An inward sigh sent a tremor through Aerie's body; there were times it felt like the gods were raising her up, providing for the loss of her wings... just before she was sent tumbling back down to earth. She glanced over at Greywulf as the two of them headed over to where Minsc had called them, possibly the location of the halfling thief they had been searching for. It was what they had come up there for... but right when Greywulf had maybe, possibly been expressing... something, to her, her new protector's voice had sounded through. She sighed inwardly again; it really hadn't been all that much he had said if she was being honest, just a simple comment on her eyes... but still, would it have been so terrible for Minsc to have found Montaron a half-minute later? Was she selfish for asking that?
No more time for introspection as the whole group reached the ranger, finding him looking up in the arboretum, his eyes following a brightly colored bird that flitted amongst the trees and foliage. It finally settled on a particularly large branch near the top, just out of Minsc's reach as it stared down at the five intruders below it.
"A pretty bird, but I see no trace of Montaron." Yoshimo noted, glancing about the arboretum.
"Minsc does not think the pretty bird is really a pretty bird at all." he mused, rubbing his chin as he stared at the chirping avian. "It eyes Boo with a most unfriendly glare... it reminds him of the way the evil halfling eyed us in Nashkel."
Greywulf, still trying to fight through the nasty headache afflicting him, winced as he glared at the bird. "You think it's Montaron polymorphed into a bird?"
"It would certainly fit the Harpers' sense of justice." Jaheira noted, striding over to Greywulf with a frown, noting the obvious discomfort on his face. "Here... I have a few more healing spells left; you look as though you could use them."
Greywulf leaned against the wall behind him with gratitude as Jaheira began her chants, looking over at Aerie as the discomfort lessened slightly. "Aerie... a detection spell should be enough to decide if the bird is more than it appears. If you would..."
Aerie nodded her assent to Greywulf, then began her magics. The edges of her mouth tugged upward when it completed, nodding in satisfaction. "You were right, Minsc... it's no ordinary bird. I wonder if it can understand us..."
As if in response, the bird made a half-swoop at Aerie, chirping with an almost belligerent tone. Aerie yelped as she ducked to avoid the bird, Yoshimo's hands darting out quickly to grab the bird. "That was not nice." he tsked.
"No, but now I'm convinced it's Montaron." Greywulf snorted. "Look, if you can understand us, Xzar sent us to find you. We'll take you to him... but a little more cooperation would be appreciated. Translation: get in Minsc's pack and keep your beak shut while we leave."
The bird glared at Greywulf, but it did not take flight once again as Yoshimo released his grip, instead hopping over into the open pack Minsc held out, the very tip of it's beak protruding as Minsc covered the bird up again. Glancing at the others with a deep breath, Greywulf motioned toward the stairs. As the door opened and the five of them emerged downstairs once more, it was like a deathly silence had fallen over the room; almost everyone was staring at them, Greywulf quietly whispering for them to keep moving. Sure enough, nobody accosted them as they strode through the hall... though Berinvar met Jaheira's eye just before the door closed on them.
"I assume you found what you were looking for?" Rylock's voice brought them back to the outside world as they exited, the Harper guard eyeing them with one raised eyebrow.
"Yes... in a manner of speaking." Greywulf answered with a nod.
"Good. Then I trust you will have no further business with the Harpers for now. The wards have been raised again and you will be denied entrance; yes, even you Jaheira, unless you are summoned."
"Understood." Jaheira said, her voice tinged with irritation and a look of suspicion in her eyes as they left him behind, quickly closing in on the location they had originally met Xzar, easily out of sight of the Harper Hold.
"Something is wrong." Jaheira murmured as they walked. "That was too easy... even if they were 'willing' to release Montaron."
"Easy? You call that easy?" Greywulf answered, half-incredulously.
"You are not familiar with Harpers, Greywulf." she retorted. "The defenses should have been much stiffer. The ease of the task they required for you to gain entrance... and despite how much I want to believe Berinvar has nothing but sympathy for our plight, the Harpers would not release a Zhentarim prisoner so lightly."
"You think they wanted us to release Montaron?" Yoshimo frowned. "What could they possibly stand to gain?"
"We'll find out." Greywulf stiffened, his voice abruptly lowering as Xzar materialized before them, the dimension door he had conjured fading quickly. The bird flapped its wings noisily and flew from Minsc's pack into the Zhentarim's arms, still glaring and squawking angrily at the five adventurers.
"Hmm... I see you have delivered as promised." Xzar said, inspecting the bird in his hands. "I assume this is my Monty? Yes, it must be! Finally, some good news to brighten the day! Some fools broke into my lab and killed all my little pets and my two apprentices! How excruciatingly annoying!"
"Is that so?" Yoshimo coughed, his eyes furtively glancing back at the others.
"Yes indeed! You just can't trust people these days." he sighed, setting the bird down. "Before I give you the money or any information about Irenicus, I will make sure this is actually Montaron. He must have some interesting things to say."
Xzar's incantations sounded, magic swirling at his fingertips and lighting up the bird standing before him; the bird slowly changed shape, twisting and forming... an explosion of light went off to reveal a ruffled and angry looking halfling, still as gruff and unpleasant looking as the last time they had seen him. Sure enough, the thief Montaron was climbing to his feet before them, scowling in anger at all around him.
"Blasted sods with yer dirt-smellin packs, carryin' me around like some sort piece of yer luggage!" he spat, his hand immediately going to the short sword hanging on his belt. "I ought to gut you where you stand!"
"It's nice to see you too." Greywulf remarked dryly at the sputtering thief. "How we've missed traveling with you two."
"Oh, Monty!" Xzar cried, dropping to his knees with a grin as he embraced the thief, Montaron yelping in anger and surprise.
"Let go of me, you nutty wizard!" he shouted, pushing Xzar onto his back, the mage cackling madly as he did.
"As wonderful as this has been, we need to get going." Greywulf mentioned. "So if you'll give us what you promised..."
"Aww... can't you stay for dinner?" Xzar pouted, climbing to his feet. "Still, I suppose if you must. Here's your gold. Now for that information you so wonderfully earned-"
"Earned? Here's what you've earned, ye mad wizard!!"
Montaron's shout caught everyone by surprise as he drew his blade and leapt forward, plunging it into Xzar's back. The insane wizard gave out a cry of pain, shock and betrayal registering across his face as the life ebbed out of him, Montaron yanking out his sword with a grimace. "Good riddance, I says."
The sound of other weapons being unsheathed sounded as Minsc and Yoshimo both drew their respective blades and pointed them at the halfling standing over Xzar's body. "That's enough, halfling. What have you just done?!" Jaheira growled.
"I thought it was pretty obvious." he grunted, stuffing his sword back into his sheath, though the looks directed at him along with the weapons drew another snarl. "It's not like he didn' have it coming! What do ye care about him; killed the both of us last time we met, didn't you?"
"You're right about that; it'll be a second time if you don't tell us what's really going on!" Greywulf threatened. "Xzar had some information he was going to deliver until you so conveniently silenced him. Either tell us what he knew or why you killed him. I'll only ask this once."
"Am I supposed to be scared?" he sneered. "Cry me a river, ya pansy."
Without another word, Montaron darted out of the range of their blades, surprisingly quick and agile. Before Yoshimo or Aerie could even think of getting their ranged weapons out to intercept his flight, the halfling had slipped into the back-alleys and dregs of the Docks, out of sight in moments.
"Hold up, Minsc." Greywulf raised one hand as the ranger began to dart forward in pursuit. "Leave him be. We'll not find him around here; he's far too stealthy for that. Odds are he doesn't know anything about Irenicus either... whatever Xzar knew probably died with him."
"But why would he have killed his friend?" Aerie asked with a shudder of revulsion, looking down at the corpse as blood slowly pooled around it.
"They weren't exactly 'friends,' to be honest." the sorcerer shrugged, "More like forcibly paired partners. Montaron never showed any love for Xzar... but I can't think of any reason he would have defied his Zhentarim bosses by killing Xzar. I suppose the less dealings we have with their kind the better. At least we still have the gold Xzar promised us. Grab it and let's get moving."
"I think that would be for the best." Jaheira remarked, her eyes scanning in the direction of the Harper Hold. "I suspect my own Harpers have more to do with this killing than any of us might guess. We have been played by them in some manner... though just how will remain between them and Montaron."
X X X X X X X
The alleyway was dark, dank and smelled of both unwashed fabric and rotten fish, but it was still the most out of the way spot in the whole Docks district. It was open on both ends; almost simultaneously, the light on both ends of the alley was cut off as the two figures on either side approached to meet in the middle. The shorter of the two snarled at the sight of his opposite when they were close enough, his disdain and outright hatred for the man before him not withheld or hidden at all.
"Why Montaron... you sound somewhat displeased. Didn't you enjoy killing the wizard? I never held you as the sentimental sort."
"I'd much rather've enjoyed killing you, self-righteous Harper pig." he glared, his sword hand twitching as it handled the hilt of his blade.
"And that's exactly why we made you swear a Geas." Berinvar's tone turned cold as he unhooded himself before Montaron. "So you would make very certain that your sword found the right target. Very cooperative of you to agree."
"S'not like you gave me much of a choice." he spat. "Either that or learn to eat birdseed the rest of me life. Now are we done or what?!"
"Patience, Montaron." Berinvar shook one finger condescendingly. "You know as well as I that your Geas was lifted once you slayed Xzar. I'm actually somewhat impressed you even bothered to come as I requested."
" 'Requested'? Don't make me laugh." he said bitterly. "Like you wouldn't have killed me within minutes if I didn't follow your orders. Say whatever you like about your morals or ideals, but you Harpers are just like us. You just can't admit it."
Berinvar chuckled at Montaron's accusation; his hand dipped into the folds of his robes. Montaron's eyes narrowed as he watched, his hand quickly clutching his sword hilt... a bag clinking with the sound of gold coins came out in the Harper's grip. He extended the sack to Montaron, the thief glaring cautiously. "What's this?!"
"What does it look like?" Berinvar shrugged. "A small token of our gratitude, that's all. Xzar could have caused major problems for us had he gone unchecked. Forcibly or not, you did kill him for us. Consider our business finished."
Montaron took a small step forward, extending one hand slowly, obviously mistrusting of the so-called gift offered him... he snapped it away from Berinvar, peering inside greedily. A short few seconds passed before he seemed content with what he saw, closing the bag. "Hmph. Don't think this takes ye off my killin list, Harper. Probably won't even get any downtime from the nutty wizard; more'n likely the Zhents'll resurrect him once I report and pair me with him again."
Montaron turned and began stalking back out the alley, Berinvar watching the halfling leave, the bag of gold still clutched tightly in his hand. "They probably will..." Berinvar mused quietly, his hand sliding into the other side of his robes, drawing a crossbow out silently, the sight settling on Montaron's back. "If they ever find out he's dead..."
X X X X X X X
Night in Athkatla; the sound of peasants and guards shouting and calling back and forth still echoed faintly through the air, their distance away unknowable. Their senses were always more alert at this time, perhaps even more so since their capture by Irenicus, but no assassins slipped out of the darkness tonight; if the meeting was still on in the Graveyards, they would be dealing with creatures of an even darker design. The sound of the embers in the torches crackling whistled through their hearing as Yoshimo moved them further along, though Greywulf took the time to move a tad closer to Jaheira as he did, no better time having arisen since he had made the decision to talk with her.
"A moment, please?" Greywulf said quietly, dropping his pace enough so that Jaheira did the same until the two of them were just out of earshot of the rest of the group; more importantly out of the Avariel's hearing.
"What is it?" Jaheira asked with a frown, though she picked up on his cue to stay quiet.
"Well... how are you doing?" Greywulf asked hesitantly.
Jaheira gave a wry smile, the first since many days ago, and replied, "All right, I suppose. As well as can be expected in such times and places. And you?"
"Oh, not too bad."
"All right then." Jaheira said, turning her head to look in front of her again. "So, what did you really want to talk to me about?"
"It's about Aerie." Greywulf said cautiously.
Jaheira stiffened slightly and said, "What about her?"
"I'm just wondering exactly what about her bothers you so much. No offense Jaheira, but you've been really quite rude to her since she joined our party. I had expected a little more of a... welcoming attitude from you."
"She is naïve and inexperienced. Both make her a liability to the group; she needs to toughen up and get serious or she will fall, either with us or after she leaves the group. And if she falls with us, more than likely we will fall with her." Jaheira said, a hardness to her voice.
"Now is that really all, because I seem to remember a young man just like that who joined you and Khalid nearly two years ago."
Jaheira snorted and replied, "It is more appropriate to say we joined you. But you are right, you were much the same. However, you matured quickly, forcibly even, as you were the leader. She is a follower and has no such demands upon her."
"I suppose, but I still think you should be a little gentler."
"For your sake and yours alone, I will attempt as such. But just make sure that her attention stays on the mission at hand, and not… other things."
Greywulf looked at Jaheira with a hint of confusion in his eyes, "What exactly does that mean?"
Jaheira raised one green eye and said in a lowered voice, "Come now Greywulf. Are you that unobservant?"
After a continued look of puzzlement from Greywulf, Jaheira sighed and continued, "I suppose so. You do not see most of it because you stand at the lead, but it is obvious to me. The quick glances she is always giving you, concerned over every nick and scratch you get, following you like a shadow, always looking for your approval… can you not guess?"
"You think she's fallen in love with me?" Greywulf asked incredulously.
"Infatuated, is probably more the correct term. But yes, she has developed feelings for you."
"Jaheira…" Greywulf said with a disbelieving tone, "You've got to be kidding me. I know I'm ruggedly handsome, roguishly charming, and a heck of a mage-"
"You forgot unbearably humble." Jaheira said, her tone slick with sarcasm.
"Well, that too. But I think you're reading too much into this. We've known each other for what, seven days?"
"Come on, Greywulf, think. An innocent young girl, little or no exposure in the world, hurt physically and emotionally by events in her past, cursed by a mad illusionist on top of it all… then is rescued and meets the 'roguishly charming' hero, who not only sets her free and saves her home, but allows her to come with him on his noble quest for adventure and rescue. What is it called, a 'damsel in distress'?" Jaheira said, counting off each point on her fingers. "Unless you let her down easily now, it will only lead to hurt in the party."
Greywulf thought for a moment and said somewhat mischievously, "And what if I was attracted to Aerie too, the beautiful damsel in distress?"
Jaheira snorted, apparently unaware of Greywulf's joking tone and said, "I should think you would be a little more judicious in your decisions about whom to give your heart. Pretty yes, but I would hope your attractions would extend past looks and include some measure of wisdom, experience, someone you have known for more than a week-"
"Someone like you?" Greywulf interrupted her with a barely suppressed grin.
"Yes- I mean NO!" Jaheira said, the last word a flustered shout.
Before she could punch, push or otherwise inflict bodily harm upon him, Greywulf practically ran to the head of the line again, leaving the irritated druid behind cursing at him.
"What was that about?" Minsc asked Greywulf, looking behind him at the fuming Jaheira.
If looks could kill, I'd probably be half-melted by now. "Uh, we just had a frank exchange of ideas, that's all." Greywulf said, chuckling.
No more time was given for humor as Yoshimo shushed him, gesturing to the beginnings of the tombs and structures signaling they had entered the Graveyard District. The group slowly passed under the large archway that announced its presence before them. Stone carvings and tombs were scattered everywhere, a cobblestone path winding through the crypts and gravestone covered paths. Statues of death and the lords of the underworld were populous, their gaze overseeing their earthly realm. Carvings of great intricacy adorned the majestic houses of the dead, making them seem as though kings of splendor lived there, rather than the rotting bones of the deceased. The wind had picked up just enough to make the various chimes hung about rattle, though they seemed eerie and threatening at such an hour rather than melodious.
A chill passed through the group as a whole; it wasn't just from the cool night air. Greywulf took a deep breath, then motioned for them to follow, searching for their contact amidst the dead. Shadows were prevalent and many a swaying limb in the wind gave them pause, but no living being was forthcoming as they hurriedly scoured the small district. Finally reuniting at the center of the area, huddled under the large cross in the middle, they were still alone, and no one was to be seen.
"Do you think they are still waiting for us?" Yoshimo whispered, his hand fidgeting around the hilt of the dagger he had at his belt.
"Just wait. They'll be here. I can feel them." Greywulf said as he scanned the surrounding area intently.
"Feel them?" Jaheira frowned as she continued to scan the area. "What I feel does not mix well with Nature… be wary, Greywulf. All is not as it appears."
"Don't ask, I just can. Something… there. Over by the statue of Kelemvor. That shadow is… moving."
Just as he spoke, a dark figure zoomed through the streets of the Graveyard, shadowlike in movement. It finally slowed beside the five adventurers, to reveal the woman Valen, as dark and mysterious as the first time they had seen her.
"Greywulf… I had feared you would not come, though my mistress had faith in your arrival." Valen whispered, walking towards the man.
"Yes, we are here." Greywulf said, blood rushing to his head at the sight of Valen again.
"I see your companions are with you as well. That is acceptable, though I had hoped we would be able to negotiate in a more… private place." Valen said, winking at Greywulf as she scanned him up and down, much like a predator looking at its prey.
"I would advise against that." Jaheira said coldly, staring at Valen.
"I did not ask your opinion, Jaheira; I can make my own decisions!" Greywulf snapped at Jaheira, taking her aback.
"I am glad to see you are a leader who can assert control if need be... but my servant's offer will be unnecessary." a second voice came from the darkness, taking shape as another dark woman appeared, her hair cut short in a spiky fashion upon her head. Wrapped in what amounted to be a skin-tight leather bodice, the darkness seemed to ebb and flow from within her rather than around her. "Welcome, Greywulf. I am Bodhi, master of this guild. I see Valen did deliver my message after all. I was considering having her whipped for failing me, but I suppose I shall spare her now."
"We have come... but why did you require we meet in such a dark place?" Greywulf managed, feeling a haze begin to cover his thoughts... the surprise at his own words toward Jaheira still trying to register in his mind.
"Let's just say that the dark suits me and my guild much better than the light. We are… not used to going out during the daylight hours." she hissed.
"Nosferatu." Yoshimo whispered in a trembling voice, his hand unconsciously drifting towards the dagger at his belt.
"Very good." Bodhi said, congratulating Yoshimo with a sneer. "Yes, we are vampires, but do not let such biases affect your decisions. I offer you a chance to get Imoen back, to find Irenicus, and to do it all for five thousand gold less than the Shadow Thieves are offering. You know our guild grows stronger each day. It would be wise to join us, rather than placing your faith in a dying force."
"I'm afraid you're a bit late. The Shadow Thieves have made that same offer, for the same gold, and I have already agreed to their terms. What say you to that?" he said, trying to buy himself some time for his mind to clear.
Bodhi laughed, an unpleasant sound, "I say you would be a fool not to join me. Come now, how long do you think they will last against my guild? I will decrease my price to ten thousand if that will suffice. All you would have to do to make up the difference is perform a few tasks to help us in our methods. Nothing big, just a few kills here and there."
Greywulf felt his head throb with every heartbeat, "I don't kill innocents."
"Oh no, no innocents. Just Shadow Thieves. They're as dirty as anyone. Do you really think you can trust them? Haven't they been spying on you this whole time? Do you think they will take just your gold for their aid? You know they will sic you on my guild; that is something you won't want to do, I can promise you that." Even as Greywulf's disjointed thoughts jumbled through his mind, he was shocked back into coherency by Bodhi abruptly commanding, "Enough talk. We have made our proposal and you must decide your allegiances now. What say you?"
Greywulf saw red as her voice pounded in his head. She makes sense. Why throw in with the Shadow Thieves? They will lose anyway; I don't want vampires for enemies. Yes. Yes, I should join them. It makes... makes sense-
"Greywulf?" Aerie's voice cut into his thoughts, her worried look meeting his whirling gaze. "Are you okay-"
"I'm fine, Aerie! I'm just fine!" he spat, his eyes tinted red as he spoke. "The only thing bothering me around here is you, constantly whining and hanging on like some sick, wingless-"
Greywulf found himself on the ground before he had even registered Minsc's fist moving, the ranger's eyes narrowed at Greywulf. "I am sorry, Greywulf... but you are out of line."
The sorcerer's face contorted in anger for a brief second... before his eyes flashed their normal color again, his face dropping in realization at the words he had spoken. He finally managed a shocked whisper, "I... I'm sorry... Aerie."
Still, the anger returned to his face as he glanced back over at Bodhi and Valen, the somewhat bemused expressions on their faces at the altercation not helping matters. Bodhi apparently saw his fury as he stood up again, she smirked and said, "Perhaps Valen was correct, it might be best if we were to hold the rest of this meeting without your companions if they cause you such grief-"
"The only thing causing me grief right now is you." he growled, clutching his weapon tightly as he stared down the two vampires. "You wanted our help? My help? Mind-control and deception wasn't the way to get it. Take your guild and your so-called help; we won't be needing or wanting it. Consider your offer rejected."
Bodhi stared at the five with a withering look of disgust, "As you wish. You are free to go. The next time we meet, you will wish you had accepted my offer. And when that time comes, there will be no mercy granted."
"Brave words, vampire." Jaheira said tightly, fixing Bodhi with a hard stare. "Greywulf has been underestimated before, by far worse than you. You will rue the day of conflict when it comes, I think."
Bodhi sneered briefly faded into a wisp of vapor along with Valen, the two disappearing without another word.
Greywulf exhaled deeply, turning back to the others in silence... unwilling to meet the pain and hurt that was still far too obvious in Aerie's eyes.
X X X X X X X
"Incompetent worm!" Bodhi screeched as she swatted Valen with her hand, sending her flying across the tomb they were in. The girl stumbled to her feet, Bodhi grabbing her by the neck and slamming her against the wall with a hiss.
"Please, mistress… I will not fail again."
"A dunking in holy water awaits you if you should fail me again." Bodhi growled as she threw Valen down. "All you had to do was weaken Greywulf's will enough to get him to succumb to my power. You couldn't even get him to leave his meddling friends behind!"
"He is stronger than I had thought." Valen said before getting slapped again.
"Speak when I tell you to." Bodhi growled. "Your domination spell is worthless now... he will make sure it is nullified before we meet again. This will be harder than I had hoped... still, it could prove interesting. Now go and prepare for another strike on the Shadow Thieves territory. I will think of our next move."
As Valen bowed and left, Bodhi began weaving a spell, summoning forth a portal of energy that finally cleared to reveal the inside of the Spellhold asylum. An orc stood in front, obviously frightened by the visage of Bodhi, and bowed, grunting.
"Slave! See if you can perform this simple task." Bodhi hissed at the orc. "Go find your master and bid him come and speak with me. Tell Irenicus that I have important news."
X X X X X X X
"Have you talked with Aerie yet?" Jaheira asked, glancing back at the double room Aerie, Minsc, and Yoshimo were sharing down the hall as she and Greywulf opened the door to their own room at the Coronet.
"No..." Greywulf said quietly as he finally unlocked the door and stepped in. "I just... I don't really know what to tell her, Jaheira."
"How about that you're sorry." she sighed as she followed him in.
"You know as well as I that it's not so easy..." he shook his head. "It's not just her though... I owe you an apology too, Jaheira. I said things back there... I should have trusted you when you warned me about Valen."
"At least we dispelled the domination magics she had over you." Jaheira noted. "Still... you must get rid of this nasty habit of making party members feel the need to hit you."
"Only when I deserve it." he smiled weakly back. "That's been a lot these days."
"Then perhaps it is time you rectify the situation." she glanced back toward the doorway. "I most certainly recommend you do this before we split up."
Greywulf waited for a moment... then nodded, mouthed a quick 'thank-you' and headed out the door.
Across the hall, Minsc, Aerie and Yoshimo had finished their preparations; Aerie had headed straight to bed, taking the adjoining room over by herself. Despite their attempts at cheering her up or comforting her, Aerie had not been in the mood to listen or talk. Still, the two of them stayed up a while longer, swapping stories of their own as they hoped and waited for Aerie to join them, or express some desire to open up.
Minsc sighed as he looked over at the door where Aerie slept behind, then turned back to Yoshimo. "So, Yoshimo... where are you from? What is this 'Kara-Tur' like?"
"Me?" he puffed up his chest in a heroic position and declared, "Kara-Tur is a land far to the west and across the sea, a place of honor and glory, where every man and woman makes their own destiny. Blown far from my homeland, I seek the glory and riches that only adventuring can bring!"
"Why a thief though?" Minsc frowned. "As a thief you cannot do nearly the good that can be done as a warrior like Minsc!"
Yoshimo laughed and said, "True, but you cannot fill your pocket nearly as quick either. Still, I was raised in a society where honor means everything; to commit anything remotely dishonorable is a horrid thing in Kara-Tur. I still abide by those guidelines and so I only steal from those who have more to spare. Really, I am more of a bounty hunter than a thief, hunting those who have committed wrong and using my rogue skills to aid me."
"I see... though Boo still agrees with me."
"Minsc, perhaps you could enlighten me about this companion of yours." Yoshimo asked with an arched eyebrow, peering at Boo. "Where did you find such a rare creature as this... 'miniature giant space hamster'?"
"Oh, Boo has been with me a very long time, though not as long as my dajemma. It started just after I had left with Dynaheir… we were just about to leave a town where we had defeated a mighty horde of gnolls. A grand battle it was, Yoshimo! My sword has not seen such adventure and excitement since… well, except for after joining with Greywulf, and we've had some pretty exciting times since then, what with Sarevok, and the Iron Throne,- Oh, but Boo says I am rambling. Back to the story."
"We were fine examples of heroic heroes heroing about as we heroed our way into all manner of heroic deeds of heroism, my witch and me, and we had defeated all the gnolls there, with a little help from a wizard who happened to be around at the time. He was talking to me afterwards, and after we had discussed the art of righteous butt-kicking and boot-stomping for a moment, he told me had recently acquired Boo, and that I seemed to be the perfect caregiver for such a magnificent sage. I tell you, one look at Boo and I knew his wisdom would be of great use to us! Since then, he has been everywhere I have gone to, all except for Rashemen itself. Although I believe Boo would have a mighty fine time. He would look some kind of funny running around in a snow drift, let me tell you!"
"And where is Rashemen?" Yoshimo asked.
"Rashemen is a very, very, long ways away." Minsc said, brow knit in thought as he pondered his homeland. "I have taken oh so many steps since leaving there; Boo used to keep track of just how many steps it has been, but he has since lost count. Boo claims that the number is very large. Larger, maybe, than the number of butts that Minsc has deservedly kicked along the way. I find this hard to believe, even though Boo is usually very reliable in these matters."
"Yes... so Rashemen is very far away. What sort of place is it? Did you like it?" Yoshimo chuckled, inwardly pondering if he would ever get any information from the ever addled ranger.
"It is a wonderful place with many fields. It could only be better, maybe, if every ranger of the Berserker Lodge had his very own hamster. Just think of the implications!"
"But what of the witches? Dynaheir was your witch, correct?" Yoshimo nodded, waving for him to continue.
"Yes, Dynaheir was a good Rashemani witch." Minsc nodded. "But I am not so sure that the witches have need of their own hamsters. Dynaheir never approved of Boo… she used to glare at Boo so; it frightened him sometimes."
A rap at their door silenced them, Yoshimo standing to answer. Greywulf stood there, a nervous smile on his face. "Hey... uh, is Aerie still up? I needed to talk with her for a bit, if she's not-"
"Aerie is asleep right now." Minsc remarked; a hint of a gruff tone could still be heard in his voice. "Perhaps you should speak with her tomorrow."
"Um... sure." Greywulf nodded to Minsc, glancing over at the closed door to the side. "Look Minsc... you know I'd never have-"
"But you did." he said quietly.
Greywulf was silent for a moment, then sighed. "Yeah... I did. And regardless of intention, it's still my fault. Tell her I'm sorry."
The sound of the door opening drew all their attention, watching Aerie step out, looking over at Greywulf. "I'm awake... i-if you want to talk, I..."
"Hey guys... can you give us a moment real quick?" Greywulf asked hesitantly, the two men nodding and leaving the room, presumably to head over to Jaheira's room until he came back.
After they had left, Greywulf approached Aerie, his mouth moving... he caught himself as he saw the tear stain trails on her cheeks; the slight hint of redness in her eyes was still there. "Forgive me, Aerie." he finally managed. "I never meant to hurt you like that."
"It wasn't you." she said with a weak smile. "I mean... I know, I know you wouldn't have said those things on purpose... it's just the memories they brought back... things I wanted to forget so much..."
"It was like I could see myself again, feel myself... back in the circus, after my owner had decided that my wings had become too diseased. I had been laying in my cage, sweating and delirious for days… his men came and pulled me out, and my wings burned so! I could barely cry out, I was so weak! And… and then they began to saw off my wings… hacking at them with rusted knives! I screamed and screamed! They… hacked off my wings and then used… torches to sear the wounds! Oh, Greywulf, I… I…!"
Long minutes passed as Greywulf embraced and held the sobbing girl, letting the grief and fear and sorrow roll off her in waves as he held her tightly. "It's all right, Aerie... shh... it's all right."
"I can… I can still feel my wings being torn from my back… I-I'm sorry, Greywulf. It was so long ago, I should not be so torn like this." Aerie finally calmed herself enough to look back at him, trying to blink the tears from her eyes.
"No, I understand completely... you went through a terrible experience. I can sit here with you for a while longer if you like…"
Another knock at the door jolted them both, Greywulf giving Aerie another tight hug before striding over to answer the door. it opened to reveal Yoshimo, Minsc, Jaheira and Hendak, grim looks over all faces.
"I'm sorry to disturb you both," Hendak began, "But I have urgent news for all of you."
"What is going on, Hendak?" Greywulf asked with a frown.
"Tonight at the bar, a group of cloaked men came and asked about a group matching your description. They seemed most desperate to find you; their intentions did not seem friendly, to say the least. I managed to drive them off with a minimum of trouble, but I cannot guarantee your safety should you stay here at the Coronet tonight."
"Surely they would not be so foolish to attack here." Yoshimo shook his head.
"We were foolish enough and we won." Greywulf admitted.
"What do you suggest we do?" Jaheira asked Hendak. "We could prepare a trap for them-"
"Too many innocents around. We can't risk hurting the other inn patrons in a large-scale fight." Greywulf shook his head.
"Then your only recourse is to leave; it is not safe for you here any longer." Hendak grunted. "I suggest you pack your bags and prepare to leave the Copper Coronet three hours before dawn. Hopefully, they will not expect this. I will accompany you to the outskirts of the slums district to make sure you get off safely."
"There is no need for that, Hendak. You have done more than enough to help already." Greywulf insisted.
"No, I cannot do enough to help. You have saved me from a life of slavery and it is a debt I will never be able to repay. Allow me to do this for you."
"If you will come then we will be glad for the extra help." he nodded. "There are still a few hours before we should leave. Everyone get your things repacked and we will make for Waukeen's Promenade in the morning. Is this acceptable, Hendak?"
"I will be ready." the gladiator said, turning and heading back downstairs.
"This changes nothing of our original plan." Greywulf said after a moment of deliberation. "Aerie, Minsc and Yoshimo, you should still go and get this business with Renal Bloodscalp taken care of. Jaheira and I will go and deal with this cult in the Temple District, and see if we can't meet up with the paladin that the Temple of Helm told us about. After we reach the Promenade we split up, then meet back at the Copper Coronet in a week's time or earlier."
There was no other disturbance that night as they prepared for the next day, though their senses were once more at high alert, aware of the new threat to their lives, once more from an unknown source. More than once a creaky floorboard or door hinge caused a quick turn, but the appointed hour did arrive without incident. They met with Hendak downstairs and were soon out of the Coronet, creeping through the slum streets in the brief hours before dawn. They had almost reached the outskirts of the slums just as the beginnings of the morning sun broke over the horizon when Hendak suddenly stopped, motioning for quiet.
"What is it?" Minsc whispered, looking around as he pulled both axes from their straps on his back.
"I can hear someone following us... I had disregarded it earlier, but I hear it clearly now."
"I don't hear anything." Jaheira said with a frown.
"They have stopped moving." Hendak's eyes narrowed. "Quickly, follow me. I will try to lose them."
Hendak darted down a side alley, the others close behind. He led them through a veritable maze of streets, alleys, and corners, leading them through every route imaginable through the streets of Athkatla. In the end though, either Hendak's direction or luck failed them, leading them into a dead-end.
"Do you think we lost them?" Aerie asked, looking around with a hint of fear.
"Not likely." The rasp came from four cloaked men standing at the end of the alleyway, blocking the exit. As they approached, their shadows fell across the the group, blocking the light. Without any further dialogue, the four men each drew long swords from their sheaths and approached as one, abruptly leaping at the group with tremendous speed. Hendak had both of his short swords ready, using them well as leverage to fight against his opponent. Between parrying and blocking, Hendak seemed to be gaining an advantage, pushing his foe back as they traded blows.
Greywulf had already prepared himself to fight without his magic, thrusting out his quarterstaff to knock aside one of the leaping attackers. He merely rolled with the blow and jumped to his feet, renewing the attack on the sorcerer. Yoshimo and Aerie were faced with a man who had drawn a second long sword, parrying both Yoshimo's katanas and Aerie's staff at the same time. Despite all their efforts to surround the man and leave one of them with an open spot of attack, he was too quick, able to keep both opponents in front of him at all times.
Minsc and Jaheira had squared off against one as well, using the long range of Jaheira's spear to keep him at distance, while Minsc drove forward with both axes, swinging and hacking at the man, keeping him off-balance. As they fought, Greywulf took a chance and made a wild forward swing at his opponent's face. The attack did not pay off; he had seen it coming and already leapt back. With a few sword slashes he had maneuvered past Greywulf's outer defenses and was pressing for a quick victory. Seeing Greywulf's peril, Hendak swiftly disengaged from his fight and lent his sword to a block, protecting Greywulf from a mortal blow.
Greywulf quickly took up Hendak's former opponent, keeping him at bay while Hendak fought against his new foe. Meanwhile, Minsc and Jaheira had cornered their opponent, and with a mighty yell, Minsc brought Frostreaver down to cleave the man's head in two. But his strike was too slow, giving the man time to dodge aside and bring his weapon down upon Minsc's. Frostreaver fell to the ground with a clatter, putting Minsc on the defensive as he attempted to save himself from the warrior's furious assault. Jaheira had not been idle, though.
The moment the man's attention had switched fully to Minsc, she pulled the elvish dagger from her belt and flung it at the man, pinning his hand to the wall with a scream of pain. Minsc seized the opportunity and slew the man quickly, leaving Jaheira open to help Greywulf, visibly struggling against his enemy. Just as she stepped in to help, a shadow swept over the group, the sound of a cloak in the wind flapping above. Looking up quickly, Jaheira saw two men falling from the rooftops, garbed the same as the others with their weapons ready. She barked a word of warning, but it was too late. Before Hendak could turn to face this new threat, a sword slipped into his side, the man before him razing him across the chest. The mighty warrior fell with a groan of pain, the twin short swords falling from his grip.
"Hendak!" Aerie cried, abandoning caution as she came running to him, stopped by the man who had attacked him from behind. Her eyes widened as he attacked, her staff little protection. Her meager defense was broken in a moment... with a spinning blind thrust, the man's sword plunged into Aerie's stomach.
Minsc turned from his fight with wide eyes just in time to see Aerie hit the ground, anguish on her face.