Chapter Summaries

Aaron and the defenders fought off waves of Orks at the Battle of Arabel, and Aaron killed the Claw of Luthic in a brutal counterattack. More monsters arrived as the battle continued, while cracks spread across the seal on Khorne’s Power inside Aaron.

• The Ork greataxe warriors broke through the first defensive line, but High Baron Damon sent the Third Bone Company and Fifth Key Company into the fight.
• Aaron and Eleanor fought together while Aaron’s spells reinforced the soldiers; the Fifth Key Company inflicted heavy losses but suffered casualties of its own.
• The Claw of Luthic led a large force against the right wing, killed a monk, and drove Ork champions toward the Waterdeep mage corps and Anaheim guards.
• The Anaheim guards repelled the first attackers with crossbows, incendiary bombs, and flamethrowers, giving Aaron an opening to strike the Claw of Luthic with lightning.
• Aaron killed the Claw of Luthic and her bear, causing the Orks who had entered the formation to rout.
• Trolls, giants, and an Ogre legion advanced as cracks spread across the seal on Khorne’s Power inside Aaron.

Aaron and the human coalition fought off the Orks’ hill giants, trolls, and ogres, but suffered heavy casualties as the battle settled into a stalemate. Lady Laeral revealed that Tugin was preparing to summon an army of ancestral spirits, and Aaron agreed to join one final attempt to destroy the totem poles before the Orks became unstoppable.

• Tugin sent spell-enhanced hill giants, trolls, and ogres into the human lines, where they killed many soldiers before the spellcasters and cavalry destroyed most of the monstrous troops.
• The battle dragged on until dusk, leaving the human coalition with more than two thousand casualties and the Fifth Key Company's monks nearly wiped out.
• Lady Laeral summoned Aaron and Samir and explained that Tugin needed sacrifices and conquest to summon his ancestral spirit army, while her clerics had located the totem poles.
• Lady Laeral offered to undertake the final mission herself, but Aaron confronted her about relying on a single plan and agreed to help in exchange for a major favor.
• Samir and the soldiers saluted Aaron and prepared to make a final attempt to destroy Tugin and the totem poles.

Aaron and his companions infiltrated Tugin’s camp to destroy the totem poles with Tymora’s Golden Orb, while Lady Laeral’s forces launched their final assault. Fearblade ambushed Aaron, stole the orb, severed his arm, and killed Eleanor, awakening Khorne’s power.

• Charlotte pleaded with Aaron to stay behind, but he insisted on joining the mission while she promised to cover the army with magic.
• Aaron, Samir, Eleanor, and Disma used Selûne’s invisibility and good fortune to slip through the Ork camp as Lady Laeral and Charlotte attacked Tugin’s forces.
• The four companions stormed the command tent and fought through its guards while Tugin’s totem poles gathered power to summon the ancestral Ork souls.
• Aaron reached the totem poles and prepared to use Tymora’s Golden Orb, but Fearblade appeared, severed Aaron’s arm, and stole the orb.
• Eleanor stepped between Fearblade and Aaron, and the assassin stabbed her through the chest; as she died, Khorne’s power awakened in Aaron.

Aaron survived Fearblade’s assassination attempt long enough to use his blood and Khorne’s power to destroy Tugin’s totem poles and summon Skarbrand. As Skarbrand appeared in the camp, the battle remained underway, with Laeral facing Tugin and Mannacorn withdrawing his forces.

• Fearblade severed Aaron’s right arm, pierced his chest and knee, wounded Eleanor, and escaped with Tymora’s Golden Orb as the Orks returned to the camp.
• Laeral and the allied forces struggled to hold the Orks, while Mannacorn’s Anaheim guards pushed back Ilneval’s greatswords before Tugin charged them; Reynard saved Mannacorn and led the paladins against the Orks.
• Mannacorn ordered the Anaheim forces to retreat, claiming they had already won, while Laeral confronted Tugin.
• Aaron used his blood and Chaos script to break the protection on Tugin’s totem poles, and Khorne declared that he had passed his trial.
• Khorne’s power consumed the Ork ancestral spirits in the totem poles, and Skarbrand rose from Aaron’s blood.
• Skarbrand confronted the Eyes of Gruumsh who had returned to the camp and killed eight of them with his axes.

Aaron used Skarbrand to defeat the Orks and drive off the legendary assassin, then resisted Khorne’s demand to sacrifice Eleanor. He used the power gained from the slaughter to bring Eleanor back to life.

• Skarbrand massacred the Eyes of Gruumsh and gravely wounded Samir while Aaron began casting a spell to regrow his limbs.
• Fearblade attacked Aaron, but Skarbrand intercepted him, battered him, and forced him to flee into the Shadowfell under Khorne’s curse.
• Aaron found a trace of divinity among Fearblade’s abandoned belongings and joined Skarbrand in slaughtering the remaining Orks.
• Aaron nearly gave in to Khorne’s demand to kill Eleanor, but Disma’s intervention and his memories of his own choices restored his resolve.
• Aaron rejected Khorne’s influence and used the energy from the Orks’ deaths to bring Eleanor back to life.

Eleanor returned from the dead as Aaron and Disma faced Gruumsh, who had appeared to punish them for stealing Ork souls. Moradin drove Gruumsh away, and Eleanor used her divine magic to rally the collapsing human army and lead it to victory at Arabel.

• Aaron called Eleanor back from Selûne's divine realm, and she awakened in his arms as he healed her.
• Gruumsh appeared and destroyed Skarbrand, then prepared to attack Aaron and the others over the stolen Ork souls.
• Moradin intervened, wounded Gruumsh, and revealed that his help against the Ork god was free under their pact.
• Eleanor raised Selûne's banner, rallied the fleeing soldiers, and used a Chaos-enhanced Circle of Power to dispel the Ork Ancestral Spirits.
• The human coalition rallied behind Eleanor and won a decisive victory over the Ork army at Arabel.

The human alliance defeated the orks and reclaimed Arabel, killing the Great Ork Khan Tugin as the retreat turned into a rout. In the devastated ork camp, Aaron reflected on the cost of survival, accepted Khorne’s power as strength, and led the soldiers in celebrating humanity’s victory.

• As the auxiliary armies fled, Tugin ordered the orks to retreat and sent Yortus’s White Hands to cover their escape with poisonous clouds.
• Doherty, Rellta, Ivenna, and Milmantle Rhaur cut off Tugin’s retreat, and the surrounded Khan fought on until the Phoenix Legion pinned him down with spears.
• Milmantle Rhaur killed Tugin by driving her sword through his eye and into his skull.
• Aaron found Disma alive and Samir gravely wounded in the ruined ork camp, while he learned that Skarbrand had been banished and the ork totem poles destroyed.
• Aaron accepted Khorne’s power without fear, then shouted that victory belonged to humanity as the approaching soldiers roared in celebration.

After the Battle of Arabel, Aaron used Khorne’s power to save the dying Samir by making him the first Chaos Warrior under his command. Meanwhile, the crippled Fearblade escaped into the Shadowfell and surrendered his soul mark to the Enchanting Witch.

• Lady Laeral beheaded Tugin, while the coalition gathered Ork heads as proof of victory and a warning to Cormyr’s enemies.
• Charlotte found Eleanor badly wounded after she had helped lead the counterattack, then offered to lend her a hand.
• Aaron tried to heal Samir, who revealed that his celestial and fiend patrons had kept his powers in an unstable balance that Skarbrand shattered.
• Aaron performed the Chaos Warrior Ascension Ritual, and Samir accepted a new life as Aaron’s first Chaos Warrior.
• Fearblade escaped into the Shadowfell after losing three limbs, his divinity, and his possessions, then submitted his soul mark to the Enchanting Witch.

After returning to Eveningstar Town, Aaron cared for the weakened Eleanor and reviewed the rewards he had gained from the war. He devoured a sliver of Leira’s Divinity, learned that Cyric had sent it through the assassin Fearblade, and prepared to pursue his advancement toward Master rank.

• Aaron and his companions received a hero’s welcome in Eveningstar Town, where he greeted Norrington and noticed the Paladin’s emptiness after fulfilling his vengeance.
• Eleanor thanked Aaron for calling her back from death before falling asleep, and Aaron resolved to ask her about the angel’s hair in her pendant.
• Aaron reviewed his war gains, declined Lady Laeral’s offer of a knightly manor, and considered the powers he had unlocked from Khorne.
• Aaron used Drach'nyen to devour the assassin’s sliver of Divinity, whose remnant consciousness revealed that it came from Leira and had been payment from Cyric to Fearblade of the Moonsea.
• Aaron vowed to confront Cyric, moved close to Master rank, and planned to build Slaanesh’s Grand Theatre with designs and holy symbols changed to Selûne’s.

Aaron returned Tymora’s Golden Orb and received her blessing and a coin granting him hospitality, assistance, or sanctuary at her temples. He then accepted Doherty’s oath of allegiance, gaining the Half-Orc Sword Saint as a powerful subordinate.

• Aaron met Dalamas Loussel and offered to return Tymora’s Golden Orb to its rightful owner.
• Tymora appeared in the form of a mischievous boy, praised Aaron, kissed him, and granted him a one-use blessing that let him choose a foreseeable outcome in a random event.
• Dalamas gave Aaron a gold coin that entitled him to hospitality, assistance, or sanctuary at Tymora’s temples across the Realms.
• Aaron went to buy food for Eleanor’s recovery and found Doherty surrounded by hostile townspeople.
• Doherty swore allegiance to Aaron and pledged to fight for him, while reserving the right to challenge him repeatedly.

After the war, Aaron recruited Half-Orcs and began negotiating to bring the Snow Elves into his fold, offering supplies in exchange for their considering relocation. He also secured 500 human households from Lady Laeral, but the bald Singer confronted him about the Orks Aaron still owed him.

• Lady Laeral made Doherty and the Half-Orcs under his command honorary Cormyreans, and Aaron sent Doherty to gather his tribes and prepare to relocate.
• Aaron met Rellta and Ivenna, learned about their struggling Snow Elf tribe, and offered supplies if they would consider moving south.
• Rellta and Ivenna agreed to try to persuade their people to relocate, while Aaron hinted that they could seek a new divine patron.
• Lady Laeral granted Aaron 500 households and offered further help with reconstruction supplies and craftsmen.
• The bald Singer stopped Aaron, greeted him, and demanded the Orks Aaron still owed him.

Aaron struck a deal with the Devil merchant Singer, supplying free Silver Lotion samples in exchange for a future trading relationship and information about the Nine Hells. Singer warned him about Bael and the Red Wizards’ interest in his Astral Magic, while Mannacorn’s failed bargain with a Pit Fiend left him planning to move against Alusair.

• Singer complained that Aaron’s Ork souls were low quality, and Aaron accepted two thousand gold coins for them.
• Singer proposed a lasting trade relationship and asked Aaron for Silver Lotion to sell among the Devils.
• Aaron gave Singer several free Silver Lotion samples and asked him to bring back information about the Nine Hells’ rulers.
• Singer warned Aaron that Bael had allied with the Bane Godspawn and that the Red Wizards of Thay planned to pursue his Astral Magic.
• A Pit Fiend refused to honor Mannacorn’s agreement without more high-quality souls, so Mannacorn resolved to make a move against Alusair.

Aaron learned Tzeentch's Gift and planned to use the Chaos power he had placed in Alusair's stockings as he prepared to build a power base and eventually seize the kingdom. After the Arabel Restoration Army's victory made Aaron and his companions famous, Alusair rewarded him with new titles and summoned him to the palace alone.

• Aaron learned that Tzeentch's Gift could temporarily grant someone mastery of a spell he had already mastered, and Charlotte eagerly asked him to teach her Bigby's Hand.
• Aaron planned to make Alusair honor her promise, use the Chaos power accumulating in her stockings, and build his strength before pursuing his plan to usurp the kingdom.
• The Arabel Restoration Army defeated the Orks, killed Khan Tugin, and cleared the surrounding area, earning Countess Raul and the Arabel Five Heroes widespread acclaim.
• Alusair read Lady Laeral's report, recognized Aaron's contribution to Cormyr's victory, and considered the political consequences of Raul's growing prestige.
• Alusair awarded Aaron gold, jewels, medals, and several new court titles, including Champion Knight of the Obarskyr Royal House and Blackstaff Ceremonial Officer.
• Alusair ordered Aaron to come to the Royal Palace alone the day after he returned to Suzail.

Aaron and the other Arabel Five Heroes received royal rewards, and Aaron returned to Suzail to take up his new court appointments. At Lucian’s office, Disma was devastated to learn Reynard was being arranged to marry Lysa, while Lucian began explaining the Blackstaff Master of Ceremonies post to Aaron.

• Alusair rewarded the Arabel Five Heroes, granting Aaron court appointments, titles, medals, and wealth, while Reynard, Disma, Samir, and Eleanor received their own honors and rewards.
• Suzail residents spread bawdy rumors that Alusair had chosen Aaron as Blackstaff Master of Ceremonies because she wanted him near her, and Robert accepted his Honorary Knight title and reward.
• Aaron and Disma returned to Suzail and received Alusair’s decree; Aaron teased Disma about searching for Lysa before they went to meet Lucian.
• Lucian celebrated that his three apprentices had become Champion Knights and asked Aaron for Silver Lotion to include with Reynard’s betrothal gifts for Lysa.
• Disma learned that Reynard had gone on a date with Lysa and was preparing to become engaged to her, then left Lucian’s office in anger.
• Lucian told Aaron to report to the palace the next day and began explaining the origins of the Blackstaff Master of Ceremonies position.

Banneret Lucian told Aaron about Khelben “Blackstaff” Arunsun and explained why he was managing Reynard’s advancement and engagement. The next day, Alusair mistook Aaron’s schemes with Charlotte for proof of his devotion, then offered him three possible fiefs to choose from.

• Banneret Lucian revealed that Queen Filfaeril had secretly employed Khelben “Blackstaff” Arunsun as her magical adviser and explained why Reynard’s engagement would help him avoid resentment after his rapid promotion.
• Aaron told Banneret Lucian he would keep serving as Blackstaff Ceremonial Officer and said he planned to leave court because it was his father’s wish.
• Alusair confronted Aaron about his and Charlotte’s plotting, and Aaron played along with her mistaken belief that Charlotte had helped him pursue the princess.
• Aaron admitted to some of his arrangements with Charlotte, while leaving out the Chaos mark hidden at the top of Alusair’s stockings.
• Alusair interpreted Aaron’s actions as devotion to her, declared she would honor her promise, and offered him three places from which to choose his fief.

Alusair showed Aaron three frontier fiefs and invited him to choose one, while their private conversation strengthened her trust in him and confirmed his appointment as Blackstaff Ceremonial Officer. The chapter ended with Alusair telling Aaron he would take Yuumi’s place when the time came to deal with the issue with her body.

• Alusair led Aaron to a map and explained the advantages, dangers, and titles attached to the fiefs at Tainolok, Redwood, and Sunset; Aaron asked for time to consider his choice.
• Aaron and Alusair discussed Mannacorn Anaheim’s suspected ties to Duke Caspar, and Alusair said she lacked evidence to act against him.
• Alusair asked Aaron to become her Blackstaff Ceremonial Officer, and he accepted while continuing to flatter and tease her.
• Alusair ordered Aaron to make her food, but he admitted he did not know where the kitchen was, so she had to show him the way.
• Aaron told Alusair that Silver Lotion would launch in several cities in two weeks, and she said she would attend the Cormyr launch.
• Alusair reminded Aaron that he knew about the issue with her body and said he would take Yuumi’s place when the time came.

Alusair appointed Fiolena Hoffman as Aaron’s personal guard and brought him to meet Queen Dowager Filfaeril, who warmly welcomed him. Aaron then focused on preparing Silver Lotion’s launch, but grew frustrated when his companions advanced to Master rank while he remained Elite.

• Alusair introduced Fiolena Hoffman, a Knight Protector, and assigned her to protect Aaron; Fiolena swore allegiance to him.
• Alusair brought Aaron to meet Queen Dowager Filfaeril, who praised his service and expressed hope for good news from him and Alusair.
• Aaron spent the next two weeks preparing to launch Silver Lotion while Fiolena served as his personal guard and Alusair’s edicts sparked discussion among Cormyr’s nobles.
• Eleanor, Charlotte, Samir, and Disma each advanced or regained Master-rank power, leaving Aaron the only Elite professional among the Arabel Five Heroes.
• Aaron decided to speak with Disma about Reynard’s engagement to Miss Lysa.

Aaron confronted Disma about his feelings for Miss Lysa, but left him alone after Disma angrily defended his right to love her. Two days later, the Silver Pavilion opened in Suzail, and as Silver Lotion sales began, Alusair teased Aaron and groped him while Eleanor watched below.

• Aaron took Disma into the King's Forest and heard how a visit from Miss Lysa at the convalescent home had made him fall in love with her.
• Disma accused Aaron of interfering in his choices and left; Aaron decided not to intervene further in Disma's unrequited love for Miss Lysa.
• Aaron focused on opening the Silver Pavilion, where Princess Regent Alusair attended the ceremony and Eleanor announced that the shop was open for business.
• Noblewomen queued to buy Silver Lotion, while Helm's guards enforced the line and the limit of two boxes per person.
• Alusair praised Aaron's work, asked about his relationship with Eleanor, and then groped him from behind as Eleanor looked on.

At the Silver Trade Company's opening, Eleanor celebrated Aaron's success while Alusair teased him and praised his contribution to Cormyr. A disguised agent obtained Silver Lotion while hunting Eleanora, and as Aaron and Alusair set out for a stroll, Edward Teach arrived with a request from his boss.

• Eleanor received Selûne's Moon's Revelation, advanced to Master rank, and learned three sixth-circle divine spells.
• Eleanor mistook Alusair's teasing of Aaron for concern about his exhaustion and left them alone.
• Alusair thanked Aaron for helping circulate Cormyr's wealth and warned him that foreign agents were trying to steal the Silver Lotion formula.
• A disguised noblewoman bought two boxes of Silver Lotion while secretly pursuing the escaped Eleanora, then died of heart disease the next day.
• Alusair persuaded Aaron to go on a date through Suzail, but Edward Teach stopped them and said his boss wanted to meet Aaron.

Aaron and Alusair went to the Dragon Tooth Tavern after Edward Teach summoned Aaron to help the Dragon's Tooth Gang, while Alusair's Dragon-Speaker Mask intensified her domineering presence and her growing interest in Aaron. Boss Marlon revealed that the gang faced a takeover by the Blackhook Gang, backed by Zhentarim agents, and Aaron suspected Bane Godspawn Mannacorn Anaheim was behind it.

• Alusair put on the Dragon-Speaker Mask, and Edward Teach arrived to ask Aaron to meet with Boss Marlon about the Dragon's Tooth Gang.
• Alusair accompanied Aaron to the tavern, grew sympathetic as he spoke about losing his parents, and squeezed his hand.
• At the tavern, Aaron chatted with Nicole the catgirl waitress until Alusair's irritation frightened her away.
• Boss Marlon begged Aaron to save the Dragon's Tooth Gang and explained that the Blackhook Gang was trying to absorb it while officials investigated its dealings in cats.
• Edward Teach reported that Zhentarim agents had united the rival gangs, and Aaron inferred that Bane Godspawn Mannacorn Anaheim was directing them.