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[Thrax]

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"So, what is this offer of yours?" Thrax asked, reclining on his throne atop the Rectory, the place where the children of Papua were schooled and daily human sacrifices to Oggaroth were presented. "You realize I can simply do whatever I want, don't you?" He put his fist under his chin, resting the elbow on the arm of the throne.

Streea, a slim and elegant drow female, resplendent in her provocative dark grey studded leather armor, placed a delicate hand on the hilt of her katana. Her long white hair danced in the slight breeze that blew in from the nearby bay, but her face was set in stone. "If I can convince my husband and daughter to return with me to the Underdark, will you stop hounding us? I will make sure we never have reason to set foot on the surface again. You will see no more of us forever; you will not have us nor the Spider Queen as enemies."

"Lloth is not my enemy. She and Oggaroth made a pact to unite long enough to rid the world of the goddess Concordia. I have a plan in motion toward that end that is rapidly coming to fruition. As long as that plan is yet unfulfilled I have nothing to fear from her," Thrax replied.

"She would not be pleased if you killed and sacrificed two of her adherents, one a priestess... me," she warned.

"Two adherents? What about your husband, Dharzhal?"

She lowered her head and shook it slightly. "I have given up on him. He was never truly her disciple. He only promised her limited subservience for saving his life. He still feels the pull of the goddess Concordia. That is why I want to take him away from here, besides your constant interference in our lives."

Thrax shifted in his chair. Skurj, standing beside him, spoke up. He stared into Streea's dark eyes. "What proof is there that you are not dealing falsely with us... trying to get us to lower our guard so you, or that mad daughter of yours, can more easily take us down?"

"There is no proof I can offer that you will accept. I know that. Just believe that I do this to preserve my family, besides being my duty to the Spider Queen to ensure that Dharzhal remains loyal to her."

Thrax stroked his chin. "And your daughter goes with you?"

"She will follow us, yes. She has always wanted to see what we have so often told her about. Her desire for revenge seems to have run its course. But if you continue threatening us, she will keep it up until she has found a way to destroy you and Papua as well. I told her that she poisoned the Lady Rryn Anyai, the Empress, but she did not care. She is a true drow in heart... cold, cunning, ruthless, spiteful. You would do well to accept my offer."

Thrax hesitated, then shook his head. "I cannot agree to that. I have a writ of bounty on Nizzre's head... two hundred thousand gold. If Emperor Tai knew I made a deal that allowed his wife's slayer to get away, he would not rest until he had us all hanging from gibbets as food for crows. I will allow you and Dharzhal to go free, but not her."

Streea sighed. It was not a good deal, but it was the best she could hope for. Besides, she lied when she told him Nizzre would go with them. She knew her hate and ruthlessness was too strong. She would join them in the Underdark, but only after she had killed them all. She gave in. "I accept. Give me three days to convince him to go with me. If he refuses then do what you will. Either way, I am returning to the Underdark. I am sick of this world. At least I know where I stand among my people in my homeland."

Thrax nodded in agreement. "Three days it is. We will be watching. On the fourth day, whoever of you remains on the surface remains fair game. Is that clear?"

"So be it," Streea stated. She gave a respectful nod to Thrax and made her way to the exit.

Thrax waited until he was sure she had left the building before speaking. He looked up at his son. "Follow her, but be very cautious. Keep an eye out for Nizzre. Report to me in four days," he ordered.

Skurj bowed and departed, intending to shadow the dark elf.