Chapter 7

"So… let me get this straight." We had just entered Neverwinter's gates, and I was clarifying the situation for Shandra. "There's a shard inside of you?"

"Yep."

"Do you know how it got there?"

"Nope."

"What are they shards of?"

"A huge silver sword that was stolen from the Gith."

"Okay…"

"Believe me," I told her as we approached the docks. "I'm just as confused by all this as you are. My plan is to ask Duncan about the shard, then see where it goes from there."

"Do you think he knows how it got there?" Neeshka asked conspiratorially.

"I… don't know." I rubbed the very top of the scar, looking at the ground and chewing my lip. "I've had it for as long as I can remember…"

Qara reached the Flagon's door first, and the rest of us filed in behind her. I slipped on a nearly-frozen puddle just outside the door, but Casavir caught my shoulders before I had fallen far. I shot him a grateful, if sheepish, grin as Bishop shoved past us with a growl.

"Lass! Welcome back!" Duncan came barreling over to the door and swept me up in a bear hug.

I heard Neeshka laughing at me as me feet dangled helplessly about a foot above the floor.

"Can't… breathe…"

He let me go, reddening a bit at his outburst, and settled for an affectionate pat on the back. "Heh… so, I see you're all in one piece, aye?"

"Actually, it turns out I have an extra piece."

"Huh?" He frowned down at me, head tilted to one side. "What do you mean?"

I pulled down the front of my robe, partially exposing the jagged white line. "What do you know about this scar?"

"That?" I noticed a telltale flicker in his eyes as he took in the scar. "You got it as a baby, I recall. Always had it, from when I first met you."

"I know there's a shard under it, uncle," I said quietly, meeting his gaze firmly. "Please, I need to know."

"I…" his shoulders slumped in defeat. "Daeghun'll kill me for this, but… aye, I'll tell you what I know."

My friends drew closer, everyone except Elanee, who was nowhere to be seen, and Bishop, who was filling a mug at the bar. Duncan glanced around awkwardly.

"It's fine," I assured him, sitting at a table. "They can hear, if they want to."

He nodded and sat opposite me, avoiding my gaze, and began the tale. "When you were an infant, West Harbor was the site of a terrible battle. The King of Shadows had gathered an army, and he battled Neverwinter's forces in your village. There was panic, confusion, villagers fleeing the scene. Daeghun's wife Shayla, and your mother, Esmerelle, they refused to run away…"

I leaned across the table, eyes wide. "Why not?"

"You… you were still in the village, in your crib. The two of them, they fought to reach you, to save you. By the time Daeghun even realized they were missing, he was too far away to get to them."

Duncan paused for a long moment, steadying himself. When he continued, his voice was thick. "By the time the battle was over, it was too late. Daeghun found Shayla and your mother, with you clutched to her breast." His voice cracked, and I felt a shudder ripple through me. I wanted to reach over and comfort him, hug him, anything, but I couldn't seem to make my legs move. "There was blood everywhere. Your mother… she'd tried to protect you, lass, to shield you with her own body. The shard must have passed through her, and gone into you. No one knew how you'd survived, and the wound healed itself in just a few days. But if a shard is what caused that wound, then that raises even more questions. And I'm afraid I'm just all out of answers."

"Daeghun said… he always told me my mom died giving birth to me…" I shuddered and wrapped my arms around myself. "He's lied to me, all these years…"

Duncan's head shot up. "No, it's not like that! He… he just wanted to protect you, Brin, I swear. He thought the truth… well, I suppose he thought it would hurt too much."

Casavir rested a hand on my shoulder and squeezed it gently. "I am sure he was only doing what he thought was best, my lady."

"Yeah," Neeshka chimed in, giving my arm an awkward pat. "He probably didn't want to hurt you, or anything."

I nodded, touched. They were truly amazing friends- and they were also right. Daeghun had done what he'd thought was best for me, as he always had.

"I… I know," my voice, the traitor, cracked. I cleared my throat and continued, forcing a smile, "I know, Duncan." I reached over and took his hand gently, rubbing my thumb over his knuckles. "Thank you for telling me this. I know it wasn't easy for you."

"Aye, lass," he managed a weak smile, and again my friends began rubbing and patting my back. "But it… it's best you know, I suppose." I nodded.

"Why the long faces, everybody? Somebody die, or something?"

Bishop's voice came from behind, and I felt his weight on the back of my chair. "Yeah," I answered quietly, without looking at him. "My mom."

"Really? My condolences, ladyship." I was considering punching the prick in his ugly face when his weight shifted, and the front two legs of my chair tilted off the ground.

I looked upwards to see him smirking down at me. Condolences, my ass. "By the way," he continued nonchalantly, "I've decided it would be in both of our best interests if I stay on with you."

"What?" He'd been complaining the whole trip, and now he wanted to stay with us? Why? Aloud I asked, "Bishop, why on earth would you want to do that?"

"What, does a man need a reason? Come now." His gaze turned to Duncan, and I felt that palpable tension rise between them again. "Duncan's kind request was enough to start this, I think, so why not finish it?"

"We do not need any more of your help, ranger." The raw hostility in Casavir's voice was startling.

My chair tilted back more and I grabbed its sides nervously, hoping I wouldn't fall off. "Ah, there you go again, putting words in your leader's mouth. Why don't you learn to let her speak for herself, eh?"

I started to pipe up when Duncan cut me off, half-rising from his chair. "No no, Bishop, you've done more than enough. There's no need for-"

"Oh come now, Duncan, I still owe you," he sounded far too pleasant for my liking. "And what better way to pay you back than by watching your pretty neice, here?"

Since when did Bishop think I was pretty? That was new. I glanced up, but all I could see were the hard lines of his neck and a day's worth of reddish-brown stubble.

"After all, a debt is a debt, all the way until the end." His tone made me wonder what his expression was like. Something told me that I wouldn't have enjoyed seeing it. "Isn't that right?"

Duncan opened his mouth… then snapped it shut with an audible click, his teeth grinding together. The two men faced off briefly before I said quietly, "If Bishop wants to come with us, then... he has a right to." Saying that was almost physically painful, but I managed to force the words out. The front feet of my chair hit the ground as Bishop removed his weight, and I added, "I won't stop anyone from coming or going."

And, I reassured myself, he probably wouldn't want to 'come' very often. Bishop seemed to hate everyone, myself included, so I doubted I would be seeing too much of him.

"I hate to bring this up now, but…" Shandra fidgeted, obviously uncomfortable with being the center of attention. "Brin, I've been thinking about what you said, about me coming with you, and I think it's my best option. If you'll still have me," she added quickly.

"Of course. You're more than welcome to come with us."

"Why, because we need someone who's easy on the eyes?" Bishop was still behind me, but I didn't have to see him to know he was smirking. "That's what I'm here for, I believe…"

I couldn't quite hold back a snort. Bishop, easy on the eyes? Hah, he wished. Okay, so he had nice hair, but that was his only attractive feature. Except for maybe his eyes. And his mouth was okay, when he wasn't scowling.

Casavir broke into my ponderings. "If she wishes to travel with us, it is her right. She will need equipment, though, and training."

"Aye, she'll have some catching up to do," Khelgar agreed, sitting nearby with a tankard.

"I know how to use a sword," she broke in quickly. "And I can hold my own in a fight, so you won't have to watch out for me all the time."

"Alright then, it's settled- we'll get you equipped first thing tomorrow, and maybe Casavir or someone can spar with you." I shot the paladin a quick glance. "If that's okay with you, that is."

He nodded, and I rose. "Okay, good. And now that Shandra's safe, and there's no marauding Githyanki nearby…" I turned to Duncan hopefully, "How about some dinner?"


"You're the best uncle ever!" I gushed, cramming mashed potatoes into my mouth.

Duncan chuckled, wiping out an empty mug as I ate like a true harborman- quickly, without regard for manners, and with no semblance of femininity. Hopefully he found it endearing, rather than disgusting.

I scarfed the dinner down, accepted a glass of cold milk, then collapsed in my chair. Duncan was by far one of the best cooks I had ever met, and his mashed potatoes were absolutely perfect- creamy, thick, and hot.

"My lady?" I froze, eyes wide. Casavir hadn't seen me inhale that food, had he? I turned to the paladin, face burning. His expression was neutral. Maybe he hadn't seen my un-ladylike display. "Might I speak with you, in private?"

I wiped my mouth and rose, curious about what he could want privacy for. "Sure. How about outside?"

He nodded wordlessly and went for the door. I followed, frowning thoughtfully. He seemed… tense, somehow. Everyone else was enjoying dinner or chatting in the common room, but I had scarcely seen the paladin all night. I reached the door, he opened it, and I stepped outside. I instantly wrapped my arms around myself- the sun had just set, and the brisk autumn air was chilly.

"Are you alright?" I asked once he had closed the inn door. "You seem tense."

He shook his head slightly. "I am well enough, my lady." His eyes, bright and piercing as ever, took in my stance. "You are cold. Here."

He took his cloak off and offered it to me, but I shook my head. He was wearing a simple tunic and pants, both of which looked thinner than my robe. "No, then you'll be cold."

He ignored my protest and draped the heavy cloak comfortably across my shoulders, then pulled his hands away. "I am well used to traveling in ill weather. The cold does not bother me so much, anymore."

I adjusted the cloak, not meeting his eyes. He's a paladin, I told myself once again. He offered me his cloak because he's a paladin, and because he's supposed to act chivalrously. That's the only reason. "If you say so…" I cleared my throat uncomfortably and, for lack of a better idea, started walking slowly away from the inn. "You wanted to talk to me?" I asked as he fell into step at my side.

"Indeed, I… I wanted to apologize for my behavior, these past few days."

"Your behavior? Cas, you don't have anything to apologize for."

"I do," he stated firmly. I glanced at him out of the corner of my eyes- his jaw was set firmly, blue eyes fixed ahead. "I have allowed that man, Bishop, to aggravate me on more than one occasion. Our arguing caused several delays, and I consider myself responsible for them."

"It's more his fault than yours," I pointed out gently. The two men had been fighting practically non-stop, that was true, but Bishop had started the majority of those arguments. "I think he gets a kick out of annoying you."

"Indeed." A sour note entered his voice, but he sighed it away. "But that is no excuse. I have behaved like a child, these past few days, and I would ask your forgiveness."

I stopped and turned to the man, half-smiling. "Honestly, there's nothing to forgive. But if that's what you want, then yes, I forgive you."

"Thank you," he nodded stiffly, but I could see that something was still bothering him.

"Was there something else?"

"I… I know it is not my place, my lady, but I feel I must speak my mind." I tilted my head to the side, frowning thoughtfully. He seemed so… uncomfortable. "About Bishop…" he paused for a moment, then looked me directly in the eyes. "I do not trust him, my lady. He is self-serving and dangerous, that much is clear, and I," again he hesitated, "I do not like the way he looks at you."

I blinked, unsure of how to respond. And what did he mean, 'the way he looks at you?' How did Bishop look at me? "I… I understand your concern, I suppose. I don't trust him, either, but…" I shrugged helplessly. "I'm willing to give him a chance. And he knows the territory around here even better than Elanee."

He nodded, and I could've sworn I saw the faintest touch of pink on his face. Maybe it was just the cold air. "Of course. Forgive me, I only felt… compelled to warn you."

"There's nothing to forgive, Cas." I smiled warmly at him. "I appreciate you looking out for me." He nodded, discomfort fading. I couldn't quite forget what he'd said, though- 'I do not like the way he looks at you.' How did Bishop look at me? And why was Cas being so… protective?

Maybe it was just the ranger's usual murderous scowl, nothing more. And of course Cas would object to Bishop looking like he wanted to kill me. That was probably all it was- Bishop looked like he wanted to kill me (and everyone else, for that matter), and Casavir didn't approve of the threat to my general wellbeing.

I nodded to myself, satisfied with that explanation, and had just turned back towards The Flagon when a voice said, "Excuse me, young man, could I ask a favor of you?"

We both turned to see a bent-over old woman, seventy years if she was a day, hobbling towards us. One gnarled old hand was clutching a cane, and the other was held out entreatingly towards Casavir. I felt my lips twitching- his casual attire did make Casavir look a bit younger, but I hardly would have thought of him as a 'young man.'

He smiled politely. "Yes? How may I serve you?"

"It's my sweet little Mittens," she said, voice crackling like dry parchment. "She's climbed up atop a tree, and now she's stuck up there, crying and mewling and calling for her momma…"

I had to bite back a smile. "Your… your cat's stuck in a tree, is that it?"

The woman beamed at me, crinkles forming around her mouth. "Yes, dearie, that's exactly it. I'm too old to get her down, but maybe one of you youngsters could climb up to her…"

I grinned at Casavir, trying not to laugh. We had cleared the Docks of thieves, killed marauding Luskans, fought tooth and nail with Githyanki, and now we were going to rescue a cat. Ah, the life of a hero…

"Of course we'll get her, ma'am," Casavir promised smoothly, looking vaguely amused. "Where might we find this cat of yours?"

Our answer came in the form of a quiet 'mew' from not far away. I turned to see a thick tree, gnarled braches sticking out in every direction, with a small white kitten sitting in the uppermost branches. I looked bemusedly at Casavir, shrugged, and jogged to the tree.

I had just gripped a low branch and started to hoist myself up when the paladin's hand gently grasped my shoulder. "Your robe might be ruined, my lady," he pointed out.

I scowled at my robe and backed away, watching him pull himself up. He was right- it would probably rip if I tried to climb the gnarly tree. I would also probably break my neck. "Yeah. I guess I should dress to climb trees more often, being a celebrated Watch soldier and all."

He chuckled and pulled himself higher as the old woman approached me. "Dear me, he's quite the climber, isn't he? I once had a strapping young man like yours, tall and strong."

"Oh, he's not my-"

She continued as if I hadn't spoken, "Oh yes, my dear sweet James was quiet a strong man, indeed he was. Why, this one time he lifted an entire bale of hay, right up over his head…"

I bit down on my lip to keep from laughing aloud as she regaled me with the tale of her former suitor. Casavir dropped down before she had finished the story, the fuzzy kitten held gingerly in one hand.

"Here you are, madam," he presented the furball to her gallantly, obviously trying to hide a smile.

"Oh, my sweet little Mittens!" she took the cat, beaming once again. "What a fine young man you are, polite and strong, you must come inside for some cookies!"

I started giggling and clapped a hand over my mouth to hide it- Casavir was blushing, a rare sight indeed, and one I indended to remember.

"Thank you, but I must decline. It's late, and-"

"Nonsense, dearie, I insist! Come along, I already have a batch made up. Do you like chocolate chips, young man?"

I fell back against the tree, giggling madly- the kindly old woman had captured Casavir's hand in her own and was tugging him along towards her house.

The poor paladin shot me a helpless look and tried again. "Really, it's very kind of you, but I must be going."

She waved away any protest and continued down the street, paladin in tow. "Young man, I wan't take no for an answer. Besides, you need some meat on those bones of yours." She nodded in my direction and whispered loudly, "Women like their men with some muscle, believe me."

That did it- I collapsed on the ground, clutching my sides and laughing helplessly as the woman's voice and poor Cas's feeble protests faded away. It was a good while before I managed to regain control of myself, and I staggered helplessly to my feet, wiping tears from my eyes.

I had started in the direction they had gone, determined to save Cas from his fate, when he appeared around a corner in front of me. He was still blushing, and he held a large packet in one hand. I started giggling again when I saw him, and by the time he reached me I was doubled over against another tree.

I straightened when he reached me, forcing the laughter down. "G-glad you're back." I cleared my throat, grinning sweetly up at him. "Did you two have fun?"

"Indeed," he rumbled, and I couldn't tell if was angry or amused. My question was answered when he dipped two fingers into the packet and pulled out a cookie, proffering it to me with one eyebrow arched. "Cookie, my lady?"

That set me off again, and within seconds I was on my hands and knees in the street, cackling madly. Casavir chuckled deeply. I glanced up to see him smiling, and once again I was struck by how much younger he seemed when he smiled. I managed to staunch my laughter again after a minute, and he pulled me to my feet.

We set off towards the inn, nibbling on the old woman's moist, gooey chocolate chip cookies. "This is one reward I could get used to," I managed to get out in between mouthfuls. "Forget gold, promotions, and Watch assignments- just give me some cookies and I'll be happy."

He chuckled again. "Indeed. And I must admit, I find rescuing kittens far preferable to battling orcs or Githyanki."

We had reached The Flagon's door, and he opened it for me. "No kidding," I agreed wholeheartedly as I walked through the door.

I was immediately hit by a barrage of voices.

"Hey, where were you guys?"

"Lass, welcome back!"

"It's about time you got back. Someone needs to shut the dwarf and the tiefling up."

"Well, well, ladyship, you certainly look like you had fun."

"Lady Brin, Sir Casavir, you missed my newest piece! No fear, though, I'd love to play it again for you!"

"Oh, there you are! Brin, which is better- 'Stumpy' or 'Beardface'?"

"Okay…" I blinked, momentarily fazed, and then answered them all, "We went for a walk, hello, shutting them up is physically impossible, I did have fun, I can't wait to hear it, and… definitely 'Beardface.'" I abruptly remembered that I was wearing Casavir's cloak, and turned to hand it back to him. "Oh, here. I almost fogot."

He accepted it wordlessly, and I saw both Shandra and Neehska raise their eyebrows. The tiefling spoke first, after clearing her throat. "Ahem… so, ah, where exactly were you two?"

"We went for a walk," I answered, and walked towards the couch near the fire. I flopped down onto the plush cushions and stretched contentedly.

"You may have these, my lady." Casavir dropped the packet of cookies onto the couch beside me. "I fear I do not have much of a sweet tooth."

I eyed them hungrily and delved one hand into the packet. "You sure? They're yours, technically…"

A ghost of a smile flickered across his mouth before he moved away. "I am sure."

Shandra sat beside me. "Where'd you guys get those?"

I grinned and bit into a cookie, offering her one. "Well… it's a long story. Suffice to say that they're amazing."

Duncan suddenly burst into the common room, hands on his hips. "Hells, lass, tell someone where you're going, next time! I was starting to get worried about you!" I blinked at him, my mouth too full for me to talk. He scowled at the cookies in my hand and huffed, "And don't go running around the Docks just 'cause you want sweets- that's a good way to get yourself killed. Nest time just ask, and I'll be happy to make some for you." With that, he grabbed a dishrag and went back into the the kitchen.

I watched him stomp away and tried to call out an explanation, but all that came out were several 'mmph' noises. I finished chewing and swallowed hard, only to hear a faint chuckle from behind. Casavir had sat down with a glass of water and was smiling faintly into it, apparently amused by my uncle's protectiveness.

I scowled in mock-anger, but the paladin just chuckled again. "Oh, shut up," I muttered lightly, then grinned and grabbed another cookie.