It's been three days since my allies and I have destroyed the slavery operation in Athkatla, killed Lehtinan and exposed Isaea Roenall's illegal activities to the law. Hendak and his freed fellow slaves no longer run the Copper Coronet now. A man named Sarvo Droostan, better known as "Old Sarvo" is the new tavernmaster, and Hendak has also managed to hire four men who work not only as bartenders, but also as guards. Their names are Bordovan, Delric, Othlo and Vaermaer. As for the investigation on Isaea, Coregeig found out that I am no liar, the evidnece I've found aren't forged in any way. Even more, they found evidence to link Isaea's involvement in the siege of Nalia's home! Turns out Isaea has connections with mercenaries in Tethyr who attacked TorGal's tribe in the Starspire mountains, and gave them signs to believe that the Arnise family hired the mercenaries to attack them, and they teamed up with the Yuan-ti to get revenge on the wrong noble family, which is why the trolls and yuan-ti laid seige on Arnise Hold.
Isaea was in some shady business, and the murder of Nalia's father to force Nalia to marry him, and now, he is no longer an officer, he has been stripped of his rank, and he is now in prison for life! That's one bastard taken care of... Now Althir... he confuses and burns me up. Just who does he think he is? Does the word "teamwork" mean anything to him? He could have told Nalia his plan, or even me, but no, he kept it secret from us, as if telling us would tip off Isaea any kind of way. I see why Father Gorion never told me about him, much less desired for me to interact with him. I don't know what Althir's issues are, but I think that he's angry at the world for some reason, and to vent his anger, he distances himself from other people, interacting with them only when it is necessary, and disposing them from his company when he deems it necessary. Feh! Necessary? At what cost?
I remember a few years ago, back in Candlekeep in the Year of The Crown (1351 DR), Gorion gave me a lecture I will never forget. I had asked father a question. I asked him: "Father, what separates heroes from villains?" This was a year after Father brought Imoen into Candlekeep. Father looked at me with his pensive, gray eyes intently and replied: "The difference between heroes and villains is that villains sacrifice whatever they must and destroy whatever is in their path to reach their goal. They develop friendship when they deem it necessary, not for the sake of enjoying the company of their friends, but to use them as tools and dispose of them as tools. Heroes, however, are meant to have a more virtuous heart. They come to see their allies and friends as not just tools, but as people just like yourself, people with goals, fears, desires, and a future to look forward to. A hero and his or her allies grow and develop in various ways as they progress on their adventures while a villain plots and schemes behind the backs of his "allies", searching for opportunities to get powerful or rich, even at the price of his allies' lives. That's what makes heroes more virtuous than villains, my child. A hero recognizes that his allies are in actuality, his family."
Father taught me there are two kinds of families a man can have in his life: those who raised you, and those that you raise. And that is how I view everyone I travel with. At Arnise Hold, when I interact with Valygar, Haer'Dalis, Mazzy, Aerie, Neera, Jaheira, Tashia, Jan, Cernd, Rasaad, Nalia, Yoshimo, Abdel, and even Korgan, and they interact with each other, I come to realize what Gorion told me all those years ago are true. These people are the only family I have left, hell, they ARE my family, and I should treat them as such. When I see Jan annoying Abdel, Althir and Valygar with his crazy, outlandish stories, it always makes me chuckle. Haer'Dalis has been speaking to Aerie about finding a perfect role for her to play in an act he is planning on constructing. He hasn't found a perfect play for Aerie yet, but he promises that he will find one for her. Edwin desperately tries to examine Dragomir's Cloak, but Hexxat refuses to let him, no matter how much he begs or pleads. Anomen desperately searches for the opportunity to kiss Neera, Korgan continues to flirt with Mazzy, Tashia throws out mind boggling riddles for Korgan, Rasaad, Neera, Anomen and I to solve, and surprisingly, Korgan gets most of them right! Rasaad comes second, I come third, Neera comes fourth, and Anomen comes last, much to his frustration. Hahaha... Seeing his arrogant nature get bruised like that always gets a laugh out of me.
Yoshimo tells me interesting stories of his adventures in Kara-Tur, Neera teaches Aerie how to be self-confident, Minsc gives Aerie piggyback rides around the courtyard, and Korgan tells Dorn stories about all the hostile creatures, brigands and mercenaries he has killed in his life. I don't get into that conversation with them, but hearing of Korgan's... accomplishments is interesting... some of them, not all of them. Also, Abdel told embarrassing stories about me to everyone, like how I reacted to my first erection during the days of my early stages of puberty when Imoen showed me lewd pictures of human and elf women wearing provocative clothing in a book she stole from Winthrop's secret stash... Gods, Korgan got a kick out of hearing that story. ARRGH! I'LL STRANGLE HIM FOR TELLING THAT STORY! When we have interactions like this, Althir always tries to distance himself from us. My point is, Althir's so-called "words of wisdom" to me are false, I don't believe in it and I never will. I don't know if he is a hero or villain, based on what Gorion taught me, he's an anomaly in my eyes. Either way, I refuse to waste my life like Althir, locking myself up in my own private Hell, and tossing aside my companions like heavy bags encumbering my movements. These people, even Abdel and Imoen are the only family I have left since Gorion is dead. Yes, they are too heavy to carry, but they are impossible to leave. I'll never leave them. Not a single one.
-Ralis Rutela
The morning after the party Ralis and his companions had in the banquet room of Arnise Hold, Jan just emerged from the kitchen with a white dinner plate holding 5 slices of raw turnips, and he approached Valygar sitting at a dinner table alone, eating pancakes and sausage. Jan took a seat next to him.
"So, Valygar, how do you like being a ranger?" Jan asked him.
"You're going to tell me another one of your insipid stories, aren't you?" Valygar asked sullenly.
"Well if you're asking, then yes. It happens that my Aunt Petunia is a ranger, don't you know?"
"No, I wasn't aware your that your aunt is a ranger," Valygar said with a bored sigh and rolling his eyes.
"She had the standard followers: a hydra, a shadow dragon and a solar," Jan said. "She had the dragon trained to roll over, play dead and fetch dwarves. She called him Blackie, I believe. Loved to run and play and lie in the sun," Jan continued.
"Of course," Valygar said without looking at Jan, using his fork to cut a triangular slice of his pancakes.
"Long and far she'd roam, with Larry The Solar at her side, fighting evil, mocking druids and the like," Jan went on.
"Mmm hmm," Valygar nodded, too busy chewing on the slice of pancake he just cut.
"Anyway, my point is that Petunia and Larry were out for a stroll in the woods. She was wearing her fruit armor at the time, which was the style at the time, you understand. Aunt Petunia always kept up with style." Jan said.
"It goes without saying," Valygar said, uninterested as usual.
"Larry had a nasty case of the plague-" Jan was about to explain, but Valygar interrupted him.
"Oh, what time is it? I'm afraid I have to take point now. You know how Ralis is about keeping schedule," Valygar said, standing up out of his chair, leaving his partially eaten pancakes alone as he prepared to leave the banquet room.
"Very well. We'll continue this story at the next opportunity," Jan promised.
"I can't wait," Valygar replied casually before closing the door behind him.
In the hallway he entered, he could hear Anomen and Korgan arguing as they walked away from his direction. He turned his head to the right and saw them walking away while arguing.
"I be looking at ye, Anomen, and I be pleased that at least I be no hypocrite. There nay be a heart so holy the Devil nay make a nest of black twigs in it. I've seen the clay feet yer crusade stands on, paladin, and no lies can keep it from collapsing. Ye're hellbound like me, only a matter of the hourglass," Korgan said.
"Heresy is a devil's bellow, dwarf. My service is to my lord," Anomen retorted.
"Yer reputation don't know yer character. Ye lay falsehoods where ye need to, cleric, but I've read yer story on the faces of the dead and all nay written yet," Korgan retorted back.
"My god has a face and name, heretic. He leaves me free to draw his grand design on the souls of the lapsed and faithless," Anomen retorted spitefully again.
Valygar sighed and walked the opposite direction away from them. Eventually he encountered Dorn, who was in in a dark corner of the hallway, doing nothing but resting his back against the wall with his arms crossed, waiting to receive a telepathic message from his patron. He hasn't heard from Ur-Gothoz for weeks since he tasked Dorn to eliminate Bollard Firejaw. He noticed Valygar walking by and stopped him with a conversation.
"It takes a certain type of man to kill his ancestor and parents, Valygar. There is much my patron can offer you," Dorn told him.
Valygar looked at him. "Save it for someone else, half-orc. I've no interest in a life of bondage."
"A small price of pay for power," Dorn said.
"Your chains say otherwise," Valygar rebuffed the half-orc then walked away.
He headed for the door leading out into the courtyard, and as soon as he spread the doors open and stepped out, he inhaled sharply, taking the fresh, spring season morning air into his nostrils, and he spread his arms wide, stretching them. He felt like a free man through and through.
"What a beautiful day," he said to himself as he stepped a few feet forward. "And what makes it even better is that I am truly a free man."
"So joyful, ranger?" A feminine voice said behind him.
Valygar quickly turned around to see Viconia standing in front of the door he just emerged from, and as usual, she wore her hood over her head.
"You find some happiness, perhaps, from the slaughter of a relative?" She asked him with a condescending smirk.
Valygar felt disgusted at her opinions. "I find some pleasure in being able to walk freely, drow," he corrected her.
Viconia gave a single nod. "Ah. I thought perhaps it was the murder of your uncle... or whatever he was. We have similarities in drow culture for such a thing," she said.
Valygar wasn't sure if she is teasing him, or baiting him, but either way, he didn't like it. "I'll not be baited by you, Viconia. I have no pleasant thoughts about Lavok's death." He turned his back on her.
Viconia raised an eyebrow in amusement. "Indeed? From what I've heard, you seemed eager enough before. Perhaps he was not as evil as you thought, hm?" She asked as she slowly approached Valygar.
He didn't turn back to face her, he had his head slightly lowered to the ground in deep, troubled thoughts.
"Perhaps he should have had "evil" written across his chest?" Viconia continued teasing him.
Valygar knew that she is insulting his ability to perceive who is evil, and he remembered that he was almost too consumed by his rage to listen to Ralis and Cernd and realize that Lavok sought redemption after everything he had done.
"I... I still know evil when I see it, Viconia. I am just... just..." Valygar stammered then trailed off, realizing he can't find a good reason to justify his irrational impulse on attacking Lavok, recalling that his rage came from the fact that Suna is dead because of Lavok, and that was another reason why he seemed evil in Valygar's eyes, and he couldn't see that Lavok was originally controlled by a demon and that in truth he wanted to atone for all the wrongdoing he had done, but Cernd and Ralis could see that he was clearly.
"Oh, well then by all means, do point it out to me when you see it next. I would love to hear your interpretation," Viconia teased him more, concluding with a seductive chuckle.
Valygar had enough of this drow woman provoking his feelings.
"Enough! I see it well enough in you, drow! Begone!" He snapped then stormed off towards the guesthouse.
Ralis headed back to Athkatla with Jaheira, Aerie, Yoshimo, Minsc, Anomen and Mazzy, leaving everyone else in Arnise Hold because he received a message from a nobleman who wants to personally meet him at the Copper Coronet. He didn't tell Ralis his or her name in the message, or why he or she wants to meet him. Before Ralis left, Anomen reminded him that he has four days left before he has to go the High Hall of the Radiant Heart for his ceremony. Neera plans on leaving by carriage to go pick up a delivery of jewels in Purskul because Knocktor needs gold and some jewels to create more talismans for the wild mage refugees. Neera instructed Tashia and the others to keep an eye on Edwin and make sure he doesn't go anywhere or do anything to report to his Red Wizard peers about her activities, even though Edwin claims he doesn't care about what Neera is doing. Ralis and the others walked into the gates of Athkatla along with many other people after paying the entrance fee of 6 silver coins to the guards, then they began the long walk through the streets of Athkatla and the Bridge District's bridge to the Copper Coronet.
When they got to the Copper Coronet, Ralis slowly turned his head left and right, trying to catch sight of the messenger waiting for him. He didn't see him immediately, the place is full of drunk adventurers, sailors and ruffians as usual, having a good time telling tales about their recent job, or just telling some good jokes to kill time. While searching for the nobleman, Ralis overheard one group of sailors say amongst themselves that two tendays ago from today, hostile aquatic creatures led by a gigantic shark, or wereshark, attacked many ships near Waterdeep first, then Baldur's Gate. The sailors said that they heard the wereshark and its armies sank more than a dozen ships and killed many sailors, destroyed many piers and many warehouses, completely disrupting trade between Waterdeep, Baldur's Gate and Maztica.
"You there, I would have a word with you," a voice called nearby. Ralis turned his head to the left and saw a man sitting alone at a table nearby.
As Ralis and his companions approached him, he had to move aside from a man who fell to the floor unconscious from drinking too much mead. The man who called Ralis to sit with him is dressed in the latest in noble fashion. His skin is perfectly fair, not pale or tan, his short red hair is bright with expensive hair oil that makes his hair seem brighter than normal, his face is well defined with high cheekbones and no blemishes, his perfectly trimmed sideburns going down to his small beard and mustache, and his eyes are the brightest hazel color Ralis has ever seen.
"I take it you are my anonymous messenger. Well met, I am Ralis Rutela," Ralis shook hands with the man and sat down at the table with him, and the others did the same.
"Well met, Ralis. I am called Lord Jierdan Firkraag (pronounced "Jee-er-dan Fire-crag"), and I bid you stand a moment and hear what I offer," the man now named Jierdan Firkraag said to Ralis.
"Offer? Why me? You could have selected anyone else for your offer," Ralis said.
"Yes, of course, but you are unique, the best of the best. Word has come to me of your actions. I've heard how you stopped the Iron Throne from instigating a war between Baldur's Gate and Amn, I've also heard you saved Trademeet from a sect of evil druids, and most recently, I heard you've stopped a slavery operation here in Athkatla, and exposed a corrupt man. I see you as capable and headstrong, with the ability to handle whate'er is thrown at you. Just the type of creature I'm looking for."
"Creature?" Jaheira echoed, frowning at that word.
"I don't need flattery. I'll listen to what you have to say," Ralis said, cutting off Jaheira before she could ask Jierdan why he referred to Ralis as a "creature".
"Yes, of course," Jierdan nodded and cleared his throat. "I am a lord of a community many miles east from Athkatla, and while I provide for my people as best that I can, there are some things I cannot do. Battle is not my strong point."
"What's going on?" Ralis pressed into the matter.
"There are marauders, horrid ogres and trolls that must be destroyed with fire or they regenerate. I need a firm hand to push them back. I need you, Ralis."
"Why would ogres attack your community? Have they ever done this before?" Ralis questioned Jierdan.
Jierdan looked intently into Ralis's eyes as he spoke. "No, not until recently. As I said before, battle is not my strong point, and I suspect that the ogres have recently figured that out. It was only a matter of time until they did. Now that my weakness has been exposed to them, there's little I can do to keep them at bay except hire a strong and capable sword for hire like you. I offer a grand sum, worthy of a man in your stature. I offer 40,000 gold if you can free my land of this scourge."
Ralis felt like he nearly had a heart attack. Forty thousand gold?! Even Yoshimo, Jaheira, Anomen and Mazzy couldn't believe their ears!
"That much?!" Yoshimo exclaimed.
Ralis shook his head and brushed both hands in his long hair. "Wow... that's... that's an astounding sum for simple monster-hunting."
"It's a small price to pay for the safety of my people. I am not without funds, I merely believe in paying for quality. You are the best mercenary to hire, that is why I chose you. You will be wealthy in my service, rest assured," Jierdan said with a modest smile.
"With that sum of money, Ralis, we would be one step closer to finding your friend Imoen!" Mazzy told Ralis.
Ralis couldn't argue against that. He assumed he would never get the opportunity to take a shortcut to reach Imoen after what happened to Xzar a month ago.
"I know, Mazzy, I know," Ralis said, then he turned his attention to Jierdan. "Lord Firkraag, you got yourself a deal," Ralis shook his hand to show how sincere he is.
"Excellent! I knew I could rely on a capable creature like you," Jierdan said with a pleased smile. "My lands are at the Windspear Hills, a rough region a few miles south from Amnwater. I wish you and your companions good luck," he said.
"We won't let you down, sir," Ralis nodded at Jierdan.
Jierdan smiled. "Good! I knew I could count on you. Your reputation fails to prove otherwise. I look forward to hearing of your success in the next few days."
Then Ralis and his companions left.
Minsc shivered with excitement. "Ooh! To take swords against monsters of great evil! I feel Boo wriggling in excited anticipation!"
Yoshimo looked at Minsc as they exited the Copper Coronet. "Hmm. Are you sure you're talking about your rodent there, Minsc? Not a heart attack? I've seen you get pretty excited, after all..."
"Of course it is Boo," Minsc assured Yoshimo. "Boo is always happy when opportunities for heroism come! We shall crush these ogres, and rangers and hamsters everywhere shall rejoice!" He exclaimed, and Boo squeaked happily too.
Yoshimo smiled at Minsc's enthusiasm, then turned his thoughts to another matter. "Well... I have heard of this Lord Jierdan, Ralis, if it's any help."
"What do you know about him? Is he legit on his payment?" Ralis asked.
"Yes, he has the coin to back up his offer, but he's not the nicest noble in Amn. But then again, who is?" Yoshimo shrugged.
Ralis sighed. Seems like almost every nobleman here in Amn have coins in abundance more than honor.
"I think it would be an excellent idea to get outside of the city and administer justice on such evil creatures. Tyranny is best matched with equal force," Jaheira said.
"So, how are we going to get to Windspear Hills and make it back to Athkatla in time for my ceremony? It takes 3 days to get to Windspear Hills, you know," Anomen told Ralis.
"Really? Huh. I never thought of that. Well, it will be quick work, so I wouldn't worry," Ralis said.
They returned back to Arnise Hold to take a stagecoach ride to Amnwater. However, before they left, they received an unexpected visitor.
"Lord Ralis," Captain Cernick approached. "There's a woman outside requesting to speak to Jaheira."
"Who is it? What is her business?" Ralis asked Celnick.
"She says she's here on important business. She didn't say why," Cernick replied.
Ralis reluctantly went to fetch Jaheira and the woman who came to Arnise Hold to see her turns out to be a woman named Meronia. She is a human with auburn colored hair, green eyes and is the same height and build as Jaheira. They spoke in the courtyard, with Ralis and Abdel standing near the ground floor doors, watching and listening to their conversation.
"Listen carefully whilst I say what I must, for this brings me no pleasure," Meronia said quietly.
"Do I know you? Have you reason to subject me to such a rude manner? I have no coin, if that is your wish," Jaheira replied cautiously.
"No, Jaheira, you have nothing I require save your attention. You and your tall friend are bid to follow as I lead. Come, we must go," Meronia turned and headed for the keep gates which are open, but she stopped to see Jaheira standing where she always stood.
Ralis and Abdel glanced at each other in confusion.
"I do not follow by a stranger's command. Who are you and who do you answer to?" Jaheira asked warily.
Meronia smiled. "Oh, you know me, as well as you should know yourself. We are one and the same, and I bear the pin that tells our name. Let your eyes not deceive you as you look upon this trinket," Meronia said, slowly approaching Jaheira, with her hand on the pin attached to her body armor.
Jaheira took a look at the pin and identified it as a harp inside the "C" shaped crescent moon... the emblem of the Harpers. Meronia also showed Jaheira another trinket that tells Jaheira that she has been sent by the local Herald of Athkatla, a member of the Heralds of Faerun. The Heralds are a semi-independent group of historians and heraldists with many responsibilities. They have proven to be valuable allies of the Harpers for many centuries. In fact, they used to be part of the Harpers when they were founded in the Year of the Watching Helm (992 DR), but they became an independent organization in the Year of the Empty Scabbard (1116 DR) to maintain their reputation of neutrality and impartiality.
"I... yes, I see. If you would give me a moment I will do what needs to be done," Jaheira promised Meronia then approached Ralis and Abdel.
"What's going on?" Abdel asked.
"Abdel, you and I have been requested to come to the Harper Hold in Athkatla." Jaheira told him.
"What? Why?" Abdel and Ralis asked in perfect unison.
"I do not know, but the matter is important. Do not worry, Ralis, we won't be gone long," Jaheira assured them, though Ralis could see that she had a feeling something not good is going on.
"Ralis, I don't like this," Abdel said.
"Neither do I, but go with them, I'll continue to Windspear Hills without you and Jaheira," Ralis said.
Abdel sighed. "Alright..." he moaned.
"Do not worry, Ralis, we'll return when you return from Windspear Hills, hopefully," Jaheira promised, then they walked towards Meronia then they left Arnise Hold by horseback.
To substitute for Abdel and Jaheira's sudden departure, Rasaad, Tashia and Hexxat left Arnise Hold with Ralis, Anomen, Aerie, Minsc, Yoshimo. They got to Crimmor in the evening then continued going east after a quick break, traveling the Lake Way road, the road that is less than two miles south below Lake Weng. As they traveled the road in the dark night, Aerie thought she could see glowing eyes in the forests to the left. She didn't know what they were but they shrieked loudly occasionally but never jumped out the darkness and attacked the carriage, fortunately. Hexxat knew the creatures in the darkness of the forests were gibberlings, and told Aerie about it, and Aerie claimed that she had never seen gibberlings before, only heard stories from her friends of how hideous and dangerous they are, and Ralis told Arie about his near encounter with a gibberling horde last year when he escaped into the forest after Sarevok killed Gorion. Aerie's thoughts, however, drifted back to how many times she had to fight to save an innocent life, like Hendak and the other former slaves. While she is happy that they are free at last, she didn't like the fact that the price of their freedom were the deaths of Lehtinan, several of his noblemen friends and the guards that protected Lehtinan's illegal operations.
Ralis noticed that Aerie was looking out the window of the carriage in a very glum way and sensed that there is something bothering her terribly. He didn't ask her what is wrong, he didn't want to disturb her in any way, but it turned out that he didn't have to. As if Aerie sensed that Ralis wanted to know what is bothering her, she turned her head and looked at him.
"Why must we always be fighting? All I see is bloodshed and battle... and it drains me. Do you... do you not yearn for a life of peace and contemplation?" She asked him.
Ralis thought over his answer carefully as he looked down at his feet. While he sympathizes with Aerie's feelings, he can't deny the reality that sometimes a fight is required for those who don't listen to reason.
"... Sometimes battle is required, Aerie... it is not something that I have a choice about," he admitted.
Aerie sighed. "None of us ever had a choice, I suppose. But I see no good that comes out of fighting and constant struggle."
"There is one thing good that comes from it. For me, fighting has brought me strength... the strength to survive. You could use the same," Ralis said, wondering if that's a fact Aerie can accept.
Aerie looked at him. "Strength...? I... I don't know if I have your strength, Ralis. I am beginning to think it is almost not worth it..." Aerie returned to looking out the carriage window in deep thought.
"It's there, Aerie. you just don't know it yet," Ralis assured her.
They got to Amnwater the next morning. Outside the windows, Ralis saw low stone walls serving as barriers to protect the city. When the carriage entered the western gates of the city, Ralis and his companions saw that the city, although not a metropolis like Crimmor and Purskul, is very organized, with controlled traffic and pedestrian activity. Amnwater is a small city on the road between Crimmor many miles to the west and Keczulla many miles to the east. It was once simply a tavern until the Year of the Skulk (1107 DR), when it started to grow into becoming a town and then several years later a city.
"This place looks more like a fortress than a city," Rasaad commented.
"The walls are meant to keep monsters out of the city. Apparently Windspear Hills is dangerous territory here in Amn," Hexxat said.
After taking a break at the largest tavern in the city, The Gilded Spur, owned by the Yhliivast family, eating, drinking, taking a bathroom break, buying some useful equipment, and getting directions to the Windspear Hills, which is 30 miles south from Amnwater, Ralis and his companions rented horses and left Amnwater and headed south. Ralis had never ridden on a horse before, but the experience was exhilarating, feeling the cool springtime wind rushing against his face. Aerie rode with Minsc, sitting behind him with her arms wrapped around his body. Racing through the open fields reminded her of flying, only she could see that she is much closer to the ground now. Preferring to lose herself in her imagination, she closed her eyes, imagining she is flying as she held onto Minsc tightly, as if he is up in the air being carried under her arms, even though realistically she is far from being strong enough to carry him.
Meanwhile, in Athkatla, during the time when Ralis and his chosen companions for Firkraag's errand were less than 9 miles away from Crimmor, Meronia led Abdel and Jaheira to the Harper Hold in the Center District docks.
"I had no idea the Harpers had a base here in Athkatla..." Abdel whispered to Jaheira when he saw the tall building ahead.
"There's a lot about the Harpers you don't know about... Honestly, there's so little I know about them as well," Jaheira said curtly, but then softly when she admitted that she too knows little about them.
Meronia stepped towards the front door, opened it, and gestured Abdel and Jaheira to come inside. They did so without hesitation, then Meronia followed them in.
Inside the building's large main hall, standing on the floor where Mystra's symbol is, stood a tall man, and three fighter classed Harpers, two humans, one half-elf. The tall man is named Galvarey, he has long gray hair, and no facial hair. He has grayish blue eyes, his nose is sharp almost like the nose of a troll, and he wore a thick mahogany colored silk sash and wore a bronze bracelet on his right arm. As Abdel and Jaheira walked towards them, Jaheira noticed that there are no other Harpers in the building, everyone seems to be gone except for Galvarey and his Harper bodyguards, it seems. Galvarey smiled and spread his arms as if preparing to give Jaheira a hug.
"Jaheira, my dear! It is good to see you!" He exclaimed warmly.
Jaheira and Abdel stopped 7 feet away from Galvarey and his bodyguards, Meronia stood next to the half-elf Harper. Jaheira also did not smile, she sensed something fishy, and so did Abdel.
"Your welcome is forced, Galvarey, you know I am here at the bidding of Athkatla's herald. Why have you come to greet me? This is too important for you to waste time on," Jaheira said inquisitively.
Galvarey stopped 5 feet away from Jaheira and Abdel, he continued to smile as he put both his hands together. "Ahh, I know well the importance of this. It was I that called you here."
Jaheira's frown sharpened, seeing and knowing Galvarey has no badge of office to prove his membership as the local herald of Athkatla.
"You!? You are no herald! What is going on here?"
Galvarey's smile slowly faded now.
"This city lacks a local Herald currently, and I seek to establish one. You will help by doing what is right. You know what is right, don't you?" He raised an eyebrow in suspicion which caused Jaheira's skin to crawl.
"I know you are an ambitious fool. You cannot be sanctioned to do this. Even this gaudy base is against our usual restraint. The position of Herald requires-"
"-The will to establish the position. The High Heralds will judge if it is deserved," Galvarey said interrupting Jaheira, then he sighed dismissively before continuing. "Really, Jaheira, this is a matter aside. You know this."
Jaheira crossed her arms. She knew that what Galvarey is doing is against the rules of the Harpers and the Heralds of Faerun- they won't take kindly to members who abuses their position of power. If the High Heralds knew what he is doing, he would be removed from the organization.
"Fine, set about with your questions, let's get this overwith," Jaheira gave in.
"Very good, you serve the greater cause that we all do." Galvarey said with a pleased smile. Then, to Abdel's surprise, Galvalrey turned his gaze towards him. "Now, Abdel, do you know why you are also summoned here?" Galvarey asked him.
Abdel frowned and scratched his head. "...I would assume this is about the destruction of Waukeen's Promenade two months ago. I swear to you that was none of my doing," he said, though he couldn't figure out why that mage Irenicus is so interested in him, Ralis and Imoen.
"Ah, but it was... indirectly. We Harpers have been watching you for some time, Abdel Adrian. Things like this seem to surround you at every turn, even if you aren't the participant. And you are right, that is why you are summoned here." Galvarey said.
"Why did you call me that?" Abdel asked Gavalrey with a puzzled frown.
"Call you what?" Galvarey responded with his own confused frown.
"Adrian. That is not my surname. I have no surname. I prefer to be called Abdel, just Abdel."
"Let me ask you a few things straight away, Abdel. Nothing too intrusive, I promise you. What are your earliest memories? Are they happy ones?" Galvarey asked, and Jaheira couldn't help noting that Galvarey wanted to avoid explaining to Abdel why he is called Abdel Adrian when he has no given last name.
Abdel thought over his answer carefully. He couldn't remember much about his childhood before being adopted by Gorion. He recalled running alongside a paladin who was an old friend of Gorion, but he couldn't remember what they were running from.
"I remember running, but from what, I am not sure, exactly. I was with a paladin, he said he was taking me to an old friend of his, a Harper named Gorion," Abdel admitted.
Although he couldn't remember why they were running or what they were running from, he could remember the paladin's name at least. Sir Daesric the Pious, it was. But even though he was trying hard to remember the memory in full detail, he could not recall what they were running away from. It's almost as if the memory itself is so traumatic, especially for a 2 year old boy like him back at that time, that his subconscious locked away the memory in the deepest corners of his mind. All he could remember is that Sir Daesric was one of Gorion's old friends, and that he was bringing him to Gorion himself.
Galvarey rubbed his chin in thought, raising an eyebrow inquisitively again, clearly showing some amusement in Abdel's explanation.
"Running, hmm? No doubt from your past."
Abdel and Jaheira frowned when he said that, then glanced at each other for a second.
"I remember Gorion... the idealist. I was with those who thought it was a mistake. Ahh... I will clarify later. Have you had any... violent thoughts?" Galvarey asked.
Abdel frowned. "Hey, that is a loaded question. Violence is part of our world. It is unavoidable in some measure."
"Hmm... finds violence unavoidable... Certainly to be expected from a creature such as you," Galvarey said.
"Why do you ask the question if you are going to infuse the answer with your own meaning? Abdel would never..." Jaheira blurted out defensively.
"Never what? You are clouded by your personal feelings. He may not think like us at all. Can you understand an illithid? Or a beholder? He is akin to these," Galvarey said.
"Only in your mind. This is a farce!" Jaheira sneered then crossed her arms and wrinkled her nose in severe disdain.
"The questions will continue nonetheless. I do hope there will be no further outbursts. Now then, Abdel, what is your favorite color?" Galvarey asked.
Abdel frowned incredulously, and so did Jaheira.
"What has *that* to do with anything?!" She exclaimed.
"Jaheira! I question your loyalty to our cause. My method will become clear in the end. I ask again, Abdel, what is your favorite color?"
Abdel rolled his eyes, then said: "I would have to say red is my favorite."
Galvarey's eyebrows arched up as if he suspected that all along. "Red! I should've known! The color of blood!"
"And also the color of apples and roses! You are so intent on seeing what you wish the answer does not matter!" Jaheira exclaimed.
Galvarey crossed his arms and began pacing back and forth while keeping his head and eyes faced towards Abdel and Jaheira. "I suppose in part it does not matter after all. But it is apparent that this person causes trouble wherever he goes. My interview is just to clarify on this matter," he said.
Liar, Abdel whispered in his thoughts, wishing he could snap this man's neck.
"But you were to see Abdel as he is, not as you expected him to be! Meronia informed me to bring him here so..." Jaheira protested.
"You were to bring him here so that we may have him here, nothing more, nothing less. The course of action has always been clear," Galvarey said.
Abdel looked down at Jaheira. "You knew they were going to judge me? You knew ever since that harlot came to Arnise Hold to see you? This was your intent? To judge me?" He grew increasingly angry.
"I am sorry, Abdel, this was not my intent at all! I thought..." Jaheira started to protest sadly, but Galvarey interrupted her again.
"You thought I would bring him here and I would determine that he presented no danger? My dear, I hate to say it, but emotions have clouded your logic and duty."
"My... what?! You are questioning me?! You subject him on this... this wild goose chase and you think I am the one to be questioned?!"
"Well, your mood confirms it. My dear, as a Harper... as a DRUID, how can you allow him to walk about freely? Do you even know what he is? Think of the effects on the balance of nature!" Galvarey urged.
"You speak of me like I am a creature. A monster, no less! Why? I am a human, like you!" Abdel exclaimed.
"And what if he will restore balance? What if his intent is good?" Jaheira asked Galvarey.
"It is not worth the risk. No, there is no choice on this matter. Abdel Adrian, you are to be... confined." Galvarey said.
Abdel felt his heart become numb and beating fast now.
"It is the same as death and you know it, Galvarey!" Jaheira sneered as the six Harpers drew their swords slowly.
"Nothing so barbaric. Imprisonment to contain the chaos he might sow, either intentionally or unwittingly. It is a humane solution." Galvarey said almost in an emotionless way.
"Sounds more monstrous than humane to me! I'll not submit! You'll never put me in a prison cell!" Abdel growled as he pulled his broadsword out of its scabbard.
"No, Abdel, I meant the spell "Imprisonment". You will find yourself in a container a few leagues under the earth. Quite peaceful," Galvarey said with a smirk as his Meronia and the other three Harper bodyguards surrounded Abdel and Jaheira.
"You are welcome to try, but I doubt you'll succeed. I am in the right here!" Abdel exclaimed.
"You have no voice here and little choice in this matter. Certainly you are welcome to fight for your freedom, but there are five Harpers to contend with. The odds are quite clearly-" Galvarey started to say, but then Jaheira drew her scimitar in defiance.
"Nay, Galvarey, there is but you and your four lackeys. I will have no part in this! Abdel, I will fight alongside you..." She said defiantly to Galvarey, but then sympathetically to Abdel.
"Why? Why do you want to help me?" Abdel asked.
"Because I... I... Uh... You are Ralis' adopted brother, and I respect him too much to let you be imprisoned by these imposters! I will fight alongside you even if we are forced to fight against true Harpers, which these impostors are not!" Jaheira said.
Abdel couldn't help wondering if she had an ulterior motive. Galvarey shook his head in disappointment.
"You have made a mistake, Jaheira. With his imprisonment I could get sponsored as a Herald! And now you fight the Harpers with this monster! This... freak of nature!" Galvarey sneered.
"Harpers may interfere, but it is for the greater good! Not this! I don't know either of you!" Jaheira exclaimed.
Then at that moment, Jaheira jumped at Meronia with her scimitar, and Meronia parried the violent blow that would have cut her head in half if she were caught off guard. The other four Harpers attacked Abdel head on as Galvarey stood back and watched. Abdel's armor got nicked and scratched a few times as he dodged and parried sword strikes and tried to find an opportunity to attack back instead of being on the defense all the time. When the half-elf Harper came at him with a kukri, Abdel moved aside, then swung his broadsword in a tight circle, causing all four Harpers to back away from striking range. Now that he has had a few seconds of breathing room, Abdel chose his target. With a shout, he jumped at the human Harper bringing his broadsword down vertically. The human Harper parried the blow, but his arms ached with pain suddenly when Abdel's sword came in contact with his! Abdel pressed down with all his weight until the Harper's sword broke, and his broadsword cleaved into the man's head.
Jaheira and Meronia clashed swords aggressively but with grace, then they switched to the sword fighting style known as "fencing". Meronia stepped forward at Jaheira while clashing swords. Then Jaheira came back at Meronia, batting her sword away several times, looking for an opportunity for a surprise attack. Galvarey continued to watch the fights unfold, pacing back and forth slowly. He was more interested in Abdel than Jaheira's fight, however. He watched as Abdel employed his immense strength into his strikes, wearing down his Harper opponents with fatigue, and shrugging off minor injuries as if they were mere mosquito bites. Abdel is one of the tallest humans Galvarey has seen, but he wondered if his strength does not stem from his... human heritage. Abdel received a few cuts on his arms, his body armor and the armor plates that cover his arms had dents and scratches, but he kept fighting.
The moment he heard Meronia's dying gasp, possibly from being impaled by Jaheira's sword did he turn his head to the right to see what happened. He caught a glimpse of Meronia collapsing to the floor, but what really caught his attention and made his heart jump in surprise was Jaheira rushing at him with her scimitar raised for a killing blow! He held his arms up and cried out in surprise and fear, and Jaheira cut him down, a streak of blood splashed across the upper portion of Mystra's symbol on the floor. Abdel, although injured, continued to fight, wearing down his opponents, until he and Jaheira easily cut them down one by one. Then, wasting no time after sheathing their bloodstained swords, they ran out of the Harper Hold, leaving the bodies of Galvarey, Meronia and the other four Harpers to rot on the floor where the holy symbol of Mystra is engraved.
Ralis and his companions got to Windspear Hills in the afternoon. The terrain is wavy and rocky. He saw a settlement ahead, about 400 meters ahead, but there seems to be no activity happening there.
"Yah," Ralis urged his horse to move forward towards the settlement, with his companions following.
A couple minutes later, when Ralis and his companions got close enough to investigate the settlement, they dismounted off their horses, then with their weapons drawn, they cautiously walked among the seemingly deserted houses. Ralis wanted to shout a call to any civilians here, to make sure no one is hurt, but he remembered that Jierdan said that ogres have attacked the town. The citizens have likely locked themselves in their houses out of fear.
Minsc sniffed the air, and so did Boo.
"I smell the stinking stench of evil around here someplace," Minsc said, then he suddenly shouted out: "Come out, evils! I know you're hiding here somewhere! Show yourself and taste the righteous fury of Minsc and Boo!"
"Shhh!" Tashia shushed Minsc, but it was too late to do this.
From the roof of one of the houses, an ogre archer stood, armed with a longbow with Arrows of Biting in his quiver, and a short sword in its scabbard on the left side of his waist. Holding the longbow and arrow in it, he aimed the longbow at Ralis, pulling the back of the arrow with the bowstring back, preparing to release the arrow. Ralis and his companions were unaware of the ambushing archer, but aware that Minsc's shout exposed themselves, though. Fortunately, Rasaad happened to look up out of coincidence and saw the ogre archer aiming his longbow at Ralis!
Rasaad gasped in surprise and charged at Ralis, tackling him! The ogre fired the arrow and the arrow missed striking Rasaad's right leg, when his legs stood up in the air from successfully tackling Ralis. Rasaad landed on Ralis, then immediately rolled off him. Before Ralis could ask him why he tackled him, Rasaad exclaimed: "We've been spotted!" as he pointed up at the house roof.
Ralis and his other companions saw the ogre, but never had a chance to attack back because the ogre jumped down off the roof, landing somewhere behind the house out of sight.
Then, almost without warning, 9 ogres appeared from behind several house, wielding swords and surrounding Ralis and his companions!
"I knew it! This is a den of stinking evil!" Minsc bared his teeth, gripping his sword tightly and Boo hissed at the ogres.
"Evil?! You're one to talk, beast!" One of the ogres exclaimed.
"I am no beast! You are the beasts here!" Minsc shot back.
"Beasts! Curs! Your reign of terror ends here!" The ogre who appears to be the leader exclaimed to Ralis, armed with a bastard sword with a golden hilt.
Ralis noticed that something did not sound right. Ogres normally are not so determined to end terror unless it is upon their own tribe, and they don't speak Common so fluently and eloquently, the ogre who spoke to him should have said something along the lines of "You not terrorize village no more!" or "Me kill you curs! Smash you to paste!", depending on how intelligent that ogre is. Plus, the ogre that spoke to him had a familiar voice.
"You are strangely eloquent for a beast of your size. Lower your blades and let's talk for a moment," Ralis suggested.
"No more words! Your lies will taint this land no longer, your crimes will trouble the people not a second more! Hyaah!" The self-righteous ogre attacked first, aiming to cleave Ralis's head with his sword!
Ralis dodged the blow, and parried the ogre's next strikes. The other ogres attacked next. Minsc parried the strikes of an ogre wielding a halberd. Hexxat was attacked by two ogres at once. She found that fighting while wearing Dragomir's Cloak over her body felt a bit cumbersome, she didn't feel as lethal and agile, but then Yoshimo came to her assistance, parrying and striking with his katana.
Tashia stayed with Aerie, using her quarterstaff to block the attacks of ogres that tried to attack her, while Aerie worked in tandem with Tashia's defensive maneuvers, firing magic missiles at the ogres. The missiles didn't inflict major injuries, but it knocked them back, giving Tashia a few seconds of breathing room for her to defend herself and Aerie against another ogre. Sometimes Tashia would fire a volley of her own magic missiles when she wasn't parrying sword strikes. The frustrating thing is, she wished she had time to use her Scrimshaw figurine to call Peanelian for help.
Rasaad, displaying his martial arts skills, was attacked by three ogres. Swiftly dodging their blades left and right, he proved to be a slippery target for them to strike, especially when he switched from defensive to offensive, crouching down and performing a leg sweep to kick the legs of the ogres and send then tumbling to the ground, jabbing, kicking and punching them in the face or stomach while dodging their weapons.
Ralis ran for a garden on the side of one of the houses, the ogre with the bastard sword giving chase so that his companions will be far off to offer support. When Ralis stepped into the corn stalks, the ogre attempted to strike him down, only end up cutting down a corn stalk when Ralis crouched down. When he stood up, Ralis parried the next strikes, backing away deeper into the cluster of corn stalks.
"Fight, monster! Fight!" The ogre snarled as he slammed his blade into Ralis's blades.
"Have you looked in the mirror lately?!" Ralis shouted back when his blades locked with the ogre's blade.
With a growl of anger, the ogre kicked Ralis in the chest, sending him flying back a couple feet, his body smashing into corn stalks before he landed on the ground. With a triumphant yell, the ogre leapt at Ralis, poised to impale his sword into Ralis's chest. Ralis rolled aside, and the ogre's sword only managed to pierce the soft garden soil. Ralis kicked his right leg up at the ogre's face and kicked him hard in the ear, causing the ogre to lose his balance in his crouching stance and fall to the ground. Ralis stood up and ran out of the garden. The ogre stood up, pulled his sword out the soil and gave chase once more.
Hexxat continued to parry the attacks of the ogre attacking her, and right when the ogre least expected it, instead of parrying the next blow, Hexxat parried the blade then, while holding the parried sword in place, danced over to the ogre's exposed back and then brought her sword down and cut into the ogre's exposed back, a critical hit.
"Oh, I AM good," Hexxat smiled when her opponent collapsed dead.
Anomen blocked a sword strike with his shield then retaliated by striking back with his mace, jumping at the ogre aggressively. The move took the ogre by surprise, then Anomen bashed his shield against the ogre's head, then with the ogre stunned, he struck the ogre in the face with his mace hard. The battle started out evenly matched, but now it seems that Ralis and his companions are gaining the upper hand in this battle.
Mazzy was busy battling an ogre armed with a halberd. Despite her small height, she proved to be quite nimble, dodging the attacks of the creature.
"Hold still, diminutive monster!" The ogre snarled.
"I may be diminutive, but in Arvoreen's name, do not underestimate me!" Mazzy exclaimed as she leapt up at the ogre, attempting to strike his chest with her sword, however, the ogre dropped his halberd, dodged Mazzy by leaning his torso to the right, and Mazzy breezed past him and landed on the ground.
By the time she landed and turned to face him, the ogre had already drawn his short sword, which is his backup weapon, and parried Mazzy's sword in time. However, Mazzy made an unexpected move, breaking free from the locked swords then spun gracefully towards the ogre's left leg and slashed at it with her sword! The ogre wailed in pain and collapsed on his right leg, kneeling. Taking advantage of this, Mazzy jumped on top of the ogre and buried her sword into the ogre's back.
Ralis put the ogre who has been hounding him on the defensive now, striking consecutively with Kondar and Albruin, from every angle possible. The ogre leader, armed with only one sword, had a difficult time keeping up with the ferocity in how Ralis kept coming at him dual wielding two bastard swords. Ralis could tell that the ogre leader is losing his stamina. Crouching down immediately, Ralis swept both of his blades at the ogre's feet, cutting into flesh and knocking the ogre leader off his feet. When he hit the ground on his back, Ralis wasted no time in impaling both Kondar and Albruin's blades into the ogre's chest. At that moment, Ralis realized that he and his companions have won the battle. He looked up after pulling his swords out of the dead ogre and saw that his companions stood over the bodies of their targets too. Then, something strange happened. The bodies of the ogres slowly melted, transforming into human corpses!
"What the hell?!" Anomen gasped.
"Wha-?!" Ralis gasped in surprise.
Tashia and Aerie looked around in shock and confusion.
"But... but how?!" Aerie exclaimed.
"Illusions!" Hexxat declared.
"We have been duped! Tricked! Oh, the shame of it!" Minsc wailed, and Boo made sad squeaking noises.
"Whoever tricked us must pay dearly! These are knights of honor like myself!" Mazzy sneered, clenching her fists.
Ralis looked at the bodies and saw that these human men appear to be knights like Anomen, judging their body armor. Ralis looked down at the "ogre" he killed. There's something about this man he found familiar. Anomen walked over to him, sensing the feeling of dread washing over his comrade.
"What is it?" He asked.
Ralis didn't look at him. He peered closer at the knight's face. His heart felt like lead now. He also felt like throwing up once he realized he recognized the knight he had unintentionally slain.
"No... No no no no no...!" Ralis wailed as he held his head in despair and sank to his knees.
Anomen inspected the knight's face. At that moment, Minsc and the other approached them, and Anomen found he recognized this knight too.
"Oh no... Ajantis..." Anomen gasped.
Ralis broke down sobbing.
"No! No, goddammit, no!" He wailed as he slammed his fist into the hard soil.
"Who is this man?" Tashia asked, pointing down at the corpse Ralis is crying over.
Anomen looked up at them. "This man is Ajantis Ilvastarr, he was a member of the Radiant Heart Auxiliary alongside me. He was the squire paladin of Sir Keldorn Firecam. As I recall, he volunteered to travel to the Sword Coast and find the cause of the iron crisis to become a member of the senior branch of the Radiant Heart. He returned to Athkatla a few months ago with news and evidence that he helped thwart the ones responsible for the iron crisis, and as a result... he ascended to knighthood, he became a true paladin..."
Ralis looked up at Anomen, his eyes bloodshot red. "He was one of my companions at that time, but he wasn't with me during the fight against Caelar's crusaders at Dragonspear Castle. He ascended to knighthood because of me... And now... Now..." His voice gradually broke up in grief.
Aerie and Tashia knelt beside him to comfort him.
Unbeknownst to them, a man inside the largest house in the settlement, which is the town hall, was watching the battle. From his point of view, he saw 17 ogres fighting each other. When 9 ogres were killed, the fighting stopped, and the 9 dead ogres oddly enough, for some reason, transformed into human corpses, and also, the "ogres" who survived the fight also transformed too, revealing their true forms! Confused at this turn of events, the man decided to confront them. He stepped away from the window, stepped out the front door and confronted them.
"What goes on here?" He called out as he approached.
Ralis and the others looked at him. This unidentified man wore a red tunic, receding red hair and full beard.
"I've seen many a strange thing in my time, but the events of the past few moments tops them all. Who are you that can change shape so readily, and why have you slain these beasts that become men?" The man questioned them.
Ralis felt simultaneously sad and angry at this man's confused demeanor. "Can't you piece together what has transpired here? We've been tricked into killing these knights!" He snapped.
The man stroked his beard in thought. "Yes, that is the conclusion I've come to, though the knights of Torm and Helm will not believe what has happened. They will seek retribution, and only your heads will suffice," he said.
Anomen frowned incredulously and stood up. "What? What nonsense is this? I am a priest of Helm! surely they shall listen to me when I shall say that we have been duped!"
Ralis stood up. "Anomen, you're not a well known or respected member of the Radiant Heart yet, they won't listen to you," he said.
Anomen grunted in frustration, depressed that his knighthood ceremony won't happen anytime soon.
"Regardless, this is dire news. What do you suggest that we do, my friend?" Rasaad asked the man.
"I suggest that you all take sanctuary with me until you can discover how this unfortunate event came to pass," the man suggested.
Ralis wiped the tears from his face and inhaled through his nose when he felt mucus trying to leak from his nostrils. "Your hospitality is accepted," he said.
"Follow me. My cabin is this way," the man said, and he led Ralis and the others to his home.
By the time they got to the cabin, which is located near the forests on the eastern outskirts of the Windspear Hills settlement, it started raining.
A few minutes later after getting settled into the man's cabin, Ralis sat on a wooden chair which he placed in front of the window to the left side near the front door and looked forlornly outside at the rain, at the gray evening sky. Rasaad, Minsc, Aerie, Tashia, Hexxat, Anomen and Yoshimo, however, were in the dining room, which is close to where Ralis is. The cabin is not very large, with only two bedrooms and a dining room, which is the largest room in the cabin.
The man who welcomed Ralis and his companions into his cabin prepared a fairly good meal for them to enjoy, corn on the cob, ripe fruits and vegetables even for a salad, and some bread and ham if they want a sandwich. The man also has a 19 year old daughter named Iltha. She is tall, lanky, has short red hair and bright blue eyes. The man who has revealed himself to be named Garren Windspear noticed that Ralis has been staring out at the rain for 6 minutes now. Anomen lamented that this setback may ruin his long awaited chance to become a paladin of Helm. Garren had concerns for Ralis's depression, and had also heard from Rasaad that one of the slain knights was a friend of his that he hasn't seen in months, so he understood Ralis's grief. Garren walked over to Ralis, holding a cup of water in his hand.
"Best that you learn all you can of your situation before you go off getting killed. You have been cruelly tricked," Garren warned Ralis, sensing the desire for revenge brewing in him.
"You cannot know my pain... but your kindness is welcome. How did you come to happen by when you did?" Ralis replied coldly at first, still looking out at the raindrops outside the window.
Garren sighed and took a quick sip of his water. "You are not the first to suffer because of falsehoods and trickery. I too have undergone the same, though my trial was less bloody. I was once lord of this land and had many holds across the heart of Amn. Taken from me, it was. It was almost overnight, and I still bear the scars in my dreams. Regardless, I am content now, having found solace in the quiet of the wood, but I will forevermore curse the name of Lord Jierdan Firkraag."
Ralis's eyes widened with the realization that if Jierdan swindled Garren somehow, then he must be the mastermind of this incident!
"Firkraag!" Ralis turned to face Garren, almost startling him. "Then it was he who plotted my downfall! He was the one who hired me to rid his land of its ogre menace!" He exclaimed to Garren.
He nodded. "It is true to his style, organizing an elaborate plot to discredit a rival. I do not understand why he would target you, however. My case was obvious."
"What did he do?" Tashia asked, eavesdropping with Rasaad, Minsc and the others.
Garren turned to look at Tashia and the others to let them know he's speaking to both Ralis and them. "He sought my lands, so he discredited me. There were missing people only he could find, banditry only he could stop. Solutions to problems I am sure he caused. In the end, my properties were razed in a single night. The people lost faith in me, and my influence crumbled." Now Garren turned his focus directly to Ralis. "Now, it would seem, he has targeted you," he said.
Ralis stood up out of his chair. "But why? Why would he come after me? I never even met the man until recently!"
"I do not know," Garren shrugged. "Perhaps you slighted him in some way, without even knowing. He seems quite single-minded in his purposes. All I do know is he is not the worst of your worries. The Most Noble Order of the Radiant Heart will seek your deaths if something is not done quickly."
"C-C-Can't you reason with them somehow?" Aerie asked after eating a grape.
Garren raised an eyebrow as if he just got an idea.
"That's a clever idea. I have friends among the Order. I will speak to them as quickly as possible. Perhaps I can persuade them to look upon you all with mercy. I can but try." Garren said, his voice positive with hope.
"You'll do this? Thank you, you are most kind," Ralis shook Garren's hand thankfully.
Then Anomen stood up from the dinner table and approached Garren. "I prithee, Garren Windspear, when you venture to Athkatla, could you please tell the Order that I, Anomen Delryn request that my knighthood ceremony be postponed?"
Garren smiled at Anomen warmly as thunder rumbled outside. "It is no problem. I have found peace where I am, but any enemy of Lord Jierdan's is a friend of mine."
Then at that moment, Garren gathered his traveling equipment and weapons, then approached the front door. He opened the front door, preparing to step outside even though the thunderstorm has gotten a little worse. He paused at the doorway and said to Ralis and his companions: "Make my home yours until I return with good news."
Then he stepped out and shut the door. A few moments later, Ralis and the others heard a horse neigh, and when he and Aerie and Tashia peeked out the window on the right side of the door, they saw Garren riding a brown horse into the fields and out of sight.
"There he goes... off into the rain," Ralis muttered, though he got the distinct feeling that Garren felt more than happy to help them.
"I want to thank you all for bringing happiness to my father again," Iltha said.
"How did we bring him happiness?" Rasaad asked.
"It has been a few years since he has been able to help anyone in need. Please, do not disappoint him," Iltha pleaded.
"We won't disappoint, I assure you," Hexxat said.
"Agreed. He has been kind to us so far. I would not wish any harm to come upon him," Ralis said.
Iltha nodded, smiling in approval. "I am glad. He is a trusting sort. That is why Lord Jierdan Firkraag was able to usurp his lands. My father languishes while Jierdan lives the high-life. You could do much to bolster my father's spirit. Bringing that Firkraag to task would help a lot. Please, if not for my father, then for yourself," Iltha suggested.
Then Tashia yawned. "I'm feeling very tired," she said.
"S...so am I," Aerie said.
"We got a long wait for him to reach Athkatla and back. It took us nearly three days to get here," Ralis said, realizing it will take Garren six days to return, three to reach Athkatla, and three more days to return.
"I just hopes he succeeds... If he does not, then we are fugitives from the law for the rest of our lives," Anomen said glumly before biting an apple.