Head Like a Hole Ch 34 on AO3
Have I been this way before?
We'll talk about it later.
Despite the many silvery lamps which line the causeway and hang from the parapets, Moonrise Towers looms as dark and foreboding as the curse behind you. It seems impossible to imagine it in sunlight. How long since those gibbets were filled, since the skeletons inside have been freed from the rot of their former flesh? And this is just the approach.
"Hells," Wyll mutters, "I thought this place was built by Selûnites?"
Karlach gives an incredulous snort. "Would've never guessed."
You motion for silence as dread pools in your stomach. Adopting the confidence of one who belongs, you stride toward the stair flanked by two guards. If you are very lucky, they will let you pass without challenge.
"That's far enough," one orders when you are still several paces away. You halt, wondering who in their right mind (which you clearly are not) would be foolhardy enough to brave these lands, let alone approach this place, if not for cultists? As his mind invades yours, your parasite purrs in recognition and the guard relaxes, his probing having found what he needed.
"My apologies." He sounds almost tired then. "Welcome back, True Soul - what news?"
Uncertain how best to respond, you give a casual shrug. "Little of interest. What news inside?"
"General Ketheric's advisor went off on a field trip." The informality of his tone speaks of this advisor as being not well thought of, at least among the lower ranks. "Z'rell's in charge 'til he gets back."
"Then that is who I should see," you say.
"You'll find her in the audience chamber," the other guard offers. "She'll no doubt be wanting to hear from you."
You tip your head slightly in acknowledgement and pass, abuzz with the question of what she will expect you to say. Only once you begin to ascend do you realize how fast your heart is racing. You did it, though; you have gained entry without incident, though are wound so tight you jolt when Wyll speaks.
"What do you suppose he meant - 'welcome back'?"
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