I know u can fight you're way to the Silent King's chamber, but I've also heard you can somehow get Stale Mary to open a portal for u if you're charisma is high enough. Having boosted my charisma to 19 via 'Friends' spell she still doesn't create any portal. Should I have tried it when I entered the halls for the first time?

It might only work if your CHR is naturally that high...
I know it worked for me when I had it at 18 if I remember right. You can chit chat with her and eventually talk her into opening a portal to him.

Thanks for the reply, I figure 'Friends' doesn't work on undead anyway. And smashing all the deaders in the Dead Nations is a laugh anyway.