GOD SAVE THE QUEEN (published 11/02/2013)

The Githyanki fortress floated through the aether of the Astral plane.  The fortress proper was actually the skull of the dead Vaasan god Chernobog, his massive body providing further purchase for a veritable Githyanki city.  Inside the fortress resided the most feared and powerful of their race, the Lich Queen Vlaakith.  The Gith knight N’Karthis shifted uneasily before his queen.  He could feel the ripples of psychic rage emanating from her in a very palpable way.

“I would know who would dare to challenge my reign.” Seethed the Lich Queen.

N’Karthis, knelt on one knee with a supporting fist on the ground averting his gaze out of deference to his queen and replied, “My knights and warlocks are investigating every possible lead my Queen, none shall pose a threat to you while I live.”

“None have posed a threat to me before you were born and none will pose a threat to me after you die N’Karthis.  I fear no would-be usurper, nor will I tolerate such an affront to my will.”

“Of course my Queen, please grant me the honor of finding these wretches and punishing their arrogance.” Stammered N’Karthis

Vlaakith speaking more to herself said, “More than a century ago there was another knight who served me… who failed me.  He fell to a filthy half-orc who fancied himself something more than he was.  I have erased this embarrassment from the minds of the Gith because somehow the silversword of my servant was lost in the muck and mire of the material plane… that is, until recently.  I have found the blade and you will retrieve it for me.”

“Yes my Queen, thank you for this honor!  I will not fail you!”

“If you do my dear N’Karthis, I will erase all memory of you from the minds of our people.  You will be nothing, you will have been nothing.  Do you understand?”  threatened the Queen.

N’Karthis swallowed hard, feeling fear for the first time in many years.  “Yes my Queen, I understand.  I will recover the blade and avenge this insult to our people.”