Warp And Weft

by Maid Of Many Names

Fate is not yet done with the Bhaalspawn. Avress finds herself confronting her past and embroiled in events that will shape the future.

1. Part 1 to 5

Title: Warp and Weft

Author: Maid Of Many Names

Rating: R (violence and sexual situations)

Disclaimer: All characters other than Avress belong to Black Isle and BioWare.

Part 1

Huddled uncomfortably under her cloak, Avress moved awkwardly through the rain-drenched forest. Had it not been for her elven infravision, she would have been stumbling blindly through briars and undergrowth. The weather had turned foul not long after darkness locked the land. Her dress was damp and her cloak sodden. It had taken two days to make her way to the sacred grove Ellesime had told her of. Alone and uneasy, she'd had far too long to ponder the reasons for her departure from the elven city.

Avress had spent nearly six months in Suldanesselar. Amicably, her companions had gone their own ways. Minsc and Jaheira had gone off to roam the wilds. Willing to be blown wherever the wind took her, Imoen had happily set off. Viconia had left quickly. The dark elf had not shared her plans. Keldorn had returned to his wife and children. They had all formed tentative plans to meet after a year but Avress wondered if they would be given the chance. For a time, Avress had thought she might call the beautiful and peaceful elven city home. After she had retrieved her soul, she had been more than willing to settle down. As the days wore on, it became painfully clear the peaceful life was not to be hers.

There was a restlessness within that would not go away. Perhaps she might have been able to ignore it. Avress sighed. She would have done all she could to ignore it, had it not been for recent developments. The whispers of war and destruction, had finally closed the gates of the city to her. Ellesime might have been fond of Avress, but she was also a Queen. The city, so recently recovered from its internal strife, could not afford another bloodbath. Avress understood perhaps better than most the risk she posed to the city. With gifts of well-wishing, she was sent forth. Ellesime had advised Avress to request the aid of the elven gods. It was advice she had taken.

If Avress was to be honest, her leaving had not been as painful as it might have been. Raised as a human and by humans, Avress had sometimes found it awkward in elven society. Gorion had raised her with love and care. He had done his best to educate her on elven customs and language. There were some things, however, he could not teach her. In many ways she was more of an outsider than Minsc. The very fact that she was an elf seemed to make her differences all the more obvious. The constant reminders of exactly who and what she was, had been another difficulty. The uneasy glances thrown her way spoke too clearly of how hard it was for the elves to forget the havoc Irenicus caused. Her very presence reminded the elves of the many deaths Irenicus had been responsible for. Avress had found herself somewhat relieved when Ellesime had suggested this journey.

Strangely prophetic, the weather surged and thundered about her. Trees thinned and finally opened up as Avress moved forward. At the edge of the clearing were the objects of her search. Pure white in the moonlight, and made slick by the rain, the carved faces seemed to glow with power. Taking a deep breath, Avress moved forward. Did she really wish to hear what the gods might say? There had been much struggling and pain in her life. She'd barely retrieved her soul from Irenicus, and again she was being thrust into danger. Disgust flared at her self-pitying thoughts. As much darkness as there had been in her life, there had been more than equal light. The joy of close friends and the revelation that Imoen was her sister, were just small fragments of that light. Calming herself, Avress paused before speaking the words of the supplication Ellesime had taught her.

The ancient elven words were clumsy on her tongue but her voice was clear. The sound of stone grinding on stone startled her, and her words trailed off. With eyes burning with an unnatural light, the great face regarded her. The carefully carved lips began to move. Booming in her mind and in her ears, the words wrapped around her.

"The wheels of prophecy e're turn,

Gorion's ward hath come.

Crossroads of past, present and future,

The one foreseen, the one foretold.

That which hast past is ne'er truly gone.

History repeats though mortals choose not to see.

War and bloodshed be not new to the Realms,

A god that once was may yet be once again.

Armies march and cities burn,

The rivers froth with tainted blood.

The corpses of those born not innocent,

Feed the inferno of boiling hate.

Bhaal's Servant deceives,

Five led down a false path,

A hidden traitor lurks in they midst.

The Servant of Bhaal knows death and destruction,

The face of an ally, the mask of a foe.

The Children of Bhaal bring death to the land,

They slaughter each other and feed their father.

Death and destruction walk together,

A river of tainted blood doth not cleanse.

The storm approaches, we speak no more."

Cold and dispassionate, the words of the gods echoed in her ears. The terrible things they had spoken of filled her with dread. It was as if she could feel the tugging of fate, wrapping around her in an invisible prison. Deep in the pit of her soul where the Slayer lurked, Avress could feel its urgency and impatience. Rubbing her arms in a vain attempt to ward against the feeling, she returned her attention to her surroundings. The forest had gone very silent. The storm raged but there was a stillness that wasn't natural. Avress felt her skin tingle with the sensation of immanent danger.

Instinct firing, Avress readied herself. Pulling at the strange crackling energy that lived inside of her and granted her sorcery, Avress spoke the words to invoke protection. Magic washed over her in waves of power and ecstasy. Her will wrapped around and directed the almost physical presence of magic. Snapping and hissing, a ring of fire sprung up around her. As soon as she was able, Avress began another spell. This time rock surged up from the ground to encase her in a flexible skin that would protect her from harm. Avress barely had time to invoke a protection that would shield her from spells before a dark cloaked figure moved into the clearing.

"So, I have found you at last! It was an effort to track you down, Avress, in these woods. Too many old wards for my liking... but here you are."

The cold voice seemed to both chide and insult. Avress felt her pride prickle. Caution also stirred. There was something that bothered her about the woman before her. Malice and evil fairly radiated from her, but that wasn't it. Wary of the woman, Avress forced her anger down.

"So you have found me. What do you want?"

"All that you need to know is that I've been given the pleasure of ending your life. I may yet mount your head on the wall with all the other Bhaalspawn I've killed... I haven't decided."

The threat fell from the woman's lips easily and with practiced malice. The threat was not the mouthings of a fool. Avress regarded the woman before her. Was she a bounty hunter? There were many such bounty hunters that would either hunt Bhaalspawn for money or for sport. In recent months, news had come to the elven city of the many Bhaalspawn who had been hunted down and then slaughtered. Something told Avress that this woman was a different kind of threat. Certainly, she wasn't the average bounty hunter. There was a dark aura around her that Avress recognized all too well. The human woman was a Bhaalspawn. Worse, the woman's confidant nature suggested that she expected to win this confrontation. Avress strongly wished she had the company of her friends. If the woman knew who she was, but still expected to win... then she was a force to be reckoned with.

"You can try if you like. I'm not an ordinary Bhaalspawn," Avress replied coldly, returning the threat.

"I know. Neither am I. Not all of us have been wandering Faerun like witless cattle, like you and your pathetic Imoen and so many others of Bhaal's blood. Some of us have greater aspirations. The time of Alaundo's prophecy has come, Avress. These rhyming ghosts, should have told you that much. Great things are afoot... and your contribution will be your death. It has already been decided. I am Illasera the Quick, Child Of Bhaal, and I have been chosen to perform this deed. You cannot resist us."

Glowing balls of red energy arched towards her. Avress watched as they hit her protections and were nullified. Again drawing on the magic inside of her, Avress sent a streaking arrow of acid towards Illasera. The arrow hit but the woman seemed unfazed. In response, defenses snapped up around her. A mage duel wasn't something that Avress was unfamiliar with. There had been many mages that she had met on her travels and she had learned to be prepared. She had also triumphed against several mages in the arenas at Ust Natha. Swiftly, Avress released her spell trigger onto Illasera. The woman cried out in frustration as her protections were dismantled.

Avress followed the spell trigger with a lightening bolt. To her surprise, the woman seemed to almost disregard the damage she'd taken. Energy suddenly struck Avress' shields and she was thrown to the ground with its force. Her senses swam as her protections were removed. Before she could react, an arrow of flame slammed into her with force. Unable to hold back a scream of pain, Avress reached for the dagger at her hip. With all her strength, she threw it at the human woman. Unfortunately, the dagger wasn't meant for throwing and pain had thrown her aim off. It was only luck that the dagger lodged in Illasera's thigh. While the woman was distracted, Avress pulled herself up and began chanting another spell. She pushed the words from her mouth. Desperately, she hoped that the spell would be complete before the woman could recover. This time, a wave of pure cold shot from Avress' fingers. Horror crossed the woman's face as she tried to duck. The cone of icy death was too fast. Instead of enveloping her body from the head to her waist, Illasera had ducked just enough for the spell to hit her in the face.

Panting, Avress stumbled towards her attacker. Her abdomen ached fiercely with the pain from her burns. She had healing potions in her pack but there wasn't time. After how easily Illasera had shrugged off her earlier damage, Avress didn't trust that she was dead. Drawing her final dagger, Avress kicked the woman over onto her back. Her face was frozen into an ugly contraction of fear and panic. Clearly she was dead.

With fingers shaking with adrenaline and pain, Avress finally reached for the potion bottle that was stowed in her pack. Drinking down the strong blue concoction, she let out a moan as the pain lessened. Giddy with the lessening of pain, Avress realized she had been hurt more than she had previously thought. The woman had been a very competent mage indeed. She had been lucky not to be wounded more severely.

Grimly, Avress began the task of searching the woman's body. Apart from a dagger and a ring of protection, Illasera had nothing. Of more concern, was the strange numbness that was beginning to invade her. Her fingers had been strangely deadened as Avress fumbled with the woman's clothing, but she had ignored it as the aftereffects of the battle. The sensation began to change and grow into a peculiar tingling. Avress looked at her slender fingers and gasped as a flash of light blinded her. Her body was enveloped by the blinding luminescence. The world about her faded into a blur and with a strange pulling sensation at the pit of her stomach, she was thrown to the ground.

Avress didn't need to look up to know where she was. Locked away within her the Slayer was rejoicing. Along her senses, the atmosphere of this place clung and caressed. It welcomed her like a lover. Shuddering, she stood. Being confronted by the serene face of the radiant creature before her was unexpected. Such a being was truly out of place in hell. Wonder washed over her as she stared. Avress was certain she'd never seen something so beautiful.

"I greet you god-child, you who are of divine blood. I have awaited you."

"And just who... are you?" Avress asked tentatively.

"I have existed since the first strand of fate was woven, a servant of the paths and the gods. I have watched your own path most carefully. Our own servant, who was the mortal Alaundo, spoke the truths that became prophecy. It tells of your coming and of all others who are the progeny of Bhaal. I am here to aid you, god-child."

"Aid me? How?"

The last time she had been in this realm, she had been met with demons. They had played a double role. The demons had tested her character and she had persevered. If she hadn't... Avress knew she would be dead or irrevocably changed. Somehow, Avress felt that the being in front of her would perform similar duties. As awed as she was by what had to be a Solar, Avress could not abandon her caution.

"I cannot interfere. I can only prepare you god-child... aid in your education. You are most unready to assume your destiny."

"What do you mean by that?" Avress asked, uncertain if she had been given a painful truth or an insult.

"I mean only that you are unready for the possibilities that await you. Your mortal mind does not readily comprehend the power in your blood. You must be ready. It is your presence that determines the outcome of the prophecy. When the time comes you will be ready... I will make certain."

"What do you know of my power... this destiny you speak of?"

Memories of the dreams and the strange abilities that she had developed, plagued her. They had grown with time and then when her soul was stolen... she had become the Slayer. Part of her welcomed the darkness and that bothered her deeply. The Solar's words suggested that she would not be able to avoid further exploration of what the taint brought her. Avress believed that power alone did not corrupt. Good things could be born of great power. Corruption only began with the abuse of the responsibilities power gave. Knowledge, in the form of what the Solar could tell her, would hold the keys to what she faced. For that reason she had pressed the Solar.

"Power comes with knowledge, god-child," the Solar spoke, and Avress shivered at the similarity of the Solar's words to her thoughts. "It shall come to you in time, as your destiny unfolds. I shall see you soon. Until then, hold your heart close and know you are not alone."

The Solar was engulfed in light and disappeared. Frowning, Avress pondered what the Solar had meant. It was clear that even if the Solar did know the answers to her questions, it was prohibited from telling her. The implications of what she had been told, by both the Solar and Illisera, would take great consideration. Most of all the Solar's final words in particular echoed in her mind. What had the Solar meant when she'd said she wasn't alone? As that thought passed through her mind, something lurched. Hazy and indistinct, a form rose from the darkness from a column of flame.

"So, you have finally arrived. I have been waiting for you."

"Sarevok! How is it that you are here? I killed you," Avress cried.

"You did indeed... although that was no fault of mine. It was you that summoned me then, even if the words were my own," Sarevok growled, making Avress shiver. "I have done nothing but attempt to reform myself since. As you recall, it is your will that shapes our father's realm... I am nothing, but the shadow you see before you."

"That doesn't explain why you are here," Avress replied.

"I wish to make a deal, naturally. I have little to loose, dear sister... and plenty to gain. As do you. I have waited in your home a considerable time to parlay with you."

Her brother's words sent tingles of unease worming through her mind. Since when did Sarevok care to parlay with her? The remembered pain of Gorion's death ached anew. After their second meeting, Avress had hoped she had seen the last of her sibling. How cruel was fate to bring him before her now. The many emotions that Sarevok inspired churned her stomach. She had loved Gorion as a father and as an orphan, family had been doubly precious. Having Gorion ripped from her had been agonizing. It had been a double blow to find out that the one that had killed him was a 'brother' of sorts. Not that she cared to admit that. Angrily, Avress forced her attention back to what Sarevok had said.

"My home?" Avress asked.

"You... you do not know where you are? Ha ha! What a bitter irony this is! You who stumble about nearly blind to your true power continue to survive while I, Sarevok, am reduced to this. Bah! Very well, Avress... I shall tell you. You know we are in the abyss but this part was once our father's realm, sister. It is shaped by the taint within you. I assume you formed it to protect you from the power of this plane. Rather ingenious, dear sister. I came here knowing you'd eventually come and then we could discuss my... deal."

"What kind of deal? What do you want and why should I agree, brother?" Avress bit out, angry at his presumption.

"What do you think I want? I wish to exist... I wish to be alive again. You can do that. The smallest fragment of your soul, my sister... given freely with the taint of our father within it, would recreate my flesh. Sarevok would live again!"

Avress paled. Did he even know what he was asking of her? Memories of Irenicus were crowding through her mind. Involuntarily she shivered. The blurred image of Sarevok scowled at the reaction. Indignation sparked as Avress noticed. Berating herself for showing weakness, she straightened her spine. It did little to make her more commanding but it was better than nothing. It were times like these, she wished that elves were made taller, as Sarevok fairly towered over her. Avress refused to be intimidated.

"You didn't say why I should agree."

"There is the knowledge of how to leave this plane of yours. That is one thing I can give you although I did not know that when I came here," Sarevok replied, clearly amused. "No, what I offer is knowledge. I know where you destiny lies, Avress. I know where you must go to find it. Search about on your own and it will be too late."

"Is there no other way of restoring you?" Avress ground out.

He was telling the truth. Deep down to her bones, Avress knew it. He wouldn't have come here if he didn't have something she required. Sarevok knew he had her in a bind. How easily he had manipulated her into this. Irenicus had torn her soul from her body. It had been a rape beyond the physical. Avress felt sickened at the thought of something so similar, if consensual. Returning Sarevok to life was not a welcome thought, either. Unfortunately, the Solar had been all too clear about the urgency of the situation. The bloodshed the prophecy had spoken of had alarmed her. If she was instrumental in how the prophecy ended, then she could not stand by and watch the slaughter. Neither she nor the Realms could afford it.

"There is no other way, Avress, unless you have another Bhaalspawn about that I am unaware of. It is your spark or nothing. Choose."

"So be it."

A ghostly hand reached out towards her. Avress had to stiffen herself against the instinctive flinch, as his fingers brushed her flesh. Icy and cold his fingers reached into her. Within she felt something stir and... bend. The beginnings of panic fluttered and she almost pulled away but she knew it was too late. A strange feeling of lightness made her clench her eyes closed. Slowly, the sensation passed. Her eyes opened and rested on the now solid form of her brother. A triumphant smile lit his face with glee.

"I... live! Flesh and blood and bone! Ha ha! I swore I would scratch and crawl my way back into the world and I have done it! Thank you dear sister... no gift could please me more."

"I don't feel any different," Avress found herself saying softly.

"Did I not tell you it was only an insignificant part? The first thing I shall tell you of is how this plane works. It exists because you will it to exist. It will take you where you need to be, or perhaps where you believe you need be. How to do so, I suspect lies beyond that portal," Sarevok said and pointed to a glowing portal that flared and then opened. "There are others but I know little of them. Enter that room and face your challenge."

"What is the challenge?" Avress asked, forcing herself to pay attention.

"I know not of its nature, sister. I know it will be difficult. You may not want to do it alone. You can summon those companions you require through the statues behind me. Once you complete the challenge, you will be free."

"Free in a way, perhaps," Avress replied, thinking of the prophecy.

"Ahh yes, the time of the prophecy is upon us. I unearthed the prophecy from an uncooperative sect of Cyric. The Sword Coast will run red with blood, yes, but it is the city Saradush where you must go. It is where the first step of the prophecy unfolds."

"Are you still a Child Of Bhaal?"

"No. The taint left me as I died. Some might still consider me a Bhaalspawn but it is solely a matter of... history," Sarevok said.

"I've heard enough," Avress replied tightly, reminded of just what that history was.

"Before you go, I have one more thing to ask of you, Avress. Take me with you."

"What!"

Amazement shattered her. She had understood his desire to live, but this was preposterous. Avress found herself staring. Sarevok's hard features remained blank and imposing. She could not read his face and abandoned the attempt. The cutting refusal her mind supplied was ready to be flung at him, but her throat closed around it. Amid her shock, Avress once again felt the tugging of fate. The Solar's words echoed in her mind. It had said she was not alone. Was this what it meant? He had killed Gorion! Even if Avress overlooked that, how could she trust him?

"How could I trust you? I am amazed you would ask this of all things," Avress finally answered.

"I do this for no selfless reason. There is power in your wake, sister. I am sure I am not the first to tell you this. Besides you defeated me. You have earned my... respect. Think of it, Avress. Brother and sister, side by side!"

"Side by side with my foster-father's murderer," Avress bit out.

"Do not bring up old woes, dear sister. We are even in that respect. I may have killed Gorion, but you killed the companions I considered my family. Then you killed me... twice. I am a warrior of no small ability, Avress. You might find me of use. I will take an oath to follow you, my sister, if that will satisfy. Here... in this place, such an oath would have power, like a geas. I could not betray you."

Avress was stung by Sarevok's words. She hadn't considered that her brother would care for his companions. Uncomfortably, Avress began to accept they had both lost something from their clash. They had dealt each other painful blows. She had even killed him twice. There was no fondness between them and yet, he asked her this. There were thousands of reasons not to agree. The matter of trust, or the lack of it, between them was just one of them. Offering to take an oath was even more surprising. A geas was not a light matter. Such a geas would make him unable to oppose her in any form. Such a black hearted perversion of free will sickened her. Even without her experience with geas through Yoshimo, she found them repulsive. Why, oh why, did Sarevok ask her to take him with her! Avress believed him when he had spoken of power. That was something she knew he wanted but it couldn't be only that. Again fate pulled at her. Here, right then, she would make a decision that would have bearing on things to come.

"No oath. Whatever my decision... no oath," Avress replied, trying to force her thoughts to come to some kind of conclusion.

"You... would not require an oath?" Sarevok asked and his face was strangely unguarded. "An... odd choice, sister. I would have required it of you. If I had even let you live."

It surprised her that he had even considered letting her live. Avress wasn't sure she was ready to think on the ramifications. It bothered her that Sarevok might have been far more merciful that she would have been. At the time she had truly hated him. To her younger self, Sarevok had been epitome of everything evil and wrong with the world. She hadn't really thought of him as a real person. After long months of suffering and seeing far more of the world, Avress wasn't able to see her sibling in quite the same way. He was, after all, just a man. Nor could she summon the hate and fury she'd once associated with him. What her opinion on Sarevok was, she wasn't sure. She did know it wasn't as simplistic as it had once been. Then there was the simple fact that the Sarevok that stood before her wasn't the same Sarevok she had fought at Baldur's Gate. Death could not help but change a person. Avress winced at the headache that was beginning to form. She'd had too many shocks for one day. She was not able to easily clear the tangled past she shared with Sarevok.

"I would not demand your oath, but could you abide by my decisions and leadership? We were enemies once... it is no small request," Avress forced herself to speak.

"You are right. I consider myself a leader of men, and have never accepted a master well. I would rather see us as partners but I could defer to you, Avress. You have won my respect," Sarevok said carefully.

She had been so sure he would have refused. It was no secret that he was proud. Arrogance radiated from him. Submitting to her will, even with a geas would not have been easy for him. Avress had hoped he would refuse to accept her leadership. If he had, then she could have easily made her decision. Frowning, Avress wondered why it was such a hard decision. Even if he had changed, how could she accept Sarevok as an ally? He had killed Gorion, nearly killed both Imoen and herself and caused great bloodshed. Despite those reasons, and to her great frustration, she couldn't dismiss his request.

Ever present was the tugging of fate. Sarevok had crossed her path and it wasn't simply by chance. The Solar had virtually handed him to her on a plate! She had granted his desire to live... but could she grant him forgiveness? Could she find her peace with Gorion's death? The scars of her foster-father's death haunted her even now. The part of her that held Bhaal's essence raged and wished to inflict that rage on Sarevok. Avress shuddered. She had done so much to control that part of her. The problem was that she was angry at Sarevok too. Avress forced herself to meet his eyes. She wasn't sure she could forgive him. But if she didn't take the chance, could she ever find out if she could find peace with what had happened? Could she prove to herself she wouldn't fall to the taint like he had?

"Very well. I accept you offer," Avress spoke, surprising herself. She hadn't realized she had made a decision. For a horrible moment, she wished she hadn't spoken.

"You accept!" Sarevok replied, clearly shocked.

"If you ever do betray me, by deed or omission, I will ensure that you die as painfully as I can manage. There will be no coming back," Avress spoke, meaning every word.

"I would not expect less of you."

Avress pried her stiff fingers from the hilt of her dagger. The tension in her body lessened but did not vanish entirely. If she had been forced to, she would have sent a fireball at her wayward brother within seconds. With tension dispelled, the seriousness of her decision hit her hard. She had accepted Gorion's killer as a companion. Slightly sickened, Avress forced herself to clear away her emotions. It was done. Gorion would not resent her trying to heal the wound of his death. Too bad her motives weren't quite so clear. Scowling at the frustration of questions that would not be easily answered, Avress turned her attention to more immediate things. She spared a glance at the strange sculptures behind Sarevok. They were all at once impressive and disturbing. If the... pocket plane, was truly a reflection of her own mind, Avress wondered why the surroundings weren't a little less forbidding and a little more comfortable. According to Sarevok, the strange sculptures or statues would call forth her companions.

Jaheira's advice, Keldorn's resolve and Minsc's clumsy but well meaning friendship would be most welcome. As would the fast companionship and trust Avress had in her sister, Imoen. Even Viconia's pointed remarks would be nice. Avress would also appreciate their company as a buffer between herself and Sarevok. But did she have the right to call them to face the danger of what she would face? Twice already she had involved loved ones in struggles that were not theirs. Two of those friends had died for it. Those deaths weighed heavily on her heart.

All of her friends had lives of their own. Could she in good conscience call them forth? Keldorn was still resolving matters with his wife. The Harpers probably had sent Jaheira on another mission. Minsc was happy adventuring with Boo. Wherever Viconia had gone she was probably content. Imoen... Imoen deserved any measure of peace she could find. Avress struggled within herself. There was no doubt that she would need help in the days to come. The Realms would not leave her at peace. What the Solar and the Elven gods had said, indicated she would be central to what was unfolding.

"Will you not call for your companions, sister?" Sarevok asked, breaking the silence.

"I do not know," Avress hedged.

"I would have thought you would have summoned such fast friends immediately," Sarevok taunted.

"It is because they are such fast friends that I hesitate," Avress snapped.

"Ahh, compassion. Why am I not surprised? Do you think they will remain untouched by the bloodshed if you do not call upon them? Your reputation proceeds you, dear sister. It is well known who your companions are and many would use them against you."

Avress looked away. It took all her will not to snap at him. He had a point. Their deeds had not gone unnoticed and they had done nothing to hide their identities. Her companions would be easy targets alone. Imoen was particularly vulnerable as a Child of Bhaal. The urge to protect her sibling rose. While she did not truly know who was older, she had considered Imoen her younger sister, since she had known of their kinship. To steady herself, Avress took a deep breath.

"You're right," Avress admitted. "I just do not enjoy seeing them suffer because of me."

Discomforted, and not wishing to speak further with her brother, Avress moved toward the statues. Her attention was fully on the sculptures but the jungle of metal armor drew her attention. Avress was suddenly and painfully aware that she was not three feet from Sarevok. The last time she had been so close, was to drive her dagger into his chest. Unwillingly their eyes met and for a tense second, they hovered somewhere between the memory and habit of violence. To her surprise, a strange expression crossed Sarevok's face. He broke away and moved away a few paces. Licking her lips nervously, Avress forced herself to look back at the statues. The sooner she called her companions, the better.

Part 2

The forms of the statues were vaguely humanoid, and twisted in what seemed to be expressions torment. As she moved closer, she felt a tell-tale tingle in the air. Magic hummed and following its urgings, Avress pressed her hands against the smooth polished stone. Senses she never knew she had, exploded. Images, words and emotion whipped through her mind. The faces of companions, friends and those whose lives she had brushed finally resolved. Gritting her teeth, Avress focused on one particular face; that of her sister. A strange pop echoed in her ears and in a familiar flash of light, Imoen appeared beside her. Avress pulled her hands away.

"Avress! I knew- Sarevok! What are you doing here! Get away from us!" Imoen snarled and Avress felt the kiss of magic in the air.

"No, Imoen! He... he's an ally now," Avress hurried to speak and then found that words failed her.

"He's what? Sarevok! You're taking him with us? So he can betray us? Stab us in the back? Why would you do this?"

Eyes wide and showing the fierceness that her easygoing personality hid, Imoen was ready to attack. Avress knew very well what kind of destruction her sister was capable of when she set her mind on it. Not wishing for violence to erupt, she quickly moved between her siblings. She never would have believed the day when she would defend Sarevok from Imoen. Guilt and shame bubbled up at the thought. How could she explain this to Imoen? It was clear that she better do it quickly.

"Please, Imoen? Let me try to explain?"

"He killed Gorion. He nearly killed us," Imoen replied in a subdued voice and tears welled up in her eyes.

Taking her sister's hand, Avress pulled her aside. Sarevok had said nothing, but she did not trust that he would remain silent for long. His sharp tongue might be all that was needed to incite Imoen to violence. Already, it was clear he was somewhat pleased by Imoen's strong reaction to his presence. Since Irenicus' tortures, her sister had never been the same. Her good nature was still present, but it was scarred with distrust and fear. It was doubtful that Imoen would recover fully from what had happened. Then again, Avress wasn't sure she would either. For now, Avress hoped that she could appease Imoen's concerns. Once they were a good distance from Sarevok, Avress gathered her thoughts.

"I don't know if you will understand, Imoen. I don't think I understand. It's just..."

"It's about Gorion, isn't it?" Imoen spoke up.

"Partly," Avress sighed.

"Gorion's death... it's never healed, but that's Sarevok! You know, big, bad and wears ugly armor!" Imoen repeated.

"Well, I think he's finally ditched the armor," Avress replied with a smirk that quickly faded. "The fates keep throwing him back at us. He's here for a reason. Imoen, what is happening will send the Realms up in flames."

"I suppose that's why we're back in the abyss?" Imoen smiled, looking about and then her face grew serious. "I've heard all sorts of rumors. Then there's..."

"What is it?" Avress asked, worriedly.

"I knew I'd see you again soon. Before we were supposed to meet up, I mean. Something strange has started to happen. I've been having... odd dreams. The dreams, the feelings... they're hard to describe. I think they're Bhaalspawn dreams, Avress," Imoen said softly.

"Oh, Imoen."

Their embrace was almost frantic. Tears welled up in Avress' eyes but she blinked them back. It had been foolish to think that Imoen wouldn't be affected by the taint. As silly as it had been, Avress never had the heart to think otherwise. Dark dreams had haunted her since she could remember. Bloodlust and murder had been her companions, even as a child. Instead of fading, they had grown stronger over the years. Maybe it was the same for Imoen. Or perhaps it was what Irenicus had done to them. Not for the last time, she cursed the elven mage.

"It's starting again, isn't it? Aren't we ever going to be left alone?" Imoen asked sadly.

"Maybe at the end of this we can find peace. Until then, we must walk the path that fate has set," Avress replied, thinking of what the Solar had told her.

"So it seems," Imoen replied with a dark look back at Sarevok. "What is happening?"

"I'll tell you what I know, but first I must summon the others."

Sending a quelling glare to her looming brother, Avress returned to what she could only call a fate spirit. Imoen stood away from Sarevok and was glaring daggers at him. Assured that there would be no violence from Imoen, Avress looked towards Sarevok. His silence had been unexpected. The Sarevok she once knew would have reveled in further taunting Imoen. Again, Avress was struck at how much her brother had changed. Perhaps she shouldn't be so surprised. They had all endured their trials. None of them were the same.

This time, she was ready for the flood of sensations the fate spirit caused. The power was almost intoxicating in its complexity. Luckily, it was easier to focus this time and Avress did so, focusing on Jaheira's face. In a flash of light the half-elven druid appeared. Her expression was one first of confusion and then pleasure as she recognized Avress.

"So, we are to adventure again, Avress. It is good to see you, although I wonder how we have made our way once more to this place. But what is this! Sarevok! By the sacred oaks of Silvanus, is there no end to you? Must your foulness be stamped out only to return ever more?"

"It was I who returned him to life, Jaheira," Avress replied.

"Then Sarevok lives again. Humpf. A foul act that spits on everything that is natural and that I have ever taught you! I know you have your reasons, Avress, and you must walk your own path, but I... I will never agree with this."

"I am sorry, Jaheira but you are right- I do have my reasons. He will be traveling with us," Avress spoke.

"Bring him if you wish. It is your mistake to make. I refuse to acknowledge his existence."

With that, the druid turned her back. Jaheira had been both mentor and friend to Avress. She valued the druid's opinion. It did hurt that Jaheira disapproved but Avress had known not to expect a warm reception for Sarevok. Biting her lip, she began the process of calling Minsc. The addled ranger wouldn't be pleased with Sarevok's presence either. Avress had decided to call her oldest companions first, knowing they would be the least pleased. This was a decision she couldn't hide from.

"Where have you brought me, Boo? I'm duly impressed by your show of great powers, but a little warning would have been nice. No matter! Where evil treads, Minsc treads louder!"

"Hello, Minsc," Avress said with a fond smile.

"Ooo! Look who you have found, Boo, with your unerring sense of hamster direction. It is our good friend Avress! A reunion of heroes! Eh, but what is this! Sarevok is not a hero! He is like bad penny, this one. An armored, deep-voiced penny of most sinister evil!"

"He's with us now, Minsc," Avress replied, repressing a smile at the ranger's assessment of her brother.

"Well, Boo thinks that maybe you have lost your mind but... we don't judge," Minsc replied and engulfed Avress in a warm embrace. "All that is evil will quiver before us like so much rancid jelly!"

Surprised that the ranger hadn't said or done something more, Avress returned the embrace. Minsc, for all his shortcomings, had a heart of gold. Releasing him to let him greet the others, Avress focused on the next person she would summon. There were yet two companions that were yet unsummoned. Avress could either summon Viconia or Keldorn. Keldorn had not been present at the confrontation at Baldur's Gate, but Avress anticipated he too would have choice words with her. Sarevok wasn't the kind of person that paladins generally approved of. For a time she and Viconia had traveled together at Baldur's Gate but she hadn't joined them in the final confrontation. What Viconia's reaction would be, she didn't know. The drow was a perplexing mystery made up of conflicting possibilities. For a time the paladin and cleric had been at each other's throats. Uneasy peace had settled after Ust Natha. The drow city had held revelations for all of them. Avress laid her hand on the stone and concentrated on Keldorn.

"So it has come to this," Keldorn spoke somewhat sadly. "I have heard the cries raised up against the Bhaalspawn across the land and I thought of you. I am pleased to see you unharmed. Have you a need for an old paladin?"

"Of course, Keldorn. Your presence is much appreciated. May I ask what the Order has to say?"

"The Order bids its members to be wary, Avress. It calls you dangerous, a threat to the stability of the land. And it is right. Whether you serve good or evil, the order is correct in its judgement."

Subdued, Avress thought back on her dealings with the Order. It hurt to find out that they considered her a menace to society. She had worked with them during her time in Atkathla. Their pronouncement might sting but as Keldorn has said, their opinion was not incorrect. Even the gods had told her that destruction would surround her. Keldorn's words bothered her in another way too. For a long time she had persevered against the taint in her blood. The urges and the demands of the Slayer within had been either ignored or sublimated. Avress had accepted she was neither good nor evil, but she wondered what how the future might change that. Her resolve would be tested, she was certain of that. Avress was also wise enough to know that she was not invulnerable to what might be flung her way.

"And what about you? Do you see me as dangerously unstable?" Avress asked, hiding her hurt in the smooth tone to her words.

"I am willing to stand by your side. It is my hope that you will continue to battle against the dark forces, which rage in your soul. You have done much that is worthy, Avress," Keldorn replied with honesty. "Now, will you introduce me to this new friend?"

"That is my brother, Sarevok. He requested to travel with us and I have accepted."

The surprise in the paladin's eyes was expected. Avress had told Keldorn of their previous battles. Keldorn had also fought against Sarevok the second time. The elder man assessed the younger with an intense look. Again, Avress wondered how she could ask these people accept Sarevok's presence. Before she could break the stalemate, Keldorn extended his hand to Sarevok. Her astonishment was second only to the look of amazement on Sarevok's face.

"I am Keldorn, paladin of the Most Noble Order Of The Radiant Heart. I have met you on the battlefield but have never been formally introduced."

"I am Sarevok and I too remember our previous meeting," Sarevok replied, cautiously.

"I am pleased to make your acquaintance on more peaceful terms," Keldorn spoke.

"As am I."

Avress was surprised at the stiff formality of their conversation. She was not surprised at Keldorn as much as she was her brother. Sarevok had not wasted civilities on her. It had been easy to think of him as lacking manners and subtlety, but Avress realized that was most certainly not the case. To reach the Iron Throne, he would have had to display a great understanding of both. It was said that forewarned was forearmed but Avress did not feel secure in her knowledge.

"I assume that you had something to do with Sarevok's good health, Avress?" Keldorn asked.

"It was in exchange for the knowledge of this place," Avress explained.

"Then we shall see what will become of this new development," Keldorn replied and moved to greet the others.

Viconia lost none of her poise as she appeared. Noble in her bearing and exotically beautiful, she surveyed the pocked plane and then tilted her head in eloquent pride. Avress admired Viconia's ability to remain unruffled by most things. It was something Avress had only varying success with. The degree of control the drow exhibited was truly astonishing. The others had been momentarily startled to find themselves in the Abyss. The lovely drow priestess took in the group of familiar faces, and the looming Sarevok with out batting an ebony eyelid. With a lazy smile she turned her attention to Avress.

"The abbil calls and I come. Shall I play the part of a slavish dog? Is that what you think to make of me by this summoning?"

"I summoned you because I need your help," Avress smiled.

"My help? Ah, it must be because the drow are so renowned for their sense of loyalty. So be it," Viconia replied with a smirk.

"Nice to see you too, Viconia,"

"Yes, well there is much to be gained from associating with you," the drow grumbled. "And who is this most attractively defined male?"

Viconia favored Sarevok with a provocative look, to which he glowered. Avress found herself turning red. Was Viconia flirting with Sarevok? The giggle from behind Minsc, suggested that Imoen had not missed the drow's comment. She had not considered it before, but Avress realized that Viconia was probably correct in her assessment. Unfortunately, it boded ill as Viconia was not gentle in her attentions. Avress just hoped that they wouldn't kill each other.

"That's Sarevok. He'll be coming with us," Avress said.

"Hmm, so that's the one that caused all the fuss. I wouldn't have expected it from the looks of him. I thought he was simply decoration."

"Decoration! I will give you decoration, drow!" Sarevok's temper exploded.

"Enough! Sarevok, she wants a reaction. Viconia, don't provoke him. There is much to discuss and we cannot afford to argue amongst ourselves," Avress interjected.

"Argument will only aid the enemies that have brought us here. We need to hear why Avress has summoned us and what we are planning to do," Jaheria added.

Grateful for Jaheira's interruption, Avress began to relate the events of the last few hours. Her friends seemed both concerned and puzzled by what she had experienced. The words of both the Solar and the stone spirits were still fresh in her mind. The strange woman who had ambushed her had told her yet more. Perhaps unwittingly, she had revealed more than she should have. Then again she probably expected to easily win their encounter. Strangely, her loose tongue gave Avress the key to understanding some of what the spirits and the Solar had said. What little she did understand made her wish she knew more.

"What concerns me is the Five," Keldorn spoke up. "These other Bhaalspawn will do all they can to harm you, Avress."

"Four with Illasera dead," Avress added.

"It seems strange that she would throw herself so easily upon your dagger, abbil. There is something more to that encounter," Viconia mused.

"For once I agree with the drow," Jaheira replied unwillingly. "We must think carefully about our next move."

"Agreed, but I wonder if we have much choice. This place will send us where we need to be, not where we want," Avress said.

"There is the matter of your challenge, sister," Sarevok reminded.

"What is this challenge? If you know so much, tell us," Imoen snapped.

"I know nothing more than I have already said. Our sister's mind shapes this place and it will be her mind that shapes the challenges."

"Considering the last challenges we faced in this place, we should rest," Avress interrupted.

"Boo could do with some rest. He is very tired from bringing Minsc to this place."

The weariness she had been ignoring seemed to press down upon her. Avress had spent a great deal of energy in her duel with Illasera. She was tired and her burns had not been fully healed. If they were to fight tomorrow, she also needed to dress for it. Foolishly she had not thought she would need her protections. The gown that had been given to her in Suldanesselar was not appropriate for battle. Even if it had been, it was ruined from Illasera's flame arrow.

"Let us camp here and worry about fate later," Avress ordered.

Ease born of practice made the tasks of setting camp quickly completed. Imoen, Jaheira and Viconia soon began the process of memorizing their spells. Unable to sleep without satisfying her curiosity, Avress moved off into the shadows. The large circular room was almost as she remembered it. There were some changes and she wondered at them. Did they represent changes in her mind or simply that she had her soul? The room, for all its grotesque architecture, gave her a sense of safety and rightness. Above her the windswept sky glowed a strange shade of green. It made her think of some of Haer'Dalis' tales of the Planes.

"You should not wander by yourself, sister," a deep voice rumbled behind her.

"If what you say about this place is true, there should be no danger," Avress replied.

"Ah, but are there not dark and frightening things in all of our minds?"

"Very well, follow if you wish," Avress replied tightly.

Sarevok followed her like a well-trained hound. Avress wondered why he had joined her but found her head ached at the thought of having to puzzle it out. Instead, she focused her attention about her. There was little to see in the strange pocket plane. There were several blocked doorways. The unblocked doorway radiated menace and Avress kept far away from it. Completing a circuit of the room, she paused just outside the cluster of her friends. Something prickled along her awareness. There was something there, in the shadows. She could almost sense it. Whatever it was, it wasn't malevolent. Avress wasn't sure how she could sense it, or why she knew it wasn't dangerous, but she trusted what she felt. Whatever it was would keep until morning.

"You feel it. I had thought my senses playing tricks on me," Sarevok spoke.

"I don't know what it is but it's harmless," Avress replied.

"For now. You trust too much."

"Maybe you trust too little," Avress finally replied to her watchful guardian. "Go back to the others and tell them to set a watch."

This time Sarevok did not argue. Instead, he mocked a half bow and left wordlessly. In the shadow of the large centerpiece, Avress pulled out her backpack. The worn leather creaked as she opened it. Quickly she pulled out the items she needed. The green dress that she had been wearing was folded and placed back into her backpack. Avress had hopes that it might be mended. The deep blue robes she donned were familiar to her flesh. They had been made especially for her in Suldanesselar. The black leggings were soft and flexible elven leather that molded to her frame, as was the under tunic. The long blue linen over-tunic was belted at her waist and slit to the thigh for ease of movement. In place of the comfortable half boots she had worn with the dress, she slid on her knee boots. As well made as the robes were, they were without enchantment. Avress had found out that enchanted robes did not last long. Somehow her sorcery reacted badly with the magic woven into the flimsy materials and eventually disintegrated them. Only enchanted items made of more durable material seemed unaffected.

At her belt she fixed a wand of frost and two healing potions. On one finger she wore the Ring of Gaxx. She had taken it from the corpse of a lich. It was possibly the most powerful item she owned. On her other hand she wore a ring bearing an enchantment that would protect her from being held or entangled. The bracers at her wrists had a strong protective enchantment. Her second most powerful item, was the Amulet of Power she had been given by Aran Linvale. That item she was already wearing. Her daggers had, like her robes, been made at her request in Suldanesselar. They had a strong enchantment to make them sharp and almost unbreakable. Finally she re-pinned her hair securely to her head.

Dressed for battle, Avress felt more herself than she had in a long time. As much as she had wanted the peaceful life, she was most at home as an adventurer. With a sigh, Avress returned to her friends. They too had prepared for battle. Imoen was wearing her Cloak of Reflection and had her staff close by. Viconia wore a Girdle of strength and was fiddling with the Fail of Ages, while pointedly looking at Sarevok. He had obviously replaced Keldorn as the object of her attentions. The paladin was praying and Avress could almost see the halo of holy light about him. At the edge of the group Sarevok was silent and still. Jaheira was busy buckling the last straps on her elven chain mail. Several sets of eyes found her as she moved into their circle. Not until she had stretched out her roll, did they say anything.

"Interesting attire, Avress. I hope we won't be treated with a repeat of when we bought your last set of robes," Imoen asked with a sly smile.

"No, I finally gave up," Avress replied with an embarrassed smile.

Jaheira chuckled but Minsc blushed. The last set of robes she had bought with Imoen, had been the set that was disintegrated. They had done so with impeccable timing when they were trying to kill a group of mercenaries in Baldur's Gate. Avress wasn't sure who had been most embarrassed; herself, Minsc or the mercenaries. A cloak of protection she had bought some time afterwards had been destroyed in the same way. Avress had to admit defeat.

"What is this incident that it puts a blush to the ranger's cheeks?" Viconia asked.

With great enjoyment, Imoen told the story. Avress smiled at the companionable teasing. She had missed her friends in the months they were apart. When conversation died down, Avress wrapped herself in her blankets, her hand close to her wand. Keldorn had the first watch but she would be second. Until then she would rest. It seemed as if she had only slept for a few moments before Keldorn shook her awake. Avress hated taking second or third watch. She always felt groggy upon waking. To wake herself, Avress paced around her companions. Finally she settled back down and drank in the faces of her friends and even that of her brother, wondering about what the future might hold.

He could feel her eyes on him. His watch wasn't until much later but he couldn't seem to sleep. Instead he pretended to be locked in slumber and focused his awareness on his sister. Sarevok knew that she was trying to ignore him but she couldn't help herself. He had great satisfaction in knowing that his presence would continue to bother her. It was a petty revenge, but it gave him some peace of mind. That peace was doubly welcome when his world had been turned upside down.

As a Child of Bhaal, he had reached for godhood itself. That would forever be denied him now. Instead he would watch his sister, the very sibling that had defeated him, take his place. The thought was galling. He doubted Avress even knew what was at stake. Sarevok wondered if she would care if he told her. She seemed appallingly ill-named. For now he would hold his council. She would have to piece it together for herself.

He had surprised himself when he had asked her to take him with her. The reasons he'd given were true. There was power to be found in his sister's wake. Of course, there would have been other opportunities, other avenues of power he could have pursued. They certainly would not be as trying as tagging along with his pointy-eared scrap of a sister... and her irritating companions. Nevertheless, he had joined her and had even offered an oath as binding as any magical geas. What had possessed him? Sarevok wondered if it was the same thing that had made him wish to offer her mercy at their first encounter. That and the time it belonged to was over and he'd do well to remember that. He sighed, pushing away his frustration and wished for sleep to come to him. He wanted Avress to be stewing about her decision, not him.

Whatever was in the future, Sarevok swore to himself that he would not find himself thrust back into the abyss. The horrors he had seen there would haunt him living or dead. The energy he had expended to remain in his sister's pocket plane, was well expended. If Avress was simply the clearest rout to both life and regaining the power he'd lost with death, then so be it.

Part 3

The small group had woken well rested and eager to begin their travels. Avress had been glad that whatever presence she had felt before had not disturbed their rest. She had greeted the morning with apprehension and impatience. If this challenge stood between her and returning to the Realms, she wished to have done with it. She was also cautious. It would not be easy. With a final check that everyone was ready, they warily began to approach the open doorway. Taking a deep breath, Avress passed under the archway.

Circular and empty, the room seemed strangely charged. Avress could feel rage, hate and desperation pouring off the walls in waves. As soon as they had entered the barrier had reformed, blocking any escape. It certainly wasn't a room she liked being trapped in. The appearance of a man from thin air was almost not unexpected. The man was pudgy and the lines of his face were lost in puppy fat. Only his eyes betrayed his benign appearance. His gray eyes were filled with a fanatic light that chilled Avress to the bone. The furtive glances he made about the room made Avress uneasy.

"You're... you're one of us. You're one of the Bhaalspawn. I'm Gavid but names don't matter in this place. You needn't worry about me. I'm dead. I'm a nobody. I grew up in a small farming village. I didn't even know what I was until they found me. But I knew I was different. You can hear the screams at night, can't you? You can feel the blood of the murdered, how it flows around you... It's not terrifying. It's inviting. It calls to you. And if you give into it, if you offer yourself up to it, everything becomes clear. One murdered, two, a thousand, it all becomes a part of you. I murdered three of the local girls until I was driven out. And then I went to the city. Murder was easier there, and I felt the call every night. You can taste life you know... and it is divine."

His words made Avress' skin tingle. As he spoke she could feel exactly what he spoke of. Memories of the nights she had spent sweating and tossing in her bed locked into dreams of blood and slaughter, clung and gibbered. Those dreams had been her sweetest temptation. They had been the sup the taint had thrived upon. The milk paleness of Imoen's face told Avress that she too felt the call of the dreams. Sarevok seemed frozen like a statue, his features tight with the effort to repress whatever emotions he was experiencing. Her other companions seemed somewhat disconcerted. With effort, Avress pushed aside the memories of dark craving. She was stronger than the taint. It might call, but she would not answer.

"But, you resist it, don't you?" Gavid continued, his voice amazed. "Why would you do that? I can feel you've murdered many and yet you resist all the good that only the Bhaalspawn can appreciate. Afterall... the only thing we need fear is retribution."

Gavid slumped as if struck dead and then vanished. Avress felt his words sink in and she nodded to her friends. Fluidly, the group readied themselves. Excitement pulsed in her veins as her companions drew their weapons. The feeling of danger rose to a climax, and kobolds appeared yipping from the three arches ahead of them. Keldorn neatly slipped in front of the spell casters, as did Minsc and Sarevok. Smoothly they moved forward to meet the creatures. The meaty sounds of death echoed through the room. The warriors were easily a match for the kobolds but waves of the beasts kept coming. Mixed with the kobolds were dopplegangers. These monsters were more difficult to deal with, but Avress was pleased to see they too were quickly cut down.

The urge to join in the struggle and send a fireball into the kobold's midst was strong but she resisted. Avress held up her hand to Imoen, to pause any forthcoming offensive spell. Kobolds would be the least of their worries. They would save their offensive magic for later. Viconia and Jaheira readied their weapons but did not move forward. The few creatures that made it past the warriors were quickly dispatched. The flaming arrows they loosed were of more concern. They hissed through the air, seeking flesh to pierce and burn. Avress and Imoen were kept busy avoiding the arrows as did Jaheira and Viconia who used their shields to protect themselves. The familiar patterns of battle made Avress smile. The wave of kobolds and dopplegangers abruptly ended, but before they could catch their breath the arches again spawned more creatures. This time Avress signaled for her small group to begin casting spells.

"Keldorn! Take the left!" Avress called out pointing to the left most arch.

Obeying her order, the three fighters backed away to guard that side. The men had barely moved out of range when Imoen's fireball hit. The gnolls and ogre mages howled as they were incinerated. More enemies were phased into being to replace them. Avress sent a fireball of her own into their ranks. Gesturing for Imoen to focus on that side, Avress turned where the warriors were battling. They were slaughtering with efficiency but had taken some hard hits. Anticipating her order, Viconia moved toward them.

"Avress! Sahuagin!" Jaheira warned.

"I've got them," Avress replied.

Lightning crackled from her fingertips and arched towards the advancing sahuagin and the ogre mages. Satisfaction blazed through her, as Avress watched the lightning branch off and consume all of the creatures. Magic missiles from both herself and Imoen, along with Jaheria's accurate work with her sling finished off the few that still stood. When the last sahuagin was killed, something far more sinister appeared.

Groups of three drow fighters appeared from the furthest portal and the one that Keldorn and the others guarded. Avress was more concerned with the priestesses that immerged from the other. In eerie silence, they advanced, eyes gleaming with battle lust. Chanting her spell, Avress focused on the closest female. In a wave of frost and piercing cold, her spell plowed through the drow ranks. One of the priestesses went down and the rest had their spells interrupted. Imoen's wilting spell was hit almost at the same time. Spell after spell was launched their way but they kept coming. Avress both hated and envied their resistance to magic.

Jaheira had given up her sling in exchange for her staff. It was the staff she had received from the Tree Of Life. She was fighting off three drow fighters but was struggling. The wounds she'd sustained killing the two before were slowing her down. At one point she had tried to cast an entangle spell to halt the oncoming drow but had been hit hard with three crossbow bolts. As many as they took down, still more poured form the arches. One of the priestesses had called down fire from the sky on Keldorn, but the powers of his sword saved him from the worst burns. Avress launched a wilting spell as quickly as she could in response, and watched several drow fall. To her left Keldorn and Minsc were fighting back to back. Sarevok was spattered with blood and plowing his way through the drow that massed two deep around him. It wouldn't take much for them to be overwhelmed.

"Cover me, Imoen!"

Frantically, Avress began chanting a spell. Her chanting increased with volume as she struggled to keep her concentration as a bolt form a crossbow barely missed her head. Earlier, she had been struck on her forearm and lost the spell she'd been casting. She could not afford to repeat the experience. Loosing the spell she was casting might cost lives. Imoen was doing her best to distract the drow but they weren't fooled. The spike of fear at how close death might really be, seemed to push the words out of her mouth. With an exhilarating flush of sorcery, the world lurched and became gray.

Around her, the bodies of friend and enemy alike were paused motionless. They were a violent tableau but not one Avress could stop to admire. Taking a deep breath, Avress began another spell. This was another wilting spell, which she focused on the drow fighters that were massed against Keldorn and his fellow warriors. Once she had released that spell, Avress felt slightly dizzy. She was pushing her magic into being with frantic haste. That always took a physical toll but yet at the same time it was ecstasy. Her whole body thrummed with magic and power. Unable to stop, she began a chain lightning spell. This she aimed at the drow Jaheira fought.

Two sets of magic missiles pelted the remaining priestesses but Avress wasn't sure how effective they would be. Her next spell summoned a hoard of creatures that would hopefully distract their enemies. While they were distracted, Avress hoped that Jaheira and Viconia could heal some of the damage the party had sustained. Her final spell wrapped her in ghostly armor. Just as that spell finished, color and motion flooded back into the world. Chaos erupted. Drow fell, their bodies disappearing.

Screams echoed in the room. Even as they died, yet more appeared. Avress felt waves of death and carnage wash over her in an intoxicating wave, boosting her strength. Drawing on burning rage and fury she pulled magic to her and bent it to her will. Within the tide of her wrath, everything was eerily calm. Spinning in her palm, a ball of fire and heat floated. Gracefully Avress stretched out her palm as if in offering. Obeying her unspoken will, the fireball flew across the room, expanding as it hit and incinerating the dark elves. The magical shockwave sent Avress to her knees. The calm that had enveloped her, shattered. Head ringing, she groped for her dagger as a lone fighter charged her. His black skin was mottled with red burns and hatred flashed from his eyes. Slowly, too slowly her dagger slid from its sheath. She'd be dead before she drew it. Before the drow's blade hit her neck, a sword parried it.

"Move out of the way, evil! Minsc is coming through!"

Avress had never been so glad to see the demented ranger. A few expert parries and a devastating blow later, and the circular room was bathed in silence. Taking the hand Minsc extended to her, Avress pulled herself up. Jaheira looked at her with badly masked surprise and unease. Tearing her eyes away from the druid and not brave enough to meet the eyes of her other friends, Avress instead scanned the room. For all the opponents they had killed, there were no bodies. Only blood stains suggested anything had been there at all. In the eerie quiet, Gavid appeared again.

"So you have survived the retribution. I didn't. But then, you know how to kill a lot better than I did. Strange thing is that the longer you survive, the more blood you have on your hands. And there's never an end to retribution."

Unable to stop her shivering, Avress focused on replacing her dagger. That last spell had been unexpected. The fireball had been far stronger than it had any right to be. She also realized that she knew how to get out of the pocket plane... and to return. The new information had somehow appeared in her mind after the fireball. It seemed she could now move back and forth from the Realms and the pocket plane at will. Not that she was capable of leaving for the moment. Exhaustion pressed down on her and she wearily motioned for her friends to follow her out of the room. Avress had no desire to spend more time in it.

"I think I know how to get us out of here but we need to rest first. I'm exhausted and many of us are wounded," Avress said as confidently as she could.

"What happened in there? That fireball... I've never seen anything like that," Imoen said enthusiastically. "Can you do it again?"

"I-I don't know what happened," Avress replied, her exhaustion pressing down on her.

"It has something to do with the taint, doesn't it?" Jaheira spoke tersely.

"Yes," Avress sighed.

"Such power...," Viconia murmured.

"You utilized the taint within you, much as you do when you turn into the Slayer. Only once did I ever do the same. My skills, for a time, became unstoppable. Welcome it, sister," Sarevok said, his voice infused with intensity.

"You have much to think upon, Avress. Perhaps we should leave that until later?" Keldorn suggested, interrupting before the others could press yet another question upon her.

Grateful for the paladin's diplomatic end to the conversation, Avress clumsily pulled out her sleeping roll and fell into it. She was asleep before she pulled her blankets over herself.

Imoen watched her sister's automatic movements. When Avress collapsed on the haphazardly spread out roll, Imoen sighed. The dreams she had experienced were nothing to what Avress had just done. What her sister had accomplished was amazing. As a mage, it was doubly intriguing. Imoen's magecraft was very different to her sister's inborn talent. She wasn't even sure she understood how Avress used her magic. With a mental shrug, Imoen pulled the blankets over Avress. There would be time for questions later.

"To fall asleep so quickly, that last spell must have drained her totally," Jaheira remarked.

"The battle was trying for us all," Keldorn added as Viconia reluctantly healed his wounds.

"Avress applied the fireball of justice. Is this not a good thing?" Minsc asked with his usual bluntness.

"Good in a way, perhaps. I for one wonder what repercussions it will have," Jaheira answered. "Avress has kept control over her heritage so far... but what of the future?"

"Simply because you are too cowardly to reach for true power-" Viconia mocked.

"This has nothing to do with my bravery or lack of it, drow! More the fool you that you can not see the danger," Jaheira snapped.

"Bah! You spout your words and call it wisdom. There is no power without risk. Avress is strong and she should use what is being offered," Viconia sneered.

"No more arguing!" Imoen broke in, before Jaheira could respond. "We are all tired and it doesn't matter what we think. I don't know about you but I've got a few spells to memorize and then my bedroll is calling."

Chagrined, the group said nothing more. In relative silence, the group set up camp once again. Wounds were tended, armor and weapons cleaned and a sparse meal of travel rations eaten. Imoen kept close to her sister. Studiously, she was ignoring Sarevok. As much as she trusted Avress' judgement, she could not put aside her distrust and dislike of their 'brother'. He would betray them at the first opportunity. Avress' pain at Gorion's death was blinding her to the very real danger that Sarevok presented. Not that he would get far if he did try to betray them. She alone was more than capable of killing him. Consoled by her thoughts of a flaming Sarevok, Imoen placed her roll next to Avress and stretched out. Once the task of memorizing her spells was completed, she once again studied the sleeping elf woman.

Growing up within the sheltering walls of Candlekeep, had given Imoen's childhood a surreal edge. The love and care she'd had from Winthrop and Gorion and the deep friendship she had with Avress, were what had kept her sane even in Irenicus' hands. As long has she remembered their love, then there had been hope. She had never given up the dream that she might rebuild such love and happiness with a family of her own. Desperately, she wanted Avress to be part of that family. Imoen had hoped it had been time to reclaim that happiness after Irenicus had been destroyed. It seemed that it would not be so.

If Imoen believed in anything, then it was in Avress. Avress had nearly torn up Amn in her mission to rescue her. That kind of determination couldn't be easily destroyed. Whatever might happen in the future, Imoen knew that Avress would triumph. Then they could start on making her dream a reality. Finding peace in her thoughts, Imoen wrapped herself in blankets and drifted off to sleep.

The sounds of muted conversation lulled Avress into wakefulness. Stretching her back, Avress pulled herself up into a sitting position. The tenderness of her head suggested that she'd successfully slept off a headache. Her Ring of Gaxx probably had something to do with that and it had taken care of her battle wounds. Shaking the last of her stiffness from her body, she made her way to the huddled group of bodies to her left. Minsc seemed to be preening over Boo who was being brushed by Imoen. The hamster was possibly the strangest companion an adventurer could have, but Avress had found herself grow affectionate towards the gold and white rodent. Who was Minsc without Boo, after all?

"Look at Boo shine! He'll have all the lady hamsters quivering on their dainty paws!"

"Are you sure he wouldn't want that ribbon? I think Boo would look very cute," Imoen asked with a fond smile.

"No, ribbon. Boo thinks it's a little girly," Minsc replied.

"Good morning, Minsc. You and Boo are looking very handsome. So are you Imoen," Avress said, as she sat next to ranger.

"You think so? Boo says we must look our best when planting our boot in the backside of evil. How are you this morning? Minsc was very worried for little Avress," the ranger responded, patting Avress awkwardly on the head.

"I'm fine, Minsc. I was just a little tired and you killed the drow before I was hurt," Avress replied, reassuring the ranger. "Now that we're rested, are we ready to go?"

"We're ready when you are. Does this mean you figured out how to get out of this place?" Imoen asked.

"When I cast that last fireball... I felt some kind of surge. When it was done, I just knew how to get out of here. I think I can return us if we need," Avress replied.

"Our very own corner of the Abyss. Just what we've always wanted," Imoen said giggled.

"I'm sure all the demons are jealous," Avress chuckled.

"Boo thinks it would be even better if the Abyss had clean woodshavings and hamster food," Minsc said sagely.

"I wouldn't mind some pancakes or eggs, myself," Imoen sighed.

"Something better than travel rations would be nice," Avress conceded. "Imoen, Minsc, did anyone on watch see anything while we rested?"

"See something? Why? Do you think there's something here with us?"

"I'm not sure. The night we first came here, I could almost feel something," Avress said "Now, it's stronger but I still don't know what it is."

"Hmm, Boo hasn't felt anything."

"I haven't noticed anything, either. You might ask Keldorn," Imoen answered.

"I'll go ask him."

Keldorn's ability to sense evil might just have picked up something she had missed. Whatever it was in the pocket plane, it wasn't dangerous but Avress was beginning to become frustrated with not knowing what it was. The paladin was carefully polishing the already perfectly polished Carsomyr with loving diligence. Seeing her approach, he sheathed the mighty sword and looked up at her expectantly.

"I've been feeling the presence of something in the area. I'm not sure what it is. Something tells me it's not dangerous but I was wondering if you could pick up something I can't," Avress said.

"Has anyone else noticed?" Keldorn asked.

"Only Sarevok has mentioned anything. I asked Imoen and Minsc but they haven't felt anything."

"Give me a few moments and I'll see what I can sense."

The paladin closed his eyes and his features relaxed. Avress knew he was focusing himself inward to reach a meditative state. It was a similar technique to that which Gorion had taught her. When her sorcery had first manifested, it was often triggered by strong emotions. To control it, Gorion had taught her to meditate and then to focus her will. It had taken a great deal of practice to learn the techniques perfectly, but she had done so. Avress had not been blind to how easily her unfocused powers could harm someone, if she had not learned to control them. After a few moments, Keldorn opened his eyes.

"I'm afraid that my efforts have been in vain. The natural energy of the Abyss is blocking my attempts to pinpoint anything," Keldorn said.

"Thank you, Keldorn. I suppose it will remain a mystery for the time being," Avress spoke.

"You said that both you and Sarevok felt it, but Imoen did not," Keldorn spoke, the question of why hanging between them.

"Yes," Avress replied cautiously.

"That is most strange when Imoen is a Child Of Bhaal, and yet Sarevok is not."

The unspoken meaning to Keldorn's words lingered heavy in the air. Avress found she could not hide her vexation. The old Paladin was far more cunning than he seemed. The quiet consideration in Keldorn's eyes, told her he knew exactly how cross she was feeling. It was also clear that he wouldn't quit until she answered his questions. For some reason, Avress felt somewhat uncomfortable talking about the bargain she had struck with Sarevok. Unconsciously, her eyes sought him out. He was a ways off and was staring up at the green sky, as if it held the answers to the all the mysteries of the Realms. No, she really didn't want to talk about it. Avress also didn't feel comfortable thinking about having accepted Sarevok into her group of companions. She cared even less about confronting the consequences of giving him part of her soul, which Keldorn was hinting at.

"How did you know Sarevok is no longer a Child Of Bhaal?" Avress finally asked.

"All the Children Of Bhaal have a particular shade to their aura. I believe that it is a manifestation of the taint. Sarevok does not have this shade. He has something else," Keldorn replied.

"Then what does he have?" Avress gritted out.

"I'd say he has part of your soul."

Jaw clenched, Avress pulled her gaze away from the paladin. Memories surfaced of when Irenicus had stolen her soul. Keldorn had spoken to her on the strange absence that marked the loss of her soul. He'd also seen the darkness that was the taint, strengthen in its place. It was only the taint that had kept her alive. She hated the taint and yet she owed it her life. Avress shook away her memories. She admitted to herself, that it had been foolish to think Keldorn wouldn't have noticed what she had done. Mutely, she looked at the paladin, trying to find the will to speak.

"It seems that I am right. How it was done, I do not know. What I do know, is that you have bound that man to you in ways I expect neither of you anticipated. This is no light matter... think on it, Avress," Keldorn spoke.

The beginnings of panic and accompany nausea pulled her to her feet. Avress quickly retreated to the privacy of the shadows. Away from Keldorn and his perceptiveness, she forced her heart to stop its racing. Keldorn was right and there was no refusing the truth of his words. Against her better judgement she had given Sarevok part of her soul. Why couldn't that be the end of it! The idea of being bound to him was repulsive to her. It sent frissions of anxiety worming their way through her. She didn't want to think further on the matter. It was too fresh. Just as she had calmed down, a hollow popping sounded behind her. Whirling, Avress brought her wand up to bear.

"Err... hello?"

"What are you?" Avress growled out.

Cringing at the sound of her voice, the creature seemed more pitiful than anything. Mottled green and brown, it blended well into the surroundings, but Avress had a suspicion that it was more than camouflage that had kept it from her sight. The pocket plane had more than a few mysteries yet unrevealed. The creature was demonic in origin. It seemed to be an imp, but Avress was rather perplexed by its behavior. Even lowly demons like imps usually had a belligerent personality. This creature seemed most eager to please.

"No hurt! Please, am friend! I am the little butler for the great Bhaal, oh yes. Or I was... it has been very lonely for me. No more master to serve for a very long time. Until now that is," the small creature babbled.

"You're a 'butler'? What is it exactly that you do?" Avress questioned carefully, not wanting to be tricked.

"Ohhh, I does clean things. I goes and collects the little things that finds their ways into the Abyss. And when my mistress requests, I uses the recipes to make the shiny ones for her, oh yes!"

"The 'shiny ones'?" Avress prompted.

"Yes, oh yes! Call on me you may. Use my recipes for you, I will. Make the shiny ones. Have not done this for some time," the creature said regretfully, and then its homely features broke out into an expression of utter adoration. "Cespenar gladly serve the great one! Cespenar make good butler, oh yes! I have many recipes! Would you like me to make you shiny ones?"

"Ahh, no not right now. Are you what I felt earlier?"

"Yes, but Cespenar wasn't allowed to come out before. Now you is master, Cespenar serves. I be your butler, yes?"

The hopeful look made Avress fee a twinge of pity for the creature. Avress had a strong feeling that Cespenar was telling the truth. Therefore, he probably wasn't that dangerous. Having been the 'butler' for Bhaal, Avress wasn't sure if she trusted it. Refusing, however, would crush the poor thing. Its big sulfur eyes were looking at her with watery sincerity. Swearing to herself, Avress knew she couldn't say no. It was kind of pathetically cute.

"Yes, you may be my butler," Avress sighed.

"Ohh! Happy, am I! Cespenar is butler to Avress!"

"Why don't you go along and do your duties? I'll call for you if I need you to make me 'shiny ones'," Avress offered, a little unsure.

"Pretty mistress not want food? Can steal real good roast pig from fancy inn," Cespenar offered.

Remembering Imoen's earlier wish, Avress smiled. It seemed that having her own corner of the Abyss was better than she'd originally thought. Cespenar seemed very willing to fulfil any request she made, and her friends would appreciate hot food. Avress had a feeling that trouble would be waiting for them in Saradush. Destiny was rarely gentle. It would be wise to enjoy the relative calm and good food while they could. With a pang, Avress remembered the peaceful elven city. Demonic butlers and pocket planes might be considered exciting, but they really didn't match up to magical hot tubs and delicate elven foods. It seemed she would have to make due. Stealing the food, however, wasn't an option.

"Why don't you find breakfast for all of us, but use these coins to pay for whatever you take," Avress finally requested and handed the imp several gold coins.

"Pay? Very well, mistress," the imp sighed regretfully and vanished.

Chuckling a little at the imp's horrified expression at the idea of paying, Avress wandered back to her companions. She wondered what they'd think of their Abyssal delivery service.

Part 4

In the end, it was Cespenar's offerings of exotic delicacies that warmed the group's heart. The hungry adventurers laid siege to the many plates, and managed to demolish a remarkable variety of dishes. Some of the foods Avress couldn't place. Either the ingredients were strange, or the flavors were different to anything she'd experienced before. There were several platters of fruit and cheese that she surmised to belong to another plane. She'd certainly had never seen or heard of a blue fruit with waving tentacles that tasted like a cross between an apple and raspberry. The red cheese Avress had enjoyed was both sharp and creamy. She had also indulged in several favorite dishes and Imoen had enjoyed her longed for pancakes. The others similarly wolfed down their selections.

On full stomachs, they assembled at the arch between the fate spirits. Within the arch was a stomach turning darkness. If Avress looked at it long enough, the darkness almost twitched and writhed. Swallowing her discomfort, Avress advanced. The strange knowledge of what to do guided her as she pressed a hand onto the arch. Just has her hand rested on the stone, something reached out into her mind. Worming and burrowing, it sifted through her mind and tunneled through her thoughts. Instinctive terror demanded she pull away but before she could, light enveloped them.

Acrid smoke mixed with the sickly sweet scent of decay, pummeled her senses. Her eyes watered and stung in anticipation. Harshly, the sounds of battle grated in her ears. The cloying embrace of death encased the city. The faintness brought upon by the inter-dimensional hop receded, and Avress finally forced herself to focus. Saradush was in siege.

"The general is too busy to meet with the likes of these commoners. Move along and no one gets hurt!" growled a human soldier.

"These people represent the concerns of the entire town. Please, good soldiers, hear their case," a woman in mage's robes spoke persuasively.

"Our food is almost gone, our children cry out in hunger! Your master must hear out pleas," a portly woman in peasant garb, cried out.

The peasant's voice rang out clearly and resonated with the truth. Tension mounted as the others among the group of peasants cried out their agreement with the woman who had spoken out. Avress shot a look towards her companions, as she summed up their situation. They had not yet been noticed, mixed into the crowd as they were, but they would be soon. Pulling back was not an option. If they did, then they would draw attention to their presence. Hopefully, the argument between the towns people and the soldiers would be solved peacefully. The soldiers, however, seemed both arrogant and all too happy to bully the assembled peasants.

"The plight of peasants is not Grominir Il-Khan's concern. Stand aside townsfolk!" the same soldier barked.

"If you know what's good for you, you'll head back to your homes," a burly orc spoke.

"The army outside the city will surely kill us all! Your master cannot just turn his back on us!" a male peasant argued.

"Clear the gates! You'll not get another warning!" the orc snarled.

"Threats are not the answer here. Everyone stay calm and we can together reach a solution," a frantic female voice persuaded.

Something about the mage woman's words rang false. The advice was sound and her tone was reasonable, but Avress felt a chill rise up her spine. There was something about her that was just too reasonable and too benevolent about her. Clearly, the peasants were desperate. Avress did not blame them for confronting the soldiers. Yet, the whole situation felt contrived. In her travels, Avress had honed her instincts in detecting deception. There were times when she had been fooled. Most prominently among those that had deceived her had been Yoshimo, but that betrayal and others had only refined her perception. Here there was something most wrong.

"Our orders are clear! More along!"

"No one do anything rash. Perhaps if we return later when it is more convenient for Gromnir Il-Khan to see us..." the mage woman suggested.

"No, Melissan! We will not be bullied! We will remain here until they take us to see Gromnir!" the peasant woman refused.

"There is no reasoning with you! You only understand the edge of a sword," the human soldier spat.

"No! Put down your weapons! This is not necessary!" Melissan cried frantically.

With cries of fear, the townspeople reeled back. The soldiers still advanced with weapons drawn. The woman called Melissan moved off to one side, but strangely did not flee. Instead she disappeared into a portal of some kind. Scattering as quickly as they could, the peasants left Avress and her friends exposed. The reaction of the soldiers was immediate.

"Intruders! Spies!" the human soldier cried, noticing the party.

"Slay the intruders! Attack!" the orc yelled.

The six soldiers advanced in a well disciplined group. Without pause, Sarevok and Keldorn moved forward. They faced four of the soldiers that worked to engage them, while two others broke off. Minsc blocked the two that tried to move in to attack Imoen. Sharp and strident, the sound of steel clashing rang out to mix with the already deafening sounds of battle. Avress felt a rush of adrenaline, and used it to propel a set of magic missiles into one of the soldiers. Beside her, Imoen took the opportunity to back stab one of the soldiers unfortunate enough to present his back to her.

Compared to the challenge they had so recently faced, the soldiers were only a momentary diversion. Quickly, Minsc cut down his remaining soldier and launched himself at the others. Although they were neither unskilled nor uncoordinated, they fell with remarkable swiftness. Apart from two sets of magic missiles, Avress had not bothered wasting her energy on the soldiers, as Jaheira and Viconia had used their slings with good efficiency. Soon the soldiers were dead.

The sizzle of a portal opening, made Avress grab at her wand. When the portal resolved to reveal the form of Melissan, she didn't ease up. Likewise, her friends were less than eager to loose their grip on their weapons. The woman seemed a little startled to find herself the object of such distrust and quickly raised her hands. This action sent a twinge of dislike crawling up Avress' backbone. To take such an immediate aversion to the woman might have been odd in any other circumstance. When the woman was standing in the middle of six bloody corpses and not even wincing, distrust seemed warranted.

"Greetings, Avress. I am Melissan- a friend. Welcome to Saradush. I regret your first encounter was... bloody."

"I fear this is the least of the blood spilled in Saradush. How is it that you know my name?" Avress asked distrustfully.

"I have watched the events of your life quite closely, Avress, as I do with all the progeny of the Lord Of Murder. I have seen many of your kin slain over these past months," Melissan explained.

"Why are Bhaal's children of such interest? Many would rather forget we even exist, and more would see us dead."

"You might consider me a... guardian, for lack of a better term. I know the prophecies of Alaundo, I know some feel they allude to the return of Bhaal to the realms. By taking an interest in Bhaal's offspring I hope to prevent that from happening."

Avress' sense of unease multiplied hearing Melissan's response. The veracity of her words was indisputable. Something deep inside felt the truth of them. It was, however, not comforting. There was more to it than what Melissan had said. Avress was certain of that. What the woman hadn't revealed, she couldn't guess. As always, secrets grated on her nerves. There had been far too many things kept hidden from her in her short life. Pressing for details would not be wise, no matter how much she wanted to know the full truth. The tightness around Melissan's eyes suggested that she had a core of will, although it was well hidden beneath diplomacy and graciousness. Avress felt it was singularly unlikely, that Melissan could be pushed into telling the whole story. Hopefully, the details would reveal themselves.

"So, you too are meddling in the fate of Bhaal's children. Some would call that a very odd hobby," Avress replied with a wry tone.

"Perhaps... but in times such as these, I find it most necessary. I do not know how you came to be here, Avress. I fear you are now trapped here like the rest of us," Melissan continued.

"Trapped? How?" Imoen piped up in a frantic tone.

"There is little escape from a besieged town. Beyond the walls of Saradush awaits the army of Yaga Shura. They have laid siege to this town, seeking the death of all those that share your tainted blood. In addition to the army surrounding us, dark magic prevents us from even sending a message beyond the walls."

The cleverness of the trap was distressing. So many Bhaalspawn, and no chance of escape. It was plain to see that it was only a matter of time before the city fell. A blood bath would quickly follow. It was doubtful that Yaga Shura would care to discriminate between Bhaalspawn and the simple townsfolk. Avress felt sickened. She would suggest an evacuation through her pocket plane, but she had a feeling that until her business was done in Saradush, it would lead no where but the besieged city. Avress was also reluctant to reveal her new found ability to the human woman.

"Is there no hope of stopping this slaughter?" Avress asked.

"First, we must deal with this General Gromnir. Gromnir is also a Child Of Bhaal and was once a powerful general. I brought him and his loyal men to protect Saradush and the Bhaal Spawn gathered here seeking sanctuary. But Gromnir is mad! He has barricaded himself in the throne room and his troops run amok in the town."

"And one cannot hope to win against the enemy outside, without eliminating the enemy from within," Avress replied in understanding, and thanking Gorion for drilling her in basics of tactics.

"Yes. You are correct," Melissan admitted reluctantly. "The havoc in the town makes it almost impossible for the milita to man the walls. Their resources are split. We must defeat the enemy within, as you said, before we can end the siege. Find a way inside to Gromnir. Perhaps you can reason with him, but I fear he is beyond reason. You might have to kill the general to give Saradush a hope of survival."

"Those are not welcoming odds of survival, even if Gromnir is no longer a hindrance. Still, they are better odds than leaving matters as they are. I will do ask you ask," Avress replied reluctantly.

"I might be hard to find as I spend hours doing what I can to help the people. Ask what questions you might have," Melissan replied imperiously.

"I need to know more about Yaga Shura. He is our ultimate enemy," Avress responded with a frown.

"Yaga Shura is a Bhaalspawn, Avress. Perhaps as powerful as you... He and his army will not rest until all Bhaalspawn in the city are dead."

"If he is a Bhaalspawn himself, why is Yaga Shura so intent on killing other Bhaalspawn?"

"Until you prove yourself there are some secrets I must keep to guarantee the safety of the people I have sworn to protect."

Her response was as slippery as any Avress had heard. A dozen questions and retorts passed through her mind. Using any of them would be foolish. The reasons Melissan had supplied for her evasion, were not easily set aside. Careful consideration was needed before she confronted Melissan. If her distrust was unwarranted, it could do a great deal of damage. Saradush could not afford to loose any of its protectors.

"Very well. How long do we have until the walls are breached?"

"The siege could last a few days or a few months. Act quickly and may the future shine on your mission," Melissan replied and disappeared into another portal.

Avress was left feeling very unsatisfied. The woman had wisely made her retreat. With her gone, there was little chance of asking further questions. Glancing about the city, Avress shivered. The damage the siege had done was painfully clear. Many buildings were burnt out husks. Others endured despite the obvious signs of damage. Everywhere she looked, grime and soot was generously smeared over the walls and roofs. Despair and futility hung like wraiths in every doorway.

In all of her travels, Avress had never encountered all out war. She had seen many battles but none as indiscriminant and protracted as this. Her elven nature was sickened... and yet her taint was thrilled. Murder was committed every other minute in a war. There was a rawness in the air. The sounds of battle were a seductive primal thrum. Avress let herself feel it. It skillfully teased out her darkest desires and hidden longings. Slowly, her body rocked in time to its lullaby. Flesh singing, Avress opened her eyes. Knowing and mocking, a dark gaze met hers. The shock of the understanding in Sarevok's eyes pulled Avress out of her half-trance.

Hurriedly, Avress averted her gaze. With mounting concern, Avress looked towards her friends. Tymora's good graces were with her, as her friends had not noticed her reaction. They were busy looking over the corpses of the guards. How easily the taint had taken control, chilled Avress. Only once before had it so easily overridden her will. That was when Irenicus had taken her soul and she had first transformed into the Slayer. This was so very similar and yet so different to that experience. As the Slayer she had raged, hated and devoured. What she had experienced was not hatred. Never before had Avress felt how sweet murder could be. It had come to her with a lover's deft caress. That Sarevok had noticed her slip and worse, understood, made Avress shudder with horror.

Since leaving Suldanesselar, Avress felt as if the fates were conspiring to pull and twist her taint into greater being. First the Solar with its mysterious and confusing words, then the challenge and now Saradush. Each in its own way had served to enhance the taint's potency. She was yet scrabbling to control the its strengthened presence. Was this why the Solar had all but gift wrapped Saravok? Was he to be her reminder of what she would loose if she gave into the taint? A double-edged gift, indeed. Avress resented how she was being toyed with.

"We need to get moving," Avress called out to her friends. "We need to find out more about what is going on. I also dislike not knowing when the city's defenses will fail."

"It might be wise to find the person in charge of the city's defenses," Keldorn suggested.

"Maybe we should split up? If there's an inn, then maybe the innkeeper could tell us more," Imoen added.

"You're both right," Avress agreed. "Keldorn, why don't you take Sarevok and Jaheria to find out more about the city's defenses? You know more about defending a city that I do. Imoen can go with Minsc to find the inn. The rest of us can talk to some of the townsfolk."

"You might wish to reconsider, Avress. It is conceivable that Sarevok might be recognized. That might provoke a less than hospitable reaction in the city's protectors," Keldorn replied diplomatically.

"I would not be opposed to his company," Viconia said wickedly.

"Then Sarevok will come with us," Avress bit out. "Imoen?"

"Hey, everything's fine with me, Avress," Imoen chortled.

Avress was quietly gritting her teeth. She had been looking forward to some time without the hulking presence of Sarevok. Desperately, she wished to escape for a time and gather her thoughts. His knowing glances and smug satisfaction made Avress want to bolt. It was as if he was silently taunting her, playing on her fears, hinting that deep down she was really no better than he was. Just one mistake and she would slip and become the taint ridden thing he had been. Frustrated, she heaved a sigh.

Arguing would have gotten her nowhere. Keldorn was right that the city militia would be less than welcoming if they appeared with Sarevok. For the same reason, Avress had kept Viconia away from the inn. Few people spoke freely around a drow. Outside she could pull the cowl of her robe about her to disguise her distinctive skin and hair. Inside an inn, remaining covered would only attract attention. Sarevok was another matter. A surly seven-foot warrior in plate mail was difficult to disguise.

Hoping for the best, Avress watched as the two groups broke away.

The directions from one of the soldiers manning the walls, sent Keldorn and Jaheira backtracking. Having seen the forces arrayed about the city, Keldorn was less optimistic than he had been. The giants and other troops knew their business. Possibly Yaga Shura was the source of their expertise. From the accounts of the militia soldiers, he had appeared to direct his forces on the battle field many a time. Not that there had been direct confrontation after the first few days. After a few abortive attacks by the militia, it had become clear they could not hope to hold the city and attack openly. Thus, the city and settled down to the slower but inevitable defeat that followed a protracted siege. The enemy forces had surrounded the city and were keeping up a barrage of fire. It was simply a matter of time before the city fell.

As well as studying the city's defences, he and Jaheira had spent some time talking to the soldiers manning the walls. They had been most vocal about their dislike from Gromnir. The mutual dislike fostered between the two forces seemed to be the point of conflict when off duty. Having spent time leading forces of his own, Keldorn was concerned. Even if Gromnir was forced to see sense, the two groups probably would not fight together effectively.

Thoughts of the battle they were involved in, only seemed to veneer the other thoughts that troubled him. Keldorn had seen much in his life with the Order. Good, evil and every shade between had played some part in his life. None of those previous experiences seemed to help him with his current concerns. He respected Avress' resolve and ability to shape her own destiny, despite the evil of her sire. Whether her strengths were enough to carry her thought these dark times, he wasn't sure. Keldorn was also concerned with how he would plot his own course.

"Keldorn? You look pensive. Are you well?" Jaheira asked.

"I am well enough, Jaheira, though our circumstances give me reason to pause. The city's defenses should rightly be my first concern, but I cannot help but dwell on... other matters."

"Hmm, it seems that our circumstances encourage such contemplation. I have been thinking as well. It is increasingly hard to draw a line in the ground and say 'this side represents balance, this other side does not'," Jaheira sighed.

"Balance? Would that balance was the most of our worries," Keldorn responded with frustration mixed with amusement.

"Ah, having trouble with the black and white aspects?"

"That would be an understatement. I am quite certain of what evil lies ahead, but I am finding problems with identifying the 'good' path around it," Keldorn admitted.

"I'm not sure what to say," Jaheria spoke, laying her hand on the paladin's arm. "We do what we can when the opportunity presents itself."

"That would be all that can be asked. Torm guide us... we need his wisdom."

"And Silvanus too. I assume you are most worried about Avress?" Jaheira questioned.

"You are perceptive, my friend. Her choices will shape the future of the Realms," Keldorn replied, heavily. "While I will follow her, I question some of her choices."

"You speak of that abomination!" Jaheira snarled. "Better to have left his soul to be picked over by demons, as he deserves!"

"Such harsh words... What is it-"

"What is it!" Jeheira interrupted. "The least of that abomination's crimes is the murder of Gorion. That we have direct evidence of, but he is suspected for the murder of four other Harpers. All of them were my friends. Not to mention the other atrocities for which he is ultimately responsible. For Avress to return him? Let him loose to commit more evil? It spits in the eye of balance! I will never understand."

"Those are most terrible crimes, and yet...," Keldorn replied.

"And yet what?" Jaheira grumbled.

"You know that a Paladin can read the hearts of men. We can learn whether what motivates them is a striving for good or ill. This is an ability that I admit that I used on Sarevok when Avress first introduced him. What I saw was a man in a state of flux. He clings to his old ways and yet he doubts," Keldorn explained.

"I will not doubt your abilities, but I do doubt that he will ever change," Jaheira ended the conversation.

Seeing that the druid's mind was made up, Keldorn decided to let the conversation go. He also did not mention what he had seen in Avress. Frankly, it bothered him. Sarevok reeked of necromancy and he wondered what a tie connecting the two siblings would do. Keldorn wondered if Avress had taken his warning to heart. He was fond of the young elf girl, but was concerned with how she was trying to avoid many of her pressing affairs. It would be best for all concerned, if she understood more about what had happened before Sarevok realized. Keldorn did not expect large man to react well. Further introspection was cut off as they reached the doorway to the militia head quarters. They entered into what seemed to be some kind of legal proceeding.

"Countess Santele, I know this is difficult for you. But you have you make a positive identification," a man wearing the rank of captain spoke.

"Yes. He is the one... Mateo. He is the... traitor."

"No, the countess must be mad with grief! There must be soem mistake!" a man in chains cried.

"Are you certain, Countess? There is no mistake?" the captain asked.

"I am certain. Before my beloved son Ardic... disappeared, he told me he had witnessed... Mateo... opening the gate," the countess said with much difficulty.

"There. Surely you now see, my over zealous Captain Samand, that your egregious accusations have needlessly vilified my impeccable character," a merchant spoke.

"Why are you doing this, Countess? I am Ardic's friend! Your son and I grew up together!" the chained man pleaded.

"Captain, I stringently demand you incarcerate this heinous felon immediately!" the merchant barked.

Keldorn found himself frowning. He did not need to invoke his god given abilities to feel the less than scrupulous character of the merchant. It seemed that Jaheira had a similar opinion, by the way she fiddled with her staff. Clearly, the hot tempered half-elf was itching to give him a good thumping. Drawing on the patience he had spent many years developing, Keldorn forced himself to listen to the captain's response.

"You make no demands of me, Kiser Jhaeri! I fulfil my duties as I see fit! Men, take Mateo away. And escort the Countess to her quarters," the captain said.

"Yes, please... take me away from this place," the countess said, close to tears.

"Well, Captain? Am I free to go now? Is this travesty of justice, this witch hunt, this... this fiasco finally at an end?" Kiser sneered.

"You are free, Kiser, get out of my sight- I'm is no mood to see your unscrupulous face, right now," the Captain growled.

"I suppose such abuse is the best approximation of an apology I can expect from uncouth cretins such as yourself, Captain Samand!"

Once Kiser Jhaeri had left the building, the captain fixed his gaze upon the paladin and druid. The captain's bushy eyebrows met in a scrutinizing glare. It was not overly hostile, but Keldorn could feel the man taking their measure. Such looks were not uncommon when spending time with a Bhaalspawn. Most people tended to be suspicious of anyone, even a paladin, that stood side by side with a Bhaalspawn. Captain Samand's careful assessment raised Keldorn's opinion of him. It was only right that he be worried about their presence. Keldorn did wondered how the captain knew of his two companions.

"You must be the ones Melissan told me about. Are there not more of you?"

"There are more of us, but they are securing lodgings within the city. I am Keldorn, a paladin with the Order Of The Most Radiant Heart. This worthy lady is Jaheira, a druid of Silvanus," Keldorn explained.

"I am Captain Samand. Melissan said that you have two Bhaalspawn among your company... They seem strange companions for a paladin," Samand accused.

"Perhaps it might seem so but both Avress and Imoen are law abiding and honorable. It has been my privilege to stand by them," Keldorn replied sharply.

"Forgive me, Sir Paladin. I simply desired to measure the risk to my city. With that said, I fear I have no time for civilities," the captain spoke plainly, having accepted Keldorn's word.

"That is what we have come to speak to you about. We wish to know how the city fairs in its defense, but first, what was the matter we happened to interrupt?" Keldorn asked.

"Oh... that was a most unpleasant matter. A few days ago, someone opened a secret gate into town- Saradush could have been easily overrun. I am certain you understand the seriousness of such an act. We just found that the traitor was a young man named Mateo."

"It seems that you are not convinced," Jaheria added.

"There is no doubt in my mind that someone betrayed us, lady druid. The enemy came through a small sewer outlet that was protected by both a locked iron grate and several powerful magical wards. There is no way to open the gates from the outside. Mateo is a faithful soldier, not the type to betray Saradush," the captain explained.

"If your judgment is sound, then is it possible that this young man was not the one that betrayed the city?" Jaheira questioned.

"An alarm was raised, and my soldiers arrived only a few minutes after the gate was opened. We found but three people in the area: Mateo, Ardic Santele and the merchant Kieser Jhaeri."

"A limited number of suspects," Keldorn commented.

"When we began our investigation, I strongly suspected Kiser. He's a greedy, self-serving weasel who would sell his own mother if the price was right. He seemed the most likely suspect."

"What was it that changed your mind?" Jaheira replied.

"We did get a chance to complete our investigation. Ardic disappeared. He was our primary witness," the captain said and sighed deeply.

"And was this not suspicious? Did you not consider that Ardic was the culprit?" Jaheria barked.

"You do not know the boy. No, not Ardic... Someone who didn't know better might think Ardic was taking revenge for Gromnir's banishment of his father. But the Count was a nothing but a cruel, violent bastard... forgive my language, lady. Gromnir did Ardic and the Countess a favor and Ardic bears the city no ill will."

"Hmm, perhaps you are right, but what of his disappearance? He was, after all, the primary witness in a case of treason," Jaheria conceded.

"His disappearance wasn't all that suspicious. Ardic was taking his regular shift on the battlements when he disappeared. He wouldn't be the first taken by an arrow or spell. Or Mateo simply might have murdered him," the captain elaborated.

Jaheira shivered. She knew only too well what destruction a single mage could wreck. Having seen what both Imoen and Avress were capable of had given her even more respect for mages. It was entirely plausible that a mage had disintegrated Ardic or he had toppled from the wall. It just seemed rather convenient. Jaheria could knew that Keldorn was having similar thoughts.

"Then what has shifted your suspicious to Mateo?" Keldorn interrupted.

"Our attention was on Kiser but we had no proof. Then the Countess told us that Ardic, her son, had implicated Mateo before he disappeared."

"Are you sure that this woman is speaking the truth?" Jaheira asked.

"If you knew the Countess, you would know her word is beyond reproach. She has nothing to gain from a lie- Mateo was Ardic's closest friend. Accusing him was traumatic for her," the captain explained and then looked down to the floorboards. "Still, I have to admit this does not sit well in my gullet. I was certain that Kieser Jhaeri was the guilty party."

"Will you not investigate further?" Keldorn prompted.

"I fear that I do not have the time or resources to do so. Mateo will not be executed until after the siege. I hope that I will have the opportunity to investigate further once it is over," Samand replied.

Jaheira watched Keldorn carefully. It was clear that he wished to offer his services. The possible miscarriage of justice that they were witness to, bothered her sense of balance. She too wished to act. The story that the captain had painted was filled with far too many unanswered questions. Jaheira did not think that Avress would object to help the captain investigate. If Mateo wasn't the guilty party, then it was possible that the gate would be opened a second time. The militia could not afford another breach.

"Perhaps, we might be able to help," Jaheira spoke up.

"That is if the rest of our group agrees," Keldorn supplied.

"Any help would be appreciated. I will give you access to Mateo and perhaps the Countess would be willing to speak to you. I do ask that you are diplomatic in your investigations. I would prefer that the Countess is not antagonized. Nor do I care to have Kiser filling my ears with his long-winded complaints. Now, you mentioned other questions regarding the defense of the city?" Samand replied.

Quickly, Keldorn wrapped up their business with the captain. Samand was very willing to explain the defense of the city to someone who might be able to offer advice. Keldorn was pleased to find that the captain was doing far better than most. He had very little guidance to offer. The city was encircled by a magically enhanced high wall. It would be very difficult to breach it but even if the army didn't crush it, it was simply a matter of time. Starvation and further pummeling from enemy catapults would break the city's defense. There was also the risk of pestilence. The number of dead was steadily increasing and there was no place to bury them and too little fuel to burn them.

Even so, the captain was hopeful. According to the captain, if nothing changed, the city could survive three more months. At the end of those months, Samand hoped that neighboring cities would notice the lack of travel on the trade routs and send help. Keldorn was not as certain that help would come. Few would care to defend a city full of Bhaalspawn. Keldorn was relieved to hear that the city could stand for some time yet. Hopefully that would give them time to both deal with Gromnir and Yaga Shura. As he and Jaheira exited the militia head quarters, Keldorn sent a prayer of thanks to Torm.

Part 5

Suspicious glares and wary contemplation were all they received from the townsfolk. The few people that Avress had attempted to speak to, simply hurried away or blistered her ears with fiery condemnation of Gromnir or Bhaalspawn. Avress was finding that her own temper, encouraged by the war churning around her, was beginning to fray. Encountering a group of humans and dwarves that had nearly come to blows, set her to grinding her teeth. The sheer stupidity of their argument had moved her to intervene. Quickly they had backed down, recognizing her taint. That left Avress all the more cross and a little humiliated that her taint was broadcasting itself.

Usually, it took a close inspection by a mage or cleric for her taint to be noticed. Learning to hide her taint was something Jaheira and Khalid had been adamant about. They had given her extensive lessons on how to hide the tell-tale aura from casual notice. Given that the Children of Bhaal were openly hunted, Avress usually took pains to repress and shield the taint. Her efforts had been mostly successful. One exception to her usually strict control, had been after Irenicus had taken her soul. Requiring restorative aid after finally killing Bodhi, they had walked into a temple and had half a dozen clerics reaching for their maces. It seemed being in a foul temper and in the middle of a war, amounted to another situation where her control lapsed.

Having nearly completed their circuit of the town, Avress was looking forward to going to the inn. She strongly desired some measure of privacy and quiet. As they rounded the final bend, her temper finally snapped. A group of five elves were huddled against a building. Soldiers in soiled uniforms and projecting a lazy malice moved towards the elves. The elven women were pale with fright as the soldiers snarled their taunts and innuendoes. Face wiped of emotion, and eyes filled with icy contempt, Avress moved to block the soldier's path. Her ears were ringing with rage and her fingers pricked to send a fireball into the soldier's midst. The leader of the small group of solders seemed more amused than threatened at her advance. Avress thought him remarkably stupid.

"You got some business with us, little girl? If you don't push off, we'll be happy to do business with you just as soon as we finish up here. Maybe when we're done, we'll even introduce you to a couple of friends," the human soldier gibed, raking his eyes over her figure.

"Leave the elves alone," Avress spoke, her head filled with cold calculating rage. "You do not wish to do business with them or me."

"A piece of advice, unless you got a few more like him, you shouldn't press your luck," the soldier sneered, pointing to Sarevok. "Now you just got yourself into a whole heap of trouble."

"Again, leave the elves alone. Back off or feel the wrath of a Child of Bhaal," Avress said in a reasonable tone.

The change in the soldiers was immediate. The leader paled and pulled away. Bubbling and whirling about her, the taint spilled out of her control in a skin prickling wave. Avress watched as the soldiers shuddered. What they had been about to do sickened her. Gromnir's soldiers seemed to be guilty of everything Melissan had hinted at. For better effect, Avress let her lips turn up in a feral smile. If they hadn't backed down, she wouldn't have regretted it.

"A Bhaalspawn! How could we know there were elf Bhaalspawn? Look, we were just having some fun. We don't want no trouble. We'll leave the pointy ears alone!"

"Leave," Avress barked out.

With remarkable speed, the soldiers left. Turning around, Avress was pleased to note that the elves hadn't slipped away. She had half expected them to. That they had stayed, melted away some of her rage. To her surprise, the elves were gold elves. They seemed almost absurdly glad to see another elf, even though she was a Bhaalspawn. That they were so pleased to see her made Avress realize how desperate their situation was. With a quick glance towards Viconia to make sure she was covered, Avress made a decision. Gold elves were not commonly seen in human settlements and her curiosity was piqued. Thankful for the tutoring Ellesime had given her, Avress bowed a greeting and one of the males moved forward to return the bow. The traditional words of welcome were slightly hesitant, but Avress returned them warmly.

"I am Tharindil of Evermeet. Thank you for saving us from those bullies. We are in your debt but I fear there is little we can offer but our thanks," the elven man spoke

"I am Avress of Candlekeep, and I am honored to have been of service."

"Again you have our thanks. The soldiers are not easily dissuaded and we would not have been able to stand against them. I fear, however, that having nowhere to stay, we shall soon afoul of them again," Tharindil replied, uneasily.

Having learnt more of elven customs and etiquette, Avress understood the elf's discomfort. He technically owed her a debt of gratitude and could not repay it and yet he had to ask yet another favor. Tharindil had phrased the request such that she could ignore it, if she chose. Avress couldn't. The disheveled garments and the lines on the elves' faces spoke of long, fear filled nights. What puzzled her was why the elves were without shelter. Wouldn't someone have taken them in? Elves were generous to those who offered them hospitality. Even if they could not pay immediately, they would go to great lengths to repay their debt. In most circumstances, asking what had brought the gold elves so low, would be against elven etiquette, but with Tharindil in her debt, Avress could press for an answer.

"Might I ask how is was that you were forced onto the streets?" Avress questioned.

"We were with travelling with a trading caravan to organize trade on behalf of Evermeet. The caravan was stranded within the city when war broke out. The innkeeper turned us away in fear our wives would attract the attention of the soldiers. What money we had, has been spent on food. No one dares offer us hospitality."

"With your permission, may I make inquiries for lodgings on your behalf?" Avress asked.

Relief passed over the elves' faces. The gold elves were the most formal and traditional of all elves. Their pride was the only thing that kept them standing, but they had still not requested her aid directly. They simply could not do so without betraying everything they believed in. Avress respected their resolve but could not understand why they would follow tradition to their possible deaths.

"It would be most welcome," Tharindil spoke.

Making the traditional goodbyes, Avress left with her two companions after requesting the elves wait. Mentally she turned over the ways to resolve the elves' dilemma. Although Avress had said nothing to the elves, she wasn't sure finding them lodgings would be easy. The people of the town were too cowed by the soldiers, to offer hospitality and the innkeeper had already made clear his opinion. Avress wouldn't be adverse to forcing the innkeeper to take the elves if she must, but she would prefer not to. Such tactics left a bad taste in her mouth and might backfire if she was not there to insure the safety of the elves.

"Is it not wise to promise aid you cannot guarantee, sister," Sarevok spoke, breaking into her thoughts.

"I did not request you opinion on the matter," Avress replied in a clipped tone, angry both that he aired her own doubts and openly challenged her.

"Then you are more of a fool than I thought," Sarevok snarled.

"I asked you if you would obey my leadership and you said that you would," Avress snapped.

"I promised to obey, but I did not agree to follow blindly or silently. Do you truly expect one of these rabble to take the elves in?" Sarevok retorted gesturing to a passing peasant.

"No, I do not. If there is no one in town willing to take them in, then I will take them to the pocket plane. Better that than linger on the streets," Avress finished.

"I almost hope that you do take them to the abyss, Avress. I wouldn't mind seeing my cousins' expressions when they realize where they are," Viconia laughed.

"There are some options I would like to try first," Avress replied tightly, wondering if Viconia had interrupted their argument purposefully and decided that she wouldn't put it past the crafty cleric.

With purpose in her stride, Avress hurried toward the temple of Waukeen she had seen earlier in their exploration of the town. Her temper was still bubbling but she forced herself to hide it, if not control it. She didn't like that Sarevok had made her angry so easily. She'd be damned if she would let him see their argument continued to provoke her. By the time she had arrived at the temple, to all outward appearances, Avress was calm. The taint was still bleeding out of her control, but there was little she could do about it. It would take some time and concentration before she could rebuild her shields around it. Whoever ran the temple would be familiar with Bhaalspawn anyway. Entering the temple, a tall human woman moved forward. Avress was pleased to see that the priestess didn't react to her presence, other than to let her eyes momentarily linger upon her.

"Welcome to the temple of Waukeen. I am Sister Farielle. How might I help you?"

"Greetings Sister Farielle. I have come to request aid on behalf of a group of gold elves. They are without shelter and have run afoul of Gromnir's troops," Avress explained.

"I see you desire sanctuary for them. That I will offer gladly," Farielle spoke with a smile.

"You hospitality would be greatly appreciated by the elves. I feel that I should warn you, Sister, that I prevented Gromnir's troops from molesting them. They fear retribution," Avress spoke.

"Even Gromnir's bullies will not risk defiling a temple. Bring the elves here and I shall take care of them," Farielle replied.

"You have my thanks and theirs," Avress returned and turned to leave.

"Wait, you are a Bhaalspawn, yes? I do not recognize you and I have seen all of the Bhaalspawn in Saradush. Have you found a way in and out of the city?"

Avress considered the cleric. The whole city was frantic to escape, and the priestess was no different. Not that Avress blamed her for wishing to leave the besieged Saradush. Sister Farielle didn't, however, seem to be the sort that would abandon her post or do anything to ensure her safety. Explaining about her ability would be difficult and most likely unwise, but Avress wondered at what information the cleric possessed. In the course of her duties, she would be privy to a great deal of gossip. There was much that Avress wold like to ask her. Foremost was Melissan. It was likely that she knew more about their current situation that Avress did. A bargain might be beneficial.

Glancing towards Viconia, Avress flashed a quick query to the Drow in their silent language. Knowledge of the Drow tongue and their subtle language of gestures had remained after the silver dragon had returned them to their true shape. She had wondered if this was done purposefully by the proud dragon or if it was simply a side effect of the spells that had been cast upon them. Regardless, it was in situations like this that Avress appreciated the knowledge. The sly Viconia was often able to notice things that she overlooked, and Avress valued her input. It was also an advantage to be able to question her companions without others knowing. For a moment the dark cleric seemed to consider her question and then flashed an affirmative response, while cautioning her.

"You are correct that my companions and I are new to the city. I would be happy to tell you how I came here in exchange for some information," Avress suggested.

"I'm not sure what information I can give you. I will not repeat anything said to me in confidence," the Sister said cautiously.

"Fair enough, as I am not sure if my explanation would be of much use to you. What information I seek is of the general kind. I wish to know more about Melissan," Avress supplied.

"Melissan is well known and I will happily bargain my knowledge of her for yours... no matter if it is not what I might wish it to be," Farielle replied with a sigh.

"Thank you, Sister. My ability seems to be part of my nature as a Bhaalspawn. I'm afraid I can't teleport myself anywhere I wish. My destinations are limited to where I need to go. For the moment I am limited to Saradush, or a pocket plane in the Abyss," Avress explained.

"The Abyss? That certainly isn't what I hoped. Is there any possibility that you could take people somewhere other than Saradush in the future?"

"I'm not sure. If I could, I'm not sure I could transport so many people. Even if I did, the townsfolk might not be any safer," Avress replied honestly.

"You were honest but I can't help but feel disappointed. Very well, I'll tell you about Melissan. She appeared some months ago and petitioned the city council to shelter the Bhaalspawn she brought to the city. Melissan persuaded the council and within a few months, she managed to find and bring many Children of Bhaal to the city. Others followed after hearing that Saradush was safe haven for their kind. Melissan is a kind and well meaning person. I doubt she expected this to happen. When rumors sprung up of an army that was rising to kill Bhaalspawn, the city panicked. Melissan tried to help," Farielle explained, her face eloquent in its flow of emotions.

"How did she try to help?" Avress questioned.

"Hearing about Gromnir and his exploits, she went to ask him to help protect the city. He agreed and the city welcomed him with open arms. Saradush is well defended but professional soldiers and a general that had battle experience could have made all the difference. When Yaga Shura besieged the city, Gromnir changed and well... things degenerated to what you now see."

"So this is a case of the best of intentions gone awry?"

"Yes. It is really quite tragic," the Sister sighed.

She did not wish to say anything, and risk offending the helpful Farielle, but Avress wasn't as certain as the priestess. It just seemed so convenient. Sadly, Avress couldn't be certain her suspicions were correct. At least she knew more than she had before. Thanking the cleric, Avress made her leave. After escorting the elves to the temple, they made their way to the inn.

Avress was glad that neither of her companions were inclined to speak on their journey to the inn. With Viconia, Avress felt she didn't have to fill the silence. The Drow cleric seemed to appreciate that she didn't feel the need to chatter, something Vicionia condemned as vice common to surfacers. In Avress' opinion, Imoen always had enough chatter for the both of them. Sarevok was also decidedly close mouthed. Avress guessed that he was displeased she had succeeded in her quest to find the elves lodgings. The cozy atmosphere of the inn and Imoen's call of welcome was a cherished distraction.

Tucked away within the thick walls of the inn, the sounds of battle were dulled. When the inevitable pounding of the catapults intruded, the barkeep only laughed and jauntily called for the new tally of broken plates. Avress could almost believe that Saradush wasn't in as much peril as it was. Sitting down by her sister, Avress accepted the mug of dark ale handed to her by one of the waitresses. Casually, she let her gaze wander over her companions. Having arrived before them, Jaheira and Keldorn were sagely watching the others. They almost seemed like concerned parents hovering over their children. Viconia was a study of disinterest a she sipped her wine, but she watched the other occupants of the inn from the corners of her eyes. In contrast Sarevok glared intensely at anything and everything. Imoen was in her element. Her sister always seemed happiest in the middle of a throng of people. Strangely, Minsc was her happy companion while she chatted and cavorted. Perhaps Imoen's free spirit and sometimes childish actions gave her a link with the addled ranger.

Seeing her friends safely together once again, let Avress relax a little. She always disliked breaking the party up. It was a silly fear, but she always worried that while she wasn't there something might happen to someone she loved. It was a fear that had burst into being the night Gorion had demanded she run. After the deaths of Dynaheir and Khalid and the later kidnapping of Imoen, it had taken Avress a great deal of effort to control that fear.

"So, Avress what did you see in town?" Imoen chirped up.

"The whole town is on edge. People are fighting each other and forgetting the real enemy," Avress spoke, her temper re-igniting. "Gromnir's soldiers are as much of a threat as we were lead to believe. They have the townspeople under their collective thumb."

"Those soldiers must be shown the righteous boot. Minsc, Boo and Imoen had to save the pretty lady who brings us ale from them," Minsc added.

"The militia captain shares our opinion but can't spare the forces to control them," Jaheira spoke.

"Just how stretched is the militia?" Avress asked.

"I fear the situation is most dire, Avress. The city might last a month or more. The captain said he expected their allies to send aid. I am not too certain their allies will risk such a large confrontation over Bhaalspawn," Keldorn replied with honesty.

"A month is better than a week," Avress sighed. "Did you learn anything from the innkeeper, Imoen?"

"Not much. Pyrgam Aleson, the owner of the inn said the whole city is sealed up tight. I did meet another Bhaalspawn!" Imoen replied excitedly.

"Oh?" Avress asked, her tone expressionless.

"Don't be like that! He was really nice. Did you know he teleports when he's afraid? Well, Viekang could before Melissan helped him. That's why he was stuck here like the rest of us. I figured it out, though. All I had to do was cast a horror spell on him and he just winked out!" Imoen chattered with a smile.

Avress loved her sister, but she worried at Imoen's recklessness. While she knew there were good Bhaalspawn, there were also very dangerous ones. The proof of that was sitting across from her. That Imoen had approached the man without thinking, gave her chills. All too easily the strange Bhaalspawn could have hurt her. Ruefully, Avress wondered if she should have sent Jaheira with Imoen and Minsc.

Their small group had formed effective partnerships. The partnerships not only balanced their skills but their personalities. Minsc had adopted Imoen as his witch, although he'd not said it in so many words. Jaheira luckily balanced their flighty natures with her common sense. Avress often combined her skills with Viconia and Keldorn, although she sometimes fell back to simply let her spells fly. Avress was beginning to see that the addition of another party member added a whole new dynamic. That was something she'd have to consider before their next battle. It was lucky that they had worked together so well without better preparation.

"He used a power like Avress'?" Jaheira asked.

"Sorta. It was just blind teleportation. He didn't have control over where he went," Imoen answered.

"As interesting as this Bhaalspawn might have been, there is a pressing matter we must discuss," Keldorn broke in. "Unfortunately, the city does not seem to be as well sealed as we believed. A traitor tried to open the gates. A guard named Mateo has been accused, although neither the captain nor I am satisfied. If our suspicions are correct, it leaves the gates open to further tampering."

Keldorn and Jaheira elaborated on what had happened at the militia headquarters. Their news settled like a rock in Avress' stomach. Saradush had to stand until Gromnir and ultimately Yaga-Shura were defeated. With the traitor on the loose, Saradush was at risk. It seemed that they would have to find out if this Mateo was the real traitor. While this wasn't the first time Avress had helped to solve a mystery, she disliked being sidetracked. The truth was that she wanted to be as far from Saradush as possible. She hated how her taint was roused by the constant slaughter. Maybe it was cowardly, but Avress was not inclined to care.

"I suppose we'll be going on some noble quest to save the city?" Viconia asked despairingly.

"If we want our hides intact, yes," Avress replied.

"Well, if you put it that way," Viconia said with a smile.

"Do we have lodgings?" Avress asked Imoen.

"Yep! The barkeeper has some great items on sale too. You should take a look. I bought some great arrows," Imoen replied.

"Maybe we should restock and spend the night. In the morning we can investigate the gates," Avress suggested.

Rumbles of approval greeted her suggestion. None of them had much time to prepare when Avress had summoned them to her side. There were rations to be bought and supplies to be stocked up. Imoen and Jaheira quickly agreed to visit the magic store to replenish Imoen's spell components. On the way back they would go past the temple to pick up potions and scrolls. Keldorn and Minsc would search out travel rations. Avress resolved to spend her time trying to gain control of the taint. With new direction, the group moved to attend their tasks.