Bondari, thanks as always for the comments. I actually started writing this story first and then realized I wanted to start from the beginning with BG1. So I have had a handful of chapters sitting on the shelf for almost a year now. Just a matter of cleaning them up an editing them so they flow with the earlier story.
On with the story.
Chapter 2: Nothing for free in the city of coin
Day 1
Minsc and Jeral gorged themselves, remaining at the table in the luxurious common room of the Mithrest Inn for both a late breakfast and an early noon meal. They were well into lunch by the time Yoshimo returned to the inn from his trip to sell the group's excess equipment. He was whistling merrily and holding a large bag of coins. He lobbed the coin purse high into the air and it landed on the only bare space on the table with a resounding thud. Plates and silverware jumped from the force of the pouch striking the table.
Jeral wiped his mouth with a thick linen napkin, pushed back from the table, and opened the bag to examine the contents.
Raising an eyebrow he eyed the contents of the pouch and then the man standing before him.
"Not bad Yoshimo. I am impressed; I would not have thought the scraps of equipment and other odds and ends we wished to sell that valuable."
The bounty hunter bowed slightly and smiled broadly at Jeral.
"I believe that Ribald, the local equipment purveyor, did not get the best of Yoshimo today. My people are knows as extremely fierce negotiators."
The dark man flicked his wrist and a simple platinum ring landed on the table. Unfortunately Yoshimo's aim was off and it landed in a half empty bowl of oatmeal that remained on the table from their breakfast.
Jeral narrowed his eyes as he gazed at the ring. The heavy enchantments on the ring were impossible for Jeral to miss. Delicately, he pulled the ring from the bowl and cleaned it off with his napkin. Jeral looked at Yoshimo, the unspoken question apparent.
Yoshimo gave a slight nod of the head and smiled broadly, showing two rows of even white teeth.
"Consider this a gift, to show trust. This ring is imbued with the essence of troll and will allow you to heal wounds as a troll would. I suspect that a bard such as yourself would benefit from this more than any other since you tend to take much damage in battle."
Trying to keep a straight face Jeral asked, "What makes you think I am a bard?"
Smiling smugly Yoshimo was happy to show off his skills of observation and he sat down, leaned back in his chair, and crossed his arms behind his head.
"Ahhhhh my friend where to begin? You fight with a pair of blades, and not terribly well I may add, you need much more practice. For the way you wade into combat your chain mail armor is insufficient yet you clearly wish you did not need to wear it. You are quite strong and have the size for a fighter but there is more to you than that, much more. You move well and are very agile but are no thief. You kept collecting spell components in the dungeon, and you watched Imoen closely as she cast spells. Sometimes you even mouthed the words to the simpler spells she cast. So when one looks at everything you have shown what other possible explanation could there be?"
Jeral held up his hands towards the man in mock surrender, "Lucky guess Yoshimo."
Jeral held the ring loosely in his hand and traced his thumb over the surface. "So back to this ring, I assume you stole it."
Yoshimo smile disappeared as he stiffened and replied formally.
"Yoshimo is no common thief and I resent such an implication. I am a hunter of bounties and a rescuer of the virtuous."
His stern visage softened slightly and the hint of a smile appeared as he continued, "Although on occasion I may be forced to augment my funds through less than honorable means."
He motioned to the ring on the table.
"Put it on, cut yourself, and all will be revealed. Consider it a gift to the leader of my rescuers."
Looking dubious Jeral slid the ring on a finger on his left hand.
"I do not feel anything."
"Cut yourself."
"You must be joking."
"Trust me, a small cut is sufficient. It only works when required."
Looking dubious Jeral rolled up the ragged tunic he wore and drew a small knife across the top of his forearm, wincing as he opened a good gash. Almost immediately the wound began to heal and close up. Within moments the skin of the arm looked as if had never been touched.
"Thank you Yoshimo. This will come in very handy, for as you observed I do I have a nasty habit of wading into the front of every fight when I really should know better. I have reserved us all baths and you have your own room, I will share with Minsc."
"Excellent. If I may add one last thing Jeral?"
"What is it Yoshimo?"
"To err on the side of caution I would suggest that you refrain from wearing that ring openly in the Adventurer's Mart for that might cause a problem with the owner Ribald. He might misunderstand the situation."
"I suspect that he would understand the situation perfectly," Jeral chuckled, "however you do provide wise council and I will heed your advice."
The three men spent the rest of the day bathing, getting haircuts, and purchasing new clothes.
Following a heavy dinner and a good night's sleep the men reunited over breakfast. All three of them looked much better than they had the day previously. Minsc and Jeral both looked thinner than normal but other than that, and their pale skin, they were looking almost like their old selves. Minsc was clean shaven and his head was shorn of all hair so his massive tribal tattoos were visible on again on his head.
Jeral eagerly tucked into the plate of eggs and blood sausage on the table in front of him.
"Well I could stay here for weeks but that will not help us get Imoen back."
"And we would run out of money inside of a couple weeks good Jeral."
"Well said Yoshimo. I think we need to start finding out more about these Cowled Wizards and where they may have taken Imoen."
"The slums and the Government District would be the best places to start. The Cowled Wizards have representatives in the council building."
"What is of interest in the slums?"
Yoshimo blushed slightly.
"The local thieves' guild would like to meet with you at your earliest convenience. They say they may be able to aid you in locating your sister."
"Are you part of the guild Yoshimo?"
"No, I prefer to work independently of that fine establishment."
"It is safe to assume that the guild may be less than pleased with your free lance activities?"
Yoshimo nodded tightly and looked down at the table. "They have warned me that I should not continue to operate independently without their blessing."
"Well we shall visit them when there is time. I have some connections with the leadership of the guild in Baldur's Gate so that may help lessen their concerns about your activities."
"I do not want to burden you with my troubles Jeral."
Jeral smiled and poured Yoshimo a mug of ale from the pitcher on the table, "nonsense my friend. You have agreed to help me rescue Imoen, the least I can do is assist you in your troubles."
"That is most kind Jeral. I must say I am unused to such kindness."
"Well everyone needs friends to make it in this world. If it were not for my friends I would have died many times over in the past year. Shell we be off?"
"Very well Jeral but where is your sharp tongue lady friend?" Yoshimo inquired and he scanned the common room.
"She will not be joining us. She needs to mourn the death of her husband Khalid for a second time, and she blames me for his death both times."
Seeing Yoshimo's inquisitive glance Jeral quickly continued his tale.
"He died once months ago in Nashkel, killed by an assassin's axe meant for me. We almost came to blows then over her husband's death. If the priests in Beregost could not have raised him from the dead we would have killed one another. We will travel together no further. I have paid for her room for the month and left her share of the treasure in her room. What goodbyes we had to say were said last night. I also sent word to the Harpers that Jaheira is here and in need of their aid. I hope they receive my message and will come to assist her; but our paths will likely not cross again."
Wordlessly the three men left the inn.
Walking through Athkatla Yoshimo provided an overview of the city as they moved. With Minsc leading the way the dense crowds parted easily, allowing the trio a smooth path through the cuty.
"This is a city of distinct enclaves; there are districts for the Gods, the rich, the poor, the fishermen and even the dead. We have seen the district for the merchants. Where shall we go next?"
"Where can we find the Cowled Wizards Yoshimo?"
"I do not know where their order calls home Jeral but I do know that they have representatives in the Council Hall of the Government District."
"That will be our first stop then. Lead on Yoshimo."
The men walked through the vastness of Athkatla. As they neared the Government District they saw a short man briskly walking directly towards them. He work tight black trousers topped by a red shirt with billowing long sleeves and secured with a bright blue sash. An ornate long sword dangled from a sword belt slung low across his narrow waist. His gait and appearance marked him as a thief, or at least one who thought of himself as a thief. He walked right up to the three men and smiled broadly as he looked up at them.
"Coo. Are ye the ones looking for the lass Imoen? You fit certainly fit the description from the tussle at the Promenade."
Any hope Jeral had to remain casual and disinterested was doomed when Minsc boomed out,
"Minsc and Boo will free the good witch Imoen from the evil wizards and the scary one! Bright little man will show us the way!"
The short man took a half step back in response to the ranger's booming voice but he quickly regained his composure and smiled knowingly at the trio before him.
"Ah, I see I was not mistaken. I might have some information for you. Follow me."
Without a second look he turned on his heel and started walking briskly towards the slums.
Jeral and company headed after their unknown guide. After walking for a quarter hour they entered the Slums District. The houses were in poor condition and the smells of sweat, cooking, and human waste wafted heavily through the air. Yoshimo pointed out the Copper Coronet as they walked through the district. They watched their guide enter a small home that sat next to a large ship that was fully beached on the ground with no water in sight. Without a pause Jeral entered into the house. The sitting room was cluttered with various odds and ends stacked high on shelves around the perimeter of the room. Whomever this man was he looked to serve as a fence for at least part of the thieves' guild.
"I am glad to see you and your friends kept up."
"We kept up just fine. Now what do you know about Imoen?"
"First things first, allow me to do a proper introduction. I am known as Gaelan Bayle, I am renown throughout the city for my abilities with the ladies. I also buy and sell goods that one may be reluctant to take to the more narrow minded merchants. I represent certain parties in the city; parties that may be able to assist you and your lass Imoen. As you know she has been taken by the Cowled Wizards."
"We know that. I also know you are a thief and I suspect that your employer is as well. So if we know the same things why do I need you?"
"Ah true enough good sire. But do you know the location of the wizard's prison? Or even its name? Naught but the most senior of the Cowled Wizards, and my employer, know the information you require. You will need aid from my employer to gain access to your sister. So fret as you must but I do suggest you listen and listen well."
Jeral crossed his arms and stared at Gaelan Bayle. "So when can we meet your master?"
"Well he requires a certain amount of motivation to assist you and endanger himself by crossing a powerful group such as the wizards."
"Of course. So how much motivation will he require?"
"He is not unreasonable, 20,000 pieces of golden motivation should suffice."
Jeral could hear Yoshimo suck in his breath and Boo let out a squeak of despair. Jeral put on a brave face before he replied.
"That is a large amount of coin Master Bayle; however it should not prove to be a challenge. I suspect I can get as much for your employer for I have done so before. But I will require a few things. I need allies. I need equipment and I need opportunities to adventure to fund this rescue."
As Jeral ticked off his requirements on his fingers the short fence nodded sagely.
"I would suggest that you look at the Copper Coronet for allies, I know of at least two who are on the lookout for a strong sword arm. As for equipment, well this is the city of coin, buy or steal whatever you need for that is not my concern. For employment opportunities, there are many across the city that could make use of you three. I am sure Renal Bloodscalp at the guild could make use of you lot as well.
Jeral fixed the man with a stern gaze and nodded in agreement.
"Very well, we shall be back, tell your employer we accept the terms."
"Coo, that is good to hear sire. I will be awaiting payment. You may pay at once or deposit installments with me for safekeeping."
"I am sure the funds will be quite safe with you." The fence smiled and nodded in agreement.
Jeral stepped forward and leaned in close to Galen Bayle.
"And one more thing little man. Yoshimo works for me. Whatever issues the guild has with him are over, done. If I find the guild interfering in any way I will cause the guild to regret it."
Jeral's eyes flashed with a golden intensity as Gaelan Bayle took a step back and nervously nodded his agreement.
Wordlessly Jeral turned and left the building. Once joined by Minsc and Yoshimo Jeral patted his companions on their shoulders.
"Yoshimo, I think we all need a drink after that. The Government District can wait; take us to the Copper Coronet."
"Of course. Jeral, I thank you for your intervention with the guild. That may provide me the independence I require to work with you."
"Think nothing of it."
"Jeral I am unused to such kindness. I am in your debt."
"Well I am sure you will have the opportunity to save my life at some point; everyone else does. So that will assuredly even us out when the time comes."
"You have given me much to think upon Jeral."
Yoshimo lapsed into a contemplative silence as he led the group to the Copper Coronet.
After walking for a few minutes they came across two figures arguing in the street; a burly human and one bearded gnome, both armed and equipped as hire swords. As Jeral and company passed the large man spat at their feet.
"Keep your distance if you value your lives dogs! Soft men have no business in our presence."
"Are you talking to us good man? We wish no trouble."
Jeral had no desire to start a fight in the street over a minor insult.
"Wish away boy for you have found trouble!"
The human shouted a string of curses as he started to draw his sword. The gnome muttered under his breath and drew his blade as well to support his hot tempered companion
Jeral made to draw his blades but before he could make his weapons ready Minsc had cut the attacker cleanly in half with one horizontal swing of his two handed sword. He then pointed his gore covered blade at the gnome.
"Minsc protects Jeral. Little sword man must not fight for Boo does not like for Minsc to kill little things."
The gnome looked from the large armored ranger to the corpse of his colleague. Muttering his apologies he sheathed his short sword and slowly backed away from the three men. Once he was a half dozen paces away he turned and fled as fast as his short legs could carry him.
Yoshimo quickly searched the body while avoiding the spreading pool of blood and internal organs and triumphantly hefted a small coin purse.
"This should more than pay for drinks, dinner and lodging for this evening."
Leaving the corpse in the street they entered the Copper Coronet. Jeral looked back once to see the body as it was quickly stripped of all its clothes and equipment by dozens of people who suddenly appeared from the nearby alleyways and houses. Shuddering, Jeral hoped the corpse would not end up on the menu in the tavern as a mystery stew meat.
The Copper Coronet was crowded with patrons and extremely noisy even though it was barely mid-morning. Jeral shuddered to imagine the noise of the place in the evening. A permanent haze of smoke hung heavy in the room. Smiling Yoshimo said he was going to find a card game to join. Minsc went to watch since he loved games, and Boo was trying to teach him how to play cards. Jeral headed towards the bar shaking his head with the thought of Minsc playing cards.
The bard passed by a large man clad in highly polished, but low quality, splint mail. His armor was adorned with the symbol of Helm prominently displayed in the center of his chest. He bore a shield slung on his back and a mace hung off a belt at his side. Something about the man made Jeral do a double take. He noticed Jeral watching him. His darkly handsome bearded face formed into a scowl as he gave Jeral a once over. Seeing Jeral's chain armor and blades adorning his belt the man's face softened.
He stepped forward, puffed up his chest and proudly announced, "Greetings sire, I am Anomen Delyrn, priest of the Temple of Helm and Squire of the Most Noble Order of the Radiant Heart."
He was slightly taller than Jeral at six feet and must have been over two hundred pounds of solid muscle.
Jeral nodded ever so slightly in reply. "I am Jeral of Candlekeep."
The Helmite clearly did not recognize the name and sniffed slightly.
"Are you a force of justice and righteous?"
"Well that may be saying a bit too much for I will never be confused for a paladin. However I do try and help where I can."
"Do you have courage Jeral of Candlekeep?"
"What kind of question is that? Does anyone ever say they are a coward?"
"Well no. But it is a question one must ask for it is the proper thing to do."
"Well since everyone says they have courage what makes you think I will reply otherwise?"
"Are you saying you are a coward?"
Jeral groaned inwardly to himself. This pompous git could be a challenge. But he looked strong, and Helmites were known as reliable companions if you could tolerate them, and he did need a healer since Jaheira was no longer traveling with him.
Taking a deep breath Jeral forced a serious look on his face and replied formally, "When the cause is just I have courage in abundance. In fact I require comrades of great courage to free my dear sweet innocent sister from the clutches of a great evil."
He managed not to crack a smile despite the ridiculous tone of his own voice.
The large man beamed with pride and excitement.
"I would be honored to provide aid to such a heroic quest. This will assuredly aid me in my quest to gain notice and advancement from the Knights of the Order."
Jeral could not help but smile. Anomen was going to be a valuable companion.
"Welcome Anomen. Let me buy you a drink and then I will introduce you to the others."
If he could get the Helmite to relax a bit then he even might become a friend, someone to help him keep his spirits up in the dark days ahead.
The two men had not gone fifty feet when they were approached by a young woman clad in gilt encrusted mage robes of excellent quality. Her haughty mannerisms and erect carriage showed her to be of the nobility, however, she seemed a bit disheveled and out of sorts. She stood a little over five feet tall with dirty blond hair and pale blue eyes. She was quite attractive although she was not Jeral's type. He preferred women of a darker hue, a much darker hue.
"Won't anyone listen to my plea? You there pray hear my tale."
"Do not listen to this one Jeral; she has been here for days accosting every stranger who enters the bar. I fear that she is deeply in her cups."
"I am not in my cups you bearded baboon's ass! Rather I need help to save my family home."
"What do you require my lady? I am Jeral of Candlekeep."
Jeral slid between Anomen and the young woman to head off any retort from the Helmite.
The young woman quickly composed herself and curtsied to Jeral.
"I am the Lady Nalia de'Arnise. My family has some lands two days ride from hereā¦"
Before Jeral could reply Anomen spoke again, this time in a much friendlier tone.
"I know of the Lord de'Arnise. He was a great adventurer in his younger days. The Knights of the Order say that he settled down to a life as a lord. He is known as a just and fair noble and his holdings are very substantial."
Anomen bowed deeply in front of Nalia.
"My lady, I am Squire Anomen Delryn of the Most Noble Order of the Radiant Heart and this is Jeral of Candlekeep. I apologize for my earlier rudeness. I had no idea you were from the finer class."
"Thank you for the kind words sir, although you should treat all well regardless of their station in life. As I was saying, our keep was attacked three days ago, my father and our soldiers were hard pressed to hold back the enemy when I managed to escape to find help. I need to return with allies to help save my home."
"We will be happy to assist you. Can you arrange for horses for five? We have a pair of stout companions that will aid you in your quest."
"Of course, I have friends who own the best stables in the city. When can you and your companions be ready to leave Jeral?"
"Say first light tomorrow? That will give us time to procure what equipment we need. Shall we meet at the gates of the city?"
"Yes. Thank you, I, I thank both of you. My father will be thrilled; there may still be time to save our home."
She hugged Jeral and Anomen in turn and dashed off to procure horses. Jeral looked over to see Anomen blushing furiously. Shaking his head in amusement Jeral led Anomen to the bar and grabbed an open pair of barstools.
Once at the bar Jeral and Anomen continued to get to know one another over tall tankards of ale.
Minsc and Yoshimo slid onto stools on either side and the four men introduced one another and traded stories over a long lunch. Jeral leaned back and watched the other three talk. Minsc was feeding Boo scraps of bread and crumbs of cheese on the bar. The big ranger and his hamster had been with Jeral since they had met in Nashkel so many months ago. They had saved one another's lives more times than Jeral could count and he trusted both the man and his hamster companion with his life.
His eyes turned to Yoshimo. The dark bounty hunter seemed almost too good to be true. He was clearly a skilled bounty hunter and his knowledge of the city and the relevant political intrigues would prove invaluable. Additionally, his prowess as a scout would likely save their lives time and time again since Jeral repeatedly learned the value of a good stealthy approach when chasing after Sarevok and the Iron Throne. Jeral had only known him for a day but already valued the opinions of the dark man.
Jeral lastly looked at Squire Anomen. The Helmite seemed like a strong and loyal ally, although he clearly was somewhat stiff and self important. All seemed like men he could rely upon to free Imoen. More importantly all three seemed to get along with one another, more or less.
Well they are not much but they are a start.
"Good fellows, I think we should take a walk and stretch our legs. Perhaps a stroll through the Government District is in order? Maybe ask about the Cowled Wizards?"
"Boo would love some exercise after eating so much bread and cheese. Minsc will go."
Yoshimo stretched languidly and stood up, as did the Helmite. The four left the Copper Coronet and headed to the Government District. After a leisurely half hour walk they reached the archway denoting the entrance to the Government District. After a brief discussion with the soldiers at the entrance to the district they were permitted entry. The district was marked by large estates, manicured gardens and a heavy presence of soldiers and bodyguards.
Yoshimo pointed towards a large three story building, "That is the government building for the city. The Cowled Wizards have representatives in there."
The party started walking in the direction of the building.
"Boo smells smoke," Minsc stated.
"Bah, that is probably merely lazy servants burning the lunch of some noble," Anomen scoffed.
"Good cooks are all too hard to find in this town."
"Boo says we need to head towards the smoke. Boo says we need to go right now. Boo says a friend of Jeral is there. A special friend. What does a special friend mean? Boo will not explain to Minsc."
"I do not know what special friend means either Minsc. But I do know better than to disagree with Boo. The last time I disagreed with Boo he left some little presents in my boots. The Cowled Wizards are not going anywhere; we can take a quick detour. Lead on Minsc."
The four men started walking briskly towards the far side of the district.
"We are approaching the prison," Yoshimo stated.
In front of the prison were three large wooden poles, each surrounded by piles of wood and dry brush.
"Anomen, I am unfamiliar with the laws here. What offense merits burning at the stake?"
"Jeral, no local crime merits burning at the stake. The stakes are used by the Bereshibans to burn heretics and blasphemers."
"I remember reading about their religious order back in Candlekeep; they are quite aggressive in their religious recruitment. Why is this sort of behavior allowed to occur?"
Before Anomen could answer Yoshimo chimed in.
"Jeral, the city of coin is all about the maintenance of a delicate balance. Every group in the city, the thieves' guild, the army, the merchants, the Cowled Wizards, each church, even the Order, vies for status and they keep one another in check. The city allows each group to balance out the others as a way of maintaining the peace."
The reference to the Order made Anomen scowl but he said nothing.
"Jeral, Minsc sees the pretty dark one on the pile of wood. Has she been bad?"
Viconia, it had to be. Minsc had always called her the "pretty dark one" during their short time together in Baldur's Gate. Their parting had not been amicable but Jeral missed her, and still found himself deeply drawn to her despite everything.
"It cannot be Viconia, last I heard she was going to buy a farm and settle down near Beregost."
"Minsc has very good eyes Jeral; it is the pretty dark one."
With that Jeral broke into a run. He did not look back but heard the clank of metal on metal that told him that Minsc and Anomen were following him.
Yoshimo caught up to Jeral. "I assume this is someone you know?"
Jeral grimly nodded as he raced for the prison. "Circle around to the back of the crowd and cover us with your bow in case things get interesting."
With a slight nod Yoshimo peeled off, slowed to a walk and started angling into the back of the crowd.
Jeral took it all in at a glance. There was a crowd of about a hundred, mostly nobles in their finery, in a rough semi-circle around the center stake. There was a Bereshebian priest who was spouting out how he had captured this dark temptress trying to kill and eat small children on the street. Viconia was cursing the man native tongue. Jeral had learned a few drow curses and never ceased to be amazed at their flavor. The drow might be a race of killers but their language had a true gift for profanity. He could see that Viconia was afraid but that she was also too proud and defiant to show any weakness in front of the crowd. She was drow and would be defiant even in the face of certain death. His eyes met hers. Her mask of defiance slipped for an instant as waves of recognition, hope, and relief flooded over her face.
"She must be scared, otherwise she would not have shown any emotion," Jeral muttered to himself.
Jeral slowed to a walk, gave Viconia a quick wink, and headed directly towards the priest. The priest was ranting about how killing the evil drow would protect the city and keep them all safe. The priest was red faced and sweating as he raged about the evil of the drow and how her death would protect them all. Jeral walked right up to face the priest. He stood mere inches from his face and stared at him intently. The priest tried to ignore him and continued his rant but he clearly was bothered by the close proximity of the stranger.
Jeral quietly muttered to himself and felt his strength and speed increase. There are some upsides to having the blood of Bhaal in my veins, he thought.
"Can I help you good citizen?"
Jeral smiled slightly and nodded in deference to the priest. He had forced the priest to end his rant at least temporarily and focus on him.
"Yes you can my good priest, the drow here, what did she do?"
"Do? Do? Why would you bother to ask such an irrelevant question? She is drow, therefore she is evil. She did not have to do anything."
"I thought you said she was trying to kill and eat small children."
"So I did. She was captured before she could kill any small children."
"Oh I see so she wanted to kill and eat small children. Well that makes perfect sense then, nice job on the capture. Please continue."
With that the Bereshebian priest continued his rant.
"What! Jeral you cannot allow this!" Viconia screamed.
Jeral merely winked at her again and tapped the priest lightly on the shoulder. "Excuse me again my dear spiritual man."
"What is it now?" the priest replied, clearly exasperated.
"May I see your helmet good priest?"
"My helmet? Why do you want to see my helmet?"
"Well this is very embarrassing, and I know you are in the middle of a lovely rant, but a bird has soiled your helm and it is making your appearance less menacing and awe inspiring than it should be. As a devout follower I merely want to aid you in whatever small way I can."
"Thank you good sir." Smiling, the priest removed his perfecty clean helm and handed it to Jeral. He then returned to his rant. Jeral took the helmet and climbed up onto the pile of brush and wood heading towards Viconia.
"What are you doing man? Get down from there! I am about to call down a flame strike and cleanse her evil from the realm."
"I intend to use the robes of this foul drow to clean the excrement from your helm master priest. In that way she can serve some good for mankind before she dies a well deserved and fiery death."
"Excellent idea young man. Pray do hurry though.
"As you wish good priest."
Smiling Jeral walked up to Viconia. She was barefoot, clad only in a sleeveless rough spun tunic of cheap light brown fabric. Her long white hair was unbound and hung down over her face. Jeral roughly ripped at the bottom of her tunic and tore off a large strip of fabric revealing one very well toned shapely leg. Jeral momentarily lost his concentration as his eyes started at her bare foot and slowly scanned their way up. His gaze reached mid thigh before Viconia cleared her throat and snapped Jeral out of his reverie. Regaining his focus he made a big show of rubbing the helmet in the scraps of her tunic.
Trying to not move his lips he muttered, "Good to see you again. Could you use some help?"
"Your sense of humor is as grating as always human dog. Now cut me loose."
"Very well. Stay up here until I start trouble. When we are done here you own me an explanation, for this and many other things." Viconia merely nodded.
"I am going to check the ropes good priest. Drow are notoriously sneaky creatures."
He slid behind her and deftly sliced her ropes free using his dagger, the lightly enchanted blade sliced smoothly through the ropes. Viconia held the ropes together with her hands and gave no indication that she was free.
Jeral hopped down from the wood pile and walked up to the priest.
"Here is your helm O great priest. Good as new and shinier than ever."
He held the helmet out to the priest. The priest reached for it, but before he could grab it, Jeral dropped it on the ground.
"Ooops, how silly of me."
"You did that on purpose. Are you mocking me? No one mocks the great Zorgar!" The priest was turning beet red with anger.
Jeral stepped forward until their faces were touching. Through grated teeth he whispered to the priest, "I am mocking you, and for you it will only get worse. Much worse."
Jeral took a half step back, rocketed forward, and head butted the priest right in the nose. Jeral's Bhaal enhanced strength and speed ensured that his blow was a savage one. Bones and cartilage cracked and blood spurted out from his shattered nose, as the priest staggered back holding his injured face; all thoughts of casting a flame strike forgotten. Jeral shook his head to regain his bearings, drew his long sword and dagger and looked for any other threats. He saw two armed men allied with the priest on the far side of the crowd. Minsc was already charging them with Sarevok's Sword of Chaos flailing over his head. Yoshimo was supporting his charge with well aimed arrows that distracted the two soldiers as Minsc closed upon them. Anomen was following Minsc even though he was clearly confused by the unfolding events.
Viconia lightly leapt down from the pile of wood and walked over to the priest. He was holding his broken nose and was clearly in shock. She walked up to the priest and her grime encrusted heel lashed out at the side of his leg. His knee shattered with an audible crack and he collapsed to the ground. She leisurely bent over and unfastened his mace from his belt. She looked at the priest clinically for a moment and then swung the mace down on his skull, crushing it into a bloody pulp.
Admiring her handiwork for a moment the drow cleric stood in silence. The crowd has been watching the unfolding drama with rapt attention. Seeing the priest's head explode and seeing an armed drow was too much for the onlookers and they quickly fled, screaming at the top of their lungs. Clearly delighting in her ability to terrify Viconia cleaned the mace on the priests' robes and turned to face Jeral. He had sheathed his long sword and dagger and he saw Yoshimo looting the bodies of the guards dispatched by Minsc. Anomen was healing a small wound on the ranger's leg.
Jeral smiled, "Good to see you again Viconia." The drow smiled as she looked over the group.
"It pains me to apologize to a lowly male but propriety demands that I must. Thank you for the rescue. I once again owe you my life, abbil. For what it is worth I did nothing to provoke their attack. It seems many of the surfacers are unwilling to let me live in peace. So be it. Allow me to rejoin you and I shall fight by your side for it clearly is the will of Shar. Together we shall conquer all."
Smiling Jeral offered out his hand, "Welcome back Viconia, one of these days you can tell me why you left us in the first place."
Ignoring the last statement Viconia continued, "For an unwashed human male you do have some limited uses. But come, we must be on our way to avoid drawing another crowd. Where are the others? His witch and that annoyingly cheerful sister of yours?"
"Keep your voice down," Jeral hissed. "Dynaheir is dead and Imoen has been imprisoned by the Cowled Wizard and a sadistic mage named Irenicus. I intend to rescue her and kill him. I will explain more later."
Raising his voice he continued, "We had best leave before the guards come to investigate the situation. Please have dinner with us while I provide the full explanation. "
"Very well, Sluiss. Lead on."
Minsc and Yoshimo stripped the bodies and quickly walked off with their arms full of a set of plate mail and other assorted arms and armors.
The five returned to the Copper Coronet. Minsc, Anomen and Yoshimo went to the Adventurer's Mart to sell their goods while Viconia went shopping for some suitable attire. The five regrouped over an early dinner and formal introductions were made to one another. Surprisingly Viconia was readily accepted by everyone at the table. Anomen clearly had some reservations about the drow. But seeing her almost killed for no reason, combined with her exotic beauty had apparently made him at least temper his black and white views on the dark elves.
"So Jeral, it seems like you could use another ally in this idiotic rescue mission of yours. With only males for companions you would assuredly fail. I am currently between engagements, and Imoen is more tolerable than most surfacers. I would hate to see any harm fall to the annoyingly cheerful simpleton."
"So is that how the drow volunteer to undertake a rescue operation?"
"Mock me if you will Jeral. But know this well, Viconia, the last surviving female of House deVir can be a valuable ally or a deadly enemy as you well know. I was caught unawares by those fanatics and that will never happen again."
"Very well. Welcome aboard Viconia. We leave tomorrow morning so we had best get you some equipment."
Minsc gave Viconia the enchanted chain they had taken back from Jaheira. The chain quickly adjusted to fit the slight drow and she beamed as she stretched to get the feel of her new armor.
"Mail of the dead, how very appropriate," she purred. A closed faced helm, some clean clothes, a hooded cloak, sling, buckler and bullets completed her equipment.
While Viconia was purchasing her additional equipment Yoshimo left the table to book rooms for the night. He returned to the table with four keys.
"I took every room they had; someone will have to share a room tonight."
"No problem," Jeral volunteered, "I will share a room with Minsc. I am used to his snoring."
"Minsc does not snore!" A squeak from Boo caused Minsc to blush. "Boo says Minsc does snore, and loudly too. Minsc is sorry."
"Jeral, I remember how loudly Minsc can snore. No man should suffer that indignity if a better option exists. Sadly for you no better option does exist. Perhaps someday I will allow you to share my bed but not tonight. I have need of a warm bath and clean clothes more than the fumbling affections of an unwashed male."
Upon hearing Viconia's words Jeral could only stare with a stunned look on his face. Minsc and Yoshimo were trying not to smile while Anomen was blushing fiercely. Viconia stood and slowly made her way to the stairs. Every eye in the tavern tracked the dark beauty as she slowly strode across the floor. The clamor in the common room dropped to a soft whisper as Viconia slowly walked up the stairs. Once she was gone from sight the din quickly returned to the common room.
Anomen took a deep swig of ale and motioned towards the stairs. "That Viconia is not what I expected for a drow."
"She is quite striking is she not?"
Anomen glared at the bounty hunter and shook his head in frustration.
"That is not what I mean. She is attractive in an exotic way but that is not the unusual part. As a worshipper of Lloth the Spider Queen I expected my skin to crawl in her very presence. I expected Helm to command me to strike her down. Yet strangely neither happened."
"Viconia has renounced Lloth and now worships the Goddess Shar."
"How could you possibly know that Jeral?"
"Viconia has traveled with us before. She was forced to flee her homeland and was forsaken by Lloth. We encountered her alone in the woods and she provided critical aid in our fight against the bandits plaguing the Sword Coast. She saved my life when I was struck by a poisoned arrow in the bandit camp."
Yoshimo tired of the conversation and quietly headed off in search of a card game closely trailed by Minsc. Anomen and Jeral leaned in close at their table and focused intently on their conversation.
"So if she saved your life and served with honor why was she separated from you and Minsc?"
"Actually it is because of a fellow squire, a Helmite paladin named Ajantis. Do you know him?"
Anomen's face blanched and he dropped his mug onto the table as he started open mouth at Jeral. The ale spread across the table and started dripping over the edge onto the floor. Jeral grabbed a rag from a passing serving girl and mopped at the ale as Anomen continued to stare at him.
"Anomen, are you ok? You look as if you have seen a ghost."
Anomen unsteadily rose to his feet and took a step away from the table. He raised a trembling arm and pointed at Jeral. Jeral noticed that Anomen held his holy symbol tightly against his chest with his other hand.
"You. You are the one of which Squire Ajantis wrote."
Jeral leaned back in his chair and nodded slightly.
"While I cannot say what he wrote of I suspect he wrote truly."
The outstretched hand continued to tremble as he pointed at Jeral.
"By Helm, I stand before the Bhaal child that caused Ajantis such angst."
Jeral locked eyes with Ajantis and nodded grimly.
"Ajantis spoke the truth. I do have the blood of Bhaal in my veins. But believe me when I say that he does not control me. I have done everything I can to serve the greater good and resist the taint that flows through my veins."
"I cannot travel with you Jeral. I cannot risk having you pull me from my path."
Jeral rose to his feet and shook his head slowly.
"Squire Anomen, you sought me out, I did not search for you. I am on a quest to rescue my sister and destroy a powerful dark mage. If you travel with me you will have the opportunity to make a difference in the realm and aid the weak."
Anomen shook his head vigorously.
"You travel with a drow. Darkness surrounds you and flows within your veins. I cannot allow myself to be corrupted so, Helm will not allow it. The Order will not allow it."
Jeral sighed tiredly and shook his head slowly. Resigned to whatever happened Jeral spoke softly as he turned towards the stairs.
"Squire Anomen, think well on your path forward, pray to your Helm for guidance. Should you wish to depart I wish you all the best but we leave tomorrow to aid Lady Nalia in her quest to save her family home. I hope to see you when I break my fast on the morrow. Be well."
Jeral slowly made his way upstairs leaving a very confused Anomen in his wake.
