His faithful sidekick, a distant cousin named Tantalus Silver Spear, wielding a deadly spear as his namesake announced, rounded out the duo in an as yet unbeaten storm of steal and violence. They were celebrated and feared, and the status went easily to their heads. Their parents approved, yet they had earned the ire of many powerful houses.
One such rising power in the political schemata was House Nightkisser, held tightly controlled by the matriarch, Shindia. Shindia’s rule over her household was supreme and unquestioned. Many a sibling fell to her wrath and all held her in awe, for her power was vast. And it came to pass that one of her younger sisters married into House Malus, producing a child named Aeyn.
He was a soft child, prone to tears all too quickly. He had been severely teased in his early years and earned the disdain of his brutal father. Yet when young Aeyn met with Darkstar and Silver Spear, all previous torment had been but preamble to their taunts and pranks. Aeyn Malus suffered greatly under their hands. In every sparring session, every mock battle, the two cousins reminded Aeyn of his weakness.
Aeyn prayed nightly to the Goddess Lolth and in answer to his suffering, he was finally given the sign of silence. He received nothing. No blessings, no sacraments. The Goddess would have no weakling serving her. In his anguish and misery, young Aeyn Malus decided that he alone would have to protect himself. There would be no help from his father or mother, certainly not the matriarch of his family, Shindia. Aeyn would rise on his own.
Secretly, he trained with the double-bladed naginata, the only weapon that could defeat sword, spear, and morning star. He would train in solitude and he would master the intricate movements of past warriors. And he would develop his own prowess and skills. In time, Aeyn grew strong and fast. So accomplished had he become with the naginata, that after years of defeat and humiliation under the hands of his nemeses, at last tasted victory. In a two on one match up, Aeyn Malus defeated the two cousins. But he did not just beat them on points. Aeyn crushed their spirits, showing no remorse, restraint, or mercy. He did not stop his attacks even after the blade masters had called a halt to the tournament. Aeyn continued his brutal assault long after the masters intervened. It took five adults to subdue his attacks. Three of them were hospitalized as a result.
Darkstar and Silver Spear had survived within inches of their lives. Aeyn stood over them, restrained at last by three adults, and smiled. Before being ushered away for disciplinary action, Aeyn Malus said to them, “Forget not this day, my friends, for now I am thy nemesis and shall revisit this day until the Goddess calls to thee. When night embraces thine lives, it shall be I who delivers thee into her loving arms.”
The other students had been stunned into silence. No longer was Aeyn the butt of their jokes. The House of Nightkisser was feared and envied. And when at last the cousins were released from the infirmary, they approached Aeyn cautiously. Darkstar looked apprehensively at his cousin, who nodded in acquiescence. Coran took a knee, followed by Tantaulus Silver Spear. Each bowed their heads and pledged their oaths to Malus: “Thou art lord and master, besting us with thine skill and power. Forever shall we heed thee and follow thine rule. Teach us and see us forever in thy debt and service.”
Aeyn smiled. He knew there was a great chance they were tricking him or luring him to drop his guard. But he also knew his skills had eclipsed theirs and should they raise their hands against him, he could easily defeat them. He nodded. “Rise, Darkstar and Silver Spear. Thou shalt serve me unto the end of days. Thou art my charge and my pillars. Should this House fall to attack, thou shalt sacrifice all in preservation of mine name.”
“This we pledge,” said Darkstar.
After 50 years, the cousins proved themselves time and again. They had been resolute in their word and pledge. When Aeyn’s father bade him to serve their matriarch, Shindia, the cousins joined him as Avenger Guards for the royal house. Their mission was to repel any attacks against House Nightkisser. And there were many. The great houses made several attempts on their home and when Malus and the cousins proved themselves in battle after battle, the three were promoted to Defenders, personal guards to Shindia and her immediate family. Aeyn had garnered the trust and confidence of the matriarch.
When Ladiana entered the Underdark, it was Shindia who appointed him as personal guard to the newborn princess. However, the price for his closeness to Shindia’s daughter was his voice and his choices. Aeyn Malus would serve forever in silence. He was also forbidden to ever leave the Underdark or leave the side of Ladiana.
“Dost thou understand thy charge, Lord Malus?” said Shindia.
Aeyn nodded.
“Thou may respond with ‘my Lady’. Only this and nothing more.”
Aeyn nodded. “My Lady.”
“Good. Defend her with thine life or see it forfeit in the attempt.” Shindia believed that Ladiana would one day rule over all of the Underdark and one day unite the great houses. But it was never to be.
Jealous rivalries finally erupted. The Great Houses Bladerun, Aramis, Darkstar, Menzopan, and Uluunthus, all allied to storm Shindia’s lands. Shindia had proposed opening trade to the surface world to enrich the Drow. None had agreed with her. Not even Ladiana. It was later exposed that Ladiana herself had orchestrated the coup. In the battle, Shindia was killed and it was the first time Aeyn had known defeat.
But before Ladiana could be crowned victor over her mother’s lands, Aliyana Aramis, her closest ally, betrayed her. Aliyana framed her for the murder of Shindia and Ladiana was sentenced to banishment. The House of Nightkisser was no more. The warriors and servants were disbanded and distributed to other great houses.
Aeyn Malus and his two companions were infirmed for several months, healing from mortal wounds. When at last they had been released, the three escaped into uncharted territories within Underdark and wandered for many years. Aeyn’s shame and humiliation drove him ever to find his cousin. He had sworn an oath and would die defending her. He had failed her mother, but he would not fail Ladiana.