Malkizid had never imagined that he, the mighty Brand King-a Solar who had served Corellon before the Cindarella pantheon split, a former Archdevil, now a power in the Abyss, a Yugoloth lord, the hidden master of Cormanthor, and half-master of the Fey'ri-would fall so easily.
Just before he died, Malkizid had a moment of revelation.
So that was it. This was all Aaron's scheme.
He deliberately let me enter Lolth's Hoard. He carefully prepared a trap for me. He knew I would rush into Lolth's Hoard, because I knew exactly how much wealth it held.
But Malkizid had forgotten that Eilistraee knew, too.
Since you're so bold, aren't you afraid of retaliation from the Abyss and my allies?
Ah. Apparently, he really isn't.
The Brand King wanted to think it over some more, but he never had the chance. Drach'nyen's fangs devoured him.
After killing Malkizid, Eilistraee and Grudge could hold out no longer. The Dark Maiden fell to her knees first, gasping in pain. Her exhaustion came not only from the relentless battles, but also from the ache deep within her heart.
She had personally killed her younger brother, Vhaeraun, the God of Intrigue born of Corellon and Lolth, and she had done it through somewhat unsavory means. She had told Vhaeraun to come discuss Lolth's ascension. Although he was a God of Intrigue, Vhaeraun had never thought much of Eilistraee. When his sister asked to meet him, he came.
Eilistraee had used Drach'nyen's power to deceive and ambush her own brother, Vhaeraun. No fair play whatsoever.
Now Eilistraee had used the same trick to finish off Malkizid.
Although these were necessary sacrifices, unavoidable costs, Eilistraee still felt her conscience troubling her. Vhaeraun's dying counterattack had also left her badly injured. She had risen to the rank of an