Not long after Abdel left Ralis, Jaheira, Minsc and Yoshimo to meet with Gaelan Bayle, an information broker at the Copper Coronet to set up a meeting with him tomorrow, Ralis and the others were confronted by a group of Athkatla guards, led by a man named Ler.

"What in the bleedin' blazes happened over here?! Me and my men saw that mage go crazy!" Ler demanded in shock.

He wasn't pointing his sword at Ralis and his group, and neither were his men, they just wanted to know what was going on because Irenicus's fight against the Shadow Thieves and wizards caused quite a commotion in the northeastern section of Waukeen's Promenade.

"We don't know much, good sir! We were held captive by that evil mage, then the next moment, we were in the middle of a guild war!" Minsc exclaimed.

"We just managed to escape with our lives. Why is there a guild war, anyway?" Ralis asked Ler.

He shrugged, making his armor rattle slightly. "No one knows, none of the guards like to talk about it either. Bad image for the city, y'know?"

"By the way, uh..." Ralis paused because he didn't know Ler's name.

"The name's Ler," He said.

"Ler, do you know where we are in Athkatla?" Ralis looked around.

He had never been outside Candlekeep before in his life, so Athkatla is a whole new world in his eyes.

"Aye, this here be Waukeen's Promenade, center o' trade and such in the city," Ler told Ralis.

Waukeen's Promenade is a huge marketplace in the Center District, the mercantile heart of Athkatla, it is twice the size of Waterdeep's market and built like an oval shaped stadium surrounded by terraced 50-foot tall walls. Waukeen's Promenade also has 75-foot-wide levels for consumer and mercantile traffic.

From the upper levels falls some shade to the lower ones. The most expansive areas for merchants is the entry level on the ground or the first terrace over the entry arches. Greater guilds and merchant houses have monopolized that area of the market. Wide ramps lead up to the terraces where additional stalls and booths provide anything and everything from across the Realms.

"Oh. This is my first time here in Amn, so I find this place completely unfamiliar," Ralis said.

"Aye, I understand," Ler nodded, then motioned his group of guards to leave since there is no trouble to be found here.

"Anyhail, since we were prisoners of the mage that was on a rampage here, we are penniless and need some gold to stay at an inn," Ralis told Ler.

Ler scratched his auburn colored beard then dug into his pockets. "Well, if it's money you be needin'... Here's 20 gold," Ler gave Ralis the gold.

"Thank you, good sir! Your hospitality is most appreciated!" Minsc said to Ler with a grateful smile.

Boo squeaked in response.

"So where is the nearest inn or tavern?" Ralis asked Ler.

"You could go to The Mithrest inn a couple blocks north from the Promenade, or Delosar's a little ways south from here," Ler suggested.

"Thanks. We should be on our way then," Ralis said before he and his group left Ler, walking down the stairs nearby, heading to the ground level. As they descended, Jaheira looked up at the structures of Waukeen's Promenade, noticing the architecture, and she quickly realized that they are indeed in Amn.

"I know this place... The architecture of these buildings... Yes, Abdel and that person was assuredly correct; this is Athkatla. We are in the state of Amn," Jaheira confirmed aloud, though the answer is fairly clear to Yoshimo and even Abdel before he left.

As soon as they set foot on the ground level and made their way to the northeastern section of the promenade, Ralis spoke to her while they passed by dozens of Amnian guards rushing over to inspect the large crater made in the northwestern section of the promenade made by the fight between Irenicus' duergar and the Shadow Thieves.

"I have no reason to doubt you. Are we far from the Sword Coast?" He asked Jaheira, wondering how much of a distance Athkatla is from Baldur's Gate, hoping that the Flaming Fist have no jurisdiction to come hunting for him into Amn.

Jaheira shook her head once. "No, Athkatla is along the lower edge of the Sword Coast," she said.

"And how is it you know so much about this place?" Ralis asked her as they headed towards the northern exit of the promenade, moving their way past crowds of people and guard who have been shaken up by what happened in the northeastern section of the promenade.

"You might have never been here, but I have. Those Who Harp tend to travel. Khalid..." Jaheira paused for a moment to stop tears from welling up in her eyes. "... Khalidand I came here... well, let us just say I have been here before," she said.

At this moment, they are now passing through the exit tunnel.

"I do not know the city well enough to give directions though. We will have to await Abdel's return somewhere. He might find who holds Imoen still," Jaheira continued.

As soon as they emerged out of the tunnel, Jaheira looked up at the midday sky.

"Khalid? Silvanus, let him hear my vow... If I must, I shall empty this city of all within to find his killer... So do I swear," she prayed to her patron, then the group moved on, unsure of where to go.

Athkatla is the capital city of Amn, and the oldest city in this region of Faerun, where money is highly coveted and businesses never rest. For example, the warehouses and wharves along the Alandor River which divides the city are busy 24 hours a day, 10 days every week. The city was founded in the Year of Greybeards (100 DR) along with the other Amnian cities Crimmor and Murann by the Shoon Imperium and immigrants from Calimshan. The Shoon empire eventually collapsed in the Year of the Corrie Fist (450 DR), after Prince Strohm of Tethyr killed Emperor Amahl Shoon VII to avenge the murder of his father, then ten years later in the Year of Scorching Suns (460 DR), Amin, the former Western Emirate of the Shoon Imperium established itself as a country independent from the imperial rule of the Shoon empire known as Amn, with Esmel Torlath as king, beginning the Torlath dynasty. For the next 700 years, peace and prosperity flourished in Amn as they initiated trade with cities further north like Baldur's Gate, Waterdeep and Neverwinter. Money became so important to the nation of Amn that accumulating wealth corrupted the morals of many mercantile classes.

The most important rule to know about Amnian society is that money talks. Money is the language everyone is fluent in. Money is so important in Athkatla, that the city can be very harsh and terrifying to visitors with little gold, silver and copper in their pockets or money bags to spend, but for an aspiring merchant, this city is paradise. Those with pockets bulging with gold, silver and copper coins have the potential to influence anyone he or she desires, it is the principle that Amnian towns and cities like Athkatla live by. The governing power over Athkatla and all of Amn is known as the Council of Six, the anonymous, mysterious six individuals whose mandate is to keep trade and any activity involving money active at any cost in Amn. The Council of Six weren't always the rulers of Athkatla, they were formed because of the trade wars that frequently occur in Amn. Trade wars began 41 years ago, and they would occur every two or three years. The worst trade war happened in the Year of the Striking Falcon (1333 DR), halting all all trade coming to and coming from Amn. A young human merchant named Thayze Selemchant refused to let the worst trade war in Amn's history destroy the wealth and power he would acquire from his inherited rich spice-importing business, so using his wits, wealth and power at his disposal, he "persuaded" five other merchant house leaders, Quorl Vemmil, Erlranther Alibakkar, Curkon Gheldieg, Phaan Colwyvv and Kirsoph Vinson to create a new government that won't be affected by the trade wars that plagued Amn. After the Council of Six was formed, peace returned to Amn, for the most part.

The anonymity of the Council members was necessary to establish peace in Amn because the Council of Six came to the same realization that the Lords of Waterdeep have, that order is best maintained when the citizens and denizens barely know who they can assassinate, manipulate or bribe. Deception is a law in Athkatla, and to write about or speak the name or unmask the identity of a Council of Six member results in a slow and painful execution for the unlucky individual. There are also many districts in the city, which means Athkatla is a bigger city than Baldur's Gate, but not quite as big as Waterdeep. There is the Wave District, Temple District, Government District, Gem District, Quill District, Trades District, River District, Bridge District, Guards District, Center District, Scepter District and Graveyard District.

"So! where to now, fearless leader?" Jaheira asked him.

"How the hell should I know?" Ralis snapped at Jaheira involuntarily, still stressed out about Imoen's capture, and Skie's murder, of course.

"Don't snap at me, mister. I thought you might have a plan of sorts. Obviously I was mistaken," Jaheira replied, then she sighed, placing her hands on the sides of her waist and rolling her eyes. "This is ridiculous," she muttered.

She looked back at Ralis as he looked up at the afternoon sky in deep, troubled thought. "I'm... I'm sorry, Ralis. I do not wish to cause undue strain in our party. I am merely a bit stressed, and no doubt you are as well."

"Think nothing of it, Jaheira. It's understandable," Ralis replied, still looking up at the sky in depression.

"Yes, but not acceptable. We are friends, and should act as such. I... I apologize."

"Water under the bridge. Let's just get to one of the hotels that guard mentioned and rest up for a while," Ralis replied.


They steadily put distance between themselves and Waukeen's Promenade, heading north through bustling streets to The Mithrest inn. Along the way, Ralis couldn't stop worrying about Imoen. He couldn't stop wondering what kind of punishment the wizards in gray cowls are inflicting on Imoen along with Irenicus. Drowning in his worries, he started to lag behind Jaheira, Minsc and Yoshimo as they continued walking through the streets. Yoshimo was the first to notice that something is wrong with Ralis.

"Is something troubling you?" He asked.

Ralis shook his head. "I can't stop worrying about Imoen. I'll be fine," He assured Yoshimo.

"Dakara, soreha suru (So be it)," Yoshimo said with a nod and let the matter drop.

When they reached Mithrest inn six minutes later, Ralis told them before they entered the inn: "I'm going to walk around by myself for a while. I might go back to the Promenade and watch the circus back there. I won't go far."

Jaheira shrugged indifferently. "Do whatever you like, fearless leader."

Boo squeaked into Minsc's right ear.

"Boo says "Good luck"," Minsc translated.

Ralis smiled before turning his back on them and heading back to Waukeen's Promenade alone. This is his first time in Athkatla, he felt he should enjoy the sights which are completely foreign to his eyes, the buildings and people wearing unfamiliar clothing and hats, but he found it hard to admire these foreign surroundings with current circumstances. Skie's death, Imoen's capture... He can't possibly enjoy himself as of right now. He could try, but it certainly won't be easy.


He headed back towards Waukeen's Promenade, walking through the lively crowd of people, searching for anything that catches his interest. Still unsure of where to go, he aimlessly headed for the circus tent several yards ahead of him as he walked past more than a dozen people walking around and chatting with other people who are either shop owners, acquaintances, friends, or business partners. He had no idea where he is going, but then again, he doesn't have a set destination yet. As he headed for the tent with the red and white stripes on it, he saw a crowd of people gathering in front of the tent, away from his view. He couldn't see clearly why the crowd is gathering, but he decided to check and see. There could be a circus performance of some kind. Once he got closer to the tent, he could finally see clearly why the crowd of people is gathering. On a wooden platform in front of the crowd, there stood an ogre, a half-ogre and a gnome. Judging by the way the gnome is dressed, wearing a green suit, he must be the ringmaster of the circus.

"Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen, nobles and commoners," The gnome announced. "I am Kalah, the ringmaster of this wonderful circus here in Waukeen's Promenade. Today I will show you a performance like no other. To my left, here is the amazing ogre, Ardrith, the only ogre proficient in the art of casting spells! And to my right is the half-ogre Harlgith, who can perform amazing acrobatic feats!" Kalah announced.

Everyone applauded except Ralis because he doesn't feel amused just yet, or maybe he is too depressed to be amused.

"And now, for my first performance, I will have Ardrith cast the Color Spray spell at Harlgith and Harlgith will dodge the colorful orbs with his acrobatic abilities!" Kalah declared.

Ralis huffed. He had seen better performances at the carnival near Nashkel before the month and day he departed with the Flaming Fist to fight Caelar's crusaders, like the famous exploding ogre, for example. But before the performance began, he noticed something odd about the ogre, Ardrith. When Ralis examined Aldrith's face, he could see that the ogre is not enjoying himself at all. The ogre seems more afraid than enthusiastic about performing in front of 30 people. Anyway, Ralis lost interest in the performance and walked away, intent on heading back to the Den of the Seven Vales. As he walked away, he heard the sound of a magic spell fizzing out. The Color Spray spell must have had some kind of magical glitch. Seconds after that, the crowd of people started laughing. Ralis had no intention to look back to see what was so funny. He couldn't help but wonder if it is because he is too depressed about Imoen's capture, or if there is nothing special or interesting about the circus performance. He left Waukeen's Promenade and returned to The Mithrest Inn.

He entered the inn to see Minsc, Jaheira and Yoshimo at the bar speaking to each other.

"I'm back," He announced as he sat in the chair between Jaheira and Minsc.

"So soon? I assumed you'd return by nightfall," Jaheira said.

Ralis shook his head. "No. Let's just say I can't enjoy myself."

Nearly two and a half hours later, Abdel arrived and sat down to Jaheira's left, between her and a man named Alatelo De Bonito.

"Aha, there you are!" Minsc declared to Abdel.

"Yes, here I am. I had a hunch I would find you all here, and I return with great news," Abdel replied enthusiastically.

Before he could continue, Patricia, a short, blonde haired obese human woman who is the bartender and innkeeper of this place butted in the conversation saying: "Well, lookee here, if it ain't another male come in to drink himself to a stupor."

Abdel frowned at her because the way she said "male" sounded like it left a bad taste in her mouth.

"You got a problem with men?" He asked her.

"Yeah. I'm proud to be male," Ralis added, though he never told Abdel that he had been turned into a woman a couple times before.

Patricia nodded indifferently, cleaning an empty flagon with a white cloth.

"Yeah yeah, yeah, I've heard it all before. Human, elf, halfling, dwarf... ye're all the same. Walkin' about with yer swagger like ye own the place and nary a brain to be found except what's 'twixt yer legs," Patricia huffed.

Abdel and Ralis took offense at Patricia's low regard of their gender. Abdel wanted to teach this woman with so much meat on her bones a lesson, but he decided to drop it.

"As I was saying, I have good news. Galean Bayle has agreed to meet with us this evening near the bridge at the Bridge District. Isn't that great?" Abdel grinned.

"This is better news than I was expecting," Jaheira said before drinking her flagon of Bitter Black Ale.

"So when do you think we should leave?" Minsc asked Abdel.

Abdel frowned quizzically for a second. "It's highsun already, so I think we should be leaving in a few minutes. So, what do you think about Amn so far, Ralis?" Abdel asked his little brother.

Ralis shrugged indifferently. "Not quite what I imagined back in Candlekeep. When you read about all the towns and cities in Faerun, that's one thing, but actually visiting the location is another," he replied almost sullenly. "And I have to say the entertainment here is terrible. I saw the worst circus performance I've ever seen in the Promenade. I left just as it started," he added.

Abdel frowned. "You mean the circus in the Promenade?" He asked.

"Yes? So?" Ralis nodded.

"When I returned to the Promenade searching for you after setting up the appointment with Galean Bayle, I noticed several guards patrolling the area around the tent. They say the ringmaster and his ogre performers led the crowd into the tent for another performance and they haven't come back out in hours," Abdel replied.

Ralis's eyes widened when he recalled the fearful expression on Ardrith's face. He jumped up out of his chair and ran out the inn.

"Hey! Ralis! Where are you going?!" Abdel exclaimed.

Yoshimo, Minsc and Jaheira were about to leave with him as well, but Abdel assured them that they won't be gone long, then he followed Ralis out the inn.


Abdel followed Ralis all the way back to Waukeen's Promenade, yelling at him to stop or ask what is going on, but Ralis never responded to him.

"Hey! Where are you going?" Abdel called as he followed Ralis into the northwestern entrance of the Promenade, trying to navigate carefully through people coming and leaving.

"To the tent. There's something strange happening and I'm going to find out what," Ralis replied, heading for the tent with Abdel close behind him trying not to bump into anyone.

Two guards were standing outside the entrance. They had the opening of the tent blocked off when they saw Ralis and Abdel approaching.

"What is going on here?" Ralis demanded.

"There was a circus performance this morning, and the ringmaster took everyone into this tent. That was HOURS ago! They still haven't came out yet!" Athkatla guard #1 said.

"Even worse, the men we sent in to investigate haven't came out to report the strange disappearances," Athkatla guard #2 said.

Ralis looked back at Abdel, and he smirked at him.

"I know that look on your face. I had no idea you like to live dangerously," Abdel said.

"We'll check what is going on, me and him," Ralis told the guards.

"All right, but be careful in there," Guard #2 said before he and guard #1 stepped aside, allowing Ralis and Abdel passage into the tent.

As soon as they stepped inside, they had this strange feeling that they just jumped into a different plane of existence. They found themselves on a bridge made of dark blue marble and the railings were made of brass. On the other side is a large 42 foot tall palace made out of marble, brass and copper. The palace appeared to be three stories high, and there are six thick copper pillars lined up beside the palace's entrance, three in one row, three in the next.

"Holy hells..." Ralis whispered in awe.

"Torm assist us. I think we are in way over our heads. We shouldn't be risking our necks for people who are most likely dead," Abdel said, looking in awe at the palace.

Ralis scowled in a friendly way at Abdel, smiling at him. "Where is your sense of fun and adventure? I'm sure you've done many reckless things in your career as a sellsword," Ralis said, then walked towards the palace.

Abdel stood still for a few seconds, watching his friend move ahead.

"I didn't do this kind of thing very often," he said to himself before following Ralis.

The palace has no guards, and no traps, getting inside was simple and easy for Ralis and Abdel. Inside the palace, in the foyer, there is a water fountain in the middle of the room. The walkways are shaped like a "+". Ahead is stairs that lead to the 2nd floor, to the left and right lead to other rooms. In the diagonal patches of the "+" shaped walkway is pools of water, in each pool of water is a large statue of elephants. Ralis and Abdel cautiously moved forward, Abdel drawing his broadsword and Ralis drawing Kondar and Albruin out, in case of an enemy ambush. When they got near the water fountain in the center, they heard footsteps. From the left side of the walkway, Abdel and Ralis saw the ogre, Ardrith running towards them. The ogre saw Ralis and Abdel and rested near the fountain, completely out of breath as if he was chased by a pack of dire wolves or worgs.

"Who are you two?" The ogre asked Ralis and Abdel, and to Ralis and Abdel's surprise, Ardrith's voice sounds far too melodic and high pitched to belong to a male ogre. Even a female ogre with a voice like that won't sound right.

"Oh, whoever you are, you must flee this place at once! He's... he's killed everyone else in this place almost! Oh, please run!" "Ardrith" exclaimed fearfully even though "he" is trying to catch "his" breath.

"How can a monster like you have such a beautiful voice?" Ralis asked "Aldrith".

The "ogre" frowned in confusion. "I... I'm not a monster! I am an elf, a winged elf... or at least I was..." The ogre replied.

Abdel frowned. A winged elf? Is there such a thing? He wasn't sure. Then again, Toril is home to many strange creatures, even familiar ones with minor physical differences.

"What is this place? Where are we?" Abdel asked the "ogre".

"This... this place you see is some kind of illusion. But if you believe what you see and fight is real, then it is real! P-Please believe me! Now go! Run before something happens to you both!" The ogre cried fearfully.

"Who is the killer? Who is responsible for all this?" Ralis asked the "ogre".

"Kalah!" The "ogre" replied.

Ralis blinked in surprise. "The ringmaster?"

"Oh, I don't know exactly what he has done, or how, but everything here is an illusion! But it's illusion magic that can hurt you, if you believe in it... Never mind me, just get out of here!"

"No! We came in here to investigate these disappearances, and we aren't going to turn a blind eye now that we know a killer is at large here," Ralis said defiantly.

The ogre still didn't look reassured. "Oh... Please don't end up like the others. My name is Aerie."

"I'm Ralis."

"I'm Abdel."

"I would say it's a pleasure to meet you both, but not in this predicament. I... work in the circus with my uncle Quayle," Aerie said.

Ralis frowned. He knew someone by the same name. Could it be that arrogant gnome he met on his first visit to Baldur's Gate? Nah, it can't be.

"I don't know exactly what happened, but everything changed a few days ago... everything became chaos and turned into what you see here. The minions say they serve Kalah, that's how I know he is responsible for all this... He is an illusionist in the circus, but I don't understand how he is able to do all of this! Please! He must be stopped before he kills anyone else!" Aerie pleaded.

"That's why we're here. We'll put a stop to Kalah," Ralis assured Aerie.

"Be careful, Ralis and Abdel! You... you can't trust anything you see here!" Aerie called as Ralis and Abdel walked past her, heading north towards the stairs to the 2nd floor.


On the 2nd floor, which appears to be a rest and recreational room of some kind, judging by the amount of furniture and wide open space, Ralis and Abdel saw two men in clothing noblemen normally wear coming their way. They had warm smiled on their faces.

"Welcome to Kalah's palace. Would you like us to give you a tour?" One of them greeted Ralis and Abdel.

"I don't think so, we'll be fine on our own," Abdel replied.

The two men stopped walking towards Ralis and Abdel, stopping 7 feet away from them, then looked at each other for a few seconds, then scowled sharply at Ralis and Abdel. Then they transformed into werewolves!

"I was not expecting that!" Ralis drew his swords.

"Illusion or not, they are dead!" Abdel yelled, charging at the muscular werewolf.

Ralis attacked the one who is a bit more slender in muscle build than the werewolf Abdel is fighting. Abdel, being armed with a big broadsword had to find an opening to strike the werewolf illusion. He started out with a horizontal strike. The werewolf crouched and tried to strike Abdel with his claws. Abdel took advantage of the momentum of his swing to jump away from striking range and jumped at the werewolf ready to swing his sword down in its head.

The werewolf dodged aside and punched Abdel. He recoiled and the werewolf tried to maul him but Abdel kicked the werewolf in the chest, causing it to crash into a small dinner table behind it, then Abdel finished off the werewolf illusion by jumping down at it and impaling his sword into its chest. The werewolf illusion evaporated into thin air as soon as it died. Ralis struck consecutively with Kondar and Albrin from all angles, hoping to catch the werewolf he is fighting off guard. His plan is working. The werewolf couldn't keep up with Ralis's reflexes, dodging and blocking his swords. Eventually Ralis cut the werewolf in the belly with Albruin, causing the werewolf to clutch its wound, howling in pain, then Ralis cut off its head. Then he and Abdel headed upstairs to the next floor.

On the third floor, Ralis and Abdel found Kalah's throne room. Ralis wasn't sure if it is an illusion or has been polymorphed, but Kalah is a muscular, intimidating ogre mage. He is sitting in his throne, flanked by two lycanthrope illusion bodyguards. Around him are the corpses of dozens of creatures, most likely the polymorphed corpses of the people who watched Kalah's "performance". The only person alive is Quayle, in the form of the gray ooze creature.

"You! Are you Kalah? Your mischief ends here at the tip of my blades!" Ralis declared.

Abdel smirked at him. "Why do I get the feeling this isn't the first time you've done this?" He asked his stepbrother.

Ralis ignored him and watched Kalah as he stood up on his feet from his throne, applauding.

"Well done! Well done, my friends! I doubted that you would survive to reach me. Welcome to my domain, though I regret my hospitality will result in your deaths," Kalah said.

"The only death that'll happen here is you, you thrice bedamned bastard," Abdel sneered.

"Minions, kill them! The circus now truly begins!" Kalah commanded.

The two illusion lycanthropes charged at Abdel and Ralis. As a gray ooze creature, Quayle couldn't see what is going on but he could hear the noise of intense combat, though. Ralis sliced the werewolf with Kondar, a sword that delivers more damage to any shape shifter, illusion or not. The werewolf wailed in pain. Abdel's sword was blocked by the forearm of the most muscular werewolf he has ever seen. He ducked when the werewolf tried to punch him, then he grabbed his dagger and stabbed the werewolf in the chest. Kalah couldn't believe it. His bodyguards failed to kill Ralis and Abdel!

"You may have defeated my minions, but there is one victim that I haven't disposed of yet!" He declared, referring to Quayle.

He began to cast a Lightning Bolt spell on Quayle, chanting the incantation to use the spell!

"Nooo!" Quayle cried.

Ralis, knowing he only has a few seconds before lighting shoots out of Kalah's hands and strikes Quayle, quickly dropped his swords, pulled out his Dead Shot +2 longbow with his right hand and an arrow out of his quiver with his left hand, readied the bow and arrow, took aim at Kalah calmly but quickly as time is quickly running out for Quayle.

"Tiiiime's up for you," Ralis said before he released the bowstring, firing the arrow.

The arrow flew effortlessly towards Kalah. He saw saw the arrow coming from the corner of his eye, but he had no time to dodge it, it was flying at him too fast for him to react. The arrow struck him in the chest!

"No-noooooo!" He cried as the force from being struck by the arrow knocked him off his feet.

Time seemed to slow down and freeze, then everything turned bright white.


And seconds later, the bright white light disappeared, dispelling the illusion. Ralis, Abdel, Quayle, Kalah and Aerie are now inside a normal, average tent. Kalah hit the ground hard on his back. Gravely injuring Kalah seems to have destroyed the illusion world. Kalah now on the floor on his back, facing up at the ceiling of the tent, feebly grasping the shaft of the arrow stuck into his chest while coughing up blood.

"No! *cough* This isn't what was supposed to happen! This isn't what was promised to me!" Kalah cried, coughing up blood.

"It's over, Kalah. You've lost," Ralis said, approaching Kalah, pointing Albruin down at him.

He coughed up more blood, making his teeth more red than white. "I... I have planned for this... too long only to have my plans shattered by two inbred northern adventurers! I... I just wanted to be respected..."

"You want respect? Get it without committing murder, pond scum," Ralis said as he gently pressed the tip of Albruin's blade on Kalah's neck.

Kalah coughed some more. "You've... you've killed me... destroyed Kalah with your misplaced morals and beastly greed for adventure..." He cursed.

Ralis glared down at him. "You think that's all I'm about? You're wrong. Wherever I go, there is always a bastard like you who is always looking out for himself, willing to make the lives of other people like hell to make you happy."

Kalah's breathing became more labored and started to slow down. He felt himself getting weaker and from his point of view, his vision began to darken as dark shadows began to form at the corners of his eye vision.

"I am Kalah the grand... *cough, cough* but an illusionist in Amn is a criminal, and a gnome is a spectacle... I was a clown... *cough*... I was promised a world where Kalah was master, where none would dare... mock... me... Indifference killed those fools from the circus... I... treat them in death as there were to me in life. *cough, cough, cough* A gnome gets no respect... I just wanted people to look up... to me. All that I have done..." Kalah stopped there and passed away.

"Well, that's the end of him," Abdel said as he approached Ralis.

"Yeah..." Ralis nodded in agreement.

Ralis looked up at Abdel and they smiled at each other.

"You've become an excellent fighter, Ralis. I hardly recognized you," Abdel said.

"Thanks to the training Lydia gave me," Ralis replied proudly.

Abdel frowned. "Lydia, the guard from Candlekeep that you had a crush on when you were 13?" Abdel asked while grinning in amusement.

Ralis's eyes widened momentarily. He hoped that Abdel would forget that on his first days of puberty, he had a... somewhat romantic interest in the woman who would eventually train him in the advanced combat style of using two bastard swords. One of his awkward memories of his development into adolescence.

"...Don't remind me, Abdel, please," he moaned shamefully.

Aerie, back to her normal self spotted Quayle near the roulette wheel. Aerie is a slender, beautiful elf who is one a few inches shorter than Ralis. If she stood in front of him, her forehead would be at his nose. Her face and jawline is nearly sharp and angular, she has some kind of blue swirling tattoo on her forehead, inches directly above the center of her eyebrows, and she has shoulder length platinum blonde hair, her blue eyes bright as the cloudless noon skies, and her skin is nearly pale, almost white like milk or porcelain, she wore a bright blue dress with a long skirt that reaches down to her knees, and she wore small blue low heel shoes to match the color of her dress.

"Uncle Quayle, you're okay!" She exclaimed, running towards him, kneeling down and hugging him.

Quayle smiled with triumph. "Hah! I knew Kalah would trip over himself eventually. I'm just pleased he despised me enough to toy with me rather than dispose of me like some of the others!" He said.

A single tear fell from Aerie's right eye. "What would I ever do without you?"

Quayle smiled at Aerie's question. "I... I think you need to find out, my dear. I've taught you everything I can. It's time, Aerie... time for you to learn the rest on your own."

"You're the wisest and the smartest and the kindest man I'll ever know," Aerie said as tears leaked form her eyes as she stood up, towering over Quayle.

"I wasn't always, my dear. You changed that," Quayle said, tears falling from his eyes as well.

"Well, those are words I never expected to hear from the great Quayle," Ralis said with a smile as he and Abdel approached them.

Quayle looked at him and smiled. "Well, if it isn't my old friend Ralis."

"It's been a while, Quayle. What happened to the arrogant Quayle I used to know?" Ralis asked.

"Uncle Quayle, you know him?" Aerie asked.

"Ralis and I met each other when I was in the Sword Coast a few months ago. We didn't get along because I used to believe I was smarter than him and everyone else, but he saved my life. If it weren't for him, I wouldn't have lived to meet you, Aerie," Quayle said.

"Oh..." Aerie was in awe.

"I can't keep you forever, Aerie. You must go out and learn what you can. Knowledge is power, and you can't gain knowledge by staying with one person. Ralis... you can provide for her better than I. Will you take her with you?" Quayle asked.

"I'd love to. Aerie, how do you feel about it? Are you willing to travel with me, Abdel and my group?" Ralis asked her.

"You would.. you would have me travel with you?" Aerie is clearly excited, but also worried about leaving Quayle. "I would love to, but... Oh Quayle, I would miss you!"

"Then you shall have to come and visit me from time to time and tell me what you've learned. Go... go with my blessing, girl," Quayle said softly.

"... All right. Take- take care of the circus while I'm away," Aerie said.

"Oh, don't worry about me. If you find happiness, maybe the pain of losing your wings will be lessened... nothing would please me more. Be well, my Aerie," Quayle said.

"By the way, just to let you know, Aerie, my goal is to rescue a friend of mine... Imoen... who has been captured by a group of wizards. It might be dangerous."

"If she is in danger, then I'd be glad to help you look for her. It's the least I owe you, no matter what the danger is!" Aerie said enthusiastically.


Later, Ralis and Abdel brought Aerie to the Mithrest inn and introduced her to Jaheira, Minsc and Yoshimo. It is now time to go meet Galean Bayle. As they headed east, walking through the streets of Athkatla littered with hundreds of citizens, Jaheira couldn't help but notice Yoshimo taking secret glances at her whenever she turns her head to look at something.

"You need not turn your eyes to me each time I drop my head, Yoshimo. I am well and fine," Jaheira said to him.

"If that is so, then I am glad. I am eager to please if you should want anything," Yoshimo replied gallantly.

"I am sure, but I shall keep my thoughts to myself in this case," Jaheira said.

Yoshimo took a deep breath and sighed.

"Ahh, memories of the fallen are sweetest, are they not? I will intrude no more," Jaheira frowned in confusion at him.

"Er, yes, whatever you wish," she said.

Ralis looked back at Yoshimo and said: "Yoshimo, tell me a little about yourself. Where exactly do you come from in Kara-Tur?"

Yoshimo had a sad look on his face. "I am disheartened to know that you are not acquainted with my reputation," he said forlornly.

"Sorry, I've lived behind castle walls most of my life, remember?"

"Oh yes, right, right. Well, I am well known where I come from in Kozakura, both as a daring rogue and as a dashing man. People admire my good-natured humor. They say I am an easy man to befriend, despite my occupation as a bounty hunter," Yoshimo said.

"I can see that," Ralis said.

The walk to the Bridge District was a long one, nearly two hours to get there. By the time they got there, it is evening now, and everyone is preparing to lock up. Not many wander the streets at night, but some businesses remain open, but today is an exception, especially with a guild war going on. After walking through street after street, in an alleyway 400 meters east from The Seas' Bounty tavern, Abdel spotted Galean Bayle, a charming, cheerful looking man standing near an empty caravan wagon. He has short black hair and he is dressed in a blue tunic.

"There he is, that's Galean Bayle," Abdel pointed him out to Ralis.

"Okay, I see him," Ralis nodded.

Ralis, Abdel, Jaheira, Aerie, Minsc and Yoshimo approached him. Galean, who was checking something in his right hand saw them coming, put the device in his pocket quickly and smiled.

"Coo! There you are, Abdel. These are the people you've been talkin' bout?" Galean said by way of greeting.

"Yes. Ralis has a few questions for you," Abdel said, introducing his adopted sibling to the man.

"Yeah. What do you want from us?" Ralis asked Galean.

"'Tis not what I want, but what I can be doing for ye. Ye might be wanting information about a young lass arrested by the Cowled Wizards on your arrival here, aye?"

"Who are they? The Cowled Wizards?" Ralis asked.

"They are a secret organization of wizards here in Amn, they are. They ain't in league with the Council of Six, the rulers of Amn, but the wizards keep an eye on foreign mages and wizards passing through Amn every day and night, keeping them in line to protect the citizens of Amn. If ye cast just one magic missile around here without their say-so, then- poof! They either show up to give ye a warning, or show up and arrest ye, just like the lass ye're lookin' fer."

Gaelan couldn't tell them much about the Cowled Wizards, because not many people outside this organization know anything interesting about these mysterious wizards. Amn has a long history of mishaps and evils caused by wayward wizards, which is why the Cowled Wizards attempt to arrest any mage illegally casting spells anywhere in Amn. The Cowled Wizards were founded 100 years ago by a man from Esmeltaran named Alisar to preserve magical lore in a realm with the ideal that preserved arcane knowledge would benefit the people of Amn despite their fear of mages. Thayze Selemchant, one of the founders of the Council Of Six who ended the Trade War in Amn 36 years ago was a a member of the Cowled Wizards, but he was killed seven years ago in Marpenoth 1362 DR because his peers in the Council Of Six figured out he was a Cowled Wizard. The most dangerous wizard in their ranks is the strikingly beautiful yet dangerous elf woman Zallanora Argentresses of the Mystics' Academy, who happens to be Lady Varytha Ghleldieg's apprentice.

The Cowled Wizards see themselves as heroes and agents of Azuth the god of wizards and Deneir the god of art, literature, cartography and scholars. In their everyday lives, the Cowled Wizards work as merchants, booksellers, herbalists, apothecaries and more. In meeting among themselves or with Cowled Wizards from another town or city in Amn, they wear their signature cowled robes and hoods, and the interesting thing about their cowled robes and hoods is their design which is based on the robes graduates of the School of Wonder wore, a wizard school that used to exist in Amn many decades ago, but was destroyed. The ban on the practice and use of arcane magic in the city of Athkatla dates back to a royal decree by the young King Dhanar the late 13th century. Spellcasting by wizards or sorcerers are limited to a select few who are licensed by the High Houses of Amn, or their magical enforcement agency, the Cowled Wizards, who acted as little more than mercenaries and spies for House Selemchant.

"What do you know about Imoen?" Ralis asked him.

Galean smiled. "Now, Imoen, aye... that be her name," he said.

"Can you give us any clue as to where the Cowled Wizards are?" Ralis asked.

"Coo! I knows very little about them meself, me Lord. I can, however, link ye up with a group that knows. Or can be findin' out. But we shouldn't talk about this out here. Let's get to me house. It be just a short walk from here," Galean said.

And so Ralis and his group followed Galean to his abode, crossing the bridge to the other half of the city of Athkatla.

His house is in the River District on the other side of the bridge of the Bridge District a few blocks east from The Copper Coronet, the oldest tavern in Athkatla. Galean unlocked the door, gestured Ralis and his companions to come in, then he locked the door.

"Coo! Now we can have our conversation in private without anyone snoopin' around," Galean said.

Ralis didn't understand why Galean always goes "Coo", almost sounding like some kind of bird.

"We don't have much time, we need to find out where Imoen is so we can save her from that mage Irenicus," Ralis said.

"Aye, I'll be doing that quick as ye can blink," Galean said as he walked over to the dinner table with a bowl of yellow apples on it.

He grabbed an apple, then he gestured to Ralis if he wanted an apple. Ralis shook his head in denial, and Galean shrugged and bit into the apple in his right hand.

"I'll tell ye straight that I know a powerful group that can be helping ye. They can be findin' the wizard and the young woman both, they can," Galean said, his mouth partially full of the apple slice he bitten off as he sat at the dinner table with Ralis and his companions.

"But they can be doing far better than the tellin' my friend. They can also effect the rescue of your lass to boot," Galean continued.

"Just what is this organization, anyway?" Jaheira asked before Ralis could.

"This I cannot tell ye. Rest ye fine that they be willin' to help... and havin' enough power to challenge the Cowled Wizards. That all ye be needin' to know," Galean said, biting into his apple again afterwards.

"I see. And how much might such assistance cost me?" Ralis wanted to know.

Galean frowned for a second, looking up at the ceiling in a split second thought. "It may seem to be costly, but think of the danger in crossin' the Cowled Wizards. A fair price, if ye think about it. It be 40,000 gold pieces for their help," Galean said.

Ralis and his companions gasped in shock!

"40,000 gold pieces?! That's outrageous!" He exclaimed.

Galean smirked. "Outrageous, is it? 'Tis a lot, but ye ask me friends to go against the wishes of th' Cowled Wizards. I told ye it not be a thing to be done lightly," he said.

"We don't even have that much money. How are we supposed to raise it?" Minsc asked.

"I am sure ye have ways of acquiring money through work," Galean said.

"Work? Work as in working at a tavern or inn?" Aerie asked.

Galean laughed. "No, I mean the jobs adventurers usually do, help someone who needs a favor, exploring a dungeon to get an artifact or treasure for someone, killin' a bandit or two, that sort of thing."

"Oh! That's a relief, because Minsc and Boo do not belong working at a tavern or inn! Minsc and Boo are meant to kick evil butts, backside and all!" Minsc declared proudly.

Boo squeaked in response before continuing to eat a sunflower seed.

"Very well, Galean. We have our objective. It might take us a year or two to acquire the money, but we will get it eventually," Ralis promised Galean.

"Aye, I'll wait for it. I'll call Brus to show you to the Copper Coronet. Ye'll find work easily enough there, ye will," He nodded.

Then Ralis and his companions prepared to leave.

"Oh by the way, there was a girl in the Copper Coronet by the name of Nalia. She might have some work for a fighting man like you," Galean said to Ralis.

"Whatever it takes to save Imoen," Ralis said firmly.

"Fare ye well, then... an' give me greetings to Lehtinan if ye happens by 'im," Galean said.

He informed his nephew about taking them to the Copper Coronet and they left as soon as Brus was ready to take them there.

As Ralis and his companions followed Brus to the Copper Coronet. Aerie tried her best to remember what it was like to fly before her wings were cut off. Behind her back, hidden under her bright blue dress are two long, vertical, rectangular scabs on her shoulder blades where here wings used to be. She hates walking. The mild pain she feels in her legs whenever she walks for a long time reminded her how much she loved flying, and misses it. Aerie was walking next to Ralis, and he noticed that Aerie is looking depressed.

"Are you okay, Aerie?" He asked.

She shook her head. "My wings have been clipped," She sighed. "Oh, how I wish you could understand how it feels to be bound to the ground, chained and weighted like a miserable prisoner of earth..."

"I can only imagine what it feels like to fly. Can you tell me, Aerie?" Ralis asked.

Aerie shook her head softly. She didn't want to let go of the memories, but hanging onto them are so painful. She looked up at the evening sky and smiled a bit.

"Oh... it- it's so hard to describe. It's the ultimate freedom, to soar above the clouds and become part of the wind itself. I remember I used to be so happy. The clouds are a special place up there, Ralis... it's like a land of billowing white beauty that you can almost walk upon," Aerie said.

Ralis looked up at the evening sky. He can only imagine... Yes... He can only imagine.

And so, the deal is made, and Ralis and his companions have a goal, albeit a very long one. Galean has assured Ralis that passage to Imoen can be bought, though he has a feeling that the final tally will include much more than gold. He needs all the help he can get for this adventure. It's all hands on deck for this one. There can be no room for grudges or animosity. The allies that Ralis will meet along the way must cooperate. Any help is welcome, regardless, and while the cost may be steep, the path is clear. Finding Imoen will lead to Irenicus, and to answers long unanswered.


Meanwhile, in one of the secret underground rooms somewhere in Athkatla below a street known as Jann Lane, belonging to the Cowled Wizards, Irenicus and Imoen were separately contained within a transparent, spherical wall of magical energy, no one can get in, no one can get out. Outside their confined space, five wizards were considering what to do with them and waiting for the wizard in charge to arrive. It took him a while to show up in the room. The wizard who has just arrived in this room is Khollynnus Paac, a textiles merchant and the leader of the Cowled Wizards Athkatla cell.

"These are the prisoners from the disturbance at Waukeen's Promenade," the wizard standing directly in front of Irenicus said to Khollynnus, who has a much longer gray beard than the other wizards who have facial hair.

"What is known?" Khollynnus asked.

"Naught but their names. The mage is Jon Irenicus. The girl is Imoen," The wizard replied.

Imoen felt the need to tell them the truth before things got out of hand.

"I didn't do anything; he did it all, I had to-" She protested but Irenicus interrupted her.

"Silence, child, and allow the fool to make his judgement," he said.

Khollynnus didn't like Irenicus' manner. There's something about this mage he didn't like at all. From what he has heard, this mysterious mage slayed ten of his wizards. Ten! That is an impressive feat no mage has ever done. If Irenicus had continued to resist arrest, however, the Cowled Wizards would have sent their recently recruited best wizard Zallanora Argentresses to fight him, and that would have been an interesting fight if that happened. Khollynnus noted that despite Irenicus' immense power as a wizard, and the fact that he is smart enough to surrender, his mouth is liable to get him into more trouble.

"Why was this man not gagged? Did he not slay ten of you?" He asked his fellow wizards.

"We dare not approach," The wizard standing a few feet behind Irenicus replied defensively and a little fearfully, hinting to Khollynus that the wizard speaking to him really does fear this Irenicus man.

"Regardless, in the end, he came willingly," The wizard standing near Imoen said, his voice sure and confident unlike the previous wizard that spoke.

"What should be done with them, sir?" The wizard standing near the leader wizard asked.

"They are deviants. Let them rot in Spellhold," Khollynnus replied dismissively.

Imoen felt crestfallen. Now she will be imprisoned with this insane mage responsible for her imprisonment. The wizards behind Irenicus and Imoen casted a spell on them that teleported them out of the transparent, spherical walls, likely sending them to Spellhold. Then the wizards stepped into the dimensional doors to follow the prisoners.