"Dinin should return soon" remarked Rizzen, the present patron of the family, "to let us know if the time is right for the assault."

"We go before Narbondel finds its morning glow!" Briza snapped at him in her thick but razor-sharp voice. She turned a crooked smile to her mother, seeking approval for putting the male in his place.

"The child comes this night." Matron Malice explained to her anxious husband, "We go no matter what news Dinin bears."

"It will be a boy child", groaned Briza, making no effort to hide her disappointment, "third living son of House Do’Or-den."

"To be sacrificed to Lolth" put in Zaknafein, a former patron of the house who now held the important position of weapon master. The skilled drow fighter seemed quite pleased at the thought of sacrifice, as did Nalfein, the family’s eldest son, who stood at Zak’s side. Nalfein was the elder boy and he needed no more competition beyond Dinin within the ranks of House Do’Orden.

"In accord with custom," Briza glowered and the red of her eyes brightened. "The aid in our victory!"

Rizzen shifted uncomfortably. "Matron Malice" he dared to speak, "you know well the difficulties of birthing. Might the pain distract you…"

"You dare to question the matron mother?" Briza started sharply, reaching for the snake-headed whip so comfortably strapped―and writhing―on her belt. Matron Malice stopped her with an outstretched hand.

"Attend to the fighting." the matron said to Rizzen. "Let the females of the house see to the important matters of this battle."

Rizzen shifted again and dropped his gaze.