As Aaron and the others burst into the temple, Cyric rose from his throne. The instant the God of Lies stood, all the daemons beside him knelt and loudly chanted hymns in his praise.
"At last, you have arrived, Aaron Salian." Cyric closed his eyes in satisfaction and spread his arms. "You are all that stands between me and complete dominion over this continent-and over billions of daemons across far greater, more distant realms."
"Khorx!"
The Bloodthirster turned, directing his bovine face toward Aaron, Drizzt, and Nastya. Sheets of flame poured from his mouth as the Greater Daemon slapped his massive axe and brass whip, seemingly choosing his opponent.
Cyric made another gesture and took out the Cyrinishad, making the Greater Daemon of Tzeentch, Sarthorael, prostrate himself at his feet. The God of Lies sneered. "You truly are incompetent, Aaron Salian. Four Greater Deities bestowed such immense power upon you, yet you have no idea how to use it. They can only wander this void endlessly, amusing themselves with mutual slaughter, enduring unending hunger and rage until they finally submit and perish."
"Now I have come. I am their savior. Only I can lead them and grant them the souls and slaughter they truly crave. Only I can command them. This is true... liberation."
"Hand over all the Four Gods' divinity. Surrender command of Chaos, immediately, or your Lady of Silver will no longer be able to protect you!"
"Guess where my Chaos legions will descend the moment the portal opens."
"That's right. Their first target will be your territory, the Sunset Lands!"
Cyric signaled that Aaron and the others could speak.
Nastya did not even look at Cyric. The Bladesinger said rather awkwardly, "His divine rank feels inferior to Lolth's... Rookie, is this Greater Deity, the Dark Sun, really