Ch. 2…The Path of Destiny

"Saradush? Why in the Nine Hells would I want to go to Tethyr? Why won't the portal take me back to Baldur's Gate?

"Or Athkatla," Anomen said.

"Yes, of course." I'd spoken thoughtlessly. I had little to tie me to Baldur's Gate after all and Anomen had much to tie him to Athkatla. Sometime we would have to sit down and have that discussion about our future that he kept pushing for and I kept evading.

I moved the dishes out of my way so I could rest my elbows on the table. The imp Cespenar had not only provided dinner, he had conjured up a dining room as well, complete with table, chairs, and a candelabra lit by magical flames. There was even a tablecloth. I admit that I've never in my life seen a black tablecloth but it did look rather elegant. The food wasn't that great and I was a little afraid to ask where it had come from but I was impressed with the candelabra. Perhaps having an imp for a servant wasn't such a bad idea. Perhaps my plan to leave this place and never return needed revision.

Particularly since leaving this place apparently meant going to Saradush, a city I had little desire to visit.

Sarevok frowned at me.

"Have you not heard a word I've said? Saradush is where you must go. That is where the conflict between the Bhaalspawn plays out. That is where the path of your destiny leads you. All the prophecies agree on this."

"All the more reason to avoid the place, I'd say."

Sarevok gave me an irritated look.

"Your destiny cannot be avoided."

I would have liked to disagree but I very much feared he was right. Hadn't the Solar who brought us here said the exact same thing?

Only the three of us sat at the table. Jaheira and Imoen had gone off with Cespenar, who claimed to be able to shape this plane to meet my needs. Keldorn said he wanted to see to his gear but I figured he also wanted some quiet so he could pray. I knew that being here in the Abyss disturbed him and it seemed likely that Sarevok's resurrection was another source of uneasiness.

The gods knew the man made me uneasy. Sitting so close to him made my skin prickle.

"And what about you?" I asked. "Where does the path of your destiny lead?"

He studied me in silence for a moment.

"I wish to join my path to yours."

His lips were set in a faint smile and for a moment, despite his serious eyes, I thought his words a jest.

They weren't.

"No," I said. "Absolutely not." His expression did not change. Did he think I'd forgotten the moment when our feelings had merged and I'd felt the depth of his hatred? "Why would you even suggest such a thing?"

He leaned toward me. I pulled in my elbows and sat up straight in my chair, not quite craven enough to scoot away from him.

"I will speak plainly. Our father's blood is strong within you. There is power in your wake." His gaze flicked to Anomen. "I wish to profit by it, as others have done."

"Yeah?" Maybe he didn't even know how offensive I found his assumption that Anomen and my other companions followed me for personal gain. "Then I will speak plainly myself. There is death and deception in your wake and I'll have nothing to do with you."

His smile became more mocking.

"You are a Bhaalspawn. Murder and chaos will follow you whether you will it or not. Surely you have learned this lesson by now."

There wasn't much I could say to that.

"Is it not better to have someone by your side who understands these things?"

There was much I could say to that but for the moment I held my tongue.

"Come now, Keeta," he continued. "We have tested each other. My time in the Abyss has made me stronger still. You know what I bring to the table. My skills and my knowledge will be a great asset to you, no matter what your plans are."

"I don't see how our plans could be compatible in any way. Find another Bhaalspawn to latch onto. Or better yet, don't. I may not be able to avoid this destiny but you have a choice. You can walk away from this conflict. Haven't your ambitions cost you enough?"

Sarevok sat back in his chair. He lowered his eyelids, perhaps to hide his thoughts.

"That is it, then? You plan to turn me loose when we leave this plane, to pursue whatever course I choose? Or do you plan to kill me when you have no further use for me?"

"I have no plans for you at all, Sarevok. Your life is your own and you are free to go live it." I hesitated then added, "I do hope you will make better choices this time."

"I do not understand." His face was puzzled. I thought I'd been clear. "I do not understand why you brought me back to life if you have no use for me. And now you say you will simply let me go? Explain this to me."

"We do not all share your evil ways, Anchev," Anomen said. "Some of us hold to the bargains we make, even if they are ill-advised."

"My words are for Keeta and not for you, priest," Sarevok snapped. "I do not recall inviting you into this conversation and I will tell you that your presence is unwelcome."

"Do you think I would leave you alone with her? Keeta is pure and innocent—"

"I am not!"

"Perhaps she does not see the blackness of your heart," Anomen continued. "But Helm guides my sight. Do you think any of us would turn our backs on you? Your reputation is too well known for there to be any semblance of trust between us."

Sarevok's eyes flashed and he turned to me.

"It is true that you have no reason to trust me. Why should you? But I will swear not to betray you," he told me. "An oath made to you here in Bhaal's domain would have power like a geas. I could not break it."

"A geas," I whispered. "Made here?" Why would he make such an offer? The skin at the back of my neck crawled in horror. Did he really believe I would consent to placing any person under such a compulsion? That I would permit such a rape of the mind and the will? The mage Jon Irenicus had known well how to cast such spells. During the ten-day and more that I was his prisoner he had shown me his skill—but he was gone now, dead and gone, and I need not think back on those times.

"Even when we leave this place, my oath would still bind me," Sarevok said, misunderstanding my hesitation.

"No," I said. "That is not—no." I blinked and willed my voice to be firmer. "You may travel with us through the portal to Saradush or to wherever it takes us. But after that, you are on your own."

Sarevok inclined his head and said no more.

Where once there had stood a statue of an unnamed but startlingly male demon lord, there now was a hallway and bedrooms. Imoen proudly showed off Cespenar's work.

"The biggest room at the end is for you and Anomen," she said. "Cespenar said he can get us beds later and all kinds of furniture. Poor little guy, I think he's all worn out for now."

I could believe it. Imoen's perky tone was wearing me out. It had been a long day.

"And look, here's the privy. It's just a hole, sorry, but I have plans for something really special. Cespenar said he could do it. You just wait." She turned to Sarevok and gave a haughty sniff. "We didn't make a room for you. Figured you wouldn't be around long enough to need one."

"It is of no consequence," he said. I could tell his calm acceptance annoyed her. Deliberately so, I suspected.

"But Imoen," I said. "It sounds like you're planning on moving in and staying here. I thought you couldn't wait to get out."

"That's because I didn't think we could get out. But think, Keeta. This place—it's like a fortress and a hideout all in one. And you can get here just by snapping your fingers."

"There's a little more to it than that."

"Not really, once you get used to it. Cespenar said. And no one can find you here—it's unscryable. I think. And Cespenar really can do all kinds of useful stuff. This place is great!"

"Imoen, we're in the Lower Planes! This is Bhaal's domain. There's nothing great about it."

"You don't like it?" She looked around the bare dark hall and her face fell.

"It's not that," I said. "What you've done so far is amazing. I just don't like being in the Abyss. I want to go back where we belong. Don't you miss sunshine and fresh air?"

"But that's the beauty of it. You can go through the portal anytime you like." I sighed. "Well, if you don't want it—can I have it? This would make the greatest mage's tower. Elminster would swoon with envy. And can I keep Cespenar as my familiar?"

I sighed again.

By the time I'd dug out the spare bedroll and given it to Sarevok, Anomen had merged our blankets into a snug nest. A real bed would have been lovely but simply having the privacy of a room with a door was a pleasant luxury. It was a luxury that Anomen had every intention of taking advantage of, if I read his look correctly. I gave him a smile of anticipation.

Our armor, which we had taken off before dinner, lay in neater piles than I remembered leaving it. Anomen's years as a squire for the Order of the Radiant Heart had left him as fastidious as Keldorn. I kept hoping this would rub off on me, at least a little. I imagine Anomen had the same hope although he didn't complain much about my slovenly ways.

Anomen held out his wineskin.

"If we are going to re-provision tomorrow, we might as well finish this off tonight," he said.

"I like the way you think." I took a long drink and handed it back. I pulled off my boots and sat cross-legged on the floor beside him. "I honestly think I am too weary to sleep." I leaned against his side. His warm muscular body was better than an armchair and I snuggled in with contentment. He drank from the skin and set it by my knee.

"You are given no respite, are you, my lady?"

"It sure doesn't seem that way. Couldn't you put in a word with Helm and ask Him to arrange a short holiday between disasters?"

We had spent a ten-day in Suldanessellar recovering from our wounds and being feted by the grateful elves, but it hadn't been much of a holiday. Due to the many deaths and destruction caused by Jon Irenicus, especially the damage he'd done to the Tree of Life, the city had been in mourning. Then the rumors that armies led by Bhaalspawn were attacking settlements along the Sword Coast began to flow into the increasingly nervous city. It was not a good time to harbor a notorious Bhaalspawn. Queen Ellesime suggested we consult the spirits in the Sacred Grove. The fact that this grove was located quite some distance from Suldanessellar was, of course, no coincidence.

"Believe me, I inundate Him with my prayers to that effect." Somehow his arm had found its way around my waist. I turned my face to his so he could kiss me. I could taste the wine on his lips and felt the pleasant tickle of his beard against my face.

"Try harder," I suggested a few breathless moments later.

"I will," he murmured although I suspected he wasn't talking about prayer any longer. I didn't know; I had more or less abandoned the capability for coherent thought.

A considerable while later, I decided that I would be able to sleep after all.

"And you told Sarevok I was pure and innocent. Ha!"

"You are." He sounded half asleep already, which was not surprising. "Also sweet and delectable." He nuzzled my neck. Considering that none of us had done more than wash in a bucket since Suldanessellar, this would be what was technically known as a lie. A sweet lie, though, the kind that knights are allowed to speak to their ladies.

"Tell me, am I making a mistake with him?" I was warm and cozy with Anomen's arms around me. We had yet to begin the nightly contest for the blankets, one I was almost certain to lose. Anomen's chivalry did not follow him into sleep, alas.

"With Sarevok? Yes. I think you are."

"You do? You think I should let him travel with us?"

"Gods, no. I think we should turn him in to the authorities. Do you not wish him to face Tyr's justice for all he's done to you? By rights, he should be hanged."

The harshness in his tone took me aback. He was right, I supposed. Sarevok's crimes had been grievous ones but he had died for them, after all. And he had spent the past year or so in this place of retribution being punished for them. Bhaal's taint was gone from him now. Perhaps—perhaps that would make a difference. Perhaps he truly could make better choices now.

"Do you think anyone in Saradush is going to care about crimes he committed in Baldur's Gate?"

"No, more is the pity. Should he ever show his face in Amn, it will be a different story, I promise you."

"Have you ever been in Saradush?" I asked Anomen, as I helped him into his chain shirt after breakfast. We'd decided that clanking around in full plate presented too martial an appearance and would draw unwanted attention. And if Saradush was as hot as everyone said, plate armor would feel like an oven. So would chain mail but Anomen claimed to feel naked without metal encasing him. I wore my favorite leather tunic, which was light but enchanted to turn the blade of any mugger or back alley thief. Not that I planned on lurking in any back alleys, but you never knew. Despite my imputed purity and innocence, I frequently found myself in seedy surroundings.

"Only once, when I was a youngster. My father took us through Tethyr on business, back before my mother's health failed and his drinking became so habitual. That was the last trip we took as a family."

I wrapped my arms around his waist. His expression lightened.

"Saradush is much smaller than Athkatla and rather rusticated," he said, shaking off the mood any mention of his father always brought him. Jaheira had already shown me the city's location on our maps. Saradush was nowhere near anywhere I wanted to be, unfortunately. "But travelers are common. We won't stand out. Also, trade caravans leave frequently. We should be able to find merchants headed north, if you wish to join a larger group." We had already decided that if the portal did indeed drop us in Saradush, we'd leave, despite what Sarevok said about destiny.

"I think we'd move quicker on our own once we buy some horses."

But as it happened, no one was leaving Saradush and the horses had all been butchered and eaten. The city was under siege.

The portal dumped us in the main square before what appeared to be a palace. A throng of people milled about, for the most part dressed in the drab working clothes of peasants and laborers. None of them seem startled by the deep twang of a nearby catapult that made me jump half out of my skin. They merely glanced up to note the trajectory of the incoming missile. Judging by the state of the walls and the buildings (not to mention the jaded attitudes), this assault had been going on for quite some time. In the distance, I could see soldiers up on the city walls, firing arrows and spells at the unseen enemy.

What compelling reason forced these people out in the open instead of taking cover from the steady bombardment? They had been shouting at the guards who stood before a pair of large, closed doors but that stopped when we arrived. I didn't believe there was a prohibition against magic in Saradush but our sudden appearance caused great consternation. We could hardly have chosen a more public way to enter the city and I kicked myself for not having anticipated this. Why hadn't I asked Imoen to cast an invisibility spell on us before I activated the portal? Because I was an idiot, I guess.

The guards immediately abandoned their dispute with the townsfolk.

"The city is sealed," growled one of them. "How did you get here? Are you spies?"

Yes, we're the realm's most incompetent spies. That's why we teleported to the center of town in broad daylight. Please arrest us.

The guard didn't wait for an answer. He strode forward, gesturing for his men to follow. It struck me odd to see human soldiers led by a half-orc. Jaheira had told me that Tethyrians were ill disposed to accept anyone of mixed heritage and of course few people anywhere are likely to welcome half-orcs.

A flame-haired woman, richly dressed like a noble, stared at me and ran forward.

"Stop, she's a Bhaalspawn!" she shouted. Her voice was disastrously carrying. The townsfolk were already scrambling away from our little group and at that, they took off in a panicky rush. They accepted catapult stones and fireballs with nary a blink but were frightened of a Bhaalspawn? What was wrong with these people?

The guards moved into close formation like battle-hardened soldiers. They dropped their halberds to a threatening position.

It went downhill from there.

But it could have been worse. Our wounds were minor and we weren't arrested. Our attackers were not, as I'd feared, members of the militia or the City Watch. They were mercenaries and while the captain of the Watch didn't exactly shake my hand for slaying them, it was clear he had no trouble believing that they had been the aggressors. It helped that the well-dressed woman, Lady Melissan, testified on our behalf. She seemed to be a person of some standing and her words obviously carried weight with him. Once he had heard us out and examined Keldorn and Anomen's Radiant Heart credentials, we were free to go.

"We killed eight people in the street and got off without even a fine?" Imoen whispered. "Guess that proves we're no longer in Amn."

Melissan led us to a tavern called the Tankard Tree. The owner deferentially ushered her into a private sitting room where she told us Saradush's woes. The city was besieged by an army led by a fire giant called Yaga-Shura. Why? He was after the many Bhaalspawn had been drawn to this city, brought here by Melissan herself. The city was meant to be their refuge but now all were trapped here. Including us, she said.

Melissan sat in an armchair right beside me, her face earnest and her voice low as she spoke. Her hair was pinned up in an elaborate coif. She wore a strong musky perfume, the kind I associated with rich noblewomen. I couldn't decide if I liked it or not. She sat so close that her knee brushed mine and she laid her hand on my sleeve as if to catch and hold my attention. Her eyes were focused on my face like I was the only person in the room.

Sarevok, who sat quietly at the end of the room, raised one brow at me. What it signified, I was not sure. Frankly, I was more interested in Keldorn's reaction to Melissan but the paladin's expression was neutral.

"But what does this Yaga-Shura want with the Bhaalspawn?" I asked. "For that matter, what do you want with us?"

A crash rocked the building. I flinched but apparently no harm was done, to the tavern at least. Melissan's fingers closed around my wrist.

"For myself, I am a—guardian, you might say. I have great interest in Alaundo's prophecies. It is said that the time of Bhaal's resurrection approaches but I believe that event can be averted. That would be good, don't you agree?"

"I certainly don't want to see Bhaal brought back to life. Is that what this is all about? Do you know some way to prevent that from happening?"

She smiled and did not answer. Her fingers stroked the back of my hand. Her action may have been unconscious for I saw no warmth in her eyes, only an earnest attentiveness. Although much older, she reminded me of Nalia De'Arnise. I wondered if she was yet another bored noblewoman grasping at a worthy but ultimately hopeless cause to bring significance to her days.

"And what of this Yaga-Shura?" I asked. "What is he trying to accomplish? Is he a bounty hunter or does he hold the city itself hostage?"

"I think—I think I must withhold some of my information until you have proven yourself to me."

Ah, now we came to the point. She was reminding me more and more of Nalia, who had hired me to clear her keep of its attackers while neglecting to tell me that every other mercenary she had approached had refused the job, due to its highly suicidal nature. I, of course, had been too stupid and naïve to ask the right questions.

"And how can I prove myself?" Assuming I was stupid and naïve enough to wish to do so.

"Yaga-Shura must be stopped before he breaches the walls of Saradush, but the city's defenses are divided. This is partially my fault, I'm afraid. I contracted with a mercenary band to protect the Bhaalspawn here. Their leader is General Gromnir Il-Khan. Perhaps you have heard of him?"

I shook my head but Keldorn frowned in recognition. So did Sarevok.

"He is a Bhaalspawn," Sarevok said.

"That is correct." Melissan looked at him for the first time since we'd entered the tavern. Her eyes narrowed. This was a lady unused to being interrupted, it seemed. "It was his men who attacked you outside the palace. I am afraid to say that the general has gone mad. He has barricaded himself within the palace and his mages have sealed the doors against all intruders." She gave an unhappy sigh. "Not only does he refuse to lend his troops to the defense of the city but he hoards the city's food and many other supplies that are needed by the militia. He will not listen to me or to any of the city's officials. Perhaps you can reason with him."

"Me? Why would he listen to me if he won't listen to his own employer?"

"You are a Bhaalspawn of great power. You can compel him to listen. And if he can't be made to see reason—then you must kill him."

So she wanted sword-point diplomacy. What else would anyone want from a 'Bhaalspawn of great power'? Her hand closed around my wrist again and her long nails dug into my skin.

"The gods must have brought you here to help us. I am certain you can find a way inside the palace," she said. "Keeta, you must do this, not just for the sake of the city and all the Bhaalspawn within but for yourself as well."