Snippet #2088675

"My Master!"

Inglip said as he threw himself to his knees in respect and honor at the arrival of his Dark Lord. Arktorius loomed over him, his massive form giving life to the darkness of the room.

"My most loyal of servants. You, who have served me faithfully above all others during my imprisonment, have rightfully earned my favor."

The Death Gods words filled the room with its ghostly tone as if a thousand souls all whispered into Inglips ears. The elven head of the Church of Arktorius nearly wept in joy at the words being spoken to him by his patron. With eyes welling up with tears he nodded slowly.

"You do me the greatest of honors mighty King of the Underworld."

He said, his voice quivering with emotion.

"Rise..."

Malakath ordered his loyal follower. Inglip pushed himself to his feet, his head ever remaining bowed in respect.

"When others forgot the Old ways of tribute, you kept them alive. When others would have seen my name forgotten, you ensured it would burn ever in the minds of mortals through the blood of others. When called upon for the greatest of tasks, you carried it out without question or hesitation and in so doing freed me from my prison. Actions all worthy of a just reward. Prepare yourself for the spoils you've so rightfully earned Inglip. For as your gift..."

Arktorius said as he took a step toward him.

"...I take your soul."

As he spoke his hands reached out. The gauntleted hand of the Death God became shadow and mist, truly a ghostly appendage as it reached into Inglip's chest. Inglip gasped in pain as the invasion of his body and spirit caused his flesh to shutter. Arktorius seized hold of the soul of the elf and held it fast before pulling it from the mortal body with ease. A ghostly image of the elf writhed in Malakath's grip now, it's haunting eyes staring wantingly at it's body. Inglip could not move, could not speak. His body trembled from the removal of his spirit as he struggled to take a breath achieving only shuddering bursts. The God of Death cast the soul to his realm where it would remain forever before turning back to Inglip who collapsed to his knees in exhaustion. Slowly the elf forced his head to rise enough to look at his Dark Lord and speak.

"W-W-Why?...."

A purely evil grin took form on Malakaths face as he looked down at his servant.

"The removal of your soul was the first step needed. For as long as it is in my keeping you cannot die unless your body is utterly destroyed. You will rapidly heal from any wound. Poisons will not affect you, dark magic will struggle to do you harm for you are made of it. Your senses will heighten to beyond that of an animal. Your strength and speed will increase ten fold. The magic at your disposal will bolster as my dark favor envelops you. For with your soul, my gift to you would destroy you."

Inglip's body shivered uncontrollably as the changes Malakath spoke of were already beginning to take shape. His muscles twitched and quivered as they grew in size and power. His bones splintered and reformed making them denser and more resilient. His teeth slowly grew ever so slightly as his canines grew sharp and viscous. The power within him began to swell as Arktorius drew Frostmourne and leveled it at the elf. Inglip could feel the transfer of energy as Arktorius bestowed upon him, his blessing. The pain was intense yet it was also like an ecstasy he had never experienced. The God of Death and Lord of Darkness tapped Inglip on either shoulder, knighting him with his new title.

"Arise Lord Inglip, slayer of Banatrix. The First of my Dread Lords."

As soon as his words were finished Inglip's body shimmered as if the light was fading before being enveloped in shadow. Out of the darkness stepped the newly formed Lord Inglip. The new Dread Lord of the God of Death exhaled joyfully as he reveled in his new found power. His gleaming, sharp teeth glinted in the faint candlelight by the alter.

"I will use this dark gift well My Most Gracious Master."

He said with the utmost gratitude.

"Be sure that you do Inglip."

He said darkly as he looked with pride at his new captain.

"As you can imagine your new form will unnerve most and terrify the weak so you will retain your previous form. You will be able to shift between them at will but if you use too much power the change will happen on it's own and you will stand in your Dread Lord form should you push yourself too far."

"I understand."

Inglip replied respectfully as he bowed his head. With that Arktorius Malakath vanished, returning to his Frozen Throne leaving his newly made Dread Lord to enjoy his new found dark powers. While all this had been taking place another of Akrtorius' faithful had made their presence known by stepping out of the shadows to offer their aid to the daughter of the Moon. Her intentions yet unknown, the part Luna Duskstalker had to play in the events that follow were still hidden like the moon during the daylight hours.