Random Portals

After clearing the tunnel of ghouls Silvia lead him to the illusionary wall, Steven poked his head in. It was exactly the same as the other hidden rooms. Stepping back, he began kicking ghouls through the illusionary wall into the spike pit. He stopped after the second, realizing he wasn’t gaining essence. Unfortunately, the ghouls didn’t die on impact, which caused him to have to stab them, then kick them in.

Steven didn’t get very far in doing this when Silvia informed him of two powerful shard users entering the dungeon. Ever since the encounter with the adventures, the Wisp had been monitoring the Dungeon. Stopping his ghoul killing for now, he went to check it out. It was most likely Sirus. At least he hoped. He would run out of food before long and his dark vision potions were getting low. He had tried the shared vision with Silvia, but it was worse than being blind. Well, that was his initial thoughts of the ability. Silvia told him it would take time to use it properly. It was mostly a mixture of odd shapes and colors that were difficult to make out, and Steven had no desire to learn how to use it at the moment.

While using stealth, Steven went to see who had entered the Dungeon. There weren’t a lot of ghouls left, but there was definitely some, and the Wisp directed him around the larger groups.. Silvia was not near as good as a map, but it got the job done. She apparently would stay connected to the dungeon for several months still.

The way she directed him made him think of his annoying gps on his phone, but he kept that part to himself. The biggest issue with her telling him where to go was how she wanted to talk about nonsense, making him miss the tunnel and he would have to turn around. Her ramblings were mostly about what they would do when they got out of the dungeon. Apparently, she had never been anywhere but in the dungeon. Other than where ever she came from, which she was never clear on.

When Steven finally made it to the group, Silvia went silent. The group was indeed Sirus’s. Although he paused before continuing down the tunnel, there were several Spider-kin with them. Although that wasn’t what held Steven’s attention, it was the massive spider human thing that held his complete attention.

From the waist down, it was a massive spider. But from the waist up, it was a normal female human. Well, normal wasn’t the word that came to mind. The woman’s top half was ridiculously attractive. At first he thought she was the one he had met on the trip to this Dungeon but this one was much larger and terrifying, but also more attractive.

He didn’t even understand how the massive spider person even made it through the tunnels. Deciding there was not much point in waiting, Steven continued down the tunnel and approached. Sirus spotted him immediately.

“There you are! I want to apologize for not coming sooner. We are having some difficulties with the humans again,” Sirus said while fiddling with a large bag. “here are some supplies Goskia packed for you. It maybe some time before I can come back, so there are some extra supplies in there.”

The first thing Steven noticed was how Sirus apologized. It was completely out of character for the dower Naga, but maybe Sirus felt bad for him being stuck in the Dungeon, or maybe it had something to do with the Spider-kin being present. He didn’t even look in the bag, he just sent it all to inventory to sort later and handed the bag back.

“Are you not going to introduce me?” The spider lady said, moving towards Steven.

Steven nearly turned and ran as the massive spider lady came and hovered over the top of him, staring down at him with clear hunger in her eyes.

“I apologize,” Sirus said, bowing his head to the spider. “let me introduce you. Steven, this is the Queen of the of the Spider-kin, Nevateb the unbound.”

“It is a pleasure to meet you.” Nevateb said with a slight bow.

“The pleasure is all mine.” Steven said, returning the bow, while hoping he wasn’t screwing it up. The spider Queen was extremely intimidating, but also excessively attractive and very naked. What was wrong with him? First, he was attracted to a snake person and now a gigantic spider. She is only human from the waist up. He needed to talk to someone about this. Steven did his absolute best not to stare at the spider’s top half.

“Enough with the pleasantries,” Nevateb said. “Now give me your hand so I may see for myself if it is true.”

Steven didn’t really have a choice in the matter. As Nevateb just took his hand before he could respond and began sniffing it. Steven asked the Wisp for help, but she was unusually silent. And Sirus wouldn’t even look at him.

“Oh! It’s true!” Nevateb said, “It’s true, this is great. I can’t believe it! You even have a touch of the Divine in you! This is so much more than I could have hoped for! Please forgive my rudeness and accept my apology!”

At this point, all the Spider-kin were bowing towards a confused Steven. The Naga looked confused, but also bowed with a glare from the spider Queen.

“Ummm. Yea, I accept, no need for all this,” Steven said, unsure what was a happening. No sooner than he spoke, a prompt appeared.

Do you wish to accept Nevateb, Queen of Spider-kin as a Vassal of your Domain Yes/No?

“Wait! What the hell?” Steven mumbled, “what’s going on?”

“I do hope you will accept.” Nevateb said with a wide grin and a glint of killing intent in her eyes.

Steven swallowed. “Of course I’ll accept.”

SILVIA! Steven shouted in his mind for the Wisp to listen, but she was completely silent. With no other options, Steven selected yes. As soon as he did, a tendril of purple light so dark that it almost looked black shot from the spider Queen to Steven as a green thread of light shot towards the Spider Queen. Steven prayed this wouldn’t result in him becoming this spiders play thing or something. Regardless of what the prompt said, he didn’t for one moment think that the massive spider would be his servant. Suddenly, there was a flash of purple light and Steven fell on his butt. When he finally blinked away the light, the massive spider Queen was gone and in her place stood a normal looking human.

“I believe this form will be much more appropriate to serve you, Master Odling.”

It was clear that this was the Queen but instead of a gigantic spider from the waist down; she was now fully human. Wait, did she just say Master Odling?

“Could you fill me in about on what happened?” Steven asked.

“Of course Master,” Nevateb said with pure excitement, “I am now your humble servant, and yours to command.”

“Excuse me Queen Nevateb. But what is happening?” Sirus asked.

“Oh, do forgive me, Captain Sirus, for not informing you of my intentions. But it seems you are ignorant of what a Domain holder is. And as soon as I heard there was one in the dungeon, I came to give my allegiance at once.”

Sirus was dumbfounded and couldn’t seem to find any words. Steven was not in much better shape as he just stood there open mouthed, staring at the very naked woman in front of him.

After a long moment of staring at Nevateb’s body, Steven spoke up.

“Could you please put some clothes on? It’s making it difficult to…”

“But Master Odling?” Nevateb said with a hurt expression, “I was under the impression this was what human males liked? Do you not like what you see?”

“It’s not that! I do like what I see. I mean, you are… it’s just… This is not the time! And you are very distracting.” Steven said, still confused as to what exactly was happening.

“I see. I have much to learn about humans. Please Master Odling, forgive me, as I do my best to learn how to please you.”

“Uh. Y-yes, of course.” Steven mumbled. He had a bad feeling about this. And he didn’t understand why Silvia wasn’t responding or what this spider wanted from him.

“I do not mean to interrupt your Majesty, however I feel this is some sort of misunderstanding! This is Shirem. He is a half Naga just as I am.”

Sirus barely got the words out of his mouth before Nevateb turned to glare at him! “You dare put yourself on the same level as Master Odling!”

At once, every Spider-kin drew their weapons. Holding them out towards Sirus and the other Half Naga. Steven couldn’t understand where so many Spider-kin had even come from, but he quickly gathered himself.

“Whoa! Hold up! Hold up. Let’s not do anything hasty!” Steven said, stepping in between the two groups against his better judgment.

“Your majesty,” Sirus said, stepping next to Steven, “I humbly apologize for my words. Please allow me to take full responsibility. I ask that you do not hold any of my warriors accountable for my ignorance. I humbly accept whatever punishment you deem necessary.”

“Captain Sirus!” a guard shouted. “We stand with you!” Several guards broke out into outrage.

“Silence!” Steven shouted and, to his surprise, it worked. “Navielteb, you are my vassal, correct?” Steven had no idea what he was going to do if she said no.

“It is Nevateb Master Odling, but yes. I am yours to command, along with all my children.” It took Steven a moment to process the part about all her children. In the meantime, no one spoke.

“Uh, well okay. As my vassal, I command you to have your children lower their weapons. Sirus is my friend and I don’t wish any harm to come to him.” As Steven spoke, a few of the Spider-kin lowered their weapons, but most looked to their queen before lowering theirs.

“An insult to my master is an insult to me!” Nevateb said.

“I do not count it as an insult. Sirus does not understand.” Steven could only hope that would calm the spider Queen.

“I understand Captain Sirus does seem to be clueless,” the spider Queen turned to Sirus, “I hold no ill will towards you. Do you also wish to become Master Odling’s servant? He has room for two more vassals.”

“Silvia! I need your help!” Steven shouted into his mind, but still there was nothing.

“Queen Nevateb. Please give me a moment. I need to speak with Sirus.”

“Yes Master Odling, of course.”

Steven waited for the Spider Queen to leave, but she just stayed where she was. When Steven tried to walk with Sirus to a different spot, she followed.

“Nevateb.”

“Yes Master.”

“I would like to speak with Sirus alone.”

“But Master. I must be here to protect you.”

Steven just blinked at the spider Queen. He was having a hard time understanding what the hell was happening and really needed some answers.

“I will be safe with captain Sirus. He has been keeping me safe for a while now.”

Sirus just kept his mouth shut. Steven wasn’t sure if it was from fear or he was worried about starting a war with the Spider-kin.

“Okay, but I will watch from a far.”

“Okay, thank you!" Steven said as he turned back to Sirus. "Actually, why don’t you send your spider warriors to deal with the ghouls on this floor? Most are cleared, but there are still some in the back of the far left tunnel.”

“They are your spider warriors, Master. But, yes, I will direct them at once.”

As soon as the spider Queen was gone, Sirus began speaking in hushed tones. “What have you done to the Queen? When she comes back to her senses, she will kill you and every Naga in this swamp.” Sirus hissed, eyes hard, “I must inform the Elders of this!”

“I didn’t do anything. I’ve never even seen her before today! You’re the one who brought her here! I was going to ask you what was going on.”

Sirus’s eyes bulged.

“What? This makes absolutely no sense! I must go! I-I’m sorry.”

“Wait, don’t leave me alone with her,” Steven said as Sirus tried to leave, “and what were you talking about? It may be awhile before you get to come back?”

“Ahhh!” Sirus sighed, “look, the humans have been spotted on our lands, causing problems. It is nothing to concern yourself with.” Sirus then left without speaking another word.

“Master Odling. Is something the matter?” Nevateb asked.

The spider Queen was absolutely stunning. Her pale skin with light blue eyes and black hair was precisely what he found attractive, so much so he was extremely suspicious. “First, I have to ask. Is all this an illusion?” Steven asked while making an hourglass shape with his hands.

“Of course not Master Odling! I would not dare try to hide behind an illusion. This is my human form I take when I’m dealing with other races as my original form is too intimidating for most,” Nevateb said while stepping closer. “If you would prefer, I can stay in my basic form.”

“Uhh. Umm,” Steven cleared his throat and took a step back, “no, no. This form is quite acceptable.”

“Thank you, Master Odling. I’m happy you like it!”

“One more thing. Could you maybe put on clothes that aren’t quite so see through?”

“But Master, this is the dress my great grandmother made me from her glass webs.”

Steven could do nothing more than just blink.

“Please, Master allow…”

There was a flash of bright pink light and then Silvia appeared.

Immediately, the spider Queen turned into her monster form and took an offensive stance in front of Steven.

“Oh! Give me a break! We both know what you are after!” Silvia said.

“Silvia! I’ve been trying to get in contact with you!”

“I know you have. This spider menace has been blocking all forms of communication! I couldn’t even hardly tell what was happening.” Silvia said.

“Master, do you wish for me to dispose of this disgusting Wisp?”

“Whoa! Hold up, you two! First off, both of you are bound to me, so you will both have to get along!” Steven hoped the spider Queen wouldn’t protest. There was no way in hell he could deal with her.

“WHAT!” Nevateb and Silvia said at nearly the same time.

“Nevateb, this is my soul bonded Wisp, Silviaburlaxatrix. Silvia, this is my new.” Steven paused. He wasn’t sure what to call the spider Queen. He did not want to offend the Queen. The prompt had said vassal, but before he had a chance to speak, the Queen beat him to it.

“Servant. I am Master Odling’s servant. It makes sense that a Domain holder would have a wisp. I’m sorry Master I thought the Wisp belonged to this Dungeon. She has the scent of undead on her. Are you sure she is bound to you and not to this dungeon?”

“Yes I’m sure.” Steven barely got the words out before Silvia butted in.

“Wait! Are you telling me you accepted a monster as one of your three Domain Vassals?” Silvia asked flabbergasted, “you realize all she wants is to siphon power from your Domain right? She is obviously stuck and can’t level any further and is using you!”

Steven looked over at Nevateb, who didn’t deny it, and only smiled at him sweetly.

“Isn’t that exactly what you are doing?” Steven asked.

“Uh! Well, it’s different with me. I’m a Wisp!”

“And how is it any different with me? I am a level seventy Queen. I am plenty worthy to be his servant. What are you, a newly accended Wisp? What makes you worthy to serve a Domain holder that has the touch of the Divine?”

After a couple minutes of bickering back and forth, Steven finally put a stop to it. He also made Nevateb put something else on, as he was tired of getting turned on by a monster. She protested, but Steven eventually had to just tell her he wouldn’t ever be able to get anything done if she wore that, as it was entirely too distracting and could get him killed. She seemed to accept this reasoning and told him she would wear something else but only while they were in the Dungeon.

Steven just had to agree with her. He would deal with her clothing choice when they got out of this dungeon.

“Master, I will be back. I must leave you in the care of this Wisp while I go find a change of clothing you deem acceptable. But worry not, my children will be nearby to keep you safe.” The spider Queen quickly left. As she did, Steven’s eyes remained fixed on her backside until she disappeared from sight.

“I can’t believe you accepted a monster as one of your vassals. She is only trying to manipulate you!”

“It’s not like I wanted to. I tried to ask you for help. What’s done is done, so what do I do now? She seems overly excited to be my vassal. Is she trying to take my domain or something?”

“Don’t be absurd, that’s impossible. She is a monster!”

“Well! What is it then? What is she trying to do?” Steven asked.

“Earn your trust!”

“Okay. And then what?”

“Serve you, of course, as you grow in power, so will she!”

“Wait! Are you saying she wants nothing more than to just get stronger by having me get stronger?”

“Yes, is it not pathetic!”

“Uh. Yea… it’s terrible…” Steven said. “there has to be something I’m not understanding here. How does she get stronger?”

“She won’t gain any levels till you reach level seventy, but after that she will gain a level each time you do draining your Domain even further!”

“Wait, I thought you said it was impossible to drain a domain?”

“It is impossible!” Silvia said, as her light flared.

“I’m sorry, but I’m really not seeing the downside here?”

“The more devoted she is to you, the more power she can drain from the Domain!”

“Will it go dry?”

“No! That is impossible! Why do you keep asking that?”

“Never mind about all that. What did you mean when you said one of my three vassals’s and what are vassals to a Domain holder exactly? I remember something about seeing that when I got this Domain.”

“Vassals to a Domain holder are hard to explain. They are called vassals or servants, because they must serve the Domain holder. But it doesn’t always work out for the Domain holder. Sometimes the vassals will kill their master so they no longer have to serve them after they get what they want.”

“Wait, are you saying the Queen is going to kill me after she gets what she wants?”

“That’s exactly what I’m saying, you imbecile, so you should discard her!” Silvia said.

“I have the feeling that will get me killed as well.”

“You are very wise, Master Odling.”

“Holy shit!” Steven jumped back in surprise.

“I would indeed kill you if you discard me,” Nevateb said a bit too excited, “but there is no need for that I will be a loyal servant,” the spider Queen then smiled wickedly and somehow seductively at the same time, “after all I need you to surpass level seventy so I can pass my thresh hold. And if I’m honest, I would like to hit one hundred before I kill and eat you.”

“See!” the Wisp said, flaring a bright pink, “she is just using you for your Domain, then she will kill you.”

Steven turned to the smiling spider Queen, “why exactly would you tell us your plans? What if I keep you till I am sixty-nine and discard you? What benefit do I have by keeping you if you are going to kill me in the end?”

“I will be loyal until I eat you, Master Odling. I swear it. And I won’t do that until you have reached ninety-nine. You have my word on that! I’ll even accept this being witnessed by one of those oath binders.”

“What is an oath binder?” Steven asked.

“An oath binder is a...” Silvia started.

“Someone who makes sure both parties uphold their oath.” Nevateb finished.

“Hey! I was talking!”

“Never mind that,” Steven said, “and what exactly do you want in turn?”

Nevateb smiled, “I want you to make an oath saying you won’t break our bond till I’m level ninety nine. Only if I’m doing my job as a loyal servant, of course.”

“Your not considering this, are you? You do realize that monsters are capped at seventy for a reason, right? No one in their right mind would take on a spider Queen as their vassal. It’s in their very nature to kill their masters, sure she is strong, but this is insane.” Silvia said.

Steven pulled out his water pipe. This was just all too much. First the Wisp, now this spider Queen.

“Oh, you like poison, do you? I have a wide array of poisons with all sorts of psychedelic effects. And lots of kinds you can smoke.”

That part peeked Steven’s interest, “what sort of smokables. I’m really only into smoking plants.” Steven said as he took a hit.

“Oh, I have all sorts, we Spider-kin are very proficient in poisons!” Nevateb said in flirtations manner, “here allow me.” Nevateb said as she pulled out some sort of dried plant and began loading his water pipe.

“What are you insane? Are you really going to just smoke poisonous plants with a spider? Do you have a death wish?”

“I will not kill him. That would be pointless. I need him to break my thresh hold. So we best get along. Your name is Silviaburlaxatrix, correct? I am Nevateb Queen of all Spider-kin and servant of Master Odling.”

“Oh, stop trying to suck up to him.”

After Steven took a couple of hits, he looked the spider up and down. Her white dress was extremely tight and revealing. It looked like it was made from spider webs, but he would just have to deal with that for now.

“Silvia. Play nice! You two work something out. I’m going to try to see if I can’t get rid of some ghouls. I need time to think.” Steven said. He then began heading back towards the hidden room. As he did, two male Spider-kin followed him.