Exposed

The canyon that stretched ahead of us was still, tranquil in the soft light of morning. The crumbled ruins of Karlachs "therapy session" lay quiet behind us, nothing but weathered stone and scattered ash now. No more smoke, no more cackling flames. Just the chirp of birds returning to the branches and the faint rustle of wind in the leaves. It was peaceful.

We were heading south towards the village Auntie Ethel had mentioned. According the rough marks on my homedrawn map, and if memory served right, we’d be there in a few hours. The walk was almost pleasant, if I didn’t factor in the tight knot of schemes slowly tightening in my gut.

I had a lot to juggle.

First, Lae'zel. She'd grown wary of my magic, her pride stung, her guard up. I needed to be able to touch her again, nudge her just enough to keep the corruption going. She was proud and stubborn—which would make her transformation all the more satisfying. I couldn’t afford to push her too hard, but if I could get close again, plant the seed deeper... she'd twist beautifully in time.

Shadowheart was more pliable. She'd already asked me about the next ritual. Bashful yet curious. Tonight I’d push further. If I played it right, she'd start thinking it was her idea all along.

Karlach... was a different challenge. She was already delightfully willing, but not able. There was a rightous flame in her that I didn’t want to snuff out completely, just dampen. I needed to make her more morally flexible for her to stay in the party. She was a hero, through and through, put off by acts of evil. I didn't want to go full villain, but I didn't want to play nice either. I'd have to progress deeper into her storyline and find the right moment to crack her moral code. And I needed to do it sooner, rather than later.

And then there was Graz'zt.

The demon prince was already displeased with me. Bargaining for Karlach's soul against his will had really pissed him of. He had let me claim her fate, but it wasn’t without consequence. I owed him now, and I didn’t yet know what that meant. That favor hung over me like the blade of a guillotine. What could a demon prince want from me that he couldn't take by ****? I shivered at the thought.

Hopefully capturing the grove might earn me back some favor with Graz'zt. It might also earn me some much needed buffs. Leveling up hadn’t brought the surge of power I’d hoped for. If I wanted more, I had to earn it by spreading his corruption throught the land.

The grove would be tough. Its roots ran deep, and its druids were stubborn. My best chance lay with the Idol—Sylvanus' precious symbol of balance and life. To defile it, I’d need help. Auntie Ethel was my best bet, the potion seller who lived in the swamp. Her help wouldn't be cheap, but hopefully we could strike a deal.

And then came the Githyanki stronghold, the Creche. Lae'zel was pressing forward every waking moment, **** to reach it and remove the tadpoles. The truth is, it was a futile endeavor. The Githyanki cure for mind flayer tadpoles was ****. And I had no desire to fight my way out of a Gith base as an underpowered warlock.

So many threads to pull.

We walked in a loose formation, boots crunching over old stones and patches of stubborn moss. No one spoke much, but the silence didn’t feel strained—just quiet. The kind that settles in after a long breath of tension. Shadowheart stayed to my left, acting like she wasn't sending glances now and then. Lae'zel moved at the front, sharp and alert as ever, though her usual complaints had softened into a tense quiet. Karlach, trailing behind seemed more at ease. Less thruming, more humming.

As the trail curved, the trees began to thin. We emerged onto the edge of an old village—or what was left of it. Ethel had called the nearby village "quaint." She had a strange sense of humor.

The place looked like it had been abandoned mid-sentence. Shattered windows, warped beams, and moss-choked doors lined the street. Half-collapsed roofs slumped inward like dying lungs, and twisted vines clawed over every surface. The smell of rot was thick, laced with the faint stink of stagnant water.

Shadowheart's gaze swept over the buildings. "Charming."

"Perfect place for an ambush," Lae’zel growled.

"look up" I muttered, my voice low.

Her eyes lifted just in time to catch the flicker of motion, the shine of crude iron catching the light. Goblin scouts. They were watching.

I raised a hand, motioning the others to pause. "We’re being observed. Rooftops, upper windows. Eyes open."

Karlach rolled her shoulders, eyes narrowing. "If they want a show, I’ve got one ready."

"Hold back unless they make the first move," I said. "We don’t need a scene. Not yet."