Part 1
Zarolas looked at his four-fingered hand. His little finger was barely a stump. The scar where it had been cut off was lighter than the otherwise dark skin. He wriggled it a little and chuckled at the ridiculous looking thing. But his eyes didn't show any sign of happiness. Zarolas was a grim male, as was usual among his kin, the dark elves. He had to blink away the light as he left his lit study. Endless hours of reading, studying old tomes and scrolls, examining dusty books and writing in his candlelit study, had adapted him better to the light. At the same time it took longer to adapt fully to the dark. But it was nothing like the protracted change that takes place when a human enters a dark place. And even when human eyes are fully adjusted to the darkness, they still have very limited vision. The drow, however, possesses darkvision, the ability to see in complete darkness, and the change took no more than a few seconds for Zarolas. But even when he had adapted fully to the darkness, he could hardly catch a glimpse of the river running through the city. That meant it was night on the surface. Zarolas decided to withdraw to his sleeping chamber, and left his balcony with a loud sigh.
Ta-Naudin was a dark place. Far from the biggest city of the Underdark - the world of the dark elves - but not one of the smallest either. It once was one the smallest, but the drow had worked the cave in centuries. And the city expanded as the cave grew bigger. And every building and every structure was constructed with delicate features and beautifully embellished in the way of the drow. But even though each building was masterfully worked, the structure of the city itself was utter chaos. Because of the constant expansions, buildings popped up as soon as it was room. This lead to tight alleys, densely built-up areas, twisted roads, and few open areas, except for in the older parts of the city - the Temple Circle. The outskirts of Ta-Naudin were more to the common drow's liking, though. The hidden alleys were perfect for silent assassinations and secret plotting. For the drow - even in Ta-Naudin - were an evil race. And the races on the surface close to Mount Naudin knew well to keep away.
When the river again glimmered in a pinkish hue, signalling daylight on the surface, Zarolas set out from his tower. He had his full battle gear on, as usual, and walked with determined steps across the Temple Circle. His drow chain mail hardly made any sound beneath his short, dark blue, robe. The thin, blue fabric was decorated with intricate patterns and magical runes. Along the edge of the robe, that ended right above his knees, ran golden linings with more runes. On top of his robe he wore a thick, hooded cloak that reached all the way down his back to his black boots. In front it was shaped as a triangle, and ended just below his belt in a sharp V. His belt was full of pouches for spell components, scrolls and other magical items. Strapped to it he had a short sword and a simple, long whip. On his head he wore a golden band, a solid circlet, seemingly to keep his hair out of his face. Beneath the band his white hair curled a little outwards over his shoulders, giving him a peculiar look. But his attractive elven features were intact, and his dark face had a hint of superiority over it. In his left hand he had a cane with intricate carvings. That was the only thing about him that didn't look drow. It had carvings of small animals and birds from the middle and up, in between soft curves and patterns that ran all the way to the handgrip that resembled an eagle's head. The shape of the head suited his fine hand perfectly, even with just four fingers.
Past the Temple Circle to the lit Tradesman Square he strode. The dark elves of Ta-Naudin traded with most races, and had to keep the area lit for the races not capable of seeing in the dark - like the timid humans. And one of such race, a mercenary, eyed Zarolas with a scornful grin as he passed by. Zarolas knew his name, but had never met him before. But Huk the Mouthy was notorious and easy to recognise. For once he never kept his mouth shut. Secondly his row of rotting teeth was a disgusting sight few drow would easily forget! Considering his reputation as talkative, Zarolas was surprised he didn't say anything as he passed by. Except, of course, for a short "Zarolas the aspiring" to his men. Zarolas eyed him expressionlessly all along and Huk returned the gaze without faltering, still with his wide grin. Normally Zarolas would cut his path to get closer to the human, but Huk's foul stench kept him at a distance that could be interpreted as respect. But the ambitious drow wizard never even considered the thought of showing a human respect as he passed by him. Huk, however, turned his head, following Zarolas with his gaze, until he was gone in the small crowd of humans, duergar, goblins and dark elves trading in the square. A thought had interrupted Huk's smiling visage for a split second, but he soon dismissed it and revealed his row of rotten teeth once more.
Zarolas had to cross Karliik-niaren, the Naudin River, to get to his destination. The river was important to the citizens of the city with its enchantments. No one really knew how or why it glowed so, but every day as the sun rose on the surface, the river started to glow. It didn't glow with a normal light, but in the darkness of the Underdark the drow could see a light red hue in the water due to their darkvision. But as soon as the sun set, the glow faded. Zarolas was too used to Karliik-niaren to give it any thought. And with his levitation spell he glided across with elegance few commoners could imitate. Even a few nobles sent him admiring looks as he floated through the air and landed on the opposite bank. In a perfectly measured shifting of his feet, he arrived in an easy stride. The guards greeted him as he approached, and Zarolas lifted his cane to his golden circlet in response. A soft humming sound could be heard as he passed. He activated a levitation spell again to avoid the mundane act of climbing the stairs, and before long he stood before the gigantic doors of House Silsiloth. He knocked once with his short cane, and the doors seemed to open without help from any obvious sources. Zarolas entered without any delay and continued down the wide, guarded hall to the audience room. This was strangely lit and forced the wizard to squint a little as he entered. A silhouette on a balcony caught his attention. She leaped out from the balcony and floated down in front of Zarolas. It was the oldest daughter of House Silsiloth.
"Surrender your weapons, male, and I'll lead you to the Matron Mother." Her stern visage didn't threaten the smaller male at all. He even had to raise his gaze to level with hers, but then had to hide his smile as she hoisted her chin to look even taller.
"Do Berelene fear me so?" he wondered.
"Matron Berelene!" the female cleric screamed, only a few inches from his face, showering him with her spittle. She wiped her mouth and eyed him angrily. Zarolas didn't bother wiping his face. Ardelis was considered beautiful even among drow, and her saliva was far from the worst thing one could be hit by, Zarolas thought. "And, no, Zarolasssss," she hissed. "She does not fear you at all. But an insignificant male is not allowed to bear weapons in the inner chambers."
"Good!" replied Zarolas. "Lead me two her, then." He didn't make any moves towards his weapons. He simply lifted his cane as if to start walking. He certainly didn't consider himself insignificant!
"Stay here! The Matron Mother will hear of this immediately," she said as she turned angrily and started to move across the room, cursing her mother silently for refusing her to harm Zarolas no matter what. Her thin robe flowing down her legs and Zarolas couldn't help but notice her well-shaped body and her swaying hips as she moved away from him. She suddenly turned as if to say something, and Zarolas quickly retracted his stare. But he needed another moment to regain his expressionless countenance. "Keep your eyes to yourself, male!" she snapped at him. The resolute wizard managed to hide his emotions, and the female cleric seemed to have forgotten her words for a second. Then a grin exposed her shining white teeth.
"By the way... Is the light to your liking, mageling?" she taunted. "You remind me more of a rivvil wizard than anything else," she added. The obvious insult rocked Zarolas slightly, but he managed to appear unharmed. She shot him a quick glance, before she snorted, spun on her heels and darted away. Did she check him out? Zarolas wondered.
* * * *
"Greetings Zarolas, apprentice of Bajunfein," Matron Berelene said in a low, cold voice. She was calmer than her daughter standing by her side, and appeared more calculating and sly. Zarolas replied with a high cane to his ornament headband. The humming amused the Matron Mother, but irritated her daughter - Zarolas never even greeted her. Ardelis' cheeks were burning hot with anger, but she soon calmed down as the humming ceased.
"You sent for me, Matron Mother. Surely you think much of me since I am honoured by your invitation," Zarolas said as he lowered his cane. Matron Berelene actually smiled at his words, but didn't argue the flattering.
"You are not of any noble family, M'elzar. Neither have you ever asked to serve any of the houses in Ta-Naudin. Still you have, somehow, managed to get a place as an apprentice under Bajunfein, and even acquired your own study. How do you feel about him?" Berelene asked him with an intense look on her face.
Zarolas was lost. "Feel about him? He's my master. He teaches me about the weave and gives me assignments. I respect his skills as a wizard and am grateful of what he has taught me."
"Grateful?" Berelene said with a surprised expression. Zarolas moved
his head in a confirming nod. "Let me tell you about Bajunfein, and about
yourself," she began. Zarolas cocked his head curiously, and Berelene knew
she had his full attention.
"When you were born the two biggest houses of Ta-Naudin were planning a
war against each other. Your master was a powerful wizard of one of these houses
- the only wizard. So the Matron Mother told him to get an apprentice in case
the battles would be long lasting, or if he would fall in combat. Both houses
prayed for Lolth's favour, and decades passed without any signs from our goddess.
During this time Bajunfein found you. He had to search among the commoners and
you proved to be an exceptional child."
"For a male," Ardelis added quickly. Zarolas ignored the remark, as always, but listened to Berelene with great interest.
"I know you had to prove your worth at a young age, how you had to compete with the older apprentices. And, to your luck, one of the older females took you under her wing," Matron Berelene continued.
"Just so she could betray me!" Zarolas interrupted. "She gained my trust and took advantage of it. She used me only to her own gain." His usually emotionless face twisted in disgust.
"All trust is foolish," Ardelis said with a wide a grin. She took obvious pleasure in seeing Zarolas like this, but he soon regained his composure.
"Knowledge from deceit. You should be glad you learned how to survive at such a young age. And you got your revenge after all. Revenge is the sweetest flesh," the Matron added. Zarolas remained silent, recalling his memories, and he obviously didn't fully agree. "But you know all this," she continued after a short pause. "Let me tell you what you don't know. Bajunfein is of House Xaenar, one of the two feuding houses I told you about. And this house, House Silsiloth, was the other. And I assume you remember the battle against the humans."
"I do," Zarolas answered. "But I was left behind in the tower. I'm beginning to understand why, now."
"We pushed the irritating paladins back, but couldn't resume our plotting against House Xaenar with this new threat lurking about. But I'm still surprised old Bajunfein never told you about this." Berelene Silsiloth fell silent, waiting for Zarolas to answer.
"My master never tells me anything. I'm not allowed to ask him anything not concerning magic either, so I never bothered. He is more concerned with pleasing the females, I guess. The Matron of House Xaenar has never contacted me, so you don't have to worry about my allegiance. That's what all this chattering is all about, isn't it?" Zarolas asked, confident in his own assumptions. The Matron shot him an angry glare. "Allegiance and trust is not something I will give away easily. Not again!" he stated.
"Allegiance and trust is not the same!" Ardelis thundered.
"To me it is," Zarolas added calmly. He eyed the two high priestesses, prepared for anything. Then he added, "As far as I'm concerned this conversation is over."
"This conversation is over when I say so!" the powerful cleric screamed,
her words carrying a magical command; her daughter reached for her snake-headed
whip. When Zarolas didn't turn to leave, she calmed down again. "I expected
this from you," she continued. "But I warn you not to test my limits."
A moment of silence followed. Ardelis still rested her hand on her whip and
was almost hoping Zarolas would try to leave again.
"Now that I know of your non-existing allegiance, I have something to add."
She weighed her words before speaking. "It's for the best of the city,
not a personal request. Evil forces may again threaten Ta-Naudin. It may be
an attack by the nervous humans, and it may be some other enemy. We have to
send a scout to be sure."
"So when I return with the good news you can start your plotting against the other houses once more?" Zarolas concluded. "Why me?"
"Tell all the other houses first for all I care. I just think it's about time we drow know our outside enemies better. And you have the skills to survive, not only in the Underdark, but also on the surface if necessary. And you are young, and intelligent. You are able to adapt to the surface long enough to gather the information needed. And I understand you have a... special connection?" she said as her eyes moved to his wooden cane. Did she know? Zarolas wondered. His hands almost started to tremble. She couldn't have known!
"This old thing?" he shrugged and lifted his cane. "There's nothing special about it, except the carvings. But I have, on the other hand, read everything my master has about the surface," he said, trying to turn the attention away from the cane. Her suspicions were probably based on rumours anyway, Zarolas thought to himself.
"Very well, then. That will suffice." She pondered for a moment. "That is all."
"I didn't say I would go to the surface," Zarolas stated.
"I never asked you to," Berelene Silsiloth countered. "Just remember what I have told you." Then she motioned him to leave. Zarolas eyed her suspiciously before he turned and left the room.
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