Chapter IV: Lendrig

We shall start with you, Malenai. Step forward.

Selene moved before she could even consider resistance.

Your trespass is the most egregious, but also the most disappointing. Surely, your master knew you could not hide from my sight?

"Wha-?"

Confusion does you no credit, Malenai. I know the presence of another Heart's influence. No doubt the Firstborn sensed the same.

A mirthful cackle echoed in her mind as her jaw dropped.

Amusing you thought you could hide that from me. There is much in your mind I cannot see, but I know the Firstborn's influence when I see it. Perhaps your master believed they could be used against me? A fool's notion, especially from a Magus, but I cannot expect them to be sharp after so long an absence.

Selene's mind raced. What does that mean?

Nothing for you to understand, Malenai. Your kind is born to obey. Regardless, your master entrusted you greatly to command you to come here, to my city. Whatever it was, I can assure you it will fail if you act on it. I will then be forced to rip and tear your mind asunder, leaving nothing but the vaguest hint of sanity left before I feed you to my Chosen. Of course, that need not be your fate. If you beg and tell me everything, I might even offer protection from your master's wrath.

Selene went from indignant to terrified all the way back to indignant. She said and thought nothing as her eyes bore into the floor.

After a moment, Lendrig let out a telepathic bored sigh, Pity. I suppose I'll leave that matter for now.

Lendrig turned his attention to Jezran, College Acolyte. I see your mind burns with a thousand questions. Ask them, I will answer. But my patience is finite, so choose wisely.

Jezran gulped audibly, sweat beading his brow as he turned frightened eyes toward Selene. Selene was afraid to move, but she shared what she hoped was a commiserating glance.

He took several minutes before he decided his first question, "Uh-um...h-how did you..."

Fear overtook him partway through the question, causing it to trail off near the end.

How did I survive, you mean? Sadistic pleasure dripped from his words as he leaned back in his seat.

"Y-yes," was all Jezran could muster.

Very well, Acolyte. Your question is simple, but I understand the complexity of what you ask. You wish to know the source of my longevity as well as how I survived the obvious collapse of my own city.

"R-right," Jezran gave a feeble nod.

Webbed fingers came together as he leaned forward. His eyes radiated intensity as he stared holes into them both, despite the lax tone of his voice in their minds. The first is quite simple, and you already know part of the answer. I am bound to the Abyss, no mere mortal can slay me and I may continue without end.

Lendrig gave a dramatic sigh, leaning back once more. Unfortunately, I came to know defeat. It was an end to my golden era. From there I remember little, flashes of gnawing hunger satiated by what few servants remained. Eventually, I found my faculties restored, if not magnified, as I took upon myself a new form. A form rivalling the very Igryss itself!

As he spoke the last part, he rose to his feet. His hands outstretched above his head, as if attempting to emphasize something grandiose. After a moment, his hands fell, and he clasped them casually behind his back.

The city, as you know it, is the fallen state caused by an aeon of decay and disuse. It merely fell in my absence.

"O-oh," Jezran said, trying to smile as he added, "Th-thank you."

Lendrig returned to his seat and gave a curt nod, Anything else.

There was no question, it was a command.

Jezran swallowed hard, then stammered out, "W-well—"

You wish to know about the Heart and the Realms, Lendrig finished for him.

Jezran nodded.

The first question is simple. The Heart is exactly as it appeared on that Inscription the Malenai described to you. It was the Heart of the Igryss, the first lord of the Abyss.

Jezran gasped, having come to some kind of conclusion.

At this, Lendrig nodded, Yes, that is correct. The body is under this very city. I found it and its Heart, still beating. How I made it mine, you might ask? That is a secret I would take to the grave, if it were possible. Regarding your second question. Yes, the Realms are real and yes, I meant what I said before. I control the Abyss. The Heart is mine, and the Realm is mine to command as I will.

For the first time, Jezran did not appear frightened. He was enraptured. Like a parched man in the desert stumbling across an oasis, he drank deeply and without abandon at the first sign his thirst was at an end.

Lendrig sat up straight in his chair as he declared, I have come to a decision regarding your fate, Acolyte.

Jezran's face went blank as suddenly reality hit him once more. This was not an academic discussion. This was a trial, and the judge, jury, and executioner had come to a verdict.

You are quite adept, managing even to affect my grip on the mortal minds that dwelt in my city, albeit temporarily. Still, you approached a level of competence I did not expect in this time. You are a head above most of the mewling children in your college. I commend your intellect.

Despite the circumstances, despite the fact they now stood before an apparent living legend turned hideous monster, Jezran could not help but blush at this heaping of praise. A smile touched his lips in spite of himself.

Lendrig continued, I also must admit you have amused me with your quandaries. No begging for your life, just true and unbridled curiosity. For that reason, I offer you willing servitude in my embrace as one of the Chosen. With me, you will find all the answers you seek. You will become part of something far greater than anything you can currently imagine.

Jezran's expression turned from flattered, to confused, to terror. The blood in his flushed cheeks drained as his face turned chalky white.

"Y-you...don't mean."

Oh, but I do. Lendrig stated, words soaked in malevolent glee, Another marvelous deduction on your part, discovering the mid-state of my embrace. Do not fear, if done willingly, it is almost painless. You will retain all your mental faculties and a part of yourself in the new form as the metamorphosis is completed. I believe you'll find it all quite agreeable once it is completed. You just cannot resist, or you will force my hand. Then you can live out eternity as a mindless brute on the frontlines of my glorious army.

As a thrall.

Jezran said nothing, but his legs gave out from under him. He collapsed onto the floor, a trembling wreck.

Lendrig eyed him for a moment. His expression never changed, but Selene knew at that moment that, despite all his more human characteristics, Lendrig was the same as the Firstborn. We're nothing but slaves and food to them.

Yes, he said the same to me so long ago. Lendrig's voice came as a whisper, these words only meant for her ears, The difference is I have far more use for my slaves than he. I have ambition. The Children can only dream of a long forgotten world.

The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

As he spoke, the doors were slammed open by two fish-man guards. Neither looked to the throne as they bowed deeply.

"You...wish some...thing...from...us...Lord Lendrig?" One of them croaked.

Yes, take the Acolyte to my Chosen. He will be joining my Embrace, so treat him delicately, if possible.

The guards somehow managed to deepen their bow before rushing to grab the stunned wizard. He made no motion to resist, as if the very thought of what was to come was enough to leave him in a stupor.

Not that she was any different.

Selene could only watch as they began to drag him away.

Her mind raced, somehow she knew leaving this room now would be a death sentence for the wizard.

I have to do something, otherwise Jezran...no, I don't want to think about it.

As they pulled him toward the doorway, Selene found she had nothing. There was nothing she could do that would save him, no plan that would work against someone like Lendrig.

She would still try.

"Wait!" Selene cried, and the world stood still. She knew her audience, but she could not prepare a plan against him. She instead came up with nothing and admitted defeat, "Y-you got me."

Intrigued, Lendrig raised his hand, calling off the fish-men before they could depart.

Jezran turned to face her, eyes filled with a mixture of fear and confusion.

Speak. Lendrig commanded.

"I-I am what you said," Selene said, her voice cracking slightly, "I-I was sent a-as a peace offering. My master...wishes for an alliance."

Lendrig searched her mind, looking for the truth in her words. He would find nothing. Do you lie? I see nothing in you to suggest this.

Selene swallowed, trying to keep her mind blank. She knew his powers could detect anything she thought, so the only path forward was to make it up as she went along and hoped he bought it. "I-it's true! I-uh, my master buried it...until just now."

Lendrig's eyes bore straight to her soul as he considered her words. She knew he was likely still searching her mind for any trace this might not be true, so she tried her best to believe her own lies.

Finally he asked, To whom do you serve?

Selene's blood should have run cold, but she found herself strangely calm. An answer came to her. Not of a name, but a quote from an old story. It came unbidden, from somewhere in the back of her mind, "One who has walked in dark spaces. She who has seen eternity."

It was from an old tale her mother told her, one that spoke of a queen that searched the night sky for a sacred jewel.

His tentacles gesticulated as his fingers tapped the throne, Interesting. I did not think she lived... I would be a fool not to consider an alliance, so long as she understands the nature of such an agreement.

Selene nodded, "She does, she only asks you leave the...Acolyte be. My master was hoping to use him as a kind of...go between."

"You mean liaison?" Jezran asked, hopeful.

"Yes, that was the word my master used." Selene continued, "If the others live, they were brought as a gift. As for me, she asked that you might...share your plans here with me so I can relay them to her."

Lendrig's finger tapping stopped, Why should I share my plans with you when I can speak to her myself? Explain.

Selene found this far easier than she thought it would be. It was like filling the role in a story. She just had to play the part of evil messenger well enough to save their lives.

She stepped closer to the throne, avoiding eye contact similar to the fish-men as she knelt down right in front of him, "My master has only heard whispers of this current scheme, she remembers your brilliance and hopes you might share them with me as a returned gesture of goodwill."

He mulled over the offer a moment longer, than conceded, Very well, if that is all she wishes at this time, I will oblige. But understand any attempt at interference will be taken as an act of war. I will not stop until her beloved city is buried in an endless tide and her corpse has been fed to the Children.

Selene bowed her head lower in a sign of deference, "My master would expect nothing less of you."

This was enough to satisfy him. She could feel his grip on her mind loosen and retreat. It was almost enough to breathe easy, but Selene was aware even now he watched her every move.

As for my plans, I am on the brink of creation, Lendrig declared, Or perhaps it would be better called...rebirth.

"Rebirth?" Selene asked, confused.

It was at this point, the sound of marching echoed through the open doors to the hallway beyond. Turning back, she could see a horde of fish-men approach. As they drew nearer, Selene could tell they were leading a bound Argent this time.

Ah, good. He has arrived. I must say, your master has outdone herself, Malenai. I could not complete my plan without him. The fish-men, realizing the door was open, quickly bowed their heads to avoid eye contact with Lendrig. Then, in similar fashion to their arrival, the fish-men slammed Argent to the ground and all fell to the floor in unison.

Leave us, I already know what you bring. Lendrig said, then turning to the two still holding Jezran, Return to your post. I have further use for him, after all.

Without a word or any hesitation, the fish-men left. Jezran stayed on the floor where they dropped him.

As soon as they released their hold on Argent, however, he rose up to his knees and began surveying his surroundings.

It was not long before his eyes fell on her.

"Selene, what's going on?" Argent asked, an eyebrow cocked in confusion.

Lendrig answered before she could respond, Your Malenai friend revealed her true intentions to me. She now stands as messenger of the good Lady, offering a hand of friendship in exchange for your life.

A mixture of anger and disgust rose in the elf as he spat out, "What have you done, Selene?"

Only what she was born to do, child of Máni. Serve her Magus to the bitter end.

Disappointment replaced anger before Argent looked away, "I should have known, then."

Shame and sorrow filled Selene. Lendrig paid it no mind.

Now, where was I? Oh yes. Rebirth. It's simple really. I will finally fulfill the Aeon long promise I gave to the Children...I will revive the Igryss.

"Key?" Selene asked.

Yes, the key. A particular item taken by the early settlers of that accursed Hollow. At the time, I had not yet realized others had come to take what was rightfully mine. No matter, that will be corrected soon enough.

"What?" Jezran said, shocked, "You're not planning to—"

Lendrig enjoyed this reaction immensely, seeming to savour Jezran's concern. Oh, but I am. You see, you have allowed me to expedite my plans. I feared retaking the pathetic hovel in my city, as it would halt any travel through the region. That would stop any hope of finding one of the Máni's spawn. You all played your parts beautifully, I must say, and even beyond my wildest expectations.

"So you planned for us to come," Argent concluded, "But how did you know I would be here? My people do not travel far."

Yes, that was a risk. For a time, I feared your people died in the war, but I have watched from the shadows for a long time. I see far beyond the shores of this city. I heard tell of a few wandering warriors, eyes shining with moonlight, that would travel wherever there may be trouble. I simply laid the groundwork for your arrival.

Selene's eyes widened, "Y-you mean—"

A cackle filled their minds, cutting off Selene's thought.

This has been entertaining, I must say. But now it is time we cut this short, I have much to prepare before my servants destroy your pathetic little hovel of a Hollow. But first things first...

Selene was suddenly hit with an ear splitting headache. She let out an ear-piercing cry as she collapsed in the fetal position, cradling her temples. It felt as if her mind was getting torn apart piece by piece.

You thought you could lie to me, Malenai? Me? I am the master of lies and schemes, your deceit cannot escape me. I knew you were false from your first utterance, but it revealed much. You do not know what it is I speak, so the only answers I will find are buried deep. I cannot begin to understand the point of such measures, but your master was a fool if they thought their obfuscation would be enough to stop me. Perhaps they think to delay my plans with this diversion? No matter, my powers are beyond the scope of limitation. Once I've revived the Igryss and learned their true identity, I will still have time enough to tear them apart. Your fate is thus: I will strip your mind and dissect each and every piece. Every facet of who you are will be pulled apart as I search for the source. Once I find it, you will be permitted to die.

Unfortunately, I expect the pain will be excruciating, so you will likely die screaming.

Selene closed her eyes tightly as she gripped her temples with both hands. Nothing she did seemed to alleviate the pain.

A crash came from outside the room. The pain lessened, as Lendrig focused his attention on what was happening outside. Selene lay motionless on the floor, breathing heavily as sweat drenched her brow. Strength faded from her body as she relaxed from the reprieve.

Lendrig chuckled, It appears we have some unwanted company.

The sounds continued from outside the door, as it came closer, Selene noted it sounded like fighting.

Then everything went quiet before the doors burst open.

Hamish and Arifrenya entered the room, with a mess of fish-men beaten and half frozen in their wake.

The half-orc and Daughter live. I suppose that means I'll need to find another source of sustenance for that Child you buried. No matter, I will finish this myself.

Lendrig rose from his seat. The water behind him rippled, and a dozen tentacles slithered from the dark.

Come, the Lord of the Abyss beckons.

We shall see if you escape this time.