The glorious conviction of triumph fades, as it must. Inglorion soon suffers from the same itching impatience that tormented his father and forefathers, back to some nameless, primal Shelawn who emerged from the Great Divide scheming to abduct an heiress or float bad stock. Just as he finds himself wondering whether he should call on […]
Soundtrack: Download, “Separate” Inglorion is standing in the anteroom just outside the throne room. Cabinet officials linger here and there, chatting in twos and threes, because the poor acoustics allow them to speak in relative privacy. Clytemnestra is trying to guide Philomela out of the throne room, past members of the Xyrec delegation, who are […]
Soundtrack and Video, Marilyn Manson, “Sweet Dreams,” live early 90s Inglorion returns to his quarters to find Ajax in the storeroom, scratching in one of the many ledgers he keeps tracking the flow of black market goods through Inglorion’s household. Inglorion cocks his head. “Why are you up so late, Ajax?” “Are you ready for […]
Though the throne room is grand — high-ceilinged and ornate — it gives a curious sense of intimacy. A whisper in any corner can be heard throughout with uncanny clarity. Inglorion walks down the aisle, between the rows of empty stone benches. As usual, Philomela sits on a low stone dais. Before her, there is […]
Another episode of Man Raised by Spiders, the coming-of-age story of Valentine Shelawn. Valentine is accosted by another Gypsy child who is not a child. She directs him to an address that turns out to be a hookah lounge not far from Hairy’s Tattoos. When Valentine gives his name, an attendant — a lovely, dark […]
Another episode of Man Raised by Spiders, the coming-of-age story of Valentine Shelawn. Valentine is sworn to Lolth, and the ceremony is truly strange. The priestess administers a strong drug beforehand, so Valentine remains uncertain about what actually happened, and what was a hallucination. He remembers being covered in spiders, but surely that didn’t happen. […]
Another episode of Man Raised by Spiders, the coming-of-age story of Valentine Shelawn. There’s a sudden ruckus. Four Drow guards enter, and in a swift, businesslike fashion, they cut the bonds holding Valykria and Valentine together and hogtie them both to poles. They hoist Valentine and take him away, leaving Valykria bound and alone in […]
