"My young friend Aaron, is that really you?"
The old mage Elminster trembled all over. "How did you get to Cania?! Teleportation should be impossible anywhere in Baator!"
Aaron glanced at Elminster. The old geezer was in terrible shape. His pipe was nowhere to be found, his wet hair clumped into several matted knots, and the devil bodily fluids running over him had glued his clothes to his body. His eyes were sunken, one leg was broken, and the other twitched from time to time. At that very moment, a daemonette was still straddling him.
He had to admit, the old mage was remarkably durable with silver fire protecting him.
"Naturally, I have my ways of getting here, El," Aaron said softly. "I know you once met with the Master of Mankind, correct?"
"Yes," Elminster answered wearily. "We discussed ideology... Unfortunately, we seemed unable to agree. That isn't the point right now, my young friend Aaron. If possible, could you get me out of here?"
"In a moment." Aaron smiled and nodded. "But I think you need to correct how you address me."
"Please address me as His Majesty the Lord of Reincarnation, the Fifth Chaos God and intermediate deity of Ysgard."
Elminster shuddered. The old mage's eyes widened, and he involuntarily drew a deep breath. He knew perfectly well that Mystra would never wage all-out war against Baator for his sake!
But Aaron was different!
If it was Aaron-if it was the true neutral Fifth Chaos God after his ascension-then there might actually be a chance!
"I wasn't wrong about you, Your Majesty Aaron." After a long silence, Elminster gave a bitter smile. "I failed Filfaeril, and I failed Alusair... I never fulfilled my duties as a father and grandfather. I..."
"All right, enough of that. Whatever you have