So, first of all, as promised : some info about our dear heroes’ (and villains’) looks.
I decided to put both metrical as well as U.S./English units in order to make it clear to different people.

Maenaz :
Height – Just below 6 feet (181 cm)
Weight – Initially 149 pounds (67,5 kg), currently 145,5 pounds (66 kg)
Eye color : Green
Hair Color : Black

Xardas :
Height – 5 feet 10,5 inches (179 cm)
Weight – 143,5 pounds (65 kg)
Eye Color : Hazel
Hair Color : Brown/dark auburn


Valsharess :
Height – 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm)
Weight – 118 pounds (53,5 kg)
Eye color : Crimson
Hair Color : White/Silver

Samael :
Height – 7 feet 2 inches (218,5 cm)
Weight : 254 pounds (115 kilograms) [With wings]
Eye color : Dark/Molten gold. Samael’s eyes have thin horizontal pupils, so they look very snake-like.
Hair Color : Black, but the ends of his hair appear dyed with blood.

Aribeth : I do know there is some data on Aribeth that can be found in the internet, but let’s be honest - there is no way a 5 feet 4 inches girl weighting 100 pounds (Which is apparently the most widespread “info” on the net) would have tremendous physical strength, not to mention this chest of hers cannot be immune to gravity and weightless.
I am also going with the idea that she may possess some human blood in her (like her grandpa being a half-elf or something).
Therefore :
Height – 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm)
Weight – 125 pounds (56,5 kg)
Eye color : Blue-green
Hair Color : Red/Auburn (I usually describe her as a redhead)

Ilivarra :
Height – 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm)
Weight – 142 pounds (64,5 kg)
Hair color – White with strands of red
Eye color – Deep orange
Phaere :
Height – 5 feet 3,5 inches ( 161 cm)
Weight – 112 pounds (51 kg)
Hair color – White
Eye color – Red

Sharwyn :
Height – 5 feet 6 inches (167,5 cm)
Weight – 131 pounds (59,5 kg)
Hair color – Red
Eye color - Hazel


Casavir :
Height – 6 feet 2 inches [188 cm]
Weight – 183 pounds [83 kg]
Hair color – Black
Eye color - blue

Note that while height will remain the same for every character I can think of, the weight of some characters may change (and I will be sure to let you know of this ;p). This is especially true for Xardas (he will get a bit heavier as he taps into his draconic heritage), and for other characters who will experience physical changes, as well as those who will be forced to live under a lot of stress for prolonged amounts of time (like how Maenaz lost weight between his defeat of Morag and his alliance with Valsharess – of course, some characters would be more prone to GAINING weight instead).
Still, I doubt I will be giving the exact amounts again anytime soon, if at all.

As for the story: Xardas messes and will mess with SoU storyline for my own dark purposes. Reaper, however, isn’t making an appearance, and so far neither is Deekin. After that, there however will still be NPC’s and events I may and will borrow from the official storylines.

As for this chapter… [ Word Count : 13 900]


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Chapter X
Casavir : Round Two

Casavir was sitting in his chair, quietly considering the fight again.
No matter how he looked at it, it seemed that he would eventually lose.
Sure, their first battle might be called a draw just as good as it might have been called his loss, but there definitely was a certain, longer-lasting effect to it.
He couldn’t use a heavy shield nor could he fight with a weapon using his right arm.
Meaning his abilities were decreased.
Maenaz Carn’Renor… He on the other hand had a better situation. There were definitely healers capable enough of bringing his leg back into shape among the drow priestesses, his sword could be exchanged with another, and last but not least – that final display of power made him reconsider his words about Amon being more powerful than him. As far as warlock’s sorcery went, they seemed on even footing ; but the young human had physical ability and swordfighting skills far above those of his former comrade, his agility on par with…
Alright, saying Neeshka would be too much, but…
Well…Bishop ?
No matter how he thought about it, this person’s physical capabilities really reminded him of the ranger – someone he would rather forget.

And now, he would have to fight this combined swordplay and magical power…
With his left hand ?
Also, Maenaz was the commander of elves who attacked the surface, but if whatever happened in Waterdeep had any connection to what happened here, and unless he was just the head of a bunch of renegades…
He wasn’t their leader. Meaning there could be someone even mightier pulling his strings.
Which is why he needed all the capable hands he could get. He wanted to contact Khelgar and Sand, but the messengers send to Khelgar may not return as the contact with the enemy was first made near the Sword Mountains.
This left Sand. He didn’t exactly like the sarcastic elven wizard, but he could be relied upon. And he was powerful.

Of course, it may prove not to be enough when he marches against the full force of the drow.
And the message might not reach Sand as well. It just had a far greater chance of doing so.
Which meant he had to convince this comely and brave if extremely depressed angel-blooded woman that stood at the entrance of the chamber that her aid would be required.
Fortunately, she spoke first.
- I did not realize that the drow would have a human on their side… and someone with this sort of power at that. Was he similar to Jerro ?
- Yes he was. They had a similar variety of powers… But what is the most disturbing is that this Maenaz Carn’renor is young. His twenty-something. Like Captain, only that he should be considered younger because he’s half-elven.
- Does that mean…
- Yes. His physical abilities remind me of one of my companions, and his swordplay is more similar to a fighter as well.
- So, he is a tremendous opponent. I didn’t think you could lose to anyone out there.
- Maenaz is fighting on the front lines, however. So, unless he is the leader of a bunch of renegades, and I believe it’s not the case here, we’ve got a problem.
- You believe the leader of the drow can be more powerful ? Like… Whom ?
- Maybe Black Garius… Maybe the King of Shadows himself.
- King of Shadows ? Don’t be ridiculous !
- I’d rather prepare for every opportunity. That’s why I would like to get the help of Sand… and yours.
- Mine ? Casavir, the times when we were equal are gone. If you were defeated by this man, I do not stand a chance either.
- You’re both underestimating yourself and making a fatal mistake. Together we can defeat him, and with Sand we can probably defeat the leader of the drow as well. However, if I go alone as I am now, my chances will drop considerably.
- You just said that the leader of the drow may well be in the King of Shadows’ league, and if I remember correctly, you also said that if Xardas and Amon weren’t there you’d be in big trouble. I do not think bringing Sand here or taking me along would mean anything.
- Even if it’s power is really in the King of Shadows’ range, that person is probably a drow. Meaning his or her body is mortal. As long as it is, Sand’s spells…
- I think our best option is to stay within the walls of the Keep. This way our defensive capabilities are maximal in case of the drow’s attack and we can all fulfill our orders.
- And that is what you think Xardas would do ?
- …
- Light, we really need your help this time around. Maybe I do not really understand how you feel, but…
- I have no idea what Captain would do. But he ordered me to train his recruits and that’s exactly what I’m going to do. I see no need to risk lives in order to fight a bunch of drow renegades or something.
- Even if their presence is threatening the Keep ?
- It is not. Let them come here if they wish so. We can defend ourselves.
- So, you would rather sit here and make more excuses for yourself ?
- Excuses ?
- It seems to me that Xardas’ departure robbed you of all your self-determination. Like you couldn’t give yourself a purpose. So, the only thing you’re doing is sitting here and training those recruits absent-mindedly, even if this is not the right thing to do.
- It’s not my fault that this so-called hero couldn’t even do things right ! Couldn’t even finish his own damn work, by Lathander ! Stop pestering me for doing what I’m supposed to do !
- That means you won’t lend me a hand no matter what I say ?
- It is your decision if you go there. I’m advising you to stay here and wait. If they attack we will defend ourselves. Not to mention probably any messengers you would send to Sand will probably just get killed on their way to Neverwinter.
- Unless… it’s you.
- What ?
- Since you decided not to help me, I would ask you to at least do this. It is true that this mission carries a high risk if there are drow patrols around the Keep. But somebody like you would make their way to Neverwinter easily.
- As I said, I am supposed to…
- Ever since Jalboun left, the missions department was left to be shared among the other Keep’s commanders. It is currently part of your duty as well, and you may end up there anyway when Xardas returns. This is the only thing I ask of you. You could be saving someone’s life.
- I’ll… consider it.
- Good. I’ll gather my forces. Let’s hope I can keep this Maenaz in check until help arrives.
- You’re going to attack him NOW ? Won’t you wait until Sand is here ?
- It is too dangerous to let him roam free. Besides, if I attack him now, his leg may still be in bad shape. I believe I have broken it.
- It still sounds reckless to me.
- Bravery and recklessness often go hand in hand. I really believe we must stop the threat that these drow represent. If someone like this warlock is a part of their plans, they need to be stopped.
- Casavir…
- Yes ?
- If this Maenaz is as powerful as you say, you could die. Especially if he brought some other strong friends to the surface.
- Thanks for caring… I’m flattered, but this is a necessity. And I can cheat death pretty well, considering I somehow got out of the King’s sanctum… Alive and almost unscathed. And this time around, we’re fighting mortals. Maenaz is just a human, and his commander is probably just a drow.
- You’re a human, too, Casavir. Do not forget this. You have your limits, and having your hand ravaged and your body repeatedly blasted with eldritch energies definitely did not push those limits further away.
- Heroes do not care about these kinds of limitations, Light. We only care about stopping the evil when it spreads. As a servant of Lathander, I’m sure you understand.
- Watch your back.
- I always do, Light. I always do.


Maenaz was finally through with his morning activities.
Things he did were hardly called routine for the last few months.
He had shaved and got a haircut, as well as had a decent meal made from things found on SURFACE (he still chuckled a bit at the face Valsharess was making as she poked the food suspiciously), and got his equipment a bit of a run-through.
He lost his old faithful Astral Blade – the same weapon that brought Morag down
[ “Well… Technically, Maenaz, you burnt her to ashes… Damnit, I can afford a bit of sentimentalism and dramaturgy from time to time, can’t I ?”] was unable to do so with an old paladin. Such a shame.
He tied his hair into his old version of a ponytail and looked into the mirror. He smirked at the realization that were his hair just a little bit longer, he would probably look nearly the same as when he was working for Neverwinter.
Good thing. Because soon his name will be spoken in fear there.
A black hand runned through his hair.
- Why did you see it as a necessity to do this ? Among the drow, in many cities the haircut is considered representative of one’s status, but I doubt it is so among the surface dwellers…
- I kept my hair long while I was on the surface to avoid being recognized. Now, however, everything has changed. I returned to my old visage so that my old enemies may recognize me.
She put her hand to rest on his shoulder, looking as the mirror as well.
- You really hate this city of Neverwinter. You want them to fear you, right ?
- Damn right. Soon, every single citizen of Neverwinter will be reminded of me, and this time, it’ll be fear that they will associate with my name.
- I’ve been meaning to ask you two things. Well, let’s start with - Why are you so set on having your vengeance on the city of Neverwinter ? Does it mean so much to you ?
- I saved Neverwinter from certain destruction once. In return, they took the thing I valued the most in this world away from me, and even expected me to stay and remain a faithful servant of their cursed city…
- This most valuable thing… What was it ?
Maenaz went silent. He didn’t want Valsharess to know. It would both make her suspicious and could be an extremely valuable piece of information – it would mean he could make a creature the thing he cared about most in the world, something which the drow would recognize as a weakness.
- I do not wish to talk about it. I care about avenging that loss a great deal, however, there is no longer any point in discussing the loss itself.
- So be it… The other question is about this Casavir… Do you know more about him ? And do you know how high he is placed in Neverwinter’s chain of power ?
- I have never heard of this man, and in terms of power… I originally believed there will be up to nine worthy opponents in whole Neverwinter. The elite bodyguards of the man I am after, Lord Nasher, are called the Neverwinter Nine and had some exceptionally gifted members as far as I know. However, the true lord of the Crossroad Keep, the place Casavir oversees, supposedly was their member once. Even so, he traveled with his own group of adventuring companions, and I believe most of them will come quite close in terms of power to this old paladin. The question is how many people were traveling with him, and how powerful exactly is the true lord of the Keep.
- Considering Casavir could fight you to a standstill… How powerful can this man be ?
- It depends… He will probably be very dangerous, but…
- But ??
- As long as he will fight to protect Neverwinter, I will not lose against him. Nobody stops me from taking revenge on this city, even if he were the most powerful opponent I ever fought.
- So be it. I’ll leave you alone now. I will listen to our scouts reports – if Casavir will move, it will be us who strike first.
Maenaz was confident that he could defeat Casavir this time around, whether he will heal his hand or not. But he was anxious about meeting the true Lord of the Crossroad Keep.
How powerful could he be ? Maenaz fought beings in the same league of power as Morag since he defeated her, and Casavir was definitely among them. But when he was traveling with his companions, not even Sharwyn and Grimgnaw could keep up with his power. If a mere “companion” of the real Hero of Neverwinter could fight him on relatively even terms, did it mean that the Captain himself would kick his ass so badly he would decide to turn himself over to Nasher out of humiliation ?

Well, he still had Valsharess on his side. But without the archdevil at her beck and call, even Valsharess seemed less formidable.


If her champion’s resolve wavered, it was just a tiny bit. However, her own belief about the incoming countless victories on the surface world wavered. If there were many people with Maenaz’s level of might among the surface dwellers, she and her armies clearly weren’t ready.
Also, Valsharess realized how shady her mate’s motive for vengeance was – he was apparently stuck on doing this, but for what reason ?
Oh, she could guess. Yes, she knew surface dwellers had a tendency to develop strange family bonds that they hated to lose, even though they made them weaker.
That was the case here. What Neverwinter took from her Chosen was a person.
Either a sibling, parent, offspring…
Or a woman.
She wouldn’t care – if only those reasons didn’t seem a bit stupid. She did not expect that by coming to the surface she will be risking anything.
Should things get any more out of hand, Maenaz would have to postpone his vengeance.

So, this definitely wouldn’t be his day. Not only did Xardas’ guide almost got sacrificed on an altar by some crazy lizardmen, now his caravan was out of water and of course they couldn’t convince those damned locals to share some with him.
All in all, an extremely annoying day.
Mischa was trying to humor him and as usual she was saying it was all going to be all right, but this whole “adventure” was more and more getting on his nerves. The opponents he fought so far didn’t even force him to use his true power, not to mention presenting a challenge. Not to mention he got here to avoid adventuring, saving countries (if not a whole world dammit !) and so on.
Instead, he was helping a small bunch of beginning adventurers, now limited to these two ladies, do so instead.
Not exactly what he took the job for. But, he couldn’t complain. There WAS a reason he was doing this. Dorna, for a dwarf, was pretty talented as a rogue and she could definitely grow to be something. He was also assured of Mischa’s potential, and he believed she could grow to the level similar to that of his companions – meaning she could be one of the leading paladins of Mystra in the realms – and he wasn’t talking about some far-off future, he was talking about the few following years. So, helping them realize their potential was a quest in and of itself.
And then his day just got worse.
Zombies. Quite some of them.
He cast a healing spell on the one closest to him (he always found the fact that spells that heal everyone else hurt undead a bit ridiculous, but well, who’d care about what is powered by positive energy and what is powered by negative energy, it simply worked that way), and he drew on his Silver Sword. Of course, both Mischa and Dorna now knew exactly what his sword could do, but he showed Dorna already that the blade doesn’t work in anybody else’s hands, just in case she’d think about stealing it once their adventure ends.
They kept hacking at the zombies until they were all down.
It figures. Those are only zombies. He fought and won against Shadow Reavers, for Triad’s sake !
Xardas soon learned everything. There was no water in the oasis because some thousand-years-old cleric that remained mummified meters below the ground decided to play the big, bad evil guy once again. And he had to be stopped.


A couple of hours later, not long before sunrise…


This day was full of surprises for Casavir. Not only did it turn out that the drow were stationing in the Riverguard Keep among the very same Arvahn ruins they visited twice during the fight with King of Shadows…
They even got out of there to attack the forces he rallied towards that place. They fought in the open.
He would soon prove that was a mistake.

Breaking through the first wave of the drow, Casavir’s forces did suffer some casualties, but now they were on even ground, meaning, tactically, the move was correct.
Casavir looked forward and realized that this moment could define the tide of the battle.
In front of him there was a great litter, carried by two bugbears in the front and two strange, very orc-like creatures in the back. The litter had intricate markings all over it, forming spider webs, green tears and other strange symbols, but it was the person next to the litter that caught his eye.
Maenaz Carn’renor.
He suddenly wished he’d simply ask his troops about the man rather than leaving the matter a secret and sending a messenger with both the question of who he was and whether Sand will help or not. At least he’d know fully what to expect.
Worse off, Maenaz’s leg seemed completely fine.
He spoke out, first some words in a foreign tongue, then looked straight at him. This time, his eyes were focused right off the start.

- Welcome, Casavir. I was kinda hoping you’ll patch your hand up fully so we can have a decent duel, but I guess I’ll have to finish you off as you are. A pity. Some idiot might think I will win just because my side had better healers.
- Won’t it be that way, just in case ? I remember both of us barely standing after our last fight.
- I didn’t use the full extent of my powers. In fact, I should kick your ass back then. If I wasn’t too proud to admit that you come close to being my equal, you’d be biting the dust right now.
- Maybe I wasn’t fighting at full throttle either, Maenaz.
- What, you suddenly remembered you were left-handed ? Don’t make me laugh. Even if I didn’t have a reserve of power…

Then, Casavir saw something move out of the litter, and he braced himself, realizing Maenaz probably brought his boss around this time.
He was shocked to see what he did, to say the least.
Out of the litter came a women of average (or smaller) height, but exquisite beauty. Despite the black skin and crimson eyes, marking her as a drow, her features must have seemed attractive to every humanoid race he could think of.
Casavir realized that he shouldn’t be admiring her, and he suddenly felt strange. He begun to concentrate, trying to separate the feeling of the two people before him from the malicious mass of drow souls…


Valsharess looked at Casavir, raising a delicate eyebrow, and spoke mostly to herself in Undercommon.
- My, my, aren’t you big. You make Ilivarra look short. Even my Chosen isn’t THAT tall.
- There are humans quite a bit taller than him, Sinvyl.
- Please, don’t use my name in front of so many people. Does he understand me ?
- If you really have to say something to him, I can translate. Most humans don’t learn Undercommon and the only reason he would is to scream “die in the name of righteousness” in a way his opponents could understand.
- Why ? Is he insane or something ?
- He’s a paladin. As a whole, they’re the worst maniacs.
- I see. Should I punish him personally ? Or are you confident you can defeat him this time around ? I’d be glad to see a good spectacle.
- His hand was left unhealed, and I had an asset left hidden when I fought him last time anyway. I’ll kick his ass.
- Good to hear that.


Maenaz and the woman were talking about something, but he didn’t really care. What he cared about was to feel this woman’s aura.
Casavir first separated the feeling Maenaz gave off – a powerful one, but nothing he didn’t feel before. The mechanics of evil aura’s were difficult to ascertain, but while most Shadow Reavers were less powerful than the warlock, they gave off a more powerful aura.
Then he felt it. It hit him like a lighting, or two dozen bricks. He didn’t feel anything this powerful since the final battle with the King of Shadows. The evil feeling that emanated from the woman was absolutely inhuman – it was more like if a being born of pure evil was standing next to the litter, casually leaning on it.

That meant two things. While the woman didn’t need to be invincible, she was certainly very powerful.
And thoroughly evil, which meant she had to be stopped.

- Well, well, Paladin, you seem like if you’re about to pass out. Can’t blame you, guess Valsharess has this strong effect on people.
- What in Tyr’s name… did you ally yourself with ? This woman… isn’t human…
- Well, she’s drow. Pretty much the fucking paragon of all things Ilythiiri. And more.
- I will stop you !
- You don’t even know what I’m after. You didn’t even ask. How typical. Well, our Valsharess here says I’m supposed to blast you to oblivion, and in style. Apparently she did not like the fact that she had to patch her number one fighter up after our first battle.
- What do you want from Neverwinter ? Why are you so set against us that you would ally yourself with this…this fiend of a woman ?
- Now, now, that’s not nice, Casavir. You shouldn’t be jealous of how others look. There is one simple word to sum up all my motivation. Revenge. Neverwinter owed me a great deal and instead of paying that back, they attempted to take everything from me. And they pretty much succeeded, but they did not foresee that I’d be back when it’s payback time.
- You seem misguided. I’m sure that…
- You don’t know anything, you old coot. You’d never understand. You’re just a servant of this cursed god I hate so much… And of this cursed city I despise so much… I don’t care if you’re a friend of the man who bears the title I once had, but now… I will show you. You’ll see what power truly means. *Wer whedaus di wer thurkear, akuech sia mlaen !*

Casavir this time used Divine Might straight off the bat and closed the distance between himself and the warlock rather slowly, prepared to face whatever attack the warlock was just preparing. But then he realized that the invocation just used wasn’t an attack. Maenaz now had a ring of blackness surrounding his irises, and was obviously waiting for the first move, but, growing bored, he fired a quick blast against Casavir. The paladin dodged and, seeing an opening, immediately struck back. However, the warlock’s next movement was flawless, as he simply backed away the exact amount of space needed for the holy warrior to miss and countered with Enserric.
Only the paladin’s good reflex saved him from serious damage as he managed to block it, pain going through his damaged right hand. Maenaz kept dodging the paladin’s hammer until he managed to lock him in a clash.
- Compared to last time, you really DO suck.
- I am still able enough to defeat you.
- I do not think so. See, those eyes… I can see future now. And guess what I am seeing…

Casavir pushed him away and immediately cast Aid on himself. He had to be serious this time, and fully.
- Humor me.
- You. Dead.
- Thought so.
Maenaz jumped forward and blasted the paladin, who in turn charged straight through the attack and attempted to strike. The warlock blocked, but was pushed back and that was something Casavir would take advantage of. Hitting him with his shoulder in a charge, Casavir pushed Maenaz over, and he could only return the strike by blasting the paladin with his acid. Casavir didn’t have the time to react by shielding himself, but he did finally strike the warlock with his hammer – only a swiftly put block with Enserric saved Maenaz from having his ribs broken.
- You’ve taken a liking to crushing my bones…
- I don’t have such sadistic hobbies…
- I think you’ll learn that…
Maenaz started raising from his pushed-over position, Casavir being unable to keep him pinned to the ground.
- Underestimating ME is even worse than underestimating you… and my two hands are far stronger than your left hand.
Now on his knee, Maenaz quickly broke the connection and jumped backwards, firing a blast straight into Casavir’s body. The paladin shivered. He closed on their distance and repeatedly attacked once again, but Maenaz easily dodged most of the attacks and responded with swings of his own. Casavir blocked the strongest attack and they remained in the clash for a moment.
Maenaz done the unthinkable. His eyes started shining as they were enveloped in thick pale green mist, meaning he was about to use THAT attack when they were both in the range. He jumped back at the last moment to avoid the bulk of damage, while Casavir attempted to jump to the side and cover himself with his shield.
The damage to his body was minimal, but the shield was destroyed. Meaning he was left to fight two-handed style.
He had to use everything he had and just hope it will be enough this time. Maenaz really did seem more formidable this time around.
Casavir got up on his feet, and prepared to use the peak of his abilities.
One of them had to die today.


Xardas finally met his match. Pity it was only as far as a melee fight was concerned. The skeletal blackguard protecting the temple of a deity who has long since left it’s evil past behind.
Irony.
Both him and Mischa simultaneously discharged positive energy into the walking corpse, causing it to fall on it’s knee. Xardas wasted no time, chopping it’s skeletal head of and then reaping through it’s armor with his Silver Sword.
This blade was making things too easy for him at times.

He healed Mischa’s minor injury and they went further down. Of course, against the undead so far, Dorna’s usefulness paled in comparison to the paladin, but he didn’t really care – he wanted to vent out his frustration on those things, so the more were left to him, the better.

Passing by a beautiful altar with the statue of Jergal (again in his “dark” impersonation) they brought down another bunch of skeletons. Moving through the dark corridors, he realized fully the irony. All the beings here once worshipped Jergal as a deity, an evil one, made a temple, sacrificed many in his name…
And now, thousands of years later, these halls were still filled by dark spirits worshipping a mere shadow left behind by a deity that now was nothing else but an advisor and seneschal to yet another God of the Dead, leading a peaceful and orderly existence in the world of the dead he ruled no longer.
He supposed Kel-Garas merely clung to this past image of his god, and he himself wondered what he would do if his own deity suddenly changed it’s beliefs.
Because while it was extremely unprofitable to them, a betrayal of their worshippers, a risk of demotion…

They could do it. And they did. In the end, heroes were just over scaled humans, and many current deities were former “heroes”.
Xardas mentally berated himself for comparing his own being to a deity.
And, well… people changed beliefs too. Hurting their former deity in the process, especially if they were higher-ranking servants.


He finally saw his enemy. The mummified Kel-Garas, standing in a giant chamber filled with other undead.
Good riddance, taking them all down at once would definitely make his day better.
This time, he was the one charging, taking down the first two skeletons and making a big leap towards the mummy.
Bad move. It’s hand suddenly charged with negative energy, he got punched fiercely and he definitely felt that this wasn’t some minor spell.
How came he still possessed power of this level ?
Well, of course.
Jergal COULD still support an evil priest. Even an old, mummified corpse of his previous self’s cleric.
Why would he ?
No particular reason. Entertainment, probably.
He raised and destroyed another one of the corpses, while Mischa was taking revenge on the priest for befalling him a moment earlier.
Why the fierceness ? The brashness ? He could be pretty powerful, for all Gods’ sakes !
Why did she have to be so stubborn ?
The priest used Hammer of the Gods on the paladin, who withstood and proceeded to smash him with all her might. This had to hurt him – paladin abilities aren’t just for show. He started to cast another spell, but Dorna attempted to break his concentration. Instead, she herself was hit, and he recognized Hypothermia.
He was an annoyance, so Xardas charged him with full might, hacking and slashing with his sword. That’s what it was done for, right ? To destroy creatures whose souls belonged elsewhere, but they clung to our world.

Suddenly, he felt sick. And he could tell it wasn’t just the stench of the grave.
Corpses surrounded them and Xardas could tell they were infected by a spell. The skeletons took advantage of their weakness and proceeded to attack, while Kel-Garas used Battletide to make things easier for themselves and for him. He decided to take down Mischa first, and was definitely the winning one in the confrontation.
Xardas realized he made a mistake.
While he could play with nearly all opponents so far, he couldn’t guarantee his students will be safe if he keeps playing.
He released his Silver Sword into a Blade Storm, taking down skeleton after skeleton. He then cast another healing spell, this time directing it at Mischa, and moments later, reformed his sword in his hand.
- Pretty impressive, young human. I do recognize this blade as one made by Githyanki, and this specimen is truly marvelous. But it’s power isn’t endless, and you still haven’t mastered fighting with it. You will soon die and I will take your sword for myself.
- Why is it, Kel-Garas, that since I am fighting with the sword so much lately everyone thinks I consider myself a specialist in doing so ? You probably think I’m a ranger or some other sort of shit ? Well, no. I’m not just you’re a bit-over-average ranger who got his hands on some nice sword. I’m a spellcaster. Of fucking epic power. Let me show you.
A silver light appeared in Xardas’ hand, and he proceeded to fire it into the old mummy. The priest seemed to recognize it and braced himself, focusing to try and resist the spell.
- Moonbolt. Strategically correct, but this proves nothing.
- Hope this helps.

Xardas proceeded to cast yet another spell, this time putting the priest on fire. He proceeded to accumulating a powerful mass of positive energy in his hands and striking out against the cleric, nearly taking him down with his Heal spell.
Of course, the skeletons were still a problem.
He proceeded to ram the skeletons with his Blade Storm again, and finished the priest off by casting a Flame Strike.
Dorna raised an eyebrow.
- I expected you to do something more flashy after saying all this stuff.
- If I used too powerful spells, the temple would collapse. Besides, the trick is to use the right spells, not the strongest ones. Though I guess I could show you something more flashy without endangering all of us. Besides, the Heal spell is among the strongest positive energy spells.
- Heh. Experienced clerics of Berronar Truesilver or Sharindlar cast it like if it was nothing.
- I have no idea who about anyone in the dwarven pantheon, so stop pestering me. Besides, as I said, it’s about which powers you do use. Now, let’s get this rod of his and get out of here.
- Master, are you a druid ? I am pretty sure Moonbolt is a druidic spell. But, you don’t seem like one, and you never…
- I’ll explain everything once we’re done with this adventure, fine ? I do not like to talk about this with religious fanatics.
Mischa was visibly touched, a sight of shock appearing on her face. She lowered her gaze and took a step back.
- Sorry, Mischa. I had a bad day. Besides, you’re the nicest religious fanatic I’ve ever met. Casavir was too stiff.
- I… understand, Master. I suppose you always did say things about my divine powers that seemed somewhat… unorthodox.
- That’s my girl. Now let’s go.
Upon grabbing the rod, he felt something was terribly wrong. He could feel it clearly now – Kel-Garas’ soul, crawling within the rod, rotting in it. That’s why it’s purification was required to defeat the old mummy priest. Xardas was unsettled – of all people it had to be HIM who grabbed this thing, him, who could practically touch the thing’s soul.
He grabbed the more useful things from the corpses and the chests, and left the crypt.
Feeling that dreadful soul scream into his as he left.

Maenaz raised an eyebrow at the sight before him. Casavir’s eyelids were now covered by a thick shadow, his right hand erupted with blood and got surrounded by a golden gleam. The pupils of his eyes disappeared and they took a golden gleam as well.
What the hell was that ?
He’d never seen anything like this, but was pretty sure it was a divine spell – that much was unmistakable.
He heard Casavir’s prayer and then the Paladin took to reinforcing his Divine Might, and Maenaz felt it would be wise to try and stop him from doing that. He fired a blast of acid but, surprisingly, there was little effect – apparently the first, strange spell gave him some sort of elemental resistance.
- Die in the name of Tyr
- You’ll die in my name !

Casavir charged, and Maenaz immediately noticed that something has changed. He seemed more proficient with using his left hand now, something unexplainable by a simple spell.
The reinforced Divine Might was giving him shivers, as his dark foresight and his knowledge of magic both told him it was somehow stronger than before.
Maenaz blocked Casavir’s path with a wall of flames, but he easily charged through it. The warlock blocked the first attack and discharged a Beshadowed blast straight into the paladin’s abdomen, but it seemed to have little effect. Casavir headbutted the warlock, who was moments after pushed into defense after being mauled by his opponent’s hammer.
It seems he wasn’t the only one with an ace up his sleeve.
Valsharess jelled.
- He is a divine spellcaster ! This spell gives him a tiny bit of his deity’s essence for a limited amount of time !
Maenaz was deconcentrated for a moment and a well-placed strike pushed him to the ground. He rolled away and rose his eyes to meet those of the paladin, who now angrily charged again.
He felt this dark vitality flew through him. He couldn’t help using it instinctively.
There literally was Tyr in this man ? Even if just…
Even if just a small bit…
If he killed him now, would that mean…

Even a tiny wound dealt to this stupid god would give him an endless amount of satisfaction.
Maenaz felt the darkness inside the source of his power suddenly break loose, flooding outside, charging a blast with unfathomable speed. He fired it against the paladin, whose charge was stopped for a moment. And then, he repeated, causing him to back off just a little.
And more. More.
Maenaz felt his hand go numb from the dreadful power.
And then it came in it’s fullest, something literally burning his head and his eyes as he summoned the Eldritch Doom in it’s darkest, most deadly incarnation.
Casavir managed to avoid the incoming darkness just barely, avoiding the bulk of the damage. But the warlock was immediately upon him, slashing him, cutting him up and down. He felt the dark vitality as well as Enserric’s power heal his wounds, which he soon sustained again – fighting toe-to-toe with the paladin probably wasn’t the best idea he had in his life. Casavir grabbed him and thrown him further away, healing himself with his paladin ability and charged forward again.
Maenaz let go of Enserric and fired a Beshadowed Blast and the Utterdark Blast at once into the charging paladin. That only slowed him. The warlock grabbed his sword and tried to block Casavir’s attack, but to no avail – the strike was too powerful. He felt his body rebuilt from the heavy strike, courtesy of his fiendish power. Maenaz kicked Casavir causing him to fall over into a forming wall of flames, and thrust his hand forward, a rapidly-charged blast just barely dodged by the paladin who in turn struck him with his hammer.
It was changing more and more into a bloody brawl instead of a fight. Maenaz dodged another strike and attacked with Enserric, determined to take the paladin down while Tyr’s essence was still flowing through him.

The he felt his sense going overdrive, as he barely dodged a smiting attack that came from the paladin.
Damn those morality-based powers.
Casavir shoulder-tackled him, but he both foresaw this as well as was used to this strategy already. Firing an acidic cone, he was pretty sure this time Paladin would take some substantial damage.
He didn’t, and instead struck back.

Maenaz could feel his regeneration wouldn’t hold for much longer.
He prepared to bring Vitriolic Eldritch Doom out against the paladin, but then he noticed he couldn’t read what the paladin was about to do.
Dark Foresight has run out.
Just before firing his attack, Maenaz saw, in a quick flash, the paladin running straight at him, his hammer shining with a light that seemed sinister to the dark warlock…


--- --- --- --- ---

Kel-Garas was already waiting for him. Apparently, as long as the rod was intact, he could somehow restore his body – either that or he had a substitute somewhere.
Needless to say the ancient cleric seemed to have learned his lesson. This time, it seemed like he would rather talk than fight – though he did place a Blade Barrier to block the path to the altar.
A fail-safe, probably.
- Mortal ! You destroyed much of what I was able to do here. Tell me, do you really feel it is necessary to fight me and die, or perhaps will you be willing to spare me some time and… discuss ?
- First you’re trying to kill me and now you want to discuss ?
- When a mortal enters my domain, I usually assume that he wants to either rob me or destroy me. Understand that first of all I tried to protect myself and my… subordinates.
- Well, you were right ! We wanted to destroy you, and we still do ! Master Xardas, do not waste more time talking with this abomination ! We should…
- Mischa… it is your natural instinct to destroy things you perceive as evil without asking questions. Things can be done differently. There is often a more peaceful solution, not to mention that… He is old as hell. He may know something of interest to us.
- But Master !
- You should listen to your teacher, young Paladin. Really, I do not understand why do you bother with this kind…
- Who I bother with is none of your concern, and if you touch my comrades one more time, then the power I unleashed in your mausoleum will be just a pleasant dream compared to what I will do then.
-It’s fine… Nobody died, so nothing serious happened. Now, I would like to learn whom am I dealing with. You possess powers mostly associated with worshipers of the gods or nature… But you’re no druid, are you ?
- I am not. There is a certain similarity in my powers, but… You cannot say I am a druid.
- Then I understand you do not wholeheartedly believe in the natural order ? The fact that you’re talking to me makes me assume that you do not necessarily believe I am just an abomination that has to be destroyed.
- The point, Kel-Garas. The point.
- Very well. But could I first ask about your name, as you already know mine ?
- Why should I give you my name ?
- If we are to have a serious conversation…
- Master, I believe we simply should…
- Are all your apprentices that way ? Or is this one simply hard to discipline ? Anyway, as I was saying, if we are to talk seriously we shouldn’t keep secrets from each other. And I am what I am… A cleric of a deity, my age going in thousands of years. I am no mysterious entity whose powers would be tied to names.
- Fine… Xardas. Xardas Carolinger.
- Welcome then, Xardas. I greet you here, in the dead land of Kel-Garas, though as you can see, I am not completely dead.
- That’s only because Master is letting you live for the moment !
- I see nothing to gain by ruling the dead. Who would want to reign over a ravaged land ?
- You do not see the whole thing, though considering your miserable height, many details may have avoided your notice.
- Are you here to exchange comments with my disciples or for something else ?
- Well, as you know, I was once a mighty cleric in Netheril. Though I am sure the version the locals told you isn’t the whole truth.
- So, there are many versions now ?
- I was a cleric in a temple of Jergal, who by my time was among the most powerful of Gods. And I soon became elite among the clergy of this mighty being… But I wanted more. I wanted to absorb the power of the mages and rule Netheril. I made many experiments and I researched a way to increase both my status among the clergy and my power over the people. But to do this, I needed to become immortal. So I tied my soul to the very same rod you are holding right now.
- Why would you do that ?
- As long as the souls is away from the body, blessed and protected by Jergal, the death of the body won’t have any effect on it. However, the plan failed. My enemies managed to steal the rod and buried me under the ground. I couldn’t get out of there for many centuries, and once I did, I was free… but alone.
-The Netheril was gone.
- Exactly. My people along with their flying cities… Were gone.
- That’s pretty close to what the locals told me.
- Then they know more than I thought. But not everything. I decided to learn what caused the cataclysm that wiped my people from the surface of this world. What I learned was… something horrifying.
- And what exactly was that ?
- Not so fast. I told you part of my story, but my knowledge is worth a lot. It is your turn now. Tell me, is your power hereditary ? Did your father also show similar abilities ?

- If you have to know… I don’t know much about my parents. My mother, Esmerelle, was an adventurer and a servant of nature… My father ? I never knew my father. Never even heard a word about him. I suspect that he was a sorcerer, though, as I possess the blood of the dragons in my veins. Or maybe, he was simply a big nothing, not even worth mentioning.
- Oh, I see. So it was the lack of your parents that pushed you towards trying to find a better future. Yes, I can read you like an open book now. But continue, prove me wrong.
- It wasn’t something I thought of myself. It was because of my friends and upbringing I thought about this. When I started to gain my powers, it was pretty obvious to me how I should use them.
- In the end, the last push was provided by your sad past. You need not deny it.
- Maybe.
- So, to continue with my story… The leader of these people of the desert was possessed by an evil and mighty being, a Phaerimm, the ultimate anathema of Netheril. He granted them the power to destroy me, so I had to escape into my mausoleum once again. The magical protection it provided was enough to keep the Phaerimm away. I though I was stuck here for another millennium… But I managed to regain my powers, somehow.
- I was told the being was supposed to fight evil that you represented.
- Phaerimm only think about destroying anybody who uses magic, regardless of it’s type, it’s use, or the heart of the one who bears it. That makes then universally evil… And a danger to you, as well, if I may warn you. Isn’t it funny, though ? All those people thinking they were doing things for greater good… and they allied themselves with a being of inexplicable evil.
- IF Phaerimm are as you describe… It’s ironic indeed.
- Yes ! After all, irony is the noblest type of humor.
- But… how did you regain your powers ? As a cleric, your might should be drastically cut without your deity…
- I do not know. Maybe the rod gained more power over the years and now is able to fuel my abilities… Maybe it was the phaerimm whose power slipped and allowed me to regain mine… Or perhaps Jergal started to grow mighty again… I do not know.
- Jergal is currently a deity, but his stature is drastically different to what it was in your times, I believe. I wouldn’t even be surprised if this Jergal was an entirely another being.
- It is meaningless. I can cast many of the spells I was able to use in my life. Now, however, is the time for my other question. You left your home to pursue an adventuring carrier and you undoubtedly have a lot of experience. However, someone had to replace your parents and teach you. Was it a kind person ? Did you love your mentor ?
- I had a few mentors in my life, but Daeghun, my surrogate father… I suppose he did a good job at bringing me up. But… I always felt exactly this way. It seemed like to him it was just… a job.
- But not to you. You loved him. Like a son would love his father.
- I don’t know. He was simply too distant to consider this.
- Denial, again. We all love our mentors, even if our ways about it are different. I loved my mentor even as I pierced her heart with a dagger. It was the most glorious sacrifice I ever made.
- You’re… Disgusting ! – Mischa exclaimed. – Master, this… this thing… It deserves nothing if not oblivion !
- She is right, master. I doubt I could ever bring myself to hurt master Drogan... Or you.
- Maybe I am an abomination, a disgusting monster like you say…But unlike some, I never hid it behind a mask of righteousness. And perhaps your Master is just the type to hide it.
- I’m afraid not, priest. We’re totally different, regardless of what you think. And it begs a question – how we can resolve that difference ? Are you willing to stop your actions towards the Bedines in return for something ?
- I doubt it. I could strike a deal with you, however. Only of a different kind.
- I think I don’t want to hear about your infernal-like pacts. Unless…
- Master ?
- Do you know what this is ?
- Maybe. Seems familiar. If you’ll let me touch it, I would definitely recognize it, either through my divination abilities or by memory.
- If it seems familiar, wouldn’t it happen to come from Netheril ?
- Maybe. As I said, if you let me hold it…
- No, Kel-Garas. I’m not that stupid to hand something of Netheril descent to a Netherilian. Especially one such as you.
-So be it, Xardas Carolinger. I will take it from your dead hands… and then revive you to serve me among the other undead !

Kel-Garas immediately reanimated the corpses of two priests that probably died as a result of him trying to ride the place earlier, and Xardas knew that more undead might be coming in a second.
Still, no need to rush. He needed to have things under control. He started the fight by ensuring both him and his students can stand and fight longer, applying a Vigorous Cycle to them. Then he put one of the zombies on fire through Inferno and decided to aim for the big fish.
Kel-Garas already unleashed a wave of negative energy upon them, but there was no reason to be worried as his magic could heal up his students pretty nicely. He fired Flame Strike against the ancient cleric, deciding not to go for any kind of overkill.
- You’re powerful, young one… But you’re not powerful enough to defeat me by yourself. And you made a terrible mistake… You underestimated me.
- I don’t think I’m the one here who does the underestimating.

Kel-Garas cast a spell, but Xardas noticed no effect. Meaning it had to be something without an immediate effect… He fired a Moonbolt at one of the zombies, knocking it down, as Kel-Garas cast another spell.
No, not another.
It was the same one.
No immediate effect, he cast it two times…
Xardas turned around to see his two students standing in place, their eyes transfixed on something, slowly widening like…
In fear.
He heard of this type of spell, but was it this ?
- Mischa, Dorna, snap out of it ! Whatever you’re seeing, it isn’t real ! It’s just an…

This time he was Flame Struck, and fell to the ground. He heard something quite heavy fall on the floor.
One…
Exasperated breathing. No other sound.
Raising his eyes, he saw Dorna lying on the floor, apparently lifeless, and Mischa still standing up, gasping and desperately trying to draw a deep breath.
What the hell ? He started to feel anger, but…
WHY was there a twinge of relief that it was the dwarf, not the paladin, that fell ?
- Oh, I suppose I should have remembered that you paladins have a hard time falling down when you’re supposed to. I will just kill you in a more traditional way.
- You bastard, what did you do to Dorna ?
- I didn’t do anything… It’s your mind that created that thing you saw. She wasn’t conscious nor willful enough to stop it from becoming real for a moment, striking her down… Phantasmal Killer is such a wonderful spell at times.

Xardas rose to full height. He turned around and prepared to cast a spell. Play time was over.
- I will fucking obliterate you, bastard. You will regret ever making yourself immortal after I’m done with you.


Far away from Anauroch, a battle takes place as well…


Maenaz had trouble getting himself up. He was surprised any of his ribs held after this strike at all – the power was astounding. He could feel his regenerative power was close to running out, and looked up to confirm if the paladin was in a better condition.
He wasn’t.
The acid obviously damaged the armor thoroughly and burned off some of his skin. Both of his arms seemed to be in a pretty bad condition, but still not useless. However, Maenaz couldn’t help but notice that he failed.
The spell’s effect had simply run out. Tyr’s essence left the paladin’s body, leaving him for what he was.
A broken old man about to die.
- Shit. I hoped you would roll over and die with your pathetic’s deity piece still in you. Now I have to just finish what I started when I fought the pathetic old geezer you were for the first time.
- Do not… spew on Tyr’s name… and do not…
Casavir charged forward, still determined not to give up.
- Underestimate me !
- Bring it on, son of a bitch !

Maenaz dodged the first strike, and managed to block another. When they were struggling against each other, Maenaz started using the invocation.
- Wer whedaus di wer thurkear…
Casavir headbutted him, and kicked away, striking the warlock into the ground with his hammer. Still, it was far from enough to bring the younger man down. And things were just getting worse.
-… akuech sia mlaen !
Casavir brought his hammer down, but Maenaz rolled away just enough to dodge it. He fired a blast into the paladin, who just barely dodged. Getting up, he dodged another strike and engaged the paladin in melee. Only this time, he was holding the upper hand. After a few moments, he kicked the paladin away, and blasted him, the paladin hitting the troops fighting nearby. Maenaz decided it was time to finish him and brought Eldritch Doom down on the group, but Casavir darted out of there, barely getting hit. Still, the two duergars and three Greycloaks fighting there died immediately – not that it meant anything.
Maenaz knew he wouldn’t put up a wall of flames quickly enough, so he simply braced himself for the attack. At the right moment, he dodged, firing another blast into the paladin’s back. Then with a pirouette he cut the other man’s back, Enserric feeding on the warm blood and lifeforce that leaked out.
Casavir turned around and attacked again, but to no avail. Another blast was soon followed by a strike going through his chest. The paladin retorted with a punch of his right hand, but Maenaz kicked him away. Casavir landed on the ground and was immediately put on fire. Rolling away did not exactly help, as Maenaz called upon Eldritch Doom and struck the old paladin hard.

Casavir’s vision was becoming hazy. He could recognize that dreadful coldness, but he refused to let it grab hold of him… Not yet.
He jumped off the ground and rushed to the warlock. Maenaz easily blocked the first strike, but Casavir punched him again and then struck him with his hammer at last. Maenaz blasted his chest and returned the assault, thrusting his blade into Casavir. Paladin still attempted to fight and at the last moment shifted, so the blade struck next to his hipbone instead of central abdomen.
The holy warrior counterattacked, but his strength already nearly left him. Maenaz pulled Enserric out of the paladin’s body and backed off, dodging another few strikes, and blasted the paladin again, his body falling on the ground.
Despite the extensive injuries, accumulated fatigue Casavir refused to stop, using the last of his healing energy to keep himself alive. Maenaz moved too fast, though, and soon he felt Enserric’s bite a couple of times. He was no longer able to hit his opponent. Another blast send him onto the ground again.
- You’re no longer stubborn, now, you’re just being fucking annoying. Could you please die already ?
- I… will not simply give up, Maenaz. Never. That is a Paladin’s job. But I see you have a need to spit on me until the end.
- I’ve got no respect for Nasher’s dogs, no matter how brave or determined they seem… and that includes you.
- I pity you. You’re fighting for a wrong cause… and it’s a fight you’re set to lose. There were people more powerful than me in Xardas’ group, and if he returns just to battle you, you’re probably finished.
- This fight may have taken long, but I’m relatively unharmed. You’re practically dying on your feet. How can you still claim I can lose ?
- Because Xardas has motivation, spirit and determination unlike any I’ve ever seen, and if he is reunited with his other comrades, they will become invincible… even if you kill me here, in the end it may turn out your small victory is meaningless.
- I have Valsharess backing me up. And what is backing HER up… your feeble mind could not even begin to understand.
- Enough talking. This is…
Casavir raised to his feet, calling upon Divine Might one last time, and preparing to Smite his opponent.
- …My last stand as the guardian of the Crossroad Keep.
- Come. Death awaits.

Casavir charged one last time, raising his hammer, aiming for the head. Maenaz closed their distance too, but at the last moment, avoided the clash, dodging Casavir’s strike completely. The paladin took a strong blow right below the heart, and a moment later the sentient blade was wrenched out of his body as he started to lose consciousness altogether.
[“Sorry, Xardas… Elanee… Khelgar… Neeshka… Sand…I was unable to do it in the end… I’m coming, my…”]
Maenaz felt a dreadful chill go through his body as he summoned the Utterdark to power the paladin’s doom. The mighty blast consumed the holy warrior’s body for a moment, only to return it completely lifeless.

- Well, that was one hell of a show… You took your time, Maenaz.
- I told you, Sinvyl. He was no pushover, and that power he received from Tyr… I didn’t see that coming.
- If he was this strong, are you certain you can take on other leaders of Neverwinter ?
- Their “hero” is away. Even if he is able to match me, right now, he can do nothing.
- If you say so. Now, slaughter the rest of those pathetic humans. I want them out of my sight.
Maenaz simply nodded and left to get the job done.

Xardas unleashed a brilliant blast of light that exploded, destroying the zombies and dealing significant damage to the ancient priest. Kel-Garas backed off, recognizing the young person as a real threat. More undead rushed into the temple, but Xardas finished them with another Sunburst. The mummy used Hypothermia and prepared another negative energy spell, but the “Kalach-cha” simply shrugged it off and cast another spell of his own.
A powerful wind came into the temple and quickly focused around the silhouette of the Harborman, and through it immediately flew electricity. Lighting crackled from Xardas’ eyes as well as his blade, and while Kel-Garas braced himself for the attack, it came far quicker than he anticipated. The lightning blade came down quickly and efficiently, hacking the priest’s nearly to pieces in a moments notice. Kel-Garas still managed to get an Inflict Wounds spell through, but it was countered and overpowered by Xardas’ Heal. The great speed and power of the Harborman’s attacks completely overpowered the ancient priest and soon, his corporeal form was utterly defeated, in pieces which were in turn fried by the lightning surrounding the Kalach-cha.

Xardas grabbed the Rod of Blight and rushed towards the now unprotected altar, the dark soul inside the rod now attacking his thoughts.
[“Don’t do it ! Just think of all the things we could accomplish together. Together, we would be invincible, and I would grant you immortality just like I had obtained ! This thing you possess… it’s potential power is immeasurable !”]
[“I would never, never, ever ally myself with the likes of you. I plan on sending you to your deity posthaste. We shall see if you will be judged as a Believer, a False… or a Faithless. “]
[“ I refuse to die ! If that’s your answer, I’ll take over your body and…”]
Xardas felt that the soul attempted to make true it’s threat, but was able to quite easily defend himself from this assault. He got to the altar, and placed the rod onto it, asking Lathander to purge the taint of evil that was in his temple.
The deity heard the prayer, and a gentle light enveloped the whole temple. The rod was literally burned to ashes, a dreadful screech unleashed as the ancient priest’s soul left for the Other World.
Xardas rushed over to Dorna.

Dead, of course.
He got his student killed once again.
Was it that he placed too much faith in their abilities, and in his own ? Or was it that he was too prone to underestimating the deadly powers of others ? Did he simply believe things would work out ?
Xardas was tired of acting mysterious in front of his new friends and apprentices, and cocky in front of his enemies. He did not wish to hide who he was, or what was his power, anymore.
So he touched Dorna’s forehead and invoked the power. Calling over to her departing spirit, he found it, and pulled it back before it ever reached the City of Souls.
Dorna’s eyes reopened, and she was in quite a shock to see Mischa run over to her and hug her… because she was alive again. Without actual consent on her part, Master Xardas just… pulled her back.
And it seemed like he totally kicked the crap out of a bunch of undead.
This man would never cease to amaze them, it seemed.
- So, when we will reach the place where this… Garrick is, we will have a serious talk. And perhaps this will be the end of our adventure.
He helped Dorna get up before saying this, turned away, and left the temple.

--- --- --- --- ---

Maenaz was lying in his bath, considering about how to lure the Neverwinter Nine to the front… and who the hell this Xardas’ guy was. If what Casavir said was true, he could be stronger than he was, and apparently, at least at his Crossroad Keep, people had no objection whatsoever to call him the Hero of Neverwinter.
A title that was, of course, rightfully his.
Only that he denounced it in favor of becoming one of the greatest menaces Neverwinter has faced in past centuries, and calling himself “Nasher’s Nightmare” even though he had no idea of Lord Nasher’s current opinion of him or what he would do once he learned of his deeds.
He might as well be confident that his stupid “champions” would take him down.
Well, Nasher always was an idiot.
Perhaps he’d gotten more so recently.
He got out and wrapped himself in a towel, going into his room.
- I’ve never seen a drow fighter fight like he did. Neither did I ever see you putting so much power and effort just to kill one man. I’ve never sensed such a murderous intent in you before.
- You know, Valsharess, I wonder, what is the point of your commanders having separate rooms with doors if you can simply enter them whenever you want.
- It’s perfectly logical. With this, I can do whatever I want with them in private. Or I can listen to their private conversations, or when they talk to themselves. Also when two of them meet I can intervene if I sense a possibility of betrayal.
- …
- Don’t be ashamed, it’s not like I haven’t seen anything you may be hiding under those clothes.
- What’s the point ?
- Well, for me, you can go around naked, I don’t really mind.
- I meant the point of your visit.
- Oh, that. Pity, it’s a bit more grim. Well… Did you learn anything as you chatted with this Casavir ? And what exactly killing him meant to you ? Last but not least… What was he ? He could use divine spells, sure, but I have only since such combination of combat ability and those spells in one person, and that’s Ilivarra. He was actually better than her, as it seemed. And he got one heck of a magical armory on himself.
Maenaz paused. Well, sure. She may want to know, it seemed fair. But for what purpose ?
- Not much, really. He was just running around screaming how he’s gonna kill me in the name of his God. And later he started claiming that his boss and his friends will kick our butts, and if this “Xardas”, the leader of the group they formed, is reunited with the rest of their companions, they’re invincible. Pretty much stupid paladin bullshit again.

Valsharess walked over and sat down next to him.
- Paladin ?
- Paladins are stuck-up assholes with combat abilities who get showered by some of the surface’ gods with gifts, graces and powers in return for becoming mindless servants with no creativity, free will or personal ambition whatsoever. Those who reach Casavir’s level are usually either the most exceptional of them, with their own personality and a noble… Umm… high-placed goal or the most stuck up of them all who managed to get into their deity’s good graces through mindless devotion.
- I see. You seem to hold them in contempt… But why did you want to kill this man so much. I’ve never seen you burned up like this.
- I don’t know what you’re talking about. He just…
Sinvyl leaned closer, giving him that penetrating, skeptical and perceptive look that she seemingly reserved for her commanders… and mostly for him.
It sometimes made his heart race.
- I… guess there was something special about that kill, wasn’t it ?
- Hmmm…
- He was a servant of Neverwinter, and a companion of the man who usurped the debt that this city owes me. Moreover, he served a god that I learned to despise, and… he even summoned a tiny bit of that deity’s essence to fight me. I really wanted to kill him while he had that deity’s essence…
- Because it would be really stimulating to know that you destroyed a bit of something you hate so much, but is normally out of your reach.
- I…
Valsharess pushed him over onto the edge of the bed, bringing her face up close.
- That’s so hot…
- Sinvyl ?
She locked his lips in a kiss, a bit gentler than the last time. Still, he felt like it wasn’t exactly him who controlled the act. He felt the warmth that radiated from her body and the softness that couldn’t be fully hid by the armor.
Well, damn right. That was hot.
- But, with time, Maenaz… as long as you’re with me, there will be nothing out of our reach. And this time is already approaching us…
This time Maenaz silenced her with a kiss and quickly got to opening up her armor and getting her. He realized just how much he wanted this and his aggressive side quickly took him over. He threw the breastpiece of her armor away and ripped what little clothing was under it.
- My, my, aren’t we impatient…
These freaking arm and leg pieces… Why the hell was she wearing the thing anyway, it just got in the way !
He started to literally rip the armor and clothing off her quickly, brutally, just to get down on the act as fast as possible. He rolled her over to make it easier, and tugged off her pants, which would be a waste to rip as they seemed to have the magical enhancement like the rest of her battle armor. His hands went both ways of exploring her body, his left going south to meet her already wet lips, and his right going upwards to tease these wonderful firm breasts of hers.
- It seems like you’d like it rough today.
- And look who’s talking.
- I’m complaining because if I can’t tease you, you won’t go mad with desire and I might end up feeling unwanted.
- If that’s your only worry, I guess we can take care of that…
He bit her neck slightly, and started to move his left hand more. She was quite soaked already, it seemed. It didn’t feel like she was exactly wanting to bother with any foreplay either.
- I’m not sure you actually… realize how deep this need runs… I’ll prefer you going…
- Well, I’ll show you how mad I can be !
He shifted and placed his cock at her entrance, teasing her for just a moment before he plunged in. Tight and hot as always, he barely had enough patience to give her a moment to adjust. Then, he started thrusting rapidly. In this position, there was the added sensation of his balls slapping against her lips, making the act seem even rougher. It all seemed perfect – she was just under him, wet and tight and wanting, a lustful look on her face, her body visible because of the slight illumination of the room.
It was slightly covered by sweat which made it glisten slightly despite the very dark complexion. The proud and powerful Queen of the Drow could, for a time, change into the most fuckable woman in the world, it seemed, as he had problems whether to focus on her beautiful face, with her full lips now gasping and twitching because of the sensations, or on her feminine hourglass body that seemed both athletic and delicate enough to barely be able to hold his weight… and what he was doing to her.
- Carn’renor, you’re not on a battlefield, but in a woman’s hole, for Lloth’s sake…You should just give me…
He shifted his left hand to go between them and down onto her lips, stimulating her clit further.
- FFFUCCK ! Don’t stop !
- I can’t stop and you know it !
Her pussy got even more moist as her walls became slightly less tight, apparently accustomed to his size now. Maenaz pulled in a bit and returned with renewed vigor, pumping into her like if under magical compulsion.
- To hell with adjusting ! Harder !
She received what she was asking for, obviously, as the young warlock decided to let himself go loose on her body, grabbing her breasts and pinching her left nipple. Her *lower* lips tugged and pulled on his length every time he moved as her *upper* lips bit slightly into his shoulder to stop a moan. As her teeth sung into his flesh just barely, his body shook from the sudden sensation, which for her translated as an even stronger thrust. Her lips parting and
moving away from his body, she whispered.

- It’s all good and so on, but…
A single moan escaped both of their lips, interrupting her sentence.
- I’d say it’s slightly backwards…
She wrapped her legs around his waist, pulling him deeper and throwing him off balance for a moment, as she shifted their positions by quickly rolling over, with her now being on top and him on the bottom. She proceeded to ride him, her hips rolling and thrusting into his as her breath became labored. He run his hands over her flat stomach and onto her wonderful globes, slightly squeezing them, and gasped as she picked up the pace. But then, he realized something.
- Oh, no… Nonononono… Not you and the crazy ideas you get in this position again !
- Last time, you seemed to en…

He grabbed her wrists and rolled her over again, with them landing asymmetrically in the sheets again, but she did not want to break the act, so she wrapped her legs tighter and quickly shifted her hips to get him deeper once again, then slightly pulled him out, and started to try and climb on top again.
- Sinvyl, I am not about to let you…
- Why are you being so stubborn !
- You’re the one who is being stubborn ! Lie down and let me…
- I’ll make it special for you, I promise !
- I already know your idea of special, and not today, you damn tease !
He pushed her under himself again, and returned to thrusting into her. She tried to wriggle out of the position but the sensation coming from her folds got to her again.
- Arghh… Fuck ! I told you not to make a battlefield out of this !
- You’re the one who started !
- I dislike being on bottom, fine ?
- I am not letting you tease the life out of me again, fine ?
- You damn stuck-up…
They started to practically wrestle while she still attempted to hold him inside her, their position on the bed changing slightly a couple of times before they finally made a spectacular fall on the floor.
Valsharess felt he almost slipped out and now they were both laying on the side, with him actually behind her, so she arched her back like a cat and pushed her butt into his abdomen to draw him deeper into her entrance. He responded by bucking his hips forward again and snaking a hand around her waist as he returned to trusting inside her.
- Ouch.
- You decided what the floors will be made of.
- Anyway, I guess…
- This is…
- Fine for the moment ?
- Yeah.

They shared a sideway kiss as they returned to their lovemaking. Maenaz couldn’t help but enjoy the brush of skin and the feeling of softness that came when he pushed fully inside her and his groin went between her buttocks. On the other hand, his arm sneaked around her waist could precisely feel her muscles shifting and tensing under his touch as he pumped into her.
Last but most importantly, he was amazed at how wet, tight and warm her insides were. She claimed not to have many men but was definitely quite some time after losing her virginity, and it seemed almost supernatural that she retained these qualities to that extent.
That, or elven females worked differently in that regard. Or perhaps drow males were just not endowed enough ? He didn’t think so, otherwise drow females would probably take less lovers during their long lives, limiting sex mostly to procreation.
She run her hand through his hair as she moaned softly, feeling her orgasm slowly approaching her but not exactly being anxious to get there yet. She rolled her hips one last time as she slowly sneaked out of his grapple and moved towards the mirror and the desk, standing before them, putting her arms on the desks, spreading her legs and arching her back so her butt was provocatively pointed towards him.

He did not need another invitation as he practically dashed towards her, placing his hands on her hips as his pointing member sought entrance into her warm folds again. She grabbed it and directed it to help him and in a moment they were joined again, only this time, he could see anything he wanted – the way his dick disappeared between her lips, her ripe buttocks, the excellent curves of her figure, the quite toned muscles of her back and on her abdomen… but when looking in the mirror and seeing them, what more caught his gaze were her two wonderful breasts.
It all seemed so fucking delicious he didn’t exactly know what to grab, and Valsharess was getting impatient, already pushing her pelvis against his. So, he settled for grabbing the smooth globes of her ass for a moment as he started to pick up his pace, Valsharess making her satisfaction clear with a low groan.
Maenaz rocked his hips into hers faster and faster, thrust after thrust as he could feel her get wetter, her body trembling slightly under his touch, her beautiful skin now clearly shining with sweat and this sexy mixture of both soft and more primal moans escaping her throat. He knew that all the visual and physical stimulation was too much for him and could feel himself getting close to an orgasm, but he did not know exactly how close she was and he desired to give her release first. Maenaz shifted his hands so that one grabbed her left breast and the other snaked down her abdomen and onto her sweet spot, starting to stimulate her further.
- Oh fuck… fuck…Ussta M'ranndii…belbau… g… give it to me… more !

He couldn’t resist the urge and as he plunged deep into her he started to gently nimble on her neck.
- You’re enjoying this, aren’t you ? The feeling of my body, the way my dajjin'sl pulls on your cock… You like it, right ?
- Sinvyl…
- Fuck me ! Make me cum… all over that dick…
He couldn’t help but feel his balls getting full and his need for release rise as he begin to thrust into her as hard as he could, eliciting loud groans as she was getting closer and closer to finishing herself. Her pussy started to practically strangle his cock as she quivered expectantly, being nearly there but not exactly as close as he was. He realized that indeed this was turning into a desperate try to withhold himself from and orgasm and to give her one before instead, one he was simply doomed to loose as the raw act of copulating with this Empress was turning him on too much and the pleasure was getting simply too much exquisite. He guessed he would get more used to it in time, but right now, the problem was present.
He desperately wanted to fill her womb up with his warm seed and to feel the release, but he knew that this would ruin the whole thing if he simply came leaving her unfulfilled. Regardless, he pushed in and pulled out vigorously, his self-control wavering and tensing to stop himself from coming as that magnificent cunt sucked him deeper and deeper between her warm and soaked walls. Valsharess’ loin was beginning to pulse and get hotter and he could recognize the gasps she was making as being on the precipice, but he was about to shoot his load, so he would have to get things done the other way.

She whimpered as he pulled out, grabbed her hips and thighs, pulled her a bit away from the desk and into the air as he brought her sex close to his mouth and started lavishing it. She groaned with satisfaction as she could feel her orgasm re-approaching.
- I’m not too heavy for this ?
Chuckling into her pussy, which served as quite a stimulation, he pulled his tongue out for her just for a moment to whisper.
- You’re perfect.

Valsharess could definitely feel the heat in her loins building up as she shifted and was face to face with his glistening hard cock. Realizing his intention and going by instinct, she decided to give him the much needed release as she opened her mouth and swallowed his cock hungrily, greedily. Her lips were going up and down on it, sucking and coaxing his member as he licked her up clean and brought her to the very edge of her orgasm.
She pulled him deep inside her throat, moaning slightly and she sucked on it strongly as she pulled out, her hand playing with his shaft as she felt his cock twitch. She lapped on him hungrily, practically milking him as she sucked the seed out of his cock as he started to come, coaxing into giving him more than her mouth could possibly hold. A dribble of it came down her cheek as she started swallowing it all, reveling in the feeling she gave him as well as in the sensation of her own crotch melting as she nearly blacked out losing her breath for a moment, spraying her own love juices onto his face.
He carried her onto the bed where he laid her only to crawl out next to her. He wiped the last of his semen off her cheek and she took the finger into her mouth, sucking on it gently with a content smile on her face.
- I guess your endurance is building up… I was nearly there from just your first time. And nice show of creativity out there.
- You were simply too sexy, I couldn’t take it anymore.
- I guess doing it from behind AND in front of a mirror was a bit too provocative. Still… I may want more from you in the following days.
- My pleasure.
She chuckled.
- Valsharess, it’s just…
- Hmmm ?
- You sometimes break into Drow as we…
- Oh, yes. Guess I cannot help it, it seems more natural to say it that way. But, you have learned Drow, haven’t you ?
- I understand the gist of what you’re saying, but some of these words…

She shifted, putting her leg around him, her face close to his and looking him deep into the eyes. Again, that look. That inspecting look which always laid bare both her insight and her curiosity about his feelings or thoughts.
- “Ussta M'ranndii” ?
- Yes. That one.
She kissed him and pulled herself closer, putting her head onto his chest.
- I called you my mate. The other words… Mostly obscenities and dirty talk.
- I guess…
- Don’t say anything. Such talks make us look weak.
- And now ?
- The cozy stuff. Zhlaass. V’dri.
[”Yes, the cozy stuff. Relax. And…” ]
Well, it seemed like even the great, proud, perfect and ruthless Valsharess liked to sleep alongside her… Mate… after doing the deed.


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