Selûne asked, puzzled, "Then who are you planning to give it to? You hate both the God-Monsters and Amaunator, don't you? And the Undead don't need it."
Shar shot back, "You know my largest temple is in Calimport. Want to guess how many people are in it?"
It would be easy enough for Shar to raise an army if she wanted one. Her followers were experts at intrigue and assassination, but they had never fought a head-on battle.
With the power of shadow to aid them, the Night Envoys did resemble the armies of the Ancient Imaskar Empire, which relied on ingenious devices in battle. Shar clearly knew her followers well enough to understand what suited them.
And Imaskar devices could be assigned a first owner before being handed to a subordinate. Shar could take the scepter back from anyone she appointed to wield it whenever she pleased.
Even though her followers of the Dark Night were almost entirely at her mercy, Shar had still taken every precaution.
She had probably decided to elevate Iltmarra, ruler of the Ancient Night Temple, to the rank of Chosen as well. Until now, she had granted Iltmarra long life and great power without sharing her divine power.
It seemed she still wanted power divided among three followers. The hydra who had taken the Eye of Vecna and Abelt Heldestal, who held Thousand Petals of One Night, had already become Chosen. Next would be the great beauty of the Ancient Night Temple.
Hill had thought Shar might abandon Iltmarra after showing such displeasure with her. But apparently, punishment was not the worst fate for a Night Envoy. At least it proved Shar was still willing to set her straight.
Otherwise, knowing Shar, she would have replaced her outright.
Cold as Shar was, she was