Hello everyone ! I really hoped I would manage to format this chapter in the last two days, but I ended up being busy on Friday, and yesterday...

Well, It's a birthday update ! 26 June, Saturday, i wasted all day on my stupid birthday "little thingies" because there wasn't even a party...

Still, I stayed late to the night and formatted this, so now I can upload ! This chapter contains little action, no "action" (meaning the bed type), but a whole lot of new information and a couple new characters ! I just needed to get back into the story somehow and start the new arc...


And this arc is a lead-up to a couple of very important meetings in the life of out "heroes", or more accurately, hero and the villain, since Maenaz is, for a time at least, the bad guy, and I mean it. This guy forces me to change the story to "Adult++" ranking, since I want to be safe and sound. You thought Maenaz was a jerk so far ? Well, he gets worse ! He will continue to get worse and worse until a certain event happens, as I promised. And until then ? Happy carnage, happy sex & swinging, and some pseudo - conscience attacks that will slowly start to die out.


And Xardas is a bastard as well, as we find out. Because he messes with women. Xardas is in ways more badass than Maenaz, but you'll be seeing only later in the story how easy it is for him to have a sex life. Poor Nazzy !

So, without further bullshitting (unless you want me to keep talking bullshit. I can provide sufficiently "coded' spoilers if there is demand) the reincarnation of the story "A heart shrouded by darkness", chapter 13 !!!!!!


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Chapter XXIII
A Corrupted Mind II :
The Infernal Pact

Xardas pulled up his disturbingly heavy eyelids and looked around catiously.
Well, this definitely wasn’t a top-class inn, and in fact he was sure that the place he was in still belonged to the ancient Netheril.
And on all the Planes, he was surrounded by lizardmen.
Those were not like the ones he met on his familiar swamps, but he was sure there were as many kinds of scaled humanoids as there were mammalian ones – those were probably adjusted to living in the desert, or underground. He never met Asabi before traveling through Anauroch, but in his mind he instinctively regarded them simply as lizardmen like any other.
Looking around, he searched for Mischa. She was… fine. If unconscious.
He slowly remembered how idiotic the situation in which he allowed himself to be petrified, without as much as an attempt at defense, was.
So, he had sex with his student. And while on an official leave from both Neverwinter and his theoretical girlfriend.
Brilliant. He heard about females feeling like worthless sluts after giving away their virginity, but never of males who had emotional breakdowns due to taking away the before mentioned virginity of a young female.
So, he was a special case.
Elanee will kill him. In fact, if she tells Neeshka, he will be dead twice.
On the bright side, this should teach him to think with the right head.
Or maybe it won’t. There was a possibility Mischa was the right woman for him, right ?
[“ No, there is not. Who are you trying to fool, Xardas ? You just had an itch you wanted to scratch, and you did not think straight as soon as the girl threw herself at you. Now you regret it.
Nothing to be proud of. You will hurt her in the end. And Elanee. And… whoever you will end up with. This… sucks. I wish I didn’t act on impulse, but how can I regret what happened ? How can I blame HER ?”]


He had no time to ponder it, as the leader of the Asabi approached him and immediately explained the situation he was in.
It was just getting better. Now, apparently, he became a slave to a reptile. And he was to run around the Netheril ruins doing his bidding instead of trying to stop Heurodis
Well, he had to bear with it, for the time being.


Before Samael addressed him once again, his presence was fully noticed by the three beings that entered the chamber. The “old woman” spoke first.
- Who is this mortal, Lord Samael ? How did he get here ?
- Oh, let me introduce our guest. This man is Maenaz Carn’renor, a mortal I hope I shall be joining forces with soon.
The pale busty fiend interrupted. Her voice was slightly raspy, but surprisingly feminine, even sensual.
- It’s an interesting phrase you used, Master. “Joining forces” ?
- Oh, Maenaz is quite the amazing specimen of his race. I do believe additional… motivation is needed to secure his services. And I fully intend to provide it.
- What sort of… “motivation” are we talking about ?
- That’s what I am about to ascertain. And you’re all interrupting.
Maenaz decided it was the right moment to speak out. He was slightly… intimidated to do so earlier.
Because he just saw a fight between a member of this so-called Nefarious Seven and their very leader. And if all these creatures were at that level…
Well, currently, he would be screwed. Fighting against one of them would almost surely end in his defeat, especially since he did not believe he could count on help from Samael, or anyone else for the matter. Even if he could stand up to one of them, there was a whole army of fiends in here. And Samael’s full power was still a mystery. He would have to speak cautiously.
- So, am I to believe you want to… bargain with me ? Like we were equals ? More so, I am to believe that you will hold up your end of the bargain ?


[“ Oh great. That sounded mild and very cautious, did it not ?” ]

The snake-like winged creature finally spoke out. It’s voice was… everything he expected it to be. It looked like a freaking snake for crying out loud !
- Interessting. Thiss one either hass gutss or iss a fool. I wonder which one, Masster ?

Samael almost chuckled.
- Oh, I do hope he has guts, Hebiriel. In fact, I’m nearly sure of it, based on what I’ve seen so far. Yes, Maenaz. I do intend to make a deal, though I have higher hopes for you than simple… employment.
- What makes you think I’m interested in working with you ? And how could I trust you after… Well, our previous “deal” ?
- You know the answer. It is pretty simple. Revenge. And I am talking about the one your mostly interested in.
- I’m all ears.
- Well, for starters, I need to re-assemble my Nefarious Seven. While I currently have no one to fill in the two missing spots, there is one person I need back within its ranks and this is the priority. You may help in bringing him back, if you so desire. Afterwards, the deal is pretty easy, and quite fair, I think. I provide you with a base of operations here, in the Gate of Vipers, where your Neverwinter could never reach you. In return, you run special errands for me. While you do so, I can attempt to use my spies and the connection my cultists have to get intelligence on Neverwinter, giving you a chance to strike and supporting you when you do so. As much as possible, we shall keep this on one after another basis. Meaning, unlike Valsharess, I won’t be accumulating a ridiculous debt while giving nothing in return. And neither will you.
- This actually sounds like a good offer. I would probably take it, in other circumstances.
- And what about the current circumstances is not to your liking ?
- Well, you’re a fiend. I pretty know what to expect. Somewhere along the line while explaining your plan you forgot to mention how you stab me in the back or corrupt my soul or make me open an ancient gate between this world and mine which brings about Apocalypse and destroys Toril. In sort, you think I’ll believe you have no secret agenda in all this.
- Well, did I not mention you’ll be running errands for me ?
- What sort of errands ? Damning mortals, or just killing somebody ? And those errands don’t actually lead to a bigger plan to conquer the world or something ?
Samael went silent. He seemed… Displeased. That left room for the other members of the Seven to voice their own opinions.
This time, the large feminine fiend was the first.
- I believe he is strongly prejudiced, Master. Or paranoid… Overly cautious.
- I think we should just force him to do whatever job you want him to, Lord Samael – the fiendish crone added. – It’s not like we have to give him anything in this situation, anyway.
It appeared, however, that Samael’s displeasure was connected to something else, as he was still silent when the snake creature, called Hebiriel, spoke out.
- Well, he hass an intellect… He did forressee that his “errandsss” would be used towardss a greater end… I ssay he might turn out valuable…
He could barely believe it, but he was almost grateful to the snake-like creature. At least one voice on his side in this. He didn’t want to admit but the females in the room somehow… creeped him out. Well, one was a hag with no femininity whatsoever despite clearly being a woman and the other was some weird crossing between a living nightmare, an overly curvy and very attractive female and a mass of pure fat. Although nothing in this room spoke in a manner that would invite trust, himself included, he somehow felt more inclined to trust the snake despite it’s obviously dark nature than any of the females.

- Actually, Maenaz is a supreme specimen of human kind, and his value to our cause would be great had he agreed to my terms… even more so if we could actually convert him. Very well, Maenaz. It is true I am quite interested in your soul, although in a less horror themed, devilish way you would expect. And if that makes you more comfortable, we can have all cards on the table, if you worry about your immortal spirit so. Let me add another part to the deal, if it will make you more comfortable. After Morax returns and after you we make this… “exchange” once I’ll give you an offer with your soul included as part of a contract. All written down and ready to sign. In such a case, unless you become a worshipper of mine, which will be entirely up to you, the only way I will obtain your soul is when the contract will be fulfilled, and I assure you it won’t be anything you can simply… do by an accident.
- And what sort of missions will you intend to give me ?
- Well, if it’s in the Spheres, the most often mission will be probably to fight in the battles of the Blood War that my forces sometimes partake in as mercenaries… If it’s in your world, it shall most often include either thwarting plans of certain deities I would rather oppose or fulfilling parts of my… greater plan. One you will surely learn more about as we establish… a bit more trust… in our relations.
- And you intend to help me with my vengeance in return ?
- Yes. Quarter, supplies, forces for operations and even, if you’re interested in it, additional powers and “special” services provided.
- Well, that begins to sound even better than what Valsharess offered. Except I have no idea if you fulfill all this. And, well, I made a mistake by trusting a drow. I will not do the same with a fiend.
- Oh, this could be changed. The initial mistrust only puts you in a safer position and makes you come off as smarter. And I will hold to my part of the bargain. An exceptional mortal being of your magnitude, Maenaz, is almost as needed in my army as you need help with your revenge. And, as I promised… no harm will come to you. Unless you’re willing to get harmed in order to accomplish your vengeance, that is.

Maenaz closed his eyes and licked his lips nervously.
This was insane. He couldn’t be considering this.
But on all the Lower Planes, all it took was for him to remember the twisted, tortured and then transformed face of his so-far only true love to immediately think of the offer as one worth consideration.
The deva and the paladins were right. He was fucking evil. He was ready to consort with fiends and do their dark bidding in return for a shot at taking revenge at Neverwinter – hell, he was seemed ready to murder innocents if it could further his chances of hurting… no, destroying Neverwinter !
He slowly lifted his eyelids and looked straight into Samael’s eyes.
Of course. The archdevil could probably twist men of far higher moral standards than him into twisted villains with his well-thought words, darkly tempting offers and “thou-shalt-be-malicious” aura of making people worse by mere presence.
Could he blame himself ? Nasher did all this. The people of Neverwinter did all this.
Perhaps he only saved their assess to bathe in their blood later. Perhaps he was never meant to be the hero. Perhaps this was his true calling.
But there were too many maybes. Too many doubts.
He sighed and decided it was time to make a decision.

Xardas kept the count of the number of “guardian golems” he already destroyed, and he figured that this was probably the last one – Ashtara spoke about ten golems and he already finished nine, and, well, he had another one in front of himself.
Flame Striking the golem, he moved in to finish it off together with Mischa. In just a moment’s delay, the golem was heavily damaged from their combined attacks, and Xardas decided to finish the creature off by calling a storm of lighting.
This was indeed too much for the golem, which nearly shattered into electrically charged pieces.
Xardas was slowly content to use more and more powerful spells in battle, and he knew part of him was hoping it would scare Mischa away. Or at least postpone the attempt at the incoming far-too-late pillow talk.
Shit. There was no way a paladin would just want a one-night stand, right ?
Well, if it was Sune’s paladin, maybe. But not Mystra’s. Oh no, Mystra was the super-matriarchal based deity in matters of family. She’d get the guy and as many of his kinds as she wanted despite flowing rumours of her having one-night stands with one of her Chosen. She’d step so low as to possess the man’s wife in order to reproduce.
Mix that screwed up feminism with paladinhood and you could tell he was… well, in a situation that could not exactly be envied.
And here she was, his imperfect, complicated blonde paladin girl, opening those pretty mouth of hers and starting an overly complicated discussion in which he would end up hurting her or angering her.

Crying women or angry women ? Which ones were worse ?
- You… have been awfully quiet, Master.
- Xardas. I told you to simply call me Xardas.
- Then… Xardas. Is something wrong ? Is it about Heurodis, or about… what happened… you know…
- Between us ?
- Yes.
- We allowed ourselves to drop our guards for a moment… did something impulsive… and may have ended up being stones for all eternity and allowing a medusa sorceress to change the face of Faerun for centuries to come. Surely, having second thoughts about this is understandable.
- You mean… Oh, I understand. You think we should have waited with this, right ? It was just a bad moment to indulge ourselves, wasn’t it ?
- No, Mischa. I mean we probably should have never done it at all.
- I… I don’t think I understand.
- Look, we’re… different. I am older than you, but our lifespans will end up wastly different. If we both die of old age, I’ll outlive you by far. What’s far more possible is that one of us dies in battle, and believe me, death can be quite cruel in whom it chooses to take. Moreso, I am your teacher. I should have never allowed myself to think of you in such a way…
- No ! I am a woman before being your student ! I do not believe you regret doing what we did ! You’re overrationalizing things ! Trying to do everything logically instead of following your heart !
- You’re quite wrong. I am not that type. What we did was… wrong. Inappropriate.
- Xardas, I… have feelings for you. I don’t want… the hardships of our current situation, or our quite former in my mind relationship of a teacher and a student to cloud the issue ! I don’t want to be denied a chance to always stand by your side ! If… if you ever want to have a woman in your life… I want this to be me !

Fuck. There it was. The *issue*. One of the two big issues that he had with this whole thing.
[“ Should I say I’m into men ? But, that… I’m not sure I could say such a thing… Damn it, Xardas, you pounded the living hells out of her a few days ago and you acted all like “I’m experienced in sex with women” and now you intend to lie because you cannot tell her about Elanee ?”]
- Ma… Xardas ??
- There’s something I failed to tell you… I should have and I regret I didn’t, really…
- What’s so scary about that secret ?
- You see… back in Neverwinter… I… I already have someone who’s waiting for me.

Mischa’s eyes suddenly darted wide, her mouth opening slightly. She was about to say something, but her voice didn’t come out.
[“ Gods, anything but the suicide-threats and running-away-nowhere-to-be-found types !”]

Mischa lowered her head. Her voice sounded somewhat… Shaky.
- You mean… You have a woman in Neverwinter ?
- It’s… complicated. But yes. I can say I am… in a romantic relationship with one of my companions from Neverwinter.


[“Ok. Here it comes. The reaction. “]

- It’s… I don’t believe it. You’re lying !
[“ Denial. Rejection of facts. Well, women are good with that.” ]
- And why would I lie ?
- You’re just trying to discourage me ! You’re still going with your useless gut feeling that you shouldn’t have done that ! Well, I’m glad we did ! Why don’t you think the same ?
- It is not a lie. Back in the lands of Nasher, a woman named Elanee, an elven druid, is awaiting my return. We’re not engaged or anything, but I think this may be the woman I want to be with.
- But… but I…
- I am sorry. I should have told you sooner, and it’s my fault. I shouldn’t have let this all happen. I… got carried away.
Mischa went a bit teary eyed, her teeth starting to grit as she drilled into him with a glare. She clenched her fists and made a single sob before running at him and starting to hit his chest, arms, shoulders and even neck with her fists.
[“So, she’s the type that gets furious and needs to burn it out. Better than crying, but… I wish I could do more than let her unleash her frustration.”]
- How could you ! What were you thinking ! Ghhrrrraaaaarhhh !!! I gave my… my first time… nghhh… to you, you bastard !! How could you… failed to mention ! Damn it, how could you not tell me !!! How could… that you…
She slipped onto her knees, giving him last two strikes in the abdomen and leaving her fists there. Xardas had to admit she packed quite a punch and he wouldn’t want to stand against her in a fistfight.
-… you had a… woman…
A few quiet sobs as she stayed in that position. It was… awkward. He did not know what to say to comfort her or at least turn her thoughts away from the issue and return it to more important matters.
Xardas knew she had every right to be angry and hurt. Despite always trying to be fair and kind towards the women he considered important in his life, this time, he was not. And despite wishing to find someone he could fall in love with – madly, fully and undisputedly – even around women he considered to be in relationships with, meaning first Amie, and then Elanee, he got… distracted.
Either with thoughts about other woman or becoming a bit too lively at direct attention. It was a miracle he managed to spurn Neeshka (though he considered her personality a bit too extreme to try it) and did not try to hit on Quara or Shandra during his travels and his increasingly close relationship with Elanee.

Actually, scratch that. He did hit on Shandra.
But now he knew the results of being a… “player”. “Stud”. Male slut in other words. Because a woman he actually developed an attraction with, was his prized pupil, and whom he considered a friend just nearly broke his ribs and now was crying on the ground, kneeling in front of him.
That made him undertake the decision that he HAD to tell Elanee about his… adventure. About what happened. She should be allowed to know that he was apparently having difficulties being faithful.
He could only hope she wouldn’t change into an animal, kick his ass and leave him for good after learning that.
- It’s… as I said, Mischa. It is all my fault, and I am sorry. You’re free not to help me anymore if you wish. And if you do not consider me a friend anymore, I’d understand.
- You… stupid perverted teacher. How could I… just abandon you ? No, I won’t leave as easily as that. I’ll show you I’m better than that woman of yours… You will
regret it !
- I’ll be glad to have you as a companion, then.
- Don’t act all kind now ! You have a long way to go before I forgive you !
Xardas couldn’t help but smile. She was obviously affected, but at least she reacted with the usual stubbornness and determination.
Though he’d prefer it if she never met Elanee. He was not at all into catfights.
- Well, get up, girl. And wipe those off. You’re far prettier when you smile.
- Don’t you go hitting on me now, or I may throw more punches at you ! And pretty low ones this time !
- Oh my… Looks like I really got it this time.
- You’re getting thrown into Nessus for this. You took my virginity and threw me away like some perverted doll.
- You said you wouldn’t regret this. And you were pretty satisfied once we…
- Well, at least I said SOMETHING. I did not fail to mention some ex awaiting me miles from our current location as an excuse to ditch you.
- Elanee’s not an ex.
- Considering you decided to do it with someone else and say you’re not engaged or anything, that’s pretty much what she is. Unless you wish to add cheating to your abominably large list of faults.
[“ List of faults ? I was being worshipped a week ago… Well, it seems it’s far easier to lose something than to earn it…”]
- Let’s go. I hope Ashtara will release us from those slave collars, I find them annoying…
- Indeed, however concerning you, in fact, I’d put one below a different head of yours.
- …
- What ?
- Mischa, congratulations. You’re now capable of innuendo and dirty talk.
- Don’t go smart on me, pffff !


Meanwhile, in the Lower Planes…

Maenaz was decided and knew it was probably the less pragmatical in the situation but maybe less extreme choice in the long run. Therefore, he had to say it, and, probably, he’s life was forfeit soon after.
So, he spoke.
- I don’t know.

Wait.
[“What the fuck ? The decision was “I don’t know” ? I’m pretty sure I was about to say “Excuse me, I’ll pass” or something along these lines ! What kind of decision is
“I don’t know” ? ]
All four mighty evil creatures raised an eyebrow. Well, the snake did something that at least resembled it. Samael was the first one to lower it, but before he spoke, the pale, fiendish giant of a woman spoke.
- Master, do you think that maybe we should take a shot at temp… convincing… the young human here that following you would be the most… fruitful course of action ?
- That won’t be necessary, Euryale. I believe Maenaz simply forgot whom he is for a moment, a thing him and I already had a talk about not so far as a few hours ago. Isn’t that true, warlock ? Maenaz Carn’renor shouldn’t concern himself with petty morals and prejudices of his original race. I believe you have far more important motives to consider, don’t you ? Or will you keep clinging to your humanity, instead of…
- You’re really intent on pulling me to your side with promises of helping me accomplish my vengeance, don’t you ?
- And isn’t that enough, for a moment ? There may be greater rewards if you decide to follow me instead of simply exchanging services. However, for now, you must simply decide whether you want to accomplish your original purpose, or was that a lie and you have no determination whatsoever.
- Tying myself to a fiend is an act of determination ?
- Quite so. And destroying Neverwinter would be an act of…
- No. Don’t speak anymore of this. I… I tried to refuse. Fuck it. I cannot refuse. I want to see the city burn, the streets of Neverwinter flowing with blood once again… I never should have stopped it in first place, probably.
- I love that devious attitude of yours. A brilliant choice indeed.
- I expect to…
- Maenaz, you’re talking to a being that knows as much about vengeance and spite as any deity in the Lower Planes. There shall be no failures.
Maenaz blinked. He could be “expecting” anything, after all. Samael was way too good at reading him.
And he had to be wary of everything that lived in the Gate of Vipers. The members of “the Nefarious Seven” in particular.
A shadowy figure entered the room. Samael divided his attention for a moment.
- Ah, Zerenas. I was expecting you. Wait just a minute, I shall settle the matter with you as soon as possible./


Maenaz turned his head around to see another fallen angel. This one was quite shorter than the Planetar Samael just killed and pretty much more humanoid, with a full set of long, rich brown hair and ashen-like, dark grey wings. Also, unlike the planetar, which was clearly female, this one was male with just a tint of androgyny sometimes visible in heavenly beings.
He was probably of lesser position both in the heavenly hierarchy as well as the chain command in here compared to the fiends and fallen angel he deemed to be members of the Nefarious Seven. However, Maenaz was pretty capable of recognizing just where did the being’s strength lie.
Tracking down and murdering… Perhaps “assassinating” was the right term. This fallen angel, a Deva he believed, was no pushover if he could draw Samael’s attention all by himself.
Still looking at the visitor, Maenaz spoke.
- So, you were talking about some sort of mission, right ? You need to regain the last member of whatever… you called it… that is alive. If that speeds up our deal even a little, I am willing to help.
- Excellent. I shall have a private chamber ready for you when you return, as well as someone to show you around the Gate when you return.
- I do not need to have one of your creepy unidentifiable fiends showing me around.
The busty member of the seven. Eur-whatever, spoke out.
- Then, Master, perhaps I could…
- Silence, Euryale. There are more important matters to attend to. Do not worry, Maenaz. It won’t be a… creepy unidentifiable fiend, as you called my Yugoloths, I shall give you someone a bit more… related to your own race. If you want to take part in the search for Morax, go to the exterior part of the Gate. You’ll be escorted.

Samael merely waved his hand at two barbazu and they moved with him. He was somewhat grateful that he was given devils instead of these… Yugoloths. He remembered hearing the name of these species, but knew remarkably little about them for a warlock.
Also, Barbazu, while fierce warriors, were remarkably loyal, stupid… and weak enough if they decided to turn on him anyway.
Maenaz left with the fiend’s escort just as the fallen Deva that entered earlier got closer to Samael’s throne, the two tossing each other a glance as they passed one another.

Maenaz noticed the former celestial was remarkably stoic and that he probably had all the mercilessness needed in an assassin. Samael chose his servants well.
He also noted that there were no gelugons nor pit fiends among the devils that served Samael, meaning the highest positions in his… army… were probably occupied by those Yugoloths.
And this could prove problematic, unlike, he thought, the chillfully calm fallen angel.
He left the chamber.


Samael spoke soon after his newest ally left.
- So, Zerenas… your presence here is understandable. You were Fenexia’s man, after all. So, may I ask you what are you planning to do with the current situation ? It wouldn’t be to my surprise, if mightly foolish, if you tried to avenge your…
- Love ? Do not speak of such frivolities, Master. Fenexia chose her own fate. Her ambition was far more important to her than me… and everyone here, including you, seems to mightily overestimate whatever affection I might have once held for her. Even if mortals believe love can be eternal, no rational being in the Lower Planes will.
Samael chuckled.
- I thought Fenexia had fallen far, but it seems you’re an even better specimen of a corrupted angel. Am I to understand then that you pledge your loyalty to me ?
- As always, Lord of the Gate.
- I’m glad. Then you shall be rewarded with a chance to quickly meet your mentor. Would you be as kind as to lead the expedition to find Morax ? I would prefer if it were someone competent, and Maenaz seems not to be a to frequent visitor to the Lower Planes.
- As you wish, Master.
- Excellent. Go. I would prefer to have Morax here sooner rather than later.
The fallen deva bowed and left the chamber.
Samael turned to the other members of the Nefarious Seven.
- Based on Hebiriel’s wounds, I am to understand he was the only one to actually fight against Fenixia. I am… displeased.


The two women shivered in fear. They were about to say something, but the archdevil cut them out.
- I do not wish to hear your pathetic excuses. Euryale, you are to go and get rid of the remaining three Fallen Angels in the Gate. I am tired of them. I’ll keep Zerenas for now, but the rest is to die. Maenaz shall receive their quarters. Oh, and… If you sell anything to him, I am to be informed immediately. Understand ?
- Yes, Lord Samael.
- Dismissed. Veniseria, you will get me the person to show Carn’renor around.
- Anyone in particular would be preferred, Master ?
- But of course. Fetch me my most devoted tail. She’ll be just perfect.
After a moment’s delay, the hag seemed to understand who Samael has in mind.

- As you wish, Lord Samael.
- Dismissed.


Leaving the shadows of Samael’s citadel (Why they called it the Gate somehow eluded Maenaz), the warlock quickly became sure that he was no longer in the Sword Coast.
Well, the landscape was different. By far.
The area consisted of infinite slopes and mountains supposedly volcanic in nature. All the colors were dark and bleak, with no green or blue or white whatsoever. The most often visible colors were dark red, grey, black, or earthly brown. There seemed to be no level places outside of the Gate, everything consisting of slopes and mountains and caverns and canyons.
The very air seemed dark and oppressive here, and Maenaz realized this could only be one of two planes : Either Hades or Gehenna. Given the fact that Hades was supposedly uniformly grey or close to shades of grey, he would put his money on Gehenna.

Looking around, he noticed all the creatures that inhabited the Gate. There were many of those Yugoloths, and quite a number of devils – still, Cornugons seemed the highest ones in hierarchy. There was a surprisingly little number of erinyes and lemures, but there were other creatures as well.
Yuan-ti and half fiends, some of them of yuan-ti descent as well, made quite a part of Samael’s forces.
He heard a roar and saw a remarkably dragon-like creature moving through the skies, and he started to feel even greater respect for his host.
While there were mortal creatures, he was a bit disappointed in the immortal part of the armies. Mainly due to the lack of eye candy. Exactly, most fiends were ugly as hell, and there were hags as well ! Maenaz started feeling strongly suspicious of the huge-breasted fiend’s presence – he believed Euryale was her name – as it seemed that compared to other beings in the Gate she put a remarkable emphasis on… well, looking sexually suggestive.
Taking his mind off possible sources of eyecandy, Maenaz slightly tilted his head to look sideways at the approaching fallen angel.
Well, Zerenas was a nice change among the devils, most of whom Maenaz found easy to identify and measure their power, and the alien Yugoloths of which he knew so little about. And among mortals, so far Maenaz saw almost exclusively Yuan-Ti and a couple tieflings.
The only creepy parts about Zerenas was how shadowy and chilly he seemed, and the fact that under this façade of humanity and pretty-boyness there may as well be enough might to crush Balors.
Even if he wasn’t part of the Seven or how many the elite force of the Gate numbered, he may be powerful enough to actually be a danger if in the right situation.
Maenaz only wondered where the angel’s true loyalties lay. After all, a Fallen was just murdered in the Gate and Zerenas may have supported that Fallen.
Even if he didn’t, even if he was loyal to Samael, Maenaz could in no way make out what the angel thought when their eyes met – he may just decide that killing the human warlock was the preferable course of action.


Zerenas nodded as he was came close and spoke.
- Master decided that you will not lead the expedition due to your inexperience with the environment and lack of knowledge about Gehenna.
- So, we’re in Gehenna ? As I expected.
- Actually, if you’re unsure about your location… the Gate of Vipers is build over one of the four great passageways that connect Hades to Gehenna. Lord Samael saw it fit to locate here instead of somewhere nearer his former home, Baator, or more… chaotically-inclined of the Lower Planes.
- Does that mean… If I walked to the other side of the fortress, I could go into Hades instead ?
- Yes. However, we are pretty sure Morax was driven out into Gehenna. He is most certainly alive yet, although in danger of being caught up in some Blood War skirmish or being saw as an enemy by some deserters or stray force from it.
- Could he be hunted by devils ? After all, he is pledged to a former Archdevil who escaped from the Nine Hells.
Zerenas went quiet for a moment, and Maenaz noticed that they were already approached by a few fiends and Yuan-Ti. The Fallen seemed to ponder whether he should engage in such discussions now.

He waved at the fiends and nodded to Maenaz to move to the exit of Samael’s citadel, and continued to speak.
- Master created the Nefarious Seven and marked their bodies with a uniform Crest to lead most of the rest of the Planes into certain… misinformation. Only a few allies of Lord Samael in Hells would now who truly rules this place. Outside of Nine Hells, there would be a greater number of such beings, most of them Yugoloths, but there still aren’t so many of them. Concerning the Abyss… I believe only two Demon Princes know. The great majority of the Planes at large believe the Gate is ruled in unison by a group called the Nefarious Seven that are largely equal in political power. Morax, Euryale and Hebiriel were the most often used “faces” of the group when negotiating with fiends. Veniseria is the universal connection to the Night Hags, a coven of whom she leads in the Gate, an Fenexia’s presence was only known to the few celestials and equally few fallen celestials who had business to do and had to move between Hades and Gehenna. Samael and the head of his mortal church, Acantophis, were always hidden from view of the Planes at large. On the Material Plane, few knew that the Yuan-Ti Acanthophis, who created a few dark cults and destroyed a certain paladin order is also the head of ones faithful to Samael and a member of the Seven.
- So, Samael fooled the universe into thinking he did not exist and the information is only known to a few outside the Yugoloth collective “society”. What about betrayal ? Doesn’t he fear he may be found out ?
- The instances of anyone willingly leaving the service of the Gate once learning of it’s true Lord were very few and usually eliminated. Moreso, Devils are relatively loyal to Lord Samael – otherwise they’d be in Baator and not here – and he has enough allies among the Yugoloth to take care of any spready of information. However, Master’s position is currently stable enough to even act openly and defend his realm shall he be found out. The reason he maintains the subtlety is probably because his so used to it that it’s become easier to act that way rather than any other way.
- And… you’re telling ME all this stuff.
- It appears Lord Samael wants you on his side, mortal. And probably more than just as a sword for hire. Also, he seems pretty confident when it comes to dealing with you, so I guess there’s no harm in letting you know about things you may learn about anyway.
- Your lord plans are of little concern to me currently. I am mostly interested in getting what I want.
- And that would be ?
- None of your business, fallen angel. I don’t trust you yet.
- Quite smart of you. But if you are truly wise, I doubt you ever will, so stop using this as an excuse.
- Let’s take care of the matters at hand. So, what exactly is Morax and how shall I recognize… him ? He’s a male, right ?
- Technically... In mental gender, yes, but that’s not the issue. Morax is an Ultroloth, the highest natural form an Ultroloth can obtain. Ultroloths are quite similar to each other, so it may be hard for you to recognize one from another – the only way to be sure would be to find the Seven’s crest on his body. However, given the fact that we will probably not find any other Ultroloths around here, expect this : Almost completely humanoid in shape, about half a foot taller than you, gray skin, no facial features, and eyes glowing like embers. Most often color is golden, but Morax’s are dark violet. So far as I know his crest is located on his chest, so unless something tore off his clothes there’s no way we recognize him by that.
- So, a faceless dark humanoid with glowing eyes. Got it.

Maenaz wasn’t looking at Zerenas and was actually paying attention to where he was going, but ended up nearly walking into one of the fiends. He raised his hand to his face and stood for a moment.
[“My eyes. I tend to overlook it, but it seems to be getting worse. I… have to get rid of this before it starts to truly hamper me in battle. But… how ? There’s no one in Lower Planes I can turn to with something like that…”]
- Is something wrong, human ?
- No… no, Zerenas. I… think I’m overdoing it. I fought a heavy battle today before I arrived here with Samael and I think it’s taking the toll on me.
- I overestimated you, then. If you’re drained, maybe you shouldn’t have joined this expedition at all.
- I simply need to start this stupid deal with Samael as soon as possible.
- Master seems to consider you an asset. I doubt he’ll make do with you in your unfull power if you need rest. If he does, then he wasn’t truthful speaking highly of you and the truth is you’re expendable. I doubt he’d let you act the way you did or offer you a relatively fair deal if this was the case. However, do not blame me if you get crippled. And actually, don’t expect me to help you.
Maenaz considered.
Zerenas was right, actually. Not only the fight with Valsharess left him with little time to rest and his regeneration ability spent, he was far from his best state. And then, his vision. He had no idea what exactly was to wrong with it. His vision was somewhat blurred in one eye and at times blocked by strange black shapes in the other. When fighting in an environment with no light or surrounded by magical darkness his vision was further incapacitated for some time and did not return fully to the state before the fight.

Meaning unless he was always fighting in daylight with no magical darkness involved, he may lose his sight one day.
He had the feeling that this condition could only be lifted by some very experienced healer and, unfortunately, they were usually the good guys. Meaning now, they would normally be his enemies.
Oh sure, he could go and whine to Samael about it, but... was it wise to show weakness ?

- I do not expect any help. Nor want it. Let’s go.
- Fine, mortal. But you’re on your own.


Xardas was pretty amazed with the fact that the keys in the Netheril city turned out to be “winds” and they required… Unusual… methods of obtaining them.
Such as entering a library.
Xardas was literate and all, he even liked to read some books as a kid before playing in the swamps for the thrill of it and starting to chase after girls (which would probably be a bit more successful if Amie and Bevil weren’t usually around him, though fortunately Amie eventually…”repaid” for her negative influence on the earliest years of his love life).
However, most of his knowledge came from his traveling or his companions and not from… written sources.
Summing it up…
The first time in years he entered a library was in order to save this part of Faerun from a megalomaniac medusa bitch, and he would do this by…
Reading ancient literature. Marvelous, really.

The strangest thing was, however, the fact that the books actually either induced a hallucination or physically transported him into the world the book described.
As it turned out, he could also rewrite these stories. Make them more to his liking. And while he didn’t have to do it to fight the Wise Wind, it just seemed… natural. Right.
And perhaps the after-image of Karsus and the hopeless lover from the books would help him when it came to the fight itself.
He was just about to write the story, and he suddenly realized that he could place the setting of the story however he wanted.
Meaning not only he could play all cards into his hands, he could actually gain something from this.
What if he made a story in which he and Mischa were… siblings ? That would surely made it impossible for her to…

[“No, Xardas, you stupid… these stories… they have no true influence on the real world. Karsus is… wherever the Gods judged best to put him in, and not released. The Wise Wind is the only real thing here, and even that may be… catchy.”]
So, he placed the battle on an island in the middle of a mystical sea that could heal wounds, and just happened to be a treasure burying spot for an ancient pirate.
A truly fantastical setting. Of course no way it could exist in real life, but if they could spare potions and he could avoid using up his spells to heal himself and Mischa, it would be very helpful.
He entered the realm of his own making…


There wasn’t much to fight on the way through Gehenna, though some stray Yugoloth-dogs (called Canoloths by his fiendish companions) did appear pretty aggressive.
No match for them, though. Maenaz was concerned with his eyes, though.
He was usually pretty much the definition of “healthy”. Rather tall, with athletically developed, light and practically fatless body, good reflex and just as good hand-eye coordination.
But now…
He knew losing an arm would incapacitate him, and if he were to lose one of his other senses, it would be a great waste.
But if he were to lose sight…
He may become useless. All his power would go to waste. Even using Dark Foresight wouldn’t make him nearly as effective as he was with just his eyes fully intact.
And as it turned out, now would be the test of his limits.
Because a creature that could be nothing else but an ultroloth was battling a group of devils not far from them.
And of course, Zerenas and the band of fiend were just about to go into charge, meaning that this was probably this famous Morax.
These were devils, meaning fire would be useless here and acid would not be as effective as usual.
Which left him with…
Maenaz was not far behind the fiends in joining the battle. The enemies counted among themselves an Erinyes, two hamatulas, a couple Osyluths, two Gelugons, one of which was probably leading this group, and a couple lesser devils. Meaning they had the advantage in sheer numbers.
To hell with advantage in sheer numbers.
Maenaz cut the tail off the first osyluth he ran into and blasted him through, and that was about it. As long as he could push himself to his limits, he could easily destroy that group of fiends probably even without help. His allies made up for his weakened sight and being tired.
All he had to do was go all-out. Soon he would be given a chance to rest.
He stood opposite one of the gelugons and a hamatula with a few lesser devils to add to it. Firing his blast in a cone immediately took care of most of the last mentioned, though the gelugon dodged completely and the hamatula was barely hurt. Rushing on him, the thorn-stitched devil proved to be just a moment too slow as Maenaz blocked an attack from above and shoved a blast straight into the creature. It got up, but Maenaz had other worries.
He was being surrounded by Osyluths with the Gelugon still having it’s eyes on him.
Blasting one of the creatures down with his Utterdark Blast, he blocked another’s strike and regenerated through Enserric by cutting it down. Two others were immediately upon him, however, and one got a hit in. Maenaz kicked away the offender and was about to take him down with another blast, but he had to use this one to stop another attack.

He was suddenly chilled to the bone as the gelugon used a cone of cold, and immediately engaged him in melee. Maenaz was being pushed back, the devil even withstanding a nearly point-blank quickly charged blast, and the osyluths were doing their best to make the fight harder.
Maenaz decided that sometimes dramatic resolutions were the best ones and decided it was time for some pain for everyone involved. Checking the hamatula’s and gelugon’s movement, Maenaz charged his Eldritch Blast to the extreme, the fiends only too late realizing that his eyes were glowing more and more powerfully. Maenaz summoned forth Eldritch Doom and only jumped backwards in the last moment, inevitably getting caught in the his now inhumanly powerful attack’s destructive power.

When he regained his balance and focused his sight enough to see the extent of the damage he wrought, Maenaz was immediately forced to react as the gelugon jumped out from between the wrecked bodies of other fiends and attempted to stab him with it’s spear.

Maenaz blocked and struggled to prevent the devil from running him through with the polearm, but, just in the right moment, the Ultroloth came from behind the gelugon and stabbed him into the back with his blade.
Maenaz turned around and blasted the last Hamatula that stood on the battlefield and effectively the last opponent they had to defeat.
The ultroloth spoke… or rather that’s what he thought he did. It was more like notably alien thoughts simply appeared within his mind, along with a blurred visage of lips speaking.
Probably this was how the ultroloths communicated.

- Do you have a deathwish, Warlock ? You’re under no magical compulsion, and yet you make an attack that may finish you off and not to the same for the opponent. What are you even doing in Gehenna ?
- I came on my own volition. I’ve just made a pact with your Lord, Samael, and the pact’s realization will come quicker if I returned you to the Gate of Vipers.

The ultroloth went silent, then apparently spread it’s telepathy to the whole group, because the other fiends started talking as if they were part of the dialogue that just started.
The cornugon that accompanied them seemed to affirm what Morax wanted to know.
- Yes, Sir. Lord Samael has returned and regained control of the Gate of Vipers. He wishes for you to return.
Zerenas continued.
- I am not informed about what it is, but Lord Samael seemed to have quite a great need of your services, Praetor. I’m unfortunately also uninformed about what he is going to do with the fact that you were… exiled, in a sense.

Then, came the Ultroloth’s mental response.
- If you’re here, Zerenas… What did Samael do to Fenexia ?
Maenaz noticed three things. First of all, there WAS some connection between the two fallen angels if the ultroloth mentioned it.
Second of all, Zerenas paused for a moment. And there was just the slightest hint of emotion on his normally stoic face.
Third of all… Morax called Samael “Samael”. Not “Lord” or “Master” or “His Grace” or “The supremely evil and magnificently corrupting regent of the Gate of Vipers”, just… Samael.
Would that mean the relationship between Samael and Morax wasn’t
one of servitude ?
Finally, Zerenas spoke.
- Fenexia is dead, my mentor. And it… changes nothing. I am as loyal to Master as I was before.
- I find that somewhat unexpected, Zerenas. Not to say strange. You were both angels. I thought more of your bond survived through the fall.
- You taught me it was… Needless to maintain such emotional bonds.
- And I surely hope you learned this lesson. Otherwise…

Maenaz was now sure there were some connections Zerenas had with both Fenexia and Morax, and also that Morax seemed even more respected than other members of the Nefarious Seven. After all, Samael himself wanted to bring him back, the fiends with them did not use his name when addressing him, rather calling him “Sir” or such, and Zerenas even used the title “Praetor”, which while unknown to him probably carried some authority with it.
- Fine then. And who are you, mortal ?
- My name is Maenaz Carn’renor, and I am…
Zerenas cut in.
- Maenaz is Lord Samael’s newly acquired special kind of mercenary. He is to be treated as Lord’s “Guest”.
- I see. Let’s not prolong this thing any longer. Obviously I shall answer the Gate’s master summons as always. Off we go.

Xardas was glad he did everything he could to give himself an advantage over the Wise Wind.
Because this thing was nearly indestructible and packed quite an offensive power within itself. Hard to catch up with and just as hard to hurt, it also had the power to heal itself. The tiring battle already knocked out “Sir” William, whom he laid on the shore to subject him to the healing properties of the water. Mischa was holding up thanks to her healing abilities and the phantom of Karsus was still capable of defending itself through amassing spells quite effectively.
Still, this thing had to be defeated and in order to do so, Xardas had to both be able to catch up with it and to be able to hurt it more effectively.
Having made himself immune to electricity earlier, he decided it was time to show the wind a bit of his own powers as far as the “element” of lighting was concerned. He concentrated and summoned forth one of his more advanced power, quickly blurting out the words of the invocation before taking an aggressive stance.
Lighting crackled from his eyes as a powerful wind blew through the island, his body lifted off the ground for a moment before his feet stomped on the ground sending lighting to it, the electricity charging through the ground under him as the wind now started to circle around him, gathered especially around his legs and lifting the electrified dust from under him.

Mischa stood speechless as her master now seemed more like a half-elemental or even some deity than anything else, with powerful wind surrounding him and lighting crackling around him occasionally, being spewed from his eyes constantly and now charging his already powerful weapon with more energy.

The Wise Wind’s center (he fought a fucking wind, which was rather a curious experience) became visible and Xardas leaped forward and charged against the element, at least twice faster than before. Cutting into it was now piece of cake, and curiously, while the wind used lighting itself, it seemed it’s “Heart” wasn’t immune to the destructive element despite it. Xardas abused the fact, slashing at the wind’s heart continuously before charging a hand with negative energy and Harming the wind (though, it seemed strange that the spell took effect. Winds are not supposed to live after all).
The wind quickly moved out of range and countered the negative energy spell with another healing one, while Xardas used Creeping Cold to continue damaging the center of the element and Mischa charged against the wind to stop it from healing any further damage dealt to it.

The wind took a couple of blows from the young paladin before knocking her down with a gust and flying away. Xardas was already there, calling down a storm of lighting and
Proceeding to slash at the wind’s heart continuously, before attacking with another Harm spell. The wind retreated, but was then forced to withstand a barrage of magical missiles from the Missile Storm that Karsus’ phantom released. Xardas took the moment he was given to unleash his blade shards into a Blade Storm that immediately struck down the Wise Wind.
The gust blowing through the island weakened, as the heart of the wind lowered onto the ground and started to morph and melt the sands under itself, until suddenly a glass orb closed itself around the wind’s heart, thus forming an artifact he would have to use to follow Heurodis deep into the city.
Mischa fell on her butt and started panting heavily.
- I’ve never fought anything with such endurance nor stubbornness !
- I did. Though I admit I was beginning to think we’re doing things wrong and there’s some sort of special way that is the only possibility to defeat the Wind.
-
Xardas grabbed the gem before turning to his companions. William was slowly regaining consciousness and the phantom of Karsus had a pleasant smile on it’s face.
Too bad the real Karsus was suffering some quite different fate right now.
- I guess this is goodbye, Karsus, and William as well.
After he said that, he found himself back in the old library, however instead of an empty book, a glass ball was now on the pedestal, the Wise Wind trapped within it.


Maenaz returned to the Gate, and was now pacing through the chambers together with Zerenas and Morax. He couldn’t help but notice the fact that Morax was probably perfectly capable of normal communication yet preferred to put his thoughts into other people’s heads, unlike most other high-ranking fiends who did the opposite despite being capable of telepathy, though probably to a lesser extent.
Also, Morax was… definitely mighty, if secretive. He had a sort of distinctive, mysterious aura that intimidated with the knowledge that no one could be sure about what the extent of the creature’s power was.
Just as he was in thought, they entered the chamber where Samael was sitting upon his throne, playing with this dreadful blade Maleficus in his hands.
- Ah, so you finally return. I was actually a bit worried Maenaz may have problems if you run into enemies…
- We did.
- Oh ? Devils, I suppose ? I’m glad to see you managed to fight after all, given how tiring the battle with Valsharess must have been…
- So, this human – Morax started – was already in a fight with another creature before going after me ?
- Yes. In truth, I owe him in no small part my return here. And Valsharess was no pushover, she was more powerful than Veniseria and just a notch under the level of other members of the Seven.

Morax looked at him with the slightest hint of respect.
- Then I finally understand what you saw in him. However, I believe his issue is not the one you needed me with, Samael ?
- Yes and no, Morax. I’ll need your intelligence network to help me accomplish my part of the deal with this mortal here, but there are also other issues. Now, if you two excuse me, I have to attend to him. We need to give him a locum here and probably discuss the details of our deal.
- Of course, my Lord.


The fallen Deva and the Ultroloth left, just as Maenaz turned to Samael.
- Morax is your prime servant, isn’t he ? Maybe even not a servant, but more of an ally ?
- Yes, he is. He and I have a special deal both of us are planning to fulfill. Since he cannot accomplish what I can, but can accomplish far more with my help than by himself, he settled for a deal that will leave us both with… Well, let’s say we shall both leave satisfied. In short, we have a trust between us on a level quite unusual for two fiends, if not yet what your naïve kin are capable of.
- Ah, so fiends can trust after all. However, seeing how good he is at backstabbing…
- Don’t worry. I’m just as good as he, and I’m better at predicting such backstabs.
- Whatever you say. Now, about our deal. What’s the first thing I have to do for you ? I suppose it’ll be my turn first, especially since you’re going to use Morax’s help with the repayment…
- You’re quite an impatient person, aren’t you ?
- Only when Neverwinter is concerned.
- I find it delightful that you were capable to go from protecting this city to hating it the most in this world. It gives me some hope for your race, even if part of that hate came through your drow indoctrination.
- You’re quite an evil creature, aren’t you ?
Samael seemed a bit displeased with being called a “creature”, but continued.

- Aren’t all fiends ? I’m not called an archdevil without a reason, you know.
- Oh yes. You had no choice, being born from the essence of evil and such.


Samael chuckled.
- No, Maenaz. Unlike most fiends, I, in fact, became what I am fully by choice, though I was never a mortal. Circumstances surrounding my… birth… are quite unique, but this is not what I think we should be talking about now.
- Indeed. So, what do you…
- We shall not talk about our deal right now either, Maenaz.
- What ?
- Oh, come on. Battled Valsharess nearly killed you and it was a mentally exhausting experience as well, I believe. Also, there is another matter concerning your battle capabilities.
- What other matter ?
- As I told you, I increased your power for 24 hours. I focused my ability to do well with the strength of your invocations and such, but unfortunately, that means as soon as it wears out, for another 24 hours you shall be drained of the same.
- You also mentioned being able to keep this up. Restore the enhanced power.
- True, though tell me, Maenaz, if you truly prefer this to losing one day of action, which would help you fully recover from your wounds.

Maenaz went silent and reconsidered.
[“ It’s true that I may be able to destroy Neverwinter one and half a day faster if I get to action now… But I may as well get killed or become addicted and rely upon Samael’s enhancement of powers. Also, I could learn more about how this fortress works and about what will be expected of me…”]
- The answer is obvious. I’d rather not keep relying on your power.
- A wise decision. And for now, a preferable one. I’m still not at my full power, and you shall be far more well off training yourself closer to the limit of your capabilities before starting to rely on someone else for power.
- I think I’m mishearing. Are you actually implying…
- Maenaz, I had a leader of my church in the Nefarious Seven. He was powerful, true, but this power was dependent on ME. I imagine it was quite easy for Fenexia to finish him when I was caged by Valsharess, his access to spells limited and his power lessened. I’d prefer by far if someone could achieve nearly as much, but just by himself. And if you add some additional powers from me on the top of it, such a person might turn unbeatable.
- I doubt I will become a true servant of yours, Samael. I am not into worshipping thing. Especially when it comes to ancient archdevils.
- Then I shall not mention this subject for now. Though I think that currently it’s prejudice speaking through you. You were educated to not trust and fear fiends, probably, weren’t you ?
- True, they advised against using you in the Academy. Though, I could pass final tests in the Academy after a couple days of training instead of going through the whole ordeal.
- The truth is, Maenaz… You’re one of those few people every couple centuries whose potential is practically immeasurable. And nearly everybody in the Spheres would prefer that you do never use it all, never reach the true extent of your abilities. That includes all the lesser players and actually most deities as well… and especially that includes the sovereigns of the Celestial Planes. Only ones as me, the fiends as power-hungry as they are mighty, see an advantage in helping people like you unleashing all of their power, because it can be used to ends that benefit both us and the mortal itself. I’m just saying this so you know that there are many who will hold you back.
- Perhaps you speak the truth, but I’d rather keep my soul for now.
- How typical for humans. So short-lived that they’re more attached to their soul than anything. Well, it’s your decision, but as I said, we may continue this topic once you’re a bit more used to the Lower Planes.
- Fine then. You mentioned something about giving me quarters.
- Ah, yes. You see, there was a pretty nice set of chambers that became free recently. I have decided to put you there. You’ll have privacy and freedom to arrange them however you want.
- Can I expect my equipment to be safe from theft attempts ?
- Of course. In fact, you may end up being further armed from the Gate’s own set of weapons and armor. Some weapons made are well-suited to be wielded by someone of your size and yet found no one to be worth using them. And, about your quarters and settling in… As I said you shall be shown around by a servant of mine. I hope that person will be to your liking.
- I honestly doubt it.
- Only one way to find out. Oh, and also… You should keep the cynicism. And the cautiousness. They may serve you well in your Lower Planes part of life. Becoming a one-third drow in mind and spirit was nothing compared to what you may have to go through here.
- Nothing unexpected. I shall leave now.
- You will find your guide in two chambers in that way from here. Don’t worry, if there are any more people in there, you will be approached.
Maenaz turned around and left.

Entering the chamber, he realized Samael probably meant for the talk to have at least remote privacy. There was only a small number of Yuan-Ti and fiends in the giant space it had, and his eyes darted about to look for his guide.
He noticed the shadowy but still slightly lit chambers that comprised most of the Fortress’ inside were just good enough, not worsening his sight any further while he was in them.
He was pretty surprised when one of the beings in the room waved it’s hand at him. Even more so when he approached the being and started to get a better look at it.
As expected from the Gate of Vipers, the lower half of the creature’s body was that of a giant, brown and grey snake, however, the upper half…

The upper half was pretty much the eyecandy he was thinking about before. A woman. A rather beautiful woman, he had to say.
She had long, lustrous black hair, rather full and shapely lips covered by slightly shiny, dark violet lipstick and a pair of attractive and drawing lavender eyes. The woman was smirking, but in a rather pleasant manner. She wasn’t dressed as loudly and bitchy as the Euryale fiend either, wearing something between a cross of a basque and a jacket that was black with red outlines.
To fulfill the humanoidly pleasant visage she had milky white (meaning normal compared to the serpentine yuan-ti) skin and she showed just a bit of cleavage, but enough to draw the eye from time to time – it appeared she had quite the scandalous set of breasts, just about the size he would consider as “perfect”.
If that’s what the Samael meant by being “to his liking”, he almost hit the jackpot. However, the issue of the snake tail still remained.

- Hello there. As I understand, you’re the human warlock I was told about ?
- My name is Maenaz Carn’renor. I am currently cooperating with your Master.

The woman’s smirk changed into a full-fledged smile, and she introduced herself.
- I am the Signifer Malacoda, a Lamia Noble of the Sorth’Zehir dynasty.
- Calling it a “dynasty” makes it seem like you’re royalty.
- That’s not exactly how it works, but that’s probably the how my people want it to sound. Anyway, of course, you can call me Malacoda. No title either. Lord Samael picked the titles off some long dead world somewhere in the Planes and started using them because he wanted to break up with the Hellish tradition of noble titles. And mine is not even a title, it’s sort of a special rank. Can I call you Maenaz ?


The woman had a refreshing mix of openness, emotional conversation and the slightest bit of formality, which would make her pass as a young human… maybe Half-elven, if he could have a closer look at her ears… woman. Well, sans the tail. And just maybe the eyes, they’d seem slightly out of place on a human.

- Of course. Though I confess hating when someone tries to make a nickname out of some unrecognizably mutated for of my name.
- Hmmhihihihi – she giggled. Quite a pleasant sound as well, and actually more light and pleasant than Valsharess chuckles. – Well, with my name, it belongs on the person and his or hers creativity. Though I’ll understand if you won’t try right away. Or at all.
- That remains to be seen. I understand you can lead me to the chamber that’s supposed to be mine ?
- Actually a few conjoined rooms. I think you’ll find them acceptable.
They walked side by side for a longer moment… Well, she slithered. She was surprisingly graceful, straight, and quick about it.
Maenaz actually felt relaxed for a moment. Compared to Samael, Morax, or even Zerenas, Malacoda radiated remarkably little negativity and while something at times seemed a bit off in her, especially in her gaze, compared how tense the air was when in company of the fiends he seemed at ease.
Also, as far as he could tell, Lamias weren’t fiends, and Lamia Nobles probably weren’t ones as well, meaning she was mortal.

However, the disturbing thing was he believed Lamias had the habit of eating humanoids. He did not have a good glance at her teeth, and it was something he believed he’d better do.
Turning to his companion and finding her throwing a sideways glance at him, he controlled a shiver that seemed to be going down his spine. Her gaze when she was talking to him seemed rather relaxed, welcoming, even cheerful. But in that moment, something in that same look gave of a feeling of hunger.
He was about to drop the attempt at conversation, when she diverted her eyes with a strange look, then slowly brought them back to look at him with a bit more human-like glance. There was still something about her gaze that seemed hungry, but that slightest hint of shyness she just gave him made her… endearing, even.

- So, what’s off with these titles ? I heard Zerenas calling Morax a Praetor or something, but is this the title all among the Seven share ?
- Oh, no. As I said, Lord Samael picked up these titles from a world nobody else knows about, and suddenly gave specific titles to specific people almost like if he thought them up himself. In fact, not everybody even knows of these titles, they’re mostly used in contacts between his army and the higher layers of command as far as politics of the Gray Waste and Gehenna go. Thankfully, there’s only a few of them.
- Such as ?
- Well, Morax has the title of Praetor he shares with one other member of the so called Nefarious Seven, though it’s obvious that member is below in stature – the corrupted couatl Hebiriel. The title given to the rest of the Seven is Aedile, and that’s pretty much it when it comes to the “nobility” of the Gate. There are two other titles in the Gate, one given to Veniseria’s coven of Night Hags and to Samael’s chief occult priests, this one being the “tribune”, and one given to those that have the specific role of connecting the commanders and high-ranking officers of Lord’s Army with the rest of high-ranking beings, those being us, the Signifers. In short, we have more personal relationships with both army officers and the Seven, and we handle matters such as payments, prizes for recognition in the battlefield and such. Additionally, most of the Signifers are among the most powerful beings in the Gate… which is why I sometimes think my title was more inherited than earned, since I am quite weaker than lets say, Zerenas, or Gizarakor.
- Gizarakor ?
- A powerful, murderous, hulking half-fiend githyanki. You’ll meet him eventually, I think.
They finally got to “his” chambers. To Maenaz’s surprise, those were quite big, which lead him to wonder who “vacated” them for his use. Entering, he looked around, noticing the rather large bed.
The woman behind him still “stood” by the door, leaning on them the slightest bit. Maenaz swallowed in the most silent way possible.
Valsharess, shall he say, sexually “awakened” him. He was practically on hormonal and sexual high when separated from her for longer periods of time, and now he was feeling he might enter such a period as well, since he had not “made love” in some time.
And there was a very attractive in non-humanoid female being right behind him. Hopefully this big fucking bed right in sight wouldn’t be read as a suggestion.

Or perhaps, this was a suggestion for him.
He tried not to pay any attention to it and moved more inside the chamber. The female slithered behind him, and Maenaz also noted how the chambers relative isolation from other such quarters and lack of things one could fall onto made this place a good spot for assassinating someone.
Well, the separation was preferred. He wasn’t sure he could like many of people he’d be associating with in here. Especially if other people of Malacoda’s rank were “Hulking half-fiend githyanki”.
What Maenaz was shocked to see where paintings on the walls. Most of the creatures in the Gate, even the tieflings and the Yuan-Ti, probably couldn’t appreciate art of that kind. So, who could…
- You’re surprised to find the paintings ?
Her voice almost startled him for a moment. He suddenly realized she might as well be drilling a hole through his chest with that hungry gaze of hers, and preferred to turn around to face her. She put her arms on her chest and as he turned, she smiled slightly. Thankfully, no strange gaze.

- This rooms belonged to Fallen, am I wrong?


She almost grinned, and finally he got a good look at her teeth. Well, they weren’t human, with sharp and pronounced canines and slightly different other teeth, but they didn’t exactly scream “I’ll bite out huge chunks of your flesh while you’re still alive”.
- Well, well, we have a smart one. Yes, indeed, they have. There were three Fallen in here, though two lived in the same room. Lord Samael… killed them after Fenexia rebelled. I suppose you understand ?
- Just because I’m human doesn’t mean I’m averse to pragmatism. Or killing, even.
- Oh, I’m sorry. Obviously, since Master took a personal interest in you, you’re used to that sort of thing. I did not mean to suggest anything different, Maenaz.
- It’s fine. I’m also not offended by killing fallen celestials. Though, I cannot remember actually killing one in my life.
- I do. We may compare achievements one day.
- You wouldn’t like it. Mine have reptilian humanoids in the list. Many of them.
She giggled again. He wondered how young she was in lamia terms. To his knowledge, his last woman should be classified as a “mature”.
Wait, why did he compare her to Valsharess every other step ?

- Oh, so incredibly offended I am. You hurt me to my sad, sad reptilian heart.
- Since we’re kind on the race thing anyway… What did you mean by you “inheriting” your title ? And… I actually know only a little about lamias and even less about their nobles.
- I’d… like to keep that part to myself, for now. You may be a bit too shocked if you hear it. I wouldn’t want to scare you away immediately, since it seems we’ll be sentenced on each other’s company for at least another day. About lamia nobles, well, that’s a pretty long topic, and you seem very tired. You needn’t worry about getting eaten, however, if that’s the information you’re seeking out.
- So, you don’t eat humans ?
- Oh, Lamias do. And many nobles as well. What I meant is I have no intention of turning you into a meal, even if I could.
- And I suppose I am to believe you ?

She beamed a smile.
- Well, I hoped so. Unless you find the thought of me eating you somewhat pleasant, then you can keep it. It still doesn’t change a thing, though. Do I have to avoid using sentences like “You look delicious” around you ?
- I’m not sure. Do you intend to use them ?
- Well, you do seem tasty enough…

Ok, so now, he was engaging in shameless flirting. With someone from a race of cannibals.
- I assure you it’s a bad idea. I’m too bony.
- Oh ? Then perhaps I should drop the thought. Unless…
She gazed at him with half-lidded eyes, the look she gave suddenly seeming somewhat sultry.

- No, sorry, it’s nothing. And we can talk about my race and heritage some other time. Well, before you’re off to sleep, that gives us one last topic.
- I don’t intend to lie in spices, if that’s what’s on your mind.
- Oh, I’m sure your flavor is good enough without any adds ! I was more interested if you were willing to share your own history. You seem pretty well-traveled in the Material Plane, even if the Outer Planes are still a mystery to you. So, which part of Toril are you from ?
- I’m from a small village on the Sword Coast, but my adventuring carrier begun in and was, through most of it’s course, strongly connected to Neverwinter, the city which I now intend to destroy for… personal reasons. What probably made me famous is saving that city from a virulent disease, running around the north killing everything from fire giants to green dragons, and stopping an ancient race of reptilian creators from taking over half of Sword Coast.
- The sarrukh – she said with a spark in her eyes – you fought with the sarrukh.
- Maybe that’s what they’re called, I have no idea. Oh, I may also have a reputation for killing fairies. A couple of them annoyed me and it somehow happened.
- Annoyed you how ?
- They… offended me.
- By ?
- An overgrown pixie girl the size of an elf was fighting to claim domination in the Undermountain while I was on a mission there. I ended up fighting and defeating her, and instead of offering something worthy for her life she tried to charm and seduce me just about the time I had a couple of talks with my friend-almost-turning-girlfriend and I was a bit sexually frustrated because of what happened earlier at that time. There, happy ?

She giggled again, and slowly went to a full blow laugh.
- So, you’re offended by fairies offering you sex while trying to enchant you. Any other particular race this concerns ?
She was getting pretty bold. He had to cut it out.
- My situation when it comes to women is… complicated.

She raised her head, which was so far supported by her arm, which itself supported on, disturbingly, his bed. She had a bit of a shocked look in her eyes.
- You’re not… confused, are you ?

It was his turn to laugh.
- No, not at all.
- Married ?
- No. I’ve just been hurt by loss of one, capriciousness of a couple other and downright evil and bitchyness of the last one. And, actually, I think we’re starting to get too personal for our first talk.
She blushed and was at loss of words for a moment. He noticed her blush wasn’t exactly red, another “hint” she wasn’t human, though it was obvious with the tail.
- I, I’m sorry ! I did not mean to… offend you in any way. I’m just somewhat… lacking in experience as far as… conversing with humans goes ! I know I’m too bold and curious at times, forgi…
- It’s ok, really. I’m actually wondering how you managed to get me to talk this much in the first place.
- Well, some people claim snakes can hypnotize. You better watch out.
- This is a “Gate of Vipers”. I can’t watch out for every single snake I’ll come across.
She somewhat stiffened and her face became serious.

- Then I am afraid you’ll end up as somebody’s dish sooner or later.
- What do you mean ?
- It’s… nothing. As you said, you cannot watch out on all fronts, even though you’re in a situation like this. So, you’re a warlock. From birth or…
- I was born with the talent.
Like on the mention of the “sarrukh”, she immediately livened.

- So, was one of your parents… of fiendish heritage ? Meaning you are ?
- No. To best of my knowledge, my family is pretty normal in terms of bloodline. And actually, there’d be no reason for any fiend to take interest. There’s been a few stray elves here or one half-orc there, I’ve been said, but for all intents and purposes I am one hundred percent human.
- Oh, I.. I see. It’s a shame… I mean, curious ! I’ve never heard of a…
- And why exactly is this a shame ?

She raised to full height and blushed again.
- It’s… I’m just babbling. Oh, I’ll better leave before I’ll say something to make a fool of myself. Thank you for talking. I hope we’ll continue to get along well.
- This sentiment is shared. It is… unexpected to meet someone as friendly in a citadel of fiends.
- I have… my reasons. And you didn’t see my bad side. Only my “uncontrollable blurting and overt curiosity” sides from the worse side. But… I’m glad you had a positive view of our first contact. We’ll meet tomorrow.
- Well, goodbye, then, Malacoda.
- Y…Yes. See you soon.

Indeed, while she seemed intelligent and for a short time, serious to a fault, she had this endearing, slightly childish side that suddenly made his day better. He should cut the part that seemed so much like flirting, however. He didn’t have time for this.
He closed the door and laid his head for a moment, when suddenly particular parts of the day flashed through his head. It was his turn to blush.
All breasts. Yuan-Ti, Erinyes… A longer stops for Malacoda’s and especially Euryale’s cleavages…
[“ Off with the pervert mode ! I need some sleep !” ]
Thankfully, he fell asleep soon after his head hit the pillow, and he had no disturbing dreams this time.
He couldn’t expect that soon he would have so many of them that a long time ago he would be sure he is completely insane.

Xardas was already at his next stop – the Arcanist Tower. Unexpectedly, it turned out that ancient Netherilians currently tied themselves to the plane of Shadows and became… something else.
And he was having a bad feeling about all this. After all, what he heard of Shadovars made them appear as rather dangerous, and, also, it reminded him of a particular enemy he had.
King of Shadows. The destruction of his very own hometown, the West Harbor, and all other horrors that came with the fight against the ancient protector of Illefarn.
Like losing his friends, or nearly having to part ways with Elanee. Or almost being forced to kill Neeshka, who by the time were like a substitute…
No, not sister. Substitute Amie. Only… this time it was one-way thing.
Actually, he wanted to kill them. It was a long time since he truly wanted to kill someone. Heurodis nearly revived the desire that was born in him when he fought against the King of Shadows, but it still… Wasn’t’ quite it. Merely seeing beings that were seemingly “born” of the same shadowstuff was enough to fully revive that desire.

Xardas was slightly displeased with his worse side that sometimes showed itself as far as relationships with women were concerned, but he actually embraced the one that came with fighting against a mighty and great evil.
It made him feel stronger and more up to the task.
And ensured he would be ready to strike the last blow if necessary.
Currently, teleporting between places, killing shadovar after shadovar, he became aware that this newborn determination was both amazing and scaring his pupil.
Naturally, being a young paladin, she was either scared or disquieted by the shadows. He had far more and worse experiences with them. One could say… it was like visiting a long-time neighbour for him.
And killing him for doing something to your kids, or fornicating with your wife, or some crazy shit most men would never let happen if they could.
He sort of preferred this that way. Maybe if she realized how different they were she would give up.
Unless she already given up and was about to go into “I’ll get back at you” sphere humans, especially human women, could get into. Then it would suck.

Going through another portal, he thought he finally reached his destination as he saw something that could only be the heart of the Dark Wind…
Except it appeared they had a problem. The Dark Wind was by no measure alone.
Or safe.
A bunch of Shadovars lead by a creature of shadow he did not recall meeting were attacking the wind, and before he could beat the distance between himself and the group, the wind was already going down, swirling into a strange, more and more physical mass that started to develop into the shape of an orb.
Xardas immediately rushed to prevent the wind being taken away and slowed only to start casting a spell, hoping it would take down either the boss of the former humanoids or at least create enough damage and havoc that the wind would not be taken away.
The spell mentioned being Sunburst, of course.

However, the Dark Wind finished being remade into an orb quicker than expected, and it was already in the dark creature’s grasp when the spell hit. Also… Apparently, Shadovar where not undead, and even if all creature’s concerned were vulnerable to solar energy, inside the Shadow Plane…
Such spells were less effective. He should have known that.
Suddenly, a door simply appeared behind the dark creature. It opened them, went through them, and they closed. Before Xardas was even close, the door… Disappeared.

He now understood why Netherilians were considered the best wizards overall in history if they were able to craft a portable… portal like that.
The shadovar and the few shades in the platform they were on immediately turned towards him as he stopped running and drawn the Silver Sword of Gith.
As they closed in, he called a Lighting Storm and made a spectacular pirouette cutting off the heads of two shadovars and barely missing a third. The spell created even more havoc, which allowed Mischa to simply jump into the group and hack down the shocked former Netherilians with little effort.
Xardas Flame Striked one of the three remaining Shadovars, beheaded another and finished the last one with Shocking Grasp.
- Xardas, the Dark Wind… it was taken away ! What are we going to do now ?
- Don’t worry, Mischa. This… thing… It wouldn’t have command of the Netherilians if it wasn’t one of them before, right ? I believe it may be the chief arcanist of this tower, turned into a shadowy undead…
- So, do you think he is still somewhere nearby ?
- We got here by entering a tower in Netheril ruins, right ? I believe we are still in the Arcanist’s tower, only transferred into the plane of Shadow. He probably is… at the top. Wherever that lays now.


Xardas picked up the shadow gem that lay on the ground and activated the portal, looking back over his shoulder at Mischa. She was… shaking a bit.
- What’s wrong ?
- I… I am not sure… It’s just that… Whether that creature was the prime arcanist or not, I’ve felt a strong evil inside him… I’ve only felt something comparable from Kel-Garas, and this one may be even stronger…And we’re in it’s home plane, so…

He smiled. So, he was right, after all… She was getting scared.
- Mischa, I am not sure if you noticed it by now, but how strong of an evil aura you fell doesn’t necessarily convey into the strength of the being itself…Sure, if he was a Prime Arcanist in Netheril, he is probably very powerful, but do you truly have any reason to worry ?
- I… just wonder if this is wise. I mean, we’re practically in a place they come from… What if we get overwhelmed ? If we die, won’t we become shadow undead, or something ?
He didn’t consider the possibility. Sure, he could revive her, but… What if she was struck down by this thing, or another shadow, and they could pass undeath by such means ? What if he was too late and she raised from the dead ?

- I can go in alone, if you’re afraid.
- What ? I would never… never abandon you to such a fate ! Even if I am a bit worried, but…
- Then what you are worrying about ? As long as we have each other, it’s fine.
- Xa… Xardas, I…
- As companions ! I meant as companions ! Get your butt up ! I promise we will get through this with barely scratches, so just count on me…
- How do you know, I mean…
- Mischa, I’ve been getting increasingly more serious as we progressed through the mission. You must have noticed how I started using stronger spells and all. However, I never used them in large quantities, and the highest tier of spells on my disposal still wasn’t even touched !
- I am not doubting your power, but their numbers are…
- We’ll just make a bet who kills more.
- You’re impossible ! How can you simply believe we can just take all of them down ? You’re not even brave, you’re simply careless !
- And now you would be wrong, Mischa. I am well aware of the risk involved. However, if we, who aspire to be heroes and protectors of people, don’t take such risks, who will ?
- But…
- Have faith in Gods. And if you think Gods may not be here… have faith in yourself. And in us. I promise I will give all that is necessary to defeat them. Because… I want to. Don’t you get all excited from the possibility of defeating such evil ?
Mischa sighed, and looked on him for a moment. Slowly, something of a smile appeared on her face, and it slowly started to form an actual smile.
- Well, if it’s with you… I guess we can do it.
He reached out and she grabbed his hand. Suddenly, she felt a little heavier, and she was sure it wasn’t from her fluttering heart or the butterflies in her stomach.
She was… covered with something.
Stoneskin.
- Xardas, you…
- It’s just the beginning !
As he said that, his own skin became covered with the Greater variation of the spell, and they stepped through the portal. Going forward and forward, it wasn’t long before they reached something that had to be Arcanist’s very own chambers, and they contained…
A sculpture of doors. Xardas felt some magic coming out from it, and realized… Those had to be the very same doors that the shadow creature used, or at least something that worked the same way !
Xardas decided he needed to use these doors badly. The only question was… How ?

Maenaz woke up.
It was for the first time in quite many days that he had no weird or downright horrifying dreams. He could actually get a good night’s sleep, so, why did he woke up ?
He raised on his sheets. Was it because he was sleeping… in a Lower Plane ?
[“ Fool. If it had any effect here you’d simply have nightmares. Something is wrong, that’s obvious !”]
The warlock thought for a moment.
[“ Having dealt with assassins trying to kill me in sleep, I developed an instinct to wake up when something’s in my room or if I hear a sound, I’m not sure which. Since if anything were in my room I’d see it or feel it or be dead already, it must be something I’ve heard from the outside. Therefore…”]

In just a moment, Maenaz was in his armor and had Enserric in his belt. The sword complained about having a dream and some other bullshit. Maenaz opened the door and went out of his chambers.
He walked closer to the gate’s exterior, and when he was just by the inner chambers exit…
He could swear he heard two sounds in quick succession. One similar to a hiss, the other definitely a scream.
He turned the direction it should have come from and ran. The sound repeated itself.
He practically dashed forward, anticipating an attack on the fortress, but the closer he got, the more he could tell something was off with the sounds…

Suddenly, he made a turn, and saw something huge in front of himself.
A humanoid figure at least seven feet tall, masculine and impressively built was suddenly charging on himself, it’s groan killing out the voices in the back.
Maenaz just barely dodged the hit of the humanoid’s flail, and fired a straightforward blast that the being avoided by an inhumanly high jump.

Then, Maenaz noticed the reason for this jump. This… thing had slightly under-developed wings.
He dodged another strike with the flail and hacked at where the creature’s palms should be, but found merely empty air as it was already withdrawn, grabbing onto the handles of two swords on it’s belt.
One of the swords was made from a strange material and was relatively short, but it was the other one that had Maenaz slightly shocked. It looked as if it was from silver, but the blade was definitely of nearly scary quality, and it seemed not only to give an otherworldly glow, but actually shift when drawn.

Maenaz instinctively fired a full-power Utterdark blast into the creature, that had it shoved a feet on the ground and kneeling. He then asked:
- What the hell are you ?

The response that came was slightly inaudible, spoken in a deep voice, and apparently, with a set of teeth more suitable to being a predator in the wild than for speaking.
- I might ask you the same question. No one should be here, Mortal, and I wasn’t informed you’ll be here. You are not permitted to enter.
- Enter… where ? Enter… What ?
- You mean… you got all the way here through the fortress without even knowing what takes place in these chambers I guard ?


Maenaz cocked his head a little and listened.
He heard the voices pretty clear know, only…
What he thought were screams…
Those were moans.
Just behind these doors, someone…

His jaw slacked.
[“ THEY’RE HAVING AN ORGY IN THE GATE OF VIPERS !!!”]
His mind failed to process this for a moment, and then he realized the full impact of this.
He just wanted to get back to his room and do not contemplate actually WHAT was fucking behind these doors. He was afraid that on his current physical high he might respond to it anyway, but the idea itself was… repellent.
- Look, this is obviously a misunderstanding. I will return to my chambers and we shall pretend this never happened.
- And why should I let you go al…

Suddenly, a mighty blast hit the ground between them, followed by another, that hit the ground just an inch away from the great fiend… or half-fiend.
- I can probably keep doing these for as long as… whatever is going behind these doors continues. Do you want to try these on yourself, or shall you accept my little offer of a peaceful leave ?
- I… think that sounds logical, yes.
- I’m glad.

While Maenaz had slight problems returning to his chambers, he finally found them, and then practically fell on the bed.
An orgy. Here.
Too disturbing.
He somehow went to sleep, but thought it would be better if he never woke up.

Xardas finally understood how to open these doors. One had to concentrate on the shadow of the surroundings, then bend it through willpower (or slight amount of magic) to focus it on the door, which then grew larger and finally, they could go and fight the Arcanist himself.
Xardas renewed their Stoneskins and this time it did not stop at just this, with him casting further spells to increase their battle ability. He even summoned a Fire Elemental, something he did not do in a long, long time.
[“Bear’s Endurance, Vigorous Circle, Stoneskins… What else, what else…Energy immunity… But what energy ? Well, those who served King of Shadows often used quite chilling spells, so… cold, I guess ? What else should I…”]
Mischa was staring at him. He wondered whether this was because he never cast so many enhancing spells at once, because she was still stirred that he was so confident when going into the Plane of Shadows – well, maybe he wasn’t really, but it always gave better effects when he was acting as if he was…
Or perhaps this was still because of what he said. About… them.

He was starting to get nervous from being around the paladin. And not in the positive way.
Why couldn’t he just set things straight ? Or never do those stupid things he could do in the first place ?
Why did he have to jump from one flower to another as if a single woman wasn’t enough ?
Mischa spoke.

- If you used all these before our usual fights, we probably wouldn’t need your help in battle anyway…And we would have less instances of death as well.
- And how would you grow smarter ? Get fighting experience ? Know the risk ?
- I… well, maybe you were right, but still…
- There won’t always be someone to back you up or revive you. You need to have the determination and drive that is required to win alone in such instances. Besides, to gain something from this as well, I decided to mostly train my sorcerer powers and my abilities with the Silver Sword, without constantly abusing my most powerful spells.
- I… I see… I’ll try not to say such out of place things again. I understand you are finished ?
He looked at her again.
Well, maybe he decided not to use his most powerful spells, but to secure her safety, especially from undeath…
- One last spell.


Originally he though he wouldn’t learn that one, given that he was traveling with a paladin, a cleric and a druid, but in the end, he wanted his team to be as safe as possible in every circumstance.
Mass Death Ward was one of the spells he learned last.
- Fine. I’m done. Now, there’s no risk that any of us will be killed by a stray Death Finger or something.
- You’re a terrible man, simply hiding all those abilities from us all along…
- We’ll discuss this later. Now, let’s get those things before the spells wear out.
He opened the door, and they jumped through.
He looked around, quickly taking into account the positions of the shadovar, and located his main target – what he believed once was the chief Arcanist in this tower.

Mischa went to the left side of the group as planned, while he cast the spell he preferred not to use while with larger groups of allies. But, with just two, it was easy to make it work.
Fire Storm came down on the startled shadovar, one of them falling to the burns immediately just as the shadow Arcanist tried to strike him and Mischa with Ice Storms.
Of course, he expected this, and they were immune to cold. Xardas finished one of the Shadovars that attempted to attack Mischa with a spell by Flame Striking him and then turned to the arcanist, who got out of the Fire Storm and so could be engaged.
Storm Avatar immediately made electricity flow around and through his body and he dashed towards the former great mage, rushing through is Missile Storm like it was nothing and immediately cutting around with his Sword of Gith, intent on killing the arcanist immediately.
The arcanist, however, already had proper defenses in place and the first slash just didn’t do any greater damage, just as the Arcanist released a Greater Fireburst and would probably send him flying if not for the spell. He continued with an acidic breath and Xardas countered by putting him on fire with an Inferno. Just as he was about to hack through his defenses, the shadow used Bigby’s Forceful Hand and send him just inside an Acid Fog. Xardas jumped out of the area only to be bombarded by another Missile Storm, but before the attacks started hitting, he surrounded himself with a Blade Barrier using the sword’s shards and immediately closed in on the ancient Netherilian, the shards around him slashing the being just as he nearly punched him through with a Heal-Infused hand, the Netherilian nearly losing balance from the hit.
It was obviously weakened and Xardas went on with Shocking Grasp, but the shadow creature managed to grab his hands and, suddenly, he felt his vitality seeping away.
Vampiric Touch ? Seemed like it…

He suddenly found himself being overpowered by the shadowy undead, it’s allies already rushing in to help in finishing him off. Xardas was thrown onto the ground and the Arcanist apparently started preparing a spell.
Xardas suddenly turned and a white light shined through his aura of electricity, his eyes slowly shifting in color and gaining an otherworldly gleam as a spell started to form in his hands.
Sure, he would prefer not to use THAT, his only truly unique power among those of his kind, but if it was necessary…
Just a moment later, it wasn’t, as Mischa smite into the shadowy arcanist, chopping him into two halves. Xardas stopped charging his spell and instead used a mass version of a wounds healing spell, which would restore both him and Mischa while damaging the shadow in case it was still alive.
As the shadovar approached, he prepared another spell, calling a lighting storm and leaving just a couple of them alive. Those who did not run were immediately struck down by Mischa.

- I thought I knew what you were doing ! You could get killed !
- Oh, I knew exactly what I was doing. I still had at least two aces up my sleeve, so don’t panic.
- That’s what I hate about you, you always claim to have aces up your sleeve, yet I never get to see them used !
- Well, because we never fight any half-of-a-world scale evil threats ! It’s all only local, just local !
- This is important dammit !
- Mischa, you really lost all faith in me, didn’t you ? Well you’ll just have to wait till we fight Heurodis or something. Now, let’s grab the Dark Wind and get out of here.





Maenaz woke up. He stretched, looked around, opened his eyes wider, and whispered…
- An orgy… in the Gate of Vipers… with all these…reptiles and fiends and all… wonder how much time it will take to get eggs… No, that’s just creepy, I hope they use some magical protection or whatever… But who the hell could think of something like this in here…

Somebody knocked on his door. A relatively unknown voice came through, but he recognized it as Malacoda’s.
- Maenaz, have you woken up ? You need to learn who’s who in here and how to move around the Fortress, after all !

Wait, Malacoda ?
…She…
With that scandalous upper half of hers of course she would make a prime candidate for a participant… Hell, maybe even the host !
Nice kinky sex with long serpentine tail used for bondage !
[“HOW SICK IS THIS PLACE ?!?!”]
And exactly how many fiendish and reptile nymphos were included in this, huh ? Why the hell should he get out of his safe room into the sick, cruel world outside ?

- DAMN IT !!!
- Maenaz ? What’s wrong ? Did something happen ?
- Damn right som… ehhh. No, It’s nothing. Maybe I’m just… overreacting.

Of course. While he certainly suspected her, he had no way to be sure that Malacoda actually participated in this… And even if she did, well… Who’s to say that’s not normal for lamias of her age ? Maybe their sex drive is…
[“ YOU’RE NOT SUPPOSED TO BE THINKING ABOUT SEX, YOU IDIOT !”]
He suddenly realized he blurted some of the words he thought out. Damnit. Now she would get suspicious.
- Maenaz, seriously, I’m starting to think something is wrong. Don’t make me blow through the door !
Barely stopping his mind from finding the sentence a double-entendre of sorts, he quickly got into his clothes and opened the door.
Malacoda “stood” there, her eyebrow raised skeptically as she inspected his room.
- Are we alone ?
[“ Gods, here it comes. “Oh Maenaz, are we alllllooone ? I meeaaan assss in really ? Then, sssssssshalll we play a game ? It’ssss my favourite !” “]
He tried to compose himself. After all, it was strange, going into hysteria from something as small as an orgy on a Lower Plane. There were probably worse things going on here.
- What is it ?
- Well, you seemed almost as if there was another person in here, talking to yourself and all. Also, I wanted to do something we should only do while we’re alone.

[“ She’s in the mood, gods damn it, she’s in the mood, I’ve just gotten away from one crazy aspiring dominatrix and I am about to…”]
- Maenaz, you’re either not feeling well, you’re pondering a horrible even from your past that scarred you for life or you’re suddenly nearly scared of me.
- Um… it’s because… I’d like to ask you something later on.
She stared at him for a good couple seconds before giving a friendly smile.
- Sure, if something bothers you. What I wanted to do was actually…

[“ Bondage. BONDAGE !”]

-… we need to talk about the Nefarious Seven. You’re probably unused to dealing with fiends of such level, and while Samael’s interest in you means you’ll end up being corrupted through and through, which you probably won’t even oppose in a short time, members of the Seven may actually be more dangerous to your health… and your soul… than he currently is.

[“And… I was thinking… What the hell was I thinking, damnit ! And why does she say it all like if I already was Samael’s plaything !?”]
- Well, but isn’t Nefarious Seven half-dead and all servants of Samael ?
- They are. They probably won’t do anything that would be contrary to his interests… but they have interests of their own. And, actually, you just got here. You’re being perceived… umm…
- As what ?
- May I be brutally honest ?
- Yes.
- You’re like a raw material to mold to their liking. At least as far as the strongest ones are concerned. The Gate, while far more stable in these terms than an average layer of Baator, has it’s own politic and mental games. If you prove yourself either through fighting or intellect some of them may try to bring you to their side, and they use… many different means.
- Like ?
- Belongs on the individual person. Euryale brings people onto her side through addictions, Hebiriel will either make do with material possessions or help you research ways to increase your individual power, Veniseria will either put a curse on you and force you to do her bidding or continue to make pacts with you until they’re all so intertwined you actually get nothing of it except becoming her servant, and Morax…
- ???
- Well, he can just suddenly decide you’re worthy to become his “Apprentice”. That’s if both him and Master “like” you. If they suddenly decide they DISLIKE you, well, then, that’s the moment you need to watch for Morax. Because he can just stab you in the back. That’s what he does best, after all, he was among the best assassins in the Lower Planes even before Lord Samael recruited him.
- And… why are you telling me this ? The only reason I can think of is…
- To get you on my side ? Well… sort of. Still, I have no interest in your soul. What interests me is that you keep your talents exclusively for Lord Samael and yourself, though if you will help me when I need it, I will be more than happy to accept. If Master sees tremendous potential in you and wants to use it, then what I want is for that potential not to fall into the wrong hands.
- For someone who can speak of all this so light-heartedly, you seem remarkably loyal to Samael.
- It’s in the family. It’s in my blood. Also, Maenaz, you yourself… you should give Lord Samael a chance to get through to you. You won’t be disappointed.
- I am not as foolish as to simply hand myself over to fiends ! Why should I trust them ? Or you ?
- You’re a human. An exceptional human, but still one. Humans need to trust others. And also… Master, he… Can make you more.
- What do you mean by “more” ? More than what ?
- Let me say this straight. There are some specimen born into your race that have extraordinary talent, you one of them. But, humans, as a race ? They’re born weak, and they cannot usually advance past a certain stage without outside help. Not to mention they die quickly. But, usually, one can do nothing about his or her race and bloodline during their lifetime. It all just… gets passed on. Deities can do that, certain pacts with fiends can do that… what if I told you that Lord Samael, if you serve him faithfully, can give you such power without any pact included ?
- Don’t… push it.
- Are you not determined to achieve whatever end you wanted when you joined forces with him ? You might as well go all the way, you know…
- I have no desire to discuss this now !
- As you wish. Then, we shall go and you’ll learn more about the Fortress. After all, you’re going to be spending some time here.
- Whatever you say.




Xardas had just one last wind to obtain. Of course “The dead wind” triumphed in the category for the weirdest opponent name as far as those he had to fight with were concerned. Since it was a wind. How could it be *dead* ? Not to mention “Wind of Undeath” would be far more accurate considering the number of undead creatures they had to go up against ! It was the third floor, and not only had he have to cope with a bunch of zombies and skeletons, but with magical gates as well !
Finally, he entered a chamber with a bone golem ( a rather badly and old-looking one as well) where what appeared to be stairs down were.

He was impatient, so he simply used his blade to nearly sever all the limbs and cut through the ribs of the golem and then blown him apart with a Flame Strike. That may have been his shortest fight in a while.
He rushed down without even checking if Mischa followed. He wanted to be through with all this. He wanted to somehow explain everything to the blonde paladin and to get back to Elanee and confess and take whatever punishment she may have in store. He wanted to have a clear conscience. To set things RIGHT.

He run downstairs to come nearly face-to-face with the wind’s “heart”. This one was not only blowing through the corridors, it produced an aura, and an unstable, pulsing one as well.
Mischa came downstairs only to find her master jumping straight into the wind’s aura, which caused a terrible shriek to be unleashed an the aura started to burn furiously for a moment before a group of zombies got up and started attacking them. The aura stayed powerful, but apparently, Master was getting more and more impatient, starting the whole thing with a Sunburst that destroyed all the zombies but did little to no damage to the wind’s core.
But the aura started to subside and then Xardas immediately rushed to the wind, hacking at it and attempting to destroy it as fast as possible. The center’s poor attempts at movement ended with it’s near annihilation when Xardas fired a Flame Strike to add further injury, but the aura instead got stronger and suddenly spawned more undead.
And this time, one larger, with a particularly mean-looking scythe was among them as well.

Master did not seem to care, still trying to hurt the wind, but strike from the powerful zombie’s scythes suddenly sent him on his feet, destroying the so far rarely touched Stoneskin he put on before they entered the tower.
Meaning every next strike could be lethal for him.
Mischa jumped without thinking, hacking and slashing and screaming like if she went mad, only to find that this thing was apparently nearly as tough as it was strong. When she dodged the zombie’s strike, she was immediately surrounded by other zombies and effectively cut off from Xardas.

She was scared like hell when she was fighting these zombies, afraid for his safety, afraid what was happening…
But she heard no metal clashing, no screams, nothing that suggested a scythe cutting into flesh or even into another Stoneskin…
When she finally killed enough zombies to see her former teacher turned into something… incorporeal.
She wasn’t sure whether to scream because he already died or to be amazed because that could be another one of his skills, however, Master concentrated another Sunburst, and immediately got rid of all the zombies, including the strongest one. Then, she slashed at the Dead Wind just as he Flame Striked it and the center of the wind started absorbing foul blood from the corpses of zombies before it’s aura suddenly enclosing around it and forming a strange ball made seemingly of green crystal and some disgusting… pulsing… organic… undead tissue.

Her master became corporeal and picked the ball up, just as she ran over to him and again started punching him in “I’m a frustrated teen girl” manner.
- You did it again ! You have a deathwish, don’t you ? Why the hell are you coming so close to being killed every time ? Why ? Why can’t you just…
- And that is the difference between us, Mischa. I kind of… enjoy the danger. I like sharpening my instincts to the extreme with dangerous situations, and I am confident I can get out of a battle even if I get wounded. I prepare to a battle if I consider this necessary, and do not whine when something doesn’t go my way.
Not all of this was true, but he somewhat wanted to scare her away. He was well-aware that he was slowly becoming too impatient and might even be going suicidal.
But he needed OUT of all this ! All this was never meant to become so problematic !

- You’re insane ! Do you even hear yourself ? You’re contradicting what you’ve been teaching us all along !
- Mischa…
- What ?! What is it ?
He sighed. He wasn’t going to get her off his back too easy.

- I just… want this all to end. I never wanted all this… to become so complicated. I ended up hurting you as if I were the worst kind of bastard, and I guess I’ve sort of been trying to… push you away. I’m sorry.
- Xardas, I never really… I’ve never fought of you as a bastard ! You… I do not even regret what we did, even if you leave me… I’ll always think of you fondly ! I… I guess I wasn’t to helpful as well, acting all bitchy, but truth is… I’d really like to think I can compete with that woman, this Elanee of yours, and even win you over… Is that possible ? Can I ?? It’s a strange question, bu…
He kissed her forehead and hugged her, which served pretty well to finally shut her up.
- Under this stress, Mischa, I do not know. That… remains to be seen.
- I… I understand. I’ll wait.


[“YOU’RE GIVING HER HOPE YOU IDIOT ! YOU’RE GOING TO HELL !”]

Having all the three winds at their disposal, Mischa and Xardas moved out to finish their job – namely defeating Heurodis and hopefully putting an end to the legacy of Netheril.


Maenaz already pretty much knew how to walk about the Gate of Vipers and now was about to learn of the most important places. He still did not ask Malacoda what happened the day before… the night before, actually.
- As far as healing potions, performance enhancements and the like go, you can get your share from four sources – either you find you private one or make them, strike a deal with the Yuan-Ti alchemists or the Night Hags and get them from those, or obtain them by bargaining with two members of the Seven. Those are, namely, Hebiriel and Euryale. I’d watch out with Hebiriel, but concerning Euryale… Stay away from her. Do not buy anything from her. It would be best if you limited contact to minimum and avoided any of her… offers. Though, it may be difficult…
- And why is it so crucial that I avoid her ?
- As I said, Euryale gains people on her side through addictions. She is actually one of the greater drug dealers in these parts of Gehenna and Hades, not to mention probably the chief one here in the Gate. Do you want your potions to be brewed under the eye of somebody like that ?
- Sounds like a bad idea. A very bad idea.
- Exactly. Also, I do not know your preferences, but if you need to get yourself on high… Or get drunk, or whatever… I’d be a lot safer if you came to me with that problem rather than seek her or the Night Hags. Now, about the equipment…
- Malacoda ?
- Yes, Maenaz ?
- Why are you being so kind to me ? I mean, you’re actually making an effort not only to get me to know this place, but also you’re trying to prevent me from falling into the wrong environment. You do not get angry no matter what I say, and you’re way, way more cheerful, free-spirited and friendly than anything I’d meet in here. I’m sorry to say this, but… it’s suspicious.
- You’re rather sharp, aren’t ya ?
- Humans don’t get to live through what I’ve lived through with my level of hot-headedness if they’re not sharp enough.
- Why do you think I am kind ? What does this look like, to you ?
- Like you had a secret agenda of your own. Or like you were so fanatically devoted to Samael and so much a believer of my talent that you’re willing to do everything to make me “pure” and just for him to shape as he wishes.
- Excellent ideas, and both partially true. Truth is, Maenaz, neither of us is still fully comfortable with the other. And you won’t trust me as easily as that, I know. But, you do have my sympathy, and I would prefer it if you stayed the way you are instead of changing into some sort of completely mentally ravaged mortals that sometimes became of humans that decided to serve in the Gate of Vipers. I also have an agenda of my own. There is something… I may once want from you. A certain favor which you will be unwilling to do unless you trust me and are thankful to me. I know how this works – as long as you’re human, once I do enough for you you may be feeling like you have to somehow repay me. That’s when I reap my benefits. It'd be better if you weren't just a mental and physical mess with merely a shell of a personality and free will when I decide to do so.
- You’re really straightforward at times.
- No point in lying if you just keep suspecting me. You don’t believe anything in here is trustworthy, and probably rightly so. I haven’t told you everything you wanted to know about me, either. So, if you simply allow me, I’d like to continue building the trust that is between us, even if it never becomes more than the shaky trust between a cat and a dog living in the same household.
- It’s not only untrustworthy. This place is sick. I’ve been wanting to ask you…
- What is it, Maenaz ?
- Last night, I woke up due to hearing a sound. I got out of my chambers just to walk out into the outside part of the Gate and be attacked by a giant, seven-some feet tall thing with a flail and two blades, that also had wings and guess what
he was guarding ?
-… Was it… Was he…
- I don’t know this thing’s name. I know, however, that what I initially perceived to be screams were in fact moans, and the one of the kind you hear when you watch a couple of people playing in a bed. This thing was set out there to…


She put her hand over his mouth and motioned for him to be silent.
- Follow me. We cannot talk about this… here.
He went after her, her response rousing his suspicions once again.


- Maenaz, I shouldn’t be telling you this, or talking the way I will be talking, but… There indeed is someone who hosts actual orgies within the Gate’s space.
- Did you parti…
The look she gave him suddenly had him blushing heavily and silent.
- I’d never step so low as to… satisfy such base urges… in that way. No, no I didn’t. The thing that stopped you from exploring too far was the being I already told you about. Signifer Gizarakor. I also mentioned he was a half-fiend. Well, guess what.
- I suppose he’s not just about any half-fiend, is he ?
- He was born from Euryale. The one from the Nefarious Seven. And she is the one who hosts these… events.

Maenaz eyes widened as something inside him brought the idea of a bunch of naked Yuan-Ti females and Erinyes surrounding an equally naked pale fiend.
He felt something tighten in his lower parts, and was shocked that he actually responded to the image.
He quickly brought back the image of a bleeding and partially turned to ash Morag into his mind and he felt his… excitation… wear down.
- So, this oversexed image she appears to be building…
- All for this. I… am in no position to say this… But Euryale’s a slut. A sex-crazed maniac. Gizarakor isn’t even her only child alive so far as I know, perhaps not even the only one who roams the Gate. Curious thing that she bore those creatures into the world. The reason Euryale was denied a chance to stay in Hell was because she was doing everything to attain as a high level of female sensuality and sexuality as possible, and this, joined with her original form, created… this. The thing she is now. She isn’t… Her mentality is worlds different from yours, Maenaz. From any women you probably knew. You need to avoid getting her attention. If she suddenly decides you are to her tastes, you may even be in physical danger.
- There’s no way I would ever…
- Maybe you say that now, but she doesn’t have to stay in her current form. And you’d be surprised by how many fall to her wiles even in this form. Just… watch out.
- I’ll… try to.
- I’m glad. Now, considering the equipment… You’d do best to ask Lord Samael to arm you as soon as possible, but there’s no kind of trust between you two, yet. In the barracks, I believe the devils and the yugoloth will be willing to trade with you. You can also try somewhere else in the Hades or Gehenna if you get to travel to a city. As I heard, Gizarakor and Euryale gathered some equipment as well, but that option… isn’t safe. There’s also Hebiriel. He won’t sell you anything, but for a little help, he will arrange so that your current items can be further enchanted. Since this doesn’t have anything to do with your bodily functions, this time it is a relatively trustworthy place. Last but not least, Yuan-Ti’s and any battle in the Blood War are also a pretty good source of equipment.

Maenaz genuinely smiled.
- You must really need my help with something. Either that, or you’re far too nice for this place.
- I’m not “nice” at all, Maenaz. I’m showing you just the good side since you seem agreeable enough, and I was ordered to do so. You don’t want to get on my bad side, believe me.
- Those on your bad side have a way of becoming meals ?
- Or worse. Much worse.
- I see. Your better side… let’s hope I won’t fall off it.

Xardas withstood the gaze of the medusa handmaiden before cutting her head off and effectively ending the battle. This level was defended by battle horrors and occupied by medusae, which meant probably Heurodis was already deep into the city.
He took Mischa and they ran up the temple, this time jumping into a strange level with a giant pit in the center. He was quite aware something terrible lived in that pit, and as such, avoided it for as long as possible.
Spectres and wisps were not much challenge for the two of them at this point, mainly because they could both turn them, at least the specters, since they were both undead AND spirits.

The giant, flame-breathing thing in the centre was. It might have been a hydra of sorts, or perhaps something else, but he definitely wanted nothing to do with it.
Slowly, they figured out how to open the door upwards, namely by having to pull the levers in the deep sides of the platform. Finally, the door to Heurodis were standing open, and they could fight her in a true deathmatch.

Mischa came over and hugged him, a bit to his surprise, before he started to re-buff them for the final fight.
Going upwards (Xardas actually appreciated going upwards for a change, but regretted it was always a constant motion – either they moved only downwards or moved upwards, ever upwards, no variety during a particular crisis) they finally came face to face with the ugly bitch herself, and this time, she was undead.
She spoke, her voice as serpentine as ever.
- It’ss a pity you cannot ssee what I do… I’ve become one with the Mythallar ! Who needs EYESSs when one hass joined the ssoul of the world itssself !
- Ah, so, without your eyes, you can no longer change people into stone. IT probably wouldn’t have worked this time around, but that does make the things a little easier…
- Losst ? Compared to what I’ve gained, this is no loss ! My power is immeasurable ! I would have given my eyes many times over for just a fraction of it, for they’ve already done their job ! you know that. Quite well, I believe.
- Whatever the mythal has given you… Whatever it is making you see, is unimportant to me. You’ve given up your life, your eyes and the very essence of who you were for this power… And nothing’s worth that much. This city should have remained buried forever.
- Is it a challenge ? Nobody challenges the might of my Undrentide ! Nobody challenges ME ! The city will take it’s place high upon the sky, and I will take my place as it’s lady, and the queen of Anauroch and beyond !
- Enough ! You shall be stopped, and this time, no stupid mistake will help you win !
- Thanks to the powers of the Mythal I am invincible, but because of our history I will not kill you straight away… This time, however, I’ll defeat you here, on the top of this city, and you shall be turned to dust, not stone !

He did not wait a single moment and immediately fired a Sunburst. However, instead of damaging the witch horribly, the mighty spell only caused a strange flash to appear as some sort of a shield seemed to protect Heurodis.
This would require thinking. Or more effort than he thought.


Two very tall humanoid, winged creatures stood next to each other, surrounded by many much smaller sentients. One of them spoke.
- So, this warlock came here last night, and you engaged him ?
- Yes, Mother. I did not manage to hit him even once with the flail, however, and he quickly forced me to draw upon my swords. After getting in a single blast, he expressed a desire to know what is going on. I told him and I was about to kill him or take him captive, but then… this happened.

Euryale marveled at the two holes in the ground right before her “events” apartment. Of course, the Gate wasn’t built of simple human stone, so the damage to it told of impressive power of the perpetrator.

- You’ve seen those blasts ? They were impressive, right ?
- I’ve never seen nor felt power so dynamic and with such sudden destructive potential used twice in such a short amount of time.
- You were taken aback ? Scared even ?
- …
- Gizarakor ! Tell me know ! What did you do when he used the blasts ?
- I… I listened to his offer of departing peacefully. Fighting him then… I might have lost. These blasts… could kill me. I don’t know if it was fear, but…
- A mere mortal. A mere human… did this ! And that’s even before Lord Samael started tampering with his power…

Euryale closed her eyes and started breathing heavily. She slid one of her hands under her leather bodice, feeling her nipple. It was very hard. She moaned as she squeezed her breast and pulled on it.
- This male… this male… I…
- Mother ?
- I… want… I desire this human. I’ll take him, and his essence.


[“ This is great ! Lord Samael seems to really have gotten something great this time ! And he’s still so young ! I cannot… I cannot wait…”]
Her other hand started to rub herself through the leather as she became more bold playing with her breast. She was strongly considering firing another “party” right there, but maybe it would be better experience if she teased herself a bit. Her other hand came under her breasts and she lifted them, still caressing one with the other hand.
[“ So, I have a target. Now, my babies, we need to figure out how to change him into our nice little slut.”]


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I will start writing the next chapter as soon as July comes, probably, but I cannot guarantee I'll have a lot of writing time in the first half of the month. Hope I can pull this out.

21.07.2010 - I regret to inform you guys that I will be unable/barely able to write between 22 and 26th of July, as I will be leaving on a short vacation, and as such the update will be postponed (Originally I was nearly sure I'd be done by 23rd). I will update with the formatted part of the chapter XIV just before I leave to give at least some semblance that I've been working on this fic :P

Also, chapter IV has been fused into a single chapter to make the number of chapters displayed and number of what I consider to be chapters :P the same.