Everlund
"The gods be damned woman, I ain't some milksop human or mewling infant that needs to be pampered and mollycoddled," Khelgar yelled, glaring at the halfling standing at the foot of his bed.
"No, what you are is a stubborn, thick-headed dwarf who refuses to admit when he's seriously hurt," Elma snapped in return. "That battle with those bugbears when we were a day out from Everlund reopened your old wounds and left you with a few new ones."
"Well I feel well enough to get out of bed now so stop acting like I'm dying or something," Khelgar retorted. He glanced sideways at Brago who was standing at the ready, a wand of paralyzation in his hands. "Come on, talk some sense into your wife."
Brago busted out laughing, "I've been married to her for ten years and I've learned that she really does know what is best for me. So, you're on your own buddy."
"Khelgar, you were unconscious when we brought you here," Elma said in her firmest tone. "You said that it might have been two days or more that you were wandering around hurt in those woods before we found you. You had a severe head injury as well as some internal injuries beyond our abilities to treat. Then those wounds were aggravated by that battle we fought and it left you unable to move on your own. We had to fix up a travois and pull you here to the city which delayed our arrival by a full day. When the healer was brought, he did a great job of fixing you up, but he said you had to remain in bed for at least three days. It has only been two, so you have to stay there for one more day or you risk further damage."
"I'm not asking you to let me go wandering off into the wilds," Khelgar said in exasperation. "I just want to get out of this bed and go take a look around Everlund, maybe check out some of the taverns and toss a few beers down. Where's the harm in that, eh?"
"What if someone wants to start a fight with you Khelgar?" Elma asked. "From what you've told us, you're not exactly the type to back down from a confrontation. You'll end up fighting and reinjuring yourself and that would cause even further delay."
"Come on, now you're just talking nonsense," Khelgar snorted. "I've learned how to control myself in the time that I travelled with Ashara and the others. Yes I used to be the first to settle differences with my fist, but not anymore. I just want to get out of this bed. I promise not to get into any fights."
"Listen Elma, I know a couple of spells that I could use to make sure he doesn't get into a fight with anybody," Brago suddenly spoke up. When his wife fixed her angry glare on him, he swallowed hard but pushed forward anyway. "With us keeping an eye on him I'm sure we can keep him from aggravating his injuries again."
Elma glared at both of them while she considered the situation. She wasn't an unreasonable woman by any means, but she did hate to see hard work go to waste. It had cost quite a bit for the healer's services because of the extent of the dwarf's injuries. It had taken the healer over four hours to finish, but he had done a fantastic job and so it was worth every penny. But the healer had been adamant about Khelgar staying in bed for three days and she couldn't just ignore the man's warning and let the dwarf do as he pleased.
"Okay, here's the deal," Elma finally spoke up. "I will go get the healer and bring him here to check you out. If he says that it is okay, then you can get out of bed and we can go check out Everlund. You will have to promise to stay out of trouble though and if you don't I will make you wish you had. Understood?" Seeing Khelgar smile and nod she shook her head and left the room.
"Wow, I've never been able to get that woman to change her mind," Brago exclaimed with a grin.
"That's cause you're married to the wench," Khelgar chuckled. "Even amongst the dwarves, most husbands don't dare cross their wives. They have a way of making you sorry for it."
"You know, the reason Elma's so hard on you is because she likes you and only wants what's best for you," Brago told him. "I've never really seen her take to anyone so quickly before."
"Well, she's gotta learn to relax a little and have fun," Khelgar replied. Eyeing the wand in the halfling man's hand he had to ask, "Were you really gonna use that on me?"
"Yeah," Brago nodded and smiled. "Like you said, you don't cross the little woman and expect to get away with it. However, I do sympathize with your situation. I never liked it when Elma would keep me in bed longer than I felt necessary."
They talked about more of his adventures while waiting for Elma to return with the healer. It was a good half hour before she did and she looked to still be pretty ticked off with Khelgar. However, after checking the dwarf out, the healer said with some surprise that the dwarf was well enough to get out of bed, but did caution him not to overdo it. Elma sighed and showed the healer out, paying him for his services as she did.
"Well, apparently you heal better than most," Elma grumbled as she turned back towards them. She saw that Khelgar had wasted no time in getting up and walking around the room, testing his legs and his strength. "Just remember, if you do anything to reinjure yourself, then I will have Brago knock you out and you will find yourself confined to your bed until I say otherwise."
"Yes mommy," Khelgar grinned and saw her scowl in irritation before storming out of the room. "He, he, he, just can't take a joke," he laughed.
"Here, I got you these to wear," Brago handed him a new pair of trousers and shirt and saw the dwarf look at him in surprise. "Everlund is home to many races and is also a major commerce center so it's easy to find things. Seeing as there is not much size difference amongst dwarves, I had no problem finding clothes to fit you."
"Well, they are a little loose in the waist," Khelgar said as he pulled on the trousers. "That's probably because I've lost a bit of weight in the past few weeks. Not been getting my six meals a day." He dug through his pack and found one of his most prized possesions, the Belt of Ironfist. As he stood there holding it in his hands, he couldn't keep from thinking about how Ashara had helped him get it back from the fire giants.
"What's wrong Khelgar?" Brago asked as he saw the dwarf become quiet all of a sudden. Walking over, he looked curiously at the magnificent belt in the dwarf's hands. "That's the most beautiful belt I've ever seen. Where'd you get it?"
"Ah lad, that's a long tale all by itself," Khelgar chuckled. "Right now, I just want to get out of this room for a while before I go stark raving mad." He replaced the belt carefully in his pack and dug out an old worn belt. Cinching up his pants, he pulled the new shirt over his head, tying the laces in front. Going to the bed, he sat down and put on his boots and then went to the dresser to wash his face. "Well, I guess I'm presentable enough," he nodded at his reflection in the mirror. "If someone don't like it that's their problem."
"Everlund gets all kinds of travellers and most of them aren't exactly looking their best," Brago laughed as he headed out the door and down the stairs, Khelgar right behind him. "I doubt you'll get a second look."
"Well now, depends on who's giving the second look," Khelgar said as eyed a pretty girl who passed them on the stairs. "Wouldn't mind if some comely wench wanted to chat me up a bit."
"I see that you're ready to hit the streets," Elma came over to them as they entered the foyer.
Khelgar was looking around at the place, noticing how many halflings and woodsy type people were hanging about. The inn itself was quite comfortable looking and quite clean as well. He didn't know much about Everlund but he liked what he had seen so far.
"This is The Battered Hat," Brago told him. "Elma and I always stay here when we're in the area because it is owned and run by halflings. They also happen to be the most welcoming of all the innkeepers in Everlund. Halflings are friendly and easy going by nature so they get along with most everyone."
"Well, I'd like to find a good tavern and have me an ale or two," Khelgar told them. "I can't remember the last time I just sat down and enjoyed myself without worrying about having to go off and fight some nasties."
"Well I know just the place, I go there every time I'm in town," Brago said cheerfully. "The Old Sword Sheathed is the place to go for good food, good drink, and even better company. There's all kinds of entertainment there, from dice games to story telling. They also serve some of the best Butternut Beer in the North."
"Brago is often asked to perform when he goes there," Elma said with evident pride. "Just remember, you promised to play here as well don't forget that." Seeing Khelgar give her a questioning look she explained. "Part of the fee to stay here is for Brago to entertain the guests at least one night while he is here."
"Hunh, sounds like you're pretty popular in these parts," Khelgar said, impressed despite himself. "Grobnar was a better composer of tales than a singer and wasn't often asked to play. Wouldn't mind hearing a decent bard for a change. Still, the little gnome was one of the bravest and truest companions one could have, even if he did sometimes drive you nuts with his incessant and inane chatter." Shaking his head sadly, he left the inn flanked on either side by his two halfling companions.
As it was late afternoon, the streets were crowded with all kinds of people, carts and wagons. Khelgar observed that there was quite the mix of races. He saw wood and moon elves, halflings, gnomes, humans, and dwarves. Most were walking, some were riding, and others were dragging carts or leading ponies laden with goods. There was shouting, laughter and a general hubbub of conversation floating on the air. Horses whinnied and stamped, donkeys brayed, goats were bleating and numerous dogs were barking. All in all, quite the spectacle and something that Khelgar had never experienced before.
"You're looking a little perturbed Khelgar, what's wrong?" Brago asked cheerily.
"Nothing's wrong, I just ain't never been to a place like this," Khelgar shook his head in bemusement. "I thought Neverwinter was crowded and noisy, but this place makes that city seem like an oasis of peace and quiet."
"You mean you've never been to a frontier trade center?" Elma asked in surprise.
"I've heard about them but never seen one," the dwarf answered. "I really didn't get to see much of the world after I left my clan cause I got caught up in all those troubles there in Neverwinter. Needless to say, that city was pretty organized compared to this, even though it's three times bigger."
"Well, people come and go from Everlund on a regular basis," Brago told him. "Most of those you see are only here during the daytime. All these vendors come into the city with their goods and leave once they've sold all their goods or when night falls. They live in the countryside on farms or in small hamlets. Once night comes, most go home but some stay on eating and drinking in one of the many taverns here. Everlund is the home base for several caravan masters, rangers, mercenaries and harpers. There is of course the army barracks that houses about two thousand troops, but most of them are busy patrolling for and stopping the various nasty hordes that come around, goblins, bugbears and the like."
"I never saw any troops coming here," Khelgar grumbled, thinking that they could have used their help with that group of bugbears.
"Well, we did come upon a troop about half a day out, you just happened to be unconscious at the time," Elma told him. "They went back to check the area to make sure that all of those bugbears were gone."
They continued on throught the crowded streets, weaving their way through until finally they came to a stop outside The Old Sword. Khelgar took in the ramshackle condition, the faded paint and the sagging porch. He thought it looked more like a dive than a decent place but decided to trust the halflings that this was the place to go. Opening the door, they stopped just inside to let their eyes adjust to the dim interior. There was music, laughter and the smell of delicious food wafting on the air. Khelgar felt immediately at home and so was perfectly happy to let Brago lead him to a table near a slightly raised platform. There was a three man band playing on it surrounded by an appreciative audience. Some nearby recognized Brago and Elma and came over to say hello and chat for a while. Khelgar stayed silent, only speaking to the pretty barmaid when she came to get their drink order.
"My friends here tell me this place has the best butternut beer so I guess I'll have that to start," he said jovially to the lass.
"Would you like a dinner menu?" the barmaid asked and when he nodded, pulled a small placquard out of her pocket.
Khelgar perused the menu while his companions placed their drink order and saw that there appeared to be quite a variety of game available, as well as bread and even dessert. "Well, this place might not look like much on the outside, but it offers a hell of a lot more than any place I've ever been, and that includes The Sunken Flagon in Neverwinter."
"Eh, I know that place, stopped in there once years ago when I was passing through," Brago spoke up. "The man who owned it wasn't exactly the most sober of people and quite a few undesirables called the place home, if you know what I mean."
"Well it's pretty much the same now as it was then, only difference being is that I know the owner pretty well," Khelgar nodded. "He's a good honest man, even if he does like his drink, something that we have in common by the way. Me and Ashara stayed there while in Neverwinter, along with all the rest of our friends."
"I heard that it's gained some fame because of you guys and now it's almost like a tourist attraction or something," Elma told him. "Everyone has heard the story by now of how a commoner came along and pretty much liberated the city from the grip of criminals, cutthroats, and thieves."
"No bard worth his salt would pass up the opportunity to visit the Flagon now when he visits that city," Brago laughed. "I imagine that there's all kinds of stories to be heard and recorded there."
When the barmaid returned with their drinks, Khelgar ordered the venison, and Elma and Brago ordered the rabbit. Their dinners came with a big basket of freshly baked rolls with heaps of butter which they ate while waiting for their food. Their talk centered around different places they'd visited and unusual people or creatures they'd met. When the main courses arrived, they ate in silence, listening to the bard who had now taken the stage while the band took a break. They had just finished eating when the bartender came to their table.
"Hey, hey Brago, glad to see ya back in my humble establishment," he said, clapping the halfling on the back.
"Hello Portus, how's business these days?" Brago asked.
"Can't ya tell? It's booming I tell ya, absolutely booming," Portus laughed loudly. "Then again, it's always like this. You gonna entertain us tonight? The patrons really enjoy it when you do."
"Sure, I'd be glad to sing a tale or two," Brago said with a smile. "Just let me digest my dinner and think of something suitable and I'll be good to go."
"Excellent, excellent, can't wait to hear you play," Portus nodded and then hurried back to the bar to help his man serve the numerous customers there.
Elma and Khelgar talked quietly together while Brago pulled out his journal and began flipping through it. Khelgar had given him plenty of new ideas, he had already composed a couple of tales, and he wanted to pick one of them and show the dwarf that he was a man of his word. Not only that, he was positive that no other bard could tell such a tale, not unless they had first encountered the dwarf or one of the companions and heard their stories. He would regale the clientele with something they had never heard before, while at the same time giving them important information on the happenings to the south. He knew that the recent events in Neverwinter had been the subject of many conversations and much specualtion. His fame would be increased because he would be the first to bring to life those events.
When Brago felt he was ready, he picked up his lute and climbed onto the platform. As soon as the patrons saw him up there, they began to enthusiastically clap and cheer. They all knew him and knew his talent and so were eager to hear him play. As he tuned his lute, the patrons gradually grew quiet, the anticipation in the room palpable. Brago chose the song he wrote about Ashara, describing her in great detail and touching upon some of the things she had accomplished while in Neverwinter.
Khelgar was leaning back in his chair, drinking his third beer, when Brago began to play. He soon realized that the bard was singing about Ashara and he snapped to attention. As he listened, he could tell that the halfling had been true to his word not to embellish, but he still managed to find a way to make Ashara seem larger than life. One could almost picture the woman in their mind as Brago sang, and Khelgar unexpectedly felt tears come to his eyes. Ashara had been a dear friend, and the song reminded him of her loss. When Brago finally finished there was absolute silence in the place, and looking around, the dwarf saw that he wasn't the only one who had been moved by the tale. Suddenly, the silence was broken as first one, then another and finally all of the patrons began to clap and cheer.
"Are you okay Khelgar?" Elma asked softly. She had seen the tears the dwarf refused to shed and hoped he wasn't offended or hurt by the tale.
"Yeah, I'll be okay," Khelgar said quietly. "It's just his song reminded me of what was lost and may not be found, and therein lies the tragedy. Ashara was the most amazing human woman I had ever met. She totally changed my view of what humans were like as a race. I just hope that she did survive, for the world could certainly use someone like her."
Elma reached out and gripped the dwarf's arm causing him to look her in the eyes. "I told you before and I'll say it again," she said firmly. "You survived and there is no reason to believe that the others didn't. Don't give up on her before you've even begun. She is alive and you will find her, we will find her, count on it."
Khelgar nodded and then laughed, "Must be the beer makin' me all maudlin. I know she's alive and we will find her. I have to say that I'm glad I'm not alone in this." He leaned back in his chair once more as Brago began another, lighter tale about a gnome and his penchant for getting into messes that he had a hard time getting out of. The dwarf realized that Grobnar was the inspiration for this humerous tale and found himself laughing heartily at it. He wasn't the only one who found it funny, and the mood in the tavern was lifted as the patrons began laughing and clapping to the music.
Brago finished his tale and waived off the cries of the patrons to hear more. "At the moment, I have no other songs prepared, and I am still a little weary from my trip here to this fine city. However, I promise to return here once more before I leave and regale you with more tales." Climbing down off the platform, he nodded to the band taking his place and then went back to sit at his table. "Well, what did you think Khelgar? Pretty good for something I only came up with a couple of days ago, eh?" he asked the dwarf.
"It was indeed, but even better was the fact that you didn't embellish it, just like you promised," Khelgar nodded.
"I'm a man of my word," Brago smiled in return. "Still, you were right, the truth was far more exciting than any fiction I could come up with and the patrons were certainly appreciative of it."
"It is an impressive tale in and of itself dear, you did a wonderful job," Elma praised him and saw him flush a little. She chuckled, "Now there's no need to get embarassed, you're good at what you do. I know it, you know it, and most importantly the patrons here know it. Praise comes with the job when that job is well done."
Khelgar laughed as Brago turned even more red and finished off his beer. Signaling the barmaid, he ordered another round for them, and then settled back to watch as the halfling couple bantered back and forth. The way they were with each other made him kinda wish that he had someone special to share his life with. Then again, he was still quite young by dwarven standards so there was no hurry to find a wife and start a family. Brago and Elma just reinforced the fact that he was alone now, his former companions being out of his reach at the moment. Before joining Ashara he hadn't really minded being alone at times, the occasional wench to share his bed being enough for him. But he had gotten so used to having others around that he found he missed it, missed it terribly, including the inane chatter of the gnome. He found he was glad that the halflngs had offered to come with him, for he didn't think he would have the courage to travel that road alone anymore.
"Uhm, excuse me, but might I join you for a bit?" a quiet voice interrupted.
Looking up, Elma saw an elven man dressed in the garb of a ranger standing beside their table. "Not at all good sir, have a seat," she invited pointing at the empty chair opposite of her.
"How about you introduce yourself first stranger?" Khelgar asked suspiciously.
"Pardon my manners, my name is Elladar Faewing," the elf bowed before taking the seat. "I am a ranger who spends most of his time in the woods around these parts. I only come to Everlund when I need to get something I can't find out there. A couple of days ago, my skinning knife broke off at the hilt and so I had to come and purchase a new one. Now I am not sure if I believe in fate or anything like that, but I can tell you that it was strange that the knife broke in the first place, for I had only purchased it a year ago."
"Maybe it was poorly made," Brago suggested. "Something not made well doesn't last long in these parts, the climate not exactly conducive to it."
"I know that, and believe me when I say that if you live your life in the wilds you have to have the best equipment," Elladar replied. "I only buy the best available and the knife should have lasted for at least five years. I believe that something else is at work here, and the reason I believe that is because of your first tale, good bard. If not for having to replace the knife, I would not now be in this tavern warming my bones by the fire. I would not have heard your tale."
"What about his tale makes you think this, good ranger?" Elma asked, curious now as to what the man wanted to say.
"The woman you mentioned, this Ashara, reminds me very much of someone I met only a few days earlier," Elladar answered.
Khelgar suddenly sat up straight in his chair, his body tense and his gaze locked fiercely on the elf before him. "You've seen her? Where?" he demanded.
"I don't know for sure if it was her, the name given to me was different, but the description matches," the elf replied. "I was on the main road that runs towards Waterdeep, halfway between a couple of the small hamlets along it, when I came upon a wagon train stopped in the middle of the road. One of the wagons had lost a wheel and they were stopped while it was being fixed. The man leading them introduced himself as Cain Felgarn, purveyor of the finest gladiators on the face of Faerun. A nice eupehmism for slave trader."
"This woman was with him, this Cain fellow?" Brago asked.
"Sort of, she was in one of the cages and she was dressed in the garb of a gladiator," Elladar replied. "Cain was quite proud of his stock and thus wanted to show them off to me. He introduced her as Flame, saying she was one of the finest barbarian gladiators one would ever see. He told me he was on his way to Waterdeep, to the arena there, where everyone would be able to see just how good she was. I asked him where he got her from and he kind of avoided my question, merely stating that she was his property. As I looked into the cage, I have to admit I was impressed with the woman for she showed no fear or embarassment. In fact, she gave me a look that said plainly if I was looking for trouble she'd be more than happy to provide it."
"You said that this woman Flame matched Brago's description of Ashara?" Khelgar demanded.
"Yes, from the red hair, the green eyes, and even her height she was her twin," Elladar nodded. "Now I know I don't have to tell you the odds of there being two women matching that description on the face of Faerun. Few women, even amongst the barbarian tribes, are that tall, so I would guess that Flame and Ashara are the same woman."
Khelgar found he was speechless, completely stunned by what the elf had told him. He had wondered how he was going to ever find Ashara and now he knew. He knew the elf spoke the truth, that the odds of there being two women exactly alike being astronomical, especially given the height. "You have brought great news to us friend, for I knew Ashara well and have been searching for her. You said they were headed to Waterdeep?"
"That's what the man told me," Elladar nodded. "I feel I should caution you good dwarf. Gladiators, even as slaves, command a high price and a great deal of attention. You will have a hard time freeing her, even if you could convince this Cain of the truth. I strongly suggest that you proceed with great caution in this matter or the consequences could be deadly, if you catch my meaning," he finished.
"Ashara can provide the evidence herself, for she carries a birth mark on her left shoulder that is rather distinctive," Khelgar stated firmly. "Not only that, there's not just my word for it, but the word of Sir Nevalle, Lord Nasher, and several others in Neverwinter. Waterdeep is a member of the Lord's Alliance, same as Neverwinter, and they are on amicable terms. I have no doubt once they know of the situation that they will see to it that Ashara is freed."
"Khelgar, it would take a couple of weeks to reach Neverwinter even if we travel quickly, and then it would take almost another two weeks to reach Waterdeep," Elma spoke up. "Cain will reach that city long before that and have plenty of time to stage numerous fights in that arena. Gladiators die from wounds received in those fights all the time. I don't know if there will be enough time to go to Neverwinter first and inform them of the situation."
"Then we will have to see about getting a message to Neverwinter while we ourselves travel to Waterdeep," Brago countered quickly. "That way, those in charge can take action while we see what we can do on our end to rescue her."
"I will be happy to carry a message for you," Elladar spoke up. "If even half of your tale is true then I can do no less than that. A woman such as you describe does not deserve to be a slave."
"I have a little gold to pay you for your services," Khelgar reached into his pocket. "Ashara is worth far more than that to me."
Elladar waived the offer away, "No keep your gold, you might have need of it later. Like I said, I will do this of my own free will, for as you say, Ashara is worth it."
"Then I will be in your debt good elf," Khelgar said somberly. "You have my word as an Ironfist that if you ever need help or require refuge then you shall have it from me and my clan."
"Now that we have this matter settled we should see about making preparations," Elma said happily. "Elladar, our paths will lie together for some time and it is always helpful to travel in a group in these parts rather than alone. We would be happy to travel with you until such point where we must turn towards Waterdeep."
"That's a great idea Elma," Brago exclaimed. "Once we have gotten closer to Luskan territory, there will be few wandering tribes of monsters about and the roads will be more heavily patrolled. Elladar should be safe enough traveling on his own from that point."
"I agree, that sounds like a wise plan," Elladar smiled at them. "I may be comfortable out in the wilds and quite capable of taking care of myself, but it will certainly make for a quicker journey if I have someone to share the road and don't have to go out of my way to avoid hostile creatures. I think that time is of the essence right now and we must make all due haste. This Cain fellow will surely reach Waterdeep in just a few days, despite the slow progress of the wagons. We will have to travel swiftly and stop rarely if we are to gain time on him."
"Will you be well enough for that Khelgar?" Elma asked in concern, knowing that the dwarf wasn't back to full health.
"Ashara needs me and nothing will keep me from going to her as fast as my feet can travel," Khelgar said firmly. "I am well enough."
"Then let us get a good nights sleep and prepare for our journey tomorrow," Elma told them. "We will head out at the crack of dawn the following day and travel as quickly as we may."
"And woe betide any creature that tries to get in my way," Khelgar growled as he downed the last of his ale and stood up.
He, Elma and Brago headed back to the Battered Hat after arranging to meet Elladar outside of it in the morning. Going up the stairs they were silent, each lost in their own thoughts of what they had learned this night. Khelgar felt reenergized now that he had a definate direction to head in. There was even the possibility that he would meet the rest of his companions along the way. He knew without a doubt that Nevalle would move heaven and earth to save Ashara and that the man had the resources to effect a rescue should it come to that. Casavir, if he was still alive, would no doubt be a nearly unstoppable force once he knew where Ashara was. The man had been devoted to the Knight-Captain and her cause since day one and would stop at nothing to see that she was returned to her rightful place. Of course, Sand would know Waterdeep and her citizens best. If the wizard was alive and knew of the situation with Ashara, he too would not hesitate to do whatever was necessary. Yup, things were looking up.
Elma and Brago discussed what they would need for their journey as they prepared for bed. Both were quite familiar with the land hereabouts and knew that the journey would be fraught with dangers. Not only that, they knew of the reputations of some of these so called gladiator handlers, and Elladar was right, they were little more than slavers. Slavers were dangerous to tackle because they were unscrupulous in their methods of dealing with opposition. Careful planning would be required if they were to succeed in rescuing Ashara. There was much to be worried about, but also much to be thankful for. They would have plenty of help once Elladar reached Neverwinter and informed them of the situation. After that, things would be much easier. So they were both able to fall asleep fairly quickly and easily.
