Only a few hours remained until Lolth's Holy Day.
The gloomy Samoriel City had taken on a rare hint of festivity. Spiderweb-patterned banners hung along both sides of the streets, and spices burning in braziers gave off a pungent fragrance, temporarily masking the bloody stench of murder that usually filled the air.
The nobles had, for once, set aside their mutual hostility. The Matron Mothers rode together in litters toward the city's largest altar, which also served as the seat of the Ruling Council.
The reason was simple: this was the day Lolth was in her best mood. No priestess dared give her anything to be displeased about during the Goddess's celebration.
Even though her doctrine encouraged betrayal and intrigue, Lolth was never inconsistent about her double standards.
On ordinary days, she could enjoy her followers' scheming, watching their meticulously planned betrayals and assassinations as entertainment.
But every Drow who had disrupted the festivities during the Holy Day had met a gruesome end.
Though there was little danger, Quelyn still led a large force to the council's seat to display the Nightwind Family's power and authority, intending to personally present offerings to Lolth.
Tristana had gone with her. It was the perfect opportunity.
Of course, Quelyn had also sent someone to summon Renato, ordering him to attend the ceremony at the ritual site.
The messenger was a member of the Nightwind Guard, as overbearing and imperious as ever.
A teeth-grating crunch of breaking bones rang out at the entrance to the Alchemical Workshop.
Renato shook the blood from the Black Sword and stood quietly in place. Beside him, the towering Mind Flayer held a member of the Nightwind Guard whose arms were gone, tentacles wrapped around her head and neck as she greedily sucked out her brains.
The female Drow's