3002\u3000Ryld\u3000fell\u3000backward\u3000until\u3000the\u3000water\u3000wrapped\u3000him\u3000in\u3000its\u3000freezing\u3000embrace\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000draegloth’s\u3000next\u3000attack\u3000pushed\u3000one\u3000of\u3000Ryld’s\u3000arms\u3000off\u3000the\u3000pommel\u3000of\u3000his\u3000greatsword\u3000and\u3000flipped\u3000it\u3000out\u3000to\u3000his\u3000side\u3002\u3000Another\u3000set\u3000of\u3000deep\u3000cuts\u3000appeared\u3000on\u3000the\u3000underside\u3000of\u3000his\u3000left\u3000arm\u3002\u3000Ryld\u3000wanted\u3000to\u3000scream\uff1b\u3000but\u3000he\u3000was\u3000under\u3000water\uff1b\u3000so\u3000he\u3000kept\u3000his\u3000mouth\u3000shut\u3000and\u3000brought\u3000his\u3000greatsword\u3000back\u3000under\u3000control\u3002\u3000Even\u3000in\u3000the\u3000roar\u3000of\u3000swirling\u3000water\u3000that\u3000overwhelmed\u3000his\u3000hearing\uff1b\u3000the\u3000weapons\u3000master\u3000could\u3000sense\u3000the\u3000draegloth’s\u3000jaws\u3000snap\u3000closed\u3000half\u3000an\u3000inch\u3000from\u3000his\u3000throat\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000draegloth\u3000was\u3000on\u3000top\u3000of\u3000him\uff1b\u3000and\u3000all\u3000the\u3000half\u2026demon\u3000had\u3000to\u3000do\u3000was\u3000keep\u3000Ryld\u3000under\u3000water\u3000and\u3000eventually\u3000the\u3000weapons\u3000master\u3000would\u3000drown\u3002\u3000The\u3000mistake\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3000made\u3000was\u3000to\u3000reveal\u3000his\u3000position\u3000so\u3000clearly\uff1b\u3000though\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Ryld\u3000took\u3000full\u3000advantage\u3000of\u3000that\u3000mistake\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pressing\u3000up\u3000with\u3000one\u3000leg\uff1b\u3000Ryld\u3000felt\u3000the\u3000heavy\u3000weight\u3000of\u3000the\u3000half\u2026demon\u3002\u3000The\u3000weapons\u3000master\u3000pressed\u3000harder\uff1b\u3000curling\u3000backward\u3000and\u3000straightening\u3000his\u3000leg\u2026not\u3000an\u3000easy\u3000task\u3000since\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3000outweighed\u3000Ryld\u3000by\u3000more\u3000than\u3000two\u3000hundred\u3000pounds\u3002\u3000He\u3000almost\u3000had\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3000rolled\u3000over\u3000his\u3000head\uff1b\u3000but\u2026maybe\u3000due\u3000to\u3000resistance\u3000from\u3000the\u3000water\uff1b\u3000the\u3000cold\uff1b\u3000shivering\uff1b\u3000or\u3000exhaustion\u2026Ryld’s\u3000knees\u3000gave\u3000way\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3000fell\u3000onto\u3000him\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Jeggred’s\u3000claws\u3000found\u3000the\u3000underside\u3000of\u3000Ryld’s\u3000breastplate\u3000and\u3000made\u3000some\u3000shallow\u3000but\u3000painful\u3000cuts\u3000in\u3000the\u3000weapons\u3000master’s\u3000belly\u3002\u3000The\u3000cold\u3000water\u3000slowed\u3000the\u3000flow\u3000of\u3000blood\uff1b\u3000though\u3002\u3000Ryld\u3000almost\u3000subconsciously\u3000noted\u3000the\u3000irony\u3000in\u3000that\u3002\u3000He\u3000would\u3000drown\u3000in\u3000the\u3000water\u3000that\u3000was\u3000keeping\u3000him\u3000from\u3000bleeding\u3000to\u3000death\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Ryld\u3000pressed\u3000again\uff1b\u3000using\u3000Splitter\u3000instead\u3000of\u3000his\u3000legs\u3002\u3000Either\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3000feared\u3000the\u3000greatsword\u3000or\u3000being\u3000totally\u3000submerged\u3000made\u3000him\u3000lighter\uff1b\u3000but\u3000Ryld\u3000managed\u3000to\u3000roll\u3000the\u3000half\u2026demon\u3000off\u3000him\u3002\u3000He\u3000made\u3000a\u3000few\u3000more\u3000blind\u3000jabs\u3000with\u3000Splitter\u3000to\u3000keep\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3000at\u3000bay\u3000while\u3000he\u3000stood\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000When\u3000Ryld’s\u3000head\u3000finally\u3000cleared\u3000the\u3000water\uff1b\u3000he\u3000looked\u3000around\u3000for\u3000Jeggred\u3000even\u3000before\u3000he\u3000started\u3000to\u3000breathe\u3000again\u3002\u3000The\u3000draegloth\u3000was\u3000nowhere\u3000to\u3000be\u3000seen\u3002\u3000Ryld\u3000struggled\u3000to\u3000his\u3000feet\uff1b\u3000slipping\u3000twice\u3000on\u3000what\u3000felt\u3000like\u3000slime\u2026covered\u3000rocks\u3002\u3000Still\u3000he\u3000managed\u3000to\u3000get\u3000Splitter\u3000up\u3000in\u3000front\u3000of\u3000him\u3000in\u3000both\u3000hands\u3000and\u3000ready\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000He\u3000would\u3000have\u3000kept\u3000going\u3000but\u3000stopped\u3000when\u3000he\u3000heard\u3000another\u3000loud\u3000splash\u3000behind\u3000him\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Ryld\u3000spun\uff1b\u3000keeping\u3000his\u3000sword\u3000up\u3000and\u3000ready\uff1b\u3000and\u3000saw\u3000a\u3000disturbance\u3000on\u3000the\u3000water\uff1a\u3000what\u3000he\u3000thought\u3000looked\u3000like\u3000signs\u3000of\u3000a\u3000struggle\u3002\u3000Puzzled\u3000that\u3000Jeggred\u3000would\u3000be\u3000so\u3000brazen\u3000after\u3000having\u3000effectively\u3000taken\u3000Ryld\u3000by\u3000surprise\u3000more\u3000than\u3000once\u3000in\u3000that\u3000cursed\u3000swamp\uff1b\u3000the\u3000weapons\u3000master\u3000took\u3000one\u3000step\u3000closer\u3000to\u3000the\u3000splashing\u3000with\u3000his\u3000sword\u3000in\u3000front\u3000of\u3000him\u3000and\u3000over\u3000his\u3000head\u3000in\u3000an\u3000effort\u3000to\u3000be\u3000ready\u3000for\u3000any\u3000eventuality\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000draegloth\u3000burst\u3000out\u3000of\u3000the\u3000swamp\u3000in\u3000a\u3000flurry\u3000of\u3000claws\u3000and\u3000legs\u3002\u3000Water\u3000arced\u3000from\u3000his\u3000white\u3000mane\u3000as\u3000his\u3000head\u3000snapped\u3000back\u3002\u3000He\u3000was\u3000wrapped\u3000in\u3000dark\u3000green\u3000ropes\uff1b\u3000some\u3000sort\u3000of\u3000plant\u3000he\u3000must\u3000have\u3000gotten\u3000himself\u3000tangled\u3000in\u3002\u3000Ryld\u3000thought\u3000he\u3000saw\u3000the\u3000plants\u3000move\uff1b\u3000slithering\u3000against\u3000Jeggred’s\u3000body\u3000like\u3000constricting\u3000snakes\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Jeggred\u3000had\u3000barely\u3000enough\u3000time\u3000to\u3000take\u3000a\u3000deep\u3000breath\u3002\u3000As\u3000quickly\u3000as\u3000he\u3000came\u3000up\uff1b\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3000disappeared\u3000into\u3000another\u3000swirling\u3000eddy\u3000that\u3000broke\u3000up\u3000the\u3000slime\u3000covering\u3000the\u3000water\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Ryld\u3000didn’t\u3000have\u3000time\u3000to\u3000understand\u3000what\u3000he’d\u3000seen\u3002\u3000Something\u3000wrapped\u3000itself\u3000around\u3000his\u3000ankle\u3000and\u3000pulled\u3002\u3000The\u3000weapons\u3000master\u3000knew\u3000a\u3000hundred\u3000tricks\u3000to\u3000keep\u3000him\u3000on\u3000his\u3000feet\u3000even\u3000if\u3000someone\u3000really\u3000wanted\u3000to\u3000pull\u3000him\u3000down\uff1b\u3000but\u3000as\u3000much\u3000as\u3000he\u3000tried\uff1b\u3000whatever\u3000it\u3000was\u3000that\u3000had\u3000him\u3000was\u3000too\u3000strong\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000So\u3000he\u3000cut\u3000it\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Splitter\u3000was\u3000still\u3000in\u3000his\u3000hands\u3000and\u3000still\u3000as\u3000sharp\u3000a\u3000sword\u3000as\u3000ever\u3000saw\u3000battle\u3000in\u3000the\u3000Underdark\u3002\u3000Ryld\u3000brought\u3000the\u3000weapon\u3000stabbing\u3000down\u3000along\u3000the\u3000side\u3000of\u3000his\u3000body\u3000then\u3000in\u3000and\u3000through\u3000whatever\u3000had\u3000grabbed\u3000him\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000It\u3000wasn’t\u3000easy\u2026the\u3000thing\u3000around\u3000his\u3000ankle\u3000was\u3000as\u3000sturdy\u3000as\u3000it\u3000was\u3000strong\u2026but\u3000he\u3000severed\u3000it\u3000and\u3000stopped\u3000short\u3000of\u3000cutting\u3000off\u3000his\u3000own\u3000foot\u3002\u3000Ryld\u3000struggled\u3000backward\u3000through\u3000the\u3000water\u3000then\u3000stopped\u3000and\u3000turned\u3000when\u3000he\u3000saw\u3000something\u3000moving\u3000in\u3000the\u3000corner\u3000of\u3000his\u3000eye\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000One\u3000of\u3000the\u3000vines\u3000burst\u3000toward\u3000him\uff1b\u3000unraveling\u3000itself\u3000from\u3000the\u3000water\u3000to\u3000snake\u3000quickly\u3000through\u3000the\u3000air\u3000at\u3000Ryld’s\u3000throat\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000weapons\u3000master\u3000sliced\u3000fast\u3000and\u3000hard\u3000at\u3000chest\u3000level\u3000and\u3000took\u3000the\u3000first\u3000four\u3000inches\u3000off\u3000the\u3000end\u3000of\u3000the\u3000attacking\u3000vine\u3002\u3000Greenish\u2026yellow\u3000sap\u3000leaped\u3000from\u3000it\u3000like\u3000blood\u3000from\u3000a\u3000wound\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000vine\u3000quivered\u3000then\u3000fell\u3000into\u3000the\u3000roiling\uff1b\u3000slime\u2026covered\u3000water\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Another\u3000vine\u3000tried\u3000to\u3000wrap\u3000itself\u3000around\u3000Ryld\u3000from\u3000behind\uff1b\u3000and\u3000he\u3000could\u3000feel\u3000even\u3000more\u3000of\u3000them\u3000worrying\u3000him\u3000from\u3000beneath\u3000the\u3000surface\u3002\u3000Ryld\u3000kept\u3000Splitter\u3000moving\u3000in\u3000fast\uff1b\u3000fluid\u3000motions\u3000in\u3000front\u3000of\u3000him\u3000and\u3000to\u3000either\u3000side\uff1b\u3000cutting\u3000through\u3000the\u3000water\uff1b\u3000taking\u3000the\u3000ends\u3000off\u3000one\u3000animated\u3000vine\u3000after\u3000another\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Jeggred\u3000came\u3000back\u3000up\uff1b\u3000gasping\u3000for\u3000breath\u3000and\u3000ripping\u3000at\u3000a\u3000mass\u3000of\u3000the\u3000dark\u3000green\u3000vines\u3002\u3000He\u3000was\u3000covered\u3000in\u3000the\u3000swamp\u3000slime\uff1b\u3000vine\u3000sap\uff1b\u3000and\u3000blood\u3002\u3000One\u3000of\u3000the\u3000vines\u3000slipped\u3000around\u3000his\u3000face\u3000and\u3000into\u3000his\u3000mouth\u2026a\u3000mistake\u3002\u3000The\u3000draegloth\u3000bit\u3000down\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000bloodlike\u3000sap\u3000splashed\u3000over\u3000his\u3000cheeks\u3002\u3000The\u3000vine\u3000quivered\u3000and\u3000went\u3000dead\uff1b\u3000but\u3000half\u3000a\u3000dozen\u3000more\u3000burst\u3000out\u3000of\u3000the\u3000water\u3000to\u3000take\u3000its\u3000place\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3000was\u3000dragged\u3000under\u3000once\u3000again\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000This\u3000swamp\uff1b\u3000Ryld\u3000thought\u3000as\u3000he\u3000chopped\u3000down\u3000two\u3000more\u3000attacking\u3000vines\uff1b\u3000will\u3000kill\u3000us\u3000both\u3000before\u3000we\u3000can\u3000kill\u3000each\u3000other\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Another\u3000reason\u3000to\u3000hate\u3000the\u3000World\u3000Above\u3002
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\n \n
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\n \u3000thigh\u3002\u3000The\u3000vines\u3000were\u3000still\u3000ing\u3000at\u3000him\u3000one\u3000after\u3000another\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Ryld\u3000had\u3000no\u3000way\u3000of\u3000knowing\u3000how\u3000many\u3000there\u3000were\u3000or\u3000if\uff1b\u3000let\u3000alone\u3000when\uff1b\u3000they\u3000might\u3000finally\u3000give\u3000up\u3000or\u3000he\u3000might\u3000kill\u3000the\u3000last\u3000of\u3000them\u3002\u3000That\u3000and\u3000the\u3000possibility\u3000that\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3000might\u3000e\u3000at\u3000him\u3000again\u3000made\u3000up\u3000the\u3000weapons\u3000master’s\u3000mind\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Ryld\u3000looked\u3000around\uff1b\u3000flicking\u3000his\u3000greatsword\u3000to\u3000his\u3000right\u3000to\u3000slice\u3000a\u3000vine\u3000then\u3000in\u3000front\u3000of\u3000him\u3000to\u3000cut\u3000through\u3000another\uff1b\u3000letting\u3000the\u3000movement\u3000of\u3000the\u3000vines\u3000in\u3000his\u3000peripheral\u3000vision\u3000chose\u3000his\u3000targets\u3000for\u3000him\u3000while\u3000he\u3000scanned\u3000for\u3000an\u3000escape\u3000route\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000To\u3000his\u3000right\u2026he\u3000had\u3000lost\u3000all\u3000sense\u3000of\u3000direction\u3000a\u3000long\u3000time\u3000before\u3000so\u3000had\u3000no\u3000idea\u3000if\u3000he\u3000was\u3000facing\u3000north\uff1b\u3000south\uff1b\u3000east\uff1b\u3000or\u3000west\u2026the\u3000water\u3000gave\u3000way\u3000to\u3000slightly\u3000more\u3000solid\u3000if\u3000not\u3000entirely\u3000dry\u3000land\u3002\u3000Larger\u3000trees\u3000with\u3000long\uff1b\u3000whiplike\u3000branches\u3000made\u3000a\u3000forest\u3000of\u3000thin\u3000lines\u3002\u3000Behind\u3000those\u3000hanging\u3000branches\uff1b\u3000Ryld\u3000saw\u3000a\u3000scattering\u3000of\u3000orange\u3000lights\u3000that\u3000must\u3000have\u3000been\u3000torches\u3000burning\u3000in\u3000the\u3000distance\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000He\u3000knew\u3000there\u3000might\u3000be\u3000any\u3000number\u3000of\u3000sentient\u3000creatures\u3000that\u3000could\u3000have\u3000lit\u3000those\u3000torches\uff1b\u3000and\u3000surely\u3000none\u3000of\u3000them\u3000were\u3000drow\u3002\u3000Still\uff1b\u3000he\u3000might\u3000be\u3000able\u3000to\u3000use\u3000any\u3000sort\u3000of\u3000habitation\u3000to\u3000his\u3000advantage\u3002\u3000If\u3000Jeggred\u3000chased\u3000him\u3000there\uff1b\u3000and\u3000it\u3000was\u3000a\u3000human\u3000town\uff1b\u3000an\u3000orc\u3000town\uff1b\u3000or\u3000an\u3000elf\u3000town\uff1b\u3000they\u3000might\u3000not\u3000like\u3000dark\u3000elves\uff1b\u3000but\u3000they’d\u3000be\u3000terrified\u3000by\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3002\u3000That\u3000could\u3000buy\u3000Ryld\u3000time\uff1b\u3000if\u3000not\u3000allies\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Another\u3000vine\u3000managed\u3000to\u3000get\u3000around\u3000his\u3000ankle\u3000and\u3000tug\u3002\u3000Ryld\u3000went\u3000down\u3000to\u3000one\u3000knee\uff1b\u3000his\u3000face\u3000almost\u3000falling\u3000under\u3000the\u3000slimy\u3000water\u3000before\u3000he\u3000managed\u3000to\u3000slice\u3000the\u3000vine\u3000off\u3000him\u3002\u3000He\u3000left\u3000a\u3000cut\u3000in\u3000his\u3000boot\u3000that\u3000let\u3000in\u3000the\u3000water\uff1b\u3000and\u3000he\u3000shivered\u3002\u3000Free\u3000of\u3000the\u3000vine\uff1b\u3000the\u3000weapons\u3000master\u3000ran\u3002\u3000He\u3000didn’t\u3000bother\u3000trying\u3000to\u3000be\u3000quiet\u3000but\u3000splashed\u3000headlong\u3000through\u3000the\u3000knee\u2026deep\u3000water\u3002\u3000Behind\u3000him\uff1b\u3000Jeggred\u3000surfaced\u3000again\uff1b\u3000tore\u3000at\u3000the\u3000vines\u3000still\u3000covering\u3000his\u3000midsection\uff1b\u3000roared\uff1b\u3000took\u3000a\u3000deep\u3000breath\uff1b\u3000and\u3000went\u3000back\u3000down\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Ryld\u3000stepped\u3000onto\u3000dry\u3000ground\u3000and\u3000hopped\u3000in\u3000an\u3000unseemly\u3000fashion\u3000as\u3000a\u3000set\u3000of\u3000vines\u3000worried\u3000at\u3000his\u3000heels\u3002\u3000The\u3000ground\u3000was\u3000slippery\u3000and\u3000muddy\uff1b\u3000covered\u3000in\u3000patches\u3000with\u3000slick\u3000moss\uff1b\u3000but\u3000Ryld\u3000continued\u3000running\uff1b\u3000working\u3000past\u3000the\u3000occasional\u3000loss\u3000of\u3000footing\u3002\u3000From\u3000behind\u3000him\u3000came\u3000the\u3000draegloth’s\u3000peculiar\u3000growl\u3000and\u3000a\u3000flurry\u3000of\u3000splashes\u3002\u3000As\u3000Ryld\u3000ran\u3000through\u3000the\u3000stinging\uff1b\u3000whiplike\u3000branches\uff1b\u3000dodging\u3000between\u3000the\u3000close\u2026set\u3000trees\u3000while\u3000barely\u3000managing\u3000to\u3000keep\u3000on\u3000his\u3000feet\uff1b\u3000he\u3000could\u3000hear\u3000the\u3000half\u2026demon\u3000panting\uff1b\u3000tearing\uff1b\u3000and\u3000growling\u3000behind\u3000him\u3002\u3000Jeggred\u3000had\u3000surfaced\u3000again\u3000and\u3000was\u3000fighting\u3000his\u3000way\u3000free\u3000of\u3000the\u3000vines\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000weapons\u3000master\u3000ran\u3000on\uff1b\u3000and\u3000soon\u3000the\u3000sounds\u3000of\u3000the\u3000struggling\u3000draegloth\u3000were\u3000joined\u3000by\u3000the\u3000faint\u3000echo\u3000of\u3000voices\u3000ahead\u3002\u3000He\u3000came\u3000out\u3000of\u3000the\u3000forest\u3000of\u3000whiplike\u3000branches\uff1b\u3000still\u3000at\u3000an\u3000all\u2026out\u3000run\u3002\u3000The\u3000clearing\u3000was\u3000wide\u3000and\u3000relatively\u3000dry\u3002\u3000A\u3000collection\u3000of\u3000stumps\u3000replaced\u3000the\u3000trees\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Ryld\u3000jumped\u3000up\u3000onto\u3000one\u3000of\u3000them\u3000then\u3000hopped\u3000to\u3000another\u3000and\u3000another\uff1b\u3000making\u3000his\u3000way\u3000toward\u3000the\u3000settlement\u3002\u3000The\u3000stumps\u3000provided\u3000more\u3000even\u3000footing\u3000and\u3000were\u3000less\u3000slippery\u3000than\u3000the\u3000muddy\uff1b\u3000mossy\u3000ground\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000
\nChapter\u3000Nineteen
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003We’ll\u3000see\u3000each\u3000other\u3000again\uff1b\u3000Danifae\uff1b\u3003\u3000Halisstra\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003Of\u3000that\u3000I’m\u3000certain\u3002\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Eilistraee\u3000will\u3000be\u3000watching\u3000us\u3000both\u3000all\u3000the\u3000way\uff1b\u3003\u3000Halisstra\u3000said\u3000as\u3000she\u3000crossed\u3000to\u3000the\u3000waking\u3000portal\u3002\u3000\u3003She\u3000will\u3000be\u3000watching\u3000us\u3000both\u3002\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Dyrr\u3000didn’t\u3000answer\uff1b\u3000b \n
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Dyrr\u3000didn’t\u3000answer\uff1b\u3000but\u3000his\u3000ember\u2026red\u3000eyes\u3000drifted\u3000slowly\u3000to\u3000the\u3000winged\u3000assassin\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003You\u3000actually\u3000think\u3000I’m\u3000going\u3000to\u3000join\u3000you\uff1f\u3003\u3000Gromph\u3000asked\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000lich\u3000returned\u3000the\u3000bow\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003You’re\u3000not\u3000going\u3000to\u3000do\u3000any\u3000of\u3000those\u3000things\uff1b\u3000are\u3000you\uff1f\u3003\u3000Nimor\u3000asked\u3000Gromph\u3002\u3000\u3003You\u3000won’t\u3000turn\u3000your\u3000back\u3000on\u3000Menzoberranzan\uff1b\u3000House\u3000Baenre\uff1b\u3000the\u3000matriarchy\uff1b\u3000or\u3000even\u3000Lolth\uff1b\u3000who\u3000has\u3000turned\u3000her\u3000back\u3000on\u3000you\u3002\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000ignored\u3000the\u3000lich\u3000and\u3000said\u3000to\u3000Nimor\uff1b\u3000\u3003My\u3000sister\u3000said\u3000the\u3000assassin\u3000she\u3000captured\u3000named\u3000you\u3000as\u3000an\u3000agent\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Jaezred\u3000Chaulssin\u3002\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000didn’t\u3000know\u3000what\u3000that\u3000meant\u3000but\u3000gave\u3000no\u3000indication\u3000of\u3000that\u3000to\u3000Nimor\u3000or\u3000Dyrr\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Ghost\u3000stories\u3000e\u3000true\uff1b\u3003\u3000Gromph\u3000said\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Our\u3000reputation\u3000precedes\u3000us\uff1b\u3003\u3000replied\u3000Nimor\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Chaulssin\u3000has\u3000been\u3000in\u3000ruin\u3000for\u3000a\u3000long\u3000time\uff1b\u3003\u3000said\u3000Gromph\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000His\u3000dragon\u3000half\uff1b\u3000Nauzhror\u3000said\u3000into\u3000Gromph’s\u3000mind\uff1b\u3000has\u3000been\u3000identified\uff1b\u3000Archmage\u3002\u3000He\u3000is\u3000half\u2026drow\uff1b\u3000half\u2026shadow\u3000dragon\u3002\u3000More\u3000than\u3000one\u3000generation\uff1b\u3000perhaps\u3002\u3000An\u3000incipient\u3000species\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003We\u3000have\u3000placed\u3000ourselves\u3000in\u3000city\u3000after\u3000city\uff1b\u3003\u3000Nimor\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003all\u3000across\u3000the\u3000Underdark\u3002\u3000We’ve\u3000been\u3000waiting\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003And\u3000breeding\uff1b\u3003\u3000Gromph\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003with\u3000shadow\u3000dragons\uff1f\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Not\u3000yet\uff1b\u3003\u3000Gromph\u3000replied\uff1b\u3000and\u3000he\u3000started\u3000to\u3000cast\u3000a\u3000spell\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000finished\u3000his\u3000spell\u3000and\u3000held\u3000his\u3000hands\u3000together\u3002\u3000A\u3000line\u3000of\u3000blackness\u3000appeared\u3000between\u3000his\u3000palms\u3000and\u3000stretched\u3000to\u3000the\u3000length\u3000of\u3000a\u3000long\u3000sword\u3000blade\u3002\u3000The\u3000line\u3000was\u3000perfectly\u3000two\u2026dimensional\uff1b\u3000a\u3000rift\u3000in\u3000the\u3000structure\u3000of\u3000the\u3000planes\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Lifting\u3000into\u3000the\u3000air\uff1b\u3000the\u3000Archmage\u3000of\u3000Menzoberranzan\u3000threw\u3000his\u3000hands\u3000apart\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000blade\u3000followed\u3000him\u3000up\u3002\u3000Using\u3000the\u3000force\u3000of\u3000his\u3000will\uff1b\u3000Gromph\u3000set\u3000the\u3000planar\u3000blade\u3000flying\u3000in\u3000front\u3000of\u3000him\u3002\u3000Choosing\u3000a\u3000target\u3000was\u3000simple\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Nimor\u3000has\u3000to\u3000die\u3000first\uff1b\u3000Prath\u3000suggested\uff1b\u3000though\u3000it\u3000was\u3000unnecessary\u3002\u3000The\u3000extent\u3000of\u3000his\u3000true\u3000abilities\u3000is\u3000the\u3000only\u3000unknown\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000set\u3000the\u3000blade\u3000hurtling\u3000at\u3000the\u3000half\u2026dragon\u3000assassin\u3002\u3000Nimor\u3000flew\u3000as\u3000fast\u3000as\u3000anything\u3000Gromph\u3000had\u3000ever\u3000seen\u3000fly\uff1b\u3000but\u3000the\u3000blade\u3000moved\u3000faster\u3002\u3000It\u3000cut\u3000into\u3000the\u3000assassin\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Nimor\u3000convulsed\u3000in\u3000pain\u3002\u3000What\u3000makes\u3000a\u3000blade\u3000sharp\u3000is\u3000the\u3000thinness\u3000of\u3000its\u3000edge\u3002\u3000The\u3000blade\u3000that\u3000Gromph\u3000conjured\u3000didn’t\u3000actually\u3000have\u3000any\u3000thickness\u3000at\u3000all\u3002\u3000Being\u3000perfectly\u3000thin\uff1b\u3000it\u3000was\u3000perfectly\u3000sharp\u3002\u3000Anything\u3000that\u3000Nimor\u3000might\u3000have\u3000had\u3000on\u3000him\u3000to\u3000protect\u3000him\u3000from\u3000weapons\u3000would\u3000be\u3000of\u3000no\u3000consequence\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000whirled\u3000in\u3000midair\u3000to\u3000face\u3000the\u3000lichdrow\u3002\u3000Dyrr\u3000held\u3000his\u3000staff\u3000in\u3000both\u3000hands\u3002\u3000Gromph\u3000assumed\u3000he’d\u3000used\u3000some\u3000aspect\u3000of\u3000the\u3000weapon’s\u3000magic\u3000to\u3000dispel\u3000the\u3000blade
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000was\u3000nearly\u3000finished\u3000with\u3000his\u3000next\u3000incantation\u3000when\u3000Nimor\u3000blew\u3000darkness\u3000at\u3000him\u2026it\u3000was\u3000the\u3000only\u3000way\u3000the\u3000wizard\u3000could\u3000think\u3000to\u3000describe\u3000it\u3002\u3000The\u3000assassin\u3000drew\u3000in\u3000a\u3000breath\u3000and\u3000exhaled\u3000a\u3000cone\u2026shaped\u3000wave\u3000of\u3000roiling\u3000blackness\u3002\u3000Gromph\u3000tried\u3000to\u3000drop\u3000away\u3000from\u3000the\u3000darkness\uff1b\u3000but\u3000he\u3000couldn’t\u3002\u3000The\u3000twisting\u3000void\u3000washed\u3000over\u3000the\u3000archmage\u3002\u3000It\u3000was\u3000as\u3000if\u3000all\u3000the\u3000warmth\u3000were\u3000drawn\u3000out\u3000of\u3000him\u3002\u3000He\u3000shivered\uff1b\u3000and\u3000his\u3000breath\u3000stopped\u3000in\u3000his\u3000throat\u3002\u3000His\u3000spell\u3000was\u3000ruined\uff1b\u3000cut\u3000off\u3000in\u3000mid\u2026word\uff1b\u3000the\u3000Weave\u3000energy\u3000unraveling\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000was\u3000right\uff1b\u3003\u3000Gromph\u3000said\u3000to\u3000Nimor\uff1b\u3000trying\u3000not\u3000to\u3000gasp\u3002\u3000\u3003It\u3000was\u3000a\u3000shadow\u3000dragon\uff1b\u3000wasn’t\u3000it\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003More\u3000than\u3000one\u3000shadow\u3000dragon\uff1b\u3000Archmage\uff1b\u3003\u3000Nimor\u3000replied\u2026and\u3000Gromph\u3000thought\u3000the\u3000assassin\u3000was\u3000trying\u3000not\u3000to\u3000gasp\u3000himself\uff1b\u3000\u3003and\u3000more\u3000than\u3000one\u3000drow\u3002\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Caution\uff1b\u3000Archmage\uff1b\u3000Prath\u3000warned\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000winced\u3000at\u3000the\u3000idiocy\u3000of\u3000his\u3000inexperienced\u3000nephew\u3002\u3000The\u3000archmage\u3000was\u3000always\u3000ready\u3000for\u3000anything\u2026though\u3000he\u3000wasn’t\u3000fast\u3000enough\u3000to\u3000dodge\u3000out\u3000of\u3000the\u3000way\u3000of\u3000the\u3000rapier\u3000as\u3000it\u3000slashed\u3000across\u3000his\u3000chest\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Nimor\u3000had\u3000disappeared\u3000from\u3000where\u3000he’d\u3000been\u3000hovering\uff1b\u3000several\u3000paces\u3000away\u3000and\u3000appeared\u3000right\u3000next\u3000to\u3000Gromph\u3000and\u3000a\u3000little\u3000above\u2026perfectly\u3000in\u3000a\u3000blind\u3000spot\u3002\u3000All\u3000of\u3000that\u3000had\u3000happened\u3000in\u3000the\u3000precise\u3000same\u3000instant\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000assassin\u3000was\u3000gone\u3000again\u3000just\u3000as\u3000fast\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000slash\u3000in\u3000Gromph’s\u3000chest\u3000burned\uff1b\u3000the\u3000wound\u3000crisp\u3000and\u3000jagged\u3002\u3000He\u3000looked\u3000down\u3000at\u3000the\u3000cut\u3002\u3000Frost\u3000lined\u3000the\u3000wound\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000blood\u3000that\u3000oozed\u3000from\u3000it\u3000was\u3000cold\u3000when\u3000it\u3000touched\u3000his\u3000skin\u3002\u3000Gromph\u3000shivered\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Something\u3000hit\u3000Gromph\u3000from\u3000behind\uff1b\u3000and\u3000he\u3000grunted\u3000and\u3000doubled\u3000over\u3000when\u3000the\u3000air\u3000was\u3000smashed\u3000out\u3000of\u3000his\u3000lungs\u3002\u3000It\u3000was\u3000a\u3000painful\u3000second\u3000or\u3000two\u3000before\u3000he\u3000was\u3000able\u3000to\u3000draw\u3000in\u3000another\u3000breath\u3002\u3000Dyrr\u3000had\u3000hit\u3000him\u3000with\u3000something\u2026a\u3000spell\u3000or\u3000a\u3000weapon\u2026from\u3000behind\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000spell\u3000didn’t\u3000pass\u3000through\u3000all\u3000of\u3000your\u3000defenses\uff1b\u3000Archmage\uff1b\u3000Nauzhror\u3000told\u3000him\u3002\u3000If\u3000it\u3000had\uff1b\u3000you\u3000would\u3000have\u3000been\u3000disintegrated\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Good\u3000for\u3000me\uff1b\u3003\u3000Gromph\u3000muttered\u3000under\u3000his\u3000breath\uff1b\u3000then\u3000he\u3000spoke\u3000the\u3000mand\u3000word\u3000that\u3000brought\u3000the\u3000defensive\u3000globe\u3000from\u3000the\u3000staff\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Circled\u3000again\u3000in\u3000protective\u3000magic\uff1b\u3000Gromph\u3000turned\u3000in\u3000the\u3000air\uff1b\u3000trying\u3000to\u3000catch\u3000sight\u3000of\u3000at\u3000least\u3000one\u3000of\u3000his\u3000foes\u3002\u3000He\u3000saw\u3000Nimor\u3000flying\u3000at\u3000him\u3000with\u3000that\u3000freezing\u3000rapier\u3000poised\u3000for\u3000another\u3000slash\u3002\u3000Behind\u3000the\u3000assassin\u3000and\u3000off\u3000to\u3000one\u3000side\uff1b\u3000the\u3000lichdrow\u3000was\u3000moving\u3000his\u3000free\u3000hand\u3000through\u3000the\u3000air\uff1b\u3000his\u3000fingers\u3000leaving\u3000streaks\u3000of\u3000crackling\u3000white\u3000light\u3000behind\u3000them\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pain\u3000blazing\u3000in\u3000his\u3000chest\u3000and\u3000back\uff1b\u3000Gromph\u3000twisted\u3000in\u3000the\u3000air\u3000when\u3000a\u3000cone\u3000of\u3000twinkling\u3000white\u3000light\u3000shot\u3000forth\u3000from\u3000the\u3000lichdrow’s\u3000extended\u3000hands\uff1b\u3000threatening\u3000to\u3000engulf\u3000him\u3000in\u3000a\u3000blast\u3000of\u3000freezing\u3000air\u3000and\u3000cutting\u3000ice\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000archmage\u3000managed\u3000to\u3000twist\u3000out\u3000of\u3000the\u3000way\u3000of\u3000the\u3000spell\uff1b\u3000but\u3000he\u3000lost\u3000sight\u3000of\u3000the\u3000assassin\u3000in\u3000the\u3000process\u3002\u3000Gromph\u3000braced\u3000himself\u3000for\u3000another\u3000icy\u3000slash\u3000from\u3000the\u3000rapier\uff1b\u3000but\u3000it\u3000didn’t\u3000e\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000assassin\u3000had\u3000to\u3000dodge\u3000the\u3000cone\u3000of\u3000cold\u3000as\u3000well\uff1b\u3000Master\uff1b\u3000Prath\u3000said\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000took\u3000advantage\u3000of\u3000the\u3000respite\u3000and\u3000drew\u3000two\u3000slim\uff1b\u3000platinum\u2026bladed\u3000throwing\u3000daggers\u3000from\u3000a\u3000sheath\u3000in\u3000his\u3000right\u3000boot\u3002\u3000Even\u3000as\u3000he\u3000drew\u3000the\u3000knives\u3000up\u3000along\u3000the\u3000length\u3000of\u3000his\u3000body\uff1b\u3000he\u3000spoke\u3000the\u3000words\u3000of\u3000a\u3000spell\u3000that\u3000would\u3000enchant\u3000the\u3000weapons\u3000to\u3000a\u3000greater\u3000keenness\u3002\u3000The\u3000spell\u3000would\u3000make\u3000them\u3000fly\u3000truer\u3000as\u3000well\uff1b\u3000and\u3000farther\uff1b\u3000and\u3000he\u3000was\u3000sure\u3000they\u3000would\u3000pierce\u3000at\u3000least\u3000some\u3000of\u3000his\u3000target’s\u3000magical\u3000defenses\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000got\u3000his\u3000arm\u3000up\u3000to\u3000throw\u3000and\u3000finished\u3000the\u3000spell\u3002\u3000When\u3000he\u3000turned\u3000to\u3000find\u3000his\u3000target\uff1b\u3000the\u3000pain\u3000was\u3000gone\u3002\u3000The\u3000ring\u3000was\u3000working\u3000still\uff1b\u3000healing\u3000him\u3000almost\u3000as\u3000fast\u3000as\u3000the\u3000assassin\u3000an \n
\n \n
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\n aling\u3000him\u3000almost\u3000as\u3000fast\u3000as\u3000the\u3000assassin\u3000and\u3000the\u3000lich\u3000could\u3000wound\u3000him\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000A\u3000fraction\u3000of\u3000a\u3000heartbeat\u3000before\u3000Gromph\u3000could\u3000throw\u3000his\u3000ensorcelled\u3000daggers\uff1b\u3000Nimor\u3000appeared\u3000next\u3000to\u3000him\u3000again\u3002\u3000The\u3000rapier\u3000made\u3000a\u3000shrill\u3000whistling\u3000sound\u3000as\u3000it\u3000whipped\u3000through\u3000the\u3000air\uff1b\u3000drawing\u3000a\u3000frosted\u3000white\u3000line\u3000across\u3000Gromph’s\u3000right\u3000side\u3002\u3000The\u3000pain\u3000was\u3000extraordinary\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Gromph’s\u3000fingers\u3000twitched\u3000along\u3000with\u3000most\u3000of\u3000the\u3000other\u3000muscles\u3000of\u3000his\u3000body\u3002\u3000He\u3000almost\u3000dropped\u3000the\u3000two\u3000daggers\u3000but\u3000didn’t\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000He’s\u3000gone\uff1b\u3000said\u3000Prath\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000had\u3000expected\u3000that\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000I\u3000think\u3000it\u3000might\u3000be\u3000the\u3000ring\uff1b\u3000Nauzhror\u3000said\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000ring\uff1f\u3000Gromph\u3000sent\u3000back\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000That\u3000allows\u3000him\u3000to\u3000slip\u3000from\u3000one\u3000place\u3000to\u3000another\u3000in\u3000an\u3000instant\uff1b\u3000Nauzhror\u3000explained\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000had\u3000expected\u3000to\u3000fight\u3000Dyrr\u3000alone\u3000and\u3000had\u3000expected\u3000to\u3000fight\u3000him\u3000spell\u3000to\u3000spell\u3002\u3000The\u3000archmage\u3000had\u3000to\u3000admit\uff1b\u3000at\u3000least\u3000to\u3000himself\uff1b\u3000that\u3000he\u3000was\u3000unprepared\u3000for\u3000hand\u2026to\u2026hand\u3000bat\u3000and\u3000that\u3000in\u3000that\u3000regard\u3000at\u3000least\uff1b\u3000Nimor\u3000was\u3000likely\u3000superior\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000He\u3000put\u3000those\u3000thoughts\u3000out\u3000of\u3000his\u3000mind\u3000when\u3000he\u3000heard\u3000Dyrr\u3000casting\u3000another\u3000spell\u3002\u3000He\u3000turned\u3000to\u3000look\u3000at\u3000the\u3000lich\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Dyrr\u3000had\u3000a\u3000strange\u3000look\u3000in\u3000his\u3000eyes\uff1b\u3000as\u3000if\u3000something\u3000was\u3000going\u3000to\u3000happen\uff1b\u3000but\u3000he\u3000wasn’t\u3000sure\u3000exactly\u3000what\u3002\u3000Gromph\u3000didn’t\u3000like\u3000that\u3000look\u3000at\u3000all\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000He’s\u3000summoning\u3000something\uff1b\u3000Nauzhror\u3000said\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000By\u3000the\u3000time\u3000the\u3000last\u3000syllable\u3000of\u3000Nauzhror’s\u3000warning\u3000sounded\u3000in\u3000Gromph’s\u3000head\uff1b\u3000the\u3000lich’s\u3000spell\u3000had\u3000done\u3000its\u3000work\u3002\u3000Lurching\u3000out\u3000of\u3000thin\u3000air\uff1b\u3000a\u3000set\u3000of\u3000insectoid\u3000legs\u3000slammed\u3000down\u3000onto\u3000the\u3000rock\u3000floor\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Bazaar\u2026then\u3000another\u3000set\uff1b\u3000and\u3000another\u3000and\u3000another\u3000and\u3000another\u3002\u3000The\u3000insect’s\u3000head\u3000was\u3000wider\u3000than\u3000Gromph\u3000was\u3000tall\uff1b\u3000maybe\u3000even\u3000twice\u3000as\u3000wide\u3002\u3000On\u3000either\u3000side\u3000of\u3000its\u3000grotesque\u3000mouth\u3000was\u3000a\u3000curved\uff1b\u3000jagged\u2026edged\u3000pincer\u3002\u3000Two\u3000bulbous\uff1b\u3000multifaceted\u3000eyes\u3000scanned\u3000the\u3000abandoned\u3000expanse\u3000of\u3000the\u3000marketplace\u3000as\u3000the\u3000rest\u3000of\u3000the\u3000huge\u3000beast\u3000drew\u3000itself\u3000out\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Weave\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000It\u3000was\u3000a\u3000centipede\u3000the\u3000size\u3000of\u3000a\u3000whole\u3000caravan\u3000of\u3000pack\u3000lizards\uff1b\u3000and\u3000behind\u3000it\uff1b\u3000Dyrr\u3000was\u3000laughing\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Nimor\u3000was\u3000flying\u3000at\u3000Gromph\u3000again\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000One\u3000at\u3000a\u3000time\uff1b\u3000the\u3000archmage\u3000told\u3000himself\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000He\u3000worked\u3000another\u3000spell\u3000on\u3000the\u3000pair\u3000of\u3000enchanted\u3000throwing\u3000daggers\u3002\u3000The\u3000centipede\u3000lurched\u3000at\u3000Gromph\uff1b\u3000but\u3000it\u3000was\u3000moving\u3000slowly\uff1b\u3000still\u3000unsure\u3000of\u3000its\u3000surroundings\u3000and\u3000the\u3000extent\u3000of\u3000the\u3000lich’s\u3000control\u3000over\u3000it\u3002\u3000That\u3000gave\u3000Gromph\u3000time\u3000to\u3000finish\u3000the\u3000spell\u3000and\u3000throw\u3000the\u3000daggers\u3002\u3000He\u3000didn’t\u3000bother\u3000to\u3000aim\u3002\u3000He\u3000tossed\u3000them\u3000in\u3000Nimor’s\u3000general\u3000direction\u3000and\u3000let\u3000the\u3000spell\u3000do\u3000the\u3000rest\u3002\u3000The\u3000daggers\u3000whirled\u3000through\u3000the\u3000air\uff1b\u3000their\u3000paths\u3000twisting\u3000around\u3000each\u3000other\u3000in\u3000a\u3000perfect\u3000beeline\u3000for\u3000the\u3000winged\u3000assassin\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000With\u3000impressive\u3000agility\uff1b\u3000Nimor\u3000slipped\u3000sideways\u3000in\u3000the\u3000air\u3000in\u3000an\u3000attempt\u3000to\u3000avoid\u3000the\u3000daggers\uff1b\u3000but\u3000once\u3000set\u3000on\u3000their\u3000course\uff1b\u3000nothing\u3000so\u3000simple\u3000would\u3000deter\u3000them\u3002\u3000The\u3000assassin\u3000had\u3000to\u3000twist\u3000in\u3000the\u3000air\u3000again\uff1b\u3000swatting\u3000at\u3000the\u3000blades\u3000with\u3000his\u3000rapier\u3002\u3000The\u3000flash\u3000of\u3000steel\u2026Nimor’s\u3000thin\u3000blade\u3000and\u3000both\u3000daggers\u2026became\u3000a\u3000whirling\u3000blur\u3000around\u3000the\u3000assassin\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Well\u3000played\uff1b\u3000Master\uff1b\u3000Prath\u3000mented\u3002\u3000That\u3000should\u3000keep\u3000him\u3000occupied\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Again\u3000ignoring\u3000his\u3000nephew\uff1b\u3000Gromph\u3000called\u3000on\u3000the\u3000levitating\u3000power\u3000of\u3000his\u3000staff\u3000to\u3000launch\u3000himself\u3000straight\u3000up\u3000in\u3000the\u3000air\u3002\u3000The\u3000centipede’s\u3000hideous\u3000sideways\u3000jaws\u3000crashed\u3000together\u3000an\u3000inch\u3000below\u3000the\u3000soles\u3000of\u3000his\u3000boots\uff1b\u3000and\u3000it\u3000immediately\u3000drew\u3000back\u3000for\u3000a\u3000second\u3000lunging\u3000attack\u3002\u3000Gromph\uff1b\u3000hoping\u3000he\u3000was\u3000well\u3000above\u3000the\u3000monstrous\u3000insect\uff1b\u3000twisted\u3000and\u3000rolled\u3000in\u3000the\u3000air\uff1b\u3000his\u3000eyes\u3000taking\u3000in\u3000every\u3000detail\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Bazaar\u3000and\u3000the\u3000surrounding\u3000stalagmites\u3000as\u3000he\u3000went\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000archmage\u3000stopped\uff1b\u3000hanging\u3000in\u3000the\u3000air\u3000between\u3000the\u3000confused\u3000centipede\u3000and\u3000the\u3000hovering\u3000lich\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003You\u3000don’t\u3000like\u3000my\u3000new\u3000pet\uff1f\u3003\u3000the\u3000lichdrow\u3000taunted\u3002\u3000\u3003All\u3000he\u3000wants\u3000is\u3000to\u3000give\u3000you\u3000a\u3000little\u3000kiss\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000don’t\u2026\u3003\u3000Gromph\u3000started\uff1b\u3000but\u3000the\u3000air\u3000was\u3000pushed\u3000from\u3000his\u3000chest\u3000once\u3000again\u3000when\u3000Dyrr\uff1b\u3000his\u3000staff\u3000held\u3000in\u3000front\u3000of\u3000him\uff1b\u3000used\u3000its\u3000power\u3000to\u3000thrust\u3000Gromph\u3000away\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000archmage\u3000could\u3000feel\u3000the\u3000giant\u3000insect\u3000behind\u3000him\uff1b\u3000looming\u3000like\u3000a\u3000stalactite\u3000fortress\u3002\u3000Dyrr\u3000drew\u3000himself\u3000up\u3000higher\u3000in\u3000the\u3000air\u3000and\u3000the\u3000repulsion\u3000pushed\u3000Gromph\u3000down\u3000and\u3000away\u2026directly\u3000into\u3000the\u3000centipede’s\u3000greedy\u3000jaws\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000right\u3000spell\u3000came\u3000to\u3000Gromph’s\u3000mind\u3000in\u3000an\u3000instant\uff1b\u3000and\u3000he\u3000wasted\u3000some\u3000extra\u3000energy\u3000to\u3000cast\u3000it\u3000quickly\u3002\u3000The\u3000effect\u3000was\u3000one\u3000he’d\u3000felt\u3000hundreds\u3000of\u3000times\uff1b\u3000but\u3000he’d\u3000always\u3000hated\u3000it\u3002\u3000His\u3000body\u3000felt\u3000as\u3000if\u3000it\u3000were\u3000drawing\u3000itself\u3000thin\u3002\u3000He\u3000shivered\u3000despite\u3000himself\u3000and\u3000had\u3000to\u3000force\u3000himself\u3000to\u3000keep\u3000his\u3000eyes\u3000open\u3000when\u3000his\u3000vision\u3000blurred\u3000a\u3000little\u3000and\u3000the\u3000world\u3000around\u3000him\u3000became\u3000both\u3000distorted\u3000and\u3000somehow\u3000brighter\uff1b\u3000sharper\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000He\u3000was\u3000surrounded\u3000by\u3000the\u3000inside\u3000of\u3000the\u3000gigantic\u3000insect\u3002\u3000Muscles\u3000and\u3000rivers\u3000of\u3000green\u3000semiliquid\u3000that\u3000served\u3000it\u3000for\u3000blood\uff1b\u3000the\u3000odd\u3000line\u3000of\u3000sheets\u3000the\u3000thing\u3000seemed\u3000to\u3000be\u3000using\u3000as\u3000lungs\uff1b\u3000the\u3000husks\u3000of\u3000other\u3000too\u2026big\u3000insects\u3000that\u3000it\u3000had\u3000recently\u3000eaten\u2026then\u3000another\u3000thick\u3000layer\u3000of\u3000armorlike\u3000chitin\uff1b\u3000and\u3000he\u3000was\u3000through\u3000it\u3002\u3000He\u3000had\u3000passed\u3000through\u3000the\u3000centipede\uff1b\u3000his\u3000body\u3000more\u3000a\u3000part\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Ethereal\u3000than\u3000the\u3000Prime\u3000Material\u3000Plane\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000centipede\u3000had\u3000no\u3000idea\u3000what\u3000was\u3000going\u3000on\u2026how\u3000could\u3000it\uff1f\u3000Gromph\u3000knew\u3000the\u3000insect\u3000wouldn’t\u3000have\u3000been\u3000able\u3000to\u3000feel\u3000him\u3000pass\u3000through\u3000it\uff1b\u3000but\u3000the\u3000tasty\u3000morsel\u3000of\u3000drow\u3000flesh\u3000it\u3000thought\u3000it\u3000was\u3000going\u3000to\u3000bite\u3000and\u3000swallow\u3000was\u3000somehow\u3000behind\u3000it\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000caught\u3000a\u3000flash\u3000of\u3000movement\u3000out\u3000of\u3000the\u3000corner\u3000of\u3000his\u3000eye\u3000and\u3000turned\u3000fast\u3000to\u3000see\u3000Nimor\u3000ing\u3000at\u3000him\u3000again\u3002\u3000The\u3000daggers\u3000were\u3000gone\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000assassin\u3000had\u3000a\u3000few\u3000new\u3000cuts\uff1b\u3000but\u3000he\u3000was\u3000no\u3000less\u3000deadly\u3000for\u3000the\u3000experience\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000centipede\u3000turned\uff1b\u3000moving\u3000its\u3000massive\u3000body\u2026one\u3000that\u3000must\u3000have\u3000weighed\u3000several\u3000hundred\u3000tons\u2026in\u3000a\u3000shockingly\u3000quick\u3000and\u3000agile\u3000twist\u3002\u3000Gromph’s\u3000ethereal\u3000body\u3000was\u3000still\u3000visible\uff1b\u3000though\u3000he\u3000appeared\u3000ghostly\uff1b\u3000oddly\u3000translucent\u3002\u3000The\u3000centipede\u3000didn’t\u3000seem\u3000to\u3000see\u3000him\u3002\u3000Instead\uff1b\u3000its\u3000bulging\u3000eyes\u3000locked\u3000on\u3000Nimor\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Nimor\u3000slipped\u3000sideways\u3000in\u3000the\u3000air\u3000again\u3000and\uff1b\u3000fast\u3000as\u3000the\u3000insect\u3000was\uff1b\u3000the\u3000assassin\u3000slipped\u3000past\u3000its\u3000jaws\u3000in\u3000time\u3000to\u3000save\u3000his\u3000own\u3000life\u3002\u3000The\u3000centipede\u3000would\u3000have\u3000bitten\u3000him\u3000cleanly\u3000in\u3000two\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000levitated\u3000up\u3000past\u3000the\u3000reach\u3000of\u3000the\u3000centipede\u3000as\u3000his\u3000body\u3000faded\u3000back\u3000into\u3000its\u3000solid\u3000form\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Dyrr\uff1b\u3003\u3000Nimor\u3000raged\uff1b\u3000\u3003mind\u3000your\u3000pet\uff1b\u3000damn\u3000you\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000smiled\u3000at\u3000that\uff1b\u3000but\u3000Dyrr’s\u3000response\u3000was\u3000to\u3000begin\u3000another\u3000incantation\u3002\u3000Nimor\u3000might\u3000have\u3000been\u3000angry\u3000at\u3000his\u3000undead\u3000ally\uff1b\u3000but\u3000they\u3000were\u3000far\u3000from\u3000turning\u3000on\u3000each\u3000other\u3002\u3000The\u3000archmage\u3000knew\u3000that\u3000Dyrr’s\u3000spell\u3000would\u3000be\u3000directed\u3000at\u3000him\u3002\u3000Despite\u3000having\u3000spent\u3000a\u3000little\u3000time\u3000in\u3000ethereal\u3000form\uff1b\u3000the\u3000globe\u3000was\u3000still\u3000around\u3000him\uff1b\u3000so\u3000Gromph\u3000knew\u3000that\u3000Dyrr\u3000was\u3000going\u3000to\u3000be\u3000using\u3000powerful\u3000magic\u3002\u3000The\u3000archmage\u3000turned\u3000in\u3000the\u3000air\u3000to\u3000face\u3000the\u3000lich\uff1b\u3000but\u3000all\u3000he\u3000could\u3000do\u3000in\u3000the\u3000seconds\u3000it\u3000took\u3000for\u3000Dyrr\u3000to\u3000cast\u3000the\u3000spell\u3000was\u3000hope\u3000the\u3000defenses\u3000he\u3000already\u3000had\u3000in\u3000place\u3000would\u3000be\u3000enough\u3000to\u3000save\u3000his\u3000life\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000There\u3000was\u3000no\u3000visible\u3000effect\u3000when\u3000the\u3000lich\u3000finished\u3000his\u3000spell\uff1b\u3000no\u3000trail\u3000of\u3000light\u3000or\u3000clap\u3000of\u3000thunder\uff1b\u3000but\u3000Gromph\u3000could\u3000feel\u3000the\u3000magic\u3000wrap\u3000itself\u3000around\u3000him\u3002\u3000The\u3000protective\u3000globe\u3000did\u3000nothing\u3000to\u3000keep\u3000the\u3000spell\u3000out\uff1b\u3000but\u3000other\u3000defenses\u3000came\u3000into\u3000play\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Gromph\u3000concentrated\u3000on\u3000those\u3002\u3000Still\uff1b\u3000his\u3000body\u3000began\u3000to\u3000stiffen\u3002\u3000The\u3000archmage\u3000could\u3000feel\u3000the\u3000moisture\u3000being\u3000drawn\u3000from\u3000his\u3000skin\u3002\u3000He\u3000found\u3000it\u3000difficult\u3000to\u3000bend\u3000his\u3000elbows\u3002\u3000It\u3000was\u3000as\u3000if\u3000he\u3000were\u3000being\u3000turned\u3000to\u3000stone\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000He\u3000started\u3000to\u3000drop\uff1b\u3000and\u3000before\u3000he\u3000could\u3000take\u3000control\u3000of\u3000his\u3000levitation\u3000again\uff1b\u3000the\u3000centipede\u3000turned\u3000and\u3000bit\u3000at\u3000him\u3002\u3000One\u3000of\u3000the\u3000insect’s\u3000pincers\u3000caught\u3000the\u3000archmage\u3000on\u3000the\u3000thigh\u3000as\u3000he\u3000dropped\u3000past\u3002\u3000It\u3000might\u3000have\u3000bitten\u3000his\u3000leg\u3000off\uff1b\u3000but\u3000it\u3000had\u3000the\u3000wrong\u3000angle\uff1b\u3000so\u3000instead\u3000it\u3000ripped\u3000his\u3000skin\u3000open\u3000and\u3000dragged\u3000its\u3000serrated\u3000edge\u3000deep\u3000into\u3000the\u3000muscle\u3000until\u3000it\u3000vibrated\u3000against\u3000Gromph’s\u3000thighbone\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000archmage\u3000ground\u3000his\u3000teeth\u3000against\u3000the\u3000pain\u3002\u3000Even\u3000with\u3000his\u3000muscles\u3000stiff\u3000and\u3000his\u3000breath\u3000ing\u3000in\u3000slow\uff1b\u3000shallow\u3000gulps\uff1b\u3000he\u3000used\u3000the\u3000staff\u3000to\u3000pull\u3000up\u3000into\u3000the\u3000air\u3000away\u3000from\u3000the\u3000centipede\uff1b\u3000which\u3000came\u3000at\u3000him\u3000again\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Blood\u3000oozed\u3000like\u3000thick\u3000mud\u3000out\u3000of\u3000the\u3000deep\u3000gash\u3000in\u3000his\u3000leg\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Gromph\u3000found\u3000it\u3000ironic\u3000that\u3000it\u3000was\u3000Dyrr’s\u3000spell\u3000that\u3000seemed\u3000to\u3000be\u3000saving\u3000his\u3000life\u3002\u3000The\u3000ring\u3000Gromph\u3000had\u3000been\u3000depending\u3000on\u3000didn’t\u3000seem\u3000to\u3000be\u3000functioning\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Nimor\u3000hit\u3000him\u3000again\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000cold\u3000of\u3000the\u3000magic\u3000rapier\u3000made\u3000Gromph\u3000stiffen\u3000even\u3000more\u3002\u3000A\u3000breath\u3000caught\u3000in\u3000his\u3000throat\uff1b\u3000and\u3000his\u3000stomach\u3000convulsed\u3000until\u3000he\u3000was\u3000wrapped\u3000in\u3000a\u3000ball\u3000in\u3000the\u3000air\u3002\u3000He\u3000tried\u3000to\u3000blink\uff1b\u3000but\u3000he\u3000had\u3000to\u3000close\u3000his\u3000eyes\uff1b\u3000pause\uff1b\u3000then\u3000slowly\u3000open\u3000them\u3000again\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000He\u3000tried\u3000to\u3000turn\u3000you\u3000to\u3000stone\uff1b\u3000Nauzhror\u3000said\uff1b\u3000his\u3000voice\u3000clear\u3000in\u3000Gromph’s\u3000groggy\u3000mind\u3002\u3000You’ve\u3000resisted\u3000it\u3000thus\u3000far\uff1b\u3000Archmage\u3002\u3000Don’t\u3000let\u3000it\u3000in\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000turned\u3000his\u3000head\u3000slowly\u3000to\u3000the\u3000right\u2026all\u3000he\u3000managed\u3000from\u3000an\u3000attempt\u3000to\u3000shake\u3000his\u3000head\u3002\u3000The\u3000globe\u3000of\u3000protective\u3000magic\u3000that\u3000enveloped\u3000him\u3000disappeared\uff1b\u3000its\u3000energy\u3000spent\u3002\u3000Gromph\u3000saw\u3000Dyrr\u3000draw\u3000himself\u3000up\uff1b\u3000only\u3000a\u3000few\u3000yards\u3000away\u3002\u3000The\u3000lich\u3000cast\u3000a\u3000quick\u3000spell\uff1b\u3000and\u3000a\u3000flurry\u3000of\u3000green\u3000and\u3000red\u3000sparks\uff1b\u3000each\u3000as\u3000long\u3000as\u3000an\u3000arrow\uff1b\u3000streaked\u3000at\u3000him\u3002\u3000Gromph\u3000managed\u3000to\u3000move\u3000his\u3000leg\u3000and\u3000extend\u3000his\u3000arm\u3000but\u3000couldn’t\u3000get\u3000his\u3000jaw\u3000to\u3000open\u3000fast\u3000enough\u3000to\u3000utter\u3000the\u3000mand\u3000word\u3002\u3000The\u3000bolts\u3000of\u3000Weave\u3000energy\u3000smashed\u3000into\u3000him\uff1b\u3000burning\u3000him\uff1b\u3000shocking\u3000him\uff1b\u3000making\u3000him\u3000twitch\uff1b\u3000making\u3000his\u3000muscles\u3000extend\u3000then\u3000contract\u3002\u3000The\u3000archmage’s\u3000skin\u3000rippled\uff1b\u3000and\u3000his\u3000joints\u3000popped\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000It\u3000was\u3000painful\uff1b\u3000and\u3000he\u3000was\u3000bleeding\u3000in\u3000wide\uff1b\u3000hot\u3000sheets\u3000across\u3000his\u3000thigh\uff1b\u3000which\u3000was\u3000open\u3000to\u3000the\u3000bone\u3002\u3000He\u3000could\u3000move\u3000again\u3000but\u3000not\u3000fast\u3000enough\u3000to\u3000avoid\u3000the\u3000centipede\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000insect\u3000reared\u3000up\uff1b\u3000its\u3000massive\u3000pincers\u3000wide\u3000open\uff1b\u3000and\u3000closed\u3000on\u3000him\u3000in\u3000a\u3000lunge\u3002\u3000Gromph\u3000hung\u3000in\u3000the\u3000air\u3000barely\u3000within\u3000its\u3000reach\u3002\u3000The\u3000pincers\u3000came\u3000down\u3000and\u3000came\u3000together\u3000over\u3000his\u3000already\u3000w \n
\n \n
\n
\n
\n \u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000insect\u3000reared\u3000up\uff1b\u3000its\u3000massive\u3000pincers\u3000wide\u3000open\uff1b\u3000and\u3000closed\u3000on\u3000him\u3000in\u3000a\u3000lunge\u3002\u3000Gromph\u3000hung\u3000in\u3000the\u3000air\u3000barely\u3000within\u3000its\u3000reach\u3002\u3000The\u3000pincers\u3000came\u3000down\u3000and\u3000came\u3000together\u3000over\u3000his\u3000already\u3000wounded\u3000thigh\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000felt\u3000himself\u3000tugged\u3000down\u3000by\u3000the\u3000centipede\uff1b\u3000then\u3000something\u3000gave\u3000and\u3000he\u3000bobbed\u3000back\u3000up\u3002\u3000Before\u3000taking\u3000stock\u3000of\u3000his\u3000new\u3000wound\uff1b\u3000he\u3000levitated\u3000farther\u3000up\uff1b\u3000dimly\u3000aware\u3000that\u3000he\u3000was\u3000trailing\u3000something\u3002\u3000He\u3000cast\u3000a\u3000spell\u3000even\u3000as\u3000Nauzhror\u3000and\u3000Prath\u3000shouted\u3000into\u3000his\u3000head\u3002\u3000Something\u3000was\u3000wrong\uff1b\u3000but\u3000he\u3000needed\u3000to\u3000finish\u3000the\u3000spell\u3000before\u3000he\u3000could\u3000do\u3000anything\u3000else\u3002\u3000He\u3000had\u3000to\u3000get\u3000rid\u3000of\u3000the\u3000centipede\u3000or\u3000it\u3000would\u3000eat\u3000him\u3000piece\u3000by\u3000piece\u3000while\u3000the\u3000damned\u3000lich\u3000stood\u3000by\u3000safely\u3000watching\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000looked\u3000down\u3000and\u3000saw\u3000a\u3000spray\u3000of\u3000blood\u3000play\u3000across\u3000the\u3000centipede’s\u3000wide\uff1b\u3000flat\u3000head\uff1b\u3000then\u3000fall\u3000through\u3000it\u3000as\u3000it\u3000faded\u3002\u3000The\u3000spell\u3000took\u3000full\u3000effect\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000centipede\u3000was\u3000gone\uff1b\u3000but\u3000the\u3000blood\u3000still\u3000fell\u3000in\u3000a\u3000grisly\u3000rain\u3000onto\u3000the\u3000floor\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Bazaar\u3000far\u3000below\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000reached\u3000down\u3000to\u3000his\u3000leg\u3000and\u3000felt\u3000something\u3000hard\u3000and\u3000jagged\u3002\u3000He\u3000cut\u3000his\u3000finger\u3000on\u3000a\u3000sharp\u3000edge\u2026the\u3000sharp\u3000edge\u3000of\u3000his\u3000own\u3000thigh\u3000bone\u3002\u3000His\u3000leg\u3000was\u3000gone\u3002\u3000The\u3000centipede\u3000had\u3000bitten\u3000it\u3000off\u3002\u3000Gromph\u3000clenched\u3000his\u3000fists\u3000in\u3000anger\u3000and\u3000looked\u3000down\u3002\u3000He\u3000could\u3000see\u3000his\u3000severed\u3000leg\u3000lying\u3000amid\u3000a\u3000shower\u3000of\u3000blood\u3000that\u3000still\u3000rained\u3000from\u3000his\u3000open\u3000wound\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Sparkles\u3000of\u3000light\u3000off\u3000to\u3000one\u3000side\u3000caught\u3000Gromph’s\u3000attention\u3002\u3000Nimor\u3000threw\u3000something\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Gromph\u3000instinctively\u3000blocked\u3000his\u3000face\uff1b\u3000fearing\u3000a\u3000spell\u3002\u3000Instead\uff1b\u3000he\u3000saw\u3000the\u3000hilt\u3000of\u3000the\u3000winged\u3000assassin’s\u3000enchanted\u3000rapier\u3000spinning\u3000to\u3000the\u3000ground\u3000far\u3000below\u3002\u3000The\u3000trail\u3000of\u3000sparkling\u3000light\u3000was\u3000what\u3000was\u3000left\u3000of\u3000the\u3000freezing\u3000blade\u3002\u3000Gromph’s\u3000spell\u3000had\u3000done\u3000more\u3000than\u3000banish\u3000the\u3000centipede\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Nimor\uff1b\u3000to\u3000say\u3000the\u3000least\uff1b\u3000was\u3000not\u3000happy\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000As\u3000the\u3000assassin\u3000launched\u3000a\u3000string\u3000of\u3000invectives\u3000his\u3000way\uff1b\u3000Gromph\u3000flexed\u3000his\u3000muscles\u3000and\u3000found\u3000that\u3000the\u3000stiffening\u3000effect\u3000was\u3000gone\u3002\u3000He\u3000was\u3000in\u3000pain\u3000but\u3000not\u3000as\u3000much\u3000as\u3000he\u3000would\u3000have\u3000imagined\u3002\u3000His\u3000ring\u3000was\u3000already\u3000starting\u3000to\u3000fight\u3000against\u3000the\u3000grievous\u3000wounds\u3000the\u3000archmage\u3000had\u3000suffered\u3002\u3000Gromph\u3000knew\u3000that\u3000he’d\u3000survive\uff1b\u3000but\u3000there\u3000was\u3000still\u3000the\u3000matter\u3000of\u3000the\u3000leg\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Nimor\u3000swooped\u3000over\u3000him\u3000then\u3000disappeared\u3000into\u3000the\u3000darkness\u3002\u3000Gromph\u3000couldn’t\u3000see\u3000the\u3000lichdrow\u3002\u3000He\u3000dropped\u3000slowly\u3000to\u3000the\u3000floor\uff1b\u3000ing\u3000to\u3000rest\u3000in\u3000a\u3000pool\u3000of\u3000his\u3000own\u3000blood\u3002\u3000When\u3000weight\u3000started\u3000to\u3000return\u3000to\u3000him\uff1b\u3000he\u3000staggered\u3000and\u3000had\u3000to\u3000reactivate\u3000the\u3000staff’s\u3000levitating\u3000power\u3000before\u3000he\u3000fell\u3000in\u3000a\u3000sprawl\u3000into\u3000the\u3000puddle\u3000of\u3000cooling\u3000gore\u3002\u3000He\u3000hadn’t\u3000thought\u3000about\u3000trying\u3000to\u3000stand\u3000on\u3000one\u3000foot\u3002\u3000Instead\uff1b\u3000he\u3000let\u3000himself\u3000hover\u3000an\u3000inch\u3000off\u3000the\u3000ground\uff1b\u3000bent\uff1b\u3000and\u3000picked\u3000up\u3000his\u3000own\u3000leg\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000It\u3000was\u3000a\u3000curious\u3000feeling\uff1b\u3000holding\u3000his\u3000leg\u3000in\u3000his\u3000hand\uff1b\u3000but\u3000the\u3000archmage\u3000brushed\u3000it\u3000off\u3002\u3000The\u3000assassin\u3000and\u3000the\u3000lich\u3000were\u3000obviously\u3000regrouping\u3000after\u3000Gromph’s\u3000powerful\u3000spell\u3000had\u3000disjoined\u3000the\u3000magic\u3000all\u3000around\u3000him\u2026all\u3000the\u3000magic\u3000save\u3000his\u3000own\u2026but\u3000they\u3000would\u3000be\u3000back\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000felt\u3000the\u3000bone\u3000on\u3000his\u3000stump\u3000again\u3000and\u3000was\u3000pleased\u3000that\u3000the\u3000skin\u3000hadn’t\u3000yet\u3000begun\u3000to\u3000grow\u3000over\u3000it\u3002\u3000He\u3000turned\u3000the\u3000leg\u3000in\u3000his\u3000hand\u3000and\u2026
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000A\u3000blast\u3000of\u3000cold\u3000air\u3000surrounded\u3000him\uff1b\u3000engulfed\u3000him\uff1b\u3000pushed\u3000him\u3000back\u3000and\u3000down\uff1b\u3000grinding\u3000him\u3000into\u3000the\u3000stone\u3000floor\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Bazaar\u3000and\u3000dragging\u3000him\u3000along\u3002\u3000Gromph’s\u3000head\u3000smashed\u3000into\u3000something\u3000that\u3000broke\uff1b\u3000splintered\uff1b\u3000and\u3000fell\u3000all\u3000around\u3000him\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000He\u3000shook\u3000his\u3000head\uff1b\u3000and\u3000bits\u3000of\u3000giant\u3000mushroom\u3000stem\u3000and\u3000glass\u3000fell\u3000from\u3000his\u3000white\u3000hair\u3002\u3000He\u3000was\u3000half\u3000buried\u3000in\u3000a\u3000shattered\u3000merchant’s\u3000stall\uff1b\u3000but\u3000all\u3000Gromph\u3000could\u3000think\u3000about\u3000was\u3000how\u3000relieved\u3000he\u3000was\u3000to\u3000still\u3000be\u3000holding\u3000his\u3000leg\u3002\u3000His\u3000body\u3000was\u3000covered\u3000in\u3000a\u3000thin\u3000layer\u3000of\u3000chilling\u3000frost\u3000that\u3000was\u3000already\u3000starting\u3000to\u3000melt\u3000in\u3000the\u3000cool\u3000damp\u3000air\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Bazaar\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000lich\uff1b\u3000Nauzhror\u3000said\u3000into\u3000Gromph’s\u3000mind\uff1b\u3000was\u3000outside\u3000the\u3000disjunction\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000I\u3000see\u3000that\uff1b\u3000the\u3000archmage\u3000answered\uff1b\u3000letting\u3000a\u3000wave\u3000of\u3000frustration\u3000follow\u3000the\u3000thought\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000looked\u3000up\u3000and\u3000around\u3002\u3000Dyrr\u3000was\u3000casting\uff1b\u3000while\u3000Nimor\u3000arrowed\u3000fast\u3000through\u3000the\u3000air\u3000at\u3000the\u3000archmage\u3002\u3000He\u3000set\u3000another\u3000protective\u3000globe\u3000around\u3000himself\uff1b\u3000briefly\u3000worrying\u3000that\u3000the\u3000staff’s\u3000power\u3000was\u3000being\u3000too\u3000quickly\u3000drained\u3002\u3000It\u3000couldn’t\u3000keep\u3000protecting\u3000him\u3000and\u3000levitating\u3000him\u3000forever\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000lich\u3000finished\u3000his\u3000spell\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Gromph\u3000smiled\u3000when\u3000a\u3000bolt\u3000of\u3000blinding\u3000yellow\u3000lighting\u3000crackled\u3000from\u3000Dyrr’s\u3000hands\uff1b\u3000arcing\u3000through\u3000the\u3000air\u3000and\u3000splattering\u3000in\u3000a\u3000shower\u3000of\u3000sparks\u3000against\u3000Gromph’s\u3000protective\u3000globe\u3002\u3000Even\u3000as\u3000the\u3000lightning\u3000spent\u3000itself\u3000on\u3000his\u3000defenses\uff1b\u3000not\u3000even\u3000making\u3000Gromph’s\u3000hair\u3000stand\u3000on\u3000end\uff1b\u3000the\u3000archmage\u3000cast\u3000another\u3000defensive\u3000spell\u3000on\u3000himself\u3002\u3000Flames\u3000flickered\u3000almost\u3000invisibly\u3000along\u3000his\u3000body\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000I\u3000see\uff1b\u3000Prath\u3000said\u3002\u3000It\u3000worked\u3000on\u3000the\u3000huecuva\uff1b\u3000but\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Nimor\u3000was\u3000upon\u3000him\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Gromph\u3000tucked\u3000his\u3000body\u3000into\u3000a\u3000ball\u3000against\u3000the\u3000assassin’s\u3000attack\u3002\u3000The\u3000half\u2026dragon’s\u3000hands\u3000were\u3000bigger\u3000than\u3000they\u3000were\u3000in\u3000his\u3000drow\u3000guise\uff1b\u3000and\u3000each\u3000of\u3000this\u3000fingers\u3000ended\u3000in\u3000a\u3000thick\uff1b\u3000sharp\u3000talon\u3000of\u3000jet\u2026black\u3000ivory\u3002\u3000Nimor\u3000raked\u3000Gromph’s\u3000shoulder\u3000with\u3000those\u3000formidable\u3000claws\uff1b\u3000but\u3000they\u3000skipped\u3000harmlessly\u3000along\u3000the\u3000sparking\u3000surface\u3000of\u3000the\u3000archmage’s\u3000fire\u3000shield\u3002\u3000Bright\u3000orange\u3000flames\u3000blazed\u3000up\u3000from\u3000Gromph’s\u3000shoulder\uff1b\u3000covering\u3000the\u3000assassin’s\u3000face\u3002\u3000Nimor\u3000roared\u3000in\u3000pain\u3000and\u3000beat\u3000his\u3000wings\u3000once\u3000so\u3000hard\u3000that\u3000stinging\u3000shards\u3000of\u3000glass\u3000from\u3000the\u3000ruined\u3000merchant’s\u3000stall\u3000whirled\u3000around\u3000the\u3000archmage\u3002\u3000Each\u3000time\u3000one\u3000of\u3000the\u3000little\u3000shards\u3000of\u3000glass\u3000hit\u3000him\uff1b\u3000a\u3000spark\u3000of\u3000fire\u3000burst\u3000out\u3000in\u3000answer\u3002\u3000The\u3000spell\u3000never\u3000burned\u3000Gromph\uff1b\u3000but\u3000for\u3000a\u3000few\u3000unnerving\u3000seconds\u3000he\u3000was\u3000surrounded\u3000in\u3000a\u3000cascade\u3000of\u3000roiling\u3000flame\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Nimor\u3000disappeared\u3000into\u3000the\u3000shadows\u3000in\u3000the\u3000cavern’s\u3000vault\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000flurry\u3000of\u3000glass\u3000and\u3000fire\u3000subsided\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Gromph\u3000worked\u3000his\u3000way\u3000out\u3000of\u3000the\u3000wreckage\u3000of\u3000the\u3000merchant’s\u3000stall\u3002\u3000When\u3000his\u3000stump\u3000was\u3000clear\uff1b\u3000blood\u3000still\u3000oozing\u3000from\u3000it\uff1b\u3000the\u3000pain\u3000reduced\u3000by\u3000his\u3000ring\u3000to\u3000a\u3000dull\uff1b\u3000annoying\u3000throb\uff1b\u3000Gromph\u3000took\u3000a\u3000second\u3000to\u3000make\u3000sure\u3000his\u3000foot\u3000was\u3000pointing\u3000in\u3000the\u3000right\u3000direction\u3000and\u3000stuck\u3000his\u3000leg\u3000back\u3000on\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000He\u3000held\u3000it\u3000in\u3000place\u3000and\u3000closed\u3000his\u3000eyes\u3002\u3000His\u3000breath\u3000came\u3000in\u3000short\uff1b\u3000sharp\u3000gasps\u3000as\u3000the\u3000dull\u3000throb\u3000turned\u3000into\u3000a\u3000skin\u2026quivering\u3000shiver\u3002\u3000The\u3000feel\u3000of\u3000the\u3000bone\u3000reattaching\uff1b\u3000each\u3000fine\u3000blood\u3000vessel\u3000rejoining\u3000its\u3000severed\u3000end\uff1b\u3000nerves\u3000blazing\u3000back\u3000to\u3000life\u3000with\u3000a\u3000wild\u3000flurry\u3000of\u3000pain\uff1b\u3000itching\uff1b\u3000pleasure\uff1b\u3000then\u3000pain\u3000again\uff1b\u3000and\u3000his\u3000skin\u3000drawing\u3000itself\u3000together\u3000made\u3000Gromph\u3000gasp\u3000and\u3000shake\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000lich\uff1b\u3000Nauzhror\u3000warned\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Only\u3000then\u3000did\u3000Gromph\u3000bee\u3000aware\u3000that\u3000Dyrr\u3000was\u3000casting\u3000another\u3000spell\u3002\u3000The\u3000response\u3000that\u3000came\u3000to\u3000Gromph’s\u3000mind\u3000was\u3000a\u3000powerful\u3000deterrent\uff1b\u3000one\u3000that\u3000would\u3000protect\u3000him\u3000where\u3000the\u3000staff’s\u3000globe\u3000could\u3000not\u3002\u3000Not\u3000pausing\u3000to\u3000consider\u3000any\u3000greater\u3000implications\uff1b\u3000Gromph\u3000drew\u3000together\u3000the\u3000required\u3000Weave\u3000energy\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000antimagic\u3000field\u3000was\u3000up\u3000in\u3000time\u3000to\u3000block\u3000a\u3000huge\u3000explosion\u3000of\u3000searing\u3000heat\u3000and\u3000blinding\u3000fire\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000It\u3000also\u3000suppressed\u3000the\u3000regenerative\u3000power\u3000of\u3000the\u3000ring\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000No\u3000magic\u3000was\u3000working\u3000anywhere\u3000near\u3000Gromph\u3000Baenre\uff1b\u3000and\u3000his\u3000leg\u3000was\u3000only\u3000half\u3000repaired\u3002\u3000He\u3000shuddered\uff1b\u3000clenching\u3000his\u3000jaw\u3000and\u3000eyes\u3000tightly\u3000shut\u3000as\u3000pain\u3000roared\u3000up\u3000from\u3000his\u3000leg\u3000to\u3000wrap\u3000his\u3000whole\u3000body\u3000in\u3000a\u3000spasm\u3000of\u3000agony\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Well\u3000played\uff1b\u3000my\u3000young\u3000friend\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000lich\u3000called\u3000down\u3000to\u3000him\uff1b\u3000\u3003but\u3000that\u3000field\u3000will\u3000e\u3000down\u3000eventually\u3002\u3000Meantime\uff1b\u3000you’ll\u3000be\u3000bleeding\u2026and\u3000I’ll\u3000be\u3000waiting\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000didn’t\u3000bother\u3000to\u3000consider\u3000the\u3000lich’s\u3000threat\u3002\u3000He\u3000was\u3000in\u3000too\u3000much\u3000pain\u3000to\u3000think\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000
\nChapter\u3000Twenty
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Piet\u3000squeezed\u3000the\u3000handle\u3000of\u3000his\u3000axe\uff1b\u3000hoping\u3000that\u3000his\u3000sweating\u3000palms\u3000would\u3000still\u3000be\u3000able\u3000to\u3000grip\u3000it\u3000when\u3000the\u3000fighting\u3000started\u2026and\u3000the\u3000fighting\u3000would\u3000start\u3000soon\u3002\u3000He\u3000glanced\u3000at\u3000his\u3000friend\u3000Ulo\u3000and\u3000could\u3000tell\u3000that\u3000Ulo\u3000was\u3000thinking\u3000the\u3000same\u3000thing\u3002\u3000Piet\u3000could\u3000even\u3000see\u3000Ulo’s\u3000fingers\u3000worrying\u3000at\u3000the\u3000handles\u3000of\u3000his\u3000two\u3000big\u3000knives\uff1b\u3000and\u3000he\u3000knew\u3000that\u3000Ulo’s\u3000hands\u3000were\u3000sweating\u3000too\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000They\u3000had\u3000e\u3000to\u3000the\u3000Flooded\u3000Forest\u3000to\u3000do\u3000some\u3000logging\uff1b\u3000make\u3000a\u3000couple\u3000of\u3000silvers\uff1b\u3000and\u3000mind\u3000their\u3000own\u3000business\u3002\u3000Since\u3000they’d\u3000been\u3000there\u3000they’d\u3000seen\u3000ten\u3000of\u3000their\u3000rades\u3000killed\u3002\u3000Some\u3000had\u3000died\u3000in\u3000the\u3000inevitable\u3000accidents\u3000that\u3000one\u3000might\u3000expect\u3000at\u3000any\u3000logging\u3000camp\uff1b\u3000but\u3000most\u3000of\u3000them\u3000fell\u3000to\u3000the\u3000local\u3000wildlife\u3002\u3000The\u3000swamp\u3000held\u3000all\u3000manner\u3000of\u3000arcane\u3000threats\uff1b\u3000from\u3000animated\u3000vines\u3000that\u3000dragged\u3000men\u3000down\u3000to\u3000a\u3000watery\u3000grave\u3000to\u3000lizardfolk\u3000who\u3000picked\u3000off\u3000stragglers\u3000at\u3000the\u3000edges\u3000of\u3000the\u3000clearing\u3000seemingly\u3000out\u3000of\u3000spite\u3002\u3000Still\uff1b\u3000the\u3000ring\u3000of\u3000torches\u3000and\u3000the\u3000gods\u3000only\u3000knew\u3000what\u3000else\u2026maybe\u3000even\u3000some\u3000sort\u3000of\u3000swamp\u3000etiquette\u2026kept\u3000the\u3000really\u3000dangerous\u3000creatures\u3000out\u3000of\u3000their\u3000camp\u3002\u3000The\u3000makeshift\u3000tavern\u3000where\u3000the\u3000men\u3000spent\u3000virtually\u3000all\u3000of\u3000their\u3000non\u2026working\u3000time\u3000\uff08and\u3000there\u3000wasn’t\u3000much\u3000of\u3000that\uff09\u3000seemed\u3000like\u3000a\u3000safe\u3000enough\u3000place\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Now\u3000a\u3000dark\u3000elf\u3000and\u3000some\u3000kind\u3000of\u3000huge\u3000demon\u2026thing\u3000had\u3000smashed\u3000through\u3000the\u3000window\uff1b\u3000and\u3000all\u3000bets\u3000were\u3000off\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Piet\u3000and\u3000Ulo\u3000faced\u3000off\u3000against\u3000the\u3000dark\u3000elf\u3002\u3000Of\u3000the\u3000two\u3000of\u3000them\uff1b\u3000he\u3000appeared\u3000merely\u3000lethal\uff1b\u3000where\u3000the\u3000demon\u2026thing\u3000might\u3000have\u3000really\u3000done\u3000terrible\u3000things\u3000to\u3000someone\u3002\u3000Piet’s\u3000knees\u3000were\u3000shaking\u3002\u3000So\u3000were\u3000his\u3000hands\uff1b\u3000and\u3000his\u3000jaw\u3000felt\u3000tense\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000On\u3000the\u3000other\u3000side\u3000of\u3000the\u3000mon\u3000room\u3000four\u3000of\u3000the\u3000other\u3000loggers\uff1b\u3000Ansen\uff1b\u3000Kinsky\uff1b\u3000Lint\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Arkam\uff1b\u3000were\u3000facing\u3000down\u3000the\u3000huge\u3000demon\u2026thing\u3002\u3000They\u3000were\u3000all\u3000armed\u2026no\u3000one\u3000with\u3000half\u3000a\u3000brain\u3000went\u3000unarmed\u3000in\u3000the\u3000Flooded\u3000Forest\u2026but\u3000their\u3000weapons\u3000looked\u3000puny\u3000against\u3000the\u3000massive\u3000creature\u3002\u3000Ansen\u3000had\u3000grabbed\u3000a\u3000torch\u3000from\u3000a\u3000wall\u3000sconce\uff1b\u3000Kinsky\u3000had\u3000his\u3000axe\u3000with\u3000him\uff1b\u3000Lint\u3000was\u3000hoping\u3000to\u3000keep\u3000the\u3000monster\u3000at\u3000bay\u3000with\u3000the\u3000spear\u3000he\u3000used\u3000to\u3000fish\u3000in\u3000the\u3000swamp\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Arkam\u3000waved\u3000a\u3000broken\u3000axe\u3000handle\u3000in\u3000front\u3000of\u3000him\u3002\u3000They\u3000all\u3000looked\u3000suitably\u3000terrified\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000dark\u3000elf\u3000had\u3000a\u3000huge\u3000sword\u2026Piet\u3000had\u3000never\u3000seen\u3000a\u3000sword\u3000so\u3000big\u2026but\u3000he\u3000was\u3000holding\u3000it\u3000in\u3000a\u3000loose\u3000grip\uff1b\u3000dangling\u3000to\u3000his\u3000right\uff1b\u3000t \n
\n \n
\n
\n
\n ht\uff1b\u3000the\u3000tip\u3000scraping\u3000the\u3000rough\u3000wood\u3000floor\u3002\u3000The\u3000drow\u3000was\u3000wet\u3000and\u3000bleeding\u3000from\u3000his\u3000face\uff1b\u3000from\u3000his\u3000leg\uff1b\u3000and\u3000maybe\u3000other\u3000places\u3000as\u3000well\u3002\u3000Piet\u3000had\u3000never\u3000seen\u3000a\u3000dark\u3000elf\u3000before\u3002\u3000He’d\u3000actually\u3000always\u3000thought\u3000they\u3000were\u3000a\u3000myth\uff1b\u3000so\u3000it\u3000was\u3000impossible\u3000for\u3000him\u3000to\u3000get\u3000a\u3000read\u3000on\u3000the\u3000creature\uff1b\u3000but\u3000he\u3000seemed\u3000to\u3000be\u3000weak\uff1b\u3000exhausted\uff1b\u3000maybe\u3000even\u3000dying\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Who\u3000are\u3000you\uff1f\u3003\u3000Piet\u3000asked\uff1b\u3000not\u3000liking\u3000at\u3000all\u3000the\u3000terrified\u3000quaver\u3000he\u3000heard\u3000in\u3000his\u3000voice\u3002\u3000\u3003What\u3000are\u3000you\u3000doing\u3000here\uff1f\u3000What\u3000do\u3000you\u3000want\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Difficult\u3000as\u3000it\u3000was\u3000for\u3000Piet\u3000to\u3000tell\u3000what\u3000the\u3000drow\u3000was\u3000thinking\uff1b\u3000the\u3000logger\u3000was\u3000convinced\u3000that\u3000the\u3000outsider\u3000understood\u3000him\u3002\u3000The\u3000look\u3000he\u3000gave\u3000Piet\u3000in\u3000answer\u3000seemed\u3000haughty\u3000at\u3000first\u3000then\u3000wasn’t\u3000so\u3000much\u3000haughty\u3000as\u3000\u3002\u3002\u3002\u3000Piet\u3000didn’t\u3000know\u3000what\u3000to\u3000call\u3000it\u3002\u3000He\u3000thought\u3000he\u3000remembered\u3000a\u3000word\uff1a\u3000disdainful\uff1b\u3000but\u3000he\u3000wasn’t\u3000sure\u3000he\u3000remembered\u3000what\u3000that\u3000meant\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000drow\u3000didn’t\u3000answer\u3002\u3000Instead\uff1b\u3000he\u3000started\u3000to\u3000bring\u3000his\u3000sword\u3000up\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Piet\uff1b\u3000afraid\u3000the\u3000drow\u3000was\u3000going\u3000to\u3000cut\u3000him\uff1b\u3000chopped\u3000down\u3000with\u3000his\u3000axe\u3002\u3000Piet\u3000had\u3000spent\u3000his\u3000entire\u3000adult\u3000life\u2026since\u3000he\u3000was\u3000eleven\u2026and\u2026a\u2026half\u2026chopping\u3000wood\u3002\u3000He\u3000knew\u3000how\u3000to\u3000swing\u3000an\u3000axe\uff1b\u3000and\u3000he\u3000did\u3000it\u3000with\u3000speed\uff1b\u3000power\uff1b\u3000and\u3000precision\u3002\u3000Still\uff1b\u3000he\u3000didn’t\u3000e\u3000within\u3000an\u3000armslength\u3000of\u3000the\u3000dark\u3000elf\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Piet\u3000barely\u3000saw\u3000him\u3000move\u3002\u3000He\u3000was\u3000a\u3000couple\u3000of\u3000feet\u3000to\u3000the\u3000right\u3000all\u3000of\u3000a\u3000sudden\uff1b\u3000standing\u3000between\u3000Piet\u3000and\u3000Ulo\u3002\u3000The\u3000drow\u3000had\u3000his\u3000sword\u3000up\uff1b\u3000but\u3000it\u3000looked\u3000as\u3000if\u3000he\u3000was\u3000defending\u3000himself\uff1b\u3000not\u3000attacking\u3002\u3000Ulo\uff1b\u3000surprised\u3000that\u3000the\u3000dark\u3000elf\u3000was\u3000suddenly\u3000standing\u3000so\u3000much\u3000closer\u3000to\u3000him\uff1b\u3000waved\u3000his\u3000knives\u3000in\u3000front\u3000of\u3000himself\u3000madly\u2026cutting\u3000no\u3000one\u2026and\u3000scrambled\u3000backward\u3000until\u3000he\u3000hit\u3000the\u3000wall\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Stab\u3000him\uff1b\u3000Ulo\uff01\u3003\u3000Piet\u3000shouted\uff1b\u3000but\u3000it\u3000didn’t\u3000look\u3000as\u3000if\u3000Ulo\u3000even\u3000heard\u3000him\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000dark\u3000elf\u3000came\u3000at\u3000Piet\u3000with\u3000his\u3000sword\u3000low\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Piet\u3000dodged\u3000out\u3000of\u3000the\u3000way\u3000instinctively\u3002\u3000A\u3000rush\u3000of\u3000adrenaline\u3000coursed\u3000through\u3000him\u3002\u3000He’d\u3000never\u3000moved\u3000so\u3000fast\u3000in\u3000his\u3000life\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000He\u3000changed\u3000his\u3000grip\u3000on\u3000his\u3000axe\u3000and\u3000swung\u3000it\u3000sideways\u3000at\u3000the\u3000dark\u3000elf\uff1b\u3000who\u3000leaped\u3000back\u3000to\u3000let\u3000the\u3000axe\u3000head\u3000pass\u3000a\u3000few\u3000inches\u3000in\u3000front\u3000of\u3000his\u3000face\u3002\u3000Piet\u3000reversed\u3000his\u3000grip\u3000at\u3000the\u3000end\u3000of\u3000the\u3000swing\uff1b\u3000twisted\u3000the\u3000axe\u3000around\u3000and\u3000swung\u3000again\u3002\u3000He\u3000knew\u3000the\u3000dark\u3000elf\u3000would\u3000lean\u3000back\u3000again\u3000and\u3000was\u3000ready\u3000for\u3000it\u3002\u3000He\u3000actually\u3000aimed\u3000at\u3000a\u3000point\u3000several\u3000inches\u3000behind\u3000the\u3000drow’s\u3000head\u3002\u3000The\u3000only\u3000thing\u3000he\u3000could\u3000see\u3000was\u3000the\u3000drow\uff1b\u3000and\u3000when\u3000the\u3000axe\u3000came\u3000at\u3000the\u3000dark\u3000elf’s\u3000head\uff1b\u3000Piet\u3000closed\u3000his\u3000eyes\uff1b\u3000expecting\u3000a\u3000splash\u3000of\u3000blood\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000axe\u3000stopped\uff1b\u3000and\u3000hot\uff1b\u3000thick\u3000liquid\u3000splashed\u3000over\u3000Piet’s\u3000face\u3002\u3000He\u3000closed\u3000his\u3000eyes\u3000tighter\u3000to\u3000keep\u3000the\u3000blood\u3000out\u3000of\u3000his\u3000eyes\u3000and\u3000tried\u3000to\u3000wrench\u3000the\u3000axe\u3000out\u3000of\u3000the\u3000dark\u3000elf’s\u3000skull\uff1b\u3000but\u3000it\u3000was\u3000stuck\u3002\u3000The\u3000falling\u3000body\u3000dragged\u3000Piet\u3000down\u3000with\u3000in\u3000and\u3000he\u3000slowly\u3000sank\u3000to\u3000his\u3000knees\u3002\u3000Piet’s\u3000forehead\u3000bumped\u3000the\u3000wall\uff1b\u3000which\u3000surprised\u3000him\u3002\u3000He\u3000didn’t\u3000think\u3000he\u3000was\u3000that\u3000far\u3000forward\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000He\u3000wiped\u3000his\u3000eyes\u3000with\u3000one\u3000sleeve\u3000as\u3000he\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003I\u3000got\u3000him\uff1b\u3000Ulo\uff01\u3000I\u3000split\u3000the\u3000black\u3000devil’s\u3000sku\u2026\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Piet\u3000stopped\u3000cold\u3000when\u3000he\u3000opened\u3000his\u3000eyes\u3000and\u3000saw\u3000exactly\u3000whose\u3000skull\u3000he’d\u3000split\u3002\u3000Ulo’s\u3000dead\u3000eyes\u3000stared\u3000back\u3000at\u3000him\uff1b\u3000glassy\u3000and\u3000vacant\u3002\u3000Piet’s\u3000axe\u3000head\u3000was\u3000jammed\u3000into\u3000the\u3000side\u3000of\u3000his\u3000friend’s\u3000head\uff1b\u3000and\u3000blood\u3000was\u3000still\u3000oozing\u3000out\u3000from\u3000around\u3000it\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Piet’s\u3000body\u3000shook\uff1b\u3000wracked\u3000by\u3000a\u3000spasm\uff1b\u3000but\u3000he\u3000kept\u3000himself\u3000from\u3000vomiting\u3000by\u3000pressing\u3000a\u3000hand\u3000tightly\u3000to\u3000his\u3000mouth\uff1b\u3000letting\u3000go\u3000of\u3000the\u3000axe\u3000that\u3000was\u3000still\u3000stuck\u3000in\u3000his\u3000friend’s\u3000head\uff1b\u3000and\u3000rolling\u3000off\u3000onto\u3000the\u3000floor\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000men\u3000were\u3000grunting\u3000and\u3000coughing\u3002\u3000Ansen\u3000screamed\u3002\u3000Smoke\u3000billowed\u3000up\u3000from\u3000his\u3000hair\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000flesh\u3000around\u3000his\u3000right\u3000eye\u3000was\u3000crisping\u3000and\u3000beginning\u3000to\u3000flake\u3000away\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Stop\u3000it\uff1b\u3003\u3000Piet\u3000gasped\u3002
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\n \u3000\u3000\u3000Rab\u3000was\u3000still\u3000puzzling\u3000over\u3000that\u3000when\u3000something\u3000even\u3000stranger\u3000happened\uff1a\u3000the\u3000dark\u3000elf\u3000drew\u3000his\u3000greatsword\u3000across\u3000the\u3000demon’s\u3000back\uff1b\u3000cutting\u3000it\u3000deeply\u3000enough\u3000that\u3000blood\u3000sprayed\u3000from\u3000the\u3000wound\u3000and\u3000the\u3000creature\u3000roared\u3002\u3000The\u3000drow\u3000said\u3000something\u3000in\u3000a\u3000language\u3000Rab\u3000didn’t\u3000even\u3000recognize\u3000let\u3000alone\u3000understand\u3002\u3000There\u3000didn’t\u3000seem\u3000to\u3000be\u3000any\u3000anger\uff1b\u3000any\u3000emotion\u3000at\u3000all\u3000on\u3000the\u3000drow’s\u3000face\uff1b\u3000but\u3000he\u3000was\u3000definitely\u3000trying\u3000to\u3000kill\u3000the\u3000demon\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000
\nChapter\u3000Twenty\u2026one
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003And\uff1f\u3003\u3000the\u3000Mistress\u3000of\u3000Arach\u2026Tinilith\u3000prompted\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Danifae\u3000looked\u3000at\u3000the\u3000draegloth\uff1b\u3000whose\u3000eyes\u3000were\u3000locked\u3000on\u3000Pharaun\u3002\u3000Still\u3000the\u3000mage\u3000made\u3000no\u3000move\u3000and\u3000never\u3000looked\u3000at\u3000either\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3000or\u3000her\u3002\u3000She’d\u3000promised\u3000to\u3000spare\u3000the\u3000weapons\u3000master\u3000but\u3000had\u3000lied\u3002\u3000Danifae\u3000half\u3000expected\u3000the\u3000mage\u3000to\u3000burn\u3000her\u3000to\u3000ciders\u3000where\u3000she\u3000stood\u3000for\u3000the\u3000betrayal\u3002\u3000Either\u3000he\u3000was\u3000too\u3000busy\u3000with\u3000his\u3000preparations\u3000for\u3000the\u3000journey\uff1b\u3000or\u3000he\u3000didn’t\u3000care\u3000\u3002\u3002\u3002\u3000or\u3000he\u3000was\u3000planning\u3000something\u3000for\u3000later\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003My\u3000loyalty\u3000is\u3000with\u3000Lolth\uff1b\u3003\u3000Danifae\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003and\u3000to\u3000the\u3000House\u3000of\u3000your\u3000birth\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003House\u3000Baenre\uff1b\u3003\u3000Quenthel\u3000said\uff1b\u3000her\u3000voice\u3000icy\uff1b\u3000\u3003has\u3000no\u3000room\u3000for\u3000upstarts\uff1b\u3000traitors\uff1b\u3000or\u3000battle\u2026captives\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000think\u3000you’ll\u3000find\uff1b\u3000Mistress\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000former\u3000servant\u3000pressed\u3000on\uff1b\u3000\u3003that\u3000I\u3000am\u3000neither\u3000an\u3000upstart\uff1b\u3000a\u3000traitor\u3000\u3002\u3002\u3002\u3000or\u3000a\u3000battle\u2026captive\u3002\u3000It\u3000is\u3000not\u3000I\u3000who\u3000dances\u3000under\u3000the\u3000gaze\u3000of\u3000Eilistraee\uff1b\u3000I\u3000am\u3000here\uff1b\u3000and\u3000I\u3000am\u3000ready\u3000to\u3000serve\u3000you\uff1b\u3000to\u3000serve\u3000Lolth\uff1b\u3000to\u3000serve\u3000Arach\u2026Tinilith\uff1b\u3000Menzoberranzan\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000entire\u3000dark\u3000elf\u2026\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003All\u3000right\uff1b\u3003\u3000Quenthel\u3000snarled\uff1b\u3000\u3003leave\u3000it\u3000out\u3002\u3000I\u3000don’t\u3000need\u3000my\u3000arse\u3000li\u2026\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Never\uff1b\u3000Mist\u2026\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Silence\uff1b\u3000child\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000Mistress\u3000of\u3000Arach\u2026Tinilith\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003Interrupt\u3000me\u3000again\u3000and\u3000taste\u3000venom\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Danifae\u3000got\u3000the\u3000distinct\u3000impression\u3000that\u3000it\u3000was\u3000a\u3000hollow\u3000threat\uff1b\u3000but\u3000she\u3000silenced\u3000herself\u3000just\u3000the\u3000same\u3002\u3000It\u3000wasn’t\u3000easy\u3000for\u3000her\u3000to\u3000do\u3002\u3000There\u3000was\u3000much\u3000she\u3000burned\u3000to\u3000say\u3000to\u3000Quenthel\u3000Baenre\uff1b\u3000but\u3000she\u3000decided\u3000that\u3000she\u3000would\u3000say\u3000it\u3000to\u3000her\u3000corpse\u3000instead\u3002\u3000Besides\uff1b\u3000the\u3000vipers\u3000at\u3000Quenthel’s\u3000mand\u3000were\u3000still\u3000dangerous\uff1b\u3000and\u3000all\u3000f \n
\n \n
\n
\n
\n all\u3000five\u3000of\u3000them\u3000stared\u3000at\u3000her\uff1b\u3000their\u3000cruel\u3000poison\u3000glistening\u3000on\u3000darting\u3000tongues\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000ship’s\u3000deck\u3000was\u3000elongated\u3000and\u3000twisted\uff1b\u3000as\u3000if\u3000it\u3000had\u3000been\u3000pulled\u3000at\u3000either\u3000end\u3000by\u3000a\u3000strong\u3000but\u3000careless\u3000giant\u3002\u3000Pharaun\u3000seemed\u3000twice\u3000as\u3000far\u3000away\uff1b\u3000Valas\u3000twice\u3000as\u3000close\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Danifae\u3000and\u3000Jeggred\u3000appeared\u3000to\u3000be\u3000hanging\u3000upside\u3000down\u3002\u3000The\u3000draegloth\u3000held\u3000the\u3000battle\u2026captive\u3000in\u3000one\u3000arm\u3000and\u3000the\u3000rail\u3000in\u3000the\u3000other\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000All\u3000around \n
\n \n
\n
\n
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000All\u3000around\u3000them\u3000black\u3000shapes\u3000flitted\u3000in\u3000and\u3000around\u3000the\u3000rigging\uff1b\u3000up\u3000and\u3000under\u3000the\u3000hull\uff1b\u3000and\u3000between\u3000the\u3000falling\u3000dark\u3000elves\u3002\u3000The\u3000air\u3000was\u3000ribboned\u3000with\u3000black\u3000and\u3000gray\uff1b\u3000and\u3000there\u3000was\u3000a\u3000dull\u3000roar\u3000like\u3000wind\u3000but\u3000not\u3000wind\u3000that\u3000all\u3000but\u3000deafened\u3000her\u3002\u3000The\u3000flying\u3000black\u3000shapes\u3000were\u3000either\u3000bats\u3000or\u3000the\u3000shadows\u3000of\u3000bats\u3002\u3000In\u3000the\u3000Shadow\u3000Deep\uff1b\u3000Quenthel\u3000knew\uff1b\u3000the\u3000shadows\u3000would\u3000be\u3000the\u3000more\u3000dangerous\u3000of\u3000the\u3000two\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000We’re\u3000stopping\uff1b\u3000Qorra\u3000said\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Quenthel\u3000knew\u3000it\u3000to\u3000be\u3000true\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000sensation\u3000of\u3000falling\u3000had\u3000wafted\u3000away\u3002\u3000It\u3000wasn’t\u3000that\u3000they\u3000had\u3000slowed\u3000in\u3000their\u3000fall\uff1b\u3000and\u3000they\u3000certainly\u3000hadn’t\u3000hit\u3000bottom\uff1b\u3000they\u3000simply\u3000weren’t\u3000falling\u3000anymore\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Sorry\uff1b\u3000all\uff1b\u3003\u3000Pharaun\u3000apologized\uff1b\u3000his\u3000voice\u3000cheerful\u3000and\u3000bright\u3002\u3000\u3003A\u3000bit\u3000of\u3000a\u3000rough\u3000transition\uff1b\u3000that\u3000one\uff1b\u3000but\u3000you’ll\u3000forgive\u3000my\u3000general\u3000inexperience\u3000with\u3000the\u3000whole\u3000piloting\u3000a\u3000ship\u3000of\u3000chaos\u3000thing\uff1b\u3000I’m\u3000sure\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Quenthel\u3000didn’t\u3000forgive\u3000but\u3000also\u3000didn’t\u3000bother\u3000to\u3000say\u3000anything\u3002\u3000The\u3000ship\u3000was\u3000perfectly\u3000still\uff1b\u3000as\u3000if\u3000it\u3000had\u3000e\u3000up\u3000on\u3000solid\u3000ground\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000high\u3000priestess\u3000risked\u3000a\u3000glance\u3000over\u3000the\u3000rail\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000They\u3000hadn’t\u3000e\u3000to\u3000rest\u3000on\u3000the\u3000ground\uff1b\u3000she\u3000saw\uff1b\u3000but\u3000had\u3000stopped\u3000in\u3000midair\u3000above\u3000a\u3000rolling\u3000landscape\u3000of\u3000gray\u3000cluttered\u3000with\u3000vaguely\u3000translucent\u3000silhouettes\u3000of\u3000trees\u3002\u3000The\u3000shadowy\uff1b\u3000batlike\u3000things\u3000still\u3000raced\u3000all\u3000around\u3000them\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Oh\uff1b\u3000yes\uff1b\u3003\u3000Pharaun\u3000added\u3000suddenly\uff1b\u3000\u3003and\u3000don’t\u3000touch\u3000the\u3000bats\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Quenthel\u3000sighed\u3000but\u3000never\u3000touched\u3000a\u3000shadow\u2026bat\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pharaun\u3000extended\u3000his\u3000senses\u3000out\u3000into\u3000the\u3000Shadow\u3000Deep\uff1b\u3000using\u3000the\u3000properties\u3000of\u3000the\u3000ship\u3000of\u3000chaos\u3000in\u3000a\u3000way\u3000that\u3000felt\u3000natural\u3000to\u3000one\u3000who\u3000had\u3000bee\u3000part\u3000of\u3000the\u3000demonic\u3000vessel\u3002\u3000He\u3000did\u3000it\u3000the\u3000same\u3000way\u3000he\u3000would\u3000have\u3000strained\u3000to\u3000hear\u3000some\u3000distant\u3000sound\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000Shadow\u3000Deep\u3000is\u3000not\u3000unlike\u3000your\u3000Underdark\u3000after\u3000all\uff1b\u3000Aliisza\u3000said\uff1b\u3000and\u3000like\u3000the\u3000Underdark\u3000it\u3000has\u3000its\u3000own\u3000rules\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pharaun\u3000nodded\u3002\u3000He\u3000didn’t\u3000pretend\u3000to\u3000understand\u3000those\u3000rules\u3000in\u3000any\u3000but\u3000the\u3000simplest\u3000way\u3002\u3000He’d\u3000always\u3000been\u3000smart\u3000enough\u3000not\u3000to\u3000linger\u3000in\u3000the\u3000Shadow\u3000Deep\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000We\u3000won’t\u3000linger\u3000now\uff1b\u3000Aliisza\u3000said\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000She\u3000touched\u3000his\u3000shoulder\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Pharaun\u3000took\u3000a\u3000deep\u3000breath\u3002\u3000He\u3000was\u3000reassured\u3000by\u3000her\u3000touch\uff1b\u3000and\u3000not\u3000only\u3000for\u3000her\u3000help\u3000navigating\u3000and\u3000piloting\u3000the\u3000ship\u3002\u3000With\u3000Ryld\u3000dead\uff1b\u3000he\u3000was\u3000alone\u3000with\u3000a\u3000group\u3000of\u3000drow\u3000who’d\u3000be\u3000as\u3000happy\u3000to\u3000see\u3000him\u3000dead\u3000as\u3000not\u3002\u3000The\u3000alu\u2026fiend\u3000might\u3000be\u3000more\u3000enemy\u3000than\u3000friend\uff1b\u3000but\u3000still\u3000Pharaun\u3000couldn’t\u3000help\u3000thinking\u3000she\u3000was\u3000the\u3000only\u3000one\u3000he\u3000could\u3000trust\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Can\u3000you\u3000feel\u3000it\uff1f\u3000she\u3000asked\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pharaun\u3000was\u3000momentarily\u3000taken\u3000aback\u3002\u3000He\u3000thought\u3000she\u3000meant\u2026
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000gateway\uff1b\u3000she\u3000said\u3002\u3000Can\u3000you\u3000feel\u3000it\uff1f
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000I\u3000feel\u3000it\uff1b\u3000he\u3000said\u3002\u3000The\u3000barrier\u3000is\u3000thinnest\u3000there\u3002\u3000The\u3000ship\u3000will\u3000pass\u3000through\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Yes\uff1b\u3000the\u3000alu\u2026fiend\u3000breathed\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000She\u3000wrapped\u3000an\u3000arm\u3000around\u3000him\u3000from\u3000behind\u3000and\u3000pressed\u3000into\u3000his\u3000back\u3002\u3000Pharaun’s\u3000heart\u3000beat\u3000a\u3000little\u3000faster\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000wizard\u3000was\u3000amused\u3000with\u3000himself\u3002\u3000He\u3000couldn’t\u3000see\u3000her\uff1b\u3000but\u3000he\u3000could\u3000feel\u3000her\uff1b\u3000he\u3000could\u3000smell\u3000her\uff1b\u3000and\u3000he\u3000could\u3000hear\u3000her\u3000voice\u3000echoing\u3000in\u3000his\u3000skull\u3002\u3000He\u3000liked\u3000it\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000At\u3000Pharaun’s\u3000unspoken\u3000mand\u3000the\u3000ship\u3000drifted\u3000across\u3000vast\u3000distances\u3000in\u3000insubstantial\u3000leaps\u3002\u3000Like\u3000shadow\u3000walking\uff1b\u3000the\u3000ship\u3000slid\u3000across\u3000the\u3000Plane\u3000of\u3000Shadow\u3000faster\u3000than\u3000it\u3000should\u3000have\uff1b\u3000the\u3000distance\u3000pressing\u3000beneath\u3000it\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Will\u3000we\u3000fall\u3000again\uff1f\u3000Pharaun\u3000asked\u3000Aliisza\u3000as\u3000they\u3000neared\u3000the\u3000place\u3000where\u3000the\u3000Shadow\u3000Deep\u3000gave\u3000way\u3000directly\u3000to\u3000the\u3000endless\u3000expanse\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Astral\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000No\uff1b\u3000she\u3000said\uff1b\u3000it\u3000will\u3000be\u3000different\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000It\u3000was\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000ship\u3000was\u3000through\u3000in\u3000an\u3000instant\u3002\u3000The\u3000darkness\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Shadow\u3000Deep\u3000with\u3000its\u3000sky\u3000of\u3000black\u3000and\u3000deep\u3000gray\u3000blazed\u3000into\u3000a\u3000blinding\u3000light\u3002\u3000Pharaun’s\u3000eyes\u3000clamped\u3000shut\u3000and\u3000were\u3000instantly\u3000soaked\u3000with\u3000tears\u3002\u3000The\u3000ship\u3000shuddered\u3002\u3000It\u3000felt\u3000as\u3000if\u3000the\u3000vessel\u3000were\u3000being\u3000battered\u3000on\u3000its\u3000side\u3002\u3000Pharaun’s\u3000breath\u3000caught\u3000in\u3000his\u3000chest\uff1b\u3000and\u3000there\u3000was\u3000a\u3000hard\u3000pressure\u3000there\uff1b\u3000a\u3000tightness\u3002\u3000Fear\uff1f
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000sky\u3000around\u3000them\u3000was\u3000gray\uff1b\u3000but\u3000it\u3000also\u3000held\u3000what\u3000Pharaun\u3000could\u3000only\u3000describe\u3000as\u3000the\u3000essence\u3000of\u3000light\u3002\u3000There\u3000was\u3000no\u3000sun\u3000or\u3000any\u3000other\u3000single\u3000source\u3000of\u3000luminescence\u3002\u3000The\u3000light\u3000was\u3000simply\u3000there\uff1b\u3000ing\u3000from\u3000everywhere\u3000at\u3000once\uff1b\u3000saturating\u3000everything\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Bright\u3000streaks\u3000of\u3000multicolored\u3000luminescence\u3000rippled\u3000across\u3000the\u3000backdrop\u3000of\u3000saturated\u3000light\u2026brilliant\u3000and\u3000chaotic\u3000aurorae\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000ship\u3000rocked\u3000and\u3000shuddered\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Pharaun\u3000tensed\u3000again\uff1b\u3000fully\u3000prepared\u3000for\u3000the\u3000thing\u3000to\u3000shake\u3000itself\u3000apart\u3002\u3000He\u3000held\u3000his\u3000teeth\u3000closed\uff1b\u3000then\u3000closed\u3000his\u3000eyes\uff1b\u3000and\u3000would\u3000have\u3000closed\u3000his\u3000ears\u3000if\u3000he\u3000could\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000She\u3000squeezed\u3000him\u3000tighter\u3000and\u3000whispered\u3000in\u3000his\u3000ear\uff1b\u3000\u3003Think\u3000it\u3002\u3000Think\u3000the\u3000name\u3000of\u3000it\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000It\uff1f\u3000he\u3000thought\u3000to\u3000her\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000Abyss\uff1b\u3000he\u3000thought\u3002\u3000The\u3000Abyss\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003What\u3000is\u3000that\uff1f\u3003\u3000Quenthel\u3000asked\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003We’re\u3000heading\u3000right\u3000for\u3000it\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3000said\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pharaun\u3000laughed\u3000and\u3000moved\u3000the\u3000ship\u3000faster\u3000toward\u3000the\u3000disturbance\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000That’s\u3000it\uff1b\u3000Aliisza\u3000prodded\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Aliisza\u3000giggled\uff1b\u3000quietly\u3000in\u3000his\u3000ear\uff1b\u3000her\u3000breath\u3000tickling\u3000him\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000They\u3000made\u3000straight\u3000for\u3000the\u3000whirlpool\uff1b\u3000and\u3000when\u3000the\u3000tip\u3000of\u3000the\u3000bow\u3000hit\u3000the\u3000trailing\u3000end\u3000of\u3000the\u3000disturbance\uff1b\u3000all\u3000Hell\u3000broke\u3000loose\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Literally\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003This\u3000is\u3000it\uff1b\u3003\u3000Aliisza\u3000shouted\u3000into\u3000his\u3000ear\u3002\u3000He\u3000still\u3000couldn’t\u3000see\u3000her\u3002\u3000\u3003This\u3000is\u3000what\u3000you\u3000came\u3000for\u3002\u3000This\u3000is\u3000where\u3000you’re\u3000going\u3002\u3000You\u3000brought\u3000yourself\u3000here\uff1b\u3000but\u3000now\u3000it’s\u3000time\u3000for\u3000the\u3000Abyss\u3000to\u3000decide\u3000if\u3000you\u3000live\u3000to\u3000walk\u3000its\u3000burning\u3000expanse\u3002\u3000The\u3000Abyss\u3000will\u3000decide\u3000if\u3000you\u3000get\u3000what\u3000you\u3000want\u3002\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003The\u3000Abyss\u3000decides\uff1b\u3000Pharaun\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000alu\u2026demon\u3000said\uff1b\u3000her\u3000arms\u3000slipping\u3000away\u3000from\u3000him\uff1b\u3000\u3003not\u3000you\u3002\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Not\u3000me\uff1b\u3000Aliisza\u3000whispered\u3000into\u3000his\u3000mind\u3002\u3000I\u3000leave\u3000you\u3000here\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Why\uff1f\u3003\u3000he\u3000asked\uff1b\u3000then\u3000thought\u3000to\u3000her\uff1b\u3000e\u3000with\u3000me\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000alu\u2026demon\u3000giggled\u3000then\u3000was\u3000gone\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Pharaun\u3000screamed\u3000again\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Until\u3000the\u3000roaring\u3000of\u3000the\u3000whirlpool\u3000dropped\u3000to\u3000nothing\u3000and\u3000his\u3000own\u3000screaming\u3000rattled\u3000his\u3000eardrums\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000ship\u3000stopped\u3000spinning\u3000but\u3000continued\u3000to\u3000fall\uff1b\u3000accelerating\u3000down\u3000and\u3000down\u3000while\u3000Pharaun\u3000struggled\u3000to\u3000regain\u3000control\u3002\u3000Aliisza\u3000was\u3000gone\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000subtle\u3000help\u3000she\u3000provided\uff1b\u3000the\u3000extra\u3000consciousness\u3000at\u3000the\u3000helm\uff1b\u3000was\u3000gone\u3000with\u3000her\u3002\u3000He\u3000tried\u3000to\u3000think\u3000of\u3000some\u3000spell\u3000to\u3000cast\uff1b\u3000but\u3000his\u3000mind\uff1b\u3000tied\u3000to\u3000the\u3000ship\u3000that\u3000was\u3000damaged\u3000in\u3000ways\u3000he\u3000was\u3000only\u3000dimly\u3000aware\u3000of\uff1b\u3000wouldn’t\u3000form\u3000the\u3000list\u3000of\u3000spells\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000sky\u3000had\u3000gone\u3000red\uff1b\u3000and\u3000there\u3000was\u3000a\u3000sun\uff1b\u3000but\u3000it\u3000was\u3000huge\u3000and\u3000dull\u3002\u3000The\u3000heat\u3000was\u3000stifling\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Pharaun\u3000had\u3000trouble\u3000drawing\u3000a\u3000deep\u3000breath\u3002\u3000Sweat\u3000poured\u3000from\u3000him\uff1b\u3000stinging\u3000his\u3000eyes\u3000and\u3000soaking\u3000his\u3000forearms\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Pharaun\uff1b\u3003\u3000Quenthel\u3000screamed\uff1b\u3000her\u3000voice\u3000shrill\u3000and\u3000reedy\uff1b\u3000\u3003do\u3000something\uff01\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pharaun\u3000formed\u3000a\u3000number\u3000of\u3000replies\u3000as\u3000they\u3000continued\u3000to\u3000dive\uff1b\u3000faster\u3000and\u3000faster\u3000downward\uff1b\u3000but\u3000he\u3000didn’t\u3000bother\u3000with\u3000any\u3000of\u3000them\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Do\u3000something\uff1f\u3003\u3000he\u3000repeated\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000wizard\u3000started\u3000to\u3000laugh\uff1b\u3000but\u3000the\u3000laugh\u3000turned\u3000into\u3000a\u3000scream\u3000when\u3000the\u3000ship\u3000rolled\u3000over\u3000upside\u3000down\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Below\u3000them\u3000was\u3000a\u3000level\u3000plain\u3000that\u3000went\u3000on\u3000and\u3000on\u3000forever\u3000in\u3000all\u3000directions\u3000with\u3000no\u3000horizon\u3002\u3000Tinted\u3000red\u3000by\u3000the\u3000dull\u3000sun\uff1b\u3000the\u3000sand\u3000shimmered\u3000with\u3000heat\u3002\u3000Scattered\u3000all\u3000over\u3000were\u3000deep\u3000black\u3000holes\u2026thousand\u3000of\u3000them\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000millions\u3000of\u3000them\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000He\u3000knew\u3000where\u3000they\u3000were\u3002\u3000He\u3000had\u3000heard\u3000it\u3000described\u3002
\n \n
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000They\u3000had\u3000e\u3000to\u3000the\u3000Abyss\u3002\u3000To\u3000the\u3000Plain\u3000of\u3000Infinite\u3000Portals\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000They\u3000were\u3000falling\u3000and\u3000falling\u3000and\u3000screaming\u3000and\u3000screaming\u3000until\u3000they\u3000hit\u3000the\u3000ground\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000ship\u3000of\u3000chaos\u3000shattered\u3000into\u3000a\u3000thousand\u3000shards\u3000of\u3000bone\u3000and\u3000sinew\uff1b\u3000the\u3000human\u2026skin\u3000sail\u3000ripping\u3000to\u3000shreds\u3002\u3000The\u3000sound\u3000was\u3000a\u3000wild\u3000cacophony\u3000of\u3000snapping\u3000and\u3000booming\u3000and\u3000tearing\u3000and\u3000cracking\u3002\u3000The\u3000four\u3000drow\u3000and\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3000aboard\u3000the\u3000ship\u3000were\u3000sent\u3000spinning\u3000into\u3000the\u3000air\uff1b\u3000rolling\u3000and\u3000tumbling\u3000to\u3000a\u3000stop\u3000on\u3000the\u3000burning\u3000sand\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000
\nChapter\u3000Twenty\u2026two
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000It\u3000was\u3000raining\u3000souls\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000All\u3000around\u3000Pharaun\uff1b\u3000one\u3000after\u3000another\uff1b\u3000transparent\u3000wraiths\u3000dropped\u3000from\u3000the\u3000burning\u3000sky\u3000onto\u3000the\u3000blasted\u3000sand\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Plain\u3000of\u3000Infinite\u3000Portals\u3002\u3000He\u3000could\u3000pick\u3000out\u3000representatives\u3000of\u3000a\u3000thousand\u3000different\u3000races\u3002\u3000Some\u3000he\u3000recognized\uff1b\u3000and\u3000some\u3000he\u3000didn’t\u3002\u3000There\u3000was\u3000everything\u3000from\u3000the\u3000lowliest\u3000kobold\u3000to\u3000enormous\u3000giants\uff1b\u3000humans\u3000by\u3000the\u3000hundreds\uff1b\u3000and\u3000no\u3000shortage\u3000of\u3000duergar\u3002\u3000Pharaun\u3000could\u3000only\u3000hope\u3000that\u3000the\u3000latter\u3000were\u3000ing\u3000straight\u3000from\u3000the\u3000siege\u3000of\u3000Menzoberranzan\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Someone\u3000stepped\u3000close\u3000to\u3000him\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000Master\u3000of\u3000Sorcere\u3000turned\u3000to\u3000look\u3002\u3000It\u3000was\u3000then\u3000that\u3000he\u3000realized\u3000he\u3000was\u3000lying\u3000on\u3000his\u3000back\u3000on\u3000the\u3000unfortably\u3000hot\u3000sand\u3000looking\u3000up\u3002\u3000The\u3000wispy\u3000shade\u3000of\u3000a\u3000departed\u3000soul\u3000passed\u3000by\u3000him\u3002\u3000The\u3000newly\u3000dead\u3000orc\u3000looked\u3000down\u3000but\u3000didn’t\u3000seem\u3000to\u3000see\u3000Pharaun\u3002\u3000Maybe\u3000the\u3000creature\u3000didn’t\u3000care\u3002\u3000It\u3000was\u3000headed\u3000to\u3000some\u3000porcine\u3000hell\u3000to\u3000serve\u3000its\u3000grunting\u3000god\u3000or\u3000demon\u3000prince\uff1b\u3000probably\u3000as\u3000a\u3000light\u3000supper\u3002\u3000So\u3000what\u3000if\u3000it\u3000passed\u3000a\u3000sleeping\u3000dark\u3000elf\u3000along\u3000the\u3000way\uff1f
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pharaun\u3000blinked\uff1b\u3000expecting\u3000the\u3000passing\u3000orc\u3000to\u3000at\u3000least\u3000kick\u3000sand\u3000in\u3000his\u3000face\uff1b\u3000but\u3000the\u3000thing’s\u3000feet\u3000were\u3000as\u3000insubstantial\u3000as\u3000they\u3000looked\uff1b\u3000and\u3000it\u3000made\u3000no\u3000sign\u3000of\u3000its\u3000passing\u3000on\u3000the\u3000dead\u3000ground\u3002\u3000The\u3000Master\u3000of\u3000Sorcere\u3000slowly\u3000rose\u3000to\u3000a\u3000sitting\u3000position\u3000under\u3000painful\u3000protest\u3000from\u3000a\u3000dozen\u3000muscles\uff1b\u3000at\u3000least\u3000three\u3000of\u3000which\u3000he\u3000hadn’t\u3000realized\u3000he\u3000possessed\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Taking\u3000a\u3000deep\u3000breath\uff1b\u3000he\u3000looked\u3000around\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000wreckage\u3000of\u3000the\u3000ship\u3000of\u3000chaos\u3000seemed\u3000oddly\u3000suited\u3000to\u3000their\u3000surroundings\u3002\u3000Jagged\u3000fingers\u3000of\u3000bleached\u2026white\u3000bone\u3000stood\u3000up\u3000like\u3000a\u3000more\u3000substantial\u3000line\u3000of\u3000souls\u3000against\u3000the\u3000red\u3000sky\u3002\u3000The\u3000parts\u3000of\u3000the\u3000ship\u3000that\u3000had\u3000been\u3000alive\u3000with\u3000blood\u3000and\u3000breath\u3000sat\u3000shriveled\u3000and\u3000gray\u3000on\u3000the\u3000unforgiving\u3000sand\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Jeggred\u3000stood\u3000slouched\u3000in\u3000the\u3000center\u3000of\u3000the\u3000wrecked\u3000ship\uff1b\u3000his\u3000wild\u3000mane\u3000of\u3000white\u3000hair\u3000blowing\u3000madly\u3000in\u3000the\u3000hot\u3000wind\u3002\u3000The\u3000draegloth\u3000stared\u3000at\u3000Pharaun\u3000expectantly\u3002\u3000He\u3000looked\u3000even\u3000more\u3000battered\u3000and\u3000bruised\uff1b\u3000and\u3000he\u3000was\u3000bleeding\u3000again\u3000from\u3000a\u3000number\u3000of\u3000small\u3000wounds\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Danifae\u3000stepped\u3000out\u3000from\u3000behind\u3000the\u3000enormous\u3000half\u2026demon\u3002\u3000She\u3000held\u3000a\u3000long\u3000shard\u3000of\u3000broken\u3000bone\u3000and\u3000was\u3000dusty\u3000and\u3000disheveled\u3000but\u3000otherwise\u3000looked\u3000no\u3000worse\u3000for\u3000wear\u3002\u3000The\u3000battle\u2026captive\u3000looked\u3000down\u3000at\u3000the\u3000bone\u3000fragment\u3000she\u3000carried\u3000then\u3000absently\u3000tossed\u3000it\u3000to\u3000the\u3000ground\u3000where\u3000it\u3000clattered\u3000to\u3000a\u3000stop\u3000amid\u3000a\u3000myriad\u3000of\u3000shards\u3000like\u3000it\u3002\u3000Danifae\u3000followed\u3000Jeggred’s\u3000eyes\u3000to\u3000Pharaun\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000sound\u3000of\u3000a\u3000sigh\u3000startled\u3000the\u3000mage\uff1b\u3000and\u3000he\u3000spun\uff1b\u3000still\u3000sitting\uff1b\u3000to\u3000see\u3000Valas\u3000crouched\u3000next\u3000to\u3000him\u3002\u3000He\u3000hadn’t\u3000seen\u3000or\u3000heard\u3000the\u3000scout\u3000approach\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Are\u3000you\u3000injured\uff1f\u3003\u3000the\u3000mercenary\u3000asked\u3000him\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000scout’s\u3000voice\u3000rose\u3000and\u3000fell\u3000on\u3000the\u3000wind\uff1b\u3000sounding\u3000distant\u3000though\u3000it\u3000came\u3000from\u3000only\u3000the\u3000few\u3000inches\u3000between\u3000his\u3000lips\u3000to\u3000Pharaun’s\u3000ear\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003No\uff1b\u3003\u3000Pharaun\u3000answered\uff1b\u3000hearing\u3000his\u3000own\u3000voice\u3000echo\u3000in\u3000the\u3000same\u3000way\u3002\u3000\u3003I’m\u3000quite\u3000fine\uff1b\u3000actually\u3002\u3000Thank\u3000you\u3000for\u3000asking\uff1b\u3000Master\u3000Hune\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I’m\u3000no\u3000one’s\u3000master\uff1b\u3003\u3000Valas\u3000replied\uff1b\u3000not\u3000looking\u3000the\u3000mage\u3000in\u3000the\u3000eye\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000He\u3000stood\u3000and\u3000began\u3000to\u3000wander\u3000slowly\u3000back\u3000in\u3000the\u3000direction\u3000of\u3000the\u3000debris\u3000field\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pharaun\u3000asked\u3000of\u3000all\u3000three\u3000of\u3000them\uff1b\u3000\u3003Has\u3000anyone\u3000seen\u3000Quenthel\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000will\u3000thank\u3000you\uff1b\u3003\u3000Quenthel\u3000said\u3000from\u3000behind\u3000him\uff1b\u3000\u3003to\u3000refer\u3000to\u3000me\u3000as\u3000’Mistress\u3002’\u3000\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pharaun\u3000didn’t\u3000bother\u3000to\u3000turn\u3002\u3000Quenthel\u3000walked\u3000past\u3000him\uff1b\u3000looking\u3000all\u3000around\uff1b\u3000apparently\u3000not\u3000giving\u3000the\u3000mage\u3000a\u3000second\u3000thought\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003My\u3000apologies\uff1b\u3000Mistress\uff1b\u3003\u3000he\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003I\u3000will\u3000extend\u3000Ma\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000Valas’s\u3000question\u3000to\u3000the\u3000rest\u3000of\u3000you\u3002\u3000Are\u3000you\u3000all\u3000all\u3000right\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Quenthel\uff1b\u3000Danifae\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Jeggred\u3000variously\u3000shrugged\uff1b\u3000nodded\uff1b\u3000or\u3000ignored\u3000him\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Pharaun\u3000decided\u3000that\u3000was\u3000good\u3000enough\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Frankly\uff1b\u3003\u3000Pharaun\u3000added\uff1b\u3000\u3003I’m\u3000utterly\u3000shocked\u3000we\u3000survived\u3000that\u3000crash\u3002\u3000That\u3000was\u3000impressive\uff1b\u3000even\u3000by\u3000my\u3000standards\u3002\u3000What\u3000an\u3000entrance\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000others\u3000only\u3000sneered\u3000at\u3000him\uff1b\u3000except\u3000Valas\uff1b\u3000who\u3000shrugged\u3000and\u3000began\u3000to\u3000shift\u3000though\u3000the\u3000wreckage\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Yes\uff1b\u3000quite\u3000an\u3000entrance\uff1b\u3000but\u3000I’m\u3000getting\u3000worried\u3000about\u3000our\u3000exit\uff1b\u3003\u3000Danifae\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003How\u3000do\u3000you\u3000plan\u3000to\u3000get\u3000us\u3000back\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pharaun\u3000opened\u3000his\u3000mouth\u3000to\u3000speak\u3000then\u3000clamped\u3000his\u3000teeth\u3000shut\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000He\u3000didn’t\u3000say\u3000anything\u3000to\u3000Danifae\u3000but\u3000assumed\u3000his\u3000silence\u3000was\u3000explanation\u3000enough\u3002\u3000Pharaun\u3000had\u3000no\u3000idea\u3000how\u3000they\u3000were\u3000going\u3000to\u3000get\u3000back\u3000to\u3000their\u3000home\u3000plane\uff1b\u3000home\u3000world\uff1b\u3000and\u3000home\u3000city\u3000without\u3000the\u3000ship\u3000of\u3000chaos\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Lolth\uff1b\u3003\u3000Quenthel\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003will\u3000provide\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000No\u3000one\u3000looked\u3000at\u3000the\u3000high\u3000priestess\u3000or\u3000mented\u3000on\u3000how\u3000little\u3000faith\u3000was\u3000evident\u3000in\u3000her\u3000voice\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Danifae\u3000scanned\u3000around\u3000her\u3000and\u3000up\u3000into\u3000the\u3000air\u3000as\u3000the\u3000phantasms\u3000continued\u3000to\u3000drop\u3000from\u3000the\u3000sky\uff1b\u3000only\u3000to\u3000form\u3000columns\u3000then\u3000pitch\u3000themselves\u3000headlong\u3000into\u3000one\u3000of\u3000the\u3000endless\u3000array\u3000of\u3000black\uff1b\u3000puckered\u3000pits\u3000that\u3000looked\u3000like\u3000bottomless\u3000craters\u3000scattered\u3000around\u3000them\u3000as\u3000far\u3000as\u3000the\u3000eye\u3000could\u3000see\u3000in\u3000all\u3000directions\u3002\u3000None\u3000of\u3000them\u3000were\u3000marked\u3000in\u3000any\u3000way\u3000that\u3000Pharaun\u3000recognized\uff1b\u3000and\u3000he\u3000hadn’t\u3000the\u3000faintest\u3000clue\u3000which\u3000of\u3000the\u3000pits\u3000would\u3000take\u3000them\u3000to\u3000the\u3000Demonweb\u3000Pits\uff1b\u3000the\u3000sixty\u2026sixth\u3000layer\u3000of\u3000that\u3000endless\u3000infernal\u3000plane\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003What\u3000are\u3000they\uff1f\u3003\u3000Danifae\u3000asked\uff1b\u3000looking\u3000around\u3000at\u3000the\u3000falling\u3000apparitions\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Departed\u3000souls\u3000from\u3000all\u3000over\u3000the\u3000Prime\uff1b\u3003\u3000Pharaun\u3000added\u3002\u3000\u3003Anyone\u3000who\u3000served\u3000one\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Abyssal\u3000gods\u3000in\u3000life\u3000will\u3000pass\u3000through\u3000here\u3000then\u3000jump\u3000into\u3000the\u3000appropriate\u3000portal\u3000and\u3000they’re\u3000on\u3000their\u3000way\u3002\u3000Each\u3000of\u3000these\u3000pits\u3000leads\u3000to\u3000a\u3000different\u3000layer\uff1b\u3000almost\u3000an\u3000entirely\u3000different\u3000world\u3002\u3000There\u3000are\u3000an\u3000endless\u3000number\u3000of\u3000them\u3002\u3000This\u3000plain\u3000literally\u3000goes\u3000on\u3000into\u3000infinity\u3000in\u3000all\u3000directions\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Jeggred\u3000snorted\uff1b\u3000stood\uff1b\u3000and\u3000shook\u3000blood\uff1b\u3000water\uff1b\u3000and\u3000sand\u3000from\u3000his\u3000fur\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003So\uff1f\u3003\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3000asked\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pharaun\u3000shrugged\u3000and\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003Actually\u3000I\u3000was\u3000hoping\u3000you\u3000could\u3000tell\u3000us\u3000more\uff1b\u3000Jeggred\u3002\u3000After\u3000all\u3000you\u3000were\u3000sired\u3000by\u3000a\u3000native\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Abyss\uff1b\u3000and\u3000even\u3000a\u3000half\u2026blooded\u3000tanar’ri\u3000should\u3000have\u3000some\u3000sensitivity\u3000to\u2026\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Never\u3000been\u3000here\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3000grunted\u3002\u3000\u3003You’ve\u3000mentioned\u3000my\u3000sire\u3000for\u3000the\u3000last\u3000time\uff1b\u3000too\uff1b\u3000wizard\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pharaun\u3000was\u3000interrupted\u3000before\u3000he\u3000could\u3000answer\u3000the\u3000draegloth’s\u3000unsubtle\u3000threat\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003How\u3000do\u3000we\u3000find\u3000the\u3000right\u3000one\uff1f\u3003\u3000Danifae\u3000asked\u3002\u3000\u3003The\u3000right\u3000portal\uff1b\u3000mean\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Jeggred\u3000growled\u3000once\u3000and\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003There\u3000is\u3000only\u3000one\u3000entrance\u3000for\u3000each\u3000layer\uff1b\u3000but\u3000there\u3000are\u3000an\u3000infinite\u3000number\u3000of\u3000layers\u3002\u3000We\u3000could\u3000be\u3000standing\u3000right\u3000next\u3000to\u3000the\u3000pit\u3000that\u3000will\u3000take\u3000us\u3000to\u3000the\u3000Demonweb\u3000Pits\uff1b\u3000or\u3000it\u3000could\u3000be\u3000a\u3000thousand\u3000miles\u3000or\u3000more\u3000in\u3000any\u3000direction\u3000\u3002\u3002\u3002\u3000a\u3000million\u3000miles\u3000even\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Not\u3000likely\uff1b\u3000actually\uff1b\u3003\u3000said\u3000Pharaun\uff1b\u3000\u3003but\u3000thank\u3000you\u3000for\u3000the\u3000vote\u3000of\u3000confidence\u3000anyway\uff1b\u3000honored\u3000half\u2026breed\u2026\u3003\u3000Danifae\u3000put\u3000a\u3000hand\u3000on\u3000Jeggred’s\u3000arm\u3000when\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3000lurched\u3000for\u3000Pharaun\u3000at\u3000the\u3000sound\u3000of\u3000that\u3000word\u2026\u3003but\u3000I\u3000was\u3000guiding\u3000the\u3000ship\uff1b\u3000at\u3000least\u3000up\u3000until\u3000the\u3000very\u3000end\u3000there\uff1b\u3000and\u3000I\u3000was\u3000willing\u3000it\u3000not\u3000simply\u3000to\u3000take\u3000us\u3000to\u3000the\u3000Plain\u3000of\u3000Infinite\u3000Portals\u3000but\u3000to\u3000the\u3000one\u3000portal\u3000that\u3000would\u3000take\u3000us\u3000where\u3000we\u3000wanted\u3000to\u3000go\u3002\u3000Even\u3000though\u3000we\u3000crashed\uff1b\u3000we\u3000must\u3000be\u3000close\u3000by\u3000it\u3002\u3000The\u3000ship\u3000was\u3000moving\u3000us\u3000at\u3000least\u3000in\u3000its\u3000general\u3000direction\u3000before\u3000things\u3000went\u3000astray\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Well\u3000it’s\u3000good\u3000to\u3000know\u3000that\u3000you’re\u3000not\u3000entirely\u3000inept\uff1b\u3000Pharaun\uff1b\u3003\u3000Quenthel\u3000said\uff1b\u3000her\u3000voice\u3000louder\u3000and\u3000oddly\u3000more\u3000confident\u3000than\u3000it\u3000had\u3000been\u3000in\u3000a\u3000long\u3000while\uff1b\u3000\u3003but\u3000I\u3000will\u3000take\u3000it\u3002\u3002\u3002\u3000take\u3000us\uff1b\u3000from\u3000here\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pharaun\u3000watched\u3000another\u3000ghostly\u3000orc\u3000step\u3000past\u3000him\u3002\u3000It\u3000dropped\u3000into\u3000a\u3000deep\u3000back\u3000hole\u3000in\u3000the\u3000ground\u3002\u3000There\u3000was\u3000no\u3000sound\uff1b\u3000nothing\u3000at\u3000all\u3000to\u3000signal\u3000that\u3000it\u3000had\u3000hit\u3000bottom\u3000or\u3000that\u3000anything\u3000had\u3000happened\u3000to\u3000it\u3000at\u3000all\u3002\u3000It\u3000was\u3000gone\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003My\u3000first\u3000instinct\uff1b\u3003\u3000Valas\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003would\u3000be\u3000to\u3000pick\u3000out\u3000a\u3000column\u3000of\u3000drow\u3000and\u3000follow\u3000them\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Do\u3000you\u3000see\u3000any\u3000drow\uff1f\u3003\u3000Quenthel\u3000asked\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003No\uff1b\u3003\u3000Danifae\u3000whispered\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000sound\u3000of\u3000her\u3000voice\u3000made\u3000Pharaun’s\u3000skin\u3000crawl\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003So\u3000what\u3000do\u3000we\u3000do\uff1f\u3003\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3000asked\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Follow\u3000me\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000high\u3000priestess\u3000replied\u3002\u3000\u3003I’ll\u3000know\u3000the\u3000right\u3000pit\u3000when\u3000I\u3000see\u3000it\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003How\uff1f\u3003\u3000Pharaun\u3000asked\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Quenthel\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003I’ve\u3000passed\u3000through\u3000it\u3000before\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000Mistress\u3000of\u3000Arach\u2026Tinilith\u3000set\u3000out\u3000before\u3000any\u3000of\u3000them\u3000realized\u3000she\u3000meant\u3000to\u3000leave\u3000right\u3000away\u3002\u3000Danifae\u3000and\u3000Jeggred\u3000watched\u3000her\u3000go\u3000then\u3000shared\u3000a\u3000look\u3000that\u3000made\u3000it\u3000obvious\u3000that\u3000neither\u3000of\u3000them\u3000believed\u3000the\u3000high\u3000priestess\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Valas\u3000followed\u3000her\uff1b\u3000as\u3000did\u3000Pharaun\uff1b\u3000albeit\u3000as\u3000reluctantly\u3000as\u3000Danifae\u3000and\u3000Jeggred\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Aliisza\u3000watched\u3000from\u3000a\u3000safe\u3000distance\u3000as\u3000the\u3000dark\u3000elves\u3000brushed\u3000themselves\u3000off\u3000and\u3000regrouped\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Have\u3000I\u3000underestimated\u3000you\uff1f\u3000she\u3000thought\uff1b\u3000watching\u3000Pharaun\u3000struggle\u3000to\u3000his\u3000feet\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000She\u3000whispered\uff1b\u3000\u3003Probably\u3000not\uff1b\u3003\u3000to\u3000herself\u3000and\u3000mulled\u3000over\u3000her\u3000next\u3000move\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Kaanyr\u3000Vhok’s\u3000instructions\u3000were\u3000clear\uff1b\u3000even\u3000if\u3000they\u3000hadn’t\u3000included\u3000helping\u3000the\u3000drow\u3000get\u3000to\u3000the\u3000Abyss\u3000in\u3000the\u3000first\u3000place\u3002\u3000She\u3000was\u3000supposed\u3000to\u3000watch\u3000them\uff1b\u3000so\u3000she\u3000would\u3000do\u3000that\u3000at\u3000least\u3000until\u3000she\u3000got\u3000bored\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Aliisza\u3000looked\u3000out\u3000over\u3000the\u3000Plain\u3000of\u3000Infinite\u3000Portals\uff1b\u3000the\u3000gateway\u3000to\u3000the\u3000Abyss\uff1b\u3000and\u3000sighed\u3002\u3000It\u3000ha \n
\n \n
\n
\n
\n \u3000\u3000\u3000Aliisza\u3000looked\u3000out\u3000over\u3000the\u3000Plain\u3000of\u3000Infinite\u3000Portals\uff1b\u3000the\u3000gateway\u3000to\u3000the\u3000Abyss\uff1b\u3000and\u3000sighed\u3002\u3000It\u3000had\u3000been\u3000a\u3000very\u3000long\u3000time\u3000since\u3000she’d\u3000been\u3000home\uff1b\u3000and\u3000at\u3000first\u3000it\u3000looked\u3000the\u3000same\u3002\u3000She\u3000watched\u3000the\u3000ship\u3000of\u3000chaos\u3000fall\u3000through\u3000a\u3000red\u3000sky\u3000she\u3000used\u3000to\u3000fly\u3000through\u3000as\u3000a\u3000girl\uff1b\u3000then\u3000crash\u3000on\u3000sand\u3000she\u3000once\u3000sculpted\u3000into\u3000monsters\u3000from\u3000faraway\u3000universes\u2026monsters\u3000like\u3000solars\uff1b\u3000ki\u2026rin\uff1b\u3000and\u3000humans\u3002\u3000It\u3000looked\u3000the\u3000same\uff1b\u3000but\u3000it\u3000wasn’t\u2026not\u3000quite\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Perhaps\u3000she\u3000had\u3000spent\u3000too\u3000much\u3000time\u3000with\u3000the\u3000goddess\u2026obsessed\u3000dark\u3000elves\uff1b\u3000but\u3000Aliisza\u3000was\u3000sure\u3000there\u3000was\u3000something\u3000different\u3000about\u3000the\u3000Abyss\uff1b\u3000as\u3000if\u3000a\u3000piece\u3000of\u3000it\u3000were\u3000missing\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000feeling\u3000didn’t\u3000make\u3000sense\uff1b\u3000and\u3000it\u3000confused\u3000the\u3000alu\u2026fiend\u3000and\u3000made\u3000her\u3000unfortable\uff1b\u3000so\u3000she\u3000pushed\u3000it\u3000out\u3000of\u3000her\u3000mind\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Aliisza\u3000forced\u3000herself\u3000to\u3000smile\u3000even\u3000though\u3000she\u3000didn’t\u3000feel\u3000like\u3000smiling\uff1b\u3000as\u3000she\u3000followed\u3000the\u3000drow\u3000from\u3000a\u3000safe\u3000distance\u3000and\u3000invisible\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000alu\u2026fiend\u3000wasn’t\u3000the\u3000only\u3000demonic\u3000creature\u3000that\u3000watched\u3000the\u3000drow\u3000just\u3000then\u3002\u3000Another\u3000looked\u3000on\u3000from\u3000a\u3000similar\u3000far\u3000vantage\u3000point\uff1b\u3000cloaked\u3000in\u3000invisibility\u3000and\u3000other\u3000defensive\u3000spells\u3002\u3000The\u3000creature\u3000seethed\u3000with\u3000hatred\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Floating\u3000in\u3000the\u3000air\u3000high\u3000above\u3000the\u3000Plain\u3000of\u3000Infinite\u3000Portals\uff1b\u3000the\u3000glabrezu\u3000touched\u3000the\u3000ruined\u3000stump\u3000of\u3000its\u3000legs\u3000and\u3000growled\uff1b\u3000\u3003Soon\uff1b\u3000drow\u3002\u3000Soon\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Halisstra\u3000ran\u3000a\u3000finger\u3000along\u3000the\u3000warm\uff1b\u3000glowing\u3000edge\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Crescent\u3000Blade\u3000and\u3000marveled\u3000at\u3000its\u3000beauty\u3002\u3000It\u3000was\u3000a\u3000magnificent\u3000weapon\uff1b\u3000and\u3000one\u3000she\u3000would\u3000never\u3000feel\u3000worthy\u3000of\u3002\u3000Ryld\u3000should\u3000have\u3000drawn\u3000that\u3000blade\uff1b\u3000not\u3000her\u3002\u3000Ryld\u3000would\u3000have\u3000known\u3000what\u3000to\u3000do\u3000with\u3000it\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000Melarn\u3000priestess\u3000felt\u3000the\u3000absence\u3000of\u3000her\u3000lover\u3000in\u3000a\u3000physically\u3000painful\u3000way\u3002\u3000There\u3000was\u3000an\u3000emptiness\u3000in\u3000her\u3000chest\u3000that\u3000burned\uff1b\u3000that\u3000ached\uff1b\u3000that\u3000throbbed\u3000with\u3000uncertainty\u3000and\u3000longing\uff1b\u3000and\u3000a\u3000host\u3000of\u3000other\u3000emotions\u3000both\u3000alien\u3000and\u3000familiar\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003If\u3000you\u3000can’t\u3000do\u3000it\uff1b\u3003\u3000Feliane\u3000whispered\u3000to\u3000her\uff1b\u3000\u3003you\u3000need\u3000to\u3000tell\u3000me\u3000now\u3002\u3000Now\uff1b\u3000before\u3000we\u3000go\u3000any\u3000farther\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Halisstra\u3000looked\u3000up\u3000at\u3000Feliane\u3000and\u3000her\u3000eyesight\u3000blurred\u3000with\u3000tears\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Tell\u3000me\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000Eilistraeen\u3000prodded\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Halisstra\u3000wiped\u3000her\u3000eyes\u3000and\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003I\u3000can\u3000do\u3000it\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000elf\u3000priestess\u3000stared\u3000at\u3000her\uff1b\u3000waiting\u3000for\u3000Halisstra\u3000to\u3000go\u3000on\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Halisstra\u3000looked\u3000down\u3000at\u3000her\u3000tear\u2026soaked\u3000hand\u3000with\u3000blurred\u3000vision\u3002\u3000Her\u3000eyes\u3000were\u3000hot\uff1b\u3000her\u3000throat\u3000so\u3000tight\u3000it\u3000was\u3000painful\u3002\u3000She\u3000hadn’t\u3000done\u3000much\u3000crying\u3000in\u3000her\u3000life\u3000and\u3000had\u3000certainly\u3000never\u3000cried\u3000over\u3000the\u3000fate\u3000of\u3000a\u3000male\uff1b\u3000a\u3000soldier\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000anyone\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000I’ve\u3000changed\uff1b\u3000she\u3000thought\u3002\u3000I\u3000am\u3000changing\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003He\u3000didn’t\u3000want\u3000me\u3000to\uff1b\u3003\u3000Halisstra\u3000whispered\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003He\u3000wanted\u3000you\u3000to\u3000go\u3000back\u3000to\u3000the\u3000Underdark\uff1b\u3003\u3000said\u3000Uluyara\uff1b\u3000\u3003if\u3000not\u3000to\u3000Lolth\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Halisstra\u3000looked\u3000up\u3000at\u3000the\u3000drow\u3000priestess\u3002\u3000Uluyara\u3000stood\u3000in\u3000the\u3000doorway\uff1b\u3000framed\u3000by\u3000the\u3000blinding\u3000twilight\u3000behind\u3000her\u3002\u3000She\u3000was\u3000dressed\u3000for\u3000battle\uff1b\u3000covered\u3000in\u3000tokens\u3000made\u3000of\u3000feathers\uff1b\u3000sticks\uff1b\u3000and\u3000shards\u3000of\u3000bone\u3002\u3000Halisstra\u3000nodded\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Uluyara\u3000stepped\u3000in\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000drow\u3000priestess\u3000crossed\u3000to\u3000the\u3000bed\u3000that\u3000Halisstra\u3000had\u3000once\u3000shared\u3000with\u3000Ryld\u3000Argith\u3000and\u3000kneeled\u3002\u3000She\u3000took\u3000Halisstra’s\u3000chin\u3000in\u3000one\u3000rough\u2026fingered\u3000hand\uff1b\u3000holding\u3000her\u3000gently\u3000and\u3000forcing\u3000their\u3000eyes\u3000to\u3000meet\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003If\u3000they\u3000killed\u3000him\uff1b\u3003\u3000Uluyara\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003it’s\u3000but\u3000another\u3000reason\u3000to\u3000do\u3000what\u3000you’ve\u3000been\u3000doing\uff1b\u3000another\u3000reason\u3000to\u3000leave\u3000them\u3000behind\u3000at\u3000least\u3000and\u3000defeat\u3000them\u3000forever\u3000if\u3000possible\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003By\u3000killing\u3000Lolth\uff1f\u3003\u3000asked\u3000Halisstra\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Yes\uff1b\u3003\u3000answered\u3000Feliane\uff1b\u3000who\u3000still\u3000stood\u3000leaning\u3000against\u3000the\u3000weed\u2026covered\u3000wall\uff1b\u3000also\u3000dressed\u3000for\u3000battle\u3000and\u3000for\u3000a\u3000long\u3000journey\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000need\u3000you\u3000to\u3000tell\u3000me\u3000something\uff1b\u3003\u3000Halisstra\u3000asked\uff1b\u3000her\u3000eyes\u3000darting\u3000back\u3000and\u3000forth\u3000between\u3000the\u3000two\u3000women\u3002\u3000\u3003I\u3000need\u3000you\u3000to\u3000tell\u3000me\u3000that\u3000this\u3000is\u3000possible\uff1b\u3000I\u3000mean\u3000even\u3000remotely\u3000possible\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Uluyara\u3000smiled\u3000and\u3000shrugged\uff1b\u3000but\u3000Feliane\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003It’s\u3000possible\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Both\u3000Halisstra\u3000and\u3000Uluyara\u3000looked\u3000over\u3000at\u3000her\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Anything\u3000is\u3000possible\uff1b\u3003\u3000Feliane\u3000explained\uff1b\u3000\u3003with\u3000the\u3000right\u3000tools\u3000and\u3000with\u3000a\u3000goddess\u3000on\u3000your\u3000side\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Eilistraee\u3000can’t\u3000go\u3000where\u3000we’re\u3000going\uff1b\u3003\u3000Halisstra\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003not\u3000to\u3000the\u3000Demonweb\u3000Pits\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003No\uff1b\u3000she\u3000can’t\uff1b\u3003\u3000Uluyara\u3000agreed\u3002\u3000\u3003That’s\u3000why\u3000she’s\u3000sending\u3000us\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003If\u3000we\u3000die\u3000there\uff1b\u3003\u3000Halisstra\u3000asked\u3000Uluyara\uff1b\u3000who\u3000dropped\u3000her\u3000hand\u3000from\u3000the\u3000priestess’s\u3000chin\uff1b\u3000\u3003what\u3000bees\u3000of\u3000us\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003We\u3000go\u3000to\u3000Eilistraee\uff1b\u3003\u3000Uluyara\u3000replied\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Halisstra\u3000could\u3000hear\u3000the\u3000certainty\u3000in\u3000the\u3000drow’s\u3000reply\u3000and\u3000see\u3000it\u3000in\u3000her\u3000eyes\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000don’t\u3000know\u3000that\u3000for\u3000sure\uff1b\u3003\u3000Halisstra\u3000said\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003So\uff1b\u3003\u3000said\u3000Feliane\uff1b\u3000\u3003what\u3000do\u3000you\u3000know\u3000for\u3000sure\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Halisstra\u3000looked\u3000at\u3000her\u3000and\u3000the\u3000elf\u3000returned\u3000the\u3000gaze\u3000with\u3000almost\u3000perfect\u3000stillness\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000know\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3003\u3000Halisstra\u3000began\u3000even\u3000as\u3000she\u3000was\u3000thinking\u3000it\u3000through\u3002\u3000\u3003I\u3000know\u3000that\u3000Lolth\u3000abandoned\u3000me\u3000and\u3000was\u3000a\u3000cruel\u3000mistress\u3000who\u3000let\u3000our\u3000city\uff1b\u3000our\u3000way\u3000of\u3000life\u3000fall\u3000into\u3000ruin\uff1b\u3000perhaps\u3000simply\u3000to\u3000satisfy\u3000some\u3000whim\u3002\u3000I\u3000know\u3000that\u3000her\u3000temple\u3000on\u3000the\u3000sixty\u2026sixth\u3000layer\u3000is\u3000sealed\u3000and\u3000there\u3000are\u3000no\u3000departed\u3000souls\u3000there\u3002\u3000I\u3000know\u3000that\u3000eternity\u3000is\u3000closed\u3000off\u3000to\u3000me\uff1b\u3000thanks\u3000to\u3000her\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003What\u3000has\u3000changed\uff1f\u3003\u3000asked\u3000Feliane\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Halisstra\u3000looked\u3000at\u3000Uluyara\u3000when\u3000she\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003Eilistraee\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Eilistraee\u3000hasn’t\u3000changed\uff1b\u3003\u3000Uluyara\u3000whispered\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003No\uff1b\u3003\u3000Halisstra\u3000agreed\uff1b\u3000\u3003I\u3000have\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Uluyara\u3000smiled\uff1b\u3000and\u3000so\u3000did\u3000Halisstra\uff1b\u3000then\u3000the\u3000Melarn\u3000priestess\u3000began\u3000to\u3000cry\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000puzzl \n
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000
\nChapter\u3000Twenty\u2026three
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000party\u3000traced\u3000the\u3000same\u3000path\u3000they\u3000had\u3000taken\u3000when\u3000in\u3000astral\u3000form\u3000and\u3000came\u3000once\u3000again\u3000to\u3000the\u3000entrance\u3000to\u3000the\u3000temple\u3002\u3000The\u3000great\u3000stone\u3000face\u3000was\u3000itself\u3000shattered\uff1b\u3000revealing\u3000glimpses\u3000of\u3000the\u3000visage\u3000of\u3000Lolth\u3000but\u3000only\u3000in\u3000tiny\uff1b\u3000enigmatic\u3000fragments\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003It\u3000was\u3000the\u3000gods\uff1b\u3003\u3000Valas\u3000whispered\uff1b\u3000his\u3000voice\u3000echoing\u3000in\u3000a\u3000million\u3000tiny\u3000pings\u3000across\u3000the\u3000ruined\u3000plaza\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Vhaeraun\uff1b\u3000who\u3000had\u3000e\u3000to\u3000kill\u3000Lolth\u3000because\u3000of\u3000their\u3000own\u3000rash\u3000decision\u3000to\u3000lead\u3000one\u3000of\u3000his\u3000priests\u3000there\uff1b\u3000had\u3000been\u3000confronted\u3000by\u3000Selvetarm\u2026Lolth’s\u3000protector\u2026at\u3000the\u3000temple\u3000gates\u3002\u3000Their\u3000duel\u3000was\u3000a\u3000sight\u3000that\u3000would\u3000be\u3000burned\u3000into\u3000Pharaun’s\u3000memory\u3000if\u3000he\u3000lived\u3000to\u3000be\u3000ten\u3000thousand\u3000years\u3000old\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000contest\u3000had\u3000caused\u3000much\u3000damage\uff1b\u3000but\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Not\u3000this\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000Master\u3000of\u3000Sorcere\u3000said\uff1b\u3000his\u3000own\u3000voice\u3000echoing\uff1b\u3000though\u3000in\u3000not\u3000quite\u3000the\u3000same\u3000way\u3002\u3000\u3003This\u3000is\u3000different\u3002\u3000Older\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Older\uff1f\u3003\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3000asked\uff1b\u3000his\u3000eyes\u3000darting\u3000from\u3000rock\u3000to\u3000rock\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003This\u3000place\u3000was\u3000razed\u3000a\u3000century\u3000ago\u3000or\u3000more\uff1b\u3003\u3000Pharaun\u3000said\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003That’s\u3000not\u3000possible\uff1b\u3003\u3000Valas\u3000argued\uff1b\u3000staring\u3000up\u3000at\u3000the\u3000open\u3000doors\u3002\u3000\u3003We\u3000were\u3000just\u3000here\u2026right\u3000here\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000doors\u3000were\u3000sealed\uff1b\u3000and\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000others\u3000didn’t\u3000expect\u3000him\u3000to\u3000finish\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Lolth\u3000has\u3000left\u3000this\u3000place\uff1b\u3003\u3000Quenthel\u3000said\uff1b\u3000her\u3000voice\u3000so\u3000quiet\u3000it\u3000barely\u3000managed\u3000to\u3000elicit\u3000an\u3000echo\u3000at\u3000all\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003She\u3000has\u3000left\u3000the\u3000Demonweb\u3000Pits\uff1f\u3003\u3000Danifae\u3000asked\u3002\u3000\u3003How\u3000could\u3000that\u3000be\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003She\u3000has\u3000left\u3000the\u3000Abyss\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000Mistress\u3000of\u3000Arach\u2026Tinilith\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003Can’t\u3000you\u3000feel\u3000it\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Danifae\u3000shook\u3000her\u3000head\uff1b\u3000but\u3000her\u3000eyes\u3000answered\u3000in\u3000the\u3000affirmative\u3002\u3000The\u3000two\u3000females\u3000shared\u3000a\u3000long\uff1b\u3000knowing\u3000look\u3000that\u3000raised\u3000the\u3000hair\u3000on\u3000the\u3000back\u3000of\u3000Pharaun’s\u3000neck\u3002\u3000He\u3000sensed\u3000similar\u3000reactions\u3000from\u3000Jeggred\u3000and\u3000Valas\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003That’s\u3000it\u3000then\uff1b\u3003\u3000said\u3000the\u3000Bregan\u3000D’aerthe\u3000scout\u3002\u3000\u3003We\u3000have\u3000e\u3000here\u3000to\u3000find\u3000the\u3000goddess\u3000but\u3000instead\u3000we\u3000have\u3000found\u3000nothing\u3002\u3000Our\u3000mission\u3000is\u3000at\u3000an\u3000end\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Quenthel\u3000turned\u3000to\u3000glare\u3000at\u3000the\u3000scout\uff1b\u3000who\u3000returned\u3000it\u3000with\u3000a\u3000steady\uff1b\u3000even\u3000gaze\u3002\u3000The\u3000vipers\u3000that\u3000made\u3000up\u3000the\u3000high\u3000priestess’s\u3000scourge\u3000writhed\u3000and\u3000spat\uff1b\u3000but\u3000Valas\u3000paid\u3000them\u3000no\u3000mind\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003She\u3000isn’t\u3000here\uff1b\u3003\u3000Quenthel\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003but\u3000that\u3000doesn’t\u3000mean\u3000she\u3000isn’t\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000somewhere\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000scout\u3000took\u3000a\u3000deep\u3000breath\u3000and\u3000let\u3000it\u3000out\u3000slowly\uff1b\u3000looking\u3000all\u3000around\u3000at\u3000the\u3000ruined\u3000temple\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003So\u3000where\u3000is\u3000she\uff1f\u3003\u3000he\u3000asked\u3002\u3000\u3003How\u3000much\u3000farther\u3000do\u3000we\u3000go\uff1f\u3000Do\u3000we\u3000search\u3000the\u3000limitless\u3000multiverse\u3000for\u3000her\uff1b\u3000plane\u3000by\u3000plane\uff1b\u3000universe\u3000by\u3000universe\uff1f\u3000She’s\u3000a\u3000creature\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Demonweb\u3000Pits\uff1b\u3000and\u3000here\u3000we\u3000stand\u3000on\u3000the\u3000sixty\u2026sixth\u3000layer\u3000of\u3000the\u3000gods\u2026cursed\u3000Abyss\u3000and\u3000she’s\u3000gone\u3002\u3000If\u3000you\u3000don’t\u3000know\u3000where\u3000she’s\u3000gone\u3000to\u2026and\u3000she\u3000could\u3000be\u3000anywhere\u2026and\u3000she\u3000won’t\u3000tell\u3000you\u3000where\u3000she\u3000is\uff1b\u3000maybe\u3000we\u3000all\u3000have\u3000to\u3000accept\u3000the\u3000fact\u3000that\u3000she\u3000doesn’t\u3000want\u3000to\u3000be\u3000found\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000It\u3000was\u3000the\u3000most\u3000Pharaun\u3000had\u3000ever\u3000heard\u3000Valas\u3000say\u3000all\u3000at\u3000once\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000words\u3000made\u3000his\u3000heart\u3000sink\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003He’s\u3000right\uff1b\u3003\u3000said\u3000the\u3000Master\u3000of\u3000Sorcere\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000To\u3000his\u3000surprise\uff1b\u3000Quenthel\u3000nodded\u3002\u3000Danifae’s\u3000eyes\u3000widened\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Jeggred\u3000growled\u3000low\u3000in\u3000his\u3000throat\u3002\u3000The\u3000draegloth\u3000moved\u3000slowly\uff1b\u3000in\u3000that\u3000fluid\uff1b\u3000stalking\u3000way\u3000of\u3000his\uff1b\u3000and\u3000went\u3000to\u3000stand\u3000next\u3000to\u3000the\u3000former\u3000battle\u2026captive\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003This\u3000is\u3000sacrilege\uff1b\u3003\u3000Danifae\u3000whispered\u3002\u3000\u3003Heresy\u3000of\u3000the\u3000worst\u3000sort\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Quenthel\u3000turned\u3000to\u3000look\u3000at\u3000the\u3000other\u3000priestess\u3000and\u3000silently\u3000raised\u3000an\u3000eyebrow\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003You\u3000presume\u3000to\u3000allow\u3000some\u2026\u3003\u3000Danifae\u3000turned\u3000to\u3000briefly\u3000glare\u3000at\u3000Valas\u2026\u3000\u3003male\u3000to\u3000speak\u3000for\u3000Lolth\uff1f\u3000Does\u3000he\u3000decide\u3000the\u3000goddess’s\u3000intentions\u3000now\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Do\u3000you\uff1f\u3003\u3000Pharaun\u3000couldn’t\u3000help\u3000but\u3000ask\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Surprisingly\uff1b\u3000Danifae\u3000smiled\u3000when\u3000she\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003Perhaps\u3000I\u3000do\u3002\u3000Certainly\u3000I\u3000have\u3000more\u3000claim\u3000to\u3000that\u3000right\u3000than\u3000Master\u3000Hune\u3002\u3000Capable\u3000a\u3000scout\u3000as\u3000he\u3000is\uff1b\u3000this\u3000is\u3000the\u3000business\u3000of\u3000priestesses\u3000now\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Quenthel\u3000stood\u3000a\u3000little\u3000straighter\uff1b\u3000though\u3000her\u3000shoulders\u3000still\u3000hunched\u3002\u3000Pharaun\u3000marveled\u3000at\u3000how\u3000old\u3000she\u3000looked\u3002\u3000The\u3000high\u3000priestess\u3000had\u3000aged\u3000decades\u3000in\u3000the\u3000past\u3000tenday\uff1b\u3000and\u3000exhaustion\u3000was\u3000plain\u3000in\u3000her\u3000heavy\u2026lidded\u3000eyes\u3000and\u3000blunt\u3000temper\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pharaun\u3000couldn’t\u3000look\u3000at\u3000her\uff1b\u3000so\u3000he\u3000looked\u3000down\u3000at\u3000the\u3000floor\u3000of\u3000the\u3000plaza\u3002\u3000He\u3000scuffed\u3000his\u3000boot\u3000through\u3000brown\u2026powdered\u3000stone\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000was\u3000wrong\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000Master\u3000of\u3000Sorcere\u3000said\u3002\u3000He\u3000could\u3000feel\u3000the\u3000others\u3000looking\u3000at\u3000him\uff1b\u3000could\u3000sense\u3000their\u3000surprise\uff1b\u3000but\u3000he\u3000didn’t\u3000look\u3000up\u3002\u3000\u3003This\u3000didn’t\u3000happen\u3000a\u3000ce \n
\n \n
\n
\n
\n \u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000was\u3000wrong\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000Master\u3000of\u3000Sorcere\u3000said\u3002\u3000He\u3000could\u3000feel\u3000the\u3000others\u3000looking\u3000at\u3000him\uff1b\u3000could\u3000sense\u3000their\u3000surprise\uff1b\u3000but\u3000he\u3000didn’t\u3000look\u3000up\u3002\u3000\u3003This\u3000didn’t\u3000happen\u3000a\u3000century\u3000ago\u3002\u3000This\u3000place\u3000was\u3000destroyed\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000no\uff1b\u3000a\u3000battle\u3000was\u3000fought\u3000here\uff1b\u3000and\u3000it\u3000was\u3000fought\u3000a\u3000millennium\u3000past\u3000at\u3000least\u3002\u3000At\u3000least\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003How\u3000can\u3000you\u3000say\u3000that\uff1b\u3000wizard\uff1f\u3003\u3000asked\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3002\u3000\u3003You\u3000were\u3000just\u3000here\u3002\u3000Weren’t\u3000you\uff1f\u3000Isn’t\u3000this\u3000the\u3000same\u3000place\u3000Tzirik\u3000brought\u3000you\uff1f
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pharaun\u3002\u3000nodded\u3000and\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003It\u3000is\u3000indeed\uff1b\u3000Jeggred\uff1b\u3000but\u3000the\u3000fact\u3000remains\u3000that\u3000what\u3000we\u3000see\u3000all\u3000around\u3000us\u3000is\u3000an\u3000ancient\u3000ruin\uff1b\u3000the\u3000corpse\u3000of\u3000a\u3000battlefield\u3000that’s\u3000lain\u3000cold\u3000for\u3000a\u3000thousand\u3000years\u3000or\u3000more\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003We\u3000were\u3000only\u3000just\u3000here\uff1b\u3003\u3000said\u3000Valas\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003We\u3000aren’t\u3000in\u3000the\u3000Underdark\u3000anymore\uff1b\u3000Master\u3000Hune\uff1b\u3003\u3000said\u3000Pharaun\u3002\u3000\u3003Time\u3000might\u3000move\u3000very\u3000differently\u3000here\uff1b\u3000in\u3000fits\u3000and\u3000starts\u3000like\u3000distance\u3000in\u3000the\u3000Shadow\u3000Deep\u3002\u3000This\u3000could\u3000all\u3000be\u3000more\u3000illusion\u3000than\u3000real\uff1b\u3000the\u3000whim\u3000of\u3000Lolth\u3000or\u3000some\u3000other\u3000godly\u3000power\u3002\u3000It\u3000could\u3000be\u3000that\u3000we\u3000simply\u3000see\u3000a\u3000ruin\u3000where\u3000there\u3000is\u3000nothing\uff1b\u3000see\u3000a\u3000ruin\u3000where\u3000there\u3000is\u3000in\u3000fact\u3000an\u3000intact\u3000temple\uff1b\u3000or\u3000everything\u3000we\u3000see\u3000is\u3000real\u3000and\u3000made\u3000a\u3000millennium\u3000old\u3000by\u3000a\u3000power\u3000so\u3000vast\u3000that\u3000it\u3000can\u3000manipulate\u3000time\u3000and\u3000matter\u3000and\u3000the\u3000aether\u3000itself\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003The\u3000Spider\u3000Queen\u3000isn’t\u3000here\uff1b\u3003\u3000Valas\u3000added\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003If\u3000the\u3000priestesses\u3000say\u3000that\u3000she\u3000is\u3000not\u3000here\uff1b\u3003\u3000Pharaun\u3000replied\uff1b\u3000\u3003then\u3000I’m\u3000content\u3000to\u3000believe\u3000that’s\u3000true\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000Master\u3000of\u3000Sorcere\u3000looked\u3000up\u3000at\u3000the\u3000enormous\u3000open\u3000doorway\uff1b\u3000big\u3000enough\u3000for\u3000House\u3000Baenre\u3000to\u3000pass\u3000through\u3000it\u3000intact\u3002\u3000The\u3000others\u3000followed\u3000his\u3000gaze\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003These\u3000doors\u3000were\u3000sealed\u3000shut\u3000before\uff1b\u3003\u3000Pharaun\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003but\u3000now\u3000they’re\u3000open\u3002\u3000Why\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Because\u3000Lolth\u3000wants\u3000us\u3000to\u3000step\u3000through\u3000them\uff1b\u3003\u3000Danifae\u3000said\uff1b\u3000her\u3000voice\u3000carrying\u3000a\u3000certainty\u3000that\u3000surprised\u3000Pharaun\u3002\u3000\u3003Who\u3000else\u3000could\u3000have\u3000opened\u3000them\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pharaun\u3000shrugged\u3000and\u3000looked\u3000at\u3000Quenthel\uff1b\u3000who\u3000was\u3000nodding\u3000slowly\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003We\u3000go\u3000on\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000high\u3000priestess\u3000said\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Without\u3000a\u3000glance\u3000at\u3000the\u3000others\uff1b\u3000Quenthel\u3000walked\u3000toward\u3000the\u3000mammoth\u3000doorway\u3002\u3000One\u3000by\u3000one\u3000the\u3000others\u3000followed\uff1a\u3000Danifae\uff1b\u3000then\u3000Jeggred\uff1b\u3000then\u3000Pharaun\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Valas\u3000at\u3000the\u3000rear\u3002\u3000Each\u3000stepped\u3000more\u3000reluctantly\u3000than\u3000the\u3000last\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000On\u3000the\u3000planes\u3000of\u3000chaos\u3000there\u3000were\u3000so\u3000many\u3000names\u3000for\u3000it\uff1b\u3000Aliisza\u3000didn’t\u3000remember\u3000them\u3000all\uff1a\u3000temporal\u3000flux\u3000zones\uff1b\u3000slipped\u3000time\u3000layers\uff1b\u3000millennia\u3000sinks\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3002\u3002\u3000It\u3000had\u3000been\u3000a\u3000very\u3000long\u3000time\u3000since\u3000she’d\u3000seen\u3000one\uff1b\u3000and\u3000it\u3000took\u3000her\u3000almost\u3000as\u3000long\u3000to\u3000realize\u3000what\u3000was\u3000happening\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000She\u3000didn’t\u3000bother\u3000finishing\u3000the\u3000thought\uff1b\u3000only\u3000concentrated\u3000on\u3000a\u3000name\uff1a\u3000Lolth\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003What\u3000is\u3000your\u3000name\uff1f\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Lady\uff1b\u3003\u3000she\u3000said\uff1b\u3000sketching\u3000an\u3000overwrought\u3000bow\u3000that\u3000the\u3000dead\u3000dark\u3000elf\u3000seemed\u3000to\u3000find\u3000insulting\uff1b\u3000\u3003may\u3000I\u3000speak\u3000with\u3000you\u3000briefly\u3000as\u3000you\u3000plete\u3000your\u3000journey\uff1f\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Lolth\u3000has\u3000turned\u3000her\u3000back\u3000on\u3000us\uff1b\u3000the\u3000priestess\u3000replied\u3002\u3000What\u3000worse\u3000could\u3000you\u3000do\uff1f
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000could\u3000leave\u3000you\u3000in\u3000the\u3000Astral\u3000forever\uff1b\u3003\u3000Aliisza\u3000replied\u2026a\u3000hollow\u3000threat\uff1b\u3000but\u3000the\u3000ghost\u3000didn’t\u3000need\u3000to\u3000know\u3000that\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000What\u3000do\u3000you\u3000want\uff1f\u3000the\u3000drow\u3000replied\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000I\u3000am\u3000Greyanna\u3000Mizzrym\uff1b\u3000the\u3000ghost\u3000replied\u2026and\u3000Aliisza\u3000thought\u3000something\u3000about\u3000the\u3000name\u3000was\u3000oddly\u3000familiar\u3002\u3000I\u3000have\u3000no\u3000idea\u3000how\u3000long\u3000I’ve\u3000been\u3000here\uff1b\u3000but\u3000I\u3000can\u3000feel\u3000myself\u3000moving\u3002\u3000That\u3000only\u3000just\u3000started\u3002\u3000Is\u3000Lolth\u3000ready\u3000to\u3000take\u3000us\u3000in\uff1f\u3000Has\u3000she\u3000sent\u3000you\uff1f
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Can\u3000you\u3000feel\u3000her\uff1f\u3003\u3000Aliisza\u3000asked\uff1b\u3000ignoring\u3000he\u3000dark\u3000elf’s\u3000questions\u3002\u3000\u3003Does\u3000she\u3000call\u3000you\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000priestess\u3000looked\u3000away\uff1b\u3000as\u3000if\u3000listening\u3000for\u3000something\uff1b\u3000then\u3000she\u3000shook\u3000her\u3000head\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000I’m\u3000moving\u3000toward\u3000something\uff1b\u3000Greyanna\u3000said\u3002\u3000I\u3000can\u3000feel\u3000it\uff1b\u3000but\u3000I\u3000do\u3000not\u3000hear\u3000Lolth\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Aliisza\u3000turned\u3000to\u3000look\u3000in\u3000the\u3000direction\u3000the\u3000line\u3000of\u3000drow\u3000souls\u3000were\u3000moving\u3002\u3000At\u3000the\u3000end\u3000of\u3000the\u3000very\u3000lo \n
\n \n
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\n \u3000\u3000\u3000Aliisza\u3000turned\u3000to\u3000look\u3000in\u3000the\u3000direction\u3000the\u3000line\u3000of\u3000drow\u3000souls\u3000were\u3000moving\u3002\u3000At\u3000the\u3000end\u3000of\u3000the\u3000very\u3000long\u3000line\u3000was\u3000a\u3000whirlpool\u3000of\u3000red\u3000and\u3000black\u2026a\u3000gateway\u3000to\u3000the\u3000outer\u3000planes\u3000that\u3000was\u3000drawing\u3000the\u3000souls\u3000in\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003That’s\u3000not\u3000the\u3000Abyss\uff1b\u3003\u3000Aliisza\u3000said\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000It’s\u3000home\uff1b\u3000whispered\u3000the\u3000bodiless\u3000soul\u3000of\u3000Greyanna\u3000Mizzrym\u3002\u3000I\u3000can\u3000feel\u3000it\u3002\u3000It\u3000is\u3002\u3000It’s\u3000the\u3000Demonweb\u3000Pits\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Aliisza’s\u3000heart\u3000raced\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003The\u3000Demonweb\u3000Pits\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000alu\u2026fiend\u3000repeated\uff1b\u3000\u3003but\u3000not\u3000the\u3000Abyss\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Aliisza\u3000stopped\u3000herself\u3000and\u3000hung\u3000in\u3000the\u3000gray\u3000expanse\u3000off\u3000to\u3000one\u3000side\u3000of\u3000the\u3000procession\u3000of\u3000dead\u3000drow\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Well\uff1b\u3003\u3000Aliisza\u3000whispered\u3000to\u3000an\u3000unhearing\u3000Lolth\uff1b\u3000\u3003moving\u3000up\u3000in\u3000the\u3000world\uff1b\u3000aren’t\u3000we\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000alu\u2026fiend\u3000closed\u3000her\u3000eyes\u3000and\u3000concentrated\u3000on\u3000Kaanyr\u3000Vhok\u3002\u3000She\u3000let\u3000her\u3000consciousness\u3000travel\u3000through\u3000the\u3000Astral\u3000and\u3000back\u3000to\u3000the\u3000cold\uff1b\u3000hard\u3000Underdark\u3002\u3000There\u3000she\u3000found\u3000her\u3000lover’s\u3000mind\u3000and\u3000dropped\u3000a\u3000message\u3000into\u3000it\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000That\u3000was\u3000all\u3000she\u3000could\u3000say\uff1b\u3000and\u3000she\u3000hoped\u3000it\u3000would\u3000be\u3000warning\u3000enough\u3002\u3000Aliisza\u3000could\u3000have\u3000shifted\u3000back\u3000to\u3000the\u3000Underdark\u3000in\u3000an\u3000instant\u3000and\u3000been\u3000by\u3000her\u3000lover’s\u3000side\uff1b\u3000but\u3000she\u3000didn’t\u3002\u3000She\u3000wanted\u3000to\u3000stay\u3000where\u3000she\u3000was\uff1b\u3000though\u3000she\u3000didn’t\u3000know\u3000why\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Valas\u3000nodded\u3000and\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003There\u3000are\u3000other\u3000pieces\uff1b\u3000though\uff1b\u3000and\u3000there\u3000are\u3000things\u3000that\u3000don’t\u3000look\u3000like\u3000armor\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003The\u3000mechanical\u3000bits\uff1b\u3003\u3000Pharaun\u3000interjected\u3002\u3000\u3003I’ve\u3000noticed\u3000those\u3000too\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Mechanical\u3000bits\uff1f\u3003\u3000the\u3000young\u3000priestess\u3000asked\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pharaun\u3000continued\u3000walking\u3000as\u3000he\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003The\u3000odd\u3000moving\u3000part\u3002\u3000I’ve\u3000seen\u3000hinges\u3000and\u3000things\u3000that\u3000seem\u3000to\u3000act\u3000almost\u3000like\u3000a\u3000joint\uff1b\u3000like\u3000a\u3000shoulder\u3000or\u3000knee\u3000joint\u3000in\u3000a\u3000drow’s\u3000body\u3000but\u3000with\u3000wires\u3000or\u3000other\u3000contraptions\u3000in\u3000place\u3000of\u3000muscles\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Now\u3000that\u3000you\u3000mention\u3000it\uff1b\u3003\u3000Valas\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003some\u3000of\u3000them\u3000did\u3000look\u3000like\u3000legs\u3000or\u3000arms\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Who\u3000cares\uff1f\u3003\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3000grumbled\u3002\u3000\u3003Are\u3000you\u3000two\u3000really\u3000wasting\u3000your\u3000time\u3000examining\u3000the\u3000garbage\uff1f\u3000Do\u3000you\u3000have\u3000no\u3000understanding\u3000of\u3000what’s\u3000happened\u3000here\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000think\u3000we\u3000have\u3000at\u3000least\u3000a\u3000rudimentary\u3000understanding\u3000of\u3000what’s\u3000gone\u3000on\u3000here\uff1b\u3000Jeggred\uff1b\u3000yes\uff1b\u3003\u3000Pharaun\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003By\u3000’examining\u3000the\u3000garbage\uff1b’\u3000as\u3000you\u3000so\u3000eloquently\u3000put\u3000it\uff1b\u3000we\u3000might\u3000gain\u3000some\u3000understanding\u3000beyond\u3000the\u3000point\u3000where\u3000it\u3000can\u3000still\u3000be\u3000described\u3000as\u3000rudimentary\u3002\u3000Alas\uff1b\u3000that’s\u3000not\u3000a\u3000state\u3000of\u3000mind\u3000with\u3000which\u3000you\u3000tend\u3000to\u3000be\u3000familiar\u3000with\u3000yourself\uff1b\u3000but\u3000those\u3000of\u3000us\u3000with\u3000higher\u2026\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000air\u3000was\u3000forced\u3000out\u3000of\u3000Pharaun’s\u3000lungs\u3000in\u3000a\u3000single\u3000painful\u3000grunt\u3002\u3000The\u3000draegloth\u3000was\u3000on\u3000top\u3000of\u3000him\uff1b\u3000smashing\u3000him\u3000into\u3000a\u3000crumbling\u3000pile\u3000of\u3000bricks\u3000that\u3000had\u3000once\u3000been\u3000part\u3000of\u3000a\u3000soaring\u3000cathedral\u3002\u3000The\u3000wizard\u3000brought\u3000to\u3000mind\u3000a\u3000spell\u3000that\u3000didn’t\u3000require\u3000speech\u3000but\u3000stopped\u3000himself\u3000from\u3000casting\u3000it\u3000when\u3000Danifae’s\u3000voice\u3000echoed\u3000across\u3000the\u3000temple\u3000grounds\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Jeggred\uff1b\u3003\u3000she\u3000manded\uff1b\u3000\u3003leave\u3000it\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000It\u3000was\u3000a\u3000mand\u3000someone\u3000might\u3000give\u3000a\u3000pet\u3000rat\u3000distracted\u3000by\u3000a\u3000cave\u3000beetle\u3002\u3000As\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3000withdrew\u3000and\u3000Pharaun\u3000struggled\u3000to\u3000his\u3000feet\uff1b\u3000he\u3000wondered\u3000which\u3000was\u3000a\u3000greater\u3000insult\uff1b\u3000Jeggred\u3000smashing\u3000him\u3000to\u3000the\u3000ground\u3000or\u3000Danifae’s\u3000rude\u3000remark\u3002\u3000The\u3000Master\u3000of\u3000Sorcere\u3000brushed\u3000off\u3000his\u3000piwafwi\uff1b\u3000did\u3000his\u3000best\u3000with\u3000the\u3000wild\u3000mop\u3000his\u3000hair\u3000had\u3000bee\uff1b\u3000and\u3000cleared\u3000his\u3000throat\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Ah\uff1b\u3000Jeggred\uff1b\u3000my\u3000boy\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000wizard\u3000said\uff1b\u3000letting\u3000the\u3000sarcasm\u3000drip\u3000freely\uff1b\u3000\u3003was\u3000it\u3000something\u3000I\u3000said\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Next\u3000time\u3000you\u3000talk\u3000to\u3000me\u3000like\u3000that\uff1b\u3000mage\uff1b\u3003\u3000he\u3000draegloth\u3000growled\uff1b\u3000\u3003your\u3000heart\u3000will\u3000follow\u3000Ryld\u3000Argith’s\u3000through\u3000my\u3000bowels\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pharaun\u3000tried\u3000not\u3000to\u3000laugh\u3000and\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003Charming\u3000as\u3000always\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003e\uff1b\u3000Jeggred\uff1b\u3003\u3000Danifae\u3000said\uff1b\u3000waving\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3000into\u3000step\u3000behind\u3000her\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pharaun\u3000finished\u3000assembling\u3000himself\uff1b\u3000and\u3000as\u3000he\u3000was\u3000about\u3000to\u3000move\u3000on\u3000he\u3000stopped\u3000and\u3000turned\uff1b\u3000having\u3000caught\u3000someone\u3000looking\u3000at\u3000him\u3000from\u3000the\u3000corner\u3000of\u3000his\u3000eye\u3002\u3000Quenthel\u3000Baenre\u3000stood\u3000partially\u3000blocked\u3000by\u3000another\u3000huge\uff1b\u3000jagged\u3000hunk\u3000of\u3000steel\u3002\u3000The\u3000look\u3000the\u3000wizard\u3000saw\u3000on\u3000her\u3000face\u3000was\u3000ice\u3000cold\uff1b\u3000and\u3000if\u3000they\u3000had\u3000been\u3000back\u3000in\u3000Menzoberranzan\u3000it\u3000would\u3000surely\u3000have\u3000presaged\u3000Danifae’s\u3000death\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000After\u3000the\u3000echoes\u3000from\u3000Dyrr’s\u3000last\uff1b\u3000barely\u2026coherent\u3000shout\u3000finally\u3000died\u3000away\uff1b\u3000came\u3000a\u3000moment\u3000of\u3000almost\u3000plete\u3000silence\u3002\u3000The\u3000lich\u3000hung\u3000in\u3000the\u3000still\u3000air\uff1b\u3000trembling\u3000with\u3000rage\u3002\u3000Gromph\u3000took\u3000a\u3000moment\u3000to\u3000survey\u3000the\u3000ruined\u3000Bazaar\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000fires\u3000had\u3000burned\u3000themselves\u3000out\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000smoke\u3000slowly\u3000dissipated\u3002\u3000Dozens\u3000of\u3000stalls\uff1b\u3000tents\uff1b\u3000and\u3000carts\u3000were\u3000ruined\u2026burned\u3000or\u3000shattered\u3002\u3000Great\u3000cracks\u3000and\u3000pits\u3000had\u3000been\u3000dug\u3000into\u3000the\u3000stone\u3000floor\uff1b\u3000which\u3000was\u3000scorched\u3000in\u3000large\u3000swaths\u3000of\u3000dusty\u3000black\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000A\u3000few\u3000whispered\u3000words\u3000drifted\u3000across\u3000the\u3000otherwise\u3000quiet\u3000space\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Gromph\u3000saw\u3000a\u3000few\u3000inquisitive\u2026and\u3000unwise\u2026drow\u3000beginning\u3000to\u3000wander\u3000into\u3000the\u3000edges\u3000of\u3000the\u3000ruined\u3000marketplace\u3002\u3000They\u3000had\u3000sensed\u3000that\u3000the\u3000duel\u3000had\u3000e\u3000to\u3000an\u3000end\uff1b\u3000but\u3000Gromph\u3000knew\u3000how\u3000wrong\u3000they\u3000were\u3002\u3000Something\uff1b\u3000and\u3000it\u3000wasn’t\u3000only\u3000Gromph’s\u3000ability\u3000to\u3000outthink\u3000him\uff1b\u3000had\u3000scared\u3000Nimor\u3000off\uff1b\u3000had\u3000given\u3000the\u3000Anointed\u3000Blade\u3000the\u3000impression\u3000that\u3000he\u3000had\u3000lost\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Why\u3000did\u3000Nimor\u3000abandon\u3000the\u3000fight\uff1b\u3000Archmage\uff1f\u3000Nauzhror\u3000asked\u3002\u3000What\u3000does\u3000he\u3000know\uff1f
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Find\u3000out\uff1b\u3000Gromph\u3000ordered\u3000then\u3000turned\u3000his\u3000attention\u3000to\u3000Dyrr\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003We\u3000can\u3000finish\u3000this\u3000now\uff1b\u3000if\u3000you\u3000like\uff1b\u3003\u3000Gromph\u3000said\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000lich\u3000took\u3000a\u3000deep\uff1b\u3000shuddering\u3000breath\u3000and\u3000shook\u3000his\u3000head\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003It’s\u3000as\u3000it\u3000should\u3000be\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000archmage\u3000added\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000suppose\u3000it\u3000is\uff1b\u3000my\u3000young\u3000friend\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000lich\u3000answered\uff1b\u3000his\u3000voice\u3000steady\u3002\u3000\u3003You\uff1b\u3000the\u3000highest\u3000ranking\u3000wizard\u3000in\u3000Menzoberranzan\uff1b\u3000and\u3000me\uff1b\u3000the\u3000most\u3000powerful\u3002\u3000It’s\u3000only\u3000symmetrical\u3000that\u3000we\u3000eventually\u3000face\u3000each\u3000other\u3002\u3000Power\u3000abhors\u3000that\u3000sort\u3000of\u3000imbalance\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000don’t\u3000know\uff1b\u3003\u3000Gromph\u3000answered\u3000with\u3000a\u3000shrug\u3002\u3000\u3003I\u3000don’t\u3000consider\u3000balance\u3002\u3000I\u3000worship\u3000a\u3000demon\u3002\u3000I\u3000serve\u3000chaos\u3002\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000It’s\u3000a\u3000gigant\uff1b\u3000Nauzhror\u3000said\u3002\u3000A\u3000blackstone\u3000gigant\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000sighed\u3002\u3000He\u3000knew\u3000what\u3000it\u3000was\u3000that\u3000Dyrr\u3000had\u3000turned\u3000himself\u3000into\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Its\u3000fit\u3000of\u3000destructive\u3000rage\u3000finished\uff1b\u3000the\u3000gigant\u3000turned\u3000its\u3000attention\u3000to\u3000Gromph\u3002\u3000The\u3000shafts\u3000of\u3000light\u3000from\u3000its\u3000eyes\u3000fell\u3000on\u3000the\u3000archmage\uff1b\u3000illuminating\u3000him\u3000where\u3000he\u3000hovered\u3000a\u3000dozen\u3000yards\u3000above\u3000the\u3000floor\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Bazaar\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000cast\u3000a\u3000spell\u3000as\u3000the\u3000gigant\u3000came\u3000at\u3000him\uff1b\u3000gnashing\u3000its\u3000massive\u3000fangs\u3000and\u3000petrifying\u3000a\u3000handful\u3000more\u3000of\u3000the\u3000careless\u3000drow\u3000merchants\u3002\u3000The\u3000spell\u3000made\u3000Gromph\u3000difficult\u3000to\u3000see\u3002\u3000His\u3000form\u3000became\u3000cloudy\uff1b\u3000indistinct\uff1b\u3000and\u3000he\u3000dropped\u3000quickly\u3000to\u3000the\u3000ground\u3002\u3000The\u3000boots\u3000he\u3000was\u3000wearing\u3000would\u3000help\u3000him\u3000run\u3000faster\u3000than\u3000any\u3000drow\u3002\u3000Difficult\u3000to\u3000see\u3000and\u3000moving\u3000fast\uff1b\u3000Gromph\u3000managed\u3000to\u3000stay\u3000out\u3000of\u3000the\u3000raging\u3000gigant’s\u3000way\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Can\u3000you\u3000hear\u3000me\uff1b\u3000Dyrr\uff1f\u3003\u3000Gromph\u3000called\u3000out\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000lich\u3000didn’t\u3000answer\u3002\u3000Gromph\u3000wasn’t\u3000sure\u3000if\u3000he\u3000could\u3000in\u3000his\u3000current\u3000state\u3002\u3000The\u3000gigant\u3000growled\u3000and\u3000gnashed\u3000its\u3000teeth\u3000and\u3000came\u3000at\u3000him\u3000again\u3002\u3000Gromph\u3000literally\u3000ran\u3000in\u3000circles\u3000in\u3000an\u3000effort\u3000to\u3000contain\u3000the\u3000dangerous\u3000beast\u3000in\u3000the\u3000Bazaar\u3002\u3000Any\u3000living\u3000thing\u3000it\u3000touched\u3000turned\u3000to\u3000stone\uff1b\u3000and\u3000too\u3000many\u3000Menzoberranyr\u3000had\u3000perished\u3000already\u3002\u3000If\u3000the\u3000siege\u3000truly\u3000was\u3000ing\u3000to\u3000an\u3000end\uff1b\u3000it\u3000was\u3000time\u3000for\u3000the\u3000wasteful\u3000killing\u3000to\u3000stop\u3000too\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Dyrr\uff1b\u3000answer\u3000me\uff1b\u3003\u3000Gromph\u3000tried\u3000again\uff1b\u3000but\u3000again\u3000there\u3000was\u3000no\u3000response\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Quite\u3000the\u3000opposite\uff1b\u3003\u3000said\u3000Jeggred’s\u3000father\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Halisstra\u3000Melarn\u3000was\u3000flying\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Though\u3000that\u3000wasn’t\u3000an\u3000entirely\u3000accurate\u3000description\u3000of\u3000what\u3000was\u3000happening\u3000to\u3000her\uff1b\u3000it\u3000was\u3000what\u3000all\u3000her\u3000senses\u3000told\u3000her\u3002\u3000Below\u3000her\u3000stretched\u3000an\u3000eternity\u3000of\u3000gray\u3000nothing\u3000punctuated\u3000by\u3000swirling\u3000storms\u3000of\u3000color\u3000and\u3000distant\u3000chunks\u3000of\u3000drifting\uff1b\u3000turning\u3000rock\u3000as\u3000big\u3000around\u3000as\u3000a\u3000mile\u3000and\u3000as\u3000small\u3000as\u3000a\u3000single\u3000drow\u3002\u3000Above\u3000her\u3000and\u3000to\u3000every\u3000side\u3000was\u3000precisely\u3000the\u3000same\u3000thing\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000She\u3000had\u3000recently\u3000visited\u3000the\u3000Astral\u3000Plane\u3000with\u3000the\u3000party\u3000of\u3000Menzoberranyr\u3000and\u3000her\u3000former\u3000battle\u2026captive\uff1b\u3000but\u3000that\u3000had\u3000been\u3000a\u3000very\u3000different\u3000experience\u3002\u3000At\u3000that\u3000time\uff1b\u3000under\u3000the\u3000care\u3000of\u3000a\u3000priest\u3000of\u3000Vhaeraun\uff1b\u3000she’d\u3000felt\u3000like\u3000a\u3000ghost\u3000being\u3000pulled\u3000along\u3000by\u3000a\u3000chain\u3002\u3000Through\u3000the\u3000power\u3000of\u3000Eilistraee\uff1b\u3000however\uff1b\u3000she\u3000was\u3000actually\u3000in\u3000the\u3000Astral\uff1b\u3000not\u3000projected\u3000there\uff1b\u3000and\u3000there\u3000was\u3000nothing\u3000anchoring\u3000her\u3000to\u3000the\u3000plane\u3000of\u3000her\u3000birth\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Halisstra\u3000Melarn\u3000felt\u3000more\u3000free\u3000than\u3000she’d\u3000ever\u3000felt\u3000before\u3002\u3000Her\u3000lips\u3000turned\u3000up\u3000into\u3000an\u3000unashamed\u3000smile\uff1b\u3000and\u3000her\u3000heart\u3000raced\u3002\u3000Her\u3000hair\u3000blew\u3000out\u3000behind\u3000her\u3000though\u3000there\u3000wasn’t\u3000technically\u3000any\u3000wind\u3002\u3000Her\u3000body\u3000responded\u3000to\u3000a\u3000mere\u3000thought\u3000in\u3000the\u3000aether\u3000medium\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Astral\u3000Plane\uff1b\u3000and\u3000she\u3000soared\u3000and\u3000swooped\u3000like\u3000a\u3000darkenbeast\u3000at\u3000play\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000only\u3000restraint\u3000she\u3000felt\u3000was\u3000the\u3000need\u3000to\u3000keep\u3000close\u3000to\u3000her\u3000panions\uff1b\u3000Uluyara\u3000and\u3000Feliane\u3002\u3000Halisstra\u3000could\u3000see\u3000that\u3000the\u3000surface\u3000elf\u3000and\u3000the\u3000drow\u3000priestess\u3000were\u3000enjoying\u3000their\u3000flight\u3000through\u3000the\u3000Astral\u3000as\u3000much\u3000as\u3000she\u3000was\uff1b\u3000and\u3000both\u3000of\u3000them\u3000shared\u3000her\u3000smile\u3002\u3000Still\uff1b\u3000the\u3000gravity\u3000of\u3000the\u3000mission\u3000that\u3000brought\u3000them\u3000there\u3000was\u3000never\u3000far\u3000from\u3000their\u3000minds\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Halisstra\u3000had\u3000risked\u3000everything\u3000and\u3000lost\u3000everything\u3000to\u3000be\u3000there\u3002\u3000Ryld\u3000was\u3000surely\u3000dead\uff1b\u3000as\u3000dead\u3000as\u3000Ched\u3000Nasad\uff1b\u3000and\u3000any\u3000life\u3000she\u3000might\u3000ever\u3000have\u3000had\u3000in\u3000the\u3000Underdark\u3000was\u3000behind\u3000her\u3002\u3000Ahead\u3000was\u3000uncertainty\u3000but\u3000acceptance\u3002\u3000Ahead\u3000was\u3000risk\u3000but\u3000at\u3000least\u3000the\u3000potential\u3000for\u3000reward\uff1b\u3000where\u3000all\u3000she\u3000left\u3000behind\u3000was\u3000hopelessness\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003There\uff01\u3003\u3000Uluyara\u3000called\u3000to\u3000her\u3000fellow\u3000travelers\uff1b\u3000breaking\u3000into\u3000Halisstra’s\u3000thoughts\u3002\u3000\u3003Do\u3000you\u3000see\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Halisstra\u3000followed\u3000the\u3000other\u3000priestess’s\u3000black\u2026skinned\u3000finger\uff1b\u3000and\u3000found\u3000her\u3000body\u3000shifting\u3000in\u3000the\u3000\u3003air\u3003\u3000to\u3000begin\u3000f \n
\n \n
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\n \u3000\u3000\u3000Halisstra\u3000followed\u3000the\u3000other\u3000priestess’s\u3000black\u2026skinned\u3000finger\uff1b\u3000and\u3000found\u3000her\u3000body\u3000shifting\u3000in\u3000the\u3000\u3003air\u3003\u3000to\u3000begin\u3000flying\u3000in\u3000that\u3000same\u3000direction\u3002\u3000Uluyara\u3000was\u3000indicating\u3000a\u3000long\u3000line\u3000of\u3000dull\u3000black\u3000shadows\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Halisstra\u3000had\u3000to\u3000blink\u3000several\u3000times\u3000before\u3000she\u3000began\u3000to\u3000understand\u3000what\u3000she\u3000was\u3000seeing\u3002\u3000It\u3000was\u3000as\u3000if\u3000she\u3000were\u3000looking\u3000at\u3000a\u3000vast\u3000gray\u3000screen\u3000behind\u3000which\uff1b\u3000like\u3000actors\u3000in\u3000a\u3000shadow\u3000play\uff1b\u3000a\u3000line\u3000of\u3000drow\u3000were\u3000slowly\u3000drifting\u3000toward\u3000a\u3000mon\u3000goal\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Approach\u3000them\u3000slowly\uff1b\u3003\u3000Feliane\u3000warned\u3002\u3000\u3003They\u3000may\u3000not\u3000even\u3000be\u3000able\u3000to\u3000sense\u3000our\u3000presence\uff1b\u3000but\u3000we\u3000don’t\u3000know\u3000for\u3000sure\uff1b\u3000and\u3000there\u3000are\u3000so\u3000many\u3000of\u3000them\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Who\u3000are\u3000they\uff1f\u3003\u3000Halisstra\u3000asked\uff1b\u3000though\u3000even\u3000as\u3000the\u3000last\u3000word\u3000left\u3000her\u3000mouth\u3000she\u3000realized\u3000what\u3000she\u3000was\u3000seeing\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003The\u3000damned\uff1b\u3003\u3000was\u3000Uluyara’s\u3000whispered\uff1b\u3000heavy\u3000reply\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003So\u3000many\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3002\u3003\u3000Halisstra\u3000whispered\u3000in\u3000the\u3000same\u3000stunned\u3000monotone\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003All\u3000the\u3000drow\u3000who\u3000died\u3000while\u3000Lolth\u3000was\u3000silent\uff1b\u3000I\u3000would\u3000suppose\uff1b\u3003\u3000said\u3000Feliane\u3002\u3000\u3003Where\u3000are\u3000they\u3000going\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Not\u3000to\u3000the\u3000Abyss\uff1b\u3003\u3000Uluyara\u3000replied\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000As\u3000they\u3000came\u3000closer\u3000and\u3000closer\u3000Halisstra\u3000couldn’t\u3000help\u3000but\u3000pick\u3000out\u3000faces\u3000among\u3000the\u3000slowly\u3000drifting\u3000forms\u3000of\u3000the\u3000recently\u3000deceased\u3002\u3000All\u3000of\u3000the\u3000dark\u3000elves\u3000appeared\u3000uniformly\u3000gray\uff1b\u3000as\u3000if\u3000they\u3000were\u3000merely\u3000charcoal\u3000renderings\u3000and\u3000not\u3000real\u3000drow\u3002\u3000When\u3000she\u3000looked\u3000directly\u3000at\u3000one\u3000of\u3000them\uff1b\u3000a\u3000female\u3000probably\u3000too\u3000young\u3000for\u3000the\u3000Blooding\uff1b\u3000Halisstra\u3000could\u3000see\u3000right\u3000through\u3000her\u3000to\u3000the\u3000spinning\u3000rock\u3000that\u3000was\u3000passing\u3000behind\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000One\u3000of\u3000the\u3000shades\u3000noticed\u3000her\u3000and\u3000briefly\u3000made\u3000eye\u3000contact\uff1b\u3000but\u3000the\u3000departed\u3000soul\u3000didn’t\u3000slow\u3000in\u3000its\u3000progress\u3000or\u3000make\u3000any\u3000move\u3000to\u3000speak\u3000to\u3000her\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Where\u3000are\u3000they\u3000going\uff1f\u3003\u3000Halisstra\u3000asked\uff1b\u3000seeing\u3000first\u3000one\uff1b\u3000then\u3000another\u3000of\u3000the\u3000ghosts\u3000wearing\u3000a\u3000symbol\u3000of\u3000Lolth\u3000or\u3000other\u3000trinkets\u3000and\u3000heraldry\u3000that\u3000showed\u3000them\u3000as\u3000devotees\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Spider\u3000Queen\u3002\u3000\u3003If\u3000not\u3000the\u3000Abyss\uff1b\u3000if\u3000not\u3000to\u3000Lolth’s\u3000domain\uff1b\u3000then\u3000where\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Hope\u3000leaped\u3000in\u3000Halisstra’s\u3000chest\u3002\u3000If\u3000the\u3000dead\u3000among\u3000her\u3000loyal\u3000followers\u3000weren’t\u3000going\u3000to\u3000Lolth’s\u3000side\u3000but\u3000were\u3000going\u3000somewhere\uff1b\u3000perhaps\u3000there\u3000was\u3000some\u3000hope\u3000for\u3000a\u3000follower\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Spider\u3000Queen\u3000besides\u3000oblivion\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Eilistraee’s\u3000own\u3000spell\uff1b\u3003\u3000said\u3000Feliane\uff1b\u3000\u3003was\u3000drawing\u3000us\u3000to\u3000the\u3000Abyss\uff1b\u3000and\u3000we\u3000weren’t\u3000going\u3000this\u3000way\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003When\u3000I\u3000was\u3000in\u3000the\u3000Demonweb\u3000Pits\u3000with\u3000the\u3000Baenre\u3000sister\u3000and\u3000the\u3000others\uff1b\u3003\u3000Halisstra\u3000recounted\uff1b\u3000\u3003we\u3000saw\u3000no\u3000souls\u3000such\u3000as\u3000these\u3002\u3000Quenthel\u3000remarked\u3000on\u3000their\u3000absence\u3002\u3000The\u3000sixty\u2026sixth\u3000layer\u3000held\u3000only\u3000hordes\u3000of\u3000feral\u3000demons\uff1b\u3000two\u3000warring\u3000gods\uff1b\u3000and\u3000a\u3000sealed\u2026off\u3000temple\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Should\u3000we\u3000follow\u3000them\uff1f\u3003\u3000Feliane\u3000asked\u3000Uluyara\u3002\u3000\u3003If\u3000they\u3000are\u3000Lolth’s\u3000followers\uff1b\u3000they\u3000might\u3000be\u3000moving\u3000toward\u3000her\uff1b\u3000even\u3000if\u3000they\u3000aren’t\u3000moving\u3000toward\u3000the\u3000Abyss\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Could\u3000Lolth\u3000have\u3000abandoned\u3000the\u3000Abyss\u3000itself\uff1f\u3003\u3000Halisstra\u3000asked\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Both\u3000Halisstra\u3000and\u3000Feliane\u3000looked\u3000to\u3000Uluyara\u3000for\u3000answers\uff1b\u3000but\u3000the\u3000drow\u3000priestess\u3000only\u3000shrugged\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Halisstra\u3000willed\u3000herself\u3000closer\u3000to\u3000the\u3000line\u3000of\u3000souls\u3000and\u3000watched\u3000them\u3000go\u3000by\uff1b\u3000waiting\u3000for\u3000an\u3000older\u3000priestess\u3000to\u3000pass\uff1b\u3000someone\u3000who\u3000looked\u3000as\u3000if\u3000she\u3000might\u3000have\u3000some\u3000insight\u3002\u3000As\u3000the\u3000dead\u3000filed\u3000past\u3000her\uff1b\u3000Halisstra\u3000saw\u3000mostly\u3000males\uff1b\u3000warriors\u3000obviously\uff1b\u3000and\u3000a\u3000few\u3000driders\u3000in\u3000the\u3000mix\u3002\u3000From\u3000their\u3000costumes\u3000and\u3000heraldry\uff1b\u3000Halisstra\u3000could\u3000tell\u3000that\u3000the\u3000drow\u3000came\u3000from\u3000a\u3000number\u3000of\u3000cities\u3000spread\u3000across\u3000the\u3000length\u3000and\u3000breadth\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Underdark\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Finally\uff1b\u3000a\u3000priestess\u3000approached\u3000whom\u3000she\u3000thought\u3000looked\u3000suitable\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Halisstra\u3000drifted\u3000closer\u3000still\u3002\u3000She\u3000reached\u3000out\u3000her\u3000hand\u3000to\u3000touch\u3000the\u3000passing\u3000soul\uff1b\u3000when\u3000someone\u3000called\u3000to\u3000her\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Halisstra\uff1b\u3000the\u3000voice\u3000said\uff1b\u3000echoing\u3000directly\u3000into\u3000her\u3000mind\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Halisstra\u3000blinked\u3000and\u3000slapped\u3000her\u3000hands\u3000to\u3000her\u3000head\u3002\u3000She\u3000was\u3000only\u3000dimly\u3000aware\u3000of\u3000Uluyara\u3000and\u3000Feliane\u3000asking\u3000after\u3000her\u3000condition\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000sound\u3000of\u3000the\u3000psychic\u3000voice\u3000echoed\u3000in\u3000her\u3000skull\uff1b\u3000the\u3000gravity\u3000of\u3000it\u3000pushing\u3000all\u3000other\u3000thoughts\u3000away\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Ryld\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3003\u3000she\u3000said\u3000through\u3000a\u3000jaw\u3000tight\u3000and\u3000quivering\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000I’m\u3000here\uff1b\u3000the\u3000Master\u3000of\u3000Melee\u2026Magthere\u3000whispered\u3000into\u3000her\u3000consciousness\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Halisstra\u3000opened\u3000her\u3000eyes\u3000and\u3000was\u3000face\u3000to\u3000face\u3000with\u3000the\u3000ghostly\u3000shadow\u3000of\u3000Ryld\u3000Argith\u3002\u3000The\u3000drow\u3000warrior\u3000stood\u3000tall\u3000and\u3000proud\u3000in\u3000his\u3000shadowy\u3000armor\uff1b\u3000his\u3000hands\u3000at\u3000once\u3000reaching\u3000out\u3000for\u3000her\u3000and\u3000pushing\u3000her\u3000away\u3002\u3000Tears\u3000burst\u3000from\u3000her\u3000eyes\uff1b\u3000blurring\u3000her\u3000vision\u3000of\u3000her\u3000lover’s\u3000disembodied\u3000soul\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000I\u3000loved\u3000you\uff1b\u3000he\u3000said\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Halisstra\u3000had\u3000been\u3000trying\u3000not\u3000to\u3000cry\uff1b\u3000but\u3000with\u3000those\u3000three\u3000words\u3000she\u3000broke\u3000into\u3000body\u2026racking\u3000sobs\u3000that\u3000sent\u3000her\u3000drifting\u3000slowly\u3000away\u3000from\u3000him\u3000in\u3000the\u3000Astral\u3000aether\u3002\u3000She\u3000wanted\u3000to\u3000say\u3000a\u3000hundred\u3000things\u3000to\u3000him\uff1b\u3000but\u3000her\u3000throat\u3000closed\uff1b\u3000her\u3000jaw\u3000clenched\uff1b\u3000and\u3000her\u3000head\u3000throbbed\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000I\u3000gave\u3000up\u3000everything\u3000for\u3000you\uff1b\u3000he\u3000said\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Ryld\uff1b\u3003\u3000Halisstra\u3000managed\u3000finally\u3000to\u3000say\u3002\u3000\u3003I\u3000can\u3000bring\u3000you\u2026\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000He\u3000didn’t\u3000so\u3000much\u3000say\u3000\u3003no\u3003\u3000as\u3000he\u3000imparted\u3000that\u3000feeling\u3000into\u3000her\u3000consciousness\u3002\u3000Halisstra\u3000gasped\u3000for\u3000air\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000I\u3000go\u3000to\u3000Lolth\u3000now\uff1b\u3000said\u3000Ryld\u3002\u3000I\u3000don’t\u3000belong\u3000with\u3000Eilistraee\uff1b\u3000even\u3000if\u3000I\u3000belonged\u3000with\u3000you\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000didn’t\u3000choose\u3000her\u3000over\u3000you\uff1b\u3000Ryld\uff1b\u3003\u3000Halisstra\u3000said\uff1b\u3000though\u3000she\u3000knew\u3000she\u3000was\u3000lying\u3002\u3000\u3003I\u3000would\u3000have\u3000turned\u3000away\u3000from\u3000her\u3000if\u3000you’d\u3000asked\u3000me\u3000to\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Again\uff1b\u3000the\u3000feeling\u3000of\u3000\u3003no\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000wanted\u3000you\uff1b\u3003\u3000she\u3000whispered\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000You\u3000had\u3000me\uff1b\u3000he\u3000said\uff1b\u3000for\u3000as\u3000long\u3000as\u3000you\u3000could\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Halisstra\uff1b\u3003\u3000Uluyara\u3000whispered\u3000into\u3000her\u3000ear\u3002\u3000Halisstra\u3000realized\u3000that\u3000the\u3000other\u3000drow\u3000priestess\u3000was\u3000holding\u3000her\u3000arm\u3002\u3000\u3003Halisstra\uff1b\u3000ask\u3000him\u3000where\u3000he’s\u3000going\u3002\u3000Ask\u3000him\u3000where\u3000Lolth\u3000has\u3000gone\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003He’s\u3000going\u3000to\u3000her\uff1b\u3003\u3000Halisstra\u3000said\u3000to\u3000Uluyara\uff1b\u3000then\u3000to\u3000Ryld\uff1a\u3000\u3003I\u3000love\u3000you\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000She\u3000blinked\u3000back\u3000her\u3000tears\u3000in\u3000time\u3000to\u3000see\u3000him\u3000smile\u3000and\u3000nod\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003To\u3000Lolth\uff1f\u3003\u3000asked\u3000Uluyara\u3002\u3000\u3003Where\u3000is\u3000she\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003That’s\u3000why\u3000we’re\u3000here\u3000now\uff1b\u3000isn’t\u3000it\uff1f\u3003\u3000Halisstra\u3000asked\u3000the\u3000slowly\u3000drifting\u3000soul\u3000of\u3000Ryld\u3000Argith\u3002\u3000\u3003Because\u3000we\u3000loved\u3000each\u3000other\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Because\u3000we\u3000left\u3000our\u3000world\u3000behind\uff1b\u3000he\u3000said\u3002\u3000Because\u3000we\u3000left\u3000ourselves\u3000there\u3002\u3000You\u3000were\u3000able\u3000to\u3000create\u3000a\u3000new\u3000Halisstra\uff1b\u3000but\u3000I\u3000was\u3000not\u3000able\u3000to\u3000make\u3000a\u3000new\u3000Ryld\u3002\u3000I’m\u3000here\u3000because\u3000I\u3000deserve\u3000to\u3000be\u3002\u3000If\u3000not\uff1b\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3000could\u3000never\u3000have\u3000beaten\u3000me\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003And\u3000we\u3000would\u3000still\u3000be\u3000together\uff1b\u3003\u3000she\u3000said\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Tell\u3000your\u3000friends\uff1b\u3000he\u3000said\uff1b\u3000that\u3000Lolth\u3000has\u3000taken\u3000the\u3000Demonweb\u3000Pits\u3000out\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Abyss\u3002\u3000We\u3000have\u3000been\u3000waiting\uff1b\u3000some\u3000of\u3000us\u3000for\u3000months\uff1b\u3000to\u3000feel\u3000her\u3000pull\u3000us\u3000across\u3000the\u3000Astral\u3000to\u3000her\uff1b\u3000and\u3000only\u3000now\u3000are\u3000we\u3000pelled\u3000so\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Lolth\uff1b\u3003\u3000Halisstra\u3000said\u3000to\u3000the\u3000other\u3000priestesses\uff1b\u3000her\u3000voice\u3000tight\u3000with\u3000regret\uff1b\u3000anger\uff1b\u3000hate\uff1b\u3000and\u3000too\u3000much\u3000more\u3000to\u3000bear\uff1b\u3000\u3003is\u3000bringing\u3000them\u3000home\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003The\u3000Demonweb\u3000Pits\u3000is\u3000no\u3000longer\u3000part\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Abyss\uff1b\u3003\u3000Uluyara\u3000guessed\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000She’s\u3000changing\uff1b\u3000Ryld\u3000said\u3000and\u3000his\u3000thoughts\u3000had\u3000the\u3000feel\u3000of\u3000a\u3000warning\u3002\u3000She’s\u3000changing\u3000everything\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Halisstra\u3000felt\u3000Uluyara’s\u3000grip\u3000on\u3000her\u3000arm\u3000tighten\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000priestess\u3000whispered\u3000to\u3000her\uff1b\u3000\u3003Let\u3000him\u3000go\u3002\u3000There\u3000is\u3000only\u3000one\u3000way\u3000to\u3000serve\u3000him\u3000now\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003W\u2026we\u3000can\u3000bring\u3000him\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000bring\u3000him\u3000back\uff1b\u3003\u3000Halisstra\u3000stuttered\uff1b\u3000watching\u3000Ryld\u3000turn\u3000from\u3000her\u3000and\u3000drift\u3000slowly\u3000away\u3000with\u3000the\u3000other\u3000uncaring\u3000shades\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Not\u3000if\u3000he\u3000doesn’t\u3000want\u3000to\u3000go\u3000back\uff1b\u3003\u3000Uluyara\u3000whispered\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000hand\u3000on\u3000her\u3000arm\u3000slipped\u3000into\u3000a\u3000snug\u3000embrace\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Halisstra\u3000wrapped\u3000her\u3000arms\u3000around\u3000Uluyara\u3000and\u3000wept\u3000as\u3000Ryld\u3000dwindled\u3000from\u3000sight\u3000farther\u3000and\u3000farther\u3000along\u3000the\u3000line\u3000of\u3000the\u3000damned\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000
\nChapter\u3000Twenty\u2026five
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Wele\u3000to\u3000the\u3000Abyss\uff1b\u3000corpse\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000glabrezu\u3000said\u3002\u3000His\u3000voice\u3000was\u3000a\u3000low\uff1b\u3000rolling\u3000growl\u3002\u3000\u3003Wele\u3000to\u3000my\u3000home\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Belshazu\uff1b\u3003\u3000Quenthel\u3000said\uff1b\u3000her\u3000scourge\u3000in\u3000her\u3000hand\uff1b\u3000vipers\u3000writhing\u3000expectantly\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000demon\u3000didn’t\u3000look\u3000at\u3000her\u3002\u3000Instead\uff1b\u3000he\u3000kept\u3000his\u3000burning\u3000eyes\u3000locked\u3000on\u3000Pharaun\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I’m\u3000going\u3000to\u3000rip\u3000your\u3000soul\u3000from\u3000your\u3000body\uff1b\u3000mage\uff1b\u3000and\u3000eat\u3000it\u3000raw\u3000then\u3000vomit\u3000it\u3000up\u3000so\u3000it\u3000drips\u3000all\u3000over\u3000your\u3000quivering\u3000corpse\u3000and\u3000soaks\u3000into\u3000your\u3000shriveling\u3000skin\u3000and\u3000runs\u3000into\u3000your\u3000gaping\u3000mouth\u3000so\u3000it\u3000knows\u3000that\u3000you’re\u3000dead\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000demon\u3000ranted\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Well\uff1b\u3003\u3000Pharaun\u3000replied\uff1b\u3000\u3003if\u3000you\u3000say\u3000so\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003You\u3000will\u3000die\uff1b\u3003\u3000Belshazu\u3000said\u3000to\u3000Pharaun\uff1b\u3000\u3003in\u3000the\u3000shadow\u3000of\u3000your\u3000dead\u3000goddess’s\u3000ruined\u3000fortress\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000Master\u3000of\u3000Sorcere\u3000saw\u3000Jeggred\u3000step\u3000up\u3000next\u3000to\u3000him\u3000from\u3000the\u3000corner\u3000of\u3000his\u3000eye\u3002\u3000The\u3000draegloth\u3000was\u3000growling\u3000almost\u3000as\u3000low\u3000and\u3000as\u3000thunderously\u3000as\u3000the\u3000glabrezu\u2026the\u3000demon\u3000that\u3000happened\u3000to\u3000be\u3000his\u3000father\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000glabrezu\uff1b\u3000its\u3000severed\u3000legs\u3000dripping\u3000dark\u3000blood\u3000onto\u3000the\u3000ancient\u3000battlefield\uff1b\u3000turned\u3000slowly\u3000to\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3000and\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003When\u3000I’m\u3000done\u3000with\u3000the\u3000drow\uff1b\u3000son\uff1b\u3000you\u3000can\u3000join\u3000me\u2026have\u3000your\u3000freedom\u3000from\u3000the\u3000dark\u3000elves\u3000at\u3000last\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Jeggred\u3000drew\u3000in\u3000a\u3000breath\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Pharaun\u3000could\u3000tell\u3000he\u3000was\u3000ready\u3000to\u3000pounce\uff1b\u3000though\u3000the\u3000glabrezu\u3000was\u3000hovering\u3000well\u3000out\u3000of\u3000his\u3000reach\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Jeggred\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3003\u3000Quenthel\u3000started\u3000but\u3000stopped\u3000when\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3000whirled\u3000on\u3000her\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003It’s\u3000meat\u3000to\u3000me\uff1b\u3003\u3000Jeggred\u3000growled\u3002\u3000\u3003Just\u3000another\u3000tanar’ri\u3000scum\u3002\u3000That\u3000thing\u3000is\u3000no\u3000parent\u3000of\u3000mine\u3002\u3003\u3000He\u3000turned\u3000to\u3000the\u3000glabrezu\u3002\u3000\u3003Call\u3000me\u3000’son’\u3000again\uff1b\u3000demon\uff1b\u3000and\u3000it’ll\u3000still\u3000be\u3000on\u3000your\u3000lips\u3000when\u3000I\u3000rip\u3000off\u3000your\u3000head\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Fear\u3000not\uff1b\u3000draegloth\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000demon\u3000replied\u3000with\u3000a\u3000feral\u3000grin\u3002\u3000\u3003Even\u3000if\u3000you\u3000were\u3000full\u2026blood\u3000I\u3000wouldn’t\u3000give\u3000you\u3000a\u3000second\u3000thought\u3002\u3000For\u3000a\u3000half\u2026breed\u3000I\u3000won’t\u3000even\u3000bother\u3000killing\u3000you\u3002\u3003\u3000Belshazu\u3000turned\u3000his\u3000attention\u3000back\u3000to\u3000Pharaun\u3000but\u3000spoke\u3000to\u3000the\u3000rest\u3000of\u3000them\u3002\u3000\u3003All\u3000I\u3000want\u3000is\u3000the\u3000summoner\u3002\u3000Give\u3000me\u3000the\u3000wizard\uff1b\u3000and\u3000you\u3000can\u3000go\u3000on\u3000to\u3000meet\u3000your\u3000Spider\u3000Queen\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Only\u3000him\uff1f\u3003\u3000Quenthel\u3000asked\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pharaun\u3000looked\u3000at\u3000her\uff1b\u3000and\u3000she\u3000tried\u3000to\u3000avoid\u3000his\u3000gaze\uff1b\u3000keeping\u3000her\u3000attention\u3000on\u3000the\u3000hovering\u3000glabrezu\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000demon\u3000glanced\u3000down\u3000at\u3000his\u3000severed\u3000legs\u3000and\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003The\u3000trick\u3000with\u3000the\u3000ice\u3000\u3002\u3002\u3002\u3000I\u3000had\u3000to\u3000snip\u3000my\u3000own\u3000legs\u3000off\u3002\u3003\u3000He\u3000held\u3000up\u3000one\u3000of\u3000his\u3000four\u3000arms\uff1b\u3000one\u3000of\u3000two\u3000that\u3000ended\u3000in\u3000a\u3000hideous\uff1b\u3000sharp\u3000pincer\u3000claw\u3002\u3000\u3003They\u3000won’t\u3000grow\u3000back\u3002\u3000A \n
\n \n
\n
\n
\n \u3000one\u3000of\u3000two\u3000that\u3000ended\u3000in\u3000a\u3000hideous\uff1b\u3000sharp\u3000pincer\u3000claw\u3002\u3000\u3003They\u3000won’t\u3000grow\u3000back\u3002\u3000At\u3000the\u3000very\u3000least\uff1b\u3000the\u3000whoreson\u3000owes\u3000me\u3000two\u3000legs\u3002\u3000Give\u3000him\u3000to\u3000me\u3000now\uff1b\u3000and\u3000be\u3000on\u3000your\u3000way\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Everyone\uff1b\u3003\u3000Quenthel\u3000said\uff1b\u3000her\u3000voice\u3000faraway\u3000and\u3000bored\uff1b\u3000\u3003step\u3000aside\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000draegloth\u3000growled\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Valas\u3000appeared\u3000from\u3000behind\u3000a\u3000pile\u3000of\u3000broken\u3000bricks\uff1b\u3000shifting\u3000his\u3000feet\u3000in\u3000an\u3000uncharacteristically\u3000audible\u3000way\u3002\u3000Pharaun\u3000looked\u3000at\u3000Quenthel\uff1b\u3000and\u3000she\u3000met\u3000his\u3000gaze\u3000evenly\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Are\u3000you\u3000serious\uff1f\u3003\u3000the\u3000wizard\u3000asked\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Yes\uff1b\u3003\u3000Quenthel\u3000replied\u3002\u3000\u3003You\u3000summoned\u3000him\uff1b\u3000you\u3000bound\u3000him\uff1b\u3000you\u3000froze\u3000him\u3000in\u3000ice\u3002\u3000The\u3000rest\u3000of\u3000this\u3000expedition\u3000is\u3000too\u3000important\u3000to\u3000waste\u3000fighting\u3000every\u3000monster\u3000we\u3000stumble\u3000across\u2026not\u3000anymore\u3000anyway\uff1b\u3000and\u3000not\u3000to\u3000settle\u3000vendettas\u3000you\u3000bring\u3000upon\u3000yourself\u3000with\u3000your\u3000own\u3000simpleminded\u3000carelessness\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Pharaun\u3000summoned\u3000that\u3000demon\u3000on\u3000your\u3000mand\uff1b\u3000Mistress\uff1b\u3003\u3000Valas\u3000reminded\u3000her\uff1b\u3000but\u3000she\u3000didn’t\u3000acknowledge\u3000the\u3000scout\u3000at\u3000all\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pharaun\u3000looked\u3000at\u3000Belshazu\uff1b\u3000who\u3000was\u3000quietly\u3000laughing\uff1b\u3000obviously\u3000surprised\u3000that\u3000Pharaun’s\u3000panions\u3000had\u3000so\u3000quickly\u3000and\u3000easily\u3000sold\u3000him\u3000out\u3002\u3000The\u3000wizard\u3000scanned\u3000the\u3000glabrezu\u3000quickly\u3000and\u3000found\u3000that\u3000he\u3000was\u3000flying\u3000thanks\u3000to\u3000a\u3000thin\u3000platinum\u3000ring\u3000on\u3000the\u3000little\u3000finger\u3000of\u3000his\u3000left\u3000hand\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003It’s\u3000all\u3000right\uff1b\u3003\u3000Pharaun\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003All\u3000we’re\u3000talking\u3000about\u3000here\u3000is\u3000one\u3000legless\u3000glabrezu\u3002\u3000Go\u3000on\u3000ahead\uff1b\u3000and\u3000I’ll\u3000catch\u3000up\u3000in\u3000a\u3000minute\u3000or\u3000so\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000glabrezu\u3000roared\u3000and\u3000moved\u3000closer\u3002\u3000Pharaun’s\u3000first\u3000impulse\u3000was\u3000to\u3000run\uff1b\u3000his\u3000second\u3000to\u3000stand\u3000and\u3000swallow\u3002\u3000He\u3000forced\u3000himself\u3000to\u3000do\u3000neither\u3002\u3000Instead\u3000he\u3000prepared\u3000his\u3000first\u3000spell\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Something\u3000drifted\u3000past\u3000Pharaun’s\u3000face\u3002\u3000He\u3000leaned\u3000back\u3000a\u3000bit\u3000to\u3000avoid\u3000it\uff1b\u3000but\u3000something\u3000else\u3000tapped\u3000him\u3000under\u3000the\u3000chin\u3002\u3000Dust\u3000rose\u3000up\u3000from\u3000the\u3000ground\u3000all\u3000around\u3000him\u2026and\u3000pebbles\uff1b\u3000shards\u3000of\u3000petrified\u3000bone\uff1b\u3000and\u3000little\u3000bits\u3000of\u3000twisted\uff1b\u3000rusted\u3000iron\u3002\u3000He\u3000looked\u3000at\u3000the\u3000glabrezu\uff1b\u3000who\u3000was\u3000holding\u3000up\u3000one\u3000of\u3000his\u3000two\u3000proper\u3000hands\uff1b\u3000a\u3000knowing\u3000grin\u3000on\u3000his\u3000canine\u3000face\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pharaun’s\u3000stomach\u3000lurched\uff1b\u3000and\u3000he\u3000felt\u3000himself\u3000being\u3000pulled\u3000upward\u3002\u3000His\u3000boots\u3000came\u3000off\u3000the\u3000ground\uff1b\u3000and\u3000he\u3000was\u3000falling\u2026but\u3000falling\u3000upward\u3000along\u3000with\u3000the\u3000debris\u3000around\u3000him\u3002\u3000The\u3000others\u3000backed\u3000out\u3000of\u3000the\u3000area\u3000where\u3000gravity\u3000had\u3000been\u3000reversed\u3002\u3000Quenthel\u3000watched\u3000with\u3000a\u3000look\u3000of\u3000irritation\uff1b\u3000as\u3000if\u3000she\u3000were\u3000disappointed\u3000that\u3000the\u3000demon\u3000was\u3000taking\u3000so\u3000long\u3000to\u3000kill\u3000him\u3002\u3000Valas\u3000drew\u3000his\u3000kukris\u3000but\u3000seemed\u3000unsure\u3000if\u3000he\u3000should\u3000intercede\u3002\u3000Jeggred\u3000looked\u3000at\u3000Danifae\uff1b\u3000who\u3000waved\u3000him\u3000off\u3000but\u3000watched\u3000expectantly\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000With\u3000a\u3000sigh\uff1b\u3000Pharaun\u3000went\u3000to\u3000work\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000He\u3000touched\u3000the\u3000Sorcere\u3000insignia\u3000and\u3000used\u3000its\u3000levitation\u3000power\u3000to\u3000counter\u3000the\u3000gravity\u3000reversal\u3002\u3000It\u3000was\u3000disorienting\uff1b\u3000but\u3000he\u3000managed\u3000to\u3000hover\u3000at\u3000the\u3000same\u3000level\u3000as\u3000the\u3000glabrezu\u3002\u3000He\u3000then\u3000touched\u3000his\u3000steel\u3000ring\u3000and\u3000brought\u3000forth\u3000the\u3000rapier\u3000held\u3000within\u3000it\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000weapon\u3000flew\u3000at\u3000the\u3000demon\u3002\u3000As\u3000the\u3000blade\u3000flashed\u3000through\u3000the\u3000air\uff1b\u3000the\u3000glabrezu\u3000slashed\u3000at\u3000it\u3000with\u3000his\u3000claws\u3000and\u3000snipped\u3000at\u3000it\u3000with\u3000his\u3000pincers\u3002\u3000The\u3000demon\u3000had\u3000the\u3000advantage\u3000of\u3000being\u3000able\u3000to\u3000fly\u3000with\u3000the\u3000enchanted\u3000blade\uff1b\u3000and\u3000they\u3000quickly\u3000matched\u3000speeds\u3000so\u3000that\u3000Belshazu\u3000and\u3000the\u3000rapier\u3000were\u3000evenly\u3000paired\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pharaun\u3000took\u3000advantage\u3000of\u3000the\u3000stalemate\u3000to\u3000cast\u3000a\u3000spell\u3002\u3000His\u3000stomach\u3000lurched\u3000again\uff1b\u3000and\u3000his\u3000levitation\u3000started\u3000to\u3000pull\u3000him\u3000up\u3000instead\u3000of\u3000down\u3002\u3000The\u3000demon’s\u3000upside\u2026down\u3000gravity\u3000was\u3000gone\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Belshazu\u3000could\u3000parry\u3000the\u3000animated\u3000sword’s\u3000attacks\u3000but\u3000couldn’t\u3000hurt\u3000it\u3002\u3000At\u3000the\u3000same\u3000time\u3000the\u3000rapier\u3000nicked\u3000the\u3000demon\u3000here\uff1b\u3000slashed\u3000him\u3000there\uff1b\u3000and\u3000blood\u3000started\u3000to\u3000drip\u3000onto\u3000the\u3000dead\u3000ground\u3000from\u3000half\u3000a\u3000dozen\u3000cuts\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Unfortunate\uff1b\u3003\u3000Belshazu\u3000hissed\uff1b\u3000almost\u3000to\u3000himself\uff1b\u3000\u3003but\u3000I\u3000would\u3000have\u3000liked\u3000to\u3000keep\u3000this\u3000one\u3000after\u3000I\u3000kill\u3000you\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000demon\u3000made\u3000a\u3000gesture\u3000difficult\u3000to\u3000define\u2026a\u3000blink\uff1b\u3000a\u3000shrug\uff1b\u3000a\u3000shudder\u2026and\u3000the\u3000blade\u3000shattered\u3000into\u3000a\u3000thousand\u3000glittering\u3000fragments\u3000of\u3000steel\u3000that\u3000rained\u3000down\u3000onto\u3000the\u3000ancient\u3000battlefield\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pharaun\u3000felt\u3000his\u3000blood\u3000boil\uff1b\u3000his\u3000face\u3000flush\uff1b\u3000and\u3000his\u3000breath\u3000stop\u3000in\u3000his\u3000throat\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000I\u3000should\u3000have\u3000remembered\uff1b\u3000he\u3000scolded\u3000himself\u3002\u3000I\u3000should\u3000have\u3000known\u3000he\u3000could\u3000do\u3000that\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000Master\u3000of\u3000Sorcere\u3000wanted\u3000to\u3000hurl\u3000a\u3000string\u3000of\u3000invectives\u3000into\u3000the\u3000air\uff1b\u3000at\u3000Belshazu\u3000and\u3000the\u3000cold\uff1b\u3000uncaring\u3000multiverse\uff1b\u3000but\u3000he\u3000swallowed\u3000it\u3002\u3000Still\uff1b\u3000he’d\u3000always\u3000liked\u3000that\u3000rapier\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I’ll\u3000take\u3000the\u3000value\u3000of\u3000that\u3000blade\u3000out\u3000of\u3000your\u3000guts\uff1b\u3000demon\uff1b\u3003\u3000Pharaun\u3000threatened\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000glabrezu’s\u3000animal\u3000face\u3000twisted\u3000into\u3000a\u3000feral\u3000grin\u3000again\u3000as\u3000he\u3000rushed\u3000through\u3000the\u3000air\u3000toward\u3000Pharaun\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000From\u3000behind\u3000him\uff1b\u3000the\u3000mage\u3000heard\u3000Valas\u3000say\uff1b\u3000\u3003You’ll\u3000leave\u3000a\u3000fellow\u3000drow\u3000to\u3000a\u3000filthy\u3000demon\uff1f\u3000You’ll\u3000leave\u3000us\u3000without\u3000a\u3000mage\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Yes\uff1b\u3003\u3000Quenthel\u3000replied\u3000with\u3000an\u3000utter\u3000lack\u3000of\u3000regret\u3000that\u3000Pharaun\u3000actually\u3000found\u3000refreshing\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000tanar’ri\u3000approached\u3000quickly\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Pharaun\u3000pulled\u3000an\u3000old\u3000glove\u3000from\u3000a\u3000pocket\u3000of\u3000his\u3000piwafwi\u3002\u3000He\u3000started\u3000the\u3000incantation\u3000even\u3000before\u3000the\u3000glove\u3000came\u3000out\u3000of\u3000the\u3000pocket\uff1b\u3000and\u3000by\u3000the\u3000time\u3000the\u3000glabrezu\u3000was\u3000in\u3000striking\u3000range\uff1b\u3000the\u3000spell\u3000was\u3000done\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000A\u3000hand\u3000the\u3000size\u3000of\u3000a\u3000rothe\u3000appeared\u3000in\u3000the\u3000air\u3000between\u3000the\u3000wizard\u3000and\u3000the\u3000demon\u3002\u3000Though\u3000Belshazu\u3000tried\u3000to\u3000avoid\u3000it\uff1b\u3000he\u3000couldn’t\u3002\u3000The\u3000hand\u3000opened\u3000and\u3000pushed\u3000him\u3000through\u3000the\u3000air\uff1b\u3000forcing\u3000him\u3000away\u3000from\u3000the\u3000wizard\u3000no\u3000matter\u3000how\u3000hard\u3000he\u3000resisted\u3000the\u3000conjured\u3000hand\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pharaun\u3000turned\u3000to\u3000Quenthel\uff1b\u3000who\u3000looked\u3000at\u3000him\u3000blankly\u3000when\u3000he\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003What\u3000I’m\u3000about\u3000to\u3000do\uff1b\u3000I\u3000should\u3000do\u3000right\u3000here\u3000and\u3000let\u3000you\u3000all\u3000taste\u3000it\uff1b\u3000but\u3000I\u3000won’t\u3002\u3000I’ll\u3000push\u3000him\u3000away\u3000first\u3000and\u3000keep\u3000you\u3000at\u3000a\u3000safe\u3000distance\u3002\u3000Nonetheless\uff1b\u3000I\u3000want\u3000you\u3000to\u3000remember\uff1b\u3000Mistress\uff1b\u3000that\u3000I\u3000can\u3000do\u3000this\u3000again\uff1b\u3000and\u3000by\u3000all\u3000rights\u3000I\u3000should\u3000do\u3000it\u3000again\u3002\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000When\u3000Pharaun\u3000had\u3000gone\u3000twenty\u3000paces\u3000away\u3000from\u3000the\u3000rest\u3000of\u3000the\u3000expedition\uff1b\u3000he\u3000stopped\u3002\u3000He\u3000held\u3000the\u3000hand\u3000in\u3000the\u3000air\uff1b\u3000no\u3000longer\u3000pushing\u3000the\u3000glabrezu\uff1b\u3000but\u3000keeping\u3000him\u3000at\u3000bay\u3002\u3000As\u3000he\u3000ran\u3000he’d\u3000gone\u3000over\u3000in\u3000his\u3000mind\u3000again\u3000everything\u3000he’d\u3000learned\u3000about\u3000tanar’ri\u3000in\u3000general\u3000and\u3000glabrezu\u3000in\u3000particular\u3002\u3000When\u3000he\u3000stopped\u3000he\u3000cast\u3000a\u3000spell\u2026not\u3000a\u3000terribly\u3000plicated\u3000one\u2026that\u3000would\u3000prevent\u3000another\u3000inconvenient\u3000manifestation\u3000of\u3000the\u3000tanar’ri’s\u3000natural\u3000magic\u3002\u3000A\u3000ray\u3000of\u3000green\u3000light\u3000leaped\u3000from\u3000Pharaun’s\u3000outstretched\u3000hands\u3000and\u3000found\u3000its\u3000way\u3000unerringly\u3000to\u3000the\u3000floating\u3000demon\u3002\u3000The\u3000spell\u3000would\u3000hold\u3000him\u3000to\u3000the\u3000sixty\u2026sixth\u3000layer\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Abyss\uff1b\u3000preventing\u3000the\u3000glabrezu\u3000from\u3000teleporting\u3000even\u3000within\u3000the\u3000confines\u3000of\u3000the\u3000plane\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Tell\u3000me\u3000the\u2026\u3003\u3000the\u3000wizard\u3000called\u3000out\u3000to\u3000the\u3000demon\uff1b\u3000stopping\u3000when\u3000Belshazu’s\u3000huge\u3000pincer\u3000burst\u3000through\u3000the\u3000conjured\u3000hand\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Solidified\u3000magic\u3000burned\u3000away\u3000from\u3000the\u3000surface\u3000of\u3000the\u3000black\u3000fist\u3000like\u3000blood\u3000clouding\u3000in\u3000water\u3002\u3000The\u3000glabrezu\u3000grinned\uff1b\u3000grunted\uff1b\u3000and\u3000slashed\u3000at\u3000the\u3000hand\u3002\u3000The\u3000great\u3000fingers\u3000twitched\uff1b\u3000their\u3000grip\u3000loosening\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000wizard\u3000had\u3000never\u3000seen\u3000anything\u3000tear\u3000through\u3000that\u3000spell\u3000in\u3000the\u3000same\u3000way\u3002\u3000The\u3000glabrezu\u3000was\u3000more\u3000powerful\uff1b\u3000more\u3000uniquely\u3000talented\u3000than\u3000Pharaun\u3000had\u3000given\u3000him\u3000credit\u3000for\u3002\u3000Even\u3000as\u3000those\u3000thoughts\u3000passed\u3000through\u3000his\u3000mind\uff1b\u3000the\u3000drow\u3000mage\u3000pulled\u3000another\u3000spell\u3000out\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Weave\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000demon’s\u3000hideous\u3000pincer\u3000broke\u3000through\u3000one\u3000of\u3000the\u3000fingers\u3002\u3000When\u3000it\u3000came\u3000away\u3000from\u3000the\u3000hand\uff1b\u3000the\u3000black\u3000magic\u3000burst\u3000like\u3000a\u3000bubble\u3000and\u3000the\u3000finger\u3000was\u3000gone\u3002\u3000Belshazu\u3000pushed\u3000at\u3000the\u3000quivering\uff1b\u3000dissipating\u3000hand\u3000with\u3000one\u3000severed\u3000leg\u3000and\u3000his\u3000all\u2026too\u2026intact\u3000arms\u3002\u3000As\u3000Pharaun’s\u3000next\u3000spell\u3000began\u3000to\u3000form\u3000in\u3000the\u3000air\u3000above\u3000the\u3000demon\uff1b\u3000Belshazu\u3000fell\u3000out\u3000of\u3000the\u3000conjured\u3000hand\u3000and\u3000onto\u3000the\u3000wreckage\u2026strewn\u3000ground\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000demon\u3000roared\u3000at\u3000him\uff1b\u3000and\u3000it\u3000was\u3000all\u3000Pharaun\u3000could\u3000do\u3000to\u3000force\u3000himself\u3000to\u3000appear\u3000unaffected\u3000by\u3000the\u3000deafening\uff1b\u3000terrifying\u3000sound\u3002\u3000Belshazu\u3000stood\u3000but\u3000didn’t\u3000look\u3000up\u2026didn’t\u3000see\u3000the\u3000slab\u3000of\u3000stone\u3000assembling\u3000itself\u3000bit\u3000by\u3000bit\u3000in\u3000the\u3000thin\u3000air\u3000above\u3000him\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Tell\u3000me\u3000the\u3000truth\u3002\u3003\u3000Pharaun\u3000slid\u3000a\u3000loose\u3000strand\u3000of\u3000hair\u3000away\u3000from\u3000his\u3000eyes\u3000and\u3000asked\uff1b\u3000\u3003Can\u3000you\u3000tell\u3000I\u3000haven’t\u3000washed\u3000my\u3000hair\u3000in\u3000over\u3000a\u3000tenday\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000glabrezu\u3000growled\uff1b\u3000roared\u3000again\uff1b\u3000and\u3000leaped\u3000into\u3000the\u3000air\u2026
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u2026just\u3000as\u3000the\u3000wall\u3000of\u3000stone\u3000fell\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000demon\u3000disappeared\u3000under\u3000it\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000ground\u3000shook\u3002\u3000The\u3000wall\u3000cracked\u3000as\u3000it\u3000came\u3000to\u3000rest\u3000on\u3000the\u3000uneven\u3000surface\u3002\u3000Belshazu\u3000lifted\u3000the\u3000several\u2026ton\u3000slab\u3000off\u3000him\u3000just\u3000enough\u3000to\u3000turn\u3000his\u3000head\u3000and\u3000reveal\u3000burning\u3000eyes\u3000sunk\u3000in\u3000a\u3000bleeding\uff1b\u3000animal’s\u3000head\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000look\u3000of\u3000the\u3000battered\u3000creature\u3000made\u3000Pharaun\u3000smile\u3002\u3000The\u3000spell\u3000he’d\u3000had\u3000to\u3000move\u3000so\u3000far\u3000away\u3000from\u3000the\u3000others\u3000to\u3000cast\u3000safely\u3000came\u3000to\u3000his\u3000lips\u3000as\u3000the\u3000tanar’ri\u3000continued\u3000to\u3000slowly\u3000dig\u3000itself\u3000out\u3000from\u3000under\u3000the\u3000stone\u3000slab\u3002\u3000When\u3000he\u3000pleted\u3000the\u3000incantation\uff1b\u3000Pharaun\u3000opened\u3000his\u3000mouth\u3000wide\u3000and\u3000screamed\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000sound\u3000came\u3000not\u3000from\u3000his\u3000lungs\uff1b\u3000throat\uff1b\u3000or\u3000mouth\u3000but\u3000from\u3000the\u3000Weave\u3000all\u3000around\u3000him\u3000and\u3000inside\u3000him\u3002\u3000The\u3000sound\u3000rolled\u3000up\uff1b\u3000louder\u3000and\u3000louder\uff1b\u3000then\u3000shot\u3000out\u3000of\u3000him\uff1a\u3000a\u3000mad\uff1b\u3000keening\u3000shriek\u3000that\u3000smashed\u3000into\u3000the\u3000demon\u3000so\u3000hard\u3000it\u3000even\u3000blew\u3000the\u3000massive\u3000slab\u3000of\u3000stone\u3000into\u3000smoky\u3000vapor\uff1b\u3000then\u3000blew\u3000that\u3000smoke\u3000away\u3000into\u3000nothing\u3002\u3000The\u3000sound\u3000crashed\u3000into\u3000the\u3000glabrezu\uff1b\u3000shaking\u3000him\u3000and\u3000spinning\u3000him\u3000into\u3000the\u3000air\u3002\u3000Bruises\u3000exploded\u3000on\u3000Belshazu’s\u3000tough\u3000red\u3000hide\uff1b\u3000and\u3000his\u3000bones\u3000cracked\u3000loudly\u3000one\u3000by\u3000one\u3002\u3000The\u3000demon\u3000couldn’t\u3000muster\u3000the\u3000breath\u3000necessary\u3000to\u3000scream\uff1b\u3000though\u3000Pharaun\u3000reveled\u3000in\u3000the\u3000obvious\u3000fact\u3000that\u3000he\u3000wanted\u3000to\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Especially\u3000when\u3000pieces\u3000of\u3000him\u3000started\u3000ing\u3000off\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pharaun\u3000kept\u3000screaming\uff1b\u3000continued\u3000pushing\u3000air\u3000out\u3000of\u3000hi \n
\n \n
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\n \u3000\u3000\u3000Especially\u3000when\u3000pieces\u3000of\u3000him\u3000started\u3000ing\u3000off\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pharaun\u3000kept\u3000screaming\uff1b\u3000continued\u3000pushing\u3000air\u3000out\u3000of\u3000himself\u3002\u3000The\u3000sound\u3000shredded\u3000the\u3000glabrezu\uff1b\u3000taking\u3000off\u3000skin\uff1b\u3000plates\u3000of\u3000exoskeleton\uff1b\u3000divots\u3000of\u3000fur\uff1b\u3000claws\uff1b\u3000fangs\uff1b\u3000eyes\uff1b\u3000then\u3000blood\u3000and\u3000entrails\u3002\u3000The\u3000whole\u3000mess\u3000whirled\u3000in\u3000the\u3000air\u3000as\u3000if\u3000it\u3000were\u3000being\u3000stirred\u3000in\u3000a\u3000great\u3000invisible\u3000cooking\u3000pot\uff1b\u3000then\u3000all\u3000at\u3000once\u3000the\u3000spell\u2026and\u3000the\u3000hideous\u3000shrieking\u3000scream\u2026was\u3000gone\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000shredded\u3000remains\u3000of\u3000Belshazu\u3000fell\u3000in\u3000a\u3000heap\u3000on\u3000the\u3000battle\u2026scarred\u3000ground\u3002\u3000Blood\u3000continued\u3000to\u3000rain\u3000down\u3000in\u3000tapping\u3000spatters\u3000for\u3000a\u3000minute\u3000after\u3000the\u3000last\u3000big\u3000piece\u3000hit\u3000the\u3000ground\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pharaun\u3000sighed\uff1b\u3000pushed\u3000away\u3000his\u3000errant\u3000hair\u3000again\uff1b\u3000and\u3000stepped\u3000gingerly\u3000into\u3000the\u3000mess\u3002\u3000He\u3000kicked\u3000pieces\u3000this\u3000way\u3000and\u3000that\u3000with\u3000the\u3000toe\u3000of\u3000one\u3000boot\u3000until\u3000his\u3000eyes\u3000settled\u3000on\u3000the\u3000thin\u3000platinum\u3000band\u3002\u3000He\u3000bent\u3000and\u3000retrieved\u3000the\u3000ring\uff1b\u3000making\u3000some\u3000effort\u3000not\u3000to\u3000touch\u3000the\u3000tanar’ri’s\u3000blood\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003You\u3000owed\u3000me\u3000a\u3000ring\uff1b\u3003\u3000he\u3000said\u3000to\u3000the\u3000demon’s\u3000mute\u3000remains\u3000then\u3000slipped\u3000the\u3000ring\u3000on\u3000a\u3000finger\u3000and\u3000turned\u3000back\u3000to\u3000rejoin\u3000the\u3000drow\u3000who\u3000had\u3000been\u3000more\u3000than\u3000happy\u3000to\u3000let\u3000him\u3000face\u3000the\u3000glabrezu\u3000alone\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003It\u3000looked\u3000big\u3000from\u3000a\u3000distance\uff1b\u3003\u3000Pharaun\u3000said\u3000as\u3000he\u3000ran\u3000a\u3000hand\u3000along\u3000a\u3000cold\uff1b\u3000rusted\u3000metal\u3000rib\u3002\u3000\u3003It’s\u3000even\u3000bigger\u3000from\u3000the\u3000inside\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000Master\u3000of\u3000Sorcere\u3000looked\u3000up\u3000along\u3000the\u3000line\u3000of\u3000the\u3000gently\u3000curving\u3000steel\u3000beam\u3000and\u3000tried\u3000to\u3000guess\u3000how\u3000far\u3000above\u3000his\u3000head\u3000it\u3000ended\u2026a\u3000hundred\u3000feet\uff1b\u3000maybe\u3000a\u3000hundred\u3000and\u3000fifty\uff1f
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Why\u3000was\u3000this\u3000just\u3000left\u3000here\u3000for\u3000a\u3000thousand\u3000years\uff1f\u3003\u3000asked\u3000Jeggred\u3002\u3000The\u3000draegloth\u3000was\u3000sniffing\u3000the\u3000outer\u3000surface\u3000of\u3000the\u3000great\u3000spider\u3000fortress\u3000and\u3000seemed\u3000dissatisfied\u3002\u3000\u3003It\u3000should\u3000have\u3000been\u3000cleaned\u3000up\u3002\u3000Wouldn’t\u3000the\u3000goddess\u3000want\u3000it\u3000cleared\u3000away\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003It\u3000hasn’t\u3000been\u3000here\u3000a\u3000thousand\u3000years\uff1b\u3003\u3000Quenthel\u3000said\u3002\u3000She\u3000was\u3000standing\u3000inside\u3000a\u3000huge\u3000tear\u3000in\u3000the\u3000side\u3000of\u3000the\u3000broken\u3000sphere\uff1b\u3000her\u3000arms\u3000crossed\u3000in\u3000front\u3000of\u3000her\u3002\u3000\u3003I\u3000told\u3000you\u3000all\uff1b\u3000I\u3000was\u3000here\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003How\u3000long\u3000ago\uff1f\u3003\u3000asked\u3000Danifae\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000high\u3000priestess\u3000looked\u3000at\u3000her\u3000with\u3000open\u3000contempt\u3000but\u3000answered\uff1b\u3000\u3003Ten\u3000years\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Ten\u3000years\u3000ago\uff1b\u3003\u3000Pharaun\u3000asked\uff1b\u3000\u3003was\u3000this\u3000thing\u3000intact\u3000and\u3000moving\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000Mistress\u3000of\u3000Arach\u2026Tinilith\u3000nodded\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003How\u3000were\u3000you\u3000here\uff1f\u3003\u3000Danifae\u3000asked\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Quenthel\u3000turned\u3000to\u3000Pharaun\u3000and\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003If\u3000there\u3000is\u3000anyone\u3000alive\u3000in\u3000here\uff1b\u3000could\u3000you\u3000sense\u3000them\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000wizard\u3000glanced\u3000at\u3000Danifae\uff1b\u3000who\u3000offered\u3000him\u3000a\u3000bored\u3000shrug\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003There\u3000are\u3000spells\uff1b\u3003\u3000he\u3000answered\u3000Quenthel\uff1b\u3000\u3003that\u3000will\u3000do\u3000that\uff1b\u3000yes\u3002\u3000Do\u3000you\u3000think\u3000we’ll\u3000find\u3000someone\u3000alive\u3000in\u3000here\uff1f\u3000Lolth\u3000herself\uff1b\u3000perhaps\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003If\u3000the\u3000Spider\u3000Queen\u3000is\u3000anywhere\uff1b\u3003\u3000said\u3000the\u3000Baenre\u3000priestess\uff1b\u3000\u3003she’ll\u3000be\u3000here\u3002\u3000This\u3000is\u3000her\u3000palace\u3002\u3000Still\uff1b\u3000I\u3000don’t\u3000sense\u3000her\u3000presence\u3002\u3000I\u3000still\u3000can’t\u3000feel\u3000her\u3000here\u3000at\u3000all\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pharaun\u3000nodded\u3000and\u3000looked\u3000around\u3000at\u3000the\u3000ruin\u3000again\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Far\u3000be\u3000it\u3000from\u3000me\u3000to\u3000argue\uff1b\u3000Mistress\uff1b\u3003\u3000he\u3000said\u3000to\u3000Quenthel\uff1b\u3000\u3003but\u3000I\u3000find\u3000it\u3000impossible\u3000to\u3000believe\u3000that\u3000this\u3000construct\u3000was\u3000in\u3000operation\u3000a\u3000mere\u3000ten\u3000years\u3000ago\u3002\u3000I’ll\u3000admit\u3000I’ve\u3000never\u3000seen\u3000materials\u3000like\u3000this\u2026steel\u3000beams\u3000big\u3000enough\u3000to\u3000hold\u3000up\u3000a\u3000building\uff1b\u3000a\u3000magical\u3000construct\u3000as\u3000big\u3000as\u3000House\u3000Baenre\u2026but\u3000I’ve\u3000seen\u3000steel\u3000both\u3000old\u3000and\u3000new\uff1b\u3000and\u3000this\u3000steel\u3000has\u3000been\u3000laying\u3000out\u3000here\u3000for\u3000somewhat\u3000longer\u3000than\u3000ten\u3000years\u3002\u3000I\u3000will\u3000accept\u3000that\u3000you’re\u3000reluctant\u3000to\u3000tell\u3000us\u3000how\u3000you\u3000came\u3000to\u3000be\u3000here\u3000a\u3000decade\u3000ago\uff1b\u3000but\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003But\u3000what\uff1f\u3003\u3000Quenthel\u3000snarled\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pharaun\u3000stopped\u3000to\u3000think\u3002\u3000The\u3000Mistress\u3000of\u3000Arach\u2026Tinilith\u3000watched\u3000him\u3000the\u3000whole\u3000time\uff1b\u3000and\u3000finally\u3000he\u3000shrugged\u3000and\u3000shook\u3000his\u3000head\u3002\u3000Quenthel\u3000turned\u3000and\u3000strode\u3000deeper\u3000into\u3000the\u3000wrecked\u3000spider\u3000fortress\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Even\u3000as\u3000the\u3000draegloth’s\u3000scream\u3000faded\u3000into\u3000panting\u2026desperate\u3000gasps\u3000for\u3000air\u2026Pharaun\u3000looked\u3000at\u3000Valas\u3002\u3000The\u3000scout\u3000seemed\u3000entirely\u3000unaffected\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Pharaun\u3000himself\u3000felt\u3000no\u3000burning\u3000desire\u3000to\u3000writhe\u3000around\u3000on\u3000the\u3000floor\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Whatever\u3000it\u3000is\uff1b\u3003\u3000Pharaun\u3000said\u3000to\u3000the\u3000scout\uff1b\u3000\u3003it\u3000only\u3000seems\u3000to\u3000be\u3000affecting\u3000the\u2026\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000He\u3000thought\u3000at\u3000first\u3000that\u3000he\u3000was\u3000going\u3000to\u3000say\u3000\u3003the\u3000females\uff1b\u3003\u3000then\u3000he\u3000realized\u3000that\u3000it\u3000was\u3000affecting\u3000the\u3000priestesses\u3000and\u3000the\u3000one\u3000creature\u3000among\u3000them\u3000born\u3000of\u3000Lolth’s\u3000peculiar\u3000hell\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003What\u3000happened\uff1f\u3003\u3000the\u3000wizard\u3000asked\uff1b\u3000but\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3000ignored\u3000him\u3002\u3000\u3003Jeggred\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Quenthel\u3000sat\u3000back\u3000on\u3000her\u3000haunches\u3000and\u3000held\u3000her\u3000hands\u3000up\u3000to\u3000her\u3000face\u3002\u3000Her\u3000eyes\u3000scoured\u3000her\u3000rust\u2026dusted\u3000hands\u3000as\u3000if\u3000searching\u3000for\u3000something\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Danifae\u3000took\u3000longer\u3000to\u3000recover\uff1b\u3000rolling\u3000into\u3000a\u3000fetal\u3000position\u3000on\u3000the\u3000unforgiving\u3000rusted\u3000steel\u3000floor\u3000and\u3000making\u3000a\u3000noise\u3000Pharaun\u3000at\u3000first\u3000thought\u3000was\u3000crying\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Mistress\uff1f\u3003\u3000Valas\u3000asked\uff1b\u3000crouching\u3000to\u3000get\u3000to\u3000Quenthel’s\u3000eye\u3000level\u3000but\u3000not\u3000stepping\u3000any\u3000closer\u3000than\u3000the\u3000half\u3000dozen\u3000paces\u3000that\u3000already\u3000separated\u3000them\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Quenthel\u3000didn’t\u3000speak\uff1b\u3000didn’t\u3000even\u3000give\u3000any\u3000indication\u3000that\u3000she\u3000had\u3000heard\u3000Valas\u3002\u3000Pharaun\u3000didn’t\u3000bother\u3000asking\u3000what\u3000happened\u3002\u3000He\u3000was\u3000beginning\u3000to\u3000understand\u3000what\u3000he’d\u3000witnessed\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Quenthel\u3000began\u3000to\u3000speak\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000At\u3000first\u3000she\u3000moved\u3000her\u3000lips\u3000in\u3000a\u3000mute\u3000pantomime\uff1b\u3000then\u3000she\u3000whispered\u3000at\u3000the\u3000edge\u3000of\u3000hearing\uff1b\u3000then\u3000she\u3000chanted\u3000a\u3000litany\u3000in\u3000an\u3000ancient\u3000tongue\u3000not\u3000even\u3000Pharaun\u3000recognized\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000She\u3000continued\u3000for\u3000a\u3000minute\u3000or\u3000so\u3000then\u3000stopped\u3002\u3000Pharaun’s\u3000eyes\u3000played\u3000over\u3000her\uff1b\u3000and\u3000he\u3000watched\u3000as\u3000all\u3000the\u3000cuts\u3000and\u3000bruises\uff1b\u3000scrapes\u3000and\u3000welts\u3000faded\u3000away\uff1b\u3000leaving\u3000her\u3000skin\u3000a\u3000perfect\uff1b\u3000almost\u3000glowing\u3000black\u3002\u3000She\u3000even\u3000seemed\u3000to\u3000gain\u3000back\u3000some\u3000of\u3000the\u3000weight\u3000she’d\u3000lost\u3002\u3000Her\u3000hair\u3000appeared\u3000cleaner\uff1b\u3000softer\uff1b\u3000and\u3000even\u3000her\u3000piwafwi\u3000and\u3000armor\u3000shone\u3000with\u3000renewed\u3000life\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Quenthel\u3000Baenre\u3000stood\u3000and\u3000looked\u3000down\u3000at\u3000Danifae\uff1b\u3000who\u3000had\u3000uncurled\u3000herself\u3000to\u3000sit\u3000with\u3000her\u3000back\u3000to\u3000the\u3000wall\uff1b\u3000smiling\u3000as\u3000she\u3000whispered\u3000a\u3000prayer\u3000of\u3000her\u3000own\u3000that\u3000sealed\u3000her\u3000cuts\uff1b\u3000made\u3000her\u3000bruises\u3000disappear\uff1b\u3000and\u3000brought\u3000the\u3000twinkle\u3000back\u3000into\u3000her\u3000big\uff1b\u3000expressive\u3000eyes\u3002\u3000A\u3000tear\u3000traced\u3000a\u3000path\u3000down\u3000one\u3000of\u3000her\u3000perfect\u3000ebony\u3000cheeks\uff1b\u3000and\u3000she\u3000didn’t\u3000bother\u3000to\u3000wipe\u3000it\u3000away\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pharaun\u3000looked\u3000back\u3000at\u3000the\u3000Mistress\u3000of\u3000Arach\u2026Tinilith\uff1b\u3000who\u3000stood\u3000tall\u3000and\u3000still\u3000in\u3000the\u3000darkness\u3000of\u3000the\u3000spider\u3000fortress\uff1b\u3000seeming\u3000to\u3000glow\u3002\u3000Her\u3000eyes\u3000were\u3000closed\u3000and\u3000her\u3000lips\u3000were\u3000moving\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000In\u3000one\u3000fluid\uff1b\u3000graceful\u3000motion\u3000Danifae\u3000swept\u3000up\u3000to\u3000her\u3000feet\uff1b\u3000her\u3000perfect\u3000white\u3000teeth\u3000shining\u3000in\u3000the\u3000gloom\u3000as\u3000she\u3000grinned\u3000from\u3000ear\u3000to\u3000ear\u3002\u3000Pharaun\u3000found\u3000himself\u3000returning\u3000that\u3000smile\u3002\u3000Jeggred\u3000rolled\u3000up\u3000onto\u3000his\u3000feet\u3000but\u3000in\u3000the\u3000same\u3000movement\u3000sank\u3000down\u3000to\u3000his\u3000knees\u3000in\u3000front\u3000of\u3000Danifae\u3000and\u3000Quenthel\u3002\u3000The\u3000draegloth\u3000was\u3000breathing\u3000hard\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003They\u3000are\u3000alive\uff1b\u3000and\u3000they’re\u3000here\uff1b\u3003\u3000Quenthel\u3000whispered\u3002\u3000She\u3000looked\u3000at\u3000Pharaun\u3000and\u3000more\u3000clearly\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003They\u3000are\u3000behind\u3000walls\u3000that\u3000shield\u3000them\u3000from\u3000your\u3000spells\uff1b\u3000and\u3000they\u3000are\u3000further\u3000protected\u3000from\u3000most\u3000divinations\uff1b\u3000but\u3000they\u3000are\u3000here\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Who\uff1f\u3003\u3000Valas\u3000asked\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000sense\u3000them\u3000too\uff1b\u3003\u3000Danifae\u3000said\u3002\u3000She\u3000put\u3000a\u3000hand\u3000on\u3000Jeggred’s\u3000wild\u3000mane\u3000and\u3000absently\u3000stroked\u3000it\u3000back\u3000into\u3000place\u3002\u3000\u3003I\u3000think\u3000I\u3000could\u3000find\u3000them\u3002\u3000I\u3000think\u3000they’re\u3000actually\u3000waiting\u3000for\u3000us\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Wait\uff1b\u3003\u3000Pharaun\u3000said\uff1b\u3000stepping\u3000closer\u3000to\u3000Danifae\u2026until\u3000a\u3000fierce\u3000growl\u3000from\u3000Jeggred\u3000stopped\u3000him\u3002\u3000The\u3000young\u3000priestess\u3000patted\u3000the\u3000half\u2026demon’s\u3000head\uff1b\u3000and\u3000he\u3000calmed\u3000quickly\u3002\u3000\u3003Did\u3000what\u3000I\u3000think\u3000happened\u3000actually\u3000happen\uff1f\u3000Did\u3000she\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\uff1f\u3003
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000She\u3000appeared\u3000as\u3000if\u3000she\u3000wanted\u3000to\u3000say\u3000more\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Is\u3000there\u3000something\u3000else\uff1f\u3003\u3000Pharaun\u3000asked\u3002\u3000\u3003Is\u3000that\u3000it\uff1f\u3000Is\u3000our\u3000journey\u3000at\u3000an\u3000end\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Mistress\uff1f\u3003\u3000Jeggred\u3000said\uff1b\u3000looking\u3000directly\u3000into\u3000Danifae’s\u3000eyes\u3002\u3000\u3003What\u3000did\u3000the\u3000voice\u3000say\uff1f\u3000I\u3000couldn’t\u3000quite\u3000\u3002\u3002\u3002\u3000it\u3000was\u3000too\u3000far\u3000away\u3000to\u3000\u3002\u3002\u3002\u3000\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Danifae\u3000ran\u3000her\u3000fingers\u3000through\u3000his\u3000fur\u3000and\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003The\u3000voice\u3000said\u2026\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Yor’thae\uff1b\u3003\u3000Quenthel\u3000finished\u3000for\u3000her\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003High\u3000Drow\uff1f\u3003\u3000Valas\u3000asked\uff1b\u3000correctly\u3000identifying\u3000the\u3000language\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003It\u3000means\uff1b\u3000’Chosen\u3000One\uff1b’\u3000\u3003\u3000Pharaun\u3000explained\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000At\u3000the\u3000same\u3000time\uff1b\u3000Danifae\u3000mutely\u3000mouthed\u3000the\u3000word\uff1b\u3000\u3003Yor’thae\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Quenthel\u3000used\u3000her\u3000eyes\u3000to\u3000get\u3000Pharaun’s\u3000attention\u3000then\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003Our\u3000journey\u3000is\u3000far\u3000from\u3000over\uff1b\u3000Master\u3000of\u3000Sorcere\u3002\u3000Lolth\u3000has\u3000not\u3000only\u3000returned\u3000but\u3000she\u3000has\u3000asked\u3000me\u3000to\u3000e\u3000to\u3000her\uff1b\u3000has\u3000invited\u3000me\u3000to\u3000be\u3000her\u3000chosen\u3000vessel\u3002\u3000This\u3000is\u3000why\u3000she\u3000brought\u3000me\u3000back\uff1b\u3000all\u3000those\u3000years\u3000ago\u3002\u3000This\u3000is\u3000why\u3000she\u3000dragged\u3000me\u3000from\u3000the\u3000Abyss\u3000and\u3000back\u3000to\u3000Menzoberranzan\u3002\u3000I\u3000was\u3000meant\u3000to\u3000e\u3000here\uff1b\u3000now\uff1b\u3000and\u3000to\u3000be\u3000her\u3000\u3002\u3002\u3002\u3000to\u3000be\u3000Yor’thae\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Deep\u3000in\u3000the\u3000heart\u3000of\u3000the\u3000First\u3000House\uff1b\u3000in\u3000a\u3000room\u3000protected\u3000from\u3000everything\u3000worth\u3000protecting\u3000a\u3000room\u3000from\uff1b\u3000Triel\u3000Baenre\u3000watched\u3000her\u3000brother\u3000fight\u3000for\u3000the\u3000life\u3000of\u3000Menzoberranzan\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000He\u3000was\u3000losing\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Wilara\u3000Baenre\u3000stood\u3000in\u3000one\u3000corner\uff1b\u3000her\u3000eyes\u3000darting\u3000from\u3000one\u3000scrying\u3000device\u3000to\u3000another\uff1b\u3000her\u3000arms\u3000crossed\u3000in\u3000front\u3000of\u3000her\uff1b\u3000her\u3000fingers\u3000drumming\u3000against\u3000her\u3000shoulders\u3000with\u3000barely\u3000contained\u3000frustration\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003The\u3000archmage\u3000will\u3000prevail\uff1b\u3000Matron\u3000Mother\uff1b\u3003\u3000Wilara\u3000said\uff1b\u3000not\u3000for\u3000the\u3000first\u3000time\u3000that\u3000day\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Will\u3000he\uff1f\u3003\u3000Triel\u3000asked\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000It\u3000was\u3000the\u3000first\u3000time\u3000she’d\u3000replied\u3000to\u3000one\u3000of\u3000Wilara’s\u3000hollow\u3000reassurances\uff1b\u3000and\u3000it\u3000took\u3000the\u3000attending\u3000priestess\u3000by\u3000surprise\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Of\u3000course\u3000he\u3000will\uff1b\u3003\u3000Wilara\u3000answered\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Triel\u3000waited\u3000for\u3000more\uff1b\u3000but\u3000it\u3000became\u3000obvious\u3000that\u3000Wilara\u3000had\u3000nothing\u3000else\u3000to\u3000say\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I’m\u3000not\u3000entirely\u3000certain\u3000that\u3000this\u3000is\u3000a\u3000fight\u3000he\u3000can\u3000win\uff1b\u3003\u3000Triel\u3000said\uff1b\u3000as\u3000much\u3000to\u3000herself\u3000as\u3000to\u3000Wilara\u3002\u3000\u3003If\u3000we’re\u3000all\u3000being\u3000tested\u3000and\u3000this\u3000is\u3000Gromph’s\u3000test\uff1b\u3000he\u3000will\u3000pass\u3000or\u3000fail\u3000on\u3000his\u3000own\u3002\u3000If\u3000he\u3000fails\uff1b\u3000he\u3000deserves\u3000to\u3000die\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Is\u3000there\u3000nothing\u3000we\u3000can\u3000do\u3000to\u3000help\u3000him\uff1f\u3003\u3000asked\u3000Wilara\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Triel\u3000shrugged\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003There\u3000are\u3000soldiers\u3000and\u3000other\u3000mages\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000attending\u3000priestess\u3000went\u3000on\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003All\u3000of\u3000whom\u3000are\u3000required\u3000elsewhere\u3002\u3000The\u3000duergar\u3000still\u3000press\uff1b\u3000even\u3000if\u3000the\u3000tanarukks\u3000are\u3000turning\u3000away\uff1b\u3003\u3000said\u3000Triel\u3002\u3000\u3003The\u3000siege\u3000of\u3000Agrach\u3000Dyrr\u3000goes\u3000on\u3000unabated\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000but\uff1b\u3000yes\uff1b\u3000there\u3000are\u3000always\u3000more\u3000soldiers\uff1b\u3000always\u3000more\u3000mages\uff1b\u3000and\u3000there\u3000is\u3000Bregan\u3000D’aerthe\u3000and\u3000 \n
\n \n
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Ah\uff1b\u3000Gromph\uff1b\u3003\u3000she\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003You\u3000couldn’t\u3000do\u3000it\u3000alone\u3000after\u3000all\uff1b\u3000could\u3000you\uff1f\u3000There\u3000are\u3000limits\u3000to\u3000your\u3000power\u3000as\u3000there\u3000are\u3000limits\u3000to\u3000mine\uff1b\u3000but\u3000together\u3000\u3002\u3002\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Triel\u3000embraced\u3000the\u3000petrified\u3000form\u3000of\u3000her\u3000brother\uff1b\u3000wrapping\u3000her\u3000arms\u3000around\u3000his\u3000back\u3000as\u3000she\u3000whispered\u3000a\u3000prayer\u3000to\u3000Lolth\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Warmth\u3000came\u3000first\uff1b\u3000then\u3000softness\uff1b\u3000then\u3000a\u3000breath\uff1b\u3000then\u3000movement\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Gromph’s\u3000knees\u3000collapsed\u3002\u3000Triel\u3000held\u3000him\u3000up\uff1b\u3000and\u3000he\u3000grasped\u3000her\u3000around\u3000the\u3000waist\uff1b\u3000his\u3000head\u3000lolling\u3000on\u3000her\u3000shoulder\u3000as\u3000he\u3000drew\u3000in\u3000a\u3000series\u3000of\u3000ragged\uff1b\u3000phlegmy\u3000breaths\u3002\u3000When\u3000his\u3000legs\u3000came\u3000back\u3000under\u3000him\uff1b\u3000Triel\u3000released\u3000him\u3000and\u3000stepped\u3000back\u3002\u3000Their\u3000eyes\u3000met\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Gromph\u3000opened\u3000his\u3000mouth\u3000to\u3000speak\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003No\uff1b\u3003\u3000Triel\u3000said\uff1b\u3000stopping\u3000him\u3002\u3000She\u3000glanced\u3000at\u3000the\u3000quickly\u3000recovering\u3000Dyrr\uff1b\u3000and\u3000her\u3000brother’s\u3000eyes\u3000followed\u3000hers\u3002\u3000\u3003Finish\u3000what\u3000you\u3000started\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000He\u3000opened\u3000his\u3000mouth\u3000to\u3000speak\u3000again\uff1b\u3000but\u3000Triel\u3000turned\u3000her\u3000back\u3000on\u3000him\u3002\u3000She\u3000could\u3000hear\u3000his\u3000feet\u3000shifting\u3000on\u3000the\u3000loose\u3000gravel\u3000and\u3000 \n
\n \n
\n
\n
\n \u3000\u3000\u3000He\u3000opened\u3000his\u3000mouth\u3000to\u3000speak\u3000again\uff1b\u3000but\u3000Triel\u3000turned\u3000her\u3000back\u3000on\u3000him\u3002\u3000She\u3000could\u3000hear\u3000his\u3000feet\u3000shifting\u3000on\u3000the\u3000loose\u3000gravel\u3000and\u3000glass\uff1b\u3000and\u3000she\u3000knew\u3000he\u3000was\u3000facing\u3000his\u3000enemy\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Triel\u3000walked\u3000away\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000
\nChapter\u3000Twenty\u2026seven
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Anger\uff1b\u3000hatred\uff1b\u3000and\u3000exhaustion\u3000passed\u3000between\u3000the\u3000archmage\u3000and\u3000the\u3000lichdrow\u3002\u3000They\u3000were\u3000done\u3000with\u3000each\u3000other\u3002\u3000Both\u3000only\u3000wanted\u3000to\u3000finish\u3000it\u3002\u3000They\u3000stood\u3000a\u3000dozen\u3000paces\u3000apart\uff1b\u3000eyes\u3000locked\u3002\u3000Dyrr\u3000began\u3000to\u3000cast\u3000a\u3000spell\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Gromph\u3000surrounded\u3000himself\u3000in\u3000another\u3000globe\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000began\u3000to\u3000cast\u3000a\u3000spell\u3000too\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000lichdrow\u3000kept\u3000casting\u3002\u3000He\u3000was\u3000doing\u3000something\u3000plex\u3002\u3000He\u3000meant\u3000to\u3000finish\u3000it\u3000indeed\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Before\u3000Gromph\u3000could\u3000finish\u3000his\u3000spell\u2026one\u3000meant\u3000to\u3000burn\u3000the\u3000already\u3000wounded\u3000lich\u3000once\u3000more\u2026Dyrr\u3000whispered\u3000something\u3000the\u3000archmage\u3000couldn’t\u3000quite\u3000hear\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000spell\u3000took\u3000effect\u3002\u3000The\u3000skull\u3000sapphire\u3000burned\u3000red\u2026hot\u3000against\u3000Gromph’s\u3000forehead\uff1b\u3000and\u3000he\u3000reached\u3000up\u3000to\u3000throw\u3000it\u3000off\u3000him\u2026but\u3000it\u3000disintegrated\u3000before\u3000he\u3000could\u3000touch\u3000it\u3002\u3000The\u3000dust\u3000that\u3000fell\u3000over\u3000the\u3000archmage’s\u3000face\u3000was\u3000dull\u3000gray\u3000and\u3000powerless\u3002\u3000There\u3000would\u3000be\u3000no\u3000more\u3000protection\u3000from\u3000the\u3000skull\u3000sapphire\u3000and\u3000no\u3000more\u3000stored\u3000necromancies\u3002\u3000Gromph\u3000knew\u3000it\u3000had\u3000taken\u3000a\u3000wish\u3000to\u3000destroy\u3000it\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000His\u3000own\u3000spell\u3000ruined\uff1b\u3000Gromph\u3000brought\u3000another\u3000to\u3000mind\u3000and\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003Well\uff1b\u3000everyone’s\u3000using\u3000the\u3000big\u3000spells\u3000today\uff1b\u3000aren’t\u3000we\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000lich\u3000ignored\u3000the\u3000jibe\u3000and\u3000started\u3000casting\u3000a\u3000spell\u3000the\u3000same\u3000time\u3000Gromph\u3000did\u3002\u3000It\u3000was\u3000the\u3000archmage’s\u3000that\u3000finished\u3000first\uff1a\u3000another\u3000minor\u3000divination\u3000spent\u3000to\u3000create\u3000a\u3000blast\u3000of\u3000arcane\u3000fire\u3002\u3000The\u3000preternatural\u3000flames\u3000poured\u3000over\u3000the\u3000lich\uff1b\u3000who\u3000threw\u3000his\u3000arms\u3000over\u3000his\u3000face\u3000to\u3000block\u3000them\u3000but\u3000to\u3000no\u3000avail\u3002\u3000Dyrr’s\u3000dry\u3000flesh\u3000crisped\u3000and\u3000curled\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000lich\u3000staggered\u3000in\u3000pain\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000When\u3000the\u3000fire\u3000burned\u3000out\uff1b\u3000the\u3000lich\u3000lurched\u3000forward\uff1b\u3000red\u3000eyes\u3000bulging\uff1b\u3000his\u3000ever\u2026present\u3000mask\u3000burned\u3000away\uff1b\u3000his\u3000face\u3000twisted\u3000in\u3000hatred\u3000and\u3000agony\u3002\u3000Gromph\u3000could\u3000feel\u3000that\u3000despite\u3000the\u3000arcane\u3000fire\u3000Dyrr\u3000had\u3000finished\u3000his\u3000own\u3000spell\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Cold\u3000coursed\u3000through\u3000Gromph’s\u3000body\uff1b\u3000and\u3000he\u3000shook\u2026and\u3000Gromph\u3000was\u3000getting\u3000painfully\u3000tired\u3000of\u3000shaking\uff1b\u3000shivering\uff1b\u3000and\u3000quivering\u2026but\u3000the\u3000lich\u3000wasn’t\u3000through\u3000with\u3000him\u3000yet\u3002\u3000He\u3000could\u3000feel\u3000the\u3000warmth\uff1b\u3000the\u3000life\u3000itself\uff1b\u3000being\u3000drawn\u3000from\u3000him\u3002\u3000He\u3000staggered\u3000backward\uff1b\u3000barely\u3000managing\u3000to\u3000stay\u3000on\u3000his\u3000feet\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I’ll\u3000drain\u3000you\u3000dry\uff1b\u3000Gromph\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000lich\u3000grumbled\uff1b\u3000his\u3000voice\u3000raspy\u3000and\u3000haggard\u3002\u3000\u3003You’ll\u3000die\u3000with\u3000me\uff1b\u3000with\u3000my\u3000House\uff1b\u3000and\u3000my\u3000cause\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000lich\u3000began\u3000to\u3000cast\u3000again\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Gromph\u3000recognized\u3000the\u3000peculiar\u3000cadence\u3000and\u3000structure\u3000that\u3000revealed\u3000the\u3000incantation\u3000as\u3000a\u3000powerful\u3000necromancy\u3002\u3000Gromph\u3000knew\u3000many\u3000ways\u3000to\u3000kill\uff1b\u3000but\u3000he\u3000also\u3000knew\u3000that\u3000Dyrr\u3000probably\u3000knew\u3000more\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000archmage’s\u3000hand\u3000tightened\u3000on\u3000his\u3000staff\uff1b\u3000and\u3000his\u3000arm\u3000jerked\u3002\u3000A\u3000dull\u3000pain\u3000and\u3000a\u3000hard\u3000pressure\u3000settled\u3000in\u3000his\u3000chest\uff1b\u3000and\u3000when\u3000he\u3000tried\u3000to\u3000take\u3000a\u3000breath\uff1b\u3000no\u3000air\u3000came\u3000to\u3000him\u3002\u3000His\u3000knees\u3000finally\u3000buckled\uff1b\u3000and\u3000he\u3000fell\u3002\u3000Gromph\u3000forced\u3000air\u3000into\u3000his\u3000lungs\uff1b\u3000but\u3000barely\u3000a\u3000whisper\u3000made\u3000it\u3000in\u3002\u3000Dark\u3000shadows\u3000began\u3000to\u3000coalesce\u3000at\u3000the\u3000edges\u3000of\u3000his\u3000vision\uff1b\u3000and\u3000his\u3000ears\u3000went\u3000numb\u3000with\u3000a\u3000roaring\u3000rush\u3000of\u3000blood\u3000as\u3000his\u3000body\u3000fought\u3000in\u3000vain\u3000to\u3000keep\u3000his\u3000brain\u3000alive\u3002\u3000The\u3000ring\u3000was\u3000of\u3000no\u3000help\u3002\u3000The\u3000lich\u3000wasn’t\u3000wounding\u3000him\uff1b\u3000he\u3000was\u3000killing\u3000him\u3000soul\u2026first\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000tried\u3000to\u3000speak\uff1b\u3000to\u3000utter\u3000the\u3000words\u3000of\u3000a\u3000spell\u3000that\u3000might\u3000save\u3000him\uff1b\u3000but\u3000he\u3000couldn’t\u3002\u3000Dyrr\u3000stepped\u3000closer\uff1b\u3000moving\u3000to\u3000stand\u3000over\u3000him\u3002\u3000Gromph\u3000barely\u3000managed\u3000to\u3000turn\u3000his\u3000head\u3000to\u3000look\u3000up\u3000at\u3000the\u3000gloating\u3000lich\u3002\u3000The\u3000archmage\u3000had\u3000other\u3000means\u3000of\u3000escape\u3000but\u3000couldn’t\u3000force\u3000himself\u3000to\u3000activate\u3000any\u3000of\u3000them\u3002\u3000He\u3000could\u3000feel\u3000Nauzhror\u3000and\u3000Prath\u3000trying\u3000to\u3000speak\u3000into\u3000his\u3000head\uff1b\u3000but\u3000their\u3000words\u3000never\u3000fully\u3000formed\u3002\u3000Gromph\u3000feared\u3000that\u3000his\u3000body\u3000was\u3000already\u3000dead\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000He\u3000tightened\u3000his\u3000grip\u3000on\u3000the\u3000staff\uff1b\u3000and\u3000his\u3000arm\u3000jerked\u3000again\u2026the\u3000staff\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000forced\u3000every\u3000ounce\u3000of\u3000will\u3000he\u3000had\u3000left\u3000into\u3000pulling\u3000his\u3000other\u3000hand\u3000beneath\u3000him\u3002\u3000He\u3000felt\u3000his\u3000fingers\u3000wrap\u3000around\u3000the\u3000staff\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Fight\u3000it\uff1b\u3000Gromph\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000lich\u3000growled\u3000at\u3000him\u3002\u3000\u3003Suffer\u3000before\u3000you\u3000die\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Arrogant\u2026\u3003\u3000Gromph\u3000coughed\u3000out\uff1b\u3000surprising\u3000himself\u3000with\u3000his\u3000ability\u3000to\u3000speak\uff1b\u3000even\u3000if\u3000it\u3000was\u3000only\u3000that\u3000one\u3000word\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003What\u3000was\u3000that\uff1f\u3003\u3000the\u3000lich\u3000asked\uff1b\u3000taunting\u3000him\u3002\u3000\u3003The\u3000last\u3000words\u3000of\u3000Gromph\u3000Baenre\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Not\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3003\u3000the\u3000archmage\u3000gasped\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph’s\u3000arms\u3000tensed\uff1b\u3000his\u3000hands\u3000tight\u3000around\u3000the\u3000staff\u3000of\u3000power\u2026an\u3000item\u3000so\u3000prized\u3000hundreds\u3000had\u3000died\u3000just\u3000to\u3000possess\u3000it\u3000for\u3000a\u3000day\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000quite\uff1b\u3003\u3000Gromph\u3000finished\uff1b\u3000and\u3000he\u3000broke\u3000the\u3000staff\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000ancient\u3000wood\u3000snapped\u3000in\u3000response\u3000less\u3000to\u3000the\u3000force\u3000of\u3000Gromph’s\u3000arms\u3000and\u3000hands\u3000than\u3000to\u3000his\u3000will\u3002\u3000The\u3000staff\u3000broke\u3000because\u3000Gromph\u3000wanted\u3000it\u3000to\u3000break\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Dyrr\u3000had\u3000time\u3000to\u3000take\u3000in\u3000a\u3000breath\uff1b\u3000Gromph\u3000had\u3000time\u3000to\u3000smile\uff1b\u3000then\u3000the\u3000world\u3000around\u3000them\u3000both\u3000became\u3000a\u3000raging\u3000hell\u3000of\u3000fire\uff1b\u3000heat\uff1b\u3000pain\uff1b\u3000and\u3000death\u3002\u3000Gromph\u3000couldn’t\u3000see\u3000the\u3000lich\u3000blasted\u3000to\u3000pieces\u3002\u3000He\u3000was\u3000too\u3000busy\u3000worrying\u3000that\u3000the\u3000same\u3000had\u3000happened\u3000to\u3000him\u3002\u3000He\u3000closed\u3000his\u3000eyes\uff1b\u3000but\u3000the\u3000light\u3000still\u3000burned\u3000them\u3002\u3000He\u3000felt\u3000his\u3000flesh\u3000peel\u3000away\u3000in\u3000parts\uff1b\u3000sizzle\uff1b\u3000and\u3000crisp\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000It\u3000was\u3000over\u3000as\u3000fast\u3000as\u3000it\u3000started\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000Baenre\u3000drew\u3000in\u3000a\u3000breath\u3000and\u3000laughed\u3000through\u3000waves\u3000of\u3000burning\u3000agony\u3002\u3000The\u3000ring\u3000started\u3000to\u3000bring\u3000him\u3000back\u3000to\u3000life\u3000a\u3000cell\u3000at\u3000a\u3000time\u3000and\u3000he\u3000lay\u3000there\uff1b\u3000waiting\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003You’ve\u3000done\u3000it\uff1b\u3003\u3000Nauzhror\u3000said\uff1b\u3000and\u3000it\u3000took\u3000a\u3000few\u3000murmuring\u3000heartbeats\u3000for\u3000Gromph\u3000to\u3000realize\u3000he’d\u3000heard\u3000the\u3000Master\u3000of\u3000Sorcere’s\u3000voice\u3000with\u3000his\u3000ears\u3000and\u3000not\u3000his\u3000mind\u3002\u3000\u3003The\u3000lichdrow\u3000is\u3000dead\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000coughed\u3000and\u3000dragged\u3000himself\u3000up\u3000to\u3000a\u3000sitting\u3000position\u3002\u3000Nauzhror\u3000squatted\u3000next\u3000to\u3000him\u3002\u3000The\u3000rotund\u3000wizard\u3000began\u3000examining\u3000the\u3000archmage’s\u3000wounds\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Dead\uff1f\u3003\u3000Gromph\u3000said\u3000then\u3000coughed\u3000again\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003The\u3000cost\u3000was\u3000high\uff1b\u3000and\u3000not\u3000only\u3000the\u3000staff\u3000of\u3000power\uff1b\u3003\u3000Nauzhror\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003but\u3000he’s\u3000been\u3000utterly\u3000destroyed\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Gromph\u3000shook\u3000his\u3000head\uff1b\u3000disappointed\u3000with\u3000Nauzhror\u3002\u3000The\u3000lich’s\u3000physical\u3000form\u3000was\u3000blasted\u3000to\u3000flinders\u3000when\u3000the\u3000staff\u3000unleashed\u3000all\u3000its\u3000power\u3000in\u3000one\u3000final\u3000burst\uff1b\u3000but\u3000a\u3000lich\u3000was\u3000more\u3000than\u3000a\u3000body\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Dead\uff1f\u3003\u3000the\u3000archmage\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003Not\u3000quite\u3000yet\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Nimor\u3000Imphraezl\u3000stepped\u3000out\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Shadow\u3000Fringe\u3000and\u3000into\u3000the\u3000ruins\u3000of\u3000Ched\u3000Nasad\u3002\u3000High\u3000above\u3000him\uff1b\u3000clinging\u3000to\u3000the\u3000remains\u3000of\u3000a\u3000calcified\u3000web\u3000street\uff1b\u3000was\u3000perched\u3000a\u3000massive\u3000shadow\u3000dragon\uff1b\u3000an\u3000ancient\u3000wyrm\u3000magnificent\u3000in\u3000the\u3000terror\u3000it\u3000inspired\u3000in\u3000all\u3000who\u3000gazed\u3000upon\u3000it\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000It\u3000was\u3000a\u3000dragon\u3000Nimor\u3000recognized\u3000instantly\u3002\u3000It\u3000was\u3000the\u3000dragon\u3000Nimor\u3000had\u3000gone\u3000there\u3000to\u3000see\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Stretching\u3000his\u3000own\u3000aching\uff1b\u3000exhausted\uff1b\u3000wounded\u3000wings\u2026wings\u3000that\u3000were\u3000puny\u3000in\u3000parison\u3000to\u3000the\u3000great\u3000shadow\u3000wyrm’s\u2026Nimor\u3000lifted\u3000himself\u3000up\u3000off\u3000the\u3000rubble\u2026strewn\u3000floor\u3000of\u3000the\u3000cavern\u3000and\u3000into\u3000the\u3000air\u3000below\u3000the\u3000dragon\u3002\u3000If\u3000the\u3000wyrm\u3000took\u3000any\u3000notice\u3000of\u3000him\uff1b\u3000it\u3000gave\u3000no\u3000sign\u3002\u3000Instead\uff1b\u3000it\u3000continued\u3000as\u3000it\u3000had\u3000been\uff1b\u3000directing\u3000the\u3000clearing\u3000of\u3000the\u3000rubble\u3000in\u3000the\u3000preparation\u3000for\u3000the\u3000rebuilding\u3000of\u3000Ched\u3000Nasad\u3002\u3000It\u3000was\u3000a\u3000huge\u3000task\uff1b\u3000even\u3000for\u3000the\u3000dragon\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Nimor\u3000coasted\u3000to\u3000a\u3000slow\uff1b\u3000respectful\u3000stop\u3000on\u3000the\u3000web\u3000strand\u3000next\u3000to\u3000the\u3000dragon\u3000and\u3000bowed\uff1b\u3000holding\u3000the\u3000posture\u3000until\u3000the\u3000dragon\u3000acknowledged\u3000his\u3000presence\u3002\u3000He\u3000was\u3000still\u3000bowing\u3000when\u3000the\u3000enormous\u3000shadow\u3000wyrm\u3000shrank\u3000into\u3000the\u3000form\u3000of\u3000an\u3000aging\u3000drow\u3000with\u3000thinning\u3000hair\u3000but\u3000a\u3000solid\uff1b\u3000muscular\u3000form\uff1b\u3000dressed\u3000in\u3000fine\u3000silks\u3000and\u3000linens\u3000from\u3000all\u3000corners\u3000of\u3000the\u3000World\u3000Above\uff1b\u3000every\u3000stitch\u3000as\u3000black\u3000as\u3000the\u3000assassin’s\u3000heart\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Stand\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000transformed\u3000dragon\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003and\u3000heed\u3000me\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Nimor\u3000straightened\uff1b\u3000looked\u3000the\u3000drow\u2026formed\u3000dragon\u3000in\u3000the\u3000eyes\uff1b\u3000and\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003I\u3000am\u3000less\u3000than\u3000satisfied\u3000with\u3000the\u3000results\u3000at\u3000Menzoberranzan\uff1b\u3000Revered\u3000Grandfather\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000dragon\u2026drow\u3000returned\u3000Nimor’s\u3000look\u3000and\u3000held\u3000it\u3000until\u3000Nimor\u3000had\u3000to\u3000look\u3000away\u3002\u3000The\u3000assassin\u3000heard\u3000footsteps\u3000approaching\u3000but\u3000didn’t\u3000turn\u3000around\u3000to\u3000look\u3002\u3000Nimor\u3000knew\u3000whose\u3000they\u3000were\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Nimor\uff1b\u3003\u3000someone\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003Wele\u3000to\u3000Ched\u3000Nasad\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Nimor\u3000pretended\u3000to\u3000look\u3000around\u3000at\u3000the\u3000still\u3000smoldering\u3000ruins\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Of\u3000course\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000source\u3000of\u3000the\u3000second\u3000set\u3000of\u3000footsteps\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003it\u3000will\u3000look\u3000quite\u3000different\u3000when\u3000we’re\u3000finished\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000clearly\u3000remember\u3000your\u3000promise\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000transformed\u3000dragon\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003Do\u3000you\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Of\u3000course\uff1b\u3000Revered\u3000Grandfather\uff1b\u3003\u3000Nimor\u3000replied\uff1b\u3000head\u3000held\u3000high\uff1b\u3000showing\u3000no\u3000outward\u3000sign\u3000of\u3000weakness\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Patron\u3000Grandfather\u3000Mauzzkyl\u3000drew\u3000a\u3000deep\u3000breath\u3000in\u3000through\u3000his\u3000nose\u3000then\u3000slowly\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003You\u3000promised\u3000to\u3000cleanse\u3000Menzoberranzan\u3000of\u3000the\u3000stench\u3000of\u3000Lolth\u3002\u3000Have\u3000you\u3000done\u3000that\uff1f\u3000Is\u3000that\u3000why\u3000you’re\u3000here\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Nimor\u3000didn’t\u3000nod\uff1b\u3000shake\u3000his\u3000head\uff1b\u3000or\u3000sigh\u2026nothing\u3000to\u3000make\u3000it\u3000seem\u3000to\u3000the\u3000patron\u3000fathers\u3000that\u3000he\u3000was\u3000guilty\u3000of\u3000anything\u3002\u3000The\u3000two\u3000patron\u3000fathers\u3000who\u3000had\u3000approached\u3000him\u3000from\u3000behind\u3000stepped\u3000around\u3000him\u3000on\u3000either\u3000side\u3000and\u3000stood\u3000before\u3000Nimor\u3000flanking\u3000the\u3000once\u3000majestic\u3000wyrm\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003No\uff1b\u3003\u3000Nimor\u3000said\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000have\u3000e\u3000from\u3000the\u3000City\u3000of\u3000Wyrmshadows\uff1b\u3003\u3000the\u3000patron\u3000grandfather\u3000went\u3000on\uff1b\u3000\u3003to\u3000aid\u3000Patron\u3000Father\u3000Zammzt\u3000in\u3000the\u3000reconstruction\u3000of\u3000Ched\u3000Nasad\u3002\u3000Is\u3000that\u3000why\u3000you’ve\u3000e\u3000from\u3000Menzoberranzan\uff1f\u3000To\u3000aid\u3000in\u3000the\u3000cleanup\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003No\uff1b\u3000Revered\u3000Grandfather\uff1b\u3003\u3000Nimor\u3000replied\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Tell\u3000your\u3000tale\u3000to\u3000Patron\u3000Father\u3000Tomphael\u3000and\u3000Patron\u3000Father\u3000Zammzt\uff1b\u3003\u3000Mauzzkyl\u3000said\uff1b\u3000his\u3000voice\u3000cold\u3000and\u3000final\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Nimor\u3000closed\u3000his\u3000eyes\u3000and\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003I\u3000answer\u3000to\u2026\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Tomphael\uff1b\u3003\u3000Mauzzkyl\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003You\u3000will\u3000speak\u3000to\u3000me\u3000through\u3000Tomphael\u3000from\u3000this\u3000day\u3000until\u3000I\u3000order\u3000otherwise\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Nimor\u3000had\u3000no\u3000time\u3000to\u3000argue\uff1b\u3000but\u3000that\u3000was\u3000the\u3000last\u3000thing\u3000he\u3000intended\u3000to\u3000do\u3002\u3000Instead\u3000he\u3000watched\uff1b\u3000barely\u3000breathing\u3000as\u3000Patron\u3000Grandfather\u3000Mauzzkyl\u3000turned\u3000his\u3000back\u3000then\u3000transformed\u3000again\u3000into\u3000a\u3000dragon\u3002\u3000The\u3000great\u3000wyrm\u3000stepped\u3000off\u3000the\u3000edge\u3000of\u3000the\u3000shattered\u3000web\u3000and\u3000disappeared\u3000into\u3000the\u3000gloom\u3000of\u3000the\u3000ruined\u3000city\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Tell\u3000me\u3000what\u3000you\u3000came\u3000here\u3000to\u3000say\uff1b\u3003\u3000Patron\u3000Father\u3000Tomphael\u3000said\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000? \n
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Nimor\u3000looked\u3000Tomphael\u3000in\u3000the\u3000face\u3000but\u3000saw\u3000no\u3000anger\uff1b\u3000pity\uff1b\u3000or\u3000contempt\u3002\u3000Nimor\u3000had\u3000fallen\u3000in\u3000the\u3000ranks\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Jaezred\u3000Chaulssin\uff1b\u3000and\u3000he’d\u3000done\u3000it\u3000just\u3000like\u3000that\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Something\u3000has\u3000changed\uff1b\u3003\u3000Nimor\u3000said\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Lolth\u3000has\u3000returned\uff1b\u3003\u3000Tomphael\u3000finished\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Nimor\u3000nodded\u3000and\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003Or\u3000she\u3000will\u3000soon\u3002\u3000Very\u3000soon\u3002\u3000The\u3000lichdrow\u3000failed\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000tide\u3000is\u3000turning\u3000in\u3000Menzoberranzan\u3002\u3000I\u3000thought\u3000we’d\u3000have\u3000more\u3000time\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Dyrr\u3000is\u3000dead\uff1f\u3003\u3000Tomphael\u3000asked\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Nimor\u3000nodded\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003And\u3000the\u3000cambion\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Alive\uff1b\u3003\u3000said\u3000Nimor\uff1b\u3000\u3003but\u3000already\u3000withdrawing\u3002\u3000He\u3000had\u3000an\u3000agent\u3000in\u3000the\u3000Abyss\u3000who\u3000gave\u3000a\u3000strange\u3000report\u3002\u3000I\u3000still\u3000don’t\u3000know\u3000what\u3000happened\u3000to\u3000the\u3000spider\u3000goddess\uff1b\u3000where\u3000she’s\u3000been\uff1b\u3000or\u3000why\u3000she\u3000fell\u3000silent\uff1b\u3000but\u3000she\u3000has\u3000managed\u3000to\u3000pinch\u3000the\u3000Demonweb\u3000Pits\u3000off\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Abyss\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Tomphael\u3000raised\u3000an\u3000eyebrow\uff1b\u3000and\u3000he\u3000and\u3000Zammzt\u3000shared\u3000a\u3000glance\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003So\uff1b\u3003\u3000Tomphael\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003your\u3000tanarukks\u3000are\u3000deserting\u3002\u3000What\u3000of\u3000the\u3000duergar\uff1f\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Horgar\u3000still\u3000lives\uff1b\u3000and\u3000when\u3000I\u3000left\u3000him\u3000he\u3000was\u3000still\u3000fighting\uff1b\u3003\u3000Nimor\u3000said\u3002\u3000\u3003However\uff1b\u3000with\u3000the\u3000priestesses\u3000again\u3000able\u3000to\u3000mune\u3000with\u3000their\u3000goddess\u3000and\u3000the\u3000tanarukks\u3000marching\u3000home\uff1b\u3000the\u3000gray\u3000dwarves\u3000won’t\u3000stand\u3000a\u3000chance\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Menzoberranzan\uff1b\u3003\u3000Zammzt\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003is\u3000the\u3000greatest\u3000prize\u3002\u3000It\u3000was\u3000always\u3000the\u3000one\u3000thing\u3000most\u3000out\u3000of\u3000reach\u3002\u3000We\u3000have\u3000had\u3000successes\u3000in\u3000other\u3000cities\u3002\u3000The\u3000Queen\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Demonweb\u3000Pits\u3000was\u3000gone\u3000long\u3000enough\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Was\u3000she\uff1f\u3003\u3000Nimor\u3000asked\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Look\u3000around\u3000you\uff1b\u3003\u3000Zammzt\u3000replied\u3002\u3000\u3003Once\u3000this\u3000was\u3000a\u3000drow\u3000trade\u3000city\uff1b\u3000openly\u3000obedient\u3000to\u3000the\u3000priestesses\u3002\u3000Now\u3000it\u3000is\u3000a\u3000blank\u3000slate\uff1b\u3000and\u3000even\u3000as\u3000we\u3000speak\u3000it\u3000is\u3000being\u3000transformed\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003The\u3000other\u3000patron\u3000fathers\u3000and\u3000I\uff1b\u3003\u3000Tomphael\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003under\u3000Patron\u3000Father\u3000Zammzt’s\u3000expert\u3000guidance\uff1b\u3000will\u3000be\u3000concentrating\u3000our\u3000energies\u3000here\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003As\u3000you\u3000always\u3000intended\uff1f\u3003\u3000Nimor\u3000concluded\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Tomphael\u3000sighed\u3000and\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003I\u3000know\u3000you’ve\u3000always\u3000considered\u3000me\u3000a\u3000coward\uff1b\u3000Nimor\uff1b\u3000but\u3000you\u3000were\u3000wrong\u3002\u3000Only\u3000the\u3000fool\u3000misses\u3000the\u3000difference\u3000between\u3000the\u3000coward\u3000and\u3000the\u3000pragmatist\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Only\u3000the\u3000young\u3000seek\u3000glory\u3000over\u3000success\uff1b\u3003\u3000said\u3000Zammzt\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003I\u3000could\u3000have\u3000won\u3000in\u3000Menzoberranzan\uff1b\u3003\u3000Nimor\u3000argued\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Perhaps\uff1b\u3003\u3000said\u3000Tomphael\u3002\u3000\u3003If\u3000you\u3000had\uff1b\u3000this\u3000conversation\u3000would\u3000have\u3000taken\u3000a\u3000very\u3000different\u3000tone\u3002\u3000It\u3000was\u3000your\u3000opportunity\u3000to\u3000surprise\u3000us\uff1b\u3000Nimor\u3002\u3000That\u3000is\u3000what\u3000you\u3000failed\u3000to\u3000do\u2026surprise\u3000us\u3002\u3000Our\u3000plans\u3000did\u3000not\u3000depend\u3000on\u3000the\u3000City\u3000of\u3000Spiders\u3000being\u3000delivered\u3000to\u3000us\u3000on\u3000a\u3000silver\u3000platter\uff1b\u3000nor\u3000did\u3000they\u3000assume\u3000that\u3000Lolth\u3000was\u3000never\u3000going\u3000to\u3000return\u3000from\u3000wherever\u3000it\u3000is\u3000she’s\u3000been\u3002\u3000We\u3000had\u3000this\u3000one\u3000opportunity\uff1b\u3000and\u3000we\u3000took\u3000all\u3000there\u3000was\u3000to\u3000take\u3002\u3000There\u3000will\u3000be\u3000other\u3000opportunities\u3000to\u3000take\u3000more\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003Other\u3000opportunities\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3003\u3000Nimor\u3000repeated\uff1b\u3000rolling\u3000the\u3000words\u3000over\u3000on\u3000his\u3000tongue\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003You\u3000could\u3000be\u3000Anointed\u3000Blade\u3000again\uff1b\u3000Nimor\uff1b\u3003\u3000Tomphael\u3000said\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Nimor\u3000nodded\uff1b\u3000bowed\uff1b\u3000and\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003I\u3000will\u3000return\u3000to\u3000the\u3000City\u3000of\u3000Wyrmshadows\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000with\u3000your\u3000leave\uff1b\u3000Patron\u3000Father\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Tomphael\u3000nodded\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Nimor\u3000turned\u3000and\u3000stepped\u3000into\u3000Shadow\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pharaun\u3000hadn’t\u3000felt\u3000so\u3000good\u3000in\u3000so\u3000long\uff1b\u3000he’d\u3000almost\u3000forgotten\u3000what\u3000it\u3000was\u3000like\u3000to\u3000be\u3000healthy\u3002\u3000The\u3000priestesses\uff1b\u3000perhaps\u3000reveling\u3000in\u3000the\u3000return\u3000of\u3000their\u3000spells\uff1b\u3000were\u3000almost\u3000continuously\u3000chanting\u3000healing\u3000prayers\u3002\u3000They\u3000conjured\u3000a\u3000banquet\u3000and\u3000clean\uff1b\u3000cool\u3000water\u3002\u3000They\u3000healed\u3000every\u3000wound\u3000and\u3000soothed\u3000aching\u3000muscles\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Stretching\uff1b\u3000feeling\u3000too\u3000good\u3000to\u3000bother\u3000with\u3000Reverie\uff1b\u3000Pharaun\u3000stood\u3000and\u3000watched\u3000Quenthel\u3000and\u3000Danifae\u3000work\u3000on\u3000Jeggred\u3002\u3000Again\uff1b\u3000likely\u3000because\u3000they\u3000couldn’t\u3000resist\u3000using\u3000the\u3000spells\u3000that\u3000had\u3000been\u3000denied\u3000them\u3000so\u3000long\uff1b\u3000the\u3000two\u3000females\u3000worked\u3000together\u3002\u3000As\u3000they\u3000sat\u3000cross\u2026legged\u3000on\u3000either\u3000side\u3000of\u3000a\u3000nervous\uff1b\u3000reclining\u3000Jeggred\uff1b\u3000Pharaun\u3000sensed\u3000flashes\u3000of\u3000the\u3000old\u3000physical\u3000relationship\u3000the\u3000two\u3000priestesses\u3000had\u3000shared\u3000not\u3000too\u3000long\u3000ago\u3002\u3000There\u3000was\u3000the\u3000accidental\u3000touch\u3000that\u3000turned\u3000into\u3000a\u3000lingering\u3000caress\uff1b\u3000the\u3000heavy\u2026lidded\u3000eye\u3000contact\u3000past\u3000the\u3000draegloth’s\u3000wild\u3000white\u3000mane\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000occasional\u3000play\u3000of\u3000a\u3000tongue\u3000along\u3000parted\u3000lips\u3000as\u3000the\u3000words\u3000to\u3000a\u3000series\u3000of\u3000plex\u3000healings\u3000taxed\u3000even\u3000their\u3000spell\u2026rejuvenated\u3000throats\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000result\u3000of\u3000all\u3000of\u3000it\u3000was\u3000that\u3000Jeggred’s\u3000severed\u3000hand\u3000grew\u3000back\u3002\u3000Pharaun\u3000found\u3000the\u3000sight\u3000of\u3000the\u3000thing\u3000slowly\u3000taking\u3000shape\u3000from\u3000the\u3000dead\u3000end\u3000of\u3000the\u3000stump\u3000even\u3000more\u3000fascinating\u3000than\u3000the\u3000exchange\u3000between\u3000the\u3000two\u3000females\u3002\u3000The\u3000hand\u3000came\u3000together\u3000in\u3000layers\uff1a\u3000bone\uff1b\u3000sinew\uff1b\u3000muscle\uff1b\u3000blood\u3000vessels\uff1b\u3000skin\uff1b\u3000fur\uff1b\u3000claws\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000When\u3000they\u3000were\u3000done\uff1b\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3000stood\uff1b\u3000flexing\u3000his\u3000hand\uff1b\u3000jaw\u3000agape\uff1b\u3000body\u3000quivering\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000The\u3000two\u3000priestesses\u3000stood\u3000with\u3000him\uff1b\u3000separating\uff1b\u3000their\u3000eyes\u3000once\u3000again\u3000going\u3000cold\u3000toward\u3000each\u3000other\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Jeggred\u3000looked\u3000first\u3000to\u3000Danifae\u3000and\u3000said\uff1b\u3000\u3003My\u3000thanks\uff1b\u3000Mistress\u3002\u3003\u3000Then\u3000to\u3000Quenthel\uff1b\u3000\u3003Mistress\u3000Quenthel\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3000\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Anger\u3000poured\u3000over\u3000the\u3000high\u3000priestess’s\u3000face\u3000like\u3000fog\uff1b\u3000and\u3000she\u3000turned\u3000away\u3000from\u3000her\u3000nephew\uff1b\u3000quickly\u3000gathering\u3000her\u3000pack\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3003We’ve\u3000rolled\u3000around\u3000on\u3000the\u3000floor\u3000long\u3000enough\uff1b\u3003\u3000she\u3000said\uff1b\u3000already\u3000walking\u3000swiftly\u3000down\u3000the\u3000corridor\u3002\u3000\u3003This\u3000way\u3002\u3003
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Danifae\u3000motioned\u3000to\u3000Pharaun\u3000to\u3000proceed\uff1b\u3000and\u3000the\u3000wizard\u3000gladly\u3000went\u3000after\u3000Quenthel\u3002\u3000Valas\u3000followed\u3000behind\u3000the\u3000wizard\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Danifae\u3000and\u3000the\u3000draegloth\u3000took\u3000up\u3000the\u3000rear\u3002\u3000Any\u3000distance\uff1b\u3000any\u3000buffer\u3000between\u3000the\u3000two\u3000priestesses\u3000was\u3000a\u3000good\u3000thing\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Pharaun\u3000was\u3000happy\u3000to\u3000provide\u3000it\u3000as\u3000long\u3000as\u3000they\u3000got\u3000moving\u3002\u3000The\u3000Master\u3000of\u3000Sorcere\u3000was\u3000all\u3000but\u3000overwhelmed\u3000with\u3000curiosity\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Quenthel\u3000led\u3000the\u3000way\u3000with\u3000a\u3000confident\u3000stride\u3000and\u3000such\u3000assurance\u3000that\u3000none\u3000of\u3000the\u3000rest\u3000of\u3000them\u3000argued\u3000or\u3000second\u2026guessed\u3000her\u3000at\u3000all\u3002\u3000They\u3000went\u3000from\u3000one\u3000corridor\u3000to\u3000another\uff1b\u3000passed\u3000through\u3000rooms\uff1b\u3000sometimes\u3000through\u3000doors\u3000that\u3000Jeggred\u3000had\u3000to\u3000force\u3000open\u3000by\u3000brute\u3000strength\u3002\u3000All\u3000the\u3000while\u3000the\u3000interior\u3000of\u3000the\u3000spider\u3000fortress\u3000maintained\u3000its\u3000cold\uff1b\u3000dark\uff1b\u3000dead\uff1b\u3000rusted\u3000feeling\u3002\u3000Though\u3000Lolth’s\u3000power\u3000had\u3000definitely\u3000returned\u3000to\u3000the\u3000two\u3000priestesses\uff1b\u3000the\u3000construct\u3000was\u3000as\u3000dead\u3000as\u3000ever\uff1b\u3000and\u3000Pharaun\u3000got\u3000the\u3000distinct\u3000impression\u3000that\u3000wherever\u3000that\u3000power\u3000was\u3000ing\u3000from\uff1b\u3000it\u3000wasn’t\u3000the\u3000sixty\u2026sixth\u3000layer\u3000of\u3000the\u3000Abyss\u3002
\n\u3000\u3000\u3000When\u3000they\u3000saw\u3000light\u3000at\u3000the\u3000end\u3000of\u3000one\u3000of\u3000the\u3000passageways\u3000they\u3000all\u3000stopped\uff1b\u3000clinging\u3000to\u3000the\u3000walls\u3000and\u3000the\u3000concealing\u3000shadows\u3002\u3000As\u3000he\u3000ran\u3000through\u3000the\u3000spells\u3000still\u3000available\u3000to\u3000him\u3000and\u3000closed\u3000his\u3000fingers\u3000over\u3000a\u3000wand\u3000that\u3000would\u3000send\u3000bolts\u3000of\u3000lightning\u3000crashing\u3000through\u3000the\u3000air\uff1b\u3000the\u3000Master\u3000of\u3000Sorcere\u3000took\u3000stock\u3000of\u3000the\u3000rest\u3000of\u3000the\u3000expedition\u3002\u3000Quenthel\u3000and\u3000Danifae\u3000both\u3000looked\u3000down\u3000the\u3000corridor\u3000with\u3000hopeful\uff1b\u3000excited\u3000expressions\u3002\u3000Jeggred\u3000looked\u3000at\u3000Danifae\u3000in\u3000the\u3000same\u3000manner\u3002\u3000Valas\u3000was\u3000nowhere\u3000to\u3000be\u3000seen\u2026as\u3000was\u3000usual\u3000for\u3000the\u3000scout\u3002
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\n\u3000\u3000\u3000Pharaun\u3000guessed\uff1b\u3000\u3003A\u3000gate\u3002\u3003
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