“So I assume that you have been successful.” The Matron Mother smiled as she turned to cross the chamber toward him. She extended her hand, and he went down on one knee and kissed the signet ring of his beloved House.

He took notice of the other Priestesses standing at some distance whispering. “As you ordered, I followed Saeba Ril to the surface world, and there I did observe her for many days and nights. As you suspected, see met with the one known as Myra Sunveil.”

She motioned for him to rise and he did so. “And what can you tell us of this meeting?” She looked as if to summon, and the two who were across the room drew closer.

“Did they speak of Morde’sythe?”

“Xas, Matron Mother, and of Baal’morda’s destruction at the hands of the elves and Myra Sunveil.

“Just how much information did Saeba Ril divulge about our plans?”

“Only that there was a plot involving House Maerdyn—a plot to destroy Sythe and the Outcasts.”

“Did she speak of attempting to bring Myra Sunveil back to the Underdark, or did she mention House Olath’ol?”

“No, Matron Mother.”

“Did she speak of the San’Tarque Mages or of ancient magical artifacts?”

“No, Matron Mother.”

“Have you any assessments of your own to report?” The Matron Mother smiled softly and the Priestesses began to move around in a tightening circle with Xelnor Rey at the center.

He tried to follow their movements with his eyes, but he dared not turn his attention away from the Matron Mother. He felt himself trying to swallow—the fear crushing him with the realization that he now knew too much.

“I am always your loyal servant,” he said bowing his head and kneeling again.

She reached out and touched his hair, softly stroking with her long fingers, leaning closer, and her voice lingering. “What else do you know?” She whispered in his ear.

“Saeba Ril seeks Myra’s help to destroy Sythe. He looked up into her eyes.

“And you believe that Myra Sunveil has the knowledge to do this.”

“Xas, Matron Mother. She has a tome—the same tome used by Khellanduras the lich to restore himself. He was using Sythe’s knowledge, which he stole or forced Myra Sunveil to reveal. She knows, Matron Mother. I am certain that she knows also how to destroy Sythe. Allow me to go back—to continue to watch and to serve you. I would never betray you, Matron Mother.”

She looked down into his dark face. “To betray, you first must belong.”

He felt the point of the dagger at his neck and saw his own blood spurt forth upon the robes of the Matron Mother who was still smiling at him. His body convulsed with the onslaught of the poison, and he collapsed unthinking at her feet.