Left Behind

by Late to the Party

AU Novelisation of Baldur's Gate. Part 1 of 3. Taken out of Candlekeep by Gorion, Imoen and [Charname] are parted, leaving [Charname] to fend for himself. As bitterness ensues, he taps into his latent power, and scours the Sword Coast for those willing to serve. If Beregost won't have him, perhaps the demi-humans will. A rare first-person piece, written back in September 2011.

14. Left Behind, part 14

I cannot sleep. There is too much in my mind. The mocking skull watches me; I feel its silent gaze. I cannot shroud the vision, cannot escape it. I feel something stir in my blood; a warning, perhaps. A danger? I suspect Sil is preparing for something; it will be birthing season soon. The mating from last year will produce fruit. Is that when she'll strike? She will want her young protected.

My four come to me, comfort me. Amidst the fog, slowing turning red, their presence soothes away my fears. How much do they know? How much do they care? I sense they feel my doubt; each comes in turn to wash it away, sometimes they come together, like the sea breaking gently over the shore. They believe in me. When did I become theirs?

How much time has passed? How long before the ship is readied, the assault takes place? I must send out scouts; the sirines will swim the coast. The seas are rough; calmer skies would be to our advantage. Once again, I am forced to conclude the night is our best time. We will scale the rocks around the sea; a frontal assault is suicide. Like the village, the fortress will not foresee us.

The xvarts prove capable beyond expectation; I have taken the best of their warriors. They prepare day and night, fearless, armed with the paralysing toxin, they may be unstoppable.

The slave-mage continues to scour the wrecks; he has recovered precious little of worth. Much, much more is down there. Only the sea knows what awaits to be discovered. I do not believe his efforts are squandered, despite the lack of results.

I anticipate three more days for repairs; we have salvaged some of the sail, but oars must power the ship. All haste must be made; if the shaman is right, another storm is heading this way. The winds herald maelstroms; I want the fort taken by then. The cove, though hidden, is exposed; the xvarts claim bandits are pushing further and further away from the roads. We are but a few days from my old home; we cannot repel a well-armed force.

When I possess the gnolls' might, everything will change.