The three proceeded across the blood-stained floor to an open archway. They passed within into utter blackness which only Kreet could lead them through. Karl still carried his small mace, but they had no power left to illuminate it with. For his part, Mekelson was limping rather badly, but now he was no slower than Karl with his ever-present limp or Kreet and her short, stocky legs.

It wasn’t far before they came to the end of the tunnel. Once again it opened out into a larger room, though not nearly as big as the outer cavern where they’d met the demon. A throne room.

“What do you see?” Karl whispered, mace at hand but knowing it was probably useless.

Kreet sighed. “I think we made a mistake, Karl. We should have tried climbing the rocks.”

A torch was lit at the far end of the room. She saw it was Brand that held it. He walked slowly around the room, lighting sconces on the wall and not looking at them. The men, orcs and other creatures returned from the outer space and took positions, standing stock-still against the walls. Only their breathing indicated they were not just incredibly lifelike statues. Brand stood with them, and in the center of the room was a pit - of what depth Kreet couldn’t guess.

“Welcome, my new Initiates,” said a voice in their heads. On the raised dias sat a creature Kreet had heard tales of, but hadn’t believed in. Now it’s eight tentacles writhed around where it’s mouth should have been in apparently random patterns, but those patters seemed hypnotic, drawing her eyes.

“Mind Flayer,” Mekelson said, spitting out the words.

“Mind Flayer? You humans have such lack of imagination in your words. The little kobold knows better, don’t you Kreet? You have much more descriptive names for my kind. Though truly, there aren’t any quite like me. I am unique. As I build my army, someday soon you will learn better. Some of you call us illithids. Your more scholarly minds would know of the ulitharids. I, however, call myself an octithalid. I put them to shame, honestly. As for you, why, you can call me Lord.”

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Kreet stepped forward, unbidden, her little talons clicking echoes off the stone floor. It was odd hearing silence while at the same time hearing the voice in her head.

“Lord,” she began. “I will serve you willingly, if you will let my friends return.”

“Oh will you, little kobold? You must think very highly of yourself if you think you are worth more than these others. But you too are unique I see now. I wouldn’t sully myself to touch the pathetic minds of your kin. Animals at best. But you… you have a human’s mind. Maybe you needn’t die after all. Brand, go fetch the Paladin.”

Brand did as he was commanded, without a flicker of protest.

“I’m sorry, little kobold, but your powers are tiny compared to this man you call Karl. Even your Brand and the old Paladin outclass you. And the knight has some skills with a blade I can use. Now, please… shut up.”

Suddenly something like a whip snapped in her mind. She saw a tendril on the face of her new Lord snap in sync and she was unable to speak. Instead her eyes followed the hypnotic, graceful movements of the Mind Flayer’s ‘face’. She found herself back with the others, not even remembering she had walked back.

“Now, let’s get down to business, shall we? If we can avoid any more interruptions. Ah, our friend the Paladin. Thank you Brand. Why don’t you stay there. You can help the old man stand. Be gentle with the young one. It will be interesting to raise a human from such a young age.”

Brand did as he was bid and held his former Master upright.

“As you might know, slaves, we Illithids can control minds like yours. But I don’t go for the crude methods of my brethren. No, I prefer to do things a little differently. First I will break you. It is so much easier when you’ve broken ties of friendship. I will be your God from now on, and when you look at these creatures beside you, you will want nothing to do with them. And I will do this with no lies or deceptions. Only truth. The truth shall set you free. Free of your misplaced affection for these fellow creatures you brought in with you. I will show you Reality. Only then will I take over your tiny brains. You will fight for me, kill for me and die for me. I know you don’t believe me yet. They never do. Look around you. These didn’t believe me either. But here they are. You wonder how I can do this? I’ve already told you. You will see the TRUTH. Now. Behold…”