Finally, this is finished. I'm getting closer and closer to actually becoming INVENTIVE and using my own plot instead of just taking it all from the Neverwinter.

In this chapter, another original character is called by his full name, and we learn more about the characters in this story. I am trying to make Valsharess seem more reasonable and level-headed than in the games, but at the same time very ambitious, a bit greedy, and having a seductive side for those few who actually manage to gain her respect, trust (try that with a drow !) or both. Unsure if I am suceeding ;p.

Word count is around 7800 this time.

The next time we will see dangerous amounts of gore, angst, angry women, angrier man, blood, fiends, and possibly eroticism (not sure at which point I will finish the chapter)

But for now, enjoy the chapter VI !

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Chapter VI
An unlikely offer

Finally, he spend the entire day out of bed, meaning he would leave to deal with either the Beholders or the Illithids the next day. How long was it, really, since he entered the caves under Waterdeep ? Since he came in contact with anything… Human ?
Well, he knew well enough to think of Valen as a human, but Valen was now gone. Not counting him… It was at least a couple of weeks. That meant the whole thing took FAR more time than he would prefer.
It also meant one more thing.
He was definitely running out of time.
The seer’s so-called foresight was going wild, and that meant one thing. Valsharess was moving. He could take out either Illithids or Beholders, but definitely not both.
And it also meant they were all going to meet up with Kelemvor soon enough if she brings her pet Archfiend along. Because it was probably more powerful than the Dracolich.
He had learned his lesson. He needed help. Not just for this quest, but for his ultimate purpose as well. The problem was - he had no idea where to get it from. Ever since his last mission, he lost the little trust Nathyrra gave him at the beginning, and she was quick to spread her newfound dissatisfaction among her friends. Right now, he went from their great hope and “the Seer’s foreseen savior” to a failure as a hero and the morale inside the rebel’s camp was quickly deteriorating.
As far as he was concerned, he’d prefer to just stop running around and let Valsharess strike already. His situation wouldn’t be getting any less hopeless anyway.
He laid down in bed, preparing himself for a difficult tomorrow. He had no dreams lately, and anybody trying to talk to him was just given the cold shoulder.
For his part, Maenaz wanted his “save the Underdark” campaign to just end already, so he could find another way of exacting his vengeance.

As far as return to Neverwinter went, he had two choices. It was either return too quickly and risk bleeding to death, or return too late, and miss his great welcome as a hero.
He chose the latter. He wouldn’t have liked such a welcoming.
Not to mention after losing four of his companions, he did not feel like a hero.
Both Grobnar and the Construct had fallen in battle against the enemy and Grobnar’s body was destroyed beyond possibility of quick enough resurrection, but there was no time to even think about it as they had to leave before the entire Sanctuary would fall on their heads.
Neither Quara nor Bishop however had to die. He always, on the edge of consciousness, somehow suspected Bishop to be too dangerous of a person to keep him around. He did not, however, expect Quara to turn to her destructive urges almost only because of her bickering with Sand and about-average relations with him, the leader of the group.
As such, four of his treasured companions were dead and gone, and three of them were living, breathing creatures that he hated to not have with him anymore.
The Lord of the Crossroad Keep, Xardas Carolinger, sighed in his melancholic mood.
He had someone to brighten up this night, however. So far walking behind him, like the rest of the team, Elanee stepped up her pace and was now right beside him. She rushed to his side, took his arm, and put it around her herself – a gesture usually done by Neeshka, to his dismay. However, with Elanee, it somehow felt more natural, more… right.
He wondered if he really loved her. Well, they shared that one night, but it didn’t feel like something… religious. No. It was somewhere in-between fucking one of your best friends on known terms and lying with the person you loved.
But for now, he pulled her closer, paying little heed to Neeshka’s apparent annoyance. She probably had a crush on him for quite a part of the journey, but she would get over it.
Finally they reached the walls of Neverwinter. Word came to him that a letter was send to him while he was gone, and, well, he had to speak with Lord Nasher. All the formalities…
To be honest, he was tired of Neverwinter. Well, more like, of cities. He enjoyed nature more than civilization.

About the same time, in the Underdark.

Walking through the Underdark alone (he didn’t even ask Nathyrra to go with him, as he knew the answer), Maenaz of course expected to meet up with all manners of shitty monster races. His mission was supposed to be a diplomatic one, because he decided to go to Zorvak’mur, and illithids couldn’t be eliminated from Valsharess’ forces with his strength alone – too many settlements already declared their “alliance with” (actually, subservience to) Valsharess.
However, instead of a “shitty monster race”, he came up against a group of Duergars. Their leader was kind enough to inform him that he would need a helmet like his to enter the Illithid setting without becoming brainwashed, and was kind enough to attack him so he wouldn’t have to bargain for it and could instead take it away from the dwarf’s cold, dead body.
Yeah, that made the day brighter. (day ? Was it really day ? Or was it deep into the night kilometers over his head ?) Having unleashed his pent-up frustration, he decided to march into the city and be over with the whole bargaining with the Elder Brain thing.
Bargaining. He liked to bargain when he obviously had the upper hand. In this city, it was obvious who had the advantage.
Meaning in this city, he hated bargaining.


Ilivarra rarely saw Valsharess so deeply in thought as well as being so agitated at once. She was probably thinking of a plan to eliminate the threat this human posed – but came to the only possible conclusion and decided to just send her. Finally.
However, despite her joy at her possible new assignment, she HAD a reason to worry.
She could swear the fiend had a smirk on his face. And his eyes weren’t the usual, uncaring ones. No, this time it seemed like he was just as excited as Valsharess was, his eyes reflecting the maelstrom of his thoughts, an unending depth of evil waving through it.
She was worried. Because by now, she realized it was Valsharess was all lucky until this human arrived. Now, there was a lot of misfortune in her plans and actions lately.
And if the fiend released himself…
-Archdevil… with all the power you have, and all the current power I have over you… You refuse to simply bring in a servant powerful enough to deal with this creature, or attempt to strike him from afar yourself. Why is that ? The man from the surface is becoming an annoying obstacle… Why don’t you listen to me ! Why did all my servants fail ! Why this man is still ALIVE ?!
-As I have said, Valsharess. Mortal potential. And I cannot simply kill him from here. As for servants… I brought you quite the good ones. You know my opinion when it comes to bringing more.
-I have bound you, you cursed Baatorian ! You’re supposed to follow my orders ! And never try to cross me, because I’ll learn sooner or later…It’s your destiny to serve me.
-Nothing else to add, o great Valsharess…
-Empress, if you wish, the human… I may kill him for you…
-As much as I hate to say it, Ilivarra, we don’t even know the extent of his powers, only that he killed both Youfier and Sabal. Even you… even if I send you, it would be risky.
-I beg to differ, Mistress. No wizard so far was able…
-He’s no wizard, Right Hand. We’re up against someone whose kind draws their might from the Lower Planes. Assasination failed all the times we attempted it, and he survived battling Vix’thra, killing all his priests…
-What do you plan to do, Jallil Valsharess ?
-We’ll just have to be quick. We managed to get the information about more or less where the Seer is hiding. Go to Phaere and start gathering my commanders. I want to see things moving soon… I’ll mobilize every last troop if this will be required. We shall take care of the rebels, and the rivvin won’t be able to hide from me anymore.
Valsharess’ look was so freaking excited that part of it rubbed off on Ilivarra. Because who would lead the troops into the battle ?
Who ?



The more he stayed in it, the more he hated this village. And right now, it reached it’s peak.
An auction. A mass of stupid illithids trading and bargaining on a human’s life.
A living, feeling beings’ life.
He disliked slavery. No, in fact he hated slavery. Instead of making a being’s life miserable, taking control of it, deposing a being of it’s freedom, making it a “slave”…
Killing was preferable. More humanitarian in his mind. He disliked taking prisoners, but taking “slaves”…That was even worse. Yes. Killing was preferable.
And, obviously, he shouldn’t care about that stupid human. He didn’t. He just didn’t want to see it becoming a “slave”.
Maybe that meant caring.
All this talking. A “strong healthy female”. From a “good and well nurtured litter”. What the fuck ? Litter ? What were they, breeding stock ? “She’s also a warrior that can fight in the Arena”. Gladiators ? Just how deep did this shit run ?
-One thousand gold pieces !
-Eleven hundred !
-Twelve hundred !
Should he partake in this ? Thinking of making this woman his slave, even for a minute – it was sickening.
Or was it ? Come to think of it… He did have some freakishly strong sexual frustrations for some time, and now…
She did seem to have a nice tight little ass…
“Yeah, right. You and rape. Sounds like you really are becoming “evil”.”
-Fourteen hundred !
Maenaz spoke out. Thankfully, he did learn Undercommon while studying in the Academy… And he was learning Drow from staying in the Seer’s camp all the time.
-Fifteen hundred.
-He’s of her own race, meaning he knows she’s worth something. I give eighteen hundred.
-Two thousands !
-I pass !
-I pass too !
-Two thousands ! will anyone give more ?
They were really determined to make “slaves”. Really.
-Nobody ?
-Of course nobody is going to give more than that. She wasn’t even worth 1500 to begin with… With this thin waist and weak emaciated legs…In the arena, she’d get killed immediately, if not end up being ripped in half… I just wanted to buy her for my most precious slave as a reward, but I guess if the prize will be going up, that’s it…
After hearing this, some illithids and few duergars that were partaking in the auction left.
-If he says so… Two thousand one hundred is my last say.
-That’s so dumb of you… Unless you really think that her being “capable of breeding” is any advantage at all. To you, at least.
-If you’re such a specialist, why won’t you tell how much you think she’s worth ?
-About half of what you just gave. But as I really like my slave, and I pity your idiocy… Two thousand two hundred. I’m not giving any more than that. If you do, that’s just a waste of money.
-Two thousand two hundred ! Will anyone give more ?
-…
-Two thousand two hundred once, two thousand two hundred twice…
-…
-Sold to the human !


The girl was now staring at him, almost as if challenging him, with quite a bit of intelligence in that gaze. So much different that her brainless gaze just a moment ago.
Apparently, the illithids decided that controlling her was up to him.
Which was good, because he preferred people uncontrolled.
-So, you’re the one who bought me, huh ? And what, are you going to send me to the arena, huh ? You’re disgusting me !
She was embittered, all right.
-So, you preferred being a slave of the illithids, right ? I thought so. You just seemed like the type who likes tentacles, mental control stuff. And the image of your brain being sucked out was probably first grade masturbation material to you.
She went pale for a moment. But apparently, this one was quite rebellious.
-So what if you don’t have tentacles on your mouth ! Slavery is slavery !
-Believe me bitch, you have no idea…
He had no time to walk her away from here to a safe place. Meaning, she had to believe she had to get out on her own quickly, and also believing she was a slave on the way out. That was the only way she could get out of the city. And that reasoned acting mean and cruel.
He put a wall of green flames right next to her.
-You see, illithids are fucking brainwashers. As a slave to them, you’d never know what would be happening to you. Me on the other hand… As a mage, I can pretty much force you to do anything I want anyway. But unlike the illithids… I can turn your life into hell. Because I both know how and I can keep you conscious. And I can think of more… unpleasant… uses for you than them. So, behave.
The woman was clearly thinking right now she really COULD be better off with the illithids.
Good. That way she’d survive at least.
He handed her some magical bracers and a sword, telling :
-You will take a message to my ally, slave. Don’t try to run away. I’ve put a tracking spell on you. If you move from the course to my ally’s settlement, I will seek you out and then you’ll beg me to return you to the illithid I just bought you from.
She swallowed. Loudly.
-I… should have guessed it’s going to be like that. Give me that message and tell me where I should go.
Explaining to her, he knew she may still day. The path to the Seer was *relatively* safe as he used it before, but he couldn’t guarantee she wouldn’t meet any more monsters around.
All he could do was hope that she indeed could fight on her own.

Meanwhile, In the Upper World…

The letter’s message was clear.
An accomplice of his surrogate father, a dwarf named Drogan Droganson, learning about Xardas’ accomplishments, has asked him to join him in leading his school for beginning adventurers. Drogan also noted that he would do everything to make sure Xardas’ duties as a teacher will not stop him from fulfilling any obligations he might have for Neverwinter.
However, he still concluded he should ask Lord Nasher for permission. And he also informed him that he would prefer to leave before the citizens made an upheaval of his success in defeating the King of Shadows. However, Nasher seemed opposed to the whole idea, even if he didn’t say it straightforward.
-Xardas, we might require your help with protecting Neverwinter should another powerful enemy arise. Also, as a member of the Neverwinter Nine, your place is either in the walls of the Castle Never, or outside of it on my orders. With all the honor that came from that status, you did lose some of your freedom. The Neverwinter Nine are members of the most elite group in the army of Neverwinter. You cannot complete your duties half-heartedly.
-Then, Lord Nasher… I am sure you can grant the status to someone more suited for this position.
This situation seemed a bit familiar. Nasher was getting nervous.
-What… do you mean, exactly ?
-Lord Nasher, when I left West Harbor, I originally intended to make as quick work of my problems as possible, and then spend some time traveling… Seeing distant lands. But I got caught up in far more important things, and before I realized, I became strongly bound to this city. I love Neverwinter, with all my heart. But I am not ready to settle here yet. For now, Lord Nasher… and forever, if that would be your wish… I am asking you to revoke my status as a member of the Neverwinter Nine and let me go and join Droganson. I will return in case my abilities will be required, and I will come back to serve Neverwinter of my own volition after I feed my… hunger for traveling and adventures.
-I suppose if you put it like that, it’s quite fair, but… Nobody ever just got their status as a Neverwinter Nine “revoked”. And as I said, we may be in a situation where we will need your abilities *immediately*.
-I suppose neither Elanee nor Neeshka will have a strong desire to stay in the city, and Khelgar may leave to live with his clan, but otherwise… Casavir will definitely rejoin the city’s ranks, and Sand grew very powerful during our travels. I believe these two can take care of most things at least as well as I can. So, please… Give me a chance to realize those dreams of mine. I promise I won’t let you down if you do.
-Come back in an hour. I will have a discussion with a trusted servant of mine, and depending on it, I will announce you my decision.





Valsharess was never the type to rush anything… but she was never the most patient either. Ever since enslaving an archfiend, her ambition and desire for power skyrocketed, which lessened her patience. As such, bathing in her room, she was itching for the preparations to finally be finished, an attack launched, and her own, self-given purpose to be achieved.
And she quietly admitted to herself, those were all things worth waiting for.
It’s just that she has gotten greedy. No matter how much she attained in those past months, she wanted more. So much more.
But there was still that one or two shadows on her future, on the possible completion of her desires.
And one of them was inevitably bound with these snake-like eyes that were drilling through her back.
She turned around,
- You seem to have something on your mind, devil. An important question. Or, at least one you might want to have answered.
The fiend grinned. He too, was, apparently, in an oddly good mood considering the state he was in.
- Are these magically enhanced ?
- I was being serious. I’m not usually gracious to my servants like that, but I’m in high spirits today. Because I’ve finally found a way to deal with my problems.
- And that’s what I wanted to know.
- What are you talking about ? Why would you care about my mood ?
- Well, great Valsharess… So, what’s the plan ? How do you want to kill *him* ? send both Ilivarra and Phaere after him ? Or did you find a way to summon lesser Abyssal Lords suddenly ? I’d like to know. Because even with the current advantage, as long as he is with Seer, killing her will be hard, and as long as she lives, there WILL be rebellious drow in the Underdark.
- You’re getting the wrong idea here. You’re apparently thinking that I want to kill this marvelous being.
- I’m confused.
- Well, Mister Ex-Lord of Baator… I’m asking why should I kill the one who nearly turned the tables on me by appearing completely out of nowhere ? This isn’t his world. He must now that if I win and he’s on Seer’s side, he’s screwed. But, he has both the trust of the Seer as well as his power as credentials.
- What do you mean ?
- Oh, stop fooling me here. Even YOU are interested in him, right ? I saw through you. You were all excited that someone so young for a human could put up a fight with beings tens of times older than himself, and ones that YOU helped to power up at that… and win. How he could fight a dracolich, a self-proclaimed undead god, and get out nearly unscarred. I suppose that dirty mind of yours started thinking about how to further use him to weaken me… Even though my hold on you should already be nearly unbreakable. That’s right, my pet. I plan on recruiting him.
The fiend’s face visibly changed. Oh, so he could get emotional after all. Was he angry, or just disappointed ?
- He’s a human from the upper world, and he’s been willingly fighting you so far. There doesn’t seem to be a single reason he would join you, in fact, he might have already befriended the same drow rebels you are planning to kill. He will not join you.
So, the reaction was… Denial ? That was really so not-diabolical of him. It was like he was about to cry.
- Well, the human appeared here in a completely unreasonable situation. Him trusting the drow seems ridiculous, and so his decisions might not be *reasonable* at all. We don’t know his reasons for fighting me yet, and well…
- Well, what ?
- Me having an entire army, a great part of the Underdark already in my wake, an archfiend in my service and being nearly the epitome of Ilythiiri beauty may convince him to change sides, I think.
Valsharess left the room, practically beaming with self-confidence.
The fiend reconsidered.
Of course, this was completely unplanned. Considering the way things were, and the way humans were, Maenaz could indeed become Valsharess’ ally… Perhaps even her pawn. But with all her charms, with all the sweet promises and carnal temptations, she could only keep that sort of a man by her side for so long. And he wondered, whether those charms could truly be a match for Hell’s once top-rated corrupting ability.

-Aarin Gend… I take it that you finally gathered enough information on him. So, what happened ?
-Maenaz resumed his activity by joining the Waterdeep’s effort to free the Undermountain, but his motives for doing so are unclear to us. Also, despite his and his former comrades apparent success, he was send against the source of these problems by Halaster in a fit of insanity. He wasn’t seen for weeks, and is probably still in the Underdark… Or dead already.
-That means he both didn’t show open aggressiveness in the period he was gone as well as he is outside reach, in a dangerous situation, and unlikely to survive… even if he survives, he might not return. And even if he returns, it will take time. This is good.
-My Lord, do you still believe, after all those months, that he will turn against us ? I think it was a momentary fit of rage… I was surprised we never tried to seek him out and re-recruit him.
-He doesn’t seem like the type who would forgive me easily… And neither will I forgive him. While Xardas’ current free-spiritedness and his unwillingness to commit wholly to Neverwinter does pose some problems, what Maenaz is capable of doing made him far more dangerous and impossible to control. Also, I trust Carolinger, something which was impossible with Carn’renor. With him, we don’t need that warlock anymore. And I believe he is more talented.
-They have indeed both stopped an incredible threat… But Maenaz was outside reach ever since, his power might have grown considerably.
-If it ever comes to the unfortunate event that we will have to pit them against one another, we shall see which one of us is right. However, Xardas couldn’t appear at a better moment. Because now, people will forget about this arrogant, aloof and unpredictable young warlock in favor of the man who didn’t even want to wait to be honored as a hero should, and promised to return to Neverwinter. Like a true “hero” should.
-Then you will let Xardas go ?
-Yes. I suppose he has earned his reward. As did you. Aarin… When Xardas leaves the Neverwinter Nine, it will be time for you to take place among it’s ranks. You’ve earned it.
-Master, I would really prefer if…
-You’re taking HIS place, Aarin. Not HERS. One shouldn’t refuse such an honor. I believe your days as the spy master will be slowly coming to end, and you’ll get some stability. Accept it, Aarin. It’s a good offer. Moreover, it’s you who said Maenaz won’t be taking revenge on us.


The elven druid approached him as he was gathering his belongings.
- So, you are determined to leave after all.
- Yes. I suppose teaching those young adventurers in Hilltop could be fun.
- Do you want me to come with you ?
- Actually, Elanee, you’re one of the reasons I’m leaving.
- Oh… I… I am…
- All right, that sounded stupid… What I meant is… We’ve been through a lot, and we got through it together. We shared a bed and we shared victory over the King of Shadows… We have a lot in common, and so, falling in love would make sense. However…
- However ?
- I am not sure whether what I’m feeling for you is love, as hard as it is to admit it. I don’t want us to build a relationship on strong, swinging emotions, accumulated stress, the heat of the moment… I am really not sure whether I truly love you, or was it just a method to cope with all the darkness ahead of me. Ahead of us. And I’m too young to just trust that this is it. If we’re away from each other for a while, when everything settles down… Then we will be sure.
- I see where you’re coming from, but… I’ll miss you. And they will miss you too.
- I know. But if I get stuck into these walls so soon, I feel that I will stop growing. I’ve felt much of this world, and the other one, just by traveling as far as we did… But I know there’s more to see. I have a feeling that if I can grasp just a little bit more… It will help me become a defender of Neverwinter like no other.
- That sounds like you. Always looking to just break those barriers, to grow, like a young tree. But it seems to me that you’re just not quite content with just that single title.
- Title ?
- “The Hero of Neverwinter”. You have learned there was a person that carried that name, even if only for a time, and you refuse to just be a heir to that legacy. You want to be more than a “Hero of Neverwinter”, don’t you ?
Xardas smiled. She truly knew him well.
- Nobody’s perfect. I guess that’s my negative streak. Yes, you may be right here.


Okay, so maybe releasing the slaves and starting a revolt inside the Illithid’s settlement wasn’t
the smartest thing he had ever done, but the slavery thing was getting so annoying he decided that he will just force the Mind Flayers out of Valsharess’ forces. If it will be impossible to intimidate the Elder Brain into leaving, he’ll just fucking slaughter everyone.
In fact, he was already slaughtering everyone.
Did this mean his diplomatic mission was already a failure ?
Probably. But damn, slaying those idiotic fucking tentacle-faced monsters with a dominative streak and supposedly superior intelligence felt ecstatic ! He could do it the whole day !
The problem was, he was lacking in time, and in the number of illithids left around to slaughter.
And his friend-in-crime (obviously killing Illithids was the kind of crime girls would love you for later, like murdering rapists or child molesters), Argosus, apparently already wanted to taste freedom instead of slaughter and revenge.
People always give up on revenge too easily.

That meant he had just one thing left to do. “Negotiate” with the elder brain. Maenaz preferred aggressive and demanding stance when it came to “negotiations”.
Murdering the guards, and the umber hulks, he went deeper right into the Elder Brains’ chambers labyrinth.
Apparently, those Illithids, while boasting superior intelligence, needed something greater to control them, and Elder Brain provided just this. Like a badass, super-smart chief of slavers. Only this big fat shit of a brain couldn’t even move on it’s own.
Meaning he could give it a nice acidic bath.
Did brains react well to acid ?
Maenaz carefully noticed that he was starting to have psychopathic thoughts and was asking himself rhetorical questions, meaning he REALLY needed to get out of here.
Too many psychic attacks were bad for your health.
He was really starting to feel sick.
His balance wasn’t right…
Why the hell was everything so blurry ?


-You are given your leave, Xardas. Indeed, both Casavir and Sand decided to stay in the city. However, because of the situation, I will have to do as you suggested : Your status as a member of the Neverwinter Nine is revoked. In case I will have all the nine spots taken when you come back, you shall be denied that position when you return. If that won’t be the case, I will let you become one of my personal guards and assistants again.
-Thank you, Milord. I believe you will be able to reach me fast enough in case something important comes up… But as I said, I have confidence in my friends as well as in other Neverwinter Nine members.
-So be it. Enjoy teaching your students. Perhaps some of them will join Neverwinter’s forces as well, one day.


He woke up, lying in the grass in a beautiful forest.
Forest ? What the hell ? Wasn’t he just…
Wasn’t something odd about this situation ?
There was a city. A city shunned a woman who loved a man, and the woman took vengeance on her city. They killed her…
And then, so many empty months…
Going into the caves… meeting old friends… Fighting monsters…
-You’ve finally woken up ! You had such a bad nightmare, I was so worried about you.
He had a strange feeling he should remember more about his life.
And he didn’t knew that woman. He felt something for her…
But what was her name…
He tried his hardest to remember. Looking at her, she was beautiful. Black eyes and semi-long, shiny blonde hair…
Shouldn’t she have pointed ears ?
Or at least red hair ?
- What is going on ? What are you talking about ?
- Shhh… it’s fine, darling, just calm down. Come with me and forget your nightmares. I want you to be happy with me… For all time.
Bliss… Happiness ? Was that what he was meant to pursue ?
No. He has done some terrible things. For what ? The feeling was still strong…
He knew it. Deep inside, he knew. A woman like that… he couldn’t live with her. They might strip much of his memories, but the essence of who he was remained.
And that woman was unnaturally kind, unnaturally pretty…
They didn’t suit each other at all…
Who the fuck talked like that ?
There was another woman already !
- Those fucking brainwashers could have at least tried… Hey, girl, you should have red hair. And preferably pointed ears. Your eye color is off. And she talked differently, both as a Paladin and a Blackguard.
- What are you talking about Darling ? Is something wrong ?
- I have this overwhelming desire to burn this place. Go to hell.
- Don’t you want to be happy ?
- Men like me aren’t meant to pursue happiness. And being a brainwashed slave isn’t happiness. Die.
- If that’s how you wish to end this…

Suddenly, the trees changed. The river nearby was clearly running with acid, and the ground was covered in blood.
Sky turned black.
And then, they came.
Glorious slaughter finally returned. He finally felt like himself.
When you throw all this shitty sentiments and this love and happiness bullshit away…
Everything becomes so easy !

Her forces were finally ready. She was ready as well. She didn’t want to fight Seer herself… she was worried about the other woman wanting to talk *sense* and *faith* into her. Because she couldn’t get too annoyed or distracted. She needed to keep her mind firm enough to control the devil.
But right now, she wanted the ritual complete. She wanted to meet that man.
The only worthy opponent up to date.
If he would join her, making reality out of her ambition would become far easier !

Maenaz entered the Elder Brain’s chamber.
Something forcefully silenced the incredibly powerful killing intent he was feeling.
The elder brain was flooding him with begging for mercy.
[“We can’t fight you, slave. You’re far too powerful. We give up and ask for mercy. We know you are Valsharess’ enemy.”]
- That’s right. I came here to force you to abandon her side.
[“Zorvak’Mur is but a part of the whole. All across the Underdark, many Illithids allied themselves with Valsharess. To break this alliance isn’t within our power. Only the Gathering of Elders can do such a thing.”]
- And how can I convince this gathering to abandon the alliance ?
[“You cannot do anything to convince them, but we, the Elder Brain of Zorvak’Mur, might do this. We hate the drow and see them as no better than other slave races, but we were forced by Valsharess’ newfound power into this uneasy alliance. If we could gain something which would make us powerful enough to challenge her, we would leave her side gladly.”]
- Trading one dangerous race’s rule of Underdark for another… To make more slaves of more races… This isn’t my style. But let’s hear you out. What would this thing be ?
[“By capturing a slave from a strange settlement here in the Underdark, one populated by flying cousins of the Drow, we learned of the existence of a powerful artifact, a magical mirror. If you deliver this mirror to us, we shall leave Valsharess’ side. “]
- So, let’s see. You’re offering me, someone who can kill you right here right now, to leave Valsharess’ side, with me having no other benefit and no guarantee of it, if I deliver you a powerful artifact which will help to trade Valsharess’ rule of the Underdark for… Yours. Moreover, you see ME only as a SLAVE who doesn’t know his place. And the artifact…
It happens to be something I fucking destroyed, because THIS SHIT SHOULD NEVER HAVE EXISTED ! Fuck, at least Valsharess looks somehow, but you guys are just a mass of tentacles and brains ! No fucking way I’m helping you. Not to mention the mirror is destroyed already. Just die.

For a moment, Maenaz just walked back to the entrance, but when he looked behind, his eyes were surrounded by a dark grey haze, which still didn’t manage to extinguish the furious lights dancing inside it.
The Elder Brain of Zorvak’Mur was splashed on all walls in the room, as Maenaz left it’s chambers, and then proceeded to abandon the illithid settlement and return to the Seer.


Ilivarra was leading the forces towards the Seer’s settlement, but was instructed not to act “too hasty”. She was to wait for Valsharess’ further instructions before attacking the settlement.
How long will they deny her the fun ?
She just wanted to murder things already.
And one on one fight with that human was something she was looking forward to the most.


After he was healed, the Seer listened to the whole story. She wasn’t too happy he destroyed the brain, but she wasn’t concerned, either – she believed strengthening the Illithids would indeed be dangerous.
He also met the woman he helped, and she greeted him warmly, thanking for her rescue. He didn’t apologize for his behavior, though – it was necessary.
-The Valsharess army is moving towards us, Maenaz. We have no more time. You have helped us so far, but we will need you in your full strength if we are to win this battle. You shall lead the forces against the enemy. No one deserves this more than you, now that Valen is gone.
- I’m sorry, Seer. I know I could have done more, and Valen’s death won’t help us in the least.
- It is not the time to despair. What you have done, none of us was able to do. I will trust you to lead our forces, but for now, you must rest. I will awaken you for the final battle.


He was sleeping. He expected no dreams, as usual. He didn’t have any for weeks.
Why start having them now ?
However, he did technically dream.
Or maybe he had woken up ?
Nevertheless, just in front of his bed, there was an interesting sight.
A beautiful woman.
What the hell did that mean ? Didn’t he go through this today already ? Or did he finally receive every teenager’s foolish wish and he was visited by a succubus ?
No, wait. It was a drow. She was painfully drow-like…
And somehow different, as well.
- Vendui’ , being from surface. I greet you. Do you know who I am ?
- I’m either starting to have very strange dreams, or you’re here for some purpose. Considering all the grace, and this being a dream or something and all, you must be Valsharess… But how ? Why ?
- Indeed I am, but this is just an illusion I send so that we may talk in peace.
- Why would you want to talk with me NOW, just before putting in your plan of mass drow destruction into motion ?
- You’ve been a worthy adversary, rivvin… In fact, a worrying, quite fearsome adversary. You have earned my attention. But, where’s my manners. I heard your name, but I don’t believe we were ever properly introduced to each other.
- Ladies first. As far as I know, “Valsharess” is just a title, right ?
She smiled. He noted how attractive she was, how seductive her smile seemed.
Was he looking her over ?
Probably.
While nearly elven to the core, her built had two particular differences he noticed immediately, despite trying not to.
She had firm and attractive breasts, making her not only beautiful, but giving an even stronger feminine accent to her elven figure.
But there was more. All the elves he ever saw that were more gifted in the chest area usually didn’t differentiate much from other elves in terms of hip size. But Valsharess’ figure, with her quite wide hips, thin waist and firm, well-developed and beautiful breasts simply oozed beauty, femininity and sexuality at the same time.
He then noticed she was aware of his stares, but made no attempt to hide. So was this a seduction attempt ? Wishful thinking. An “aided” negotiation attempt ? Or did she just not care at all ?
Maenaz look suddenly chilled, and his face got more stern.
No need to make her feel like she has some type of advantage in this situation.


She finally stood before this human. Just as she thought, and actually planned by choosing this clothing, he was quite smitten at her visage. So, at least she was now sure she was attractive to surface males as well.
But his look grew colder and more focused. Apparently, this one was tougher than that. Probably that’s why he survived so far without any “erotic” attempts at assassination.
- As you wish. I am Sinvyl, the former matron of the house Barit’tar and the Valsharess of the Ilythiiri.
- Maenaz Carn’renor, formerly of Neverwinter… Now apparently of Seer’s resistance move.
He was unlike the drow. This man clearly wasn’t with the Seer out of altruism. She could feel that familiar ruthlessness inside him. However most of drow males were grown up the way they were, in some ways they appeared pathetic, and their personalities were more often weak compared to the females.
But this man was unlike them. He was attractive physically even by elven standards, but that wasn’t it. Valsharess felt drown to him because of a peculiar feeling he gave. This man radiated an intensifying dread, a powerful feeling. He was like someone who was falling into a bottomless pit, but was powerful enough to drag whole worlds down with him. So, he indeed was special.
She started to be sure this decision was the right one.
- Maenaz ? So be it. Than that’s the name I will call you with. Your face deserves to be recognized here.
To accentuate that newfound confidence, she stepped forward, smiling, getting closer to that human. Eyeing him up, her smile grew wider and more flirtatious.
- You have proven your worth, Maenaz. A mighty man whose steps will shake the entire Underdark !
- What are you…
- You don’t need to die in servitude to some weaklings, Maenaz. You can achieve a lot by yourself, that much is clear, but… Imagine what we could accomplish together ! If you would join me, if you would only stand by my side, we would be unstoppable ! We could control the entire Underdark, and eventually, the surface world as well ! How do you like that thought, Maenaz ?
- Join you ? Why would I join you ? We’ve been fighting all the way so far, and you attempted to kill me !
Before he knew it, Valsharess suddenly got a lot… Closer.

He could even feel the heavy scent of the exotic perfume, as that beautiful face stared deeply into his eyes, her chest just millimeters from his. She almost giggled.
- Is that so ? Given the chance, you’d do the same to me at the moment. And back then, I didn’t know how special you were… And that makes us similar. Won’t you find anything… Tempting… in that offer ?
He felt something in his mind screaming that something dangerously powerful, dangerously ambitious, and, well, dangerously sexy was strongly invading his private space.
- There is so much we could learn from each other… There’s so much to gain… Power, wealth, it’s just the beginning… Your reward would be… Immeasurable.
Her lips were very close to his ear, and she whispered. He cursed his mind for adding imaginative, hot breath to her words.
- All that you could ever wish for… Your wildest and greatest dreams and imaginations… Are in the palm of your hand… Who would let that go, Maenaz ?
Okay, so…He could abandon protecting those stupid drow, in return for surviving, and becoming an ally of someone extremely powerful. Furthermore, these arguments seemed convincing…
He would have access to powerful magic… Artifacts… Her body… And an army…
Wait, why did he think about her body ?
Well, it was hard not to.
WAIT !
An army ?
Freedom, being outside of the stupid human society, having a brand new, sex demoness with an archfiend servant as his close companion versus probably dying in the following battle.
Even if he’d survive, he would have to struggle in this world.
But Valsharess might also give him a chance of revenge…
Was it worth it ?
No. It wasn’t *worth* it.
It was a fucking perfect offer. He might never get a better opportunity.
And my, wasn’t she fucking convincing.
Maenaz was already burning inside, outside, in mind, body, and soul.
You just had to say that one word.
-No…


Xardas was leaving towards Hilltop.
He said goodbye to Khelgar, his most loyal companion, as well as instructed Sand to stay in the city and contact him just in case, and he left controlling his Keep to Casavir. For now, at least.
But he didn’t talk to Neeshka. He had a bad feeling she would just end up following him.
It was time to pass on what he learned, and maybe learn more himself.
And the spirits of those who he met on his way would always surround him.


She lifted herself slightly up. Well, from that position, it was pretty easy to look there… - What ?
- Not me. Definitely not me. That is a perfect offer, Sinvyl “Valsharess” Barit’tar. In fact, I would gladly accept that, if not for one issue.
- All you need to do is one thing. Once my army reaches Lith My’athar, open the gates. This will seal the deal and prove your honesty.
- There is one obstacle, as I said…
- Quickly. What is it. I told you, price will not be the issue ! Didn’t I tell you ?!
- Why do you think I was even involved into these fights in the first place ? I was send here by Halaster. Forcefully. And he put a geas on me. This Geas is forcing me to fight against you, regardless of my own will. The moment I started considering your offer, I remembered. The pain is already cutting in.
- Oh, a geas… don’t worry about it. Make it through the fight… The pain shouldn’t be overwhelming until the Seer is dead and you come into my presence. And once you’ll be in my presence, I can easily free you of this inconvenience .
- You can take away the geas put by Halaster himself ?
- That’s not a problem at all.
- I think I’ve just fallen to the temptation. What are we waiting for ?
- That’s good, Maenaz… That’s very… Good…
Her lips were almost touching his right now, her face just millimeters away, the drow’s burning eyes looking deep into his.
- This masquerade won’t last much longer. My armies will soon reach Lith My’athar. Don’t uncover yourself until then. And remember our deal. As you can see, this is going to be profitable as way as enjoyable.
- I can see that...
- Sweet dreams. We’ll have a lot to do tomorrow.