Ralis, Imoen, Neera, Khalid, Jaheira, Viconia and Dorn returned to the Friendly Arm inn to reunite with Coran, Safana, Dynaheir, Rasaad and Ajantis and tell them what happened in Candlekeep. They had a private meeting in Ralis's hotel room.

"By Helm! You're wanted for murder?" Ajantis asked Ralis in a whisper.

"And you're the spawn of Bhaal himself?" Dynaheir asked in surprise.

"Shhh! Not so loud!" Coran shushed Dynaheir.

"The Flaming Fist will be hunting for me," Ralis nodded.

"Even if we return to Baldur's Gate, walking out in the open will be impossible, you'll get arrested," Rasaad told Ralis.

"I know, but we need to get back in there and stop Sarevok," Ralis said.

"Is there anything we can use to get into Baldur's Gate undetected? Anything we can use like an invisibility cloak or something?" Ralis asked his companions for ideas, but not holding much hope for an answer.

Everyone remained silent in thought, but after 10 seconds of silence, Safana spoke up. "I have something that might help..."

Everyone looked at her.

"You got a plan, Safana? Let us hear it," Ralis said.

"Well... Let me just say I have this item that can get you in almost undetected, Ralis," Safana said slowly.

"Just me? What about everyone else?" Ralis asked.

"I only have this one item, no one else can use it but you, that means you must enter Baldur's Gate alone," Safana said.

Enter Baldur's Gate alone? Sounds like a bad strategy, but what choice do they have?

"Fine. What is this item?" Ralis asked.

Safana snapped her fingers at Coran and he pulled out... a belt from the bag.

"... That's it? A belt?" Ralis asked skeptically.

"Not just any belt," Coran said.

"While you were gone, we did a favor for a man to kill an ogre outside of the Friendly Arm who has a fetish for belts because that ogre stole one of his belts. When we returned him the belt that the ogre stole, he not only gave us some gold, he also let us have this belt. He said it's a cursed belt that changes the gender of the wearer into the opposite sex," Safana explained.

"So you're telling me that if I put on this belt, it'll turn me into a woman? Oh no! No no no! I'm not going through that again!" Ralis shook his head in protest.

"This is the only way we can get you in Baldur's Gate without the watch and Flaming Fist guards recognizing you Ralis, and you can't take your weapons and armor with you. You're the only person in the Sword Coast who wears plate mail armor made out of ankheg hide, so it would blow your cover, even when you're a woman," Coran said.

"Damn it... If I can't bring my swords or armor, what can I bring?" Ralis huffed angrily.

"You can bring your dirk... And this," Rasaad gave Ralis a dagger.

"What's this?" Ralis asked.

"It's a poisonous dagger," Rasaad said.

"Oh," Ralis slowly nodded.

"Safana and I will find some clothes for you to wear when you're a woman," Coran said.

"... Okay, but trust me, I am not looking forward to becoming a woman again, especially after what Neera's wild magic did to me last time. Wait. If the belt is cursed, how can I take it off?" Ralis asked.

"There's a temple of Helm not far from the Duchal Palace. The priest there can remove it for you. I'll enter Baldur's Gate and ask what has been going on while you find out where Sarevok is," Ajantis said.

"Great, I need a companion on the inside, they would never accuse a paladin of murder," Ralis understood the plan.

"So, are we all set?" Minsc asked his allies.

"Yes," Everyone nodded.

"We leave for Baldur's Gate tomorrow. Tomorrow, let's give that bastard Sarevok a rude awakening," Ralis said with a confident smile.


His companions began to leave, but when Dorn and Viconia were the last ones about to leave, Ralis called Dorn's name.

"What is it, Ralis? Let me guess. You've been wondering what the smiles of my former companions meant after the massacre at Barrow," Dorn said.

Viconia decided to stay and listen.

"I have a feeling I know, but I need confirmation from you, that's all," Ralis said.

Dorn nodded and began to explain everything. "Rather than silencing the pleas of the fallen, my companions turned their weapons toward me. "We need a scapegoat," Simmeon said. "And we think it should be you"," Dorn said.

"Why you?" Ralis wanted to know.

"I could have cut down any one of them, but together they overcame me with spells and the strength of numbers. They left me unconscious among the dead. While I was awaiting execution in a Luskan dungeon, I came to understand Simmeon's plan. If the local lords believed they had captured the leader of our group, they would cease their pursuit. Simmeon left me behind to wear the mantle of the Butcher of Barrow alone. My true hatred was born that day. I swore revenge on them all. For a month I rotted in that darkness. My ears were filled with the chittering of rats and the curses the guards heaped upon me... and their hatred only fed my own."

"How did you escape the prison?" Ralis asked.

"Be silent, human. You asked for this tale. Telling it reminds me of the rage I felt in those days, so do not interrupt. Listen carefully, because I will tell the rest of this story only once. My hatred for Simmeon and the others ran deep... deep enough that something outside this world felt it. A cruel and powerful entity answered my desire for revenge. This outsider offered me a pact. In exchange for the power to break loose of my bonds and wreak vengeance on my betrayers, I would become his champion in the mortal realm. The souls of those I slay feed his hunger," Dorn said.

"You would make a pact with a being from beyond our realm? You walk the razor's edge, blackguard. I find it thrilling. Were it not for your appearance, I could see how women would fawn over you instead of recoiling in horror," Viconia said to Dorn.

Dorn raised his eyebrow at Viconia. "Do you have a problem with half-orcs, drow? Perhaps we should parade you through Baldur's Gate without your mask and see what reaction your appearance draws," He said to her.

"Ignorant surface dwellers may despise me and my people, but deep down, they lust for me," Viconia smiled proudly.

If your body weren't so shapely, they wouldn't lust for you. Ralis remarked in his mind.

"You may take solace in their sexual desires when they burn you at the stake. That is what comes of judging others by their appearance," Dorn smirked at Viconia's naivety about prejudice.

"I had not thought of it that way before. Despite our differences, perhaps we have both suffered from prejudice," Viconia admitted.

Dorn continued the story. "Once I made the compact, it was my turn to make my captors suffer. Bursting out of my cell, I slew all who stood in my way, pausing only to give special attention to my tormentors. Whispering to me from his distant world, my patron led me to you, Ralis. He foresees great things for us if we continue to fight side by side," Dorn said.

"Very well," Ralis nodded. "And uh, Viconia, things will get much hairier this time around. It would be best if you left my group," he said to Viconia.

"What? Why?" She asked.

"If we get caught at Baldur's Gate, and they find out you're a drow, they'll give you a worse punishment than what I'll get. It's best if we went our separate ways," Ralis said.

Viconia slowly nodded. "... Yes. I understand, abbil. You've been fair to me and treated me well, Ralis. I now understand why my kind deserves to be exiled in the Underdark... Take care of yourself, okay?" Viconia said in a humble manner, which was strange for Ralis to hear from a drow.

"Until we meet again, Viconia," Ralis said to her before she walked out the door with Dorn.

She looked back at Ralis, smiled briefly, then walked out, shutting the door.


Later that night, Ralis fell asleep knowing that he is being hunted by all and wake in a dream hunted by one. Figuratively and literally, Ralis is now the monster that everyone is seeking to kill in order to gain peace. He is the kobold scorned like a rodent, the boogeyman children fear might come in through their bedroom window as they sleep. The mobs and their torches now ceaselessly hunt him down, counting him among the monsters he has slain to protect the lives of the people. Or so someone wanted him to believe. In the dream, he found himself in a dark red void. Once again he heard the voice, the same voice that said things in his previous dreams such as "you will learn", but this time, it makes no secret of its origins.

"Ralis..." The voice hissed. "You have a remarkable destiny ahead of you."

"What destiny? What if I don't want it or want to follow an alternative destiny?" Ralis asked the voice hidden in the dark red void.

"You can try, young one, but you will ultimately fail. Murder and bringing death is bred into your bones. It is who you are. You can struggle against it if you want, but there is no escape. You not only can't escape your heritage, you also can't escape the mob. They will hunt you down for what you are, and kill you to ensure their safety and survival. Your only salvation is accepting the power the essence of Bhaal has stored in your heart and blood. You cannot ignore it, young one," The voice replied.

Ralis smiled. "You're right. I cannot ignore it. I cannot reject it. That's why I've been struggling ever since the first dream to reshape the dark forces in my blood to good purpose, fighting dagger and claw for each victory. Murder and death may have been the origins in my blood, but I am reshaping it! I have shaped myself not in Bhaal's image, but my own!" Ralis exclaimed defiantly.

"Foolish boy! Do you really think you can purge the taint of the darkness in your blood?! The darkness in you is infinite! You are only postponing what is inevitable! You cannot erase your blood's origin, or reform it!" The voice sneered.

"Then why do you sound so angry if it isn't possible?" Ralis taunted, knowing its threats are empty.

The voice was silent for a minute then said: "...So be it You've made your choice. But mark my words, young one. There are others that will accept what you have refused. You have hundreds of siblings all over Toril who will accept the dark power in their blood, and when you meet them, it will result in your death," the voice said before fading away.

Ralis doesn't know any other Bhaalspawn, but Sarevok is a threat right now. One thing for sure is Sarevok is a mean bastard who has undermined the law to reach his goals and must be stopped in the name of all that is right and just. Ralis woke up, feeling invigorated, determined to get to Baldur's Gate and bring down Sarevok one way or another.


Ralis and the others left for Baldur's Gate somewhere close around midnight. They got to Baldur's Gate around the morning a few days later. They stayed in the forest, not daring to cross the Wyrm's Crossing bridge along with the crowds of people coming and leaving the city

"Okay, Ralis, put on this tunic and then the belt," Safana instructed Ralis.

He took the tunic folded into his hands and the cursed belt.

"Okay..." Ralis sighed.

He went away from his companions so that he can undress out of his armor, and put on the bodice and belt. When he put on the bodice, it felt a little tight around his body because its a tunic meant to be worn by women. But seconds after he snapped on the belt around his waist, he began to transform into a woman. His waist-hip ratio decreased a little until it became a comfortable fit in the tunic, his brown hair grew down to his shoulders, his face became a little rounder, his body began to take a similar shape like an hourglass, his male genitals were replaced by female genitalia, and his breasts developed and enlarged. After her transformation from male to female was complete, she returned to her companions. When Coran saw Ralis, he cleared his throat uneasily.

"Don't you dare say anything," Ralis warned Coran, pointing a finger at him.

"...It's... awkward for me to say this, Ralis, but... you look beautiful as a woman..." Coran hesitantly said while placing a clenched fist near his mouth as if to stifle a cough, his face turning a bit red.

"I warned you not to...!" Ralis was about to punch Coran but Dynaheir stopped her and adjusted the "V" shaped neckline part of Ralis' tunic and made adjustments to the corset around her midsection. Ralis looked down at her exposed chest and cleavage. She has seen women wear clothing that reveals their cleavage in the past, but she never thought she would be wearing one, its a very odd paradox. Minsc gave Ralis her dirk and the dagger of venom.

"Okay, Ajantis, you're going in there with me to learn as much as you can, right?" Ralis reviewed the plan with him.

"Yes. I'll have your weapons and armor ready at Helm's Temple when you're ready to remove that belt," He nodded, holding a rucksack full of Ralis's armor and weapons.

"When you've learned everything you can, meet me at the Elfsong Tavern by midday, okay?"

"All right," Ajantis agreed.

Ralis made sure his dirk and dagger were secure in their scabbards attached to the cursed belt.

"Okay, let's go," Ralis said.

"Hold, Ralis," Dorn called.

Ralis looked at Dorn curiously. "What...?"

"Maybe you and I could..." Dorn paused and shook his head. "Never mind..." He said instead.

Ralis frowned, trying to figure out what Dorn wanted to say but chose to forget about it. She and Ajantis crossed the bridge with a crowd of people wanting to gain entry into Baldur's Gate.


Once Ralis and Ajantis entered Baldur's Gate, they went their separate ways, Ajantis disappearing into the bustling crowd. Ralis heard thunder rumbling in the sky and looked up at the gray clouds.

crap... I didn't know it was going to rain today... Ralis thought to himself.

He looked around and saw a familiar face among the crowds of people. Husam, the drunk guy she met back at in the Thieves' Guild before she left to Candlekeep.

"Husam," Ralis called to him.

Husam, who is holding a half empty bottle of wine looked at Ralis.

"*Hic*! how doesh a pretty lady knows my name? *buuurrp*!" Husam asked aloud.

Ralis looked around and whispered loud enough for Husam to hear: "It's me, Ralis, the guy you spoke to back in the Thieves' Guild." Husam's eyes widened.

"Ralis? That you? *hic*! I can't be thish drunk..." Husam was shocked and looked at his bottle.

"I know it's hard to believe, but I am the same Ralis. I'm wearing a this girdle that turned me into a woman," Ralis whispered to Husam.

"*Buuurrp*! Oh... I hope ya don't mind me sayin', but ah... ya got a nice rack... *hic*!" Husam said with a smile.

Ralis scowled at him. "Don't get any funny ideas or I'll kick you in the groin, alright? What's been going on since I left?"

"Lots has happends since you were gone. Heh heh, ya, I've been hearing all sorts of things. I heard you and your buddies are wanted for murders. Heh, so yer a murderer, eh? Well, I still like ya," Husam said.

"I hope it isn't because I'm attractive," Ralis scowled more sharply at Husam.

"*hic*! Let's just say I knowsh a good person when I sees one. Hey, I have some info for yas," Husam said.

"Does ya know about Duke Eltan? He's fallen ill, he is, and his seconds in command *hic* Scar got killed, assassinated heez was," Husam said.

Ralis's eyes widened. Scar dead?! Eltan sick?! This can't be happening!

"Tell me more," Ralis urged Husam, grabbing his shoulders and shaking him a little.

"I gots to get going now. If you wants to talk with me some more, just come by the Blushing Mermaid. See yas," Husam walked away.

As soon as he walked away, Ralis felt raindrops hitting her head. Ralis decided to go to the Flaming Fist compound and find out as much as she possibly can.


Ralis casually walked down the street among the crowd. She passed by a few patrolling Flaming Fist members, and a few guards of the Watch, but they didn't hassle her. They have no idea that one of their target is a woman instead of a man. The rain intensified a bit more. The citizens he walked by muttered fearfully about a war against Amn, and that half of the Flaming Fist's squads have been sent down to Beregost to prepare for this imminent war even though the Council of Six, the leaders of Amn's capital city Athkatla claim that they have no intention of going to war. After a minute of walking in the rain, Ralis looked to her left and saw a Flaming Fist guard coming straight at her! Has her cover been blown? Her heart began racing.

"Ralis, I'm Sorrel, a friend of Ajantis. Where have you been?" Sorrel asked Ralis as he lead her to an alleyway to speak privately.

"I uh, had some business to attend to back at home, and that business led me back here," Ralis said, wiping the stray strands of wet hair away from her face.

"Well, keep your head down before they clip it off your shoulders. People are saying you killed the leaders of the Iron Throne. Word is going around that your persecution of the Iron Throne was a coverup for Amn's involvement. And there's a goodly price upon your head, don't you realize?" Sorrel asked Ralis.

"Ajantis told you about my disguise, you could turn me in right now if you wanted the reward for yourself," Ralis said matter of factually.

"I know I shouldn't because there's trouble in the Fist, Ralis. Big trouble. Duke Eltan's fallen sick and Scar was killed, supposedly in a simple robbery by Shadow Thieves. Even though their signature mask and stiletto were left on Scar's body, I have my doubts... It's all Angelo," Sorrel said.

"Who is that?" Ralis frowned in confusion.

"Angelo Dosan, the new commander of the Flaming Fist. He's making a power grab, taking control of the Fist, and with Scar dead, there's nothing to stop him!"

"Why are you so worried about Angelo? Is he corrupt?" Ralis asked.

"I know he is. I've seen him paying visits to the Iron Throne, and I don't like it one bit. There are some of us that are still loyal to Eltan and, lucky for you, I happen to be one of them, and a friend of Ajantis. Please. for your sake and ours, keep your head down, lay low. If you get the chance, sniff around the Iron Throne's base. If you can find out what is happening to Duke Eltan, even better, but they're keeping him in the middle of Fist HQ... Damn it, Angelo will pay dearly for this and I hope it's soon..." Sorrel said pensively.

"Don't worry, Sorrel, I'm not going to hide in the sewers like some kobold. I'll get to the bottom of this, starting with finding Duke Eltan," Ralis promised.

"Good luck. You'll need it. I'll go talk to Delthyr, a local Harper and see what he has learned," Sorrel said.


Ralis continued walking down the sidewalk in the rain for the next 5 minutes... until she felt someone tugging at her right hand! Ralis turned her head to the right and saw a black haired Kozakura native woman in a ninja-like outfit next to her, goading her to come with her into the alleyway.

"Shhhh. I must talk to you in private. These are troubled times," She told Ralis, her accent hinting that she is not from Faerun.

She reluctantly agreed and followed the Kozakuran woman into a nearby alleyway, away from the citizens and guards of Baldur's Gate walking out in the rain.

"Okay, what is it?" She asked.

"If I could be permitted to speak for a moment, I believe I have something you would want to hear. Perhaps we could help each other," The woman told Ralis.

She frowned at her.

"You look familiar... I would know to whom I am speaking to. I don't take candy from strangers, as it were," Ralis said.

"You may call me Tamoko. I do not presume to be your friend or even someone you should trust, but fate demands that I place myself at your disposal. I have details worth listening to, and again I must ask if you are interested in a trade of sorts. Do you wish to hear what I have to tell?"

Tamoko is a foreign woman from a foreign land called Kozakura, born on the island of Mikedono. She is three years younger than Ralis, being born in the Year of the Morningstar (1350 DR). Though she speaks almost fluently in Common, she cannot read Common and she has trouble reading her native language as well. When she was younger, her father fell in poverty and sold her to the Konishi clan because he could not continue to raise her. During her tutelage with the Konishi ninjas, she was trained in a secret Konishi dojo in Chimotoge, becoming a ninja of renown. One day she was hired as an assassin to kill a special high ranked mage, but the mage anticipated her arrival and instead of killing her, he created a portal into another part of Toril and pushed her into that portal and she found herself in the city of Athkatla in Amn. Though Tamoko was terrified about suddenly being trapped in a foreign city, she had no intention of going back to Kozakura to face her target's wrath, or go back to the Konishi clan and be severely punished for her failure, so she remained in Faerun working as an assassin until the day she was hired to be a personal assassin for the Iron Throne and met Sarevok.

"Say what you must and I will listen," Ralis promised her.

"I shall explain myself in further detail when I have time. Until then, I have one thing to say. The one who claims to heal Duke Eltan's sickness is also the one who breeds it. Likely there have been signs suggested this to you, but none have said it plain. No doubt you have the wherewithal to follow through on it. Your very future gives you above average competence. Gorion's tutelage could only have enhanced this."

"You know who I am? How did you know I'm his ward?" Ralis asked in shock.

"Even as a woman, you are still fairly recognizable."

"Okay, point made, but next time, don't ever speak my father's name! I won't have you sully the memory if the only family I have known."

"But that was not the family that knew YOU, and knows you now," Tamoko said, poking her right hand's finger at Ralis's chest. "I think you feel the pull and I think you strain against it still." Tamoko said.

Ralis softly gasped. She knows my heritage... How...?

Tamoko smiled. "Ahh, again you see that I know much of you, perhaps more than you know yourself. There are three things that are strength incarnate, there is love of life, there is fear of death, and there is family. A family that loves death would have a strong pull indeed. Can you... feel it? Can you feel him? He hates you, you know."

"Who hates me? What have I done to be hated?" Ralis asked.

"What have you done? You exist and chaos will be sown. That is the way it was intended, though I hope to change it. I must go, and YOU must go to Duke Eltan. Protect him from his own healer. I will wait in an alleyway near the Flaming Fist HQ. We shall speak again and I shall have something to ask of you," Tamoko said then walked away.


Minutes later of walking through the rainy streets of Baldur's Gate, Ralis drew nearer and nearer to the Flaming Fist HQ. Along the way he passed by ex-merchants of the Iron Throne who are angrily fuming about how Sarevok as the son (or more specifically, foster son) of Rieltar Anchev has appointed himself the new leader of the Baldur's Gate branch of the Iron Throne, but his actions are causing the merchant house to quickly fall into bankruptcy!

If I didn't know any better, I'd say Sarevok has an ulterior motive... Ralis guessed.

As she drew nearer to the Flaming Fist HQ, she checked every alleyway for Tamoko until she found her in an alleyway between an inn and a shop that sells all kinds of clothing for men and women. Ralis joined her in the alleyway, away from eyes that may become curious. Ralis sneezed suddenly as she approached the ninja in the shadows.

"I see you have sought me out, as I thought you would," Tamoko said.

"Okay, now what do you want? And why do I get the feeling I've seen you before?" Ralis asked curiously.

"I have things that must be said first, things that are important to us both. I have but one condition to my discourse, and you must agree before I speak of it. A promise I seek, and I will accept no less," Tamoko said.

Ralis became amused. "Oh? You have conditions now? I still don't trust you, to agree with you yet," she said.

"My promise will not harm you, though ignoring it can. Indeed, my information can only benefit. You will gain if you did not know it before, and you will gain if you knew it, but needed it confirmed. The choice I pose is the only option. Are you in agreement or not?"

"...I shall offer my promise and I will follow it as best as I can," Ralis promised.

"I thank you. Here is my request, though it may seem quite odd. I charge you to defeat Sarevok, the man behind all your woes. You must destroy his plans and stop his scheme in its tracks. You must strip him of the belief that he can succeed in this path he follows. You must do this for me and you must also leave him his life. I will... I will help him to live his life as a man, not as the god he thinks he can be."

Ralis understood what she's saying. She wants Ralis to defeat Sarevok but to spare his life somehow!

"Do you realize what you're asking is impossible? He's too far gone to be redeemed, Tamoko. Once a man desires power, it will take a miracle to convince him otherwise. He sought to destroy me and I intend on returning the favor, even if it means I have to take away his life," Ralis said.

"Sarevok seeks to destroy everyone, not just you," What Tamoko said got Ralis' attention. "You are of particular interest because of your shared origin with him. You are a possible rival, one of the few who are worthy of his personal attention. Above all else, you are family."

"What...? Are you saying Sarevok is a spawn of Bhaal too...?" Ralis gasped.

"I see this is startling news, though likely you have suspected as much. Does this disturb you? It should not. Monsters are often closer to us than we like to think. You are siblings, and the paths open to him are open to you as well, though he has been reaching down his from his earliest days. You had Gorion to guide you, did you not? Sarevok had no one."

"Again you say his name! Wait a minute. I remember you now! You were with Sarevok on the night Gorion risked his life to save me! You are the woman that was with Sarevok on that night!" Ralis exclaimed.

"Indeed, I am, but I don't agree with his plans. He draws his strength from his hatred, from the thought of rising above those he knows to be involved. His divine blood hungers for conquest, it drives his will, and that is why he must be defeated, but not killed. He serves another, but does not know it," Tamoko said, looking up at the raining gray skies.

"He serves another? What do you mean?" Ralis pressed Tamoko for more info.

"The child becomes the father, or desperately wishes so. The blood pulls, calls, and demands. The wise Alaundo did say unto the ages that the Lord of Murder would perish and in his doom would spawn his mortal progeny. Chaos would be sown in their passage, but to what purpose? You have felt the hunger and heard the offerings of power? Sarevok thinks they are true and so he seeks a senseless war, and a slaughter of a grand scale as to defy description. He thinks it will launch him to... to what? Possibly he is right, but I cannot lose him to this..." Tamoko started to cry.

"Why do you oppose him yet care for his life when it is possible the only way to stop him is taking his life? What is he to you?" Ralis asked her.

Tamoko focused her bloodshot, sad eyes into Ralis's eyes.

"Sarevok is... I share Sarevok's company and would do so until I die, given the choice. That is all you need to know. I would save the man within the beast he wishes to be. I do not believe he will survive his plan, it is all based on conjecture at best. He feels that he has been chosen, and that he will become... more than he is. I do not share this belief. Gods are not known for bequeathing their powers, especially if they have foreseen their deaths. Whatever he is, I would keep him here, grounded firmly among those of us that are all flesh." Tamoko explained.

"... Okay, Tamoko. I shall try to stop him, and I'll do whatever I can to ensure that he lives, even though I can't imagine a way."

"I thank you. Sarevok can be redeemed, as could you if you one day pursue the same path. For now, I shall speak of secrets to aid you. Duke Eltan can be saved, but Duke Entar Silvershield has been killed outright. The murders have acted with anonymity, but I know who and where they are. You must go to the Undercellar. There you will find Slythe and Krystin, two unsavory beings that revel in the violence Sarevok allows them to commit. They are no more than animals in human guise, even by the standards of the company they keep. Kill them and you shall know much of their plan. If you don't know where the Undercellar is, then go to the sewers, you will find an entrance there," Tamoko advised.

Ralis' tunic is getting more wet by the minute and she did not want to catch a cold. "Is that all?" She asked Tamoko.

"There is... another. Atop the Iron Throne base there is a woman whose... whose influence is a poison to Sarevok's soul. If she were removed I know he would listen to reason to my pleading. Cythandria is her name, and she holds much power in this matter. She seeks Sarevok's favor as well, though she is content if he self-destructs, so long as she profits in the deed. I must go now. He cannot know I have helped you," Tamoko left the alleyway.

Nearly soaked to the bone, Ralis is eager to get indoors. She left the alleyway and headed for the Flaming Fist compound.


Ralis quietly entered the Flaming Fist compound, opening from the entrance she usually enters. Once inside, she pulled out the dagger of venom and tip-toed forward, trying not to alert the sleeping prisoners in the jail cells around her. If they see a woman in a soaking wet tunic tip-toeing down the hall, they won't be able to keep quiet at all for obvious reasons. After she passed through the jail cell area of the compound, she knew she is getting close to the Grand Duke quarters; all she has to do is go upstairs from the main room of the compound. However, sneaking around wouldn't be as easy as Ralis thought. He ended up being discovered by a mercenary leader named Benjy, who is probably tasked by Angelo to watch over the compound while he is out somewhere.

"What the?! What foolishness is this?! What's a woman doing trying to sneak into the Flaming Fist compound?!" He exclaimed.

Ralis stood up. Benjy frowned, trying to recognize Ralis's face.

"Wait... You look familiar... your face looks a bit different but I think I've seen you somewhere before... You're that wanted man, Ralis Rutela, aren't you? I didn't know that you're a woman!" Benjy said.

Ralis drew her dagger and dirk, holding the dagger of venom in her right hand, and her two sided dirk in her left hand.

"You're right; I'm not originally a woman. I had a spell casted on me that changed my gender," Ralis explained, telling a partial lie intentionally.

Four of Benjy's fellow mercenaries came in from the cafeteria room and were visibly shocked to see a wet, beautiful woman in the compound speaking to Benjy.

"Oh. That explains it. You won't find any friends here, Ralis! Angelo now commands the Flaming Fist. Friends of Duke Eltan can only expect death from Angelo's new order," Benjy told Ralis. Then he turned his attention to his fellow mercs. "To arms, fellas! Kill her! I mean him. Gaaah!" Benjy commanded, nearly pulling out his hair in frustration at Ralis' disturbing gender switch.

The mercs charged at Ralis with their weapons drawn. Ralis knew that her tunic offers no protection from swords, meaning she is at a disadvantage... Or so it seemed.

She charged at the first merc, ducking under his swinging sword, then dodged the next merc's sword by rolling past him. The merc tried to turn around and attempt to strike Ralis again, but she was too quick for him. She stabbed the dagger of venom into his rib-cage and somersaulted back before Benjy could cut her head off. Ralis realized that without armor, she is as agile as a doppelganger now, especially with the boots of speed she is still wearing.

"She's too fast!" One of the mercs exclaimed.

"I don't care! Go! Or Angelo will have our heads!" Benjy yelled.

The mercenary Ralis stabbed with the venomous dagger collapsed on the floor, gasping for air. The other three mercs tried to gang up on Ralis but with her boots of speed and flexible, lean body, she was able to dodge her way out of the crowding mercs and their swords.

"Take this!" Benjy attempted to stab Ralis in the chest, but she swiftly dodged aside, stabbed Benjy's outstretched sword arm with her two sided dagger and tripped him, causing him to somersault falling to the floor on his back.

The other three mercenaries came at Ralis. She dodged the first merc, slashing him in the stomach with the venomous dagger, then dodged the second one and tripped his legs, causing him to lose his balance and barely dodged the last merc because his sword almost nicked her left breast. Benjy got back on his feet and attempted to strike down Ralis one more time while she is preoccupied with the 2nd merc. Ralis sensed Benjy coming up behind him, used the 2nd merc as a shield and Benjy ended up running his own fellow merc through instead!

"No! Son of a bitch!" Benjy wailed in anger.

He slashed at Ralis's midsection but she dodged aside, dodged more of Benjy's sword slashes then wounded Benjy by stabbing him in the stomach with the venomous dagger. Then Ralis dealt with the last merc finishing him off with both the venomous dagger and the dirk. With Benjy and his mercs defeated, Ralis started to head towards the stairs that leads to the bedrooms of the Grand Dukes, but Benjy came up behind Ralis and knocked her out by smashing an emty mug against her head, and seconds after Ralis fell unconscious, then collapsed, the poison in his body slowly killing him.


Ralis woke up to find himself arrested and handcuffed by Flaming Fist guards, two are flanking her on both sides as if they are waiting for someone to show up. She must have been knocked out long enough for the Flaming Fist guards to return.

"What is the meaning of this?! Unhand me!" Ralis exclaimed to the guards.

"Quiet. You are trespassing in Flaming Fist property and killed 5 mercenaries here singlehandedly." Guard #1 said curtly.

"Trespassing?! Those bastards snatched me up from the street and tried to rape me here! I had to defend myself!" Ralis exclaimed, hoping that would be a convincing story.

"Save it. Benjy in his dying breath told us who you really are. Captain Dosan would like to have a word with you," Guard #2 said.

Damn. Benjy snitched to the guards before the poison did him in. A minute later, Angelo Dosan himself arrived to meet with Ralis. He is 3 inches taller than Ralis, and has long black hair that covers his ears, a clean shaven face, hazel colored eyes. and wore full plate mail armor with the emblem of the Flaming Fist on the breastplate.

"So, you're one of the infamous murderers finally brought to justice. I am Angelo, commander of the Flaming Fist. I will be your judge, jury, and executioner... Please pardon the cliche. Ralis Rutela, am I right? That's the best disguise you have? Using a spell to turn yourself into a woman? How unprofessional," Angelo said to Ralis.

She saw that he took a quick glance at her wet, shiny cleavage.

"Go ahead, take a look at my assets all you want. I'm a fine looking strumpet, aren't I?" Ralis sarcastically said to Angelo with a suggestive wink.

He frowned and shook his head. "... A jester and a murderer. That's a frightening mix; gives me goose bumps. I don't know what's a more fitting punishment for you, throwing you in a jail cell for you to be hanged tomorrow, or leaving you in a jail cell with an inmate who would just love to meet you," Angelo said with a sardonic grin.

"You don't scare me, pig. I know you're on Sarevok's payroll," Ralis sneered at Angelo.

Almost as fast as lightning, Angelo grabbed the back of Ralis's hair and yanked it hard, causing Ralis to squeak in pain and her head to almost look up at the ceiling and Angelo brought his sneering face close to Ralis's eyes.

"Sarevok is doing what is best for the city. There are enemies in Amn and enemies among us who have just murdered our most respected members of the Fist, Scar and Entar Silvershield. I will NOT let a similar fate happen to Duke Eltan! Tonight at midnight, Sarevok will be nominated as Grand Duke and we will smite our enemies here and in Amn! Guards, throw her- I mean him into the brig," he commanded and turned his back on Ralis and the guards and started to walk away.

"Did you kill Scar in a power grab attempt?" Ralis asked Dosan, hoping to rattle him as the guards attempted to haul her away.

The guards stopped walking, even Angelo stopped walking, frozen there for a second, then turned around and stormed towards Ralis with anger in his eyes.

"It was the Shadow Thieves who committed the act, you murdering barbarian," he hissed spitefully, inches from Ralis's face. "The evidence was found on his body, including Duke Entar's. We found the mark of the Shadow Thieves on their bodies when we discovered them. Utter one more word and you will regret it," Angelo then turned his back on Ralis, crossing his hands behind his back like a loyal soldier standing at attention.

"Now that we are done with all of these pleasantries, I will make my decision. I had thought hard and long on what sentence I should give if you should be delivered into my hands. The choice is an obvious one." Then he tunred around to look at Ralis once more. "For the charges of murder, theft, arson rape, and many other assorted crimes, I declare that tomorrow, you shall be taken to the Bazaar, where you shall hang by the neck until you are dead," Angelo said, then he gave a hand signal to his guards to let them know that he gives his permission to haul Ralis away to her prison cell.


Fortunately for Ralis, sharing a jail cell with an inmate is an unavailable option, much to the disappointment of Angelo's most trusted guards. Ralis sat there for the next two minutes, trying to figure out how to get out and save Duke Eltan.

"Psst. Psst. You. Hey, you," Ralis heard a voice nearby.

She looked around. "Who, me?" She asked.

"Yeah, you in the other cell. Who are you?" Ralis peeked out the jail cell bars to her right and saw a man to her right peeking out of the his own jail cell.

"Aha, you're the one who is wanted for murder on three different counts? Don't try to deny it, I know it's you, Ralis, even though you're wearing a cursed belt that turned you into a woman," The man said.

"Who the heck are you?" Ralis asked.

"Well, heh... my name is Neb," The gnome replied.

"Why are you in here, Neb?" Ralis asked.

"Heh heh, I killed some little street urchins. They're such a cluster to this city, ya know? They scream good too, especially the little girls," Neb said with a shameless smile.

Ralis scowled in disgust at him. "You filthy dog... Don't talk to me anymore, you monstrous swine," she hissed and stopped peeking out of her cell.

"Hey, I was just trying to be friendly..." Neb tried to apologize to Ralis, but she wouldn't have any of it.

She sat down in her cot and stared up at the ceiling. Neb didn't give up trying to reason with her. Eventually he said something that piqued Ralis' interest.

"I've got a way out of here, you know... Heh, hidden it well, haven't I? I won't tell you where it is unless you talk to me. Heh heh," Neb snickered.

Ralis stood up and peeked out her cell at Neb's cell again.

"I'm listening now, Neb," Ralis called.

Neb grinned. "Heh, good thing ol' Neb decided to mix a little bit of illusion craft with his thievery, eh? Sure, sure... I'll tell you what. Murderer to murderer, now, monster to monster, are you wanting out?"

"Yes. It's very important that I get out of here," Ralis replied.

"Heheh, sure, sure, everyone's wanting out, but does the world really want us out? Maybe its safer if we stay in here," Neb said.

"Neb, there are monsters out there worse than either you or me. If I don't stop them, we'll all regret it," Ralis reasoned with him.

"Hehheh... As a fellow monster, you got a point," Neb said.


Soon Ralis was freed from her jail cell. Angelo and the rest of the Flaming Fist guards have left the compound many minutes ago believing Ralis is secured in her cell with no way out, a perfect opportunity to find Eltan and speak to him! She snuck upstairs, and there, she met a lone Flaming Fist guard named Kent, which made Ralis nervous.

"You there, shhhhh. Don't make too much noise. My name is Kent, and I need to talk to you," the guard said as he slowly headed towards Ralis.

"What do you want... Kent?" Ralis whispered back.

"I remember you and your friends when you worked for Scar and Eltan. Well, since you've been gone, things have gotten really bad. Eltan's taken ill and he's resting in that room over there," Kent pointed towards the room. "His healer Rashad keeps on saying that there's nothing he can do, but I know better. He's no healer from what I've seen. Anyhow, it don't matter. I've decided to desert the Flaming Fist before things get more uglier. I don't want to lose my life over whatever power struggle is going on in the city," Kent said and began to head downstairs, but Ralis stopped him.

"Wait. What makes you believe Rashad isn't a healer?" She asked.

"I followed him one night, all the way into the sewers. There he went into the Undercellar. Why would a healer be found in a whorehouse? I don't know what he was doing there, but it wasn't good, whatever it was. I have to get going before commander Angelo notices I'm quitting the Fist. Perhaps we'll meet again," Kent nodded courteously at Ralis and descended downstairs.

Ralis proceeded to tiptoe into Eltan's bedroom. The room is dimly lit by a candle and a lamp in a dresser next to Eltan's bed. Eltan lay in the bed coughing. Rashad, the healer sat in a chair next to Eltan's bed. He saw Ralis come in.

"Who are you? What are you doing here?" Rashad asked.

"I'm... Ralisa, and I know who you are, doppelganger," Ralis scowled at him.

Rashad smiled and stood up slowly.

"So, you've figured out the truth, meat. It will do you little good. Time to fillet some MEAT!" Rashad morphed into his true form and charged at Ralis!

She drew her dagger and dirk and dodged the greater doppelganger's sharp hand. The doppelganger recovered from missing its blow and tried to backhand Ralis in the face but she saw the counter-strike coming and ducked, stabbing the greater doppelganger in the side of its abdomen. The wound wasn't fatal though. The doppelganger chanted one command word to increase its agility with the Haste spell and came at Ralis swinging its sharp arms with blinding speed!

"Augh!" Ralis yelped, getting scratched in the abdomen four times, the doppelganger's sharp nails cut through some of the fabric in Ralis's tunic and partially cut into her skin, scratching her belly twice and twice where her ribs are. Ralis backed away from the doppelganger while clutching her minor wounds just in time because its nails would have slashed open the left bust of her tunic, leaving her left breast exposed.

Ralis backed away from the doppelganger while clutching her minor wounds and fell over a table. The greater doppelganger attempted to maul Ralis, believing she is stunned from unexpectedly stumbling over a table, but Ralis is more adaptable than the doppelganger thought, she instinctively knowing the doppelganger would do this threw her venomous dagger up towards the ceiling seconds when the hasted greater doppelganger was on top of her and instead of hitting the ceiling, the dagger's poisonous blade pierced the greater doppelganger's heart!

"Huk...!" The doppelganger gasped and collapsed on top of Ralis.

She pushed it off, pulled the dagger out of its heart, and headed for Duke Eltan as she sheathed her dagger and dirk. Her abdomen is still burning a little from being scratched a little by the doppelganger, and Ralis used one of her good natured Bhaalspawn powers to heal her minor wounds. Then when she examined the clothing of the doppelganger and found a piece of paper. On is a note written by Sarevok to the doppelganger whose real name is Kizska.

"Kizska,

I must commend you for a job well done. Without your careful ministrations, Eltan would have remained my most potent foe. I must now ask for another favor. Some of your brethren are gathering at the sewer entrance to the palace, they are preparing to assassinate Gand Duchess Liia Jannath and Grand Duke Belt. I need you to assist them in their efforts, for you are the craftiest of your kind. This is the moment I have long waited for, as I hope you have as well. The bloodshed that will result when I declare war on Amn will be most glorious. Meet Krystin and Slythe at the Undercellar, they are my best assassins. There are many access points to the Undercellar through the sewers.

Sarevok"

the note had written on it.

Ralis placed the note in her scroll case then gently shook Eltan to try to wake him up.

"Duke Eltan! Duke Eltan, wake up! It's me, Ralis!"

"Unnnghh... Ralis...? Is it really you... Your voice sounds feminine..." Eltan muttered as he tried to wake up.

When he woke up, all he saw was a fairly attractive brown haired woman standing over him.

"Who-who are you? You can't be Ralis!" He said.

"I am Ralis, sir. I'm wearing a cursed belt that changed me to a woman so that the Flaming Fist guards wouldn't recognize me so easily," Ralis explained as he helped Eltan sit up in his bed.

"Oh. I see. I am again in your debt, Ralis. That creature has kept me helpless for too long. Perhaps if I hadn't been incapacitated, I might have been able to prevent Scar's death. *cough, cough*"

"Don't blame yourself for his death, sir. You can't be everywhere at once," Ralis consoled Eltan.

"Perhaps you're right. Angelo Dosan will soon hear of my recovery. It is important that you take me away from here. I'm sure Angelo won't want me coherent and among the living," Eltan said.

"Where should I take you?" Ralis asked.

"Take me to the Harbor Master's building. The Harbor Master is a good friend of mine. I can rest there until I'm fully recovered. Take this letter. I managed to filch it off Rashad when he was "caring" for me. From what I read of it, it seems Sarevok has dire plans for the city. I fear for the lives of my fellow Dukes, Liia and Belt. If they were to die, Sarevok would have complete control over the city. You must find Slythe and Krystin, and stop them... *cough cough*..."

"Don't talk anymore, sir. I'll take care of you," Ralis made Eltan put his right arm around her neck and she helped him out of bed. He felt heavy, but nothing she could handle.

"Hurry, we must make haste..." Eltan coughed.

Ralis carried him downstairs and approached the front door. Before going out, Ralis pulled out a potion from her bag, a potion of invisibility and drank it, making herself and Eltan invisible since he's in physical contact with the drinker of the potion. Then she walked outside with Eltan and headed for the nearest sewer grate, preferring to travel to the warehouse by sewer in case the invisibility potion wears off at an inconvenient moment. Besides, the citizens would be in uproar if they see a woman carrying a sick Grand Duke along the streets of Baldur's Gate.

After an 2 hours of walking through the sewers, Ralis and Eltan emerged from the sewer grate in front of the Iron Throne building. Ralis drank her last potion of invisibility to carry Eltan undetected through the docks towards the main warehouse. Inside, the potion wore off just in time, and Ralis found the harbor master, who is a dwarf.

"What the...? By the Bitch Queen's breath! That's Duke Eltan ya have with you!" The harbor master gasped.

"His own healer was preventing him from being healthy," Ralis told the harbor master.

"It's okay. This is Ralis, the one I've been telling you about who has been investigating the Iron Throne. *cough cough cough!*" Eltan said.

Ralis let Eltan limp towards the harbor master.

"Well, I'm sure you have much work to do, so you should get a move on it," The harbor master said to Ralis.

"Will he be okay?" She asked the harbor master.

"Don't worry about Eltan. I'll keep good care of him. I've got to get him to a safe place, so good luck," The harbor master said and left with Eltan deeper into the warehouse.

Ralis left the warehouse and returned to the Iron Throne building. Fortunately he didn't run into any patrolling Flaming Fist soldiers or the watch on his way from the warehouse to the Iron Throne building.


As Ralis tried to enter the building, a lot of merchants were exiting the building, which confused her. It was a little hard to get into the building with so many people storming out of it, but he managed to get inside. A large number of the Iron Throne's employees and merchants are evacuating the building for some reason. Ralis tried to ask the merchants what is going on, but none stopped to talk to her. Ralis eventually managed to stop a blond woman named Dhanial.

"Out of my way, interloper! I am getting off this sinking ship as fast as I can!" She exclaimed.

"What's going on? Isn't Sarevok running things?" Ralis asked.

Dhanial scoffed. "I won't debate that he is in control, but whatever his plans are, they certainly do not have the good of the Iron Throne in mind. He has abandoned us in favor of his new position, that of soon to be appointed Grand Duke. We are simply to be cast off, and I would not be surprised if he marches the Flaming Fist through here tomorrow as a show of his stance on mercantile crime!"

"How in the world can Sarevok be eligible to be crowned Grand Duke?!" Ralis exclaimed.

"Quite simple, really. He has built up support by pledging to combat the very chaos he himself was sowing! I imagine he'll have a fantastic success rate too, seeing as how he is in total control with our leaders dead! I doubt that he will settle into a nice, quiet political life though. He seems set on causing as much destruction as possible, and I think he is intent on pushing for war with Amn!"

"Instigating a war against an innocent nation... Sarevok is a monster and I swear I'll stop him one way or another!" Ralis promised.

"Then you'll likely face the Flaming Fist and many other good people that follow him. He has fed their fears and now offers himself as their savior. With Entar Silvershield dead and the new captain of the guard in his pocket, no one is going believe a fool such as you without proof."

"Then i'll just have to find some proof. Thank you for your time," Ralis ran ahead towards the stairs. While going up the stairs a former Iron Throne guard named Pang Wallen is coming down the steps towards her. Ralis faked left to try to move past Pang, but he faked left too, unable to find an opening to move past Ralis. When he faked right, she faked right too. Frustrated at not getting anywhere, Pang exclaimed:

"Who...?! Get out of my way! I don't care who you are, I just want out of here!"

"Hold on a second. Who are you?" Ralis asked,

"Pang's the name, and I'll thank you kindly to get out of my way! I don't care why you are here. If you are a thief, take what you wish, I just want to leave. That Sarevok has become too big for his britches. Our leaders weren't a tenday dead before he declared the Iron Throne to be his."

"So you won't mind if I help myself to your coffers?" Ralis asked.

"Bah! They are nearly empty regardless! Sarevok has been making decisions on the sidelines for some time now, and it has cost us all plenty. He does not seem concerned with profits or much of anything! The iron shortage became his pet project, but he has used it to inflame tensions instead of build business! He's brought us down as sure as he was some "hero". What reason he would have to provoke a war, I don't know. Enjoy your looting, I'm leaving for good."

Ralis moved aside and let Pang walk down the stairs and make a beeline towards the exit. Then she continued up the stairs to the 2nd floor. On the 2nd floor Ralis encountered a half-orc man that somewhat resembled Brunos Costak, one of the deceased Iron Throne leaders.

"Who are you? What business do you have here? Ah, what does it matter? Everything is in shambles," Gregor said.

"I expected more resistance to my arrival. What is going on?" Ralis asked, noticing that there is not a single Iron throne guard to be seen.

"There is very little is going on here. Everything is falling apart as we speak. And one person is to blame," Gregor replied.

"Who is that?" Ralis asked, playing the innocent woman fishing for information.

Gregor gritted his teeth, his orc tusks in front of his human teeth making him more menacing.

"Sarevok is the foul spawn that surely did the deed! He craves the power of the Iron Throne, but for what purpose, I do not know! He throws away gold like it was copper, and uses our best laid plans to inflame governments instead of bargaining for wealth! He is in line to become a Grand Duke because of his efforts to fight his OWN chaos, but I doubt his coronation will stop his lust for carnage. Who are YOU, by the way? What are you doing here?" Gregor replied.

"I'm just a woman who wants to kill Sarevok for what he has done," Ralis replied.

Gregor nodded. "Then I shall let you pass. The more blades that chase Sarevok this night, the better. I must go now."

Ralis nodded gratefully at Gregor then continued up the stairs to the 5th floor.

In the 5th floor, Ralis ran past theo pen space where he once encountered Sarevok's acolytes during his previous visit, and walked down the hallway into Rieltar's bedroom, hoping to find Sarevok there, but instead, she found a sultry half-elven woman with dark blonde hair, dark blue eyes, high cheekbones, wearing black lipstick and black and red colored robes that are partially cut to reveal her bare right leg, and she was looking through Rieltar's files until she spotted Ralis barging into the room.

"What? Who are you and how dare you come in here?" The woman demanded, grabbing her wand that shoots magic missiles.

"If you must know, I am Ralis."

"Ralis? But I thought you were a man, not a woman," the half-elf woman raised an eyebrow, looking obviously puzzled.

"I'm wearing this damn cursed belt that turned me into a woman, you daft woman," Ralis hissed angrily.

"Ahhh, I see. So you've come back. If you were smart, Ralis, you would have left well enough alone. I don't know how you escaped my lord's trap at Candlekeep, but you won't be getting any farther than here. Why did you come back here? I would have thought that you'd go after Sarevok directly!"

"I don't take threats lightly, especially from some harlot dressed like a mage," Ralis growled.

The blonde woman's eyes widened in mock surprise. "Such anger and determination! I am Cythandria, consort to Sarevok. I have been with him since before he knew of his true heritage. The heritage YOU share with him. He will be pleased to know I have killed you... perhaps enough that I might become his favored one again," Cythandria said calmly and seductively, gently rocking her hips like a charmed snake.

Ralis grinned. "Hmph, so you're another one of his bimbos, huh? Who cares?! Prepare to fight."

"I am not without my defenses, Ralis. I am a conjurer of some proficiency, or so I've been told," Cythandria said.

She then raised her arms, beginning to summon her minions. This isn't good! Ralis could definitely take on Cythandria alone, but against her and another minion or two? Unlikely.

"Come, my mini-" Ralis, with the help of her boots of speed tackled Cythandria before she could call her cronies.

Ralis slammed Cythandria against the wall, causing some of the decorations and portraits hanging on the walls around the room to fall and break on the floor. Bruised and dazed, Cythandria stood up. She then realized that she'll never get the chance to cast a harmful spell on Ralis or call her two ogres for help without Ralis interrupting her so easily. So instead, she decided to face Ralis in melee combat with her dagger. Ralis drew her two sided dirk, but leaving her venomous dagger sheathed.

"Hiyaah!" Cythandria lunged at Ralis slashing.

Ralis ducked out of the way and kicked Cythandria in the back, causing her to lose her balance and crash into one of the red pieces of furniture in the room. Ralis closed in on Cythandria so that she won't get a chance to use her magic. Cythandria attempted to slash at Ralis's ribs but she kept out of striking range as she backed away. After Cynthandria's 7th attempt at trying to cut Ralis, Ralis grabbed the arm that held the dagger, with her right hand then kicked Cythandria in the waist. She responded to the attack by punching Ralis in the stomach with her free left hand. Although in mild pain, Ralis recovered before Cythandria could drive her dagger into Ralis's back and Ralis shuffled behind Cythandria and used her legs to trip Cythandria. She then pounced on Cythandria tried to drive her dirk into Cythandira's chest but Cythandira dropped her dagger and used all the strength in her arms to push Ralis's dagger away from her heart.

It was an even fight, no side was winning or losing, so Cythandria decided to try something else. Using her right leg, she kicked Ralis in the buttocks, causing her to flinch in pain, then Cythandria shoved her off so that she can get up. Cythandria, noticing her wand that shoots magic missiles near Rieltar's bed lunged for it! Ralis quickly scrambled to her feet to try and get in close to Cythandria before she could get a clear shot. Ralis managed to grab the wand and point it up at the ceiling just as the wand fired a magic missile and the missile instead hit the ceiling making a large scorch mark. Cythandria struggled with Ralis trying to twist the wand out of her (his) grasp. She tried stepping on Ralis's foot to get her to let go, but Ralis was persistent, even with the sharp pain of getting her foot stepped on.

She then headbutted Ralis, and she felt felt dazed and and on the verge of blacking out, then suddenly she got knocked down by Cythandria, breaking her out of her dazed state. Ralis kicked Cythandria with both feet, causing her to stagger back into the wall, resulting in a loud boom, causing more of the decorations hanging in Rieltar's room to fall to the floor. Ralis jumped to her feet and used her two sided dirk to slash at Cythandria's chest.

"Aagh!" Cythandria yelped, clutching her chest. Even though the injury is minor, Cythandria could hardly withstand the burning pain from her wound to continue attacking.

"Wait! Do not kill me... please, I... I will tell you where to go to find my lord. The Under... the Undercellar is where you wish to go. It is there that you will find Sarevok. You can reach the Undercellar through the sewers... Please let me go now. I am shamed by my lack of courage," Cythandria pleaded, her right hand placed on her chest to stop the bleeding.

Ralis' first instinct was to let her go, but this is one of Sarevok's cronies. They could take advantage of compassion and mercy. Ralis did not want to give in to the evil essence in her blood, but she also does not want to give Cythandria a chance to stab her in the back.

"As you should be, coward. Now you die!" Ralis hissed.

Cythandria looked at Ralis in shock. She wasn't expecting Ralis to say that.

"You do not give mercy? You are more like Sarevok than he would have imagine," Those were Cythandria's last words as Ralis drove her dirk as deep as possible between Cythandria's breasts, puncturing her heart.

Cythandria's gasped, mouth dropped open in shock, her eyes wide in shock as well. When Ralis pulled her dirk out, Cythandria collapsed like a rag doll. Ralis checked the pockets of her robes for anything useful and found two letters. One of them said:

"Sarevok,
I have received your letter and am quite overjoyed by your proposition. I have told my wife, and she is as excited as I am. I accept your mission and thing that your payment is very adequate. This will be our greatest feat yet! To kill three Grand Dukes of Baldur's Gate! We will be arriving in Baldur's Gate within a week, and should be taking up our usual residence at the Undercellar. If you wish to contact us, you will find us there. Use the access points through the sewers.

Joyfully yours,
Slythe"

The second letter has written on it:

"Sarevok,
I must say that our first victim was not the challenge that my wife and I had expected. The foppish idiot had only the most token of defenses. However, I can assure you that Entar screamed quite deliciously all the way to the end. I hope that this next mission is much more difficult; from what you have told me, it would seem to be. Assassinating two Grand Dukes in their own palace, while they harangue the high nobles of Baldur's Gate, no less! I can't wait! You still know where to find us. You should come down and enjoy the pleasures of the Undercellar for yourself; but if I know you, that'll never happen.

Your obedient servant,
Slythe"

"Well now... I'm guessing these two suckers have the evidence I need to expose Sarevok," Ralis said to himself.

He left the Iron Throne building, planning on heading to the Blushing Mermaid to meet with Husam, and getting to the Blushing Mermaid from the Iron Throne's location will take an hour.


It took a while but Ralis navigated through the sewers to reach Elfsong Tavern to make sure that the Flaming Fist guards and the watch guards on patrol throughout the city won't recognize her even though she is still a woman because of the belt's curse. It would take a while for Angelo and the other Flaming Fist guards who know about Ralis's disguise to spread word to every guard in Baldur's Gate that Ralis is a woman now, but better safe than sorry. Ralis finally reached Elfsong Tavern and met Ajantis inside, sitting alone at a table drinking mead.

"Ha. Great. Here you are, sitting at a table drinking mead while I'm ducking and dodging the watch and Flaming Fist out there," Ralis said in a mock annoyed way as she took a seat next to Ajantis.

"By Helm, you reek a bit," Ajantis' nose wrinkled.

Ralis sniffed the air. "I should have known, I gotta shower..." she groaned.

Ajantis took notice of the scratch marks on the midsection of Ralis's tunic. "What happened to you?" he wanted to know.

Ralis looked around carefully before whispering to Ajantis: "I freed Duke Eltan, but his healer turned out to be a doppelganger. A strong and quick one at that. This is why I hate walking around without wearing armor."

"Where is he?" Ajantis asked.

"With the harbor master at the main warehouse," Ralis replied.

"You did a good thing, Ralis. I'm sure it was very challenging," Ajantis sighed in relief.

"It was," Ralis nodded, leaned back in her chair and exhaled in exhaustion.

"So what are you going to do now?" Ajantis asked.

"I'm going to go meet Husam at the Blushing Mermaid and see what he wants. I have an idea who may have the solid evidence we need to expose Sarevok. And they both hide in the Undercellar," Ralis explained.

Ajantis frowned. "The Undercellar?"

"Yes. Why? What do you know about that place?" Ralis asked.

"... Not much." Ajantis shook his head.

"Ahhh, you're no help. Do me a favor and buy a new tunic for me, okay?" Ralis instructed Ajanntis as she stood she approached Alyth who is helping Rolfe serve food and drinks and asked to rent a room.

In Ralis's room, she waited for Ajantis to return with a blue colored tunic for her to wear. After Ralis received her new clothes, she took a bath and left Elfsong. As Ralis walked the streets of Baldur's Gate, she took care not to get too close to patrolling Flaming Fist guards in case they might recognize her from her trespassing in the Flaming Fist compound. Word must still slowly be spreading that Ralis is in disguise as a woman. Well, time is of the essence and Ralis better hurry or else she can't even walk the streets of Baldur's Gate without frequently traveling through the sewers, increasing the risk of running into whatever monstrosities wander those rank tunnels.


Ralis finally reached the Blushing Mermaid when the sun is just about to disappear down the horizon to the west, making way for the moonlight and stars. She entered the tavern and as soon as she came inside, a drunk dwarven man confronted her. At first Ralis thought he is one of the Iron Throne assassins, but quickly reminded herslef that Sarevok isn't yet aware that he is here in Baldur's Gate, only Angelo knows, but it is possible that Anfelo might have informed Sarevok that his Bhaalspawn half brother is in the city disguised as a woman. Besides, an assassin does not walk up to their target drunk.

"Aye, would ye like to pay a copper for tale of murder an' deceit? 10 gold it be, an' worth each one," the dwarf man said.

"Before I lay my money down, tell me who you are and what the victim's name and whether it be fact or fiction," Ralis said sternly.

The dwarf nodded and took a big swig of his Elminster's Choice Beer and let out a large belch.

"Fair 'nuf, that is. Me name's Ivanne. The victim's name be Good Man Scar of the Flaming Fist an' me tale be true as rain and strange as ice. Are ye willin' now to lay yer 10 gold down?"

Ralis replied by giving him the money.

"Heh, all right. Scar it was, second-in-command of that noble Flaming Fist, and on a night-dark street it happened. The rain 'twas spattering against the window's glassy panes and soaking up through me bootwraps, givin' me the chill. A cunning cut-throat rushed on by 'im an' cut the straps o' his travel purse wit' a blood-sharp knife before turnin' down the alleyway. Aye, good man Scar, he chased the culprit there into the dark as I came stumblin' through the puddles to his aid. But that petty cut-purse, he weren't the rugged waif that he appeared to be... Nay, he was a silver-skinned changeling, 'e were, and wit' his dagger-claws, 'e gored the good man through the eyes. Then he slit his neck so vicious just to leave 'im bleedin' in the rain. My proffer'd aid, you ask? Aye, 'twas as quickly withdrawn as rashly granted and I hid there in the shadows as the mirror-fiend assumed new form to saunter bloody-handed into the darkling night. My aid comes in that I'm here to tell the truth of the good man's passin' to any list'ner that can spare the coin. 'Tis enough, I figure, an' I doubt 'e 'd disagree."

It all makes sense now. a doppelganger killed Scar and took the form of a Shadow Thief to cement the blame on the Shadow Thieves!

"The mirror-fiend you speak of is known as a doppelganger. I have encountered more than one of late, all in the hire of the Iron Throne," Ralis clarified.

"The Iron Throne, is it? Well, this lies outside me simple tellin' but it may enrich it yet," Ivanne stroked his beard in amusement.

"I have another question. Have you seen a man named Husam around here anywhere?" Ralis asked.

"Husam? Oh aye, 'e is at the back of the tavern. E' told me if I see a girl with long brown hair, tell 'er where 'e is," Ivanne said.

"Thanks, Ivanne," Ralis nodded then turned around and headed back outside, moving towards the back of the Blushing Mermaid, finding Husam waiting alone there.

"Husam, I'm here," Ralis called.

"*uuurp* Hey again," Husam muttered.

Just then, six men dressed in the same clothing Husam is wearing jumped down from the roof of the tavern in a spectacular fashion, like ninjas in the night. Ralis, surprised at the dramatic entrance is beginning to believe that Husam sold her out.

"What's going on here? Who are these guys?" Ralis urgently asked Husam as she drew her dirk and poisonous dagger. The 6 men drew their weapons as well but didn't attack. Husam dropped his bottle and said in a more sobered up voice:

"Sorry for misleading you, but there are times when subtlety works better than honesty. My associates and I don't want a fight, so we could ease the tension if all of us sheathed our weapons."

Ralis looked at Husam's associates for a few seconds then sheathed her weapons.

"Okay, I don't want a fight either. I'll give you a chance to explain yourself. The truth this time," Ralis said.

Husam exhaled and said: "Okay then. First off, my name really is Husam, nothing fake about that. I have never owned a business in Baldur's Gate. My associates and I belong to an organization called the Shadow Thieves. I'm sure you've heard of us," Husam said.

"As a matter of fact, I have," Ralis said, crossing her arms, accidentally pressing them against her breasts then immediately realized her mistake and adjusted her crossed arms to be placed inches below the bust line. "You're the "Thieves' guild" native to Amn, right?" She asked.

"You could say that. I'm here in the Gate because of the lies being spread about our organization and the nation of Amn as a whole. I'm sure you're aware how you were framed as assassins while in Candlekeep, or how the deaths of Duke Entar Silvershield and commander Scar were blamed on the Shadow Thieves. Well... we had nothing to do with it," Husam explained.

"I'm not surprised..." Ralis said in disgust, her anger at Sarevok brewing like coffee.

"It seems that someone is going through a lot of trouble to create a feeling of animosity between Baldur's Gate and Amn. Amn has never been interested in war with this city and has definitely not been responsible for all the troubles in this region. All of that can be placed squarely on the shoulders of the Iron Throne, or more specifically Sarevok," Husam said.

"I already knew that Sarevok is the true culprit, Husam," Ralis said.

"Now that I've told you who I really am, perhaps you can tell me who you really are," Husam said.

Ralis felt like she can trust Husam, but doesn't need to tell Husam everything about her. Besides, what if she becomes enemies of the Shadow Thieves in the near future?

"You don't need to know who I am. All you need to know is I'm just a guy... well, I'm a girl right now, who is trying to bring peace and stability here," Ralis said.

Husam nodded, understanding Ralis' need to be discreet.

"Fair enough, but I do know that you're an enemy of the Iron Throne, and an enemy of an enemy is a friend."

"How did you plan on helping me?" Ralis asked curiously.

Husam began pacing around Ralis slowly.

"I've been tracking the movements of two members of a guild from Westgate known as The Night Masks who've been operating in the city over the past few weeks. I'd say they were responsible for framing the past several murders on the Shadow Thieves. I know they've been staying at a place called the Undercellar. How 'bout we pay them a visit?" Husam suggested.

"Sounds like a plan. do you know how to get there?" Ralis asked.

"Just follow us to the Ilmater shrine. It has one of the entrances to the Undercellar," Husam said.

He and his associates led the way. When they found the entrance to the Undercellar behind the shrine, Husam opened the doors and looked at Ralis.

"Ladies first," He said politely in a joking manner.

"Tell me you didn't say that..." Ralis shook his head in disbelief but entered and walked down the stairs first anyway.

Husam and his associates followed after.


To Ralis, the Undercellar felt like an underground temple to her as she led Husam and his friends down to the central chamber of the Undercellar. Many attractive courtesans walked about and served the needs of their... wealthy clients, which are mostly men, unsurprisingly. The way how most of the courtesans dressed, she would have had an erection if she wasn't wearing the cursed belt. When Ralis, Husam and their fellow Shadow Thieves reached the central chamber of the Undercellar, they looked around, trying to locate Slythe and Krystin.

"Do you see them?" Ralis asked Husam.

"No, but keep your eyes open," Husam replied.

Just then, a stocky 5'7 foot tall man with smooth black hair and wore an expensive looking tunic with short sleeves and broad shoulders slowly approached them.

"Well well, lookit, Krystin. What have we here... blade fodder?"

Ralis realized this man with the mild accent must be Slythe... But she had no idea which courtesan is Krystin.

"I don't know, Slythe. They're so big and intimidating..." Ralis heard a powerfully seductive voice nearby say with mock uncertainty. "... Oh, my mistake. I was thinking of someone else,"the mysterious voiceadded mockingly.

Ralis, Husam and the others looked around. They heard Krystin, but couldn't see her anywhere, and none of the courtesans behaved as if they were interacting with Slythe, they seemed to mind their own business. The hairs on Slythe's arms stood up on end as he shuddered.

"Oooh, she's got a tongue of steel and a heart of gold, my Krystin does... And she's so pretty that she makes herself all invisible so guys don't give her hassle. Not that they would want a tough guy like me looking after her, of course..." Slythe grinned.

"Slythie-baby, you tell them, honey..." Krystin cooed somewhere close by.

Slythe's grin grew wider. "Oh baby, you know me, you know your Slythie..." Slythe paused because he heard Ralis snicker. "Hey, don't you guys go watchin' us go all mushy, all right? It ain't none of your business..." Slythe growled.

"It's not our fault we're standing here. You lovesick, blackhearted ravens picked the wrong time to get mushy," Ralis smirked.

"What's that you whispering, sweetheart?" Slythe now acted like a mime, acting like he's leaning towards a person whispering into his right ear.

Then he turned his attention to Ralis, Husam and his associates.

"Hey now, my girl Krystin tells me that you all have a soft spot for the Grand Dukes. Sure is a shame about Entar Silvershield, isn't it?" Slythe taunted.

"One down and two to go. Poor Dukes... Wouldn't it be better if they had all died together?" Krystin said in mock pity which angered Ralis.

"I'm gonna end you both in the worst possible way..." Ralis cracked her knuckles.

"Bah, Krystin, don't give it all away like that, now. It's on... what do they call that again? The silver bladder? Ah, enough of this cat and mouse stuff, I ain't cut out for it. We'll kill 'em now and do the Dukes after lunch like Sarevok said us to," Slythe said.

"If you want a fight, we'll gladly give you both one," Husam said, drawing his +1 short sword.

"Mmm, I love you for your mind, Slythe," Invisible Krystin cooed, her seductive voice equally sultry and delicious as Safana's, if not better.

"Krystin, love, keep your mind on the job. We're professionals over here. Hey, fellas! Guess what time it is? Yep, you got it: It's time to die," Slythe said with a smirk as he drew his own short sword.


All the courtesans ran about yelling in panic as the fight started. Husam engaged Slythe in a sword fight. Krystin, a tall, almost scrawny woman with fair skin, green eyes, short red hair and wearing a green dress with a short skirt a few inches above her knees appeared out of nowhere, and casted a force field globe that protects her from harmful magic spells. Three of Husam's associates help Husam fight Slythe, and the other three helped Ralis fight Krystin. Ralis charged at her and before she could attack, Krystin performed a roundhouse kick, the heel of her left shoe smacking Ralis in the face, knocking her off her feet, then she drew her dagger to engage half of Husam's associates. Slythe managed to kill one of Husam's associates with a stab to the hear and he deflected the remaining ones attacks with ease. Husam tacked Slythe, a move that Slythe wasn't expecting and started pummeling his face.

"You, your girlfriend and your boss should have never sullied the name of Amn and the Shadow Thieves!" Husam hissed angrily with each punch to Slythe's face, then he pulled out his dagger and stabbed Slythe in the ribs in rage.

Ralis got back in her feet and assisted Husam's remaining associates. Krystin could equally match their melee fighting superiority and knock them out or cut open their guts using her dagger with ease. When Ralis attempted to lunge at Krystin with her dirk ready to strike, Krystin swiftly dodged the dirk, disarmed Ralis then kicked her down to the ground and before Ralis could get up, Krystin placed her left boot on Ralis's neck.

"You're all going to die, I'm going to slit your throats, open up your guts and spoon out your brains," Krystin threatened.

Mere seconds before that could happen, Ralis placed her hands on Krystin's left leg and activated Ghoul Touch, paralyzing her before she crushed Ralis's windpipe. Then Ralis grabbed her venomous dagger and threw it up at Krystin's chest and she collapsed dead while still paralyzed, falling down like a stiff statue. Ralis stood up, gasping for air and clutching her neck and breathing heavily. Husam and his 4 surviving associates regrouped with Ralis.

"You all right?" Husam asked Ralis.

"Yeah, yeah, I'm fine," Ralis nodded, still rubbing her neck.

"What about the evidence to expose Sarevok? do they have it?" Husam reminded Ralis.

"Oh, right!" Ralis nodded and checked Krystin's corpse, kneeling down and checking her pockets for notes.

She had nothing interesting or valuable but sling bullets, a special dagger and 1890 pieces of gold, 600 silver but no copper. Ralis took the gold and silver.

"She doesn't have have anything incriminating," she sighed in disappointment, standing up with her hands on her hips.

"What about Slythe?" Husam suggested.

Ralis nodded and ran over to Slythe's bleeding corpse and checked his bag. He had a diary book. and a note. Ralis examined the note first, and it said:

"Slythe,

The time to strike is soon. When the party commences on the night of my coronation, you will join up with my doppelganger assassins at the sewer entrance to the palace. You are to insinuate yourself into the crowd in the ballroom. When I have finished my speech, you will strike. If you aren't there, my doppelganagers will proceed without you, and your payment will be forfeit. Make sure to keep a leash on your little bitch of a wife. An invitation to the party is included with this note.

Sarevok"

Now Ralis turned his attention to the Sarevok's diary book. Ralis stared at the book, knowing that Sarevok's deepest secrets are hidden in this book, and he trusted his best assassins to keep it safe.

"Go ahead, read it," Husam urged.

Ralis stood up and began reading the 1st entry to the last:

"Diary

21st of Nightal, 1366 DR: Father seems to be plotting something major, but as usual, he is not revealing any details of the plan to me. The conversations in his study lately have tended toward the Cloak Wood and its natural defenses, and pumping water from caves. I have been able to piece together nothing from this, nor do I know the men who have been visiting him. This will change.

11th of Ches, 1367 DR: Another violent dream. I was a boy again, and a dog was barking at me, so I killed it with the dagger I found in my hand, the same bone dagger from the other dreams. Mother started to chastise me, and I ripped out her throat. Her blood was fresh, but I already had old blood on my hands, and my fingers had strangely turned into claws. The dog's head came back to life; its eyes were solid black. "Like father, like son," it said. I felt quite calm during the dream, but when I awoke I found I had been crying. Is this weakness? I must expunge it.

14th of Mirtul, 1367 DR: The ceremony marking the completion of my Deathbringer training seemed rather anticlimactic to me, but my performance seems to have impressed Father. He took me aside and informed me that tomorrow, he shall reveal to me what he has been plotting these past few months, and possibly grant me a major role in it, if his associates agree. He assures me that it is a far-reaching plan. My interest is quite piqued.

Cythandria was also quite pleased with my display this morning, so much so that it took her hours to fully express her appreciation. When we first grew close, I remember how glad I was to find someone who was not repulsed by my affinity for death, but tonight I realized that her thirst is not like mine after all: She has no real desire to get in close and perform the deed herself, she prefers to derive her thrill vicariously. And whether she feels the genuine rush of blood lust as I do, or if she merely thinks of it as a way to excite her arousal, I am not sure. . . but I fear it is the latter.

15th of Mirtul, 1367 DR: Father has finally informed me of his secret, and frankly, it sounds rather pathetic, not worth any excitement at all. All Father has is the location of a mine concealed deep in the Cloak Wood, unknown to anyone else but the virtually extinct Orothiar dwarf clan, and according to them still rich in iron ore when it was accidentally flooded years ago. Bah. Iron?! I had guessed something similar, but from all of Father's caution and secrecy, I was anticipating a treasure much more glamorous than a stupid iron mine. Where is the glorious blood-rush that awaits me? I did not spend years of combat training just to assist in Father's counting-house. I feel the need for a challenge much more exciting than the rabble I have been wasting my skills on. I feel the need to finally slay something worthy of the strength I have been sensing awakening within me.

8th of Flamerule, 1367 DR: Today, Father introduced me to his subordinates Davaeorn and Tranzig, who have made the journey to the hidden mine and confirmed that it could be put into use once again. This evening, I was approached on the street by a ragged beggarly man who would not give his name, but thrust a book into my hands and said he would be back. The book is worthless, a common third-rate account of the Time of Troubles, and in horrible condition as well; nearly every single page is torn in some way. Yet something about the man tells me he was more than a simple lunatic.

9th of Flamerule, 1367 DR: This night's dream was very strange: it was back in the temple, except that every single priestess had MY face, and held an identical bone dagger. I looked toward the altar where I had always been before, but instead of ME tied to the stone slab, it was the tattered book from yesterday. I had a dagger too, and when I stabbed the book, it bled. The blood, and then the book itself, dissolved into a sort of magical energy which overflowed the gutters in the altar and then evaporated into the air. I awoke to what felt like an icy grip trying to shatter my heart. I immediately examined the book again. It was damaged deliberately- no two rips line up, and the only pages that were NOT torn have to do with the killing of Bhaal and his efforts to ensure his legacy. The more I think about what this might mean, the more I hesitate to write it down, even here.

20th of Eleint, 1367: The ragged man has finally reappeared, this time without his disguise. He gives the name of Winski Perorate, and reveals to me that I am one of the dead god Bhaal's many offspring. He claims to have been apprenticed to a Deathstalker, and therefore knows the signs. He has spent the past few years on the move, tracking down as many of the children as he can, but it seems that I am the most promising of them all, and he apparently intends to train me as his sole pupil. He has already informed me that I could not have chosen a more appropriate path than that of Deathbringer. Though I remain skeptical about myself being a child if a dead god, I think I shall enjoy this very much.

14th of Marpenoth, 1367 DR: Today Cormyr has instituted a ban against the Iron Throne from operating within their borders. The Iron Throne had been accused of hiring assassins to kill the owners of a rival company from Archendale. The Iron Throne founder's representatives tried to appeal against these accusations, claiming the reports as nothing but baseless libel, but their efforts to appeal against their company from being banned from Cormyr met in failure. While this is a great blow to the Iron Throne, this is a perfect opportunity for Rieltar to approach the Iron Throne founder with his proposal. If things go well, we could begin operation within the year.

25th of Marpenoth, 1367 DR: Davaeorn has sent a message to Rieltar, informing him that the mine at Cloak Wood has been drained and is ready for use. This revelation should help greatly in convincing the founder to officially sanction his plans.

2nd of Uktar, 1367 DR: It has finally come to fruition. The Iron Throne leader has agreed to support Rieltar's plan. He has been given all the resources he needs, as well as leadership of the project. I have expressed interest to my "father," and he has promised to include me within the operations along the Sword Coast. He mentioned Mother in our conversation: how I wasn't to be unfaithful to him as she had. He made it clear that I would suffer her fate if I was. His threats are weak and hollow, and I shall listen to them for only so long. I have decided to take this time to make my visit to Candlekeep in a few months. I have waited a long time to research the prophecies of Alaundo, and I must know if the dreams and that old man Winski speak the truth. I will not believe the words of phantoms and an old man without proof, and the priest of Bhaal I confronted gave me nothing. He was old and died quickly in my group. If the words are true, I shall surely groom stronger acolytes than this.

5th of Nightal, 1367 DR: Winski has presented me with the location of a nearby sect of Cyricists, who have made a particular practice of researching everything they can about Bhaal, and especially his successor. It only makes sense that Cyric would be very interested in the offspring of his fallen foe, rising to reclaim his portfolio. Winski wants to capture one or more of their leaders and extract their knowledge from them, but I say we should shoot higher and interrogate them all. But that requires more than just two people, so I shall begin carefully selecting followers. Though I fully realize that my supposed heritage should remain a general secret, especially from Rieltar, it is time that the Son of Murder assemble the acolytes he deserves.

11th of Nightal, 1367 DR: The Cyricists are ours, and we have begun pumping them for information, with Zhalimar taking over whenever other matters call me away. I have ordered that the younger members be kept alive, except to serve as useful examples to motivate the elder priests to be more forthcoming. What Winski is most concerned about is that some mysterious "Ward of Gorion" is mentioned in the prophecies, and is said to play a major role in the succession to Bhaal's portfolio, but there is no depiction of this rune or sigil anywhere, nor does he know what its significance might be. It is a pity that Gorion is not a more uncommon name.

17th of Nightal, 1367 DR: Mulahey has established himself at the mines of Nashkel, and should already be converting the kobolds to follow him as their leader. I expect they will begin contaminating the ore soon, though it will take some time before it becomes evident on the surface. Only a few slaves have begun to mine out the ore at Cloak Wood, though once the bandit raids begin I will be sending Davaeorn a steady supply of new slaves. I wish I could lure Davaeorn into joining my little cult, knowing that he still secretly worships Bhaal, but he has some deep distrust of me, even after I dropped hints about my heritage. Meanwhile, we have successfully infiltrated Angelo into the Flaming Fist, and I am instructing him in military strategy: Once this new talent of his gets recognized, he will be sure to get promoted, giving us a valuable spy right under Eltan's nose.

29th of Nightal, 1367: Tamoko has displayed surprising skill in demoralizing some of the most resistant Cyricists. The way she slew one of the junior members, and then later quietly re-animated his corpse to attack his sleeping former comrades, was a sheer treat to watch. I was quite surprised that she had the audacity to rouse me directly out of my bed for the latter portion, however. Not that I needed an excuse to leave Cythandria's company. She complains far too much.

22nd of Hammer, 1368 DR: More revelations from the Cyricists: after intense examination, we finally got some names and numbers. I wonder what is so important about Saradush? It seems Bhaal spawned a hundred offspring all over Faerun, but only twenty of these shall be of any real importance, and from them, five shall almost make the heavens themselves tremble in fear. This is very promising. But it seems that the head priest of Cyric is as in the dark as to this 'Ward of Gorion' as we are. Blast! I shall have to find an opportunity to enter Candlekeep as soon as possible.

11th of Ches, 1368 DR: My research has gone well. The monks here at Candlekeep have been quite helpful. From what I have read, it would seem certain that the blood of Bhaal does indeed flow through my veins. His prophecies are (of course) ambiguous, but I think I understand them. He foresaw his coming death, and seeded his essence across the land. The children born as a result bear the mark of chaos, have power with no direction, and shall feel the blood of a god within them. The deaths they bring shall awaken the father, and through them he will rise. It does not explicitly say, but obviously this means that death wrought by the children will cause them to ascend. Fitting, and since the father was the Lord of Murder, proving one's worth must involve an act in accordance with his portfolio. I begin to see what I must do. Death on a god-like scale.

12th of Ches, 1368 DR: Winski was a fool. "Gorion's Ward" is not any sort of glyph at all, but rather a brat named Ralis, a few years younger than myself. And Gorion himself, though even older now, is doubtless the very same man from the temple, all those long years ago. How ironic that the face that has been etched upon my brain for most of my life has been, for all this time, living as a monk practically on my doorstep. And while I have nothing to prove it, I believe that Ralis was that same squealing baby in the soiled diaper. And THIS little pipsqueak is to have monumental importance in the fulfillment of MY destiny? The very idea seems ludicrous. I barely got more than a glimpse today, but Ralis seems nothing more than a blissfully ignorant whelp, with next to no training whatsoever. Hardly a figure to shake the deities.

13th of Ches, 1368 DR: The monk Gorion troubles me. He seems to have taken an interest in my readings. I must be careful to be more clandestine in my research. I wish I could simply kill him, but I doubt I could safely murder him within this damnable library.

15th of Ches, 1368 DR: I had a dream this night. My mother was talking to me, but as she did her face became bloated and discolored. Her voice became weaker as she spoke to me, telling me to save her from Rieltar. I could see the garrote wire cutting into her neck, but I did nothing. It was only a dream.

16th of Ches, 1368 DR: I take my leave of Candlekeep now, and not a moment too soon, for I am sure that Gorion has perceived my heritage. One thing that I am certain of: Ralis is, in actuality, one of Bhaal's brood as well. He has all the markings, and it would explain Gorion's curiosity in my studies, and his ward being mentioned in the prophecy. Though there is nothing I can do now, I will have to make certain to return and kill the little brat. It would be foolish of me to let one of my siblings live, especially one being brought up by the Harpers (and I am sure that is where Gorion's allegiances lie). And I expect that Bhaal's power would be shared among his surviving children, so obviously I must make sure that I am the last man standing. If I am to inherit the Throne of Bhaal, I must be the last living child of Bhaal.

5th of Tarsakh, 1368 DR: Cythandria reacted to my revelation exactly as I thought she would: She immediately saw herself as a queen or an idol of worship, the only fitting roles for the consort of the Lord of Murder. Only after several minutes of imagining life seated at my right hand did she think to pay me any proper homage or obeisance. If I had the luxury of choice, I would not have to put up with this kind of attitude, but I need to establish a power base of my own, so I shall tolerate it. . . for now. There will be time for correction later.

16th of Tarsakh, 1368 DR: The last of our little Cyric cult has died, but I think we wrung everything useful from them in time. Winski largely shares my opinion about Ralis in that his death is almost certainly called for, but advises me to stop short of actual murder until he can determine exactly what sort of role 'Gorion's Ward' is expected to play. Very well, I can wait. Winski's health seems to be failing him, so he has deputized Semaj to take over the business of sniffing out any possible Bhaalspawn in the area, and luring them to the Iron Throne on the pretense of business reasons. Those I deem a possible threat I shall kill myself, the rest I will let Semaj deal with in some way. I have discreetly commissioned a fine suit of armor and sword, worthy of the next Lord of Murder, and have postponed my fratricidal activities until I can dress the part.

20th of Tarsakh, 1368 DR: Today I met with Rieltar in Baldur's Gate. The fool still insists on calling me his son, and for now I will let him. He assumes that I am loyal to him because he raised me. Well, loyal I am, but only as long as he is useful. He's set up a base in the mansion of a destitute noble family and says that everything is running smoothly. I had just received word today from Tranzig that Rieltar has hired two professional mercenary groups known as the Chill and Blacktalons to help with the bandit raids. While I know nothing about the Chill, I know The Blacktalons by their reputation. I've requested a meeting with the leaders of these merc groups. If we are going to add new pawns to the board, I'd like to personally know them; an unknown ally can be just as dangerous as an unknown enemy.

23rd of Tarsakh, 1368 DR: I met with the leaders of the Chill and Blacktalons. I have little liking for Ardenor, the leader of the Chill, but Taurgosz seems to be a man of his word. It is a good thing, as I'll have to work with these mercenaries for the rest of the year. Rieltar is even supporting placing me in command of this entire wing of the operation. But it would not do, of course, for the adopted son of an Iron Throne leader to be seen visiting the bandits, so I have chosen the half-ogre Tazok as my figurehead; his abilities and loyalty to me are very satisfactory.

25th of Tarsakh, 1368 DR: Everything proceeds well. The ore coming from the Nashkel mines has started to deteriorate, and my mercenaries have been doing a fine job of destroying any iron caravans on route to Baldur's Gate. Though some of my mercenaries have been captured, most think they work for the Zhents, so no trouble has fallen on the Iron Throne. I am sure that the Zhents at Darkhold won't be pleased to know that their name has been falsely used. I will have to be wary for Zhentish agents in the coming months. I am actually a bit disappointed in Rieltar. His skill in manipulating this whole iron plot notwithstanding, he sees it as nothing more than another way to make money, and increase his own status within the Iron Throne hierarchy. Bah! Who cares about the petty intrigues of one pathetic mercantile organization, when one can control the armies of entire nations? Ah, well. His blindness is my gain.

26th of Tarsakh, 1368: The armor is completed, and is wonderfully appropriate for the terrifying presence of a Deathbringer descended from the Lord of Murder. I shall have to congratulate Winski for helping with the design, especially the additional enchantments awakened only by the presence of the Bhaal essence. The sword shall not be finished for another day or two, but it seems appropriate that I should kill my first sibling with my own bare hands. Goodbye, Arran Ashatiel. You are not one of the twenty, Alaundo never gave a damn about you, and neither do I.

28th of Tarsakh, 1368 DR: The Sword of Chaos is glorious. I now believe that I have time to deal with that old codger Gorion, and his little whelp. I will have to inform my men that I'll be gone for the next few days. Cythandria was furious when she learned I am taking Tamoko as my lover instead of her. Perhaps this will motivate her to support me in areas other than just the bedroom.

2nd of Mirtul, 1368 DR: My long-delayed revenge on the withered old man is complete. I actually killed him a bit too quickly; I wanted enough time to look into his dying eyes and remind him of where we had met before. Ah well, it is of no real consequence. What a pair of prize fools he and his little puppy were, fleeing Candlekeep under cover of night, neither one of them carrying any more than a few pitiful scraps of equipment. Semaj's agents lured them right into our ambush. Unfortunately, the whelp got away, took off running like a terrified jackrabbit after only a single spell. I would have told Tamoko to chase him, but between my laughter and my lust for vengeance, it slipped my mind. Still, with the old fool gone, the young fool shall not be far behind. From what I have seen, I would expect anyone with Ralis's level of skill and bravery to simply get lost in the wilderness, and die of exposure after a day or two. A fitting end for the prize pupil of the man who thought I was less important than a squealing infant. I return to Baldur's Gate, and the list of brothers and sisters who are actually worthy of death by my hand. Just to be on the safe side, I have contacted Semaj's little bounty hunter network, and added Ralis's name to those whose deaths will be rewarded.

15th of Mirtul, 1368 DR: Well, well! Not only has Ralis NOT been eaten by gibberlings as I expected, but has also survived the best attempts of two of Semaj's bounty hunters, fallen in with a group of adventurers, and safely met with the mayor of Nashkel! It appears there may be a spine in there after all. Still, it is obvious that this little war party seeks to disrupt our activities in the mines; happily, Tazok and Tranzig have been well prepared for this sort of thing, and know just what to do.

25th of Mirtul, 1368 DR: The loss of Nashkel mines was a shocking blow to us, but we can recover; at the emergency meeting, we agreed that the best solution would be to send some of our own men into Nashkel, if not into the mine itself, and corrupt as much ore as possible without getting caught. I suggested that the most opportune time would be during transit: whether as ore-cart drivers or caravan guards, our men should easily be able to contaminate the iron, since everyone else would be watching the horizon, not the wagons, and in the event of an attack by our mercenaries, the Black Talons would already have a couple of their men planted among the enemy. After some debate, even Davaeorn was made to see the wisdom of this. The best part is that even if we only manage to poison SOME of the ore shipped out of Nashkel, rumors will start circulating that the town's iron is still just as tainted as before, they're just claiming that it's pure and shipping it out anyway. Some might even say that the entire adventuring party was just a lie that Nashkel made up, so people would start buying their iron again. I will mention this additional angle to Rieltar tomorrow. Still, the news that Ralis is still alive, despite all odds, troubles me greatly. I shall talk the matter over with Winski, and then strike. Personally, if I can find the time.

7th of Kythorn, 1368 DR: Hellfire and damnation! I cannot believe the dispatches, but there is no denying them. With Tazok's camp destroyed, I shall have to establish a roaming base of operations, and supervise it myself. Rieltar and Davaeorn have agreed to this largely because, in my new armor, I cannot be recognized and traced back to the Iron Throne. But blast it all, in addition to the loss of so many men, this will take up ALL of my time, and I shall even have to withdraw most of the death squads that I had ordered to seek out and ambush Ralis and company. The situation looks dire, Ralis already knows far too much. At least their next move is predictable. Davaeorn and a crew hand-picked by Rieltar have already left to personally guard the Cloak Wood mines. So let Ralis's little band follow the trail of clues if they wish. Just let them TRY to struggle through the Cloak Wood, and may they all perish in the attempt. Myself, I care little whether they find the mine or not; the men there belong to Davaeorn and Rieltar, not me and Semaj. I must use this time to recollect the scattered mercenaries into something useful once again.

13th of Flamerule, 1368 DR: Back in Baldur's Gate, briefly, for the emergency meeting I had been expecting. The news about Davaeorn's death and the flooding of the Cloak Wood mines has predictably driven Rieltar half-mad with worry. I admit that things have not gone anything like the way we planned, but I think we can still turn this to our advantage. For one thing, I strongly doubt that Ralis and his little mercenary group was able to carry more than a hundred tons of iron ore out of the Cloak Wood mines, meaning that it's still there, waiting for our barges to come pick it up, just as arranged. The trick will be manipulating the public opinion: I must find some way to place the blame for the iron crisis squarely on Ralis's shoulders, as I cannot make my break with the Iron Throne until the fruit is fully ripe. At least Ralis's next move is obvious: Here to Baldur's Gate to accuse the Iron Throne. Would that I could slay them in the streets, but we must not cause an uproar, and I am needed back at the camp in any case. I have prepared Zhalimar and his hand-picked crew to stand guard in my stead, in wait for Ralis's next-and last-blundering step against me.

25th of Eleasis, 1368 DR: No time to write, but I must not neglect my journals so. The future dead must know of how the Lord of Murder again come to them. I shall hive a scribe when time allows. Things have not gone completely as I planned, but I will still be able to salvage the situation. Ralis is on the move to Baldur's Gate; if I could maneuver him to Candlekeep, then I would have the perfect scapegoat for my plan. My mortal "father," Rieltar, is there to meet with the Knights of the Shield. He has been blocking all my attempts to escalate the hostilities between Amn and Baldur's Gate, and these meetings will only serve to smooth relations. I must rid myself of them all and assume control of the Iron Throne myself. I cannot allow petty business and monetary concerns to interfere. Terribly sorry, "Father," but my true parentage calls and you are in my way. I shall be sure to to instruct the doppelgangers in the exact manner Rieltar should die, if I can't goad Ralis to do the deed. I think a garrote would be perfect for the task.

30th of Eleint, 1368 DR: Victory has never tasted sweeter. With Thaldorn, Rieltar and Brunos slain, Ralis in custody for their murders, and the entire assets of the Iron Throne at my disposal, the entire city is practically at my feet, and everything is working out as Alaundo said it would. I have announced my intention to donate everything to the war effort, and now that Silvershield is out of the way, the rumors of elevating me to Grand Duke are beginning to catch on among the populace. The only blight on the day is the news that the message I sent to Zhalimar did not reach him in time, robbing me of six of my best and brightest. I have dealt with the messenger accordingly, and perhaps I can arrange it so that I perform Ralis's execution personally, thus completing the circle of revenge."


Ralis closed the book after reading it. No one outside the Iron Throne knows this, apparently not even Sarevok and those who don't work closely with the founder, but the identity of the Iron Throne's founder is a tiefling woman named Sfena, and she is the granddaughter of Asmodeus, a superior devil called an "archdevil" who is the supreme ruler of all the Nine Hells, and Sfena's mother is Glasya, the archdevil known as the Princess of the Nine Hells and the ruler of Malbolge, the sixth layer of the Nine Hells, but the identity of her father is a mystery. Years ago when Ralis was still a baby, and Jaheira was a young girl caught up in the events of the Ten Black Days of Eleint, and drow hero Drizzt arrived in Icewind Dale after exiling himself from his home city Menzoberranzan in 1347 DR, Sfena was sent to Faerun on a mission, to assassinate the daughter of a storm giant noble named Urdalshone because he was planning an attack on Avernus at that time,but the mission went awry. She ended up captured by storm giants, and somehow she survived unscathed even though she was beheaded, because her flesh and bones somehow transformed into a hard crystal-like substance which severed her means to return to the Nine Hells, which means until she finds a cure for her condition, she has no way of returning to the Nine Hells. With the storm giant Krakosh's help, she founded, built up and expanded the Iron Throne for the sole purpose of creating a powerful organization and trade it and its employees to a powerful devil in exchange for a cure for her crystallized body. She named her organization the Iron Throne after a speech to her agents:

"We shall rule the Heartlands with an iron fist. We shall rule them from an Iron Throne, built of the weapons of our trade, the shackles of our slaves, the common nails of our wagons, and the iron in the blood of those who oppose us. Iron has power, and so shall we."

The main reason why she supports Rieltar's iron crisis project because his plan benefits her goals, which is making the Iron Throne rich and powerful, valuable enough to be useful to a demon who wants to take control of it. Ralis slowly turned around to see Husam standing behind him, and he looked a little tense, because he knew that Ralis must have found something very good.

"Oh my gods, Husam, we found it. This book is Sarevok's journal!" She exclaimed.

"Perfect!" Husam smiled approvingly.

Just then a paper slipped out of the journal when Ralis attempted to put the book in her inventory bag.

"What's this?" Ralis bent down and picked up the paper.

It's an invitation to the inauguration of the newest Grand Duke of Baldur's Gate. The note says it will be held at the Ducal Palace.

"What is that, Ralis?" Husam asked.

"This is an invitation to Sarevok's inauguration as the newest Grand Duke at the Ducal Palace!" Ralis told him.

Husam gasped in horror. "That's happening tonight! If they succeed, Sarevok will have seized control of the entire city. We should move immediately, we have to get to the Dukes before it's too late. We must gain entry into the palace," Husam said urgently.

"I know, but Husam, could you do me a favor? Could you find my friends outside and help them sneak into Baldur's Gate? I'll head over to Helm's Temple to meet up with my friend Ajantis and remove this damned belt so that I can return to my original gender and get my armor and weapons there," Ralis suggested.

"Husam nodded. "Okay, Ralis, we'll find your friends and help them sneak inside. When we find them, we'll try to gain access into the palace through the sewers of the city. I don't know if we'll make it in time, so it's really up to you, Ralis," Husam said.

Ralis nodded. "I thank you. I better get going. There's no time to waste," she said then bolted quickly out of the Undercellar thanks to her boots of speed.

"Let's go find them," Husam said to his surviving associates.


With her boots of speed, Ralis was able to run to Helm's Temple in only 20 minutes. Along the way, Ralis reviwed what he has learned from Sarevok's journal in his mind. The Iron Throne has been banned from working within the kingdom of Cormyr likely because of their illegal activities. Rieltar Anchev, Sarevok's foster father, saw this as an opportunity to speak to his superiors about his plan to save them from going bankrupt, his plan to manipulate the supply of iron in the Sword Coast. Sarevok got interested and wanted to play an important role in his foster father's plan.

A year later, Sarevok visited Candlekeep to find out if he really is a child of Bhaal, he learned about the prophecy and studied it for a full month. Gorion became suspicious of him and Sarevok realized that Ralis himself is a Bhaalspawn too, and a threat. A week later after he left Candlekeep, Sarevok made plans to return to Candlekeep and kill Ralis. Elminster, also known as "E" in the letter Imoen found by accident learned of Sarevok's activities and sent that letter to warn Gorion that Sarevok and his servants are coming. Fearing for Ralis's life, Gorion urged him to quickly prepare to leave Candlekeep and come with him to the Friendly Arm Inn to meet Khalid and Jaheira. Sarevok had his own plans all along, acting loyal to his foster father, but now that his foster father has revealed that he does not want to start a war, Sarevok wanted him eliminated to reach his goal as a Bhaalspawn. The events all make sense now.

After putting the events together like a puzzle in his thoughts, Ralis found himself at the temple's front door. Inside, he found Ajantis with the temple's cleric inside, and her ankheg armor and greaves, Legacy of Masters gauntlets, and his two bastard swords Kondar and Albruin!

"We have no time to lose! Sir, I need this cursed belt removed so I can be male again," Ralis told the temple cleric.

"Ah, I see you're wearing the cursed belt that changes the wearer into the opposite sex." The cleric said.

"Yes, I need this removed, now, please," Ralis nodded, giving the cleric 300 gold to lift the curse off the belt so she can take it off.

The cleric chanted a few words, waving his hands in front of Ralis, and soon she heard a whooshing noise.

"There. You may remove the belt now," The cleric said.

Seconds after she removed the belt, the feminine features of Ralis' body began to fade away. His chest flattened, his hair shortened, his body became more stocky than slender, and his waist-hip ratio increased slightly, his breasts flattened completely, and last but definitely not least, he felt his manhood grow back. Now that he can barely fit in tunic he's wearing, he took his armor gauntlets and swords and went behind a pillar to change into his armor in private. He later emerged from the pillar back in his armor and his swords in their scabbards attached to both sides of his waist.

"I don't ever want to wear another bodice again," Ralis said disdainfully as he threw the belt at Ajantis and he deftly caught it, much to his confusion.

"Ajantis, we better get going to the Ducal Palace before Sarevok becomes Grand Duke and kills the last two healthy and living Grand Dukes there," Ralis said.


Ralis and Ajantis found themselves among a long line of nobles wanting to enter the Duchal Palace. The guard near the palace gate systematically checked for each invitation before the line moved on. When Ralis and Ajantis were next in line to have their invitation checked, the guard checked the invitation Ralis filched from Slythe's corpse and allowed Ralis and Ajantis to enter the large palace. The inside of the palace is more beautiful than Ralis imagined. The floors sparkled, a bright and beautiful chandelier hung overhead, brightening the room.

He and Ajantis casually followed the nobles into the largest room in the palace. Row after row of crimson colored seats filled the room, and in front of the rows of seats is a platform where the Grand Duke, Belt, a strong looking middle aged man and the Grand Duchess, Liia Jannath, a very beautiful black haired, gray eyed middle aged woman stood with Sarevok, who is wearing copper colored +2 plate mail body armor. His bald head shone brightly from the light in the room reflecting on his head as if it gleamed with the light of "justice"... How ironic.

They waited until everyone was seated into their chairs.

"Do you have a brilliant plan?" Ajantis whispered to Ralis.

"I always have a plan," Ralis whispered back.

Fortunately there were too many people for Sarevok to spot Ralis. Even if he did spot him, it wouldn't matter, Ralis had what he needed to expose him. After all 90 seats were filled, meaning all the invited guests have arrived, Belt announced loudly:

"Now that all of our guests have arrived, we can begin with the ceremony that you have all been awaiting."

Then Liia stepped forward in front of Belt to speak. "As all of you know, this is a special occasion for the city of Baldur's Gate. It is time for a new man to join the ranks of the Grand Dukes. I do not wish to downplay the tragedy that we suffered with the loss of Entar Silvershield, but this is not the time for us to show grief," she announced, then stepped back to let Belt step forward.

He held a scroll in his hand and unraveled it, reading it. "The votes have been tallied from those submitted by the landowners. The result was nearly unanimous."

Before Belt could continue, a nobleman in the 4th row northeast from where Ralis and Ajantis sat asked: "What of Duke Eltan, has his condition improved at all? If he dies, who will replace him?"

Then another nobleman rose up on his feet in the same row as the 1st nobleman who spoke and asked: "What about the rumors of Amn mobilizing for war? Why aren't we preparing for war?"

Another nobleman in a completely different row, in the same column of seats as Ralis and Ajantis said: "With our iron shortage, how are we going to defend ourselves? Who will give us the iron we need?"

Almost immediately, another nobleman stood up. "What of the Zhentarim, I've heard that they may be somehow involved."

Then a noblewoman stood up and said: "I believe that Eltan was poisoned by members of the Shadow Thieves, they're obviously trying to kill our leaders."

Belt signaled everyone to hold their questions for later. "All of your questions will be answered in due time, you need not worry," Belt assured them.

Another nobleman vehemently stood up. "Entar was killed by Shadow Thieves, agents of Amn. If it isn't obvious to the rest of you, it's obvious to me; Amn wants a war," he declared assertively.

"The evidence we have about Entar's murder does resemble the work of the Shadow Thieves, but..." Liia began to say.

The angry nobleman frowned in outrage. "Resembles?! That's ridiculous! The signature left behind in the body WAS the mark of the Shadow Thieves. Are you blind and stupid, woman?!" He snapped.

Liia was offended but kept her cool about it. "If I MAY continue... the signature left behind was very blatant and could have been put there to mislead all of us." She said.

"Who would want to mislead us?" A nobleman somewhere several rows behind Ajantis and Ralis asked.

"Perhaps I could interject something before this meeting degenerates into meaningless bickering. We are here to welcome our Grand Duke, so perhaps we should get on with it. Introducing our new Grand Duke, Sarevok Anchev," Belt said.

Everyone applauded.

Sarevok stood up from his chair to bow before the applauding crowd. When the applause died down, he said: "I am honored to be here before such a respected assemblage of nobleman. I accept my new position with full awareness to my new responsibilities, and I will have many of them."

All you want is to undermine the law for your selfish desires you bastard... Ralis quietly remarked.

He didn't notice at first, but he saw that bastard Angelo up there with Sarevok, Belt and Liia, standing behind them with his legs spread a foot apart from each other, his hands clasped behind his back as if he were a loyal soldier.

"I would first like to address many of the questions that had been asked earlier. The rumors about Amn's mobilization for war are entirely true, as is the involvement of their Zhentarim cohorts. But do not worry, we are not bereft of a defense. Although the recent Zhentish attempt at depriving us of the most valuable war resource, iron, has weakened us, it has not crippled us. When my father was most recently murdered, I inherited his control over the western branch of the Iron Throne. They have a great deal of stockpiled iron, enough for all of our needs. I will give this to the city to do with as you will. Unfortunately, our greatest military commander lies in his deathbed, a grievous blow to this city. To ensure that the Flaming Fist is well led, I will be assuming control of the mercenary regiment, with permission from its current steward, Angelo Dosan," Sarevok gestured over to Angelo standing behind him with his hands clasped behind his back.

Belt frowned at Sarevok. "Wait one moment, that is not in your power to decide," he told Sarevok.

"Shut up, let Sarevok speak," one of the noblemen said curtly.

"Instead of waiting for the war to come to us, we will take it to them! With the Flaming Fist, we should be able to easily take the towns of Nashkel and then quickly fortify the mountain pass through the Cloud Peaks. There is a cancer among us, and we must cut it out as soon as possible before we move in on them in Amn!" Sarevok declared.


Ralis heard enough. He decided to seize the moment and take a stand.

"THERE IS A CANCER AMONG US THAT NEEDS TO BE CUT OUT..." Ralis loudly declared, standing up and shuffling past Ajantis and a few noblemen.

Sarevok looked confused and outraged. "What?! Who dares to interrupt?!" He exclaimed.

Ralis walked out in the middle of the room, all eyes were on him.

"...BUT IT'S NOT IN THE NATION OF AMN, BUT RIGHT HERE BEFORE YOU ALL!" Ralis shouted, pointing at Sarevok.

Sarevok saw and recognized Ralis now.

"YOU!" He growled.

He turned his attention to Belt and Liia.

"This whelp, Ralis, is the one responsible for the murder of my father and the leaders of the Iron Throne. He is a Zhentarim agent working to sow chaos and disorder among us!" Sarevok told them.

Ralis confidently approached them. "I won't deny it. I did kill the leaders of the Iron Throne, but I was misled. Duped. I'm fighting for peace and honor, as were my trusted acquaintances Scar and Eltan were." Ralis said to Sarevok as he confidently marched towards them.

He then turned his attention to Belt and Liia. "Please, listen to what I have to say before you arrest me." Ralis calmly pleaded.

"Scar and Eltan spoke highly of this young man, Sarevok. The least we can do by honoring their memory is to let him speak," Belt said.

"Thank you sir," Ralis said, joining them on the platform.

He glanced at angry Sarevok for a second then turned his attention to the crowds of noblemen and noblewomen.

"I've come to tell you the truth. The truth about who is truly behind the iron crisis..." Before Ralis could continue, Sarevok interrupted him.

"Please, don't waste your breath, Ralis. You insult me, as well as everyone here. Do you really believe anyone here is ignorant enough to listen to the words of a wanted murderer?" Sarevok asked Ralis.

He knew what Sarevok is trying to do; he's not going to take the bait and trip himself up.

"No, Sarevok. I don't believe anyone here is ignorant, least of all you," Ralis said.

Sarevok nodded politely, silently cursing that Ralis didn't make a fool of himself.

"I simply seek to shed new light on events," Ralis declared.

He paced around as he began his explanation to the Grand Dukes and crowds of noblemen and women.

"The nation of Amn has fallen victim to a plot, that which if allowed to proceed will make both Baldur's Gate and Amn victims of the individual behind this," Ralis started out.

Sarevok chuckled. "Well, I admit that does make some partial sense."

Ralis then turned his attention to Sarevok.

"Sarevok, you said a minute ago that you were aware of your new responsibilities. Do you realize that with great power comes great responsibility?" Ralis asked him.

"Of course I do. Without power, our enemies will destroy us," Sarevok nodded.

The crowds of noble people murmured in agreement.

"But what about our responsibility not to abuse that power bestowed upon us so we won't grow arrogant, or worse, destroy ourselves?" Ralis asked.

Sarevok raised his left eyebrow. "I'm... not following you," he said, asking for clarification.

"I'm talking about a power grab. A coup de grace for the leaders already in power. Power for you but not for the people, that's what this is all about. Peace and harmony are just secondary issues," Ralis glared at Sarevok.

"Dominance is needed to maintain peace and harmony," Sarevok counter argued.

"Was it harmony that made the Iron Throne hungry for money that they instigated this whole crisis? Or was it the desire to be the most dominant?" Ralis asked, digging into his bag for the letters he kept during his adventures, and he pulled out the letters that revealed that Mulahey answered to Tazok, Tazok answered to Davaeorn and Davaeorn answered to the Iron Throne. Uneasy mutters filled the room. Belt read the letters then looked at Sarevok.

"Why didn't you tell us this before?" He asked.

"There was a splinter group in the Iron Throne, seeking to get rich by exploiting the iron mines. If I told you before, you would blame the Iron Throne as a whole, and I can't let that happen," Sarevok said, trying to lie his way out.

Instead of arguing against Sarevok, Ralis knew it would be better to dance around him instead.

"I've heard that the Iron Throne has been banned from working within Cormyr recently, isn't that right?" Ralis asked.

"It's true. Merchants from Cormyr saw the Iron Throne as a threatening rival," Sarevok nodded.

"...And the Iron Throne has hired a lot of brigands, mercenaries and bandits to work for them," Ralis added.

"Even the lawless of the Sword Coast need a legitimate job," Sarevok smiled wryly at Ralis.

Ralis dug into his pockets and gave Belt all the contracts of the assassins and bounty hunters the Iron Throne sent after him.

"Would you qualify assassination and murder legitimate jobs, Sarevok?" Ralis asked loud enough for everyone to hear.

The crowds of noblemen murmured uneasily among themselves. Belt looked visibly disturbed reading the hit contracts on Ralis.

"Why would the Iron Throne want to kill a young man?" Liia asked Sarevok curiously.

"As I said before, this whelp is a Zhentarim agent, working for their superiors in Amn!" Sarevok replied in frustration.

Ralis shook his head and sighed. "I beg to differ about that. I've lived in Candlekeep under the tutelage of the sage who was my foster father, Gorion, for 20 years," Ralis informed everyone.

The murmuring of the crowds of noblemen escalated a bit.

"I've heard of that man. Gorion is popular among the Harpers. He's a good, wise man, they say," Liia stated.

Ralis knew that if he dropped the name Gorion, people would have heard about him somehow. Sarevok gradually grew frustrated.

"Well, you may not be an agent of the Zhentarim, but it still doesn't change the fact that your actions, murdering my father and the other Iron Throne leaders benefited the intentions of Amn's thugs!" Sarevok snapped.

Ralis slowly inched towards Sarevok.

"Yes… The land is just full of criminals, are they?" Ralis asked Ralis in a loud whisper.

"It appears so," Sarevok replied, rage burning in his eyes but doing the best he can to restrain himself from beating down Ralis in order to maintain a civil impression in front of Liia, Belt and all the noble people watching.

"Millions of lives will die in this meaningless war if you continue to pursue these... phantoms... promising to stop the chaos you wrought with your own hands." Ralis had enough talking. It's time to unveil the big surprise.

"Are any of you familiar with Alaundo's prophecy about Bhaal spawning mortal progeny? The prophecy is true, and Sarevok Anchev is one of his mortal offspring. Rieltar is only his foster father. Rieltar and the rest of the Iron Throne instigated this iron crisis in pursuit of making more money after they were banned from Cormyr. When the war against Amn happens, the Iron Throne will give their stolen stock of pure iron to the Flaming Fist to appear as heroes coming to save us in our darkest hour. They hired doppelgangers to infiltrate the Seven Suns and Merchant's League to drive them to financial ruin. I traveled around the Sword Coast with my companions, unraveling the conspiracy behind the iron crisis. When I returned to Candlekeep, Sarevok under the alias "Koveras" goaded me into murdering Thaldorn, Brunos, and Rieltar because they didn't really want war against Amn, only Sarevok himself does. As a child of Bhaal, he believes that murder on a mass scale will allow him to ascend as the new Lord of Murder. The nation of Amn, the Zhentarim and the Shadow Thieves are innocent in this matter! Sarevok hired two assassins to kill Scar and Entar to pin the blame on the Shadow Thieves! Eltan's healer was keeping him sick! Angelo Dosan is also in on this conspiracy with him! Sarevok is only trying to create animosity between Amn to achieve his selfish goals! And in order to do that, he plans on killing Belt and Liia right here, right now!" Ralis exclaimed.

"Please, please, Ralis. You have no evidence to support your claims. Without evidence, your word is moot," Sarevok said turning his back on Ralis and grinning, believing that Ralis' will get arrested eventually.

"I have your journal, Sarevok." Ralis said, holding the journal up in his hand.

Sarevok quietly gasped. How did he get that?! Ralis passed the journal to Belt for him to read.

"I'll take a look at this, but if you're wrong about Sarevok, the punishment will be severe," Belt warned Ralis.

"Believe me, you won't be sorry," Ralis said.

Sarevok quickly turned around. "Don't read those documents! They are fabrications! Lies!" He exclaimed to Belt.

"I'm not passing judgment until I'm done reading this journal," Belt told Sarevok firmly. Sarevok turned his back on Belt, slowly reaching for his sword.

"You don't need to read that document, but since I know you're too stupid to heed my advice, I'll just take your head," he said.


At that moment, 50 out of 90 of the noblemen and noblewomen in the crowd revealed themselves to be doppelgangers! And just in the nick of time, Husam, his surviving Shadow Thieves associates, including Minsc, Dynaheir, Khalid, Jaheira, Neera, Imoen, Dorn, Coran, Safana and Rasaad came in just in time to fight the doppelgangers! Even Ajantis joined the fight, and also 5 Flaming Fist mercenaries and 4 guards of the watch! While all this is happening, Sarevok quickly drew his sword, quickly spun around and attempted to strike Belt, but Ralis jumped in front of Belt just in time to deflect Sarevok's broadsword with Kondar and Albruin together! Angelo ran into the back room to warn another ally of Sarevok that things have gone haywire. It is pandemonium in the Duchal Palace! Ralis and Belt engaged Sarevok in a sword fight, Liia tried casting spells like Sleep, Confusion and Slow on Sarevok to slow him down, but none of them worked!

"You ruined everything you mongrel!" Sarevok snarled at Ralis.

"I can't just sit back and let things go your way," Ralis shot back.

Sarevok came at Ralis in a rage. Ralis deflected Sarevok's sword strikes with both Kondar and Albruin. Sarevok kept slashing at Ralis while at the same time trying to deflect Belt's sword strikes and staying out of Belt's way. It is Ralis that Sarevok wants dead right now.

The number of living doppelgangers were dropping quickly thanks to the unified work of Husam and his associates, Ralis' companions and some of the watch and Flaming Fist guards in the palace. The noblemen and noblewomen who aren't doppelgangers in disguise ran out the palace screaming and yelling. Sarevok flew into a rage trying to cut down Ralis but fortunately he couldn't bring his personal sword to the inauguration and had to make due with a broadsword, and the broadsword couldn't break through the defenses of Ralis bastard sword. Belt managed to nick Sarevok's right arm with his long sword.

"Aargh!" Sarevok grunted.

Then Ralis slashed at Sarevok's chest, with Albruin, damaging his plate mail armor, but was unable to fatally cut into his flesh.

"Arrgh!" Sarevok staggered back, clutching his chest and dropping the broadsword.

Just then Angelo and an old man with balding gray hair emerged from the back room. His name is Winski Perorate.

"Sarevok! We must retreat!" Winski called.

Sarevok growled in anger. "You and I aren't finished, Ralis. I'll kill you just as I killed Gorion. The only way you'll have any peace is if you kill me first, which won't happen," Sarevok taunted.

Ralis' rage boiled to equal Sarevok's.

"I'll pay you back for killing my foster father you heartless bastard. I swear it," Ralis hissed, pointing Kondar straight at Sarevok's face.

Winski helped Sarevok and Angelo escape by casting a Dimensional Door on all three of them and they disappeared through the magical doors.


After all the doppelgangers lie dead in the room and Sarevok, Angelo and Winski escaped, Belt and Ralis sheathed their swords.

"I think its in your best interest to find Sarevok and kill him before he kills you," Belt told Ralis.

"I agree. But there's one problem: Where did the bastard go?"

"Through the power of my god, I should be able to divine his location. Just wait a moment, and I'll tell you where he has gone." Belt promised Ralis.

He closed his eyes, silently communicating with his patron deity and 1 minute later, he had an answer.

"He has been teleported to the Thieves' Guild. I will dimension fold you and your companions to where he has gone. From there you can follow him. And kill him. I wish you luck," Belt said.

"Thank you," Ralis gave Belt a pat on the back.

And then, Belt teleported Ralis, Imoen, Neera, Khalid, Jaheira, Rasaad, Dorn, Coran, Safana and Ajantis to the Thieves' Guild to begin their pursuit of Sarevok.