The Witch King

“I’ll have to choose Tan’Hagorath for this one.” For some reason people needed incentive to devote their life to pleasure seeking. If this will get Melli playing with herself between chambers, I’ll be happy.

“Indeed!” Steelowyn gasped. Then a sesnsation like a whip crack ignited across my face.

“Ah!” I wince.

“Not so decrepit that I can’t punish wayward slaves!” She seethes. “Let this pain remind you off the follies of youth.” Steelowyn fades away. Though my face keeps on throbbing,

“Twice you’ve rejected me.” The thief of wonders seethes in his own way. “You have no love for me or my kin I see…” He then ominously vanishes.

“Well aren’t they dramatic?” Tan’Hagorath Chuckles. Wisps of Melli’s soul begin to rise and join his form. “Now as we agreed you have sworn this girl to me.”

“Yes.” I acknowledge. This is the first time I’ve let one of the princes stake a claim on one of my victims.

“Henceforth no other prince may lay claim to her soul, and I have free rein to change her as I please, whether it benefits you or not.”

I nod. “And in exchange?”

“Since you’re snuffling about these blighted ruins like carrion, I’ll give you the treat you so desire.”

A bright light is pulled from the orb and presented to me.

Star Acquired

Slot 4: The Witch King- Type: Passive - Effect: Female Magic users under your command Have the strength of their spells increased.

Nice, that’s one more down, and it looks like this one will actually be helpful to me. If I can get Melli on board. Just one more star and I had it made!

I look at the Prince and he looks diminished. He burns duller. “My lord?” I ask.

“Don’t screw me by letting her go.” He barks at me, the menace in his voice almost overwhelming the tremor.

So he’s not as strong as he wanted his siblings to believe. None of them are if a simple star could drain them so. Was our religion really so diminished?

Gutsy play Tan. Gutsy play.

He lets that be the last word.

I’m back with my servants, and servants to be. I want to gloat at another triumph, but of course keep it to myself. I’m determined that one one should know of my demonic dealings. “How are you feeling?” I ask Melli.

“Weak, and disgusted. I can only imagine what that monster has been doing to me since you last saw me.”

“Best we don’t say.” Cyrus says kindly.

“Are you able to continue?” I ask her. “We think we can beat this thing with your help.”

“We do?” Elizabeth chuckles.

“I do.” My brain is preparing a dozen lies for a dozen worries she might have, but it’s all for nothing.

She looks to me, eyes brimming with determination. “I’m not quitting.”

“Atta girl.” Elizabeth beams.

After her short rest Melli was back with us. She might have been weakened but she still had the will to press on.

Impressive woman.

Adventurers, even failed adventurers were really a class apart.

We approached the elf again, still secure on his throne. He’d really gotten a plush deal out of all of this. “How do we get into the boss room?” I ask him.

He gives me a Quick Look. “There are two rooms to my east and west. Each contain a challenge and a key. You’ll need both to open the door.

“What challenge?” I ask.

He looks **** to say at first, but then remembers I’m probably the only person on the planet that would have given him a deal at all. “The western room is a chasm, with a narrow bridge leading’s across which is shrouded in shadow.”

“I have a light spell to disuade the shadows.” Melli says to the group, not looking at her former master or her new slaves.

“The eastern room is guarded by a swarm of insects.”

“I can deal with that too.” Melli said.

My my, looks like I’ve already found the greatest treasure down here. I’m going have to find a way to keep her on side when this dungeon is over. She’s too valuable to let go.

“Then that’s settled.” I look to the elf. “She’ll need her clothes and staff back.”

He smiles. “Pity.” Then her holds out his hand and both items appear in his hand. He tosses them to her, and a few minutes later we’re ready to move on.

“We should be working with that creep.” Elizabeth growls.

“Agreed.”

“Agreed.” Cyrus and Melli are of one mind in that.

“I skipped a fight, got us info on two other rooms, and freed a prisoner. Can’t we be proud of what I’ve accomplished?” I thought I was doing pretty well.

“You have to consider the moral cost.” Cyrus tutted. I could have strangled him right then and there, but I want to be on good behavior for Melli.

“Yeah maybe you’re right.” I say rolling my eyes. I clap my hands together and decide to give democracy a choice. "Okay, so if we're doing this?" I look to Melli again.

She gives a nod, clearly made of sterner stuff than me.

"Which way do with go, trap room, or bug room?"