Lolth stirred, her discontent at the high priestess kneeling before her barely in check. Her legs absently played with some of the skulls laying at her feet. “You disappoint me, Herasta. For someone who has risen so high and led her house to such glory, I would have thought you knew better than to lie to me.”

Herasta whimpered, her head lowered in supplication before the Goddess. “I don’t know what you mean, Holy One.”

Lolth skittered around the cavern, moving closer. “Your first born. The one whose was born under the correct signs. The one you told me was dead. She lives.”

Herasta shook her head. “That’s not possible. I told you. She looked like her father and I left her on the snowbank. I checked the next night and there was blood…the infant’s body gone. She couldn’t have lived through the night. There was a pack of wolves, starving. They had to have devoured her.”

Spinning some magic, the Spider Queen summoned a scrying mirror in front of Herasta’s face. “Then who is that?” she demanded.

The face within the web was practically identical to Herasta’s, but with some disgustingly human features. And the mark of Kelemvor that was seared into her cheek.

Lolth dismissed the image. “You will find her, subdue her, and bring her before me. I have seen her future, and she will be powerful. I will use that power, not Kelemvor.”

“It shall be as you command.” Herasta began to back away, her face still lowered.

“She has companions. I don’t care about them, though you may need to bring them simply to keep her from escaping. Except for the Tabaxi. He you may kill.” She paused. “One more thing, Herasta. If you fail me in this, I will tear down your house and you will have nothing left to rebuild it from.”

The woman raised her head at the challenge. Good, thought Lolth, she still has some spine.

“And when I succeed?” Herasta asked.

A mirthless grin split the Goddess’ face. “Then the only one who will be higher in my good graces will be Thia.”