Chapter 3

"Shh, stop," I whispered hoarsely as we neared Shandra's farm. Casavir had suggested that we approach quietly and with caution, so as not to alert any Githyanki of our presence.

I motioned Casavir, Khelgar, and Neeshka in for a group huddle. The 'huddles' weren't really necessary, but they made me feel a little more like a leader- like I had a well thought-out plan to share. "Okay," I continued quietly, "It looks pretty quiet, so maybe we beat the Githyanki here. But just in case, I want Neeshka to sneak up a ways and-"

"It is her, the one Zeeaire wants! Capture her!"

"Nevermind," I muttered, and took off sprinting towards the raspy voice. We reached the clearing around the farm to see Shandra Jerro running for dear life towards her house, a group of Githyanki not far behind her.

She reached the house, ducked inside, and her pursuers turned to face us. Their leader spoke, his gravelly voice grating on my nerves. "Things have turned out well for us, my brothers. The girl and the kalach-cha are both within our grasp. You three, retrieve the girl. The rest of you, attack!"

They didn't need to be told twice. The group charged at us, weapons drawn, and I began a spell to slow them down. Above my chanting I could hear Khelgar mutter, "Ye'd think they wouldn't be so happy to see us, seein' as how we keep killin' 'em…"

The fight was brief, mostly because my spell worked wonders at making the Githyanki's movements sluggish. I felt a glow of pride, but quickly dismissed it and told everyone to find Shandra.

The Githyanki inside her house were dispatched within moments, and Neeshka managed to pick the lock on Shandra's bedroom.

The moment we opened the door, she lunged at me with a kitchen knife. Luckily for my face and neck she stopped short and cried out, "You! What are you doing here?!"

"We're here to rescue you. The Githyanki want-"

"Brin, look! They're setting fire to the house!" Neeshka grabbed my arm and pointed to several telltale clouds of smoke coming from behind us.

Shandra's shoulders slumped. "My…my house," she said pitifully. "First my barn, now my house…"

I gave her a sympathetic look. "I'm so sorry, really I am. But come one, we have to get out of here before the fire spreads.

Casavir gently took Shanfra's arm and she followed numbly, blue eyes wide, as we exited the burning building. More Githyanki were waiting outside, but a few moments of fighting brought them down. When the final one fell, I turned to the blonde woman a short ways away.

She was watching the fire plaintively, tears brimming in her eyes as fire climbed up the strong wooden panels of the walls. I approached, ready to offer some measly words of sympathy, but before I could she rounded on me furiously.

"What in the Nine Hells is going on?! What are those things?! And why did they burn my house?!"

Casavir replied before I could. "Please Shandra, you must trust us." She seemed to relax a bit, and I wondered if he was… projecting his paladin aura, or something. Whatever it was, it seemed to work. "We will explain everything, but right now it is not safe. We must leave this place."

"Leave? But… but this is my home! I can't just leave!"

"You're not safe here, Shandra," I said gently. "More of those Githyanki will come, and they want to capture you."

"But why?"

Well, at least she seemed more open to the idea. "I'll explain everything, I promise, but we need to leave before more show up."

She hesitated for nearly a minute, looking from me to Casavir to her burning house. Finally her shoulders slumped in defeat. "Al… alright. Where are we going?"


I was torn between screaming and sobbing. Shandra didn't know anything about Ammon Jerro's Haven, and I was no closer to finishing this whole damned quest. She had gone to bed a while ago, and I was now curled up on the sofa by the fireplace and staring gloomily into its flames.

Maybe I could just dump the shards. Through them in the river or bury them or something. I held one up and glared at it. The first time I'd held the shard, I had thought it was pretty. Now, in the flickering firelight, I thought it was the ugliest piece of crap I'd ever laid eyes on.

Would it burn? I looked from the shard to the fire, then back to the shard, debating. It probably would. Then again, it could explode or something. It was magical, so there was no telling what would happen if I threw the damned thing into the fire.

I sighed, shoved it back into my pack, and buried my head in my hands. I missed West Harbor. It was calm, and simple, and not full of angry green men who wanted to kill me. I'd go back, I decided. As soon as possible, I'd go back there, even if it was only for a day or two.

"My lady?" I looked up wearily. Casavir's expression was as gentle as his voice. He sat beside me, resting a hand on my shoulder. That was unlike him- he usually only touched me, or anyone for that matter, when healing was required. He even seemed to try and avoid touching me, sometimes. "Do not lose heart, my lady."

I sighed, which he took as an indication that I was indeed losing heart. "The Archives may have more information on Ammon Jerro. And there are likely more people in the city knew him, or knew of him. We will find out more."

"I know. It just… I don't know, it just seems like…" I trailed off, feeling oddly tongue-tied and he gave my shoulder a light, encouraging squeeze. "Like it's one thing after another, you know?"

He nodded, and I continued, "I mean, I was supposed to come to Neverwinter and see my uncle, and I thought that would be it. Now I'm a soldier for the Watch and there's dozens of people trying to kill me. Green people, no less."

"Life often happens that way- quick, unexpected, and demanding. But you have shown admirable perseverance and strength of will throughout these past few weeks."

I snorted.

He tilted his head to one side, blue eyes flickering in the firelight. "You doubt a paladin?" he teased gently.

I felt an embarrassed smile tugging at my mouth. "Well no, just... honestly, Casavir, I've felt like an impatient brat these past few weeks." He opened his mouth to protest, but I cut him off. "I mean, take you and Khelgar, for instance. You're both so… er, hardy."

He arched an eyebrow, lips twitching. "'Hardy,' my lady?"

Amusement at my expense. How un-paladinly. I rolled my eyes. "Yeah, Cas, you're a hardy guy," I thumped him on the arm, grinning, and he chuckled. "What I meant was… well, you're used to this. Traveling, sleeping on rocks or mud, fighting all the time… Up until about a month ago, my biggest concern in life was what I would make for dinner."

"I see."

"So the past few weeks have felt sort of grueling, to me. Honestly, all I've wanted to do recently is curl up in bed with a book. And this whole 'leader' thing…" I waved a hand through the air. "I've never led anything in my life. I don't know why everyone keeps following me."

"You may be… inexperienced, true, but you have done an admirable job in your role."

"You're just saying that 'cause you're a paladin. And 'cause Duncan'll kick you out if you insult me." That last part was a joke. Mostly.

Casavir chuckled again. He seemed to be doing that more often. "I have little doubt of that, my lady. He seems quite taken with you."

He rose and tilted my chin up gently. "But I spoke the truth, my lady. You are an honorable and admirable leader. You command both the respect and friendship of your followers."

I muttered a thanks, blushing yet again, and watched him go to the stairs. He reached the base when a thought struck me and I turned to lean over the back of the couch and call, "Wait, Casavir!"

He turned, one hand on the railing. "My lady?"

"You don't want to be the leader, do you?"

He smiled again and shook his head. "I'm afraid not, my lady."

He continued up the stairs, but not before I tried again. "I'll let you pick where we go next! And you won't ever have to cook!"

He didn't answer, but I could've sworn I heard him laugh again as he disappeared up the staircase. That wienie.

I blew another sigh and turned to ask Duncan for a drink. He wasn't there. Sal wasn't either. I glanced around, puzzled- the entire room was empty. I must have lost track of time while I was thinking of ways to get rid of the shard- judging from the lack of light coming in from the windows, it was far past bedtime. I rose, stretched, and headed for the staircase, intent on getting a decent night's sleep.

I was halfway to the stairs when a hollow 'clunk' came from behind. I whirled, ready to either cast a spell or -more likely- scream for someone to come save me, and my eyes landed on a figure sitting in the shadows close to the fireplace. It was the man from before, the one who had insulted me. The sound had been his tankard hitting the tabletop. The fingers of one hand were playing around its foamy rim, and his other hand was draped comfortably across the back of the chair beside him. And he was staring at me.

I shivered lightly. Had he been sitting there the whole time, in the shadows? How had I not noticed him? I shook those thoughts away, deciding once again that it didn't matter, and turned to go to bed.

Call me paranoid, but I swear I could feel his eyes following me every step of the way.


"Alarm! Alarm! The Flagon is under attack! Everyone get out of bed and grab a weapon!"

My first thought upon hearing those words was, 'Nooo…'

My second was, 'Oh crap, there's people trying to kill us again and I'm not dressed.'

I scrambled out of bed, trying to orient my myself. Once my head stopped spinning and I had wiped the sleep out of my eyes, I stumbled to the door and out into the hallway. My attire wasn't great- a rumpled white undershirt and loose-fitting trousers- but I seriously doubted that whoever was attacking would care.

Neeshka joined me in the hallway, wearing similar apparel. She looked as I disheveled as I felt; her hair askew and her tail drooping.

She cocked her head at me, I shrugged, and we simultaneously took off running towards the common room.

Githyanki were everywhere, but so were my friends, so it was a pretty even match. I launched into spell casting as Neeshka dived for one of the green-skinned men. My first spell, a heavy gust of wind, buffeted a group that had backed Khelgar into a corner and knocked several on their backs.

I was sent a jolt of electricity into the supine group, earning cries of pain and anger. The dwarf was on them, then, and they didn't have a chance.

I scanned the room for Duncan, wondering if he was safe, when something whizzed past my ear and landed with a 'thunk' behind me. I whirled, dagger out, only to stare into the putrid green face of a Githyanki, an arrow imbedded in his throat. He fell with a gurgle, blood spraying onto my shirt, and I turned to look for my savior.

My eyes landed on the same man from earlier, who was firing arrows from behind the bar counter with remarkable speed. I blinked at him, unable to keep from frowning. What, he insults me and acts all creepy, then saves me? What the hell?

My thoughts were cut short by a feminine scream from upstairs. Without thinking I turned and charged up the steps, praying I wouldn't trip. A young woman, younger perhaps than me, was running down the hallway, her eyes wide with terror. Two more Githyanki were behind her, swords drawn and evil grins on their ugly faces.

I started casting, hit the first with a magical arrow, and… the woman tripped, flew forwards, and landed with a cry on the floor. My breath caught and I ran forwards, dagger out. I didn't have time for a spell, but if I could reach her in time…

There was a metallic banging sound, and the Githyanki lurched forwards with a howl. Sal, his hands clenched around the handle of a frying pan, gave the creature another sound 'whack' over the head.

He had bought me enough time to run past the crying woman and reach them, and I finished the creatures with two quick slashes. Sal went to the girl's side as I ran back downstairs and into the common room.

To my surprise, the fighting was over. Everyone was wiping sweat from their brows or wiping their weapons, everyone except for…

Duncan burst in behind me, panting heavily. "Sh-shandra's gone!" He gasped, sweat trickling down his forehead. "They must've taken her with them!"

I scanned the room quickly, searching for the blonde woman to no avail. "Dammit! How did they even get in here?!"

"Does that matter?" a snide voice from near the bar joined our conversation. "You'd best hurry if you want to get her back."

"We don't know where they went, though!" Neeshka said, approaching me and wiping blood from a superficial cut on her temple.

I was about to respond, but the archer cut me off. "Look, this one has a sprig of Duskwood in his boot." He was rifling through a dead Gith's clothes, probably looking for gold. "That means they came from beyond the Luskan border, and that's probably where they'll be returning to." Okay, so apparently he wasn't just some random drunk. I still didn't like him, though.

"Luskan?" Duncan looked like he'd had an epiphany. "That's your territory, Bishop!"

"Yes," the man- Bishop, apparently- continued, giving me a scornful look. I bristled again. "But it's not my problem. I'm not heading into Luskan territory for some farm girl, and certainly not with any kin of yours, Duncan."

I stepped forwards, thoroughly annoyed at his attitude. "She's an innocent girl! We can't just abandon-"

"Is your whole family deaf, Duncan? Like I said, not my problem." I gritted my teeth. He had interrupted me. Again.

Duncan placed a hand on my shoulder and said, his voice suddenly threatening, "You'll help them, Bishop, whether you like it or not."

The man looked almost murderous as he snarled, "And what makes you think-"

Something tangible passed between the two men, and there was a frigid silence as they stared at each other. I gave Duncan a confused look, wondering why the tension between them had risen to an almost frightening level.

When Bishop spoke next, his voice was low and dripping with malice. "Calling it due, Duncan? Are you sure?"

His grip on my shoulder tightened a bit. "A woman's life is at stake, Bishop. If that's what it takes to get you to do the right thing, then so be it."

"Fine. It'll be worth it to be rid of you- and for such a small price, too. You're a fool, Duncan." He sneered at my uncle and turned to me. "All right girl, grab your weapons and get ready to go. We're bound for the Luskan border, so follow my lead and don't try to be clever. If the Luskans catch us, they'll use us for target practice."

"Okay. Casavir, Khelgar, Neeshka, and... Qara, all of you get ready to go. Elanee and Grobnar, I want you two to stay here and help Duncan, and take care of anyone who might be hurt."

They all obeyed without complaint, moving to get dressed and get their things. Casavir brushed past me, wearing nothing but a pair of loose trousers, and I felt my lips make an involuntary little 'o' shape as he climbed the stairs, muscles rippling with every movement.

I shook my head, reminding myself that there were more important things to do than watch a shirtless paladin, when Duncan gently took my arm and steered me towards the bar. Bishop had disappeared, probably to get ready, and the room was now deserted.

"Be careful of Bishop, lass. He owes me, so he should help you without much of a problem, but..."

I raised my eyebrow- I had enough enemies to worry about, the last thing I needed was a homicidal companion. "But...?"

"Just... keep an eye on him. His loyalty will last about as long as your gold will."

That wasn't exactly comforting. "How does he know Luskan territory so well?"

"He's a smuggler, a damn good one. Like I said, he'll get the job done, but don't let him out of your sight."

"Why does he owe you?"

A shadow passed over Duncan's face. "I... helped him out of a bind, a while back. It's a long story, and it's not important."

I was smart enough to know that there was more, but Duncan seemed adamant about avoiding the issue. "Okay..." I said hesitantly. "Are you sure this is-"

Bishop came down the stairs, interrupting us. "Hurry up and get ready, girl. The longer we wait, the less likely we are to find your farm girl." He smirked. "Alive, that is."

I looked from him to Duncan, frowning with concern. Finally I decided to just accept the situation, and get this over with as soon as possible, and I moved to go upstairs. Neeshka passed me in the hallway, leathers on and a pack slung over her shoulder. "I'm ready to go."

"Okay," I told her, rubbing my eyes tiredly. "Wait down in the common room, I'll be down in a second."

"Alright," she continued down the hallway, but paused once she reached the stairs. "Hey, Brin?"

I stopped, my door half-open. "Hm?"

Eyes wide and gleaming, she cupped both hands around her mouth and whispered loudly, "Did you see Casavir?! That guy is built like a-"

"Neesh! Prioritize!" Face flaming, I ducked into my room and slammed the door. I could hear her laughing on the other side.

I packed quickly, shoving only what was necessary into my bag, and hurried downstairs. Everyone else was already waiting, Bishop leaning against the bar and scowling. "Okay," I said, once again finding myself in the 'leader' position. "Let's go."