Lolth would not descend upon this world for no reason.
Whether divine power or energy, breaking through the planar shackles of the [Junkyard] and projecting her consciousness onto this land had to cost her something.
She must want something from the lives before her, something that would at least make the expenditure worthwhile.
And her attitude toward the Spider Silk Matron Mother made it clear that she had not come to answer her followers' prayers.
Coupled with her covert efforts to advance the rebellion, this gave Tang an answer:
"If you came to enjoy the Drow's rebellion, then you should let us keep performing this play."
She anticipated betrayal and encouraged betrayal. Naturally, she should now enjoy the men's betrayal of the women.
"That may be true, but why should I allow two outsiders to make decisions on behalf of my people?"
Lolth sneered. A light breath from her lips raised a wild gale that roared toward Tang and Shalti.
Even the shadows seemed to scatter in the wind. Dusky purple flames rose from the Temple's stone pillars, their faint glow illuminating the two outsiders' faces.
The men hanging from the webs, wailing incessantly, also felt the silk around them mercifully loosen a little—but that did not mean Lolth pitied their suffering.
Under the goddess's guidance, every man turned toward Tang, even if doing so threatened to snap their necks. The terror in their hearts tormented them far more than their physical pain:
"They—they're—"
"Surface dwellers!"
Even though the pale purple light lent Tang's and Shalti's fair skin a violet tint, the stark difference between their complexion and the Drow's dark skin still sent cries erupting through the crowd.
Tang realized that the foundation that had allowed him to lead the men into rebellion had vanished with a single breath