It's been on hiatus a long time... To be honest, the school is kinda killing me already, and writing has become such a pain in the ass these days... But I seem to be finally catching the rhythm, and so, I found the time to return to this story.

Just to make you all sure, I REALLLY WANT to finish that one. I may have to put it on hiatus from time to time, but i will do everything I can to write down every single chapter all the way till the end. Also, i hope from next month I'll be able to make at least two updates a month.

EDIT : This is the final version of "deadly underdark". This chapter is the longest so far, being just over 19 000 words long, but I still feel I should be able to finish it quicker.

Also, is EVERYONE expecting me to bring back Aribeth ? And already ? Wow xD
I won't spoil more, though ;p.

Enjoy !
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Chapter V
Deadly Underdark

It was really surprising – and annoying – the mage’s reaction, that is. He didn’t really expect “real” thankfulness, he started ranting and raving about things, “letting him live”, “expecting someone else” and that sort of thing. Had he not been keenly aware that the being before him is easily one of Faerun’s greatest living wizards, he’d seriously consider blasting those babbling lips off his face.

Only when ANOTHER Halaster made an appearance, and started to explain about how now they won’t be able to lure “her” out, he started to realize that the whole situation, as well as the wizard himself, was totally crazy. This wasn’t helped at all by the fact that the two Halasters immediately started arguing about which one of them was the real one.
-I don’t have time for this bullshit !
Both wizards suddenly turned towards him, apparently angered by his reaction, but then, they grinned, a shade of an idea dancing clearly in their gaze.
- We’ll take care of it later…
- Our anger…
- Valsharess’ pain will cure the latter !
- Somebody must take care of her, that’s right ! I’d do it myself, but my time is nigh !
- You make no sense at all…

Maenaz instinctively twitched, prepared to dodge as soon as Halaster started casting a spell.
However, there was no visible effect as soon as the incantation was complete…
But it was pretty much obvious to him he was just placed under a very strong spell. Enchantment ? Domination ? Some other compulsion effect ?
As he felt like a thousand needles pierced something intangible, but important, inside of him, he felt like if he had just attained some sort of another purpose.
Yes, a completely different goal than his own was just forced upon him.
His eyes shined…
He hated it.

--What do you mean they were killed ? By whom ? Who dared to take Halaster and the Undermountain away from me ?! And with what army ?
Three people. Counting him. Pretty interesting fellow, isn’t he ?
-WHAT ?!?
-I believe we had a talk about the human race having a couple of specimens with exceptional potential, right ? Well here’s the real deal. He was a kid a while ago, even in human years. You’re probably about fifteen times his age. And he kicks the shit out of your servants so far.
-What about Youfier ?
-Completely outmatched. He even figured out how to block her special abilities.
-But…those were…
-If you ask me, he was holding back.
-He’s a male, for Lloth’s crying out loud ! Males just don’t have that sort of power !
-That’s right, because your race kills off the males that do, usually.
-You’re going to bring something in. I want something powerful enough to destroy that fool in Waterdeep by tomorrow.
-That won’t be necessary.
-What do you… Oh, shit…
-That’s right…
-Halaster.
-You held captive a wizard that is more powerful than almost any Lloth’s priestess alive in the last two millennia. Being too occupied with his little world of Undermountain being in total chaos, I believe he will make use of the young human for his revenge.
-Then forget it. We have plenty of mighty beings here already.
-Oh yes, we do…


Nathyrra was completely shocked, as a terrible tremor suddenly brought her to her knees a moment before. Dust was everywhere. That giant light hitting just where the Halasters were, and almost having them in the range as well…
-Maenaz ! Have you gone insane ? Why did you do that ? It’s Halaster for crying out loud ! He’s on our side, and doing it to him won’t…
-Geas… That son of a bitch placed a geas on me… ME !!
-Why… What do you…
-SHUT UP !!!
He put his right hand in front of him, green energy blazing wildly around his palm, a very intense cone of acid being fired where the two wizards should have been. A barrage of magic missiles came from the left, however, where a single wizard was standing in a bloody mist.
-The additional fail-safe on that clone was to make me able to absorb his life energy should something ever manage to pierce my standard barriers… Like your attack back there. You work for me. You can’t say no, it’s just another fail-safe.
-You cannot force me to do anything ! I’m going to fucking kill you !
-Kill me here… It’s like trying to make sea burn. I don’t know why you behave like a mad dog, but you will have to kill Valsharess. It’s just that. And I’m sending you to the Underdark in a couple of minutes, so you may as well end things up here differently.
-Maenaz, you should listen to Halaster. If you try to go up against a Geas, you’ll just end up a withered shade of a man, and you’ll probably die.
-Shut up… If there’s one thing I hate… One thing I’d never do to anybody… It’s to destroy one’s will like that ! It’s like fucking rape, or worse !
-Maenaz… This Valsharess has to be stopped anyway – Sharwyn said. – I imagine how you feel, but… Just leave it for now. Since Halaster is unwilling to move his lazy butt from here anyways, Arunsun is away, and Laeral has decided to suddenly act like a damsel in distress, it’s only you who can do this anyways.
-Listen to the booby girl, will you ? I’m either sending you right now, if you keep it this way, or I’ll let you say goodbyes and arrange things.


Maenaz closed his eyes, and took a deep breath. He would never forgive this. He valued the freedom of all things, most of all his own… That’s why he hated compulsion magic. He’d rather kill people than make them slaves. And becoming a slave himself… It was something he could NEVER accept.
He just became pretty sure his primary purpose in Underdark would become to get rid of the geas, and then get back at Halaster.

-Halaster, if possible, I would like to go with Maenaz. I’ll help to get him in on the situation, and I’d like to help Seer directly as soon as possible.
-Fine by me.
-Hey, I want to go, too !
-You will not. I shall send who I want to. He has to be there for my sake, she has to be there for his. You’re not needed. I’ll send you up so Waterdeep will know I control Undermountain once again.
-It’s fine, Sharwyn. Keep my part of the reward for the time. I want thirty five thousands. How you share the rest is up to you.
-Is it really all you have to say ?
-No, it’s just… I really suck at goodbyes.
-You have to admit that this is a bad excuse.
-Yeah… it is.
Maenaz sheathed his sword, walked to Sharwyn, and hugged his perhaps only current friend.


The chain of command among the Red Sisters was pretty simple. Valsharess held the absolute power, but the organization itself was run by something called the Red Triumvirate. The head of it was simultaneously the person probably closest to Valsharess herself – her cousin. Valsharess had no other relatives. She probably killed her sisters along with her mother, and never bothered to have children since apparently she considered almost all males she had known to be unworthy of even being let into her bed, not to mention bearing their children. The other two were people chosen by that single blood relative herself, and were called her “left” and “right” hand.

The left hand’s name was Sabal, and she was already sent somewhere with an important mission. Ironically, the missions were almost never *important* enough so that she, Ilivarra, the Right Hand, could be employed for them. Probably the only reason Valsharess even called her was because Sabal was already away. As such, it would be boring as hell. The only interesting part was that she was being called into *that* room. Meaning she would get to see *him*… or perhaps *it* ? Not all fiends apparently identified with one gender. Especially true with devils. Like this one. Though Valsharess once mentioned his origins might not really be Baatorian.
Who cared. As she entered the room, Valsharess was the only one who reacted. The fiend ( a male, he had to be male; He was FAR more masculine than almost any of those pathetic excuses for a Drow that her mistress kept around herself ) didn’t move an inch. He was humanoid for sure, unlike some of those beasts the Empress had him bring, but that gaze… His eyes were completely inhuman. His current look was like they didn’t see anything at all… A soulless gaze that seems to suck you in. Though they were snake-like, one could say that a snake’s eyes look friendly in comparison with his stare.
Ilivarra’s thoughts were suddenly cut short as her Mistress spoke.
-Get all top-rated assassin squads ready for me, just in case. Also, Sabal is out in the caves of the Underdark. Send her additional troops and make sure she is informed that soon she won’t be the only one wandering out in there.
-But, Empress, what has happened ?
-Our efforts in Undermountain were in vain. We have instead gained a new enemy, and a pretty powerful one at that. Halaster will have send him into the Underdark in a matter of hours. Also, the Seer has finally made her move, since a drow is accompanying him.
-That enemy… is a male ?
-I don’t have time to explain. Maybe he’s a Chosen of one of those pesky surface gods or something. Our bonded benefactor hasn’t told me anything about the nature of his powers yet. I want you to do as I said. Now.
-…
-What are you standing here for, Ilivarra ? What do you want ?
-Mistress… I can take care of him for you, if you want…
-Too much of a pain. I bet he’s going to meet Sabal anyways. And she’ll be enough to take him down. Now, go.
Such idiocy. Why Sabal ? If she would keep getting all those missions she could improve above her, the Right Hand’s, current level. It would suck. Why was only she buried with all this administrative shit ? She wanted action.
-Oh, and Ilivarra ?
-What the… er… What do you want, mistress ?
-Tell somebody to prepare a bath for me.
She sometimes wished her mistress would be less of a stuck-up self-righteous bitch she was.

After their stupid talk of becoming a pair, her accusing him of thinking only about Aribeth and not caring about Linu’s death at all, her seeing him naked, the whole mess of fighting, and considering an insane super-powerful wizard and a drow from Underdark were watching, he was really surprised how natural this felt. Half-whispering, he said :
-I think I’m going to miss you a lot.
-Why you so suddenly… And stop talking like if you weren’t returning, bastard ! Promise me you’ll return ! And then the first thing we do is going to a tavern and…
-Sharwyn… Our ways are different. And it’s Underdark. I cannot promise anything. Just do what you like to… Stay out of stupid cities that don’t appreciate those who help them, and keep being who you are.
-I said shut up with this kind of talk ! It’s unlike you ! But… Halaster ! You’re not going to just teleport him to a random place in Underdark, right ?
-I think the best place would be the Seer’s outpost in the Underdark.
-Letting a man in the Underdark alone – murder it would be. How will he live with Eilistraee’s drow, this I would rather see.
-I guess that’s it for emotional goodbyes, right ? Thank you for everything Sharwyn. Hope you’ll write a great song about our story !
-Yes, it’s definitely something worth immortalizing. But we’ll see each other again, Maenaz.
-Perhaps… And perhaps not. We shall see.
Then, Halaster teleported him away. Into the caves of Underdark… And into something that looked like a temple devoted to the Spider Goddess, no less.
-You’re a welcomed guest here, rivvin. I’m the Seer, and I have been expecting you. Come closer, please… Don’t be afraid.


“She was far too stressed lately. She was still unused to having a being of HIS power at her disposal, and feeling her own power morph and grow so quickly as well. In addition, trying to capture both Undermountain and the Underdark at the same was a bit too ambitious, maybe, but thankfully, the only one who was send as a retort was a single rivvin man and a former subordinate of hers. And since the fiend has told her his powers were similar to the ones he offered to her cousin, she finally knew what to expect. With this, Sabal will take him down surely. And if not, she still had a person at her disposal that was just perfect for killing spellcasters. And, finally… No being in the Underdark could oppose her and her power now, anyway. The only one that could do that was already her ally.”

-How did you call me ?
-Don’t be upset. In my language, it’s simply how we call your race. I guess you would prefer to be called by name ?
-Yes… Maenaz would suffice.
-You probably have a lot of questions, and I will give you the answers… But first tell me, how did you get here ?
-Seer, I think I can answer that – Nathyrra interrupted. –Maenaz had managed to free Halaster from Valsharess’ imprisonment, thus laying waste on her plans of using the Undermountain as a base for attacking the surface, however Halaster was so angry with what she had done that he teleported us here to take care of her.
-I see… I had hoped he came here of his own volition.
-He’s fate is tied to our case, if I can say it that way… This insane mage put a geas on him, forcing him to battle Valsharess.
The Seer seemed really worried with that.
-I’m sorry you had to go through all of those. I had hoped our first meeting would be different…
-Blah, blah, blah. Shut up about this Geas shit already… I don’t plan to just follow it like a blind dog ! If I challenge Valsharess, I will ONLY do it if I’m free of this bullshit of a spell, and this I promise you.
-Maenaz… Dispelling a geas of someone so powerful as Halaster is not an easy thing to do. Your fate is tied to ours anyway. The best thing you can do…
-I thought I told you to shut up, drow.
-Do not dare speak that way to the Seer, or I’ll turn you into a pile of trash – a pale-skinned tiefling, probably the only other non-drow in this place, apparently quickly got frustrated with Maenaz’s behavior.
-I believe I’m under the effect of a shitty do-what-i-want-you-to spell which just befits your plans and so you’re not going to do a shit about this… And this whole situation puts me in pretty bad mood. So, come on, quickly… I need to rip the insides out of something.
-Maenaz !
-Maenaz, our Goddes has foreseen your coming. The only thing you can really do right now is help us… and we shall help you, I promise. And the believers of Eilistraee aren’t the types to force somebody to do anything, and as I said, I would prefer you to do this of your own will.
-But, Mistress ! This man is a stranger, and he cab doom us all ! I’ve seen this type of attitude, and trust me, it’s never one that ends in doing something good. I believe we should not trust this man !
-I somewhat agree with Valen, Seer. I don’t fully trust Maenaz… I’ve seen his powers, but also his attitude is somewhat… Worrying.
-Our life doesn’t really matter here, and he is the only one who can stop Valsharess.
-You know I do not applaud your methods, Seer. I don’t want to die by putting my faith into someone I don’t know and don’t trust.
-Valen, Nathyrra… I cannot count all the times your help has proven invaluable, but soon, Valsharess army shall be here, and our strength alone will be insufficient to stop her.
-If you say so… But how can you be so sure some human can save us ?
-Maenaz is unique… In many ways. I believe that only you can save us from Valsharess, Rivvin.
-As far as I’m concerned, this whole case can go to hell… But I guess I don’t have anything against working towards sending Valsharess there, for now.


“ ”We have plenty of mighty beings here already”.
Yeah, right. None of the servants he brought here with him would be able to destroy that human.
Even counting in all his accomplices, he supposed only THEM would be able to defeat that being with little risk of losing.
Still, the Red Triumvirate would definitely be a good test for him, even more so since Sabal, the weakest one, would appear first.
The human needed time to grow properly.
Time he would try to fool Valsharess into giving him.
By that time, it would be clear how useful this man can become.”


So, it was clear now. Destroy Valsharess allies, bring more allies here, bring artifacts here, and kill Valsharess when she attacks with her once-ten-times-stronger-now-weakened-to-four-times-stronger army. Easy, really. Of course if this wasn’t enough, Valsharess could simply attack in the meantime, while he was away, or try to assassinate him again.
He didn’t want to attempt any calculations at how big the chances of success were.
And his choice of traveling companions… A back-stabbing drow assassin armed with magic, and a seemingly pretty angsty self-righteous tiefling warrior.
As he approached the dark figure, he wondered when did he change from a pyromaniac to a masochist. He couldn’t quite grasp the exact moment.
And, obviously, the day was just getting started, as the so-called boatman certainly wasn’t even a drow.
Perfect.
-I am Cavallas of the Dark River. I’m the only one who can navigate on these traitorous waters – everyone else who tried is long dead. I’ve been expecting you.
-Expecting me ?
-The dark river itself… Whispers and vibrates because of the power you are radiating. It seems that you’re the one expected to defeat Valsharess… But I wonder why would you even come down here, human ? Killing Valsharess would be a true blessing for the Dark River and the creatures of the Underdark, but why would it be a blessing for you ??
-Forget about me. Valen claims you can help me cross the Dark River and get to a place that interests me. Is it true ?
-Yes, I can help you. I know the secrets of these waters and the islands that lie there…
-Why would you do that ? You’re… suspicious.
-Valsharess desires power over every inch of ground in Underdark… And of the Dark River… Probably of the world above, too… Soon, her power might be enough to start enslaving the Dark River itself… And I will not permit it. If you can slay Valsharess, you should do so, and I’ll help you in it.
-So be it. I want to go to the Maker’s Island. But don’t think I trust you…
-Wise of you, but it’s not like we can do anything about it.

She walked into the creepy looking hall, it’s walls “decorated” with still living war slaves, who were apparently being used as both food and experiment material. This devil was pretty much fucked up in the head, definitely. But he was the strongest servant the Archfiend brought along, at least for now, until Valsharess will manage to force him to bring more.
As she was thinking about those things, the devil itself finally appeared. It bowed it’s head slightly – initially, he was rather averse to the thought of listening to drow. That was until she had shown him his place in combat. She was very efficient when it came to killing spellcasters – and that’s what he was, no more. And it was Valsharess that had shown him “mercy”, not her. Because she enjoyed the kill about as much as the fight.
-What is it, Lady Ilivarra ?
-Elamash… Valsharess wishes to know how your research about the Dark River is going. Using it in a battle would give us a great advantage… But to me, it seems like you’re far more focused on performing experiments on those few creatures of Underdark that haven’t bowed their heads to her.
-Untrue… Although I must confess, there isn’t much I know right now. Apparently, the Dark River is capable of sending mental images and impulses when acting as an accumulation of intelligence of all the “natural” creatures that live in it. Whoever is capable of receiving those impulses would be able to navigate the Dark River… Unfortunately, I have no idea as to what sort of creatures would be capable of that, as well as whether such a creature currently exists.
-A lot of bullshit to swallow and nothing important to say. Basically you’re telling me to tell Valsharess that you know the theory but have no idea how to put it to practice. Stupid devil.
-I humbly ask for more time.
-You are to contact me as soon as you know something. And remember this line - you are to contact ME. Nobody else. Understood ?
-Yes.
Ilivarra left. She did not know where this rebellious addition to Valsharess’ command came from, but concluded that it would be her to decide who should get a mission for once. She was really, really, really starved for some action.

The duergar outside were really rather unpleasant company on this island, but at least were more decent than the drow that were crawling around in the Underdark. Still, he would prefer if they simply left. He was angry enough with the other two people accompanying him. While he *almost* got along with Nathyrra, Valen was another case. They clearly shared some personality traits, but for a tiefling, Valen had a pretty strong moral compass, and this coupled with his innate untrusting nature made him so suspicious of Maenaz it almost turned into open conflict. And they only spend some time in a cave and on a boat on the Dark River, mind you.
-So, why did you decide we should go here first, Maenaz ?
-Even if we’ll slaughter all her beholders and manage to cut out her connection with illithids, Valsharess forces still outnumber us. I believe you might have experienced this before.
-Carn’renor is correct, Nathyrra. And I’m also afraid that other than us, only a few of our men can battle against the Red Sisters. If we could either create our own golems or take control of those created by the Maker, it would be a great asset.
-You two are AGREEING ? That’s a new one.
Valen was obviously unsatisfied at this comment, as he grunted something and responded :
-I’m trying to be professional here. It’s basic tactics, really.
-Professionalism really isn’t the right word when you’re going against such an army. Not to mention you still seem unsure as to where her power comes from.
-We are sure, Maenaz. I told you. She bound an archfiend to her service.
-Yeah, right. What sort of archfiend ? And how on hell do you do that ? Is it common knowledge here ? And where the hell did you get this sort of information ?
-I wasn’t permitted to see this creature.
-Permitted ?
-That is correct. I was once a Red Sister.
She slightly backed off, expecting him to burst. Valen even raised his weapon a bit, if he lashed out at her. Maenaz only smiled.
-I see. That’s why you seem so valued around here.
-I truly…
-Don’t worry. You could say… I have a certain soft spot for “traitors”. Only this time I have one on my side.
He could swear she was blushing after those words. But he didn’t care. He was more interested in Valen’s shocked face right now.


Much to her… pet’s… apparent dismay, Valsharess had no inhibitions whatsoever when it came to bathing in his presence. The former drow matron was aiming for a certain ego boost – she was waiting how long it would take for the fiend to openly show his lust towards her. It seemed like it would take VERY long, however… But this creature was something not of this world and had a mind so aberrant that it didn’t really offend her in any way. At least, she could interrogate him.
-So tell me, how high did you rate Youfier among your servants ?
-She was average. The only thing special about her was that she was a result of a certain experiment that couldn’t work on a devil or most other of my servants for that matter. Still, it hadn’t brought her to the expected level, and I have a pretty good collection of beings as powerful as her or stronger under my command.
-Could she take down the Seer ? Or one of the Red Triumvirate ?
-I have no idea as to Seer’s actual power whatsoever. As for Red Triumvirate… Elamash lost against llivarra, so I doubt Youfier could take down any of them. Still, you have to remember that Ilivarra is a special case…
-Yes. If Sabal somehow fails, I shall dispatch her immediately in order to kill this Warlock kid.
-Maenaz.
-I don’t care for his name. If he’s got the same kind of powers as my cousin does, thanks to you, her defense still applies against them.
-I would like to point out that compared to Phaere, his powers are more developed. Far more developed.
-What are you implying ?
-Nothing. But I believe he would be a challenge Ilivarra would have enjoyed.
-You seem dangerously close to concluding that Sabal won’t take him down.
-Am I ? I did not mean it that way, Mistress.
-Valsharess, for Lloth’s sake.
-Let’s do it that way. If Sabal dies, I’m going to *play* with you so long until you bring in something so powerful that it will kill him easily.
-Just send in Ilivarra.
-You just said he would be a challenge for her. Are you hiding something from me, fiend ?
-I wouldn’t dare, great Valsharess. I believe the Right Hand is best matched against this threat and has a good deal of an advantage.
-Did you just call him a threat ?
He grinned.
-As much as it pains me to admit it… I’m afraid that outside the Red Triumvirate, you have no servant that could defeat him. And an average Red Sister would be lucky to put a scratch on him.
-What about Elamash ? Are you just trying to save his butt ?
-I don’t care about him, but he’s out of the question. He is needed for information gathering, and is the only one aside from me who can turn your elite Red Sisters into beings with more exceptional powers.
-Seeing your experiments… and how he deals with his… Damn, I’d rather only keep those “exceptional powers” to the Red Triumvirate. Thought I’d admit to liking mine. And those tattoos on Ilivarra look quite tasteful for something you made. You seem to have no taste whatsoever when it comes to your servants appearances, however. Have you got no Erinyes on your squad ?
-I’ll remind you of my status once again… And assure you that as far as mortal standards go, I do have some servants that could be considered attractive.
-Gotcha ! So even you couldn’t stay for so many years without some fun !
-I never said I bedded them.
-A lord of Hell who’s a virgin ?
-I did not say that as well.
-But you do not seem to… Tell me, are you particularly into something that I don’t have ? You like tattoos ? Scars ? Bloodplay ?
-I would rather not discuss sexual matters with a drow that has binded me into slavery. Especially since you seem to be keen with attempting to torment me with sexual desires. I assure you that by mortal standards you would probably be most attractive, but since the times of my lordship in Baator I have raised above such things. I wonder if they even where there before I started to assume this current form.
-You looked differently before ?
-It doesn’t matter. I thought you would be more interested in our enemy.
Valsharess got out of her bath and walked closer to him. She would put a finger to his chest, if she was tall enough. Instead, she poked him in his abdomen. She tilted her head and looked at him skeptically
-For a slave of mine, YOU do seem to be awfully interested. And since I doubt you dig human guys, it must be because your devilish head is already starting to rebel against servitude to me and attempting to come up with a plan. I will remind you that this kid is no challenge to me, or the Red Triumvirate. And if he comes anywhere here, I could still probably force YOU to kill him.
-I assure you I have no such intentions. You just seemed to be strangely relaxed for somebody whose plans were just thwarted.
-I do need to relax while I have time. World conquest is a pretty straining activity, you know, even when you have an Ex-Lord of Baator on service. Besides, I was just interested. I have my needs too, you know. And regrettably, those needs have the added disadvantage of bringing more lives into this world, so I can’t, afford to satisfy them with just anybody. If I could seduce an archfiend, I could bed anyone. And then I would certainly find a father worthy of siring my children.
-Then why won’t you simply start doing so without the archfiend seducing part ?
-Because I don’t need children. Shall I remind you, pet ? I plan to live forever.


The golems here weren’t truly powerful, but… there was this one flesh golem who kept taking their remains. Equipped with a teleporting device, he apparently took care that the golems on this level would be repaired. It was a true pain in the ass, so he had to find a way to destroy that golem. He deducted that the only sound golem was making that made any sense and was clearly speech, “Sinth Thesti”, was either a sort of command, or it’s name. If Maker named his creations, that is. Could be just a number, but definitely wasn’t random. Moving through the corridors killing lesser golems, they finally found what appeared to be either a book-stuffed private room or a library.
-You’re not telling me…
-Yes. I plan to read through this.
-Maenaz ! We don’t have time for reading the writings of a long dead mage ! We need to…
-I’d rather not have all those golems on my back when we go in deeper. Besides, we might learn something interesting…
-We do not have time !
-I’ll skip the books if the beginning is boring. If you’re so worried about time, you can help me.

Going through the Underdark was annoying enough, and as her scouts told her, it was just the beginning. Moving up the mountain from any other side than the one washed by the Dark River would take an extremely long time. Really, couldn’t Elamash work faster ? To think that her, Sabal, the Left Hand, would have to do something as low as hiking… It was really below her. But, perhaps she would get a prize if she meets and kills the man who thwarted her mistress’ plans in the Underdark.
But this, honestly, would take ages.

“Laz Zand !”
The thing guarding the entrance to the next level was heard before they could see it. Seventy nine,
eh ? Meaning the Maker made twenty five golems in the meantime. For this level only. And this one was truly something special. Composed almost entirely of adamant. How the hell did they even get enough adamant for this thing ? Regardless, now at least he had something to do. While Valen had his great flail to deal damage to this thing, he knew that both him and Nathyrra would have a lot worse situation as an adamantine golem would have to be extremely resistant to magic. He could override that, however. Firing an acid blast at the creature, he instinctively drew on the Astral Blade, knowing that Enseric had no additional damage properties and as such would probably be totally useless. The golem was largely unfazed by the initial attack, but then Valen started smashing it’s armor with his flail while Nathyrra cast a Haste spell on them. Too bad it was so resistant to all types of damage. The only way of finishing this fight quickly was…
-Valen, dodge !
His eyes shined and then were surrounded by a pale green mist, as a pillar of light surrounded the golem. Then, suddenly, a mass of acid came down on it, practically digesting the whole outer armor and the golem’s left hand. Nathyrra saw it already, but Valen just stood in shock.
-What the hell are you waiting for ! Smash the inside !
Golem was first, charging straight at the warlock. He dodged the punch, but the golem shifted it’s giant body and attempted to knock him down with an elbow hit. He blocked with his sword, but the sheer power of the hit had thrown him away. Valen then struck the golem, which attempted to kick him and almost tripped because of that. After a couple of quite serious blows from the tiefling, the construct’s attack finally connected, throwing the fighter away. Maenaz then run at the golem from behind, jumping on it’s back, and put his hands onto the damaged inside part. A pale green flash appeared in his hand as he released wave after wave of liquid acid into the golem, damaging it to the point of unfunctionality. The tons of heavy magical metal had fallen onto the ground, the quake probably felt even by the duergars above.
-Even in the Blood War… I have never seen a human wielding such power… Not even among those who were bargaining with demon princes themselves…
-I defeated half-dragon balors and ugly reptilian witches claiming to be gods. I dare to say I would make quite a mess of a Blood War battle had I ever participated. And, well, now at least you can see why your Seer is so transfixed on me killing Valsharess and all. You just said you never…
-I didn’t personally battle Valsharess, and her powers aren’t coming from a mortal source. While you might be superior to those who have sworn their souls do Demon Lords, you are definitely not superior to someone who could bind an Archdevil to her service.
-If you had any idea about how quickly I achieved my current level of power, you would be more willing to accept Seer’s view of things, Valen. Even if Valsharess is more powerful than me right now… It’s just a matter of time. I wonder what sort of power I will achieve in my lifetime myself, if I can keep this pace of improving.
-Don’t get so full of yourself, Maenaz. – Nathyrra intervened before they started arguing again. - You’d still have to somehow stop the Archdevil from destroying you.
Maenaz got up. True. Archdevil, if Valsharess could use him in a battle, would pose a problem. Perhaps there was a way of releasing him from service… Was he really bound to her ? He certainly couldn’t imagine something which was supposedly leagues above a balor’s level being enslaved to a mortal. Unless, of course, the legends exaggerated things, and an Archdevil was just a bigger, badder Pit Fiend .He could certainly see that happening.
-Let’s go.
It didn’t matter. As long as something stood between him and his goal of avenging his lost love, he would slaughter it no matter what it was.
When he came downstairs, it was clearly visible to him that the Maker created problematic beings indeed. The golems downstairs were fighting each other and apparently those weren’t the mindless kind he met below. They were shouting to each other. He just stood there, watching. One set of golems consisted mainly of ones created from metal, the other consisted of clay and flesh golems. The latter one was winning, based purely on their greater numbers. When new ones started appearing from the north corridors, he simply crushed most of the ones fighting in the middle of the room with his Eldritch Doom, turning to face those newly arrived.
-Well, hello, pseudo-intelligent golems. Before you charge to your deaths, would you be so kind as to explain what the hell is…
The golems charged.
-Well, no.
He unsheathed Enserric this time. In a couple of minutes, all the golems were lying on the ground. Two such waves later the floor was filled with golem bodies.
-Logically, if the northern halls are filled with angry flesh golems, and there are more golems there than on the south, we should head south.
-But if we could convince the northern ones…
-No. We are going south.

Finally, Elamash called her back to his quarters. Well, he didn’t really take so long. Fortunately, he seemed to be willing to listen to her “request” of informing her first. If it only could be something interesting, something… fun. Preferably involving slaying things.
-So, what is it ?
-I think I found out how to maneuver on the Dark River. Or rather, someone who knows.
-Stop talking bullshit and tell me.
-You see, Dark Rivers mystical composition is special. And apparently, the thing responding to it does not come from this world. The only being that I’m sure, as confirmed by my tests and agents, is able to respond to it isn’t fully of this world. You see, beyond the Astral Plane, lies the Far Realm, where many alien creatures reside. It is different in composition than most of our planes, but it is capable of infecting them. When a living being is infected with this energy, it usually either dies or transforms into something that is called a Foulspawn. One such Foulspawn is here, in this very area of Underdark, and he calls himself Cavallas. He is the only being around capable of navigating on the Dark River, thanks to being attuned to it by his heritage.
-So, if I were to capture this Cavallas…
-Yes, it would be an advantage to Valsharess.
-Ha ! That means fighting him !
-Perhaps not only him. I believe he is currently in league with the Seer.
-It just keeps getting better, doesn’t it ? Elamash, you are to stay quiet about this. I really need some action ! I’ll use my most trusted man to track him down… Thanks !

The room was filled with metal-built golems that weren’t attacking. The largest one, created out of pure gold, stepped forward, speaking :
-Lower your weapons, we mean you no harm. I am Ferron, the leader of the rebels among the sentient golems, the ones you see in this room.
-Rebels ?
-Yes. We believe we are not slaves to the Maker’s will, especially since was gone for many years now. We have free will. It might seem strange, but in a way, we are the same as you – we live and we feel. We are fighting to free ourselves of our slavery, but this is a fight we cannot win alone. We would like to ask you for help… Will you support our cause ? We have seen how powerful you are when you alone destroyed all the golems fighting in the central rooms, and stopped two waves of reinforcements for Aghaaz troops.
-Aghaaz ? Who is Aghaaz ?
-For many years we, golems, served in those halls of the Maker. We were lead by a golem made from a demon’s body, called Aghaaz. He named himself the Maker’s Highest Priest. But he’s nothing other than a tyrant. He made us serve him, as now, when the Maker’s clearly gone, he follows his own agenda. After hundreds of years, some of us rebelled against him. We don’t want to be his slaves and we will fight for our freedom… but we cannot defeat his forces alone.
-As much as it pain me to admit it, I’m in no position to do this for free.
-What… could we possibly give you ?
-I would like to have access to any and all devices of Maker that could be of use. Also, I will need your help in defeating a menace that threatens the people of my companions here. Her name is Valsharess, and she wants to conquer as much of the world as she can.
-If that is all that you want, we shall help you. I need you to promise me that you will not attempt to use us after that.
-You have my word, then. So, I assume you want me to kill this Aghaaz of yours ??
-If it is possible, I would actually prefer if Aghaaz was left alive… What I need is the Power Source that is in his possession. It is an artifact of the Maker that awakens our consciousness, gives us intelligence and free will. It’s the thing that makes us alive, and without it, we would be mindless golems, like those above us. But since Aghaaz will neither let us leave nor give us the Power Source, defeating him may be necessary. We will help you with your cause, as it is the right thing to do. I would also be very grateful had you managed to accomplish this deed without killing any more golems than necessary – we invite them to join us in searching for a new life. However, I doubt Aghaaz or any of his guards would listen to mere words.
-So be it. I shall bring the Power Source back to you. We have a deal.


Getting to Aghaaz was child’s play. In fact, his servant brought Maenaz to his master himself. Apparently the demonic golem himself was willing to hire him for service. But the offer would have to be extremely generous for him to change sides in this conflict.
-We have nothing against you, traveler. I am Aghaaz, the leader of the sentient golems that live on this island, and the Maker’s highest priest.
-Priest ?
-We are the children of Alsigard the Maker, who gave us life. I am the most powerful, and as such, Iw as chosen to be the highest priest, in order to pass our master’s will and wisdom onto his children. When the Maker retreated to his Sanctuary, we were ordered to protect this place from thieves and scavengers, like the duergars above. However, I think you have nothing to do with them. Your reason for coming here is different, isn’t it ?
-It is… And I am quite aware of this war you’re waging in here. It is Ferron that send me to you.
-You serve this heretic ? Why ? You seem to be a very powerful being… What is your reason for this alliance ?
-I need help in protecting a certain place. Ferron promised to provide golems to this end.
-I can promise you the same thing. I control many more golems than Ferron.
-It is a considerable offer, but I need you to answer me one thing. Why do you and Ferron fight ?
-He is a heretic. He claims we owe nothing to the Maker, and stands against what all of us represent. He wants to destroy me and usurp control over the golems.
-Wrong. You fight him because of a disagreement. It is a battle of belief. But you are far too used to power you have when you all sit in here… You all believe the Maker to be a god. Even gods do not deserve to sacrifice your own free will for them, not to mention a simple wizard. You call yourself a priest, but all you are is a tyrant who uses tradition and self-made rules as a base for your power. And where are tyrants… there are rebels. You brought this upon yourself.
-You dare to stand up against me ? Against our divine Creator’s chosen child ?
-Freedom is more important than faith.
Having said that, Maenaz again unleashed his most powerful blast upon his enemy. Some golems have fallen from the first attack, but Aghaaz wasn’t willing to just lie and wait for his death. He quickly rushed in to attack what he perceived the most dangerous target – him. Valen stood in his way, however, and for a few moments, he met the fiendish golem blow for blow. Nahyrra started taking down the lesser golems, and so he had time to help Valen. A shadowy haze infused with another one of his blasts, aimed for the golems head. He fired the blast before the creature could react, and Valen took a good enough advantage of the moment it was blinded. He leaped forward with Enserric in his hand, cutting down the few golems that managed to escape from Nathyrra’s attacks. Charging through them, he started hacking madly at the demon-flesh golem, nearly slicing off it’s arm. He quickly took advantage of that injury, grabbing the injured arm and releasing waves of acid into the wound, until it completely ate through the flesh and the arm was lost to Aghaaz. The golem angrily attacked him with the other hand, knocking him onto the ground, but Valen’s attacks followed soon after. Another blast from Maenaz nearly blown the golem through the wall, and Valen finished the fight with another hit of his flail. The other golems started either running away or fighting berserk style, and quickly they too have fallen. Maenaz turned to the almost-dying Aghaaz, and spoke.
-You have been defeated. I Don’t know whether you purposely fooled all these golems or did you really believe in Maker’s divinity, but either way, you were wrong. Ferron and his friends will leave this place, and I’m afraid your sentience will leave with them. I will spare your life this time, because as a construct, you never had a real chance to learn life… But remember. I doubt there are many things more important than your own freedom… and since we should value our own so much, at least respect the freedom of others.
Saying that, he took the Power Source and turned away, deciding to leave Aghaaz and the “secrets” of Maker’s Sanctuary to themselves.

A drow male approached Ilivarra, slightly hunched, bowing his head. Even without this, the woman was way taller than he was. Females were often taller than males, but Ilivarra was taller and more well-built than most other females. Coupled with her tattoos, it created a pretty scary visage, at least to a male who was taught all his life to fear and respect females.
-What is it ?
-Mistress Ilivarra, we have located Cavallas. He is near one of the islands on… the Dark River. Andwe doubt we can reach him by ordinary means.
She took his face in her hands, rising it for him to look her in the eye.
-So why are you telling me this ? Are you too stupid to think out a solution for yourself ? Why do you bore me with bullshit ? Did you lose in a game and so your buddies send you here for me to kill you in anger ?
-No, Mistress, it’s just…
-Oh, shut up. Like all other guys, you have no fucking backbone at all. Leave me alone, bitch. Tell the wizards to prepare me a herd of Vrocks. We’ll go there by wing. And I don’t want to see your face here again unless you kill something interesting.
She grinned.
-Like I hope I’m about to do.

Leaving the golems underground, and the greedy Duergars biting the dust of this “island”, Maenaz suddenly wondered how the hell did the dwarves get here. Apparently there was a way of maneuvering on the Dark River, or passing it, other than being transported by Cavallas. And if there was, Valsharess might use it. They would be pretty screwed up if any part of her army just managed to get into the city core with nothing to stop them.
-Where do you wish to travel next, Maenaz ??
He wondered. Turning to his companions, he answered the question put up by Cavallas.
-It’s a pain in the ass, but I guess when we’re on the Dark River, we might visit this mysterious mountain that suddenly popped up in the Underdark. Something interesting might be there, and to be honest, I think strengthening us comes before weakening Valsharess. Because, ultimately, the amount of forces at her disposal will always be greater than ours, and the only way to dispose of them would be killing her. Which we won’t do unless we are more powerful than now.
-Do as you wish. Just remember, we have no time to slack off.
-I know. I don’t remember the last time I had a peaceful, quiet rest.
Both Nathyrra and Valen sensed there was something off with these words, but neither forced the issue.
Flowing through the waters of the Dark River, on a boat of a creature that felt like it came from another world, with two strangers that he seemed unable to get along with, Maenaz wondered how it came to be like that.
He was supposed to just get one hundred thousand gold pieces, amass an army, get an assassin and take as much of revenge as possible.
And something stupid, which he did not wish to call fate, forced him into saving yet another settlement of poor beings that were unable to stand against a greater evil by themselves.
Was he really made for that end only ?

Ilivarra stood on a great rock on a mountain’s side, observing as the four people left the boat. People ? Creatures, rather. She wasn’t sure if she should call tieflings and rivvin people, and the Foulspawn thing definitely wasn’t a person. She chuckled as she realized she recognizes two of them. One was that poor “general” of the Seer, a memento of that battle where she and Sabal single-handedly disposed of many of Eilistraee’s devotees forces and slaughtered nearly all of their commanders – with only him remaining. She itched to fight him as he seemed even stronger than the last time, and him surviving that battle back then wasn’t pure luck, as much as she hated to admit it. The other one was a former Red-Sister wannabe, one who deserted them almost from the beginning, after being given some recognition within their ranks and given the mission of assassinating the Seer. That made the last one, the rivvin, the reason why she wasn’t leading (at least back then, she hoped she would) an attack from the Undermountain onto the surface. As such, she looked him up and down. She has seen some humans in her lifetime in those rare raids she enjoyed so much back when her only mistresses were her Matron Mother and Lloth, and they weren’t the least bit like that one. They were fatter, covered with hair, animal-like and ungraceful. Some of their males were more *masculine* than the sissy Drow males she was surrounded with, but these animal-like traits turned her off. This one didn’t have them, and as such, she wondered almost as much how it would be like to bed him as she did about fighting him. Unfortunately she could pick only one and that would have to be fighting, because they were on opposite sides and she simply enjoyed fighting more than fucking. Even more unfortunately she probably wouldn’t be given a chance to fight him as she had a clearly defined plan which left Sabal to deal with those pests. The only times Sabal was ever defeated was when she fought her for the position of Right Hand of Valsharess’ Chosen, and she probably nearly caught up to her from that time. So, she wouldn’t get a chance to cross swords with this human. However, she was so utterly consumed by curiosity that she had to see something.
A fellow female she took with her bowed her head before asking :
-They’re nearly in attack range, and we would have the advantage. Should we attack them ?
Illivarra took eight men total with her. Four males, two Red Sisters, and two re-calibrated former Priestesses of Lloth who didn’t make it into the Red Sisters ranks. The fiend had only so much power to spare and as such, many former Clerics of Lloth under Valsharess had to change their profession as there was simply no source they could draw their power from. Only some of them, chosen by Valsharess herself, regained their spellcasting ability, this time based on a sinister Baatezu instead of the Spider Goddes.
-Yes. Draw them away and attack. I’ll take on the boatmen. After you defeat them, return to me, but do not aid me unless I command that. Understood ?
-Yes, Mistress.
When they left, she grinned. Idiots. She was nearly sure they couldn’t take these opponents on. But she would get to see the rivvin’s power, and that was all that mattered.

Maenaz didn’t expect to run into drows so early, but it didn’t bother him. There were only eight of them, too, and although two bore the trappings of a Red Sister, he knew there was no reason to worry. He drew out his good old Astral Blade, which he lately used in turns with Enserric, and rushed into the fight. The drow males were quite well trained, but he was a slighty superior fighter thanks to his months of service in the pretty much worst time Neverwinter ever had. Taking down one of the drow, he noticed that Valen was already slaughtering his second one, and he did not want to fall behind the tiefling in a count he suddenly came up with. Firing an acidic cone, he took down two of the drow himself, which left three out of eight. One teleported up and started bombarding them with lesser Missile Storm, but to little effect. The red sister accompanied the sorcerer higher up, drawing out the hand crossbow and starting to shoot out the poisoned missiles, which posed more of a threat. He decided to finish them off, turning to more powerful attacking options. He noticed his growing reliance on it, but he had no reason to hold back really.
His eyes shined, as he indeed ceased holding back.

Ilivarra licked her lips in excitement. While taking down five drows by himself single-handedly would be quite impressive, it was his way of doing it… The last display of power was so exciting that she almost got her pants wet. She hoped Cavallas would be enough of a challenge to burn out all that excitement, because she couldn’t ignore all of Valsharess commands and lash out into happily hacking and slashing at her mistress’ enemy. Still, this sort of power gave her hope that he would simply take down Sabal, and then she could test her enhanced magic resistance against this power of his. Approaching the Foulspawn, she drew out her double-bladed sword.
-So, that attack was just a diversion… You’re not going to use your demonic servants to attack me ?
-How do you…
-I sense many things through the Dark River, young drow.
-I don’t care. I came here to cut you up and deliver to Valsharess relatively alive, even if it’s in pieces. And two things. I’m probably older than you, and not truly “young” anymore by drow standards. Second - I’ll be VERY disappointed if you go willingly.
-I won’t be going anywhere, drow. As long as my boat is washed by the waters of Dark River, you cannot truly harm me.
-We’ll see about that, alien bastard.

Sabal was annoyed with climbing up and going through the mountain terrain already, but the scout report was already coming in, and she hoped it was a good one.
Going in, the scout bowed his head, and spoke :
-The settlement is already close, mistress. However, apparently, it is an unusual one. We are dealing with winged daarthiri, Lady Sabal.
-Winged Daarthir ? What the…
-There is more to add. We are not the only ones getting close to the settlement. A small group of hostiles is going up the mountain from the side of Dark River, and will be here soon as well. I believe those are the enemies Mistress Ilivarra warned us about.
-We shall dispose of them at once. I’m going to get my equipment. Tell Maya to select those who will come with us. Good job, scout.
The male bowed and left the room.
She would finish the job as Valsharess commanded, and in addition, finish her newest enemy.

She charged upon the alien, swinging her blade in midair, attacking with a flurry of slashes. She suddenly felt relieved as the blade cut through flash, the wounds oozing out blood of a strange color, though she was unsure whether she was relieved because she finally got to cut something or because it turned out that half-aliens were the same in relation to being hurt as other beings. Ilivarra slashed the boatmen through the chest, an often mortal blow, and kicked him away to admire her work. Still, she hoped she would fight back, though it was doubtful now that she kicked his ass so much.
-Impressive, drow. But it is as I told. Now, is it my turn ?
The paddle in the man’s hand changed form to an acid-dripping trident, as the wounds over his body started closing themselves.
-Rapid regeneration ! This is great ! It means I can keep cutting you up and you’ll get back up ! How much can you keep this up ?
-I told you. As long as my boat is washed by the waters of the Dark River, you cannot truly harm me.
-Showoff.
This time, he caught her by surprise, as he turned out to be a pretty quick opponent. Still, she dodged his thrust, and when he tried to swing it, blocked with one side of her sword. The other side was immediately at work, slashing wildly at the boatmen. The wounds, however, closed up almost as soon as they opened. After some more time of heavily hurting Cavallas, and seeing him regenerate, Ilivarra got a bit tired in both mind and body, not to mention the fact that one of the boatman’s attacks finally connected and she did not like the feeling the acid gave her.
-Terrific regenerative powers. But they won’t be enough. Compared to me, you suck at fighting.
-It will be enough, drow. You’re already getting tired.
-Your powers have to dry out at some point, and I have enough of an advantage to reach that point if I fight to kill you. Right now, you have a chance of surviving.
-I told you. They don’t. You can’t harm me. Not to mention I have somewhat of a trump card at my disposal as well.
-What do you mean ?
-Do you think that this large of a boat could be moved with a single paddle ?

Despite being surrounded by drow, they were currently in control of things. Valen’s combat skills, Nathyrra’s magic and his abilities were enough to drive them back.
Suddenly, he realized something was off.
He felt an unpleasant heat on his back, and just a second later a paralyzing pain as the back of his ribs was struck with a flail, that channeled fire into his body. The strike was obviously aimed at the spine, but missed. Still, it send him on the ground for a moment, and his damage might have increased had Nathyrra not stopped the attacked.
-Sabal.
-Lady Sabal for you… Miss Ex-Red Sister Nathyrra.
Maenaz just begun learning Drow, but he did understand that the two were acquainted. And probably didn’t like each other.
As they resumed their fighting, he got back on his legs in time to block a strike from another drow. He hurt all over. He might have been knocked out were he not resistant to both fire as well as regular damage. Putting his hand into his assailant’s stomach, he fired a blast into his body, sending him flying. Turning away, he noticed that Sabal held the upper hand over Nathyrra, increasing her strength with clerical spells. But wasn’t Lloth gone ? How did she use those powers ? It was the second Drow he had seen recently using those, only counting his enemies. That meant the Archdevil thing was probably true.
But right now, he had to save his drow companion.


Ilivarra’s eyes widened. At least two dozen paddles were flying out of the boat, and that wasn’t the end of it. Much like Cavallas’ own weapon, they shifted into spears a moment later.
-Do you still think you hold the upper hand, drow ??
The spears moved forward as she turned and started running to avoid the sharp-pointed missiles. She cut through the two as they approached her, and the rest flew by. Still, Cavallas was pretty proficient in controlling them, as they soon resumed following their intended target. As skilled as Ilivarra was at evading, she was taking damage nevertheless. She run back to the boatmen, deciding his spears would be less deadly if they could strike him, and attacked him with continuous slashes. These blows two did not have any permanent effect. Dodging his trident, she said.
-I won’t believe it ! I cannot believe it !! There is a way of taking you down, even if conventional violence won’t work as it always does !
-Believe it, then. I cannot be harmed. Even by myself.
Her eyes widened in shock. Despite her best attempts, there were just too many spears. Ilivarra fell down from the heavy damage.


Taking down the two drow that stood in the way, he approached Sabal and Nathyrra. Things were getting worse, as she was being surrounded as well. He let energy fill his hand, and then infused it with the shady haze. This shot had to connect, or they were in trouble, so he decided to increase the damaged range. Running forward, he blasted Sabal and some of the approaching drow, Nathyrra barely evading it in time noticing his movement. As the cone of shady energy subsided, he threw himself at Sabal, slashing her once through the abdomen and once on her right hip and ribs. She screamed out in pain as he finished his attack by kicking her away and attempting another blast, though he had to fire it into the drow that suddenly charged at him. Valen rushed to his help, but it seemed Sabal was retreating, though she seemed still able to fight. Leaving behind the already wounded drow, she withdrawn into the dark cave. The remaining opponents weren’t much of a challenge.
-That is the danger of fighting an elite Red Sister. With both cleric spells and assassin abilities they can be quite deadly.
-True. She almost had me back there. Who is she, Nathyrra ?
-The Left Hand, Sabal. Meaning she is the third strongest Red Sister there is.
-No wonder you couldn’t take her down…
-Shut up ! I have grown a lot since I entered Seer’s service ! If you hadn’t intervened, I would have…
-There’s no point in arguing – Valen intervened. – We just have to be wary of ourselves. And I hope that Maenaz will finally start to realize how much of a threat these enemies are.
-You’re kidding me, right ?
Both Nathyrra and Valen seemed a bit shocked.
-I’ve been holding back until now. I have a certain power that is well suited to taking down those… “Elite Red Sisters”.

Getting herself back up, Ilivarra coughed up some blood. True, this was some good fight. She would finally have a chance to put all her skills to use. But it would be meaningless if he spoke the truth. It meant she had to think. Quickly casting her strongest healing spell on herself, she raised up to full height. The drow watched him carefully as he launched his spears again. She blocked the first one and started dodging, cutting through another two and running away to the left, being hit only once. Running behind a large rock, the Right Hand attempted to calm down. What was noticeable ? He had to move his trident in order to control the spears. That’s one thing. The other thing – he professed himself that his regeneration lasted as long as his boat was in the Dark River’s water. She knew enough about magic to realize that it was possible to bind your life energy to an item, like a lich’s phylactery for example. But this whole boat was too big to be a kind of phylactery itself ; Even if it was, something so large would radiate magical energy and was too easy to damage. Meaning unless he just got lucky and his powers did not work by any logic, he gained his regeneration by something he put on the boat’s outside touching the Dark River.
So, she had to make him drop the trident for a moment, and then get to his boat.
Getting out of behind her stone, Ilivarra charged. Dodging the spears midway and cutting through yet another one, she charged upon him, seemingly with reckless abandon. In Truth she stopped just before her enemy launched a prepared trident attack, made a pirouette and chopped his hand off. Kicking the other one, she made him let go of his trident. The drow proceeded to kicking the trident away and attacking the half-alien with enough power to make him trip and fall down. Then she rushed towards his boat, looking for something that seemed the least bit odd. There was nothing – whatever the source of his power was would probably be under the water. To her delight, the drow noticed that her enemy has gotten considerably more anxious, picking up the trident into his weaker left hand before his right one regenerated.
Spears flying to her, she ducked, preparing yet another spell. His attempt to dodge the pillar of flames was futile, and she again evaded his attack, looking at the boat carefully. She decided for the front. He surrounded her with spears, and while there was seemingly no escape, she blocked one of her sides with the twin blades, jumping onto one of the spears and pushing herself away on it. Ilivarra didn’t avoid wounds, and this time her leg was struck in the ankle, making her unable to stop her fall and she landed into the water. She managed to get a deeper breath, and realized just how sick she felt by lying wounded in this strange river. In the murky, dark waters, she noticed something shine on the boat. Her hand stroke out forward, fingers breaking through the wood despite attaining wounds and starting to bleed from under the fingernails, and she pulled something out. The Hand rolled away, barely dodging the spears trying to impale her, and got out of water as quickly as possible, knowing she would probably catch a disease of some sorts or simply feel nauseated later. Presenting her prey – the freshly-attained amulet of sorts, with strange crystal in the middle – she grinned from eye to eye.
-So, should I test your supposed immortality now ?? Or shall I simply destroy this thing ?
-What do you want, drow ?
-Servitude. You will return with me, to Valsharess. And you will help her attack the Seer’s fortress.
-I refuse.
-You’re in no position to negotiate.
-I will not return with you until I finish my service for those you brought here. If you wish so, I will help Valsharess with her attack, but I will not leave those three here.
-It would be fair enough… If it contained something in it for me.
-I shall give you a medicine for the Dark River’s contagious water.
-How do I know you just won’t try to poison me ?
-You hold an item tied to my life force within your very hands. If I survive losing it it’ll take me years to make another one, and in the meantime I may die. I believe that makes your well-being rather desirable to me.
-Then we have a deal. But if you won’t hold your bargain… you should know there are things worse than death. And Valsharess has some pretty skilled torturers at her disposal.
-Valsharess can be stopped.
-Maybe she could be stopped, if she hadn’t brought an undead self-proclaimed god and an ex-lord of Baator into her service. Soon, no mortal will be able to stop Valsharess. Not to mention her pet archfiend.


A couple days later…
The thing that the Jester demanded of them was quite simple. Elicid explained to them how the Mirror turned out to be dangerous and how Halaster brought an entire Avariel settlement into the Underdark. An insane guy this Halaster was. Anyway, he had to bring supposedly five pieces of the mirror back to the one-winged Avariel to make the mirror whole again, and the last days he spend looking for them. He acquired four – the last one was took away by Sabal from the queen of Avariel herself. It was meaningless, however, as she was too recruited by the jester to help with gathering the pieces. It simply left him without a single piece, and in these few days, he learned Sabal couldn’t defeat them in open combat. It was time for the final confrontation.
-We’ll work it out in a fight !
-There is a spell that prevents combat from taking place here cast over the throne room. I can lift that spell, if you both decide to fight.
-Why not ? I’ve been itching to kill this “left hand” for some time. Don’t worry, you’ll meet your peers and your Mistress in Hell pretty soon. Well, you going to Hell is wishful thinking…
-Wait a moment, I’ll call on my…
-You both agreed, Sabal, You cannot always prepare everything for a fight. You do battle NOW.

Maenaz grinned as the spell was lifted, taking down two of the drow rapidly with his acidic blast. Sabal cast some spell on herself and prepared to go on the offensive, but charging Valen pushed her into defense instead. Maenaz recited yet another incantation, and rings of blackness surrounded the irises of his eyes. He dodged a hand-crossbow shot from one of the drow and killed him with a blast without even looking at him. Sabal might have gotten an upper hand over Valen, as she managed to connect with something that appeared like a pretty nasty negative-energy charged spell. He rushed on to her, the drow barely dodging a nearly point-blank blast that would have surely dealt a lot of damage.

-Valen, leave this woman to me. Take down the rest of the drow. We two have a score to settle.
-As you wish… But I won’t be rushing in to help you this time.
Sabal unleashed a group variation of Inflicting Wounds upon them, to which Maenaz answered by firing a Beshadowed cone of energy against her. The momentary delay was all he needed to start slashing and battering at her armor, driving her into a heavily defensive position.
-You realize that you cannot defeat me, drow ? You’d die by just seeing me fighting seriously. I am holding back even now.
-Then I at least will go all out against you.
She struck him with a pillar of flames, but he was already preparing another attack. This time, it was an acidic blast, but she managed to dodge.
-Your attacks vary between those two types of energy. I shall simply block out the most dangerous one.
-Go ahead. I can crush you anyway.
She cast a protective barrier around herself, apparently an Energy Immunity spell. Stepping back, she put her hand onto her flail and unleashed another fiery spell. He countered with his Beshadowed Blast, coming closer to taking her down. Sabal used the power of her piece of mirror to cage him for a moment, and cast another series of spells around herself. It apparently contained a regenerating spell, as well as a Blade Barrier which supposedly was to block out his melee fighting abilities. That would leave him with only Beshadowed Blast, which would really limit his fighting capability. She rushed into melee, hoping to get him slashed by her barrier, but he backed off, and made a well-placed thrust without hurting himself on her barrier.
-How ?
-I see things before they happen. Kinda like that Seer of yours, except I can use it in battle only. It’s a pain in the ass to use that ability… Not only do I feel all the unnecessary dark mood, I also start kicking ass so much it becomes boring.
-Die !!
She rushed against him, strucking him repeatedly, breaking through his defence and letting her barrier hurt him further. He backed away.
-Before we finish this, I’ll tell you two things. First of all, I can regenerate myself. Much like that spell of yours. Second of all. Do you believe that you are safe now ?
-Yes ??
-As I thought. I hate that spellcaster arrogance. Well, let me tell you… Nothing is a better meal than a couple of spells.
He licked his lips as he recited another invocation. She suddenly felt something was wrong, as the barrier of magic and blades around her suddenly flew away, being absorbed into the human’s body. The regenerating spell she managed to retain, but it wouldn’t help her much if she amassed a lot of damage in a short time.
-Say hello to Enserric.
Maenaz slashed up his opponent repeatedly, the strength of blows finally knocking her onto the ground. Instead of attempting further attacks, he turned and walked away a bit.
-Pretty good for a drow. I suppose it will be fair if I kill somebody of your level of power with…
He turned his head to the side, so his right eye was looking towards her. It was surrounded by a pale green mist.
-…with the full might of mine.
When the green light in the form of a pillar surrounded her, part of her wanted to start praying to Lloth. She realized, however, that it would be completely pointless.


(“A part of him really wanted to laugh. But to him, the result was obvious from the beginning, and he had to put on a good mask to make this drow bitch believe the whole thing was just a little miscalculation, instead of the difference in power between this human and her slowly shrinking to a mere miscalculation. If she send out Ilivarra, it would might prove to be a problem, but against him she was overrated. If she got annoyed and send out Phaere instead, it would be perfect. He would win and grow stronger.”)
-L…lady Valsharess… one of the connections through which I gave power to your clerics just disappeared.
-I lose people in this war everyday. Though, it is somewhat regrettable.
-M’lady, it was Sabal’s bond.
-WHAT ?!?
-It is true, Valsharess. She died. Unless she somehow got cut off, which would require a powerful cleric or divine agent of Light to intervene. You do not find these in the Underdark, with the exception of Seer. And if she is fighting Seer without her clerical abilities, she would be dead as well already. Considering her location, however…I believe it was Maenaz who struck her down.
-You told me that she would take him down easily !!
-I… miscalculated, Empress. I guess I never really saw the full array of his powers.
-Shut up ! This is all your fault ! You’ll pay me for this ! And he will DIE !!
Another drow entered the room. It had to be one of the Red Triumvirate. Otherwise, Valsharess would have killed her by now.
-Lady Valsharess, I…
-Shut up, Ilivarra. I’m not in the mood right now, no matter how important it is. Thanks to the stupidity of our informatory, Sabal died.
Somehow, Ilivarra seemed quite happy to him. But she hid it well.
-How did this happen ?
-This being from the surface killed her during her mission. It seems like we underestimated him.
-Empress, if you wish, I will…
-No, Ilivarra. Before sending anybody else against him, I must think this through. Even if his powers are similar to Phaere’s new ones, there must be something more. I will not send someone just because Sabal failed. I need to reconsider this.
-As you wish, great Valsharess. To say something more hopeful – I managed to get us a way of passing through the Dark River, eventually.
-Speak out.


The Queen of Avariel, Shaori, finally returned to her majestic self. The jester, however, seemed like he totally lost his mind, and just smiled thoughtlessly.
-I want to thank you for everything you’ve done. For repairing the mirror, breaking the spell that kept us here, and returning the city to it’s rightful place.
-Your behavior changed drastically, you Highness – Nathyrra spoke. – Previously it was difficult to imagine yourself as a queen.
-True. Nobody should underestimate the power of this mirror. You saw what it did to me – and my city.
I must leave now to return to my city, since I am no longer safe here. The spell protecting me again works only in the walls of my throne room in the castle. Before that though, I wanted to see if you are fine, and talk to you one last time so you might know I am not a sore loner anymore.
-What about the jester ? What happens to him now ?
-He is what he once was, a weak mind knowing only the simplest thoughts. He’ll never understand the gratitude we feel towards him. Good food and a comfortable bed – that’s what he’ll be able to appreciate now. I’ll see to it that he will not be denied them.
-You may be right. He decided to make that sacrifice himself. It was a pleasure to help you, my Queen. But I must leave now.
-Thank you, kind traveler. But I must once again warn you of the Mirror. And, while we Avariel normally don’t trust strangers, I’ll assure you you’ll be a kindly welcomed guest shall you ever visit our home.
-Perhaps, if it all ends, we shall take upon that offer. I’d be happy to see mountains ! – Nathyrra again spoke out.
-While the Lost Mountains may be dangerous and full of wonders, I believe we would be safe in your castle, your Highness. – Valen spoke
-Farewell, queen. I have matters to attend to.
-I shall now go to my home. Thank you once again.


Maenaz was sitting on the Cavallas’ boat, in the darkness, staring at the newly acquired Mirror.
He felt it’s power, but he was just about to experience it, as his own vision started to appear. At first, staring into the mirror didn’t do anything… He just saw his own reflection, albeit a bit blurred. Later, he noticed that something was odd with it, and in a few minutes, it was clear to him that his reflection in the mirror was seemingly slightly older, had very pale skin, and pale, dead eyes completely different from his own – but the similarity was undeniable. His reflection grinned, and he could swear he heard something. He kept looking in the mirror, and the voice finally became more audible.
-Curious ??... Do you really want to know ?
His reflection in the mirror suddenly changed further, losing some of his facial features, and attaining terrifying, snake-like eyes.
-Do you truly want to know ?
The mirror’s surface suddenly went black, and then he saw a woman standing on top of a ridiculously huge wall. The woman seemed like he knew her from somewhere… When he got a better look he realized she had the height equal to that of a tall elf, and long, flowing hair – that seemed too much like HER hair. Suddenly, a great skeletal arm appeared, holding golden scales. The hand pushed the woman off the wall, and she kept falling for what seemed like ages. She finally landed on a strange ground, surrounded by darkness, strange, horrifying, tree-like objects growing around her. The woman was quietly but steadily being surrounded by monsters, and while some seemed alien to him, he recognized the other ones – those were definitely the reptilian Old Ones he believed he got rid of.
The vision shifted. The woman was now chained in a cell, bleeding, and sobbing.
Then, he heard many voices laughing. He recognized two as Morag and Nasher, but there were too many of them… To recognize each and every one.
He got up. That was fucking enough. Something was obviously affecting the mirror, and even if this was how it normally worked, nobody should use this shit. Ever.
Raising both of his hands, he turned his palms towards the mirror.
Ever.

Valen was pretty sure something attacked them, and run out from his room as quickly as he could. He noticed Maenaz kneeling in front of something. When he got closer, he noticed it was the Mirror of Omniscience they just acquired, obviously repeatedly struck by blasts and now being eaten away by acid. The mirror wasn’t just simple glass and metal, but against the power apparently used here, it had no chance of retaining it’s form. A shame, as it could probably be used by Seer.
As he was about to question his companion on what he did, he saw something improbable.
The warlock was kneeling, tears running down his cheeks, his face a mixture of despair and shock.
Valen did not grow in a human settlement and was totally not used to any sort of social interaction, and as such he was completely unsure as to what he should do in this situation. He didn’t really like him, but he couldn’t let the warlock crumble and fall into despair now, when they needed his help. He has seen his power, and the warlock kept claiming he was holding back, so given time, they could really hope that he might be able to defeat Valsharess.
Valen put his hand on Maenaz’s shoulder, attempting to calm him down, and despite feeling awkward, asked :
-What happened ? Why did you…
-This mirror… it shouldn’t be used… I should have never rebuilt it…
-What do you mean ??
-I’ve seen it… But it cannot be true… if this is true… if she didn’t become a part of the wall…
-What are you talking about ?
-If she didn’t become a part of the wall, then I wasted so much time ! I did nothing right from the beginning ! I should have… but it is to late now…
-Who is “she” ?
-Valen, I screwed up… I didn’t even try to bring her back to life… the woman I love… and if what I saw in the mirror is true, I have left her to suffer Demogorgon knows where, alone…
-Maenaz, this Mirror was dangerous from the beginning, and we were told that a powerful being can further corrupt the way it works ! What you saw might be a lie, and you cannot think about it now ! You have to pull yourself back together, help us destroy Valsharess, and then return to whatever you aimed to accomplish when you ventured into the Undermountain ! Isn’t this what you wanted to do from the beginning ?
He wasn’t sure if this was a good sign, but Maenaz suddenly calmed down.
-You’re right. Even if it’s that way… That just gives me more the reason to hurry up with my vengeance. I have to destroy all the obstacles, and do it at once. There is no time to waste.
-Does that mean…
-Valen… we will destroy Valsharess allies. Starting from the strongest ones. I’ll fucking kill them all. There will be no holding back anymore.

This human was actually standing up against her. She foolishly send Sabal against him without knowing the full magnitude of his powers, and now she was dead. Her cousin was now in the stressful situation of having to pick up yet another Hand. And there were not many good enough Red Sisters to this end.
What was even more annoying was that even now, after he killed her third best Red Sister, she knew almost nothing of this man. Her cousin received those so-called Warlock powers from her fiendish servant, but was knew to them, and they were probably little compared to those of somebody who used them for years. And if what she was told about human potential was true, this man’s growth wasn’t probably finished. True, he could never stand up to her – currently, she had the fiend at her disposal, and her powers kept growing, so at some point she would surpass every living mortal, human or otherwise. But if she wasn’t quick about finishing him off, she would soon have no servant to deal with this threat – she already was running short on them. Even sending in Ilivarra didn’t guarantee success, as she was sure now that Warlocks weren’t traditional spellcasters. Out of her array of summons, she DID technically have access to Balors – but sending a Balor was almost the same as sending one of the Red Triumvirate, and as such it didn’t guarantee success. It might even be less successful. If she was to summon something, it had to be something special, and only the Archdevil could do that – and while a fallen Lillend and an Osyluth that learned arcane knowledge for centuries might be quite special, they still fallen short of her strongest present servants level. He refused to bring in his “special” servants out of some stupid sense of pride, and she still couldn’t force him to do it – their bond wasn’t yet strong enough and she did not drain enough of his power yet.
That left only one option. Vix’thra. If she could lead to a fight between her newest enemy and the leader of her undead allies, there would be no asking questions as to who will win. After all, she was pretty sure that currently even she would not be able to kill the dracolich. With him gone and her now having access to the city thanks to Ilivarra’s actions, she would win, maybe even without having to resort to her allies’ (she preferred to call them “servants”, with exception of Vix’thra ’s undead) forces. Or just with them, without sacrificing her own men.


Upon returning, Maenaz and his companions learned that in addition to Beholders and Illithids, Valsharess has now recruited forces of undeath to her side.
This sucked. But Maenaz decided he would START with eliminating undead. At least it shouldn’t pose as much of a difficulty as actually convincing the Illithids to leave Valsharess side or beating a mass of Beholders at their own ground.


Some time later…
As they entered the settlement, Valen had noticed the change within his companion. He didn’t care about the people here at all nor did he speak anything on the way here, just silently killing the occasional Drow or Duergar that appeared on the way. He had a determined but cold look in his eyes, and just know he realized that him talking about “vengeance” meant he had a dark purpose all along. And now, because of something he saw within the Mirror of Omniscience, this was amplified to such a level that he did no longer see himself killing Valsharess as a goal – only as a step towards this vengeance.
Valen knew this newfound determination was a good thing, but was reluctant about handing his fate in this man’s hands. He understood one thing – if there was evil inside his companion, then unlike him he was not BORN with it. It was put into him somewhere during his life. Before, he might have been a pretty decent guy. When they first met, he was a self-righteous, arrogant man with a cold bastard streak.
But now there was an atmosphere of true dread around this man. Like if he was ready to kill anything that stood in his way. Like after tens of years of dwelling inside his own meaninglessness, he found a purpose that he was willing to do everything for – killing, maiming, cheating, deceiving, and hurting others and himself along the way.
It was the way that many half-fiends and later descendants of incarnations of evil often turned out to walk.

Walking to the gong, Maenaz prepared himself for the meeting with the so-called “priests”. He was completely sure this settlement was the source of undead armies of Valsharess. Too mysterious atmosphere, and this shit about “sacrifices” as well… He’ll show them a “sacrifice”. Currently, he disliked gods, and didn’t worship any of them; But while he could accept the worship of truly divine creatures, the mere thought of these religious sects reminded him of Morag and the Old Ones… and as such, angered him. Hitting the gong, he observed the ruckus that raised in the temple as well as the people silently approaching him.
The „priests” finally came out, talking something about the sacrifice to „great Vix’thra” and so on. Nothing interesting really. He “volunteered” to go with them, wanting to simply blow the temple up from the inside.

Ilivarra was called to her “mistress” – her nominal one, Valsharess’ cousin, Phaere Barit’tar (though they didn’t use their house name anymore and she was usually referred to as the Chosen of Valsharess).
-Yes, Mistress ?
-It is now widely known… Sabal is dead, and her killer has moved in to try and eliminate our other allies… thankfully, he started with Vix’thra, which makes his attempts futile.
-That’s a bit desperate…
- We will not talk about him. He shouldn’t be a problem anymore. Even Soldaris might have a chance of taking him out, since he’s on our level. Lord Vix’thra shall obliterate him. There is another matter, one far more important to our organization.
-Yes, Mistress ?
-You should have thought about it by now… who will replace Sabal ? There aren’t many elite Red Sisters that even come close to her level. She has improved from all those missions.
-Mistress, If I may… I think such was casualties are natural, though it pains me to see Sabal gone. However, no Red Sister as of yet has shown sufficient competence to put her into a position of a Left Hand. I suggest we shouldn’t be hasty and pick up one after we get rid of the Seer. In the meantime, I can take on most of Sabal’s responsibilities.
Phaere smiled.
-Hungry for action, aren’t you ? I’m afraid I know you too well. It’s unfortunate to you in a way that you ended up being the Right Hand, stuck here for “the most difficult of cases and desperate of times”, only used to train new Red Sisters and rely Valsharess’ orders. So be it, I’ll grant you that wish. I believe it will make you the main commander of armies that we will dispatch to Seer’s settlement. So, you’ll get your “action” soon enough. And lots of it.
-Bel’la dos, Lady Phaere. – Said Ilivarra thankfully, bowing down her head.


After a couple of fights, he finally stood against the head priest. Soldaris. A wizard or sorcerer, clearly, which made this cult even more of a façade. And he disliked everything about this guy. He’s paleness, the pathetic look in his eyes, and his unmanly, girl-like accent.
-I will not be holding back, you pathetic excuse for a man… Wer whedaus di wer thurkear, akuech sia mlaen !
Rings of blackness surrounded his irises, and he easily dodged the first spell aimed at him. He was upon the “priest” immediately, slashing his body furiously. The wizard unleashed a Lighting spell, but Maenaz just barely dodged and put his hand onto the opponent’s shoulder. It started to get eaten away by acid, and the Warlock did nothing to stop. The wizard teleported, but Maenaz foresaw his next location and blasted him again. Just after that, Valen hit him with his great flail, knocking the wizard onto the ground. Whispering the words of invocation, Maenaz raised a wall of flames between him and Valen, and the tiefling thrown the pale man’s body into it. The wizard screamed in pain and rolled away from the flames, only to have his spine smashed by Valen’s flail. Maenaz finished the job, spreading acid through the air all over the wizard’s body.
-Highest Priest of a God… my ass.
Nathyrra didn’t manage to move much throughout the battle, as she was a bit offset by both Maenaz’s seriousness as well as their newfound teamwork. She was lost for words.
-The base of the cult is obviously in the crypts below. We are heading down there.

Valsharess was waiting for her scout’s reports, or the Archdevil’s words of what he might have sensed. Without any additional “help”, the human decided to go against her undead allies. The result was obvious. Her problems would be solved. However, she had a bad feeling. This human was annoying. Ever since he killed Sabal, she just couldn’t get the thoughts about his power of her mind. She was afraid to admit that if it wasn’t his limit, he possessed the sort of power she might have never got to posses had she not bound the fiend to her service. That would not only make the Baatezu’s words about humans superiority over her race true, it would also make him, in a way, superior to her… the near-perfect example of what it meant to be drow, a female at that. And that was what was bugging her. That was what kept telling her that contrary to all logic he might simply kill Vix’thra and continue to thwart her plans, until her forces lessen so much she might fail at killing the Seer and then conquering Underdark. Her ambitions reached beyond Underdark, but to not even be able to control IT… it would be horrible.


Tons of undead meat later, Maenaz was finally standing before the source of the bone golems – an astral deva, bound to a machine that drained out her blood to the undead’s slavers use.
-Release me !
Her voice was strong and pure, despite her miserable state. Her eyes were emerald green, and looked at him with unusual intensity.
-You were put in this machine so they could raise those bone golems, right ?
-Yes. They struck me with some foul magic, and then put me into… this. I can’t do anything… it hurts.
It was decided.
Before his “everything deserves freedom” instinct cut in, he acted on pure pragmatism.
He turned the machine on.
Waiting patiently through her scream of pain and the shocked look on his companions’ faces, he used the blood he attained to raise another golem. Looking at his “creation”, he spoke.
-Put wooden stakes through all of the coffins on this level. Defeat any and all vampires that raise before you succeed in doing so. Be quick about it.
-Is there… no good in this world ? I’m a celestial servant, send against, and captured by the forces of evil to be used to their vile purpose… I’m tired, hurt, scared… and you, a stranger, are just going to suck out the little blood left in me and use it to finish them off ?
-I was just being practical about it, deva. I planned to release you from the start.
What he said, he did. The deva fell onto the ground and raised onto her knees, coughing up some blood.
-If you did, why did you…
-I need to stop them. And I must be quick about it. I’m sorry for the pain I put you through, but the more efficient this is, the better. And I can use that golem against their master. But, I really am sorry. I wish I could simply free you.
-You’re… sorry ? You wanted to free me ?
-What’s so strange about it ? – Nathyrra voiced her surprise.
-He… He’s… This person is evil !
Maenaz raised an eyebrow at this.
-How do you tell ?
-Well, maybe evil is a big word, but… I can feel it inside you ! You have a huge dark stain on your soul, like a black wound that oozes evil straight into your heart ! You have turned away from happiness and your good traits towards… something else ! You don’t live a hero’s or even a decent person’s life anymore, your only goal is in darkness ! So why are you fighting them ? Why did you release me, instead of just sucking out my blood like everyone else ?
-You don’t question somebody who just saved your existence… and don’t question my motives. I’m far from evil. Those who aren’t the object of my vengeance, or are not protecting them, have nothing to fear.
-That’s so messed up ! How will I explain everything to my superiors…
-Don’t strain yourself. And don’t get too worked up. How do you feel ?
-Horrible. I can’t stand up, and I can barely think. But I have to pull through somehow…
-Why ? Do you have something else to do here ?
-I was on a mission. I was supposed to protect somebody from falling under an evil influence… But I wasn’t told who it was ! Or how to find them ! I thought my superiors knew what they’re doing, but I have been caught by these “Vix’thra” believers and I failed my mission utterly ! I’m just a big, sore loser, that’s all ! A complete failure !
-The Seer also sometimes gives us incomplete commands. She then tells us to have faith and then things will work out.
-That’s what they said ! But… I’ve been caught ! I screwed up everything… you know the rest. Just look at me !
-You should stop being so…
Before Maenaz finished his sentence, the High Priest reappeared.
Sordalis was a vampire as well. Obviously.
-You shall not take her away from us ! Her life belongs to Vix’thra !
Maenaz shouted out every single word of the following sentence, his eyes shining with stronger and stronger light.
-You…are…so…annoying…owning…somebody’s…life…is…bullshit…and…now…just…die…
ALREADY !!
Striking down with his Eldritch Doom, he lashed out with his Astral Blade against the annoying vampire wizard, slashing him through and through and finishing the flurry of blows with a well-placed Vitriolic Blast to the abdomen. The vampire lay defeated, and Maenaz put the stake through his heart himself.
-Wow… you’re scary ! But that was actually pretty cute of you, to stand up and defend me ! Thank
you !
The warlock turned around.
-Cute ?
Nathyrra chuckled, and Valen raised an eyebrow.
-Yes, that’s what I said ! Is your hearing damaged ? I’m sorry, but I have to heal myself now and go do something productive, otherwise my superiors are going to kill me.
-If you’re feeling well enough, you can help us with Vix’thra. Celestial powers might be useful against undead.
-Just give me a moment to rest, Mister…
-Maenaz Carn’renor. Not at your service.
He handed her out some healing potions and let her rest for a moment. Then, the group of four ventured even deeper, into Vix’thra ‘s lair.

Masses of bones. So many of them he probably couldn’t count them all… And what was the most disturbing. A giant colossus of bones landing just before him, the shape of a sinister reptile, it’s eyes gleaming with evil.
A dracolich.
Was he screwed ?
No, definitely not. He defeated so-called “gods” before. So why was he so nervous about this ??
Well, when the undead dragon breathed out waves of negative energy upon them, he realized.
All the dragons he thought up until now were sissies. Younglings. Sure, he met one old red dragon, but it went peacefully.
And now, before him, was a freakin’ dracolich.
Attempting to get out of the breath’s central wave, he landed on his feet and blasted the dracolich with his acid. His dark foresight was already activated, so he barely escaped when the dragon swept it’s mighty tail of bones attempting to kill him. Laovera used the Heal spell, positive energy burning the dracolich’s life force away, but it was far from enough. Nathyrra unleashed waves of Izaac’s Missile Storms followed with a fireball, but to little effect. Valen started crushing it’s bones, but there was too much to crush.
He WAS screwed. The dracolich swept it’s hand, attemting to smash him into the ground, but the Warlock dodged left, cutting one of the dragon’s fingers with his Astral Blade. Then, he fired a Beshadowed Blast at it’s eyes, hoping to get more time. The dracolich simply breathed again, and this time it were his companions in the centre of the waves. Lavoera attempted to take flight, but she just jumped above the wave and catched one of the lich’s ribs, unleashing more positive energy into it. He put a wall of green flames on the dracolich’s spine, the beast crying out in pain at last, and followed with another quick-charged blast. The beast literally smashed him with one hand and Valen with the other. Despite his foresight, he just wasn’t fast enough to avoid the attack. Lavoera let go of the creature’s ribs and jumped straight to Valen, healing him. Nathyrra cast a spell, black tentacles from below the ground, pinning the dragon to it. He coughed up blood and raised, shouting :
-Dodge !
They somehow all evaded another breath from the great dracolich, and Maenaz decided it was time for his best weapon. Nathyrra brought an Ice Storm upon the beast’s back, and as it struck, a pillar of pale green light surrounded the dragon. In a moment, it was bathing in acid, it’s body now more heavily damaged.
The dragon got annoyed, and unleashed an electrical charge upon them. Apparently, as most dragons, this one two had some magical abilities besides his breath. Maenaz was the only one who evaded the jumping electric charge thanks to his foresight, but realized he had to operate quickly if he wanted to beat this foe. As Valen continued to smash the dragon’s ribs, Lavoera used the Evil Smite spell. He wouldn’t be able to test what she said, as he instinctively got out of the area.
Evil. Yeah, right.
The dracolich then charged upon Nathyrra, smashing her into the wall, and pinned Valen to the ground with it’s claws. He lept forward, firing a cone of acid onto the beast’s arm and then cutting the weakening bone off. Valen, in an impressive but tiring display of strength, managed to both pull the beast’s claws out of the ground as well as throwing off it’s bones off himself. The dragon didn’t give them any time to recuperate, however, as another breath flew through them. Maenaz fell on one knee. This was too extreme. He had to finish the fight. A pillar of green light surrounded the dragon, as it bathed in acid once again.
-Can we take this down, warlock ?
-It is getting desperate already !
As the tail struck at them, they both attacked it. The damage was heavy, but they were thrown away. Maenaz resorted to his last power, the regenerating one. He felt this dreadful vitality fill his body as his intent to kill grew even stronger. Firing another blinding blast at the dracolich, he shouted to Lavoera to heal Valen.
Then, Nathyrra did it. Masses of flame appeared, floating around her and then flying towards the Dracolich.
Firebrand.

The great dragon fell down, and Maenaz struck the bones with another cone of acid to ensure it went down for good. It was a success. Lavoera healed Nathyrra and Valen, and thankfully it was over, because she was seemingly running out of energy. She was obviously curious about Maenaz’s healing power and was about to voice her question, when something imaginable happened.
One of the masses of bones moved.
And it started to reconstruct itself into a dragon’s skeleton.
The dracolich rose once again, murderous intent in it’s eyes. Nathyrra quickly cast a spell as the dracolich was about to sweep them away with it’s tail. Bigby’s imposing hand was only strong enough to weaken the attack, but both Valen and Lavoera dodged. Maenaz jumped onto the creature’s tail, and Nathyrra was beyond it’s range. Maenaz put the wall of green flames first inside the being’s ribs and then onto it’s spine, and Nathyrra unleashed another Missile Storm.
But the lich was at full strength, and it held a decisive advantage. Another breathe nearly knocked out both Valen and Lavoera, who was clearly overstraining herself in the attempt to defeat the dragon. The lich got rid of Maenaz by waving his tail which thrown the young human onto one of the rocks, from where he had seen a shine in the darkness. The phylactery ?? It was very difficult to reach though… The dracolich smacked Nathyrra one more time, and it was probably only her magical armor and cloak that kept her alive this time. Then, the dracolich started turning towards him, obviously wanting to breathe him into oblivion.

Maenaz closed his eyes, focusing all the power he had possessed, reaching out to the very depths of his soul, drawing upon it’s magical energies. When his eyes opened, they were shining furiously with torrents of green and violet light, the energy practically crackling in front of them, and his hands were charged with energy. A pillar of green light surrounded the dracolich, but as it was about to fly to the left, a powerful pillar of sheer magical energy struck down at him.
Then, it was bathed in a mass of acid, falling down onto the ground. Maenaz followed this display of power with a quick-charged blast of acid fired into the creature’s skull, just to make sure he finished him off. He turned away, attempting to climb and get to the phylactery, but heard Nathyrra shout.

-Maenaz, get out of there ! There are too many bones ! We cannot defeat him !
-If what I see is the phylactery, and if I destroy it, then we win !!
-It’s too late, Maenaz – Valen shouted out – He is already reconstructing himself !
-Just buy me some time !
-It’s like asking a sick mouse to take on a wolf ! We’ll all die out here !
Too late. The dracolich was again at full strength, and this time it was aiming straight at him. Valen jumped in trying to stop the dragon, but was pinned onto the ground.
It was frustrating. That couldn’t be. He was incapable of losing. Anyone but him would fail here, right ? But it was HIM in consideration ! And he would never lose !
Not until SHE was avenged !!

Maenaz turned his face towards the dracolich, his eyes now surrounded with a dark violet light that was surrounded by a grey haze. Blood run on his cheek, and he felt his body crumble from the stress of overusing magical energies of stronger caliber than he should – reactions he never had, but didn’t bother since his additional power was still regenerating him.
A shadowy, powerful blast hit the dracolich’s arm, unfortunately the edge of it hitting Valen. The arm was broken out, and the dracolich blinded. Valen raised and tried to lift the hand that pinned him down to ground, but was too weak. So the threw his flail into the dragon, smashing it’s ribs, and with his final ounce of strength he freed himself. But the dracolich was furious, and desperate not to let Maenaz destroy his phylactery. He smashed his tail into the wall, bringing Maenaz down, and hitting Valen in the process, throwing him away. When Valen screamed out in pain, the beast apparently mistook him for the warlock that it already identified as the greatest danger, and breathed out the waves of negative energy upon him.
When it all cleared up, Valen lay there, lifeless, and the dragon regained it’s sight.
-Valen… Valen !! -the female drow spoke out, despair could be heard in her voice.
Nathyrra screamed out, unleashing two fireballs and a torrent of magic missiles before her entire energy was spent out. The dracolich was clearly damaged, but it was far from enough.
-This is all your fault Maenaz ! I told you we cannot defeat this creature ! We cannot !
-I’ll fucking kill him ! You just watch !!

Maenaz felt terrible pain in his hands as he amassed another ridiculously huge amount of energy, preparing to meet the dragon blow for blow.
-Are you insane ? –Lavoera shouted out –Or just silly ? We have to get out of here ! We must not let his sacrifice go to waste !!
-I never lose !! I kill everyone ! Everyone who stands in my way ! Whether it’s a queen of ancient races, drow bitches, archdevils, dracoliches, or gods themselves, NOTHING will stop me !!

Maenaz screamed out in fury, releasing blast after blast against the dracolich, who was taken aback by the storm of energy. But it was preparing another breath already. As it was unleashed, Maenaz tried to block it with a cone of Beshadowed energy. But to no avail. His regeneration run out, and he was struck down, falling onto the cave’s floor.
Lavoera rose to full high, gasping, breathing heavily, her heart racing. True, this human was stubborn and annoying… but he somehow felt important. Maybe he had the seeds of evil inside of him, but he saved her.
And everybody deserved a chance.
She didn’t want to see him destroy his own right here, right now.
The deva spread her wings, and jumped forward. She took flight despite the pain, and landed onto the dracolich. Another Holy Smite into the spot where she stood deprived the dragon of it’s balance, and it fell. She flew to Maenaz, who tried to get up, and took him into her arms.
-You told me not to push myself too far, but for somebody who isn’t considering this his calling, his purpose, you are sure overdoing yourself. Admirable, but we really have to go, silly.
She lifted him off the ground and flew straight to Nathyrra. She charged straight through her, the strength of her flight itself pulling her off the ground, and she flew out of the cave with the pair. She flew as far as she could, and then she hid herself and the mortals.
The dracolich lay in the dirt, his next-to-last body at the edge of being totally spent.
-Shit… some damn youngsters and a half-dead Deva did this… Am I getting too soft, or do these non-dragon bones just suck so hard…


They managed to return to the Seer, but it was their end as a team. Nathyrra clearly blamed him for Valen’s death, and while he helped to bring back Lavoera to health, he did not dare asking her for any more help, and send her home.
He was never so worried in his life. If a being this powerful allied itself with Valsharess, then the combined might of her and her fiend must be terrifying.
And during this fight, he did something he never managed to do in the past. He overused his Warlock powers, to the point where they started damaging his own body. It would take some time for him to get back into action. And despite all this… he could not even strike down the dracolich for the third time… And there were enough bones in there for one or two more resurrections, so that meant…
He simply wasn’t strong enough.
And if he couldn’t get out of here, he couldn’t hope to punish Neverwinter, to avenge her…Even if he managed to get out now, he might not have enough power…
He hid his face in his hands.
He needed more power. And an army. And he would get them. No matter from where.
These unbearable, incompetent, bleedingheart Drow concerned him less and less as he considered his own situation.

Valsharess was sitting in her throne room, as one of the elite Red Sisters walked in.
-Empress, we just received a letter carried by a ghoul from the Vix’thra ‘s temple.
-What is it ? What does it say ?
-Empress… Vixt’thra tells that because we didn’t help him during a serious attack on his temple, and left him to fend with a “powerful opponent” alone, in his view our alliance is ended. He complains about losing his priests, having to kill his source of bones and being heavily damaged…
-What does it say about this powerful enemy ? Did Vix’thra kill him ?
-No. The enemy had to retreat, but all except for one participant survived the fight.
(“To survive…against a dracolich ? To heavily… damage him ? What is this man ? Who is he ? Where did he get such power ? How can I… dispose of him, if even Vix’thra… and now, my forces…”)
As Valsharess stared in shock and wonder, consumed by thoughts, in the next chamber, the tall fiend was listening to it all.
And he barely hold his laugh. But he could allow himself to smile a bit, didn’t he ?
So he grinned. And reveled in the thoughts about his “mistress” possible downfall.

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Post Scriptum
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The next chapter will probably be the last one as far as directly basing on the official campaign goes. With exception of one or two scenes and a few loose ends, it is probably going to be all my own imagination from chapter 7.

I thought I'll use Neverwinter Nights 2 storyline more, but as it turns out, this story is currently mostly about Maenaz. And it will be as such for quite some time. However, the second Hero of Neverwinter will get more screen (writing ?) time from now on, as he appears in the next chapter and has his own problems as Maenaz clears up the Underdark.