Had some unexpected free time to finish this chapter so I figured I would post if before the long weekend. I hope everyone has an excellent Memorial Day weekend. And a big thank you to our veterans for their service. Semper Fi!
Chapter 21: Nalia Taken!
Jeral woke slowly, as his body fought to stay asleep for a moment longer. He was not surprised that he was tired; fighting an ancient beholder, communing with the remnants of a God from long ago, surviving a flame strike attack, all those things tended to take a lot out of a man. As he slowly rose to a sitting position he squinted from the glare of a full late morning sun shining brilliantly into the room. Once his eyes adjusted he looked down and was pleased to see that his legs looked completely recovered from the horrific burns he received from the cult leader's spell. Shockingly, he noticed that the hair on his legs was already far longer than he would have expected after only one night. He slowly stood up and gingerly made his way over to the wash basin. His mouth was dry and his tongue felt like sandpaper. Swishing water around in his mouth he splashed some on his face and then ran some water through his hair.
His hair! He looked in the badly scarred mirror affixed to the wall and was stunned to see that his hair was already growing back in. His eyebrows and eyelashes were already almost fully grown out. Instead of looking like a burn victim who was seconds from death Jeral looked almost like his old self; just his old self with a short hair cut in the fashion favored by the Baldur's Gate garrison. Shaking his head in wonder Jeral quickly dressed, selecting a long sleeve grey shirt and a pair of black breeches made of a soft wool. As Jeral slid on his socks and boots he realized that he would need to pay a return visit to Master Salumon and order some additional clothes. Jeral looked around but could not find his armor anywhere. Hoping that someone had taken it for repair Jeral then looked for his blades. Jeral's sword belt was ruined and looked as it if would disintegrate if he touched it. Sighing slightly Jeral tucked his enchanted dagger into his boot and slid a pair of throwing knives into pockets sewn into the legs of his pants. Jeral added his wand of lightening into another custom made pocket, picked up his coin purse and headed downstairs to the common room, feeling slightly defenseless without his chainmail and his swords.
As he entered the common room he was surprised to find it nearly deserted. On most days there were a few lingering about awaiting the start of the mid day meal. Other than a few serving girls straightening up tables the common room was deserted. Realizing he was incredibly thirsty Jeral strode over to the bar and settled onto a stool in the center of the bar. After a few short moments Bernard exited the kitchen and stopped in mid stride as he noticed Jeral sitting alone at the bar.
"Well, well, well, look who finally got out of bed. So nice you could grace us with your presence milord." Chuckling Bernard strode up to the bar and poured Jeral a tankard of ale. Sliding the mug across the bar Bernard leered at Jeral, "So did you finally bed Viconia?" Jeral coughed into his mug as he started at Bernard with a bemused look on his face. "What are you talking about Bernard? I was tired from my injuries and slept in. What is so unusual about that?"
Bernard stared at Jeral for long moments, "You don't know? Course you don't know. If you just woke up who was there to tell you?" Bernard finished muttering to himself and poured himself a mug of ale before addressing Jeral directly. "Lad you slept the day away yesterday, then all last night, then most of the day today, for it is almost time for the evening meal. I just figured it had to be the drow that tired you out so. Figured nothing else could do that to a man." He leaned forward to wink knowingly at Jeral, "Read me a book about the drow and their skill in the bedroom I did. Well," he paused to sip his beer and look embarrassed, "I looked at the pictures in the book really, don't know my letters all that well."
Smiling Jeral toasted Bernard' health and drained his mug. "Well my good man, I was just tired, apparently extremely tired. No more to the story than that; very sorry to disappoint you."
Bernard took a healthy swig of ale and then reached to refill Jeral's mug. "Not disappointed at all, I will not let the truth interfere with my imagination." He winked and headed back into the kitchen to check on the cooks, "I expect your friends will be back soon, they never miss dinner if they can help it."
Jeral sat in silence as he slowly drank his ale and waited for his companions to return. As Jeral sat he watched as the common room started to slowly fill with patrons and serving staff. Hendak had even added a small stage in the corner of the common room for entertainment. The serving girls were excitedly chatting about the touring minstrel who was supposed to perform in the Coronet that very evening. Before Jeral could hear any more gossip a meaty hand slapped his back enthusiastically, causing Jeral to spit ale all over the bar.
"Minsc and Boo are happy to see sleepy Jeral out of bed," the large ranger boomed excitedly as heavily planted himself on the stool next to Jeral. Viconia quietly slid onto the stool on the other side of Jeral. Unbidden, Bernard quickly poured a glass of dark red wine into a crystal goblet and formally presented it to Viconia. She took a small sip, paused, and then nodded slightly to Bernard. Beaming like a proud parent he quickly poured a large mug of dark ale for Minsc and then disappeared into the kitchen. When he returned he slid a large cutting board full of sausages, cheeses and bread fresh from the over in front of them. "This should tide you lot over til dinner," he said before disappearing into the kitchen once more.
Jeral did not realize how hungry he was until he saw the food in front of him. Mouth watering he cut off a chunk of a dark yellow cheese and placed it on a heel of the thick black bread. Jeral savored every bite and within moments he had finished his first helping and was reaching for a second.
"I see that you woke with an appetite Jeral." Viconia noted dryly. Jeral only nodded as he reached for a second serving of bread and cheese. "What did I miss?" He asked quickly before stuffing food into his face again.
"Quite a bit, it was a very productive couple of days. The night we departed the sewers Anomen visited the Temple of Helm to make his report while the rest of us head back here. The Helmites were delighted by our service and very generous. The rewarded us with 7,000 gold and an enchanted mace. The following day we visited restocked supplies and identified the few items we recovered. We sold the lovely heavy crossbow, a pair of lightly enchanted protective bracers and the mace from the Helmite Temple. Nalia kept the necklace, for it offers limited protection from magic. I kept the girdle that Gaal was wearing. It adds to ones survivability in battle so I was the obvious choice to wear it since I am drow and therefore the most valuable." She looked at Jeral coolly, almost daring him to disagree. Smiling slightly Jeral merely nodded and shoved another piece of cheese in his mouth.
Viconia delicately picked up a small piece of cheese off the cutting board and popped it into her mouth. "That is quite good. The food here has improved greatly of late."
Jeral nodded in agreement as he sliced off a piece of sausage. "Apparently a couple of the freed slaves from the planar prison stayed to work here. They were cooks of some renown for some royal household across the sea. But enough of that, what else has everyone been up to?"
Viconia took her time before replying. She slowly chewed and swallowed another bit of cheese and then washed it down with a sip of wine. "While at Ribald's Nalia purchased a new mage robe and we bought an impressive stock of healing potions. I also picked up some more of those lovely exploding potions, that gnome really does excellent work. Yoshimo said he had to check in with the guild so we have not seen him very much. Hendak took the liberty of sending your armor off to get the ties replaced. As you know the armor was undamaged but the ties were destroyed. He believes they can be replaced with fireproof ones to better keep your armor functional in the future. It should be back in a day or so. Hendak was also working to replace your scabbards and sword belt, they should be ready by now. "
"That was very kind of him."
"He owes you his life; it is the very least he can do for you." Viconia shook her head, "Although he did mention that he expects to duel with you again before too long."
"Persistent fellow isn't he?" Jeral chuckled into his ale. Jeral noticed a familiar face in the mirror behind the bar. Turning around he started to smile as Yoshimo strode into the tavern. The smile quickly died on his face for Yoshimo's face was creased with worry. Minsc and Viconia also turned to watch as the bounty hunter approached. His normal easy going manner was gone and Yoshimo's hand fidgeted on the pommel of his katana as he closed with the group.
"Jeral, I bear ill tidings. Squire Anomen is in chains and the Lady Nalia is taken."
Viconia jumped off her bar stool and placed herself directly in front of Yoshimo. "Speak plainly Yoshimo. What happened to Nalia? Who took her?"
Yoshimo nervously looked from one to another. "I can only tell you what I was told. I was at the guild shopping for items of use when word reached me, well word reached Soreal and I managed to overhear. Nalia and Anomen were on their way to visit Nalia's aunt and tell her of their intent to wed. At some point they were waylaid by Isaea Roenall and his household guardsmen. He took Nalia into protective custody at his estate and his men dragged Anomen to the city prison. The moment I heard that I raced her with all speed."
Red-faced Jeral fought to keep calm, but despite his best efforts anger crept into his voice, "How can he do that to a member of the nobility and a Squire of the Order?"
Yoshimo shrugged his shoulders helplessly, "This is the city of coin Jeral. Nalia is a woman without male family members. She is publically betrothed to Isaea so he can do what he wishes with her. She is virtually his property to do so as he wishes. As for Anomen, Isaea is an officer in the city garrison so he does have the authority to arrest anyone he desires. I am sure he made up a charge and the men would follow his order."
Viconia snarled and slammed a fist on the bar, "This will not stand, no male shall touch Nalia."
Minsc stood up and slammed his fist down on the bar, knocking over their tankards and Viconia's wine glass. "Viconia is right; we will crash down the door of the Roenall estate and free little Nalia."
A voice from behind Yoshimo spoke quietly but firmly, "You lay one hand on Isaea or his family estate and you will be hunted down like dogs before the sun goes down." The quartet turned to face the new arrival. Kretor stood facing the quartet looking grim. He was dressed in his dark brown studded leather armor and had a short sword strapped to his left leg. A trio of throwing knives hung from the right side of his armor. His mangled right hand was covered by a black leather glove and a small shield was strapped to his right forearm.
"What do you know of this Kretor?" Jeral inquired brusquely.
"As you know the guild has ears everywhere. So when a Squire from the Order is dragged into the prison beaten and bloody people notice. Those people talk to other people who talk to my mother, who sent me here. I know a bit more than Yoshimo does."
"Yes, yes, we are all impressed. Out with it please."
"Isaea and a dozen of his personal guards waylaid the couple in the street. The Roenall Estate has a couple score guardsmen; Isaea has his own dozen who report only to him. They easily disarmed the pair since neither was expecting trouble; Anomen was not even wearing armor or carrying any weapons. The guards beat Anomen with clubs until he was a bloody heap on the street. I think Isaea only spared his life to avoid any complications from the Helmites or the Order. After they finished beating on him Isaea had him dragged off to jail and handed over to the jailers."
"On what charge?" Jeral asked angrily.
"Squire Anomen is accused of kidnapping the Lady Nalia and holding her against her will."
"That is a lie!" Minsc roared. Kretor backpedaled quickly and placed a hand on the pommel of his sword as he eyed the enraged man warily. Viconia placed a hand on the large ranger's back and patted gently. Minsc sat down heavily and cracked his knuckles loudly as he struggled to control his temper.
Quietly Jeral looked from Yoshimo to Kretor, who slowly walked back to stand next to Jeral. "I am a stranger to this city and its ways. While I will obey the law where I can this will not stand. I am getting Anomen out of prison today and will then get Nalia away from the Roenall estate as quickly as possible. This will not stand."
"Getting Nalia out will be difficult, if not impossible Jeral," Kretor added thoughtfully.
Jeral slid his hand down to rest on the pommel of his long sword, with a start he realized it was not there as he left it up in his room. Shaking his head angrily Jeral eyed the shorter man. "Let us do this one step at a time shall we. What do we need to do to get Anomen out of prison Kretor? I would prefer to do it legally but I am not opposed to other options for he gets out today."
Kretor smiled and took a seat at the bar next to Viconia. He removed the shield from his arm and set it on the bar. Snapping his fingers he asked Bernard for a tankard of the house golden ale. He took a deep drink of the offered ale, belched happily and then turned to look at the others.
"I suspected you would want to get Anomen out of prison. Someone with influence is meeting with the magistrate on our behalf right now. They will come here as soon as they can."
"So what would you have us do Kretor?" Jeral asked impatiently.
"I think we should get a table and have dinner. I hear the food here is excellent of late." Seeing the frustration on Jeral's face Kretor hastily added, "You have to trust me my friend; the wheels are already in motion."
Reluctantly the five moved to a table in the far corner of the common room and ordered dinner. Within minutes the table was crowded with platters of food and the group ate in contemplative silence. They all drank sparingly, preferring chilled goats milk to stronger spirits, for they wanted their heads clear for whatever the evening held in store for them.
Suddenly, a hush fell over the common room and after a few long moments the silence was broken by a drunken wolf whistle. Jeral turned his head and watched as a strikingly attractive silver haired woman confidently strode into the bar. She was wearing an incredibly revealing outfit, the kind of outfit that would make a streetwalker blush. A number of purple scarves encircled her torso, leaving her midriff bare. Many of the scarves were translucent, only a few strategically places scarves were opaque so little was left to the imagination. Long dark purple gloves reached to her upper arm and her legs were clad in a pair of thigh high black leather boots with an extremely high heel. Her hair was stacked high atop her head and held in place by a half dozen jeweled knitting needles. Her face was exquisitely made up, with ruby red lips and black shade applied to make her eyes appear even larger than they were. The woman was a vision.
The woman strode directly over to the table and seated herself in the empty chair next to Kretor. Smoothing the silks over her crossed legs, she regally snapped her fingers and ordered a glass of ice wine from the passing serving girl. As she waited for her drink to arrive she allowed her gaze to drift over the others at the table. Finally her eyes settled on Kretor and she raised an eyebrow at him as she smiled. Shaking his head and blushing uncontrollably Kretor could only mutter, "Good evening mother."
"Soreal?" Jeral sputtered out a mouthful of goat's milk as he eyed the woman before him. "You look… different."
"Different?" She replied evenly, "Is that really the best you can do? I thought your kind were smooth talkers."
Smiling Jeral lowered his head in a mock bow, "My apologies Lady Soreal. What I meant to say was that you are ever a vision of loveliness and my head spins with lust in your presence."
Smiling broadly she clapped happily, "Much better Jeral, well done," she said delightedly. The serving girl arrived and presented Soreal with her glass of ice wine. She drained the glass in one gulp. "I will need another," she commanded, "and I will also require a room for the evening. Please get me a key immediately."
"I am afraid we have no rooms available this evening my lady," the serving girl stammered. Soreal turned and eyed the young girl coolly before breaking into a broad smile. "Tell Bernard that the 'shopkeeper' is here and requires use of the red room for the evening." Looking confused the girl headed off through the crowd to find Bernard. "And don't forget my ice wine dearie," Soreal shouted after her.
"Mother, what are you doing here? And why are you dressed like that." Soreal turned to Kretor and patted his face lovingly. "I am repaying a debt and securing Anomen's release." Despite their best efforts she said no more. The serving girl returned shortly with an entire bottle of ice wine and 2 crystal goblets on a small tray. Additionally there was a large key with a scarlet tassel tied to the end of it on the tray. "Well done lass, please have Bernard hold onto this for me." Soreal handed her a small pack, tossed her a gold piece, and poured herself a second glass of ice wine.
"Good evening Soreal, you look lovely." The group looked up to see an older man standing at the side of the table. He was clad in the dark grey robes with scarlet stripes that signified service in the magistrate's office. The man was short and a bit plump and it was hard to tell where his chin ended and his neck began. His thin black hair was parted in the middle and wetly combed to the sides. He eyed the group nervously but made no move to introduce himself.
Soreal gulped down her glass of wine and plastered a huge smile on her face as she rose to her feet. Turning around she hugged her visitor warmly and gushed, "What a surprise Ewenn. What brings the Magistrate's senior secretary to the Coronet this evening?" His face paled and he looked absolutely lost as he looked around the tavern wildly. Patting his arm reassuringly Soreal continued in a breathy voice, "Relax dearie. No one knows you are here. No one cares. Do you have something for me?"
Nodding mutely Ewenn reached into the sleeve of his robe and pulled out a parchment sealed with the wax seal of the magistrate. Soreal leaned in and gently whispered in his ear. Ewenn nodded again and handed the parchment to Jeral with a trembling hand. "Tell him," she whispered as she nibbled on his ear. In a strained voice Ewenn croaked, "This document drops all charges against Squire Anomen and orders his immediate release; on the personal authority of the magistrate."
Soreal took Ewenn by the hand and led him towards the back of the Coronet. He quickly picked up the tray and room key in his free hand as he passed by the table. The group watched in stunned silence as they pair disappeared from view. Looking decidedly uncomfortable Kretor looked at Jeral pleadingly, "Can we get out of here and get Anomen please?"
"Before we do I suggest everyone put on their armor and equipment." Yoshimo offered, "the city is dangerous at night." Everyone but Kretor rose from the table and headed to their respective room to equipment themselves. In short order the quartet returned to the table. Minsc was clad in his set of full plate, his hand axes were strapped to his legs while Licaror was swung over his back. Viconia was outfitted in her mail of the dead and her small shield was firmly affixed to her forearm. She held her war hammer at the ready as she pulled on a traveling cloak overtop her armor and open faced helm. Yoshimo stood ready, his enchanted studded leather armor hastily repaired once again, the thick black stitching visible as it stretched across the torso up to the shoulder of the leather garment. There was not time to get out the blood stains so the upper torso of the armor was stained a rusty crimson from his injuries under the city.
"That armor has seen better days Yoshimo," Kretor remarked gravely. Smiling broadly Yoshimo spun around and bowed deeply. "Fortunately for all, I place a higher value on the function of my equipment over the appearance. Besides," he said smirking at Kretor, "when one is as darkly handsome as I am they can make anything look good. I can dance on the head of a pin you know."
"Not a terribly useful skill that," Jeral remarked as he strode up to the table, tails of his black jacket trailing behind him. He was adjusting his blades in the new sword belt and scabbard that Hendak has just provided him. Everything fit properly but the leather was stiff and not yet broken in. "Missing something Jeral?" Viconia inquired sweetly. Shaking his head Jeral eyed the drow and shrugged his shoulders, "My armor is getting repaired. I am sure I can manage without it." "I doubt it Jeral," Viconia smirked, "but you will do what you will do. Remember that without Nalia we lack a magic license so use spells sparingly if at all." Jeral had not realized that any use of his limited spell inventory could draw the ire of the Cowled Wizards Putting on a brave face he smiled a confident smile at the drow, "I am sure it will be fine Viconia."
"If everyone is ready to go," Kretor said quickly, "please follow me to the prison." Kretor and the group quickly departed the inn and headed through the streets for the Government District. In the deepening twilight the group watched as people raced home, desperate to be safe indoors before nightfall. The guild war continued and more and more innocents were caught up in the nighttime battles. Looking to learn more about the nighttime dangers Jeral inquired of Kretor as they walked, "What is the latest on the guild war?" Kretor looked around nervously before he replied, "Very few know the truth but things are not going well for us. We are not sure who we are facing, but they are weakening us night after night. Thieves go missing, houses under our protection are attacked; I fear what will come if we do not put a stop to the attacks. But enough of the guild problems, the prison is near, let us go and get your Squire Anomen."
The prison was a dark ominous looking structure on the other side of the great courtyard from the Council of Six headquarters. Three large posts stood evenly spaced in front of the prison. Viconia involuntarily shuddered and cursed her own weakness as she remembered her own time spent tied to one of those very stakes. Were it not for Jeral's timely intervention those accursed Bereshebians would have burned her alive. Viconia did not fear death, but she could not imagine dying at the hands of lesser creatures. If she had to die she wanted to die a death worthy of a female of her kind. A single lantern hung off the front of the building and illuminated the large pair of iron bound oaken doors that served as the entrance to the prison.
Kretor walked up to the door and looked for a pull rope or bell. Finding none he knocked on the heavy door once and then again. The party waited in nervous silence for a few moments. Nothing stirred within the prison; the building looked dark and lifeless. Jeral paced impatiently for a few moments before he rounded on Kretor, "Shouldn't someone be posted out front?"
"Normally a pair of guards stand post out front all night Jeral," Kretor replied. "But these are not normal times. Even armed men are at risk from this rival guild so I suspect they have pulled their guards inside for their own safety." "Right," Jeral said, "well we will just have to announce our presence with a bit more enthusiasm. Minsc, will you let them know we are here?" Smiling Minsc strode up to the door and looked it over once. He then squared his body and punched the middle of the doors as hard as he could." His mailed fist loudly struck the seam between the two doors and the doors groaned from the impact. "Once more please," Jeral asked quietly. Minsc slammed his fist into the door again and suddenly light was visible under the door. Minsc quickly stepped back to stand behind the others and Kretor placed himself in front of the group.
The right hand door was flung open by a harried looking guard who stepped outside holding a drawn short sword. "Visiting hours are long past," he snarled. "Bugger off until tomorrow." Kretor stepped forward, held out the parchment, and politely addressed the irate guard. "Good evening my good man, we have a writ from the magistrate ordering the immediate release of a prisoner under your charge." The guard ignored the document in Kretor's hand and shook his head doggedly, "All releases must be approved by an officer and they all left before dark. You will just have to wait until tomorrow." A look of certainty crossed over his face, "Yup, tomorrow is when you have to come back. Besides, got no one here tonight who even knows their letters. That document could be a fake."
Exasperated Jeral stepped around the guard and entered the prison. He was quickly followed by Viconia, Yoshimo and Minsc. The guard whirled around and then looked back at Kretor, "They cannae enter the prison without my permission. Those are the rules." Kretor patted the guard on the shoulder reassuringly, "My good man, following rules is not their strong suit." Kretor guided the guard inside and closed the door. Looking to regain some control the guard stiffly walked over to the far wall and sat down behind a battered wooden desk. Sitting on the center of the desk was an equally battered large green leather bound ledger next to a quill and an ink pot. Viconia strolled over to the desk and regally perched herself of the edge of the desk. Daring the guard to challenge her she slid the book next to her and flipped it open. Quickly flipping to the most recent page she ran a finger down the lined entries.
"They only had one person enter the prison today. It says the man in a kidnapper and was brought in needing medical attention."
"Ahhh," the guard's eyes widened, "you lot must be looking for the lad in cell 17. He is in pretty bad shape, Roenall's men did quite the number on him. We wanted to call for a healer but the lieutenant said no. I think he has it out for the lad." Viconia hopped off the desk and pulled a large ring of keys off the wall. "Hey you cannae touch those keys!" The guard rose from his chair and moved to face Viconia. She threw her hood back and removed her helmet. The guard paused mid stride and sucked in a breath through clenched teeth. "You. They were going to burn you."
"That is right male," Viconia spat. "Your kind were ready to kill me for no good reason."
"You are a drow, that is reason enough." Snarling Viconia drew a small knife from her belt and sprang forward. She held the point of the knife to the guard's throat and brought her face in close to the terrified guard's face. "Where is cell 17? You will tell me immediately or you will die male."
"Through the doors there," he croaked, "then down the hall to the seventh cell on the right." Viconia released her grip and the guard collapsed to the floor in a trembling heap. "Minsc, Yoshimo, with me." Viconia sorted through the keys until she found the correct one and opened the door to the cells. Once open she stormed off down the hall with the other two in tow.
Jeral leaned down and helped the startled guard to his feet. "Sorry for the trouble but our friend is badly injured and she is an excellent healer."
"That one, that drow, is a healer?" The guard asked incredulously. "Indeed she is," Jeral replied. After a few moments Viconia reentered the room with a scowl across her face. Minsc carried a bloody and battered Anomen cradled in his arms. "Clear that desk," she barked as she strode over to the desk. Kretor and Jeral quickly cleared the desk and Viconia ordered Minsc to lay the Helmite on the desk. Anomen was barely recognizable, his handsome face was terribly swollen and was a deep purple. It looked like his left eye socket was shattered and his jaw was sticking out at an unnatural angle. Blood frothed from his lips as his chest slowly rose and fell. Anomen's breath came in shallow wheezing gasps as his body struggled to breathe. Jeral looked down at Anomen's hands and saw that his right hand was terribly mangled and that every finger was broken. "Someone took the time to break those bones," Jeral muttered.
"It is good we arrived when we did for he would have not survived until morning." Viconia placed her hands on Anomen's chest and muttered a few minor incantations. Anomen's breathing sounded stronger and the terrible wheezing disappeared. "He is out of danger," Viconia stated as she stood up and wiped her bloody hands on her pants, "I need to straighten his jaw and fingers before I heal them or he will be crippled. I also need to check his ribs to ensure they are intact. There is much to do before I can fully heal him. We need to take him to the Coronet right now." She nodded her head and Minsc gently picked up Anomen in his arms.
"Now wait a minute," the guard exclaimed as he rose to his feet. "I am glad this boy is not going to die, I am, but I cannot let him leave. We note every discharge in the book here and only an officer can make the entry."
Viconia scowled at the jailer and hefted her war hammer. "How many guards man the prison this evening? I will kill every last one of them if I have to." The guard realized that the half score guards on duty overnight were no match for the people standing in front of him. Desperate he tried a new approach. "Look, if you take him without permission I will lose my job, I may even end up in jail myself." Smiling Jeral picked up a quill off the floor and then picked up the ledger.
He found the ink pot and dipped the quill in it. He then placed the book on the desk and quickly wrote in, Squire Anomen released to Jeral of Candlekeep after dark by order of the magistrate. All charges dropped. Jeral blew on the ink to help it dry and then he smiled at the guard. "There you go; an entry is in the ledger so it is nice and official." Jeral slowly counted out 50 gold pieces and stacked them on the desk. "For any inconvenience." The guard's eyes widened as he started at the equivalent of almost a year's salary. "No trouble at all I suppose," he stammered as he scooped up the coins, "have a nice evening."
With Viconia leading the way the group hurried back to the Copper Coronet while Kretor departed for the guild. They wended their way through darkened and deserted streets and managed to get back to the Coronet without issue. Once back at the Coronet Viconia had Minsc carry Anomen up to her room and lay him on the bed. "Get me Hendak and then leave us be. He has experience with injuries such as these." Viconia commanded. Before Jeral left the room he removed the ring from his right hand and placed it on Anomen's left ring finger. Viconia looked questioningly at Jeral but he shook his head, "Trust me, it will help." She nodded once and returned her attention to Anomen's injuries.
Jeral headed downstairs and headed for the bar to get a drink. Before he got there he noticed that Minsc, Kretor and Yoshimo had settled in at a table in the corner. As Jeral turned to head for their table he noticed that Soreal was sitting with them. She looked nothing like she had earlier in the evening. Her scandalous attire was gone and she was back in her grey leathers. Her throwing knives were tucked into bandoliers on each thigh and her short stiletto blade hung from her scarlet sword belt. Her hair was damp and tied up in a severe bun on the top of her head. A large mug of coffee sat in front of her.
"How is your friend?" She asked without looking up. "He will live," Jeral said, "but it was a very near thing, for he would not have survived the night without aid. You saved his life."
"Well I would hate to think I did all of that for nothing. I am glad it made a difference, she quipped. "We are in your debt," Jeral stated quietly.
Soreal took a swig of her coffee and nodded, "Before you thank me, and you should thank me, know that while this was my plan it had the approval of the guild master. He does view you and your friends as allies in this guild war and he wants you to reunite with your sister. By the way, where is my son?"
"After he helped us free Anomen he headed back to the guild." Shaking her head Soreal exhaled slowly, "He knows better than going out alone after dark. That boy lacks common sense at times." The group sat silently for a long moment before Jeral spoke up again.
"Exactly how did you manage to get that document for us tonight?" Jeral asked politely. Soreal turned her head and looked at him unbelievingly, "Are you really that dense? I did what you think I did. The magistrate's clerk has always been sweet on me so I traded an evening of my company for Anomen's release papers." Chuckling to herself she continued, "Although it was more like mere moments than a whole evening. Poor fellow was very excited and in a minute it was over. Poor fool felt guilty and raced home to his wife. Believe me when I say that I have done a lot worse for a lot less, this was nothing."
"Well you do have my thanks Mistress Soreal." Jeral raised his coffee and toasted hers in a salute.
"So when do we get to rescue little Nalia?" Minsc asked. Jeral rubbed his hand through the short hair on his scalp as he formulated a reply.
"That I do not know Minsc. Isaea is the authority in the city; I fear that we will make ourselves outlaws if we challenge him directly." Turning to look at Soreal Jeral continued, "Any chance you can get a second letter from your friend?"
"No chance Jeral," Soreal said with some sadness in her voice. "Ultimately the law was on our side in freeing Anomen. The law is not on our side when it comes to Nalia."
"We are heroes for goodness, we must free Nalia," Minsc said as his hand banged on the table.
"We will find a way Minsc, do not worry."
"To free Nalia you must discredit Isaea. That is the key," Soreal said.
"That makes sense," Jeral said, "but how do we do that?"
Smiling Soreal took a final drink of coffee and rose to her feet. "I am not sure how, but I know where we should start." The other three stood and looked at her expectantly. Pointing at Minsc she frowned slightly, "Jeral he needs to stay here. Where we are going he will attract too much attention."
Jeral looked at Soreal questioningly, "Where are we going Soreal?"
"The Sea's Bounty," Soreal replied, "it is a tavern in the Docks District and it is a favorite hangout of the Roenall guards. I thought you might like to pay them a visit. I have it on good authority that they were well paid for their attack on Anomen so they are celebrating tonight."
"Well in that case Minsc is absolutely coming with us."
"Jeral he cannot," Soreal snapped. "We need to move carefully. We need to drink with these men and see what we can learn."
"The lady has a point," Yoshimo chimed in. "The Sea's Bounty is a dangerous place and is frequented by smugglers, slavers, pirates, all sorts of unsavory people. The minute we enter that place with Minsc they will know we do not belong there. And people who do not belong there find themselves dead very quickly."
"Sounds perfect. Do not despair Minsc. You are coming with us."
Smiling from ear to ear Minsc leapt to his feet and clapped Jeral on the back excitedly. The blow doubled Jeral over and he stood up slowly as the pain radiated through his body.
Soreal placed her hands on her hips are glared angrily at Jeral, "We need to move carefully, quietly. With a light step and a deft touch we may find someone willing to provide us information. We cannot afford to start a fight with an entire bar of degenerates."
"With respect Soreal, that is where you are wrong," Jeral smiled as he spoke. "We are going to go into that bar like we own the place and we are going to openly question the Roenall family guards."
"They are loyal to their employer, they will not tell you anything, particularly if you ask so openly," Soreal said as she stomped a foot in frustration.
"I hope they do not tell us anything Soreal."
"If you do not want them to tell us anything than why are we doing this?"
Smiling grimly Jeral looked from Minsc to Yoshimo and then back to Soreal, "We are doing this for revenge. Those men nearly killed Anomen, so I aim to make them pay for that."
"Minsc is ready to make them pay," he boomed.
"Soreal, I know you do not agree with this approach, and if you wish we will escort you back to the guild or to your home before we go," Jeral said quietly. "But if you go with us know that I intend to pick a fight."
Soreal dropped her head to the floor for a long moment and then blew out a deep breath. Smiling she raised her head and locked eyes with Jeral. She rolled her neck from side to side and then loudly cracked her knuckles. "I think it is a terrible plan but I am with you." She turned and quickly strode to the door while calling back over her shoulder, "Follow me boys. Hopefully we will live to enjoy breakfast."
Next chapter is pretty much just a bar brawl so stay tuned