Resurrection by Paul S. Kemp Read Free Book Online

fulfill your destiny, Mistress of Arach-Tinilith," she said, "and to do the will of the Spider Queen."
    While Pharaun mentally dissected the reply for the meaning within the meaning, Quenthel said, "We all know what is the will of the Spider Queen. Just as we all know who will be the Spider Queen's Chosen. Speaking names is unnecessary. Signs will bespeak the Yor'thae. Let each interpret those as they will. But an unfortunate fate awaits those who misinterpret."
    Danifae's beautiful face adopted an unreadable veil but she held Quenthel's eyes. "An unfortunate fate indeed," she said.
    Quenthel gave Danifae a final look, turned back to the draegloth, and asked, "And you, Jeggred. You have had an opportunity to reconsider your course. Is there something you wish to say to me now?"
    Pharaun could hardly contain a grin. Quenthel Baenre had arrived in Lolth's domain a new woman. No longer was she the whispering, diffident female who spoke only to her whip; she was once again the Mistress of Arach-Tinilith who had led them from Menzoberranzan, the First Sister of the most powerful House of the city.
    In that moment, Pharaun thought her more sexually appealing than even Danifae.
    In the next moment, he realized he had been too long away from his paid harlots.
    Jeggred too must have sensed the change in his aunt. Had Pharaun ever pitied anything in his life-he had not, of course-he might have pitied the draegloth. Instead, he found Jeggred's obvious discomfiture amusing and deserved. The half-demon had thrown his allegiance to Danifae and was facing the consequences of that mistake. Quenthel would not be forgiving.
    Jeggred started to speak, but Danifae, still staring at Quenthel, shook her head, once only, a small gesture that quieted the draegloth as effectively as a silence spell.
    "Softly," Danifae commanded.
    Jeggred deflated and said to Quenthel, "No… aunt."
    He did not make eye contact. His four hands went slack to his sides, and his eyes dropped.
    Pharaun cocked an eyebrow in appreciation. By referring to Quenthel by her familial instead of her formal title, Jeggred had avoided directly offending Quenthel further yet had not contradicted anything implied by Danifae. Perhaps the half-demon was but a half-oaf instead of a whole.
    While her whip kept vigil over Danifae and Jeggred, Quenthel turned to Pharaun, insulting Danifae by showing her her back.
    "And you, Master of Sorcere," she asked, "have you any thoughts on this matter?"
    Pharaun knew she didn't really want his opinion; he was only a male, after all. She wanted him to make his loyalties clear. He considered evading the question but quickly decided against it. House Baenre was the First House of Menzoberranzan; Gromph Baenre was his superior; Quenthel Baenre was or soon would be Lolth's Chosen. The time had passed for vagaries. Perhaps as a reward for straightforwardness Quenthel would allow him to kill Jeggred.
    "Mistress," he replied, and his use of the title gave his answer to Quenthel's question, "it appears that Master Hune has taken his leave."
    Quenthel smiled and her gaze showed approval.
    Behind the Mistress of Arach-Tinilith, Danifae glared hate at him. Jeggred licked his lips and the promise of violence in the draegloth's eyes was clear.
    "Hune served his purpose, Master Mizzrym," Quenthel replied, "and his absence now is of no moment." She turned back and looked at Jeggred and Danifae. "All will serve Lolth's purpose, before the end. All."
    "The world is her prey," Danifae answered.
    Quenthel smiled indulgently, turned on her heel, and walked away a few steps to survey the landscape. She touched her holy symbol and whispered a prayer. Four of the serpents glared over her shoulder at the former battle-captive and draegloth. One, K'Sothra, hovered near her ear.
    Danifae stared impassively at Quenthel's back, then turned to sneer at Pharaun.
    You are a fool, as ever, she signed.
    Pharaun made no reply except a smirk that he knew to be infuriating.
    Jeggred too