"The surest way to corrupt a youth is to instruct him to hold in higher esteem those who think alike than those who think differently."
-Friedrich Nietzsche
In just a few days, Ralis and his companions returned to Athkatla. Passing through the Small Teeth mountains, Imnescar, Purskul and Crimmor again, it felt like it would take almost a week to return to Athkatla. The stagecoaches stopped in front of the Athkatla city gates, and Ralis and his companions stepped out as crowds of people came in and out of the gates. Then the Arnise guards driving the stagecoaches returned to Arnise Hold. Ralis and his companions entered the gates of Athkatla on foot. Neera and Aerie were awestruck by the numbers of people, and both old and new buildings around them. In Neera's eyes, Athkatla is equally amazing as Baldur's Gate, the structures of the buildings look foreign compared to the buildings back in Baldur's Gate, and the people around them are dressed in clothing she has never seen before. Aerie, however, had only been in the circus most of her life, never taking the time to sight-see.
"Look at all these buildings and people! Baldur's Gate was huge, but this place makes it look like my hamlet back in the High Forest," Neera said in awe, all wide-eyed.
"Hey, I'm a kid who grew up in a library fortress. Imagine how this looks to me," Ralis said as he looked up at the midday sky hanging high above the tall, beautiful, foreign buildings around everyone as they walked into the city.
"I almost forgot you're from Candlekeep. Athkatla must look just as big to you, if not bigger," Neera said, then she turned her attention to Abdel.
The group stopped for a moment on the sidewalk to let a few wagons pass by on the road, and when the road was clear, they crossed the road to the other sidewalk.
"Abdel, right? You were raised in Candlekeep too, weren't you?" She asked him.
"Yes, I was, but since I'm older, I left Candlekeep years before he and Imoen did, and I've been to Athkatla before. Once I was hired to guard a warehouse in the docks," Abdel replied.
"So that explains why you're not so awestruck by big cities like Baldur's Gate and Athkatla," Neera replied to Abdel, then she said to Ralis: "There seems to be no end to the things you can do. Not like the High Forest, I mean, there WAS lots to do, but most of it was pretty dull. There weren't all these people milling around."
"I can't help but wonder if the city is any less lonely," Ralis wondered while a man nearby shouted to a woman in the Amnian language on the other sidewalk across the road.
"It would be if you weren't traveling with a bunch of powerful, amusing companions. But a different kind of lonely from what you feel in the High Forest," Neera replied.
"For example, you could doze off there, wake up, and not know where you were or how long you'd been asleep. It was like the rest of the world had stopped. The trees and animals were still there, obviously. But they never paid much attention... until I started accidentally burning things down, of course. It was the purest kind of lonely."
"And was feeling that way good or bad?" Ralis wanted to know.
Neera frowned, trying to think of a better answer than a simple "good" or "bad" answer. "Neither entirely," she chose her words carefully with a slow shrug while more Amnian citizens walked around them, and some were talking among each other indistinctly.
"More good than bad, I think," she added.
"I was banished because I didn't fit in. Well, that and burning things. But I DID fit in, in a way. That pure kind of lonely, that solitude- I always think about that. Want it. Good or bad, it's who I am," Neera said.
Ralis felt like he could learn a thing or two from Neera, learn to accept the good and bad aspects about himself in case there is no way to remove Bhaal's divine taint.
"I think I understand. Part of me feels the same way. Only a part, though," Ralis said, though he remembered what Althirion said to him:
Evil actions are caused by corrupted powers. It is best to rid ourselves of that power. And also what Irenicus told him in his dream: You will do what you must, become what you must, or others will pay for your cowardice.
Both Althir and Irenicus' quotes made Ralis' brain almost feel like it is in a vise.
"Maybe it's only a part of me, too. Like my stomach, except it wants solitude and not a sandwich. Or maybe it wants solitude AND a sandwich. Oh, now I'm just making things up," Neera said.
At that moment, as they walked down the road heading for the street that will take them to the bridge district, Jaheira walked up next to Neera, passing by Yoshimo, Minsc and Abdel, standing between Ralis and Neera.
"I am curious, Neera. What does a wild surge feel like?" She asked.
Neera shrugged. "It depends. I never know what to expect. The surges are all different from each other. How does it feel when you cast spells?"
"Not the same, I'm sure," Jaheira replied, thinking of ways to describe the feelings in words.
"I may feel wrath if the nature of my spell is violent, or calm if it is for healing. Beneath it all, I feel a oneness nature that never changes," she added.
Neera felt that even though her magic is wild compared to the magic Jaheira feels, she felt something in common with the half-elf.
"Maybe it's not so different after all," she said.
"Why? You have this sense of oneness when you use magic?" Jaheira asked.
"Uh... sort of. My mind becomes part of... something. What, I don't know- I don't think it's nature. The Weave, I guess? Or maybe chaos? But yeah, it's kind of like "oneness", except it seems more like I'm looking through a window. When my magic is working properly, anyway."
"And when it is not?" Jaheira gently prodded Neera for more information.
"A wild surge is like that window shattering into a million pieces of glass," Neera explained uneasily, wondering if she chose the wrong metaphor.
Jaheira frowned in concern. "That sounds... unsafe."
"I don't mind. If you've been indoors a long time, sometimes you like the feel of a cold gust of wind," Neera said with no hint of doubt in her voice.
"We are not talking about wind and windows. We are talking about power and your mind. Be careful of that glass," Jaheira warned Neera.
"Tell me about yourself, Neera. Is your tale as wild as your wild magic?" Yoshimo wanted to know.
"My tale? Well, I come from the High Forest in the north. My childhood was pretty wild, I guess. Ever seen a korred?" Neera replied.
Yoshimo frowned, trying to recall a creature by that name. "I have never even heard of such a thing," he admitted after 4 seconds of silence, searching through his memories.
"Well, korreds are about the size of halflings, but unlike halflings they usually wear absolutely nothing. It doesn't really matter, though, because their body hair grows really fast and covers everything up. They're not too friendly, but their dances are a hoot," Neera explained.
Yoshimo smiled in amusement. "Fascinating. Great wonders lie on either end of the Golden Way. You have seen these korreds- perhaps even danced with them?"
"Ehhh... Once or twice. Once you start, you can't stop. You can even die doing it- so it came pretty naturally to me," Neera responded.
"Oh my!" Aerie gasped at the thought of dying while dancing with korreds.
"Remind me never to dance with a korred once we see one, Minsc," Abdel said.
"Noted, my friend," Minsc nodded.
They went to the Government District, but their true destination is the Temple District. In this district, Ralis and the other found that this district houses many large estates, like the Delyrn estate, Anomen's home, for example. Althir and Anomen were walking side by side behind Korgan and Hexxat.
"It appears that mostly nobles live here in this district. Their wealth sickens me..." Althirion grumbled.
"It cannot be helped that some are not born with a family of immense wealth. Regardless, we have one thing in common: we have the freedom to choose our path in life, as I have chosen the path of fairness, righteousness and justice," Anomen said to Althir.
Althir looked at Anomen with mild disdain. "You are right, however," he agreed.
"Indeed I am, my half-elven comrade. Do you know why Helm beckoned me to follow the path of good?"
"No," Althir shook his head.
"Because it it my calling! My performance as an acolyte of the Most Radiant Heart have been nothing short of exemplary," Anomen said proudly.
"... You concern me, young knight. Are you the experienced knight that you say you are? A truly experienced warrior does not brag about his kills."
"So says the half-elven rogue. You question my experience, Althirion?" Anomen asked Althir.
"I am, and I'm not ashamed to admit it to you. If I said you are a fraud, how would you reply?" Althir asked, testing Anomen's response.
"I would say it is not your place to judge me when you know nothing about me or my life. Now still your tongue before I am forced to cut it off and leave you mute."
Althir chuckled at Anomen's threat. "You threaten me over a simple question? You've made it clear to me that you don't want to admit to yourself that you have much more to learn before your Order lets you become a paladin," he said.
"I demand that you hold your tongue, lest you desire to force my hand," Anomen threatened Althir, but he knew better than to actually draw his weapon against the half-elf.
"...And brash youths like you wonder why you don't live long enough to grow old..." Althir muttered.
When Ralis heard Althir say that, he wondered exactly how old Althirion is. Half-Elves live longer than their human parents, but not as long as their elven parent. Up ahead is the government park, a great place to go for a peaceful stroll. Near the water fountain in the center of the park is an gnome who seems to be selling some strange mechanical merchandise. This gnome appears to be the same age as Quayle. As Ralis and his group neared closer to the gnome's unofficial shop, he saw that the gnome wore dark gray colored clothing, the black hair on his head has halfway receded but his mustache and beard remain mildly thick, he has a bulbous nose and he has some kind of leather belt strapped around his forehead.
On the forehead belt, a magnifying lens hangs on the belt above his right eye, and above his left eye are three miniature handheld tools strapped on in case he needed to repair or create something. The gnome saw Ralis and his group coming and assumed that they intend on buying one of his machines laying on top of a brown blanket. One of them looked like a complex machine that looks like it is made to blend vegetables. Ralis couldn't imagine what they could be used for.
"Are you interested in purchasing a bit of merchandise, my friend?" The gnome asked by way of greeting Ralis and his companions.
"Why not? What merchandise do you carry, good gnome?" Ralis responded.
The gnome smiled. "Well, you've got the look of an adventurer about you, and your companions, I might add. I've been one myself, betwixt stints as a turnip salesman, that is. Occasionally the markets get down and the formerly self-respecting purveyors of the veggies are forced to prostitute their abilities in the form of advertising," the gnome said.
Ralis didn't understand the point.
"All right, all right. What are you getting at?" he asked.
"What I'm getting at, oh-so-friendly one, is that I've items to sell you that are especially created, by yours truly, to aid one on the dangerous path to heroism," the gnome said, then he picked up some kind of strange flash bombs with his right hand.
"They are known as Jan Jansen's (pronounced "yon yonson") That's me," Jan pointed at himself when he said "that's me", "Flasher Master Bruiser Mates," He concluded.
Ralis frowned. The bomb Jan held in his hand appeared too small to do some serious damage.
"What do they do?" He asked Jan curiously.
"Now pay attention; You take one o' these babies and chuck it at average Joe Orc, close your eyes real tight and WHOOOSH! He's running around in circles clutching at his eyeballs and screaming and yelling like Uncle Sven after three days on a turnip beer bender."
At that moment, Trax, a man who represent the Amnian Revenue and Taxation Board confronted Jan, flanked by his bodyguard, an Amnian soldier.
"Hold, gnome, in the name of the Amnian Revenue and Taxation Board," Trax called to Jan.
Frowning in frustration, Jan set his special flash bomb down on the brown blanket with the his other Flasher Master Bruiser Mates.
"Argh, not again. That bottom-feeding, turnip-hating, scum-sucking brigand! Nothing better to do than to stop an honest business man from selling high-quality illegal Flashers for a reasonable price," Jan cursed.
"Illegal? You realize the penalty for selling illegal merchandise, do you, gnome?" Anomen questioned the gnome.
"You've got me wrong, I am an honest, law abiding citizen. Why, my pappy-" Jan started to say but he stopped talking when Trax came closer.
"Jan Jansen, gnomish citizen of Amn, you have been charged with tax evasion, and the illegal sale of illegal items in an illegal manner."
"Trax, old friend, you do me a great wrong! I would never break the law. As my pappy always said..."
"Enough!" Trax interrupted Jan. "You will not sidetrack me with your cursed tales again, I'm smarter than you think!"
For some reason, the Amnian soldier snickered at Trax's remark. Trax heard him snicker and turned to glare at him. "Shut up, you! Latrine duty beckons..." Trax demanded.
The guard quickly put on a serious face now.
"That's better," Trax nodded in approval then turned his attention to Jan. "We've been onto you for days, Jansen. We caught you in the very act of selling your dangerous and illegal contraptions."
"What cruel fate! Falsely accused by an old friend!" Jan exclaimed in sadness, falling on his stout knees.
"I am not your friend, Jansen!" Trax growled through gritted teeth.
He has known Jan for a few years but he never called him "friend".
"You're not anyone's friend," Trax's guard said.
Trax snapped an angry glare at him. "That is the last straw! Do you enjoy guarding used chamber pots? That'll be your new job if you can't shut your mouth!"
"Sorry, sir," The guard apologized.
Trax seethed to vent his pent up rage. "I swear this job will land me in an asylum..." He sighed, then he noticed Ralis standing near Jan. "And who might you be? You're certainly no regular customer of this felon," he said.
"I'm not from these parts. I'm Ralis and I hail from the Sword Coast."
"The Sword Coast? We haven't received much visitors from the Sword Coast since the Iron Throne tried to trick Baldur's Gate into believing that we wanted to go to war against them. Old wounds heal slowly, I guess. Well, Ralis, did this gnome try to sell you illegal merchandise? Specifically, "Flashers", as he calls them?"
Ralis quickly thought over his answer. Jan seems like a brilliant mechanic, and his flash bombs do appear useful, even though they are illegal items.
"I have no clue what you're talking about, sir. This gnome and I were simply discussing the weather," Ralis explained.
Trax's eyes nearly bugged out in surprise. He wasn't expecting Ralis to say that. "Curses! The gnome has gotten to you too! Jansen, you can no longer peddle in Athkatla. As for you, Ralis, you've made a dangerous enemy."
"I've made a lot of dangerous enemies, Trax, but I can't see how dangerous you are," Ralis replied, causing Trax's guard to burst out laughing.
"Ha ha ha...! He has a point. Who is the dangerous enemy? Ha ha ha..." The guard wiped a tear from his left eye.
Trax would have slapped the guard had he not wore a helmet, but instead he used his fist to bang on the top of the helmet. "I am, you idiot! Move! Let's get back to the office!" He snarled at his guard and they left.
"That man is a jerk, almost like Ployer..." Jaheira said.
"There goes a truly evil man. Uncle Scratchy seems like a saint in comparison," Jan said as he watched Trax and his guard leave. Then he turned to face Ralis. "Regardless, it seems like I am once again out of the black market. At least until I scrounge up a fortune to set up my business and have Trax's superiors well bribed. Do you be needing a hand in your party?"
"I sure do. That's why I didn't rat you out- your bombs and your skills will be an excellent addition to my group. My name's Ralis. This is Abdel, Anomen, Althirion, Jaheira, Minsc, Korgan, Aerie, Nalia, Yoshimo, Hexxat and Neera," Ralis introduced them all.
Jan packed up his bombs and other devices and stored them in his backpack. "Let us depart then, my new companions. I've an itch to pepper a few hobgoblins with crossbow bolts," Jan said, revealing his heavily customized crossbow which looks more like a complex shotgun made of steel.
"Well, just to let you know, I'm on a mission to rescue a friend of mine, Imoen, from the Cowled Wizards," Ralis told him.
Jan smiled. "Ahh, the plot thickens. Not unlike a good bowl of turnip soup if you've let it sit out for the proper amount of time. Traditionally that's a week, although Pappy used to complain about the smell so much that we had to shorten it to a day and a half. It doesn't taste quite the same, though, which just goes to show you that you can't buck tradition. I'll make you some, and Imoen too, if time allows. You won't regret it!" Jan said.
Then Hexxat came up to Ralis.
"Ralis, if you don't mind, I need to rest for a few hours in Dragomir's Respite," Hexxat said.
Ralis nodded and opened up the sack. "Okay, but I don't know how you're going to get inside it," Ralis said with uncertainty.
Without saying a word, Hexxat made her body transform into a bright blue cloud of vapor and she drifted into the sack. Ralis peered inside and saw the vaporous cloud Hexxat had become enter Dragomir's Respite and the seemingly vast swirling purple and blue void. How long she plans on resting, no one knows.
"Finally, I no longer have to keep my eye on that vampire for a day or two," Anomen sighed in relief.
"Vampire? I didn't know she is a vampire!" Neera exclaimed to Anomen.
"Hmm. Vampires are not very friendly creatures with a thirst for blood. Which reminds me of my my 4th cousin Benley Bifflefangs- he had a serious craving for tomato juice. The rest of my family is partial to turnip juice, but Benley, however, loved tomato juice. I never liked the flavor of tomato juice, 'tis too sweet and lacks the bittersweet flavor of good ol' fashioned turnip juice. I guess vampires have a sweet tooth, probably. We used to call him the-" Jan started to say but Abdel interrupted him.
"For the love of Torm, get to the point, man!" He exclaimed impatiently.
"The point I'm getting to is we used to call Benley the "Gnomish Vampire", even though he did not have the fangs of a vampire. But as I recall, his skin did look pale in the sunlight, he loved dark places, and-"
"Never mind. Ugh," Abdel interrupted Jan again.
"Let's go. We gotta get this trinket for Mae'Var in the Temple District," Ralis said, and he led his group west.
As they headed for the west exit of the district, they saw a mob of people nearby south from their position. There aren't many people, only like 39 or 45. Althir and Nalia were the ones who noticed it first.
"What is going on over there?" Nalia asked Althirion.
"I don't know," Althir replied, but from above the heads of the crowd, he thought that he saw the tip of a wooden pole above the heads of the clustered crowds of people. "Someone is about to be hanged or burned," he guessed.
"Let's go see," Ralis said.
He and his companions headed for the crowd. Once they reached the first layer of the thick crowd of people, they squeezed their way through the crowd until they came out in front to get a better view of what the crowds are gathered around. Ralis and the others saw something very shocking once they made it through the crowd. On a platform that is elevated four feet above ground that can be reached by small stairs on both sides of the platform or simply climbing up since the platform is small enough for a human or any other tall race taller than a gnome, halfling and dwarf to climb, they saw a drow woman wearing an old casual white shirt with long sleeves covering her entire arms and a long dark blue skirt covering her legs and a thin brown cloak designed like an old cape but meant to conceal her entire body and a hood to cover her head, tied to the wooden pole with sticks and coal around the drow's feet. Surrounding the drow woman are fanatics and cultists of Beshaba, also known as Lady Doom, the sworn enemy of the goddess of good luck, Tymora, the chaotic evil aligned goddess of accidents, bad luck, misfortune and random mischief. Whatever happened, bad luck led this drow to be caught by Beshaba cultists. But Ralis couldn't help but find this drow woman to look very familiar.
"Look ye all upon this foul drow that we have bound before ye! A creature of evil and darkness, my brethren! A creature of foulness and deceit, bent only on our destruction!" The Beshaba cultist leader holding an unlit torch stick exclaimed to the shouting and jeering crowd, gesturing his arms towards the bound drow like an artist presenting his artwork to the crowd.
He had Beshaba's portfolio emblem on the chest area of his robes to show who his deity is, and Ralis seeing the "V" shaped ultraviolet colored triangle, which is the "holy" symbol of Beshaba, knew that Beshaba is the dark opposite of Tymora, who brings good luck. They say that Beshaba is revered more often out of fear than out of religious faith and loyalty because her doctrine states that bad luck will befall anyone unless they worship her.
"A... a drow?! Here?! What could she have been up to, I wonder?" Aerie whispered to Nalia and Neera.
"I have no clue," Neera shrugged.
"Neither do I," Nalia replied.
"And what has she done to deserve this...? Not that anyone would need a reason to burn her, I suppose..." Aerie said.
"This creature has foolishly come amongst us, my brethren, thinking we would be lax in our senses! Tell me what should be done with it!" The cult leader continued, pacing back and forth in front of the drow tied to the stake, speaking to the crowds of people.
The crowd immediately answered what the cult leader and Ralis knew what they wanted:
"Burn it!"
"Burn the drow!"
"Burn her!"
Then a middle aged man angrily burst forward from the crowd to explain why he feels the drow should be burned.
"Aye, burn the dark elf! Her dark and fiendish kin rose up from their underground homes and killed my father and brother! They are evil, I tell you! All of them!" He snarled.
Clearly these people haven't heard of Drizzt Do'Urden... Ralis sighed, crossing his arms.
The cult leader nodded in approval, the votes are unanimous.
"Then the drow shall burn! Gather 'round, my brethren! and witness the will of Beshaba triumph over foul evil!" He exclaimed.
You don't fight evil with evil, you hypocrite... Althirion said in his thoughts, knowing the true nature of Beshaba and her servants as much as Ralis does.
The drow woman, who is none other than Viconia DeVir, the very same drow woman Ralis traveled with during his adventures in the Sword Coast, fighting the Iron Throne and Sarevok, and then Caelar and her army of crusaders months ago is both very angry and very terrified. Ever since she parted ways with Ralis after Caelar's defeat, she has tried to live a lonely yet peaceful life without being harassed by humans and elves who have a prejudiced hatred towards dark elves, but all she has had is nothing but bad luck, and her predicament with the Beshaba fanatics mirror that. In truth, she hasn't harmed anyone, she is actually about to be burned simply for being a drow. Everyone knows the cruel nature of the drow in general, so unfortunately, a drow who is not seeking to harm anyone will still be targeted and executed regardless.
"You rivvin (humans) are mad! I have done nothing to any of you! I seek only to make my way without molestation! Why have you done this?! Why?!" She exclaimed through tears of rage.
A man who is a fanatic of Beshaba armed with a longsword unsheathed his sword and held the blade so close to Viconia's throat that she could feel its cold steel touch her neck.
"Done nothing?! Done nothing?! You are a drow elf, are you not?! That is as good a reason as any!" He growled with unchecked rage in eyes, then he withdrew his sword and stepped back.
"Ye shall be silent, evil one! The power of the Maid of Misrule will be demonstrated here today!" The cultist leader exclaimed.
"Aye! Burn her!" A bloodthirsty nobleman exclaimed.
"Burn her!" A noblewoman exclaimed, and soon the entire crowd chanted: "Burn her! Burn her! Burn her!" so loudly that Ralis and Althir's ears were in mild pain from the loud uproar
"No! Nau! Oloth plynn jal! (No! Darkness seize all!)" Viconia exclaimed, shaking her head as if she is trying to wake up from a horrible nightmare.
"Spout your evil speech if ye must, drow, but prepare yourself for your journey into the next world! Beg for forgiveness! Beg for salvation! And hope that the cleansing fire will save ye!" The fanatic leader exclaimed, then he signaled his fellow members to light his torch stick.
"So the drow will be burned, eh? Good. They are a cancer on this land that deserve to be cut out," Anomen said.
"I have no love for drow, or this drow in particular... but it seems that she has done nothing to deserve this fate other than simply be a drow. This is not justice," Jaheira said, and Ralis was standing close enough to her to hear what she said.
"I agree, Jaheira! There must be no burning if she has committed no crime! This is not justice! Ralis, we must stop this travesty!" Minsc exclaimed.
"I know, Minsc! We must stop this somehow. Jan, come over here," Ralis said.
Viconia had a growing feeling of despair that her life in the Realms is coming to a slow and painful end. The only thing she can do now is pray to her deity and hope that when she passes away, Shar will make sure that Lolth does not take her away to the Demonweb Pits and punish her severely for her defiance.
"Shar! My deliverance is in your hands..." Viconia started to say, but then she saw a familiar face in the crowd.
She saw Neera. She recognized her pink hair anywhere.
Wait! That's the insane wild mage! If that wild mage half-elf is here, then... Viconia's eyes scanned the angry, jeering crowd close to where Neera is positioned until her eyes locked on a long haired man with stubble facial hair, who happens to be Ralis himself. The last time Viconia saw Ralis was after the Sword Coast armies paid her 1,000 gold for helping them and the hero of Baldur's Gate defeat Caelar Argent, and she didn't recall him having longer hair and slightly thicker facial hair the last time she saw him. Though he looks older, less boyish, she eventually recognized his face regardless, especially since she spotted Neera first.
"Wait! I recognize you! It is I! Viconia! You must remember! My life depends on it! Please, Ralis, I beg of you! Save me from these madmen!" She exclaimed.
Althir and Aerie were surprised that the drow woman knew Ralis by name.
"Ugh, I suppose we can't really let her smolder, right? Right?" Neera asked Anomen, Aerie and Nalia.
"Drow are evil, but I feel a little conflicted about what to do," Nalia replied to Neera.
Ralis wondered why the drow called to him, but once he heard her name, his eyes widened in surprise. It has been months since he last saw Viconia! This strengthened Ralis' determination to save Viconia. She has done no wrong, but he has no intention of incurring the wrath of Beshaba's servants.
"Jan, where are you? Come over here!" Ralis said.
"You called me?" Jan asked Ralis as he approached.
"Gimme one of your Flasher Master "Sasher" bombs," Ralis said, extending his right hand towards Jan to grab one of his custom bombs.
"They are called "Flasher Master Bruiser Mates"! Get the name right!" Jan corrected him.
"Whatever! Just give me one and tell Jaheira and the others to close their eyes, fast!" Ralis impatiently whispered.
Jan nodded and gave Ralis one of his customized flash bombs, then immediately went around telling Jaheira, Minsc, Anomen, Aerie and the others to close their eyes. Ralis charged forward, bomb in hand and joined Viconia up on the platform, confusing the crowd and the Beshaba cultists.
"Hey! Get down from there!" A Beshaba cultist exclaimed and charged at Ralis.
The man didn't put up much of a fight, all Ralis had to do is dodge his right hook, jab him in the stomach, and deliver a powerful uppercut to his face that knocked him flat on the ground unconscious.
"Close your eyes!" Ralis exclaimed to Viconia.
She did as she was told, and Ralis closed his eyes and slammed the flash bomb to the ground!
He heard an explosion and then a crackling noise and the sound of people screaming and yelling around him. He opened his eyes to see everyone except his companions and Viconia holding their eyes, rolling on the ground in pain. Ralis untied the ropes that bound Viconia to the pole.
"Let's get out of here! Let's go!" Ralis exclaimed.
Then they left the Government District as quickly as they could, running as quickly as They could. They didn't stop running until they were 10 blocks away from the district. They paused in an empty alleyway. Viconia kept the hood of her cloak over her head and the cloak's cape covering her body, but fortunately no one was on the street they stopped at.
"I owe you my life, abbil (comrade). You have saved me once again," Viconia sighed in relief to Ralis then pulled the hood off from over her head and pushed the cloak to her back.
"Just like the first time we met. What did you do to provoke them, Viconia?" Ralis wanted to know.
"I did nothing to provoke their attack, I tell you! I was passing through the city when the man guessed my identity under my hood. I was surprised and he called the others, revealing me. I suppose they assumed I was here to spy on them... fools! They are so quick to fear, these rivvin!" Viconia said.
"That's our nature, I guess. Sometimes we humans are more used to fearing than understanding," Ralis shrugged in disdain, knowing all to well the flaws of the human race.
Althirion, Aerie, Nalia, Jan and Yoshimo were confused as to why Ralis and Viconia spoke to each other as if they knew each other. Minsc, Jaheira and Neera are already familiar with Viconia.
"Why is he speaking to the drow...?" Aerie whispered to Neera in bewilderment.
"They know each other. It's a very long story. I'll tell you later," Neera replied.
"But come... we must be on our way soon if we are to avoid drawing another crowd. I distrust these barbaric people too much to hang about. If you don't mind, would you welcome me into your group once again, abbil?" Viconia asked Ralis.
Ralis opened his mouth, but Aerie spoke up before he could.
"D-don't let her come with us, Ralis!" Aerie blurted out without a second thought. Actually, she never had any second thoughts. "The drow... all of the drow... are cruel, terrible creatures! They kill the avariel without mercy and cannot be trusted!"
"Will you keep your voice down, Aerie?!" Ralis whispered harshly through gritted teeth.
Viconia smirked and walked towards Aerie. Startled, her heart threatening to jump out of her chest, Aerie didn't know what to do. She backed away from Viconia until her back pressed against the brick wall of a building.
"Do you claim to be an avariel, girl?" She asked Aerie, then checked her back to see if she has wings. Apparently not. "Where are your wings, then? Or did they find your pathetic stammering annoying as I do and fled you gladly?" Viconia teased.
"Sh-shut up!" Aerie snapped at Viconia.
Then she approached Ralis. "Ralis, you saved her... n-now make her go away!" She pleaded.
"We saved her, and she is our responsibility. What if she was captured again? Neither Boo nor I could live with ourselves. No, she must come," Minsc spoke out.
"I can survive, addled one. I was taken by surprise today, but I have been among rivvin secretly for quite some time. But neither do I object to traveling with you," Viconia told Minsc.
Before Ralis could say anything, Viconia returned her attention to Aerie and said:
"I have nothing against you, wingless one, but from your quivering, I have no doubt you would make a poor companion. Why do you keep her, Ralis? Pity?"
Anomen stared at Viconia intently while standing next to Korgan and Yoshimo. He was fascinated at how long and beautiful her white hair is, how striking her red eyes are, and how busty her build is- he had difficulty taking his eyes off of her chest for a few seconds even though her shirt isn't the type that reveals her cleavage. The reason why he couldn't top ogling her is because because her breasts stretch the fabric of her shirt, creating a few stretch wrinkles on the sides near her armpits even though the shirt is not a tight fit on her body, she is just simply voluptuous.
"None of your damn business," Ralis replied.
"I had not thought the drow could be so... striking," Anomen said in awe. "A beautiful creature this is, if devoid of compassion as I hear. Bring her or send her away, it matters not to me."
Ralis was surprised to hear Anomen say this, especially since he so nonchalantly commented minutes ago that drow should be burned at the stake. He soon came to the realization that Anomen has had a slight change of heart after he has seen how attractive Viconia is.
"I'm not so sure about this..." Nalia said.
"If ye bring the drow, Ralis, I'll kill her with me own ax," Korgan growled.
"You can try, dwarf," Viconia challenged.
Korgan growled, holding his ax tight and ready to strike.
"Everyone calm down, damn it! It's my decision that she stays. Anyone who dislikes my decision, stow it. And Korgan, if you try to kill her, I'll kill you, and you don't want to cross blades with a Bhaalspawn, do you?" Ralis questioned him with a threatening glare.
Korgan grumbled angrily in reply, and reluctantly sheathed his war ax Ralis nodded in approval at Korgan ant then addressed his entire party.
"From now on, we put aside our differences and work as a team. Minsc, Jaheira, Neera and I have traveled with Viconia before, and I assure you that she is more reasonable than any other drow we've met so far. I am fully aware of the foul reputation of the drow, but I urge you not let that knowledge turn you into mindless, hateful barbarians like those fanatics back in the Government District. If you do, how can you say you're different from them?" Ralis lectured his group.
Everyone stayed quiet for a few seconds, then Jaheira stepped forward to break the silence. "Truth be known, I am not opposed to having Viconia travel with us again. Remember, though, that many will think less of us simply because she is here," Jaheira said to Ralis.
"I don't give a damn what other people think. I know what's right and what's wrong in my heart, and I say it is wrong not to give a person a chance of redemption simply because they are of an evil race like the drow. If people think negatively of me because of my beliefs, or the company I keep, so be it. I'm not out to impress anybody. I aim to misbehave," he said firmly with conviction Minsc admired.
"I wholeheartedly agree with you, Ralis! Good must come from your heart and soul, not from rules and regulations written on paper! Right, Boo?" Minsc declared proudly, and Boo squeaked in response to Minsc, and he gave Boo a hamster food pellet as a reward.
"Khaless ussa (Trust me), intrepid one, I will not betray your ilk as long as they don't betray me," Viconia nodded gratefully.
Aerie groaned in disgust.
"I c-can't believe this!" She exclaimed.
"One more thing, Viconia. Remember Imoen? She has been kidnapped, and I'm trying to rescue her from the Cowled Wizards," Ralis told Viconia.
"I remember the insipidly cheerful girl you mention. You would risk such danger to recover her annoying presence? Why would you bother, Ralis?"
"The question you should ask yourself is why would I bother rescuing you? I would no more abandon her to the Cowled Wizards than leave you to those fanatics. That's why," Ralis said with firmness in his voice.
Viconia understood what he meant, and she couldn't argue against that.
"It seems my own circumstance leaves me little choice. Very well, Ralis, let us rescue the girl if it means so much to your misguided senses," Viconia said.
Yoshimo immediately could tell that Viconia thinks like a survivalist. Though she can't fault Ralis for rescuing her own life, she is reluctant to stick her neck out for anyone else., or even help someone rescue someone else.
Ralis looked at Yoshimo. "Are you okay, Yoshimo? You haven't said a word lately. Do you have any objections about this?" He asked the bounty hunter.
Yoshimo shook his head. "I am not worried. I am sure this setback is only temporary," he said, hinting he does not fully trust Viconia either.
As they came out the alleyway walking through the streets towards the Temple District, Aerie is visibly upset about Ralis' decision to bring Viconia with us. Viconia kept her face hidden under her hood so that none of the people passing by would recognize her as a drow. When they got to a street where no one but them are traveling on, Aerie seriously wanted to ask Ralis why he would travel with a drow.
"Ralis, why? W-w-why bring her?" She stammered.
"I have good reasons why. She isn't as bad as she looks, once you get used to her," he said.
"I don't want to g-get used to her!" Aerie exclaimed.
"And I don't want to get used to your constant whining either, wingless elf," Viconia taunted.
"D-don't spit your vile voice at me!" Aerie exclaimed.
Then Viconia turned her attention to Neera walking behind her.
"I dislike you as well, half-elf. Your shrill voice, your grating humor, and your childish thinking offend me."
"Oh. I'm sorry to hear that...? Wait. What... what is that smell?" Neera began sniffing at the air.
Viconia frowned in confusion. "I smell nothing," she said, sniffing at the air for a second.
Neera frowned in great disgust and pinched her nose with her right hand while fanning the air with her left hand.
"By the gods, what IS that? Oh, wait, Viconia, it's just you. For a moment I thought Ralis had picked up a powerful cheese while I wasn't looking," Neera taunted Viconia with her nasal voice.
"You are ridiculous. Were it not for Ralis, you would be dead. I do not smell like cheese," Viconia said, trying to suppress her anger.
Neera stopped pinching her nose. "It's not bad, just a little pungent. Maybe you picked up the scent when you still worshiped Lolth? They say she lives down in the Demonweb Pits. A place with that kind of name probably doesn't smell very pleasant," Neera said.
"Be glad I do not still follow Lolth; if I did, you would be dying a painful death right now," Viconia said.
Everyone stopped walking to see what Neera had to say.
"All right, Viconia, let me be direct for a second. You like directness, right? You started this conversation, and you started it by insulting me. "I dislike you." That's what you said. Do you really think people will listen to anything you have to say when you talk to them like that? You called me childish. Is it less childish to threaten me? Yeah, really reasonable and adult oriented," Neera said.
Viconia sighed. "This conversation is over," she grunted.
"Good. Because you smell, and the smell is only getting stronger," Neera said.
About 9 minutes later, they were nearing closer to the Temple District. And at this moment, Korgan felt the urge to voice how much Nalia disgusts him, especially since she is walking next to him, to his left.
"Nalie, ye're overtall, beardless, long limbed, and lack strength. Ye disgust me," he said.
Nalia didn't understand what she had done to provoke Korgan. "What provoked this hostility, Korgan?" She asked him.
"Ye deserve the full wrath of my ire, weakling! Ye deserve it because ye're a coddled, privileged imbecile, a sad, little, nobleman's offspring! With what grout ye've left, never quest what I've to say, each night upon the morn ye awake screaming for fear of what I may do to ye!" Korgan exclaimed.
Nalia knew that Korgan over exaggerated on most parts.
"I'm sorry, Korgan. I seek no conflict and wish only to be left alone. Forgive my slights, if I made any," She said politely, but Korgan didn't let up with his insults.
"Ye quiver and wither like all the others. Ye're a gutless coward. And so ye'll stay," He said.
"Everyone has a role to play in my group, as you do. So I wouldn't judge a person by their physical strength, Korgan," Ralis said.
"Ye bring sniveling lilywhites like Aerie and Nalie, and now ye bring a drow? Ye got strange taste in strength, Ralis," Korgan said disdainfully.
Viconia decided to start a conversation with Ralis, whether Aerie approves it or not.
"So... what draws you to this part of Faerun? Amn? Athkatla? I seem to recall you mentioning something about a mission or some other," Viconia said.
"I need to rescue Imoen, find out who captured me, for what purpose, and what they have in mind for Imoen. Then I need to find a man with a strange dagger that steals souls," Ralis said.
"How are you going to hunt down these culprits who ambushed you? And the one who owns this dagger you speak of? Vermin rarely leave scent or footstep," Viconia said.
"The Cowled Wizards arrested the man responsible for my imprisonment and will know where to find him," Ralis replied.
Viconia frowned, thinking Ralis is in way over his head thinking about crossing the wizards. She has heard of the Cowled Wizards and their influence throughout Amn.
"The cowled ones are not to be taken lightly. It is whispered how their power is boundless, and their allegiances are only with the powerful," she warned Ralis.
"I'm not scared. If I have to, I'll fight through them to get to Imoen and confront that mage. Will you assist me, Viconia?" Ralis asked with an serious scowl.
"Usstan zhah dosst, (I am yours,)" Viconia nodded.
"So you've met Ralis before, eh, drow?" Althirion questioned Viconia inquisitively.
She looked back at him and frowned, finding his red eye patch odd.
"Yes, half-elf, I know him. Why should it matter to you?" She questioned him.
"He saved your life twice, did he not?" Althir asked her.
"... What is your point? I grow weary of your riddles, surface slave," Viconia grunted.
"I am sure you no doubt realize that your race is deeply hated here in the surface world, they'll kill you as soon as they know what you are. If you want to survive in the surface world, you need someone you can trust. If you have no one to trust, you'll be dead before you know it," Althir warned her.
Viconia scowled at him. "Trust is for the foolish... and the dead," she said curtly.
"Quin dos henotep tois yallt, (Yet you almost died today)," Althir told Viconia, speaking her language.
Viconia's eyes widened in shock, and so did everyone else. No one knew Althirion could speak the drow language!
"Usstan xun naut zhaun lu'oh dos zhaun ussta xanalress, jhal zhaun- Usstan dro'xunus a ussta ehmtu z'ress. Usstan ssrig'luin nau uss ulu pholor (I do not know how you know my language, but know this- I survived by my own strength. I need no one to rely upon)," Viconia told Althir in the drow language.
"Z'ress maglust orn naut dormagyn dosst dro mal'rak, olath darthirii. Screa nindel dos k'jakr shlu'ta (Strength alone will not save your life forever, dark elf. Learn that while you still can)," Althirion warned Viconia in her race's language, which still surprised everyone.
She grunted in reply, trying to push his words in back into the dusty recesses of her mind.
"So, Viconia, I suppose you must be a drow, eh?" Jan spoke to her.
Viconia scowled because she has already been annoyed by Althir's comments. "Speak not to your betters, surface slave," Viconia replied to Jan.
"My brother, Elgar Buttercup, had skin the shade of charcoal, too. Well, technically it WAS charcoal. He died in a nasty fire, you see," Jan said, tweaking with his custom made crossbow bolt shooter which can also shoot his Flasher Master Bruiser bombs.
"You love the sound of your own voice, don't you gnome?" Viconia asked him.
Jan's eyes widened. "My own voice? Heartless wench! Do you not know? I am deaf! I have never heard the sound of my own voice. I read lips..." He began to sob. "Only lips."
"Deaf? Truly? In the Underdark the deaf are killed or used in pain threshold experiments," Viconia said.
Jan stopped fake sobbing. "I heard that! In fact, it reminds me of the time I was eaten by an avatar of Lolth," he said.
"Whaaaat?" Abdel gasped believing Jan's story.
Yoshimo chuckled at Abdel's gullible nature.
"I was stuck inside her stomach with a miserable drow called Biffle Chump for days," Jan went on.
Neera snickered. "Really? Biffle Chump? Ha ha ha!" She laughed at the name, finding it funny.
"Of course, I was forced to eat him. A matter of survival, you understand. Nothing personal. He tasted a bit like chicken," Jan said, licking his lips.
Viconia shook her head then turned her head to face Ralis. "Ralis, how is it that you travel with such a wee buffoon?" She asked him.
Ralis raised his hands to his chest level feigning innocence. "Hey, don't look at me! You got him started," he said.
"What I would have given for a pinch of pepper!" Jan said, smacking his lips loudly.
"I refuse to listen to this," Viconia muttered.
After a few seconds of silence, Neera spoke up.
"Hey, uh, Jan, was it? If you were actually eaten by Lolth's avatar, how did you get out? Did you get out the way you came, or did you, uh, go out the back door without getting turned into mush?"
Jan grimaced, a sign that it must not be a pleasant memory.
"That is a completely different story altogether," he said sullenly.
They eventually reached a tunnel, and at the other end, they came out in the district of Athkatla known as the Temple District. This district is north from the Gem District, and northwest from the Government District, a staid and orderly district, many people walk the streets, sharing the latest gossip with their friends and such. The manors, Ralis noticed, looked very identical to each other. Contrary to the name of the district, there aren't many temples, but there used to be centuries ago, in a time when Athkatla used to be the dominant in magical power.
It all started 100 years ago, a tanar'ri rampaged the city from the School of Wonder. King Dhanar of the Parhek Dynasty declared a moratorium against all wizards, arresting them and taking them into custody. The carnage caused by the rampaging demon reignited old trade wars among the wealthy families of Amn. Many temples in this district were destroyed in the chaos on that day. To stop the trade war, members of Amnian royalty assassinated the king of the Parhek Dynasty, King Dhanar himself in 1276 DR and exiled many of the mercant families. The reason why this district is still called Temple District is to remind the citizens that the gods will always be more important than the mundane needs of mortals.
Ralis and his group were on Oblade Street heading north. They stopped near a shop named The Pride Of Athkatla. Stopping at an open road that goes northeast to the Street of the Seven Altars, or east to Aundle's Walk or northwest to the next street, Ralis decided to go northwest, heading toward a theater called The Crown Aflame, turned west going to Godsmoot street, then headed north following Sarlannas street, passing by more people and carriages being pulled by mixed breeds of horses. They eventually came to a building nearby called The Society of the Lost Ingot, a private club for male wealthy Athkatla born traders.
Ahead, at an open space in the road is a crowd of people partially blocking traffic on the street, but not seriously. There in the middle of the small crowd stood an old human mage named Gaal, informing people of a new religion that just appeared out of nowhere. Gaal is a gray haired man in his mid 50's. Despite his age, he looks healthy enough to take on 3 mages in spellcasting combat. His eyes are closed for some strange reason, as if he is blind. On his dark green robes is the emblem of an eye- an eye that is red like fire, but something about the eye looks strange, the iris is pale white, as if whoever the eye belongs to, the person would be blind, he, she or it wouldn't be able to see anything.
"Listen to me, my brothers and sisters... heed my words. We have been chosen as a recipient of a most holy miracle, one that should not be dismissed or ignored!" Gaal declared to the people listening to him.
At that moment, Ralis and the others were close enough to become curious as to what Gaal is up to.
"I, Gaal... I, who have been stripped of my eyes most mercifully, have been shown the truth that has eluded the sighted! The gods that you worship are false gods, icons that serve to increase the wealth of churches and heathens! Listen to them not!" Gaal exclaimed.
Before he could say more, Dawnmaster Kreel, a cleric of the Morninglord Lathander interrupted the mage.
"Hold! You speak of blasphemy! The Morninglord Lathander has always shown his benevolence and power. His presence among us is unquestionable!" He said.
"Is it, priest?" Gaal said as even though he is obviously blind, turned to face Kreel as if he could actually see him, then he turned his attention to the small crowd of people. "I ask all of you to question, for a moment, if what the priest says is true. Yes, his false god grants him power to fuel his spells, much as any wizard might posses. I say that the churches lie to you! They claim their gods are present when they do nothing other than require your coin to fill their pockets!" He exclaimed.
"No! What you are saying can't be true! The gods have ever protected us!" A woman exclaimed in denial.
Gaal was not fazed by the objection. He rubbed his chin. "Hmm, is that so? Have they protected you from famine? Have they protected you from disease? Have they wrought harmony upon Faerun? No, they have not! They lie and cloud your sight to gain your worship of their false images! I have stripped myself of their foul eyes, and I see what is the truth! The truth, I tell you!" Gaal exclaimed, gesturing his arms and hands as if he's giving a speech.
"This fool is insane..." Althirion muttered to Jan.
"Aye, he does act as if he has a few screws loose. To be honest, he reminds me of my other cousin, Panchi. She is quite the motivational speaker during our family reunions. Not all there upstairs, but she knew how to draw attention, like the time she ate a rotten turnip, and-"
"I'm not interested in the life of your family, gnome," Althirion interrupted him.
"You may not be interested, but you could learn a thing or two from the lifestyle of my family. A stubborn ear is an ignorant ear, like my pappy used to say," Jan said to Althir and winked at him.
"You lie! You lie! The gods exist!" One of the men exclaimed at Gaal angrily while Jan and Althir were speaking to each other.
Then the entire crowd booed and jeered at Gaal.
"Such words are a horrid affront to the gods! Surely you will pay for this!" Kreel exclaimed.
"Quiet! QUIET!" One of the peasants in the crowd exclaimed, then everyone fell silent at his shouting. "Hold your tongues and listen to what he has t' say!" The peasant man said to everyone.
And so everyone held their objections at Gaal and listened to what he had to say next.
"I call on you to abandon your false gods! They have done nothing for you! Cast them aside and join me on the true path- join me in the calling of the true sight!" He exclaimed, raising his right hand at chest level and clenching his fist.
"What... what does that mean? Shall we tear out our eyes, then? Don't be foolish!" A middle aged woman exclaimed.
"What should we do, then? Who shall we turn to if there's no gods?" The woman next to the first woman that spoke asked her.
"Ah, but there is a god! There is the true god!" Gaal said.
All eyes focused on him now.
"Something is wrong about this..." Jaheira muttered to Abdel.
"The Unseeing Eye is here amongst us. He offers the faithful a clarity of vision, a true path to the divine! He offers you protection and succor!"
Dawnmaster Kreel could feel it in his gut that something about Gaal's "true god" is terribly wrong. He tried to warn the small crowd of peasants and hecklers this. "Do not listen to him! He seeks to poison your minds!"
But it is too late. Already Gaal has half of the crowd believing in his words.
"Bah! What has your god ever done for me, eh? Eh?!" A bold, peasant man berated Kreel.
He remained silent, unsure of what to say.
"I'm poorer and no better than I ever was!" The peasant man lectured Kreel.
"Don't speak to the priest in that tone! The gods will be offended!" A woman next to the bold man said.
"Don't you hear what he's saying? There are no gods to be offended! I say we see what this unseeing eye has to offer!" Another woman exclaimed.
"Aye, I wish to see!" A man in a yellow tunic raised his hand.
Gaal shook his head. He admired the curiosity of his new "believers", but they don't know what the Unseeing Eye is all about.
"No, my friends, you do not wish to "see". Forget what the years of lies have taught your eyes. You wish to "know"! You wish to "learn"! THESE are the truths that the Unseeing Eye can offer to you. A truer gift that you'll not find amongst any of these other so-called deities. Come, witness the miracle of the truth! Come and behold the Unseeing Eye for see the true god that is present amongst us!" He said.
Dawnmaster Kreel could sense the eagerness of the crowd. "No! Do not go with him!" He tried to warn everyone.
"I'll do as I wish! I want the truth! Show me the Unseeing Eye!"
"Yes! Show me!"
"Show me as well!"
"Come, then! Those of you who wish to become the truly faithful, to witness the magnificence of the Unseeing Eye and the truth he brings... come with me!" Gaal exclaimed and started to lead the crowd away.
"Wot are you doing? Are you mad?" A sane woman who sensed that something is wrong with this Unseeing Eye business asked her friend.
"Quit yer mouth, wench!" She snapped.
"Aye, if you do not wish to see the truth, then that is your business." A man nearby said and followed the group of people being led away by Gaal.
"Come then, my faithful! Follow me!" Gaal exclaimed and he led everyone away, going to Sarlannus Street and down the nearest entrance into the sewers.
"Why the sewers?" Ralis wondered.
"Because whatever this "Unseeing Eye" is, it does not want to be seen by those who wish to "see" it," Althirion said inquisitively.
"And I believe you are right," A voice said behind them.
It is High Watcher Oisig, a high ranking cleric of Helm. His head is covered by his helmet, so it is hard to see his facial features, but judging by his height, he is either human or half-elf.
"This must not come to pass. The ever-seeing eye of Helm must be made aware of what they intend," he said.
"I want to find out what they are up to as much as you do, my good priest," Ralis said.
"Good, very good. I would like to hire you and your companions as mercenaries in the service of Helm. I would prefer a man of faith, but you will be adequate. Follow me to the temple of Helm," Oisig said, and Ralis and the others followed him there.
Following High Watcher Oisig to the temple of Helm, Ralis and his companions can only wonder what is on Oisig's mind. He led Ralis and his group south, out of the Temple District and to the Gem District, the cleanest, richest district in Athkatla. Here, Oisig led them to Helm's temple, which is a few blocks northeast from another temple named The Dome of the Rose, the monastery of Lathander.
"...You haven't answered my question yet. How do you know we can help you? How do you know what we are capable of?" Ralis questioned Oisig as he, Minsc, Althirion, Yoshimo and Neera followed him into the temple.
Everyone else stayed outside. There are many Everwatch Knights in the temple, and Ralis couldn't shake the feeling that all eyes are watching him. Deep down, he couldn't help wondering if anyone here had a way of knowing what he really is.
"Let me just say that I know your reputation," Oisig simply said as he led them into his room guarded by two knights.
"Meaning...?" Ralis pressed for more information, hoping that Oisig hasn't heard anything from Baldur's Gate.
"What you ask is irrelevant at the moment. You will be judged according to how you serve," Oisig responded before sitting in a chair.
There were no chairs for Ralis, Neera, Jaheira, Minsc and Yoshimo to sit down in, so they had no choice but to stand on their feet.
Ralis slowly turned his head left and right, examining Oisig's room. He couldn't shake the feeling that no matter where he goes in this temple, someone unseen by him and his companions are watching their every move.
"Is something wrong?" Oisig took notice of Ralis' cautious mannerisms.
"I'll be direct. I get the feeling that I'm being watched wherever I go here. I sense that you probably don't trust me. If you don't trust me... how can I trust you...?" Ralis asked Oisig ominously.
"No one has passed judgement upon you yet. I trust that you are up for this task, despite its dangers. Serve well, and you will be rewarded. Display any treachery, and it will be seen in ways you can't possibly imagine," Oisig replied coolly.
"I believe that you are about to task us into investigating this new divine power, yes?" Yoshimo asked the priest.
"Yes, you are correct. I don't trust that fool who claimed that the gods we are familiar with are false gods. If what he says is true, it threatens to upset a delicate balance. A new power would only disrupt the way of things," Oisig explained.
"What he says rings true, Ralis. A new power overthrowing the ones already in power will only upset the balance of the Realms," Jaheira said. "For better or worse, that balance must not be upset," she added.
"If he is lying, then whatever cult he is proposing can only serve to hurt those it bilks into following them," Oisig said.
"That bastard took advantage of the people's insecurities," Althir hissed.
"I agree with him. Is there anything that the Vigilant One knows about this new cult?" Ralis questioned Oisig.
He nodded. "The Vigilant One informs us that the cult is underground and close, but we cannot see past the sewers. You must infiltrate it. You must suffer the filth of the sewers to find the filth of the cult. They are not hiding amidst the pipes, so there must be a passage leading deeper underground."
"Huh. That's better than nothing. At least now I know to search for hidden passages in there. Is there any assistance that you can offer us?" Ralis responded.
"Our resources are thin at the moment, but we have an ally of Helm and servant of Torm who can offer assistance to you. I will take you to meet him," Oisig said, leading Ralis, Minsc, Althir and Yoshimo out of the room.
Meanwhile, outside the temple, the rest of Ralis' companions rested in a nearby tavern, drinking ale and resting their sore feet. Jan, however, is busy calibrating his heavily customized crossbow and Flasher Master Bruiser Mate launcher weapon. Jaheira sat at the bar drinking mead with Viconia sitting to her left and Abdel sitting to her right. Abdel watched Jaheira drink the mead as if she is trying her best to drink away her troubles. He could sense it- something is troubling Jaheira, he can see it. He had heard that Jaheira had once been married, but he had never met Khalid before.
"Another round," Jaheira called to the tavernmaster.
He shook his head and took Jaheira's empty mug to refill it.
"If you keep drinking like that, you won't be fit to fight," Abdel said to her.
"What does it matter to you? You hardly know me," Jaheira said indifferently, not even deigning to look at the tall human.
"But that doesn't mean I shouldn't have the right to get to know you. Ralis and Imoen know you better than I do. Give me a chance, please," Abdel said with a hint of sympathy in his voice.
Jaheira had to admit that even she is curious about this man, this man she never heard of who was also adopted and raised by Gorion, most likely a few years before he adopted Ralis and Imoen. By that moment, the tavernmaster gave Jaheira her refilled mead.
"Go ahead. I'm listening to whatever questions you have for me," she said then drank a few gulps of her mead.
"This... Khalid. Who was he? I'm really curious," He said.
Jaheira blinked. She wasn't expecting a personal question like that. Abdel saw Jaheira hesitate in replying to his question when she couldn't keep eye contact with him.
"I-I don't mean to pry if that is too personal..." He apologized abruptly.
"It's okay. I'll tell you anyway," Jaheira said, then sighed, looking up at the spinning fan on the ceiling above her head. "Khalid... What should I say about him...? He was a timid, but kind hearted man. But he was also a decent fighter even though he disliked fighting."
"Did you two get along well?" Abdel asked.
Jaheira slowly nodded. "Even though I hated the fact that he showed little courage sometimes, and even though our morals were almost different, we somehow managed to stay together as a happily married couple," Jaheira said.
Abdel pieced together what Jaheira has told him. It seems that Jaheira used to order Khalid around, since he doesn't sound like the kind of man who would take charge of anything. Knowing this made Abdel wonder why he finds Jaheira so attractive. Physically, she is attractive in his eyes, but her hardened, bossy personality is almost a turn off for him. He wished that Jaheira had a little bit of Aerie's personality. Plus, he wished that it would be easier to get closer to Jaheira if Khalid turned out to be a womanizing bastard who was never loyal to Jaheira.
"Do you have some idea about how you plan to move on with your life? I'm certain Khalid would not want you mourning his death every single day," Abdel said.
Jaheira cast an annoyed glare at Abdel, causing him to flinch. "How could you possibly know what he wants me to do? You've never met him before," She said curtly.
"It's just a hunch I have," Abdel replied defensively. "Being the kind hearted man he was, I imagine that he would want you to live a happy life, even though he can no longer be by your side."
"Or is it you who wants to be by her side?" Neera called, overhearing the conversation from a nearby table sitting with Aerie, Nalia and Anomen.
"Shut up, Neera," Abdel snapped calmly.
"If that is what you think, then I'd say your hunch is correct. It will be hard, but I will try to find a way to move on with my life... for Khalid's sake," Jaheira said to Abdel before drinking her refilled mug of mead.
Over at one of the dinner tables of the tavern, Jan is sitting with Aerie and Anomen. Neera, Nalia, Minsc and Korgan are sitting at a different table nearby.
"So, you come from the winged folk, do you, lass?" Jan asked Aerie curiously as he took one of the handheld tools off from the belt strapped around his forehead and used it to tinker with his customized crossbow bolt shooter sitting on the table.
"Yes- yes sir," Aerie stammered shyly.
Jan smiled at her. "No need to be formal, lassie. Call me Jan. I was recently reminded of my ex-brother in law, Burt Winderkind, fabulous griffin-baiter."
Aerie's blue eyes widened. "A... A griffin-baiter?" She was fairly amused.
"Don't fall for the gnome's false stories." Anomen scoffed before drinking his ale and eating his lunch, which is two fried chicken legs, green peas and carrots.
Jan ignored him. "Yes, of course," he replied to Aerie. "It's something of a cottage industry amongst Amnish gnomes. Quite simple, I've heard. You merely tame a couple of wyverns and WHOOSH, tear through the sky to fling insults at the hapless griffins."
"Oh, I didn't think you could tame a griffin," Aerie said in awe.
"Really? Everyone I know has a pet wyvern. Taming wyverns is child's play, literally. As children, we'd tame wyverns. It's easy since they have such an affinity for turtles. Back in the old days it used to rain turtles on even days and frogs on odd days."
Aerie's eyes widened. Raining turtles and frogs? That is so outlandish!
"Why, that's ridiculous!" She exclaimed in disbelief.
"That's what I thought until the drought hit. There were ornery wyverns everywhere. After a rich diet of turtle mash, you couldn't expect them to accept bacon without eating a few human nobles, now, could you? Of course, by then, Burt was such a successful griffin-baiter that the authorities just couldn't find it in their hearts to make us leash the wyverns. The loss of the noble class is truly a small price to pay in return for the continuity of such a fine sport. There's nothing like the look of incredulity on a griffin's face to keep one's spirit up." Jan said.
Aerie looked down into her drink forlornly. "I... I wish I could fly... I haven't been able to since I was a... since I was a kid," she said sadly.
Jan wished he could give Aerie a pat on the back, but he's sitting across the table from Aerie, not next to her. "Don't you worry, lass. If Burt ever comes by, we'll get you up in the air faster than a chicken with one of Jan Jansen's Flasher Master Bruiser Mates tied to his rear. Trust me, that is fast!" He smiled at her reassuringly.
Anomen let out a low growl after he swallowed a piece of flesh from one of the chicken legs he is eating. He found it annoying that ever since he has been traveling with Ralis, they have not gotten into any interesting battles. He also believed that Ralis is not a capable group leader, or worth Neera's attention, especially since he is a spawn of Bhaal.
"'Tis truly an adventure for the weak-willed. I've fought campaigns against the Skullgnasher giants, and slew 20 of the foul beasts," Anomen growled to himself.
Jan heard what Anomen said.
"Did I ever tell you the tale of The Lobotomized Orc, my good knight Anomen?" Jan asked him.
Anomen frowned at him. "You have not, and I've no wish to hear it," he said.
"Well anyway, as a child, my mammy would give us kids a bowl of gravel, which was all we could afford, and tell us this parable," Jan said.
Anomen grunted in disgust and turned away.
"Now listen, knighty, lest you be eating gravel," Jan warned Anomen.
"Hmph..." Anomen huffed indifferently and continued eating his lunch.
"'Twas once a heavily brain damaged Orc named Ano," Jan began.
At that moment, Anomen blinked in surprise. The orc in the story had a name that almost sounded like his own.
"Ano was trudging through the forest one day, looking for bull droppings with which he could stuff his mattress, when he happened across a remarkable scene. A brave and noble knight, Jan the Brilliant by name, fought with an evil giant. Ano watched as Jan slew the giant. Then the knight had ridden off to save several small children from a wicked witch, also known as a nobleman, who was attempting to poison the poor dears. Regardless, Ano promptly cut the head off of the fallen giant and ran back home to his home in the Dung Orc village and claimed that he had killed the monster."
By this moment, Anomen was drinking his ale until he came to a shocking realization: The orc in Jan's story is none other than Anomen himself! Jan is implying through the story's narrative that Anomen is a deluded fool who brags about battles he never fought or won. Coming to this realization almost made him choke on his ale.
"I warn you, gnome. Cease your prattling immediately!" Anomen snarled at Jan after he managed to swallow his ale.
Jan was not intimidated. "Did I tell you that Ano had a nasty habit of interrupting folks? Anyway, the giant's brother heard of his sibling's demise and the subsequent display of his head in Dung Town. He caught up to Ano, who was stupidly stuffing his mattress with bull dung, and returned to his cave with the orc stuffed through his belt. As punishment for his brother's supposed murderer, he tied a porcupine to the orc's head and proceeded to clean his latrine with the makeshift orc brush. Much to the giant's dismay, Ano actually enjoyed it. Fascinating tale, that! I love to tell it!" Jan grinned.
Anomen's face turned bright red in rage. "I'll suffer no more insults from you, runtish one!"
Jan jumped out of his chair away from Anomen before he could grab Jan by the neck.
"Calm yourself, Ano. There was no insult to you. 'Twas merely a parable told to me by my dear departed mother," Jan said innocently.
Anomen had half a mind to chase Jan down and wring his neck once he caught him, but something held Anomen back from doing this.
"I shall not forget this, gnome! Your blood shall stain my blade, yet!"
To Jan, Anomen looked mad as a lion with a thorn stuck in its paw.
"Whenever you wish to try it, Ano." Jan smiled, holding his customized crossbow bolt shooter, then walked to the table where Neera and the others are sitting.
"Ha ha ha ha ha! Marvelous tale, gnome. Well told, well told. Only blight on ye is that trimmed beard and that loathsome pointy pickle hanging off yer face," Korgan said to Jan, pleased to hear Jan tell a belittling tale about Anomen.
Meanwhile, at the Temple of Helm, Oisig led Ralis, Althirion, Minsc and Yoshimo into another room in the temple to meet the paladin of Torm who will work with them in investigating the cult. When Ralis saw the paladin, he saw that the paladin is a man almost in his late 50's, his bright golden armor had a few scratches and dents from battles he has fought over the years. His face had a few visible battle scars too, and his neatly combed hair and facial hair are a grayish white color. Overall, the paladin's physical appearance demanded respect, not just because of his old age and obvious signs that he has fought many kinds of evil creatures in Faerun, but because despite his old age, he STILL looks like a strong and capable paladin.
"I'd like to introduce to you Sir Keldorn Firecam, paladin of Torm," Oisig introduced Ralis to the paladin.
"Sir Keldorn, this is Ralis Rutela, the young man who solved the murders in the Bridge District." Oisig added.
Keldorn smiled politely, walked up to Ralis and held out his right hand for a handshake. "Well met, Ralis. It is an honor to meet you," he said.
When Ralis shook his hand, he was surprised at how strong Keldorn's grip is.
"Likewise, Sir Keldorn. Say, would you happen to know a paladin named Ajantis?" Ralis asked him, finding his name very familiar.
"Ajantis...? You've met my old squire paladin I once trained years ago?" Keldorn asked Ralis.
"Yes. I met him in the Sword Coast several months ago. Together we defeated the Iron Throne, ending the iron crisis there," Ralis explained.
Keldorn's eyes brightened slightly in surprise and amusement.
"Ah, Ajantis informed all of the Radiant Heart about his adventures with you. 'Tis the primary reason why he has become a paladin, because you helped him vanquish a great threat to Faerun."
"*gasp*, Amazing, so you really are the Keldorn Firecam he mentioned. So, Ajantis is a true paladin now? That's great!" Ralis smiled.
Keldorn nodded. "So, I hear that you will be investigating the Unseeing Eye cult. I was intending on doing the investigation on my own, but it would be better and safer if I had some assistance," Keldorn said.
"I would be honored to fight alongside the paladin who was once the mentor of my old friend," Ralis said respectfully.
"And I would be honored to fight alongside the young man who helped my squire ascend to knighthood," Keldorn said with a courteous nod.
