Bondari – thanks for the comments and enjoy more Endar Sai in this chapter.
Chapter 28 – The Raid – Day 94
"You allowed Imoen to leave with that cur? She could be in danger. Jeral, how could you be so foolish?"
Jeral swirled his tea around it the chipped mug and took a deep breath before responding to the irate paladin.
"That cur has a name as you well know. It is Endar Sai. If you recall we rescued him from the clutches of Tazok and his lackeys in the bandit camp a few months ago. He is no friend to the Iron Throne and he owes us his life. He claims to be a member of some influence in the thieves' guild here in the city and he has pledged to aid us in our fight with the Iron Throne. Imoen went with him to scout out the building and determine our best way in."
"How do we know we can trust him?"
Jeral drained his cup and smiled at the paladin as he continued. "It would be foolish to trust him completely, that much is true. However he could have killed me last night and he did not. We know he opposes the Iron Throne, and he is a member of the guild here in the city. Imoen was able to confirm that before she departed with him this morning."
"But letting Imoen go off on her own, someone should be with her to keep her safe."
"Ajantis, have you been asleep the past few months? Imoen may look harmless but don't let the pink hair, happy go lucky personality and gaudy clothes fool you. She has the heart of a killer. If Endar or any of his men get out of line they will get a knife in the heart before you can say 'Most Noble Order of the Radiant Heart.'
The paladin stood at the table shaking with apparent frustration and anger. Tiring of the conversation Jeral plucked an apple from the fruit bowl on the table and headed back upstairs to his room.
"This conversation is over Ajantis. It is time for us to leave. Take any equipment you are leaving behind and drop it off with Dynaheir. She will ward her room to ensure our items are untouched until our return."
Even at the early morning hour the heat was already oppressive. Locals claimed it was the hottest summer in memory and Imoen believed them. Tucked in the back of a hay wagon did nothing to improve the situation. Imoen lay at the bottom of the wagon with Endar Sai next to her. Imoen stifled a sneeze and felt herself sweating through her clothes as she eyed the Iron Throne building. It was a massive structure, made entirely of black granite it stood close to one hundred feet tall. Two large Iron Throne banners draped down the front of the building flanking the massive iron doors that served as the entrance to the facility. The building was awe inspiring, imposing and darkly beautiful. The wealth and power of the Iron Throne was evident if the building was any indication. The Seven Suns compound looked pathetically inadequate and shabby in comparison.
Through whispered conversations Endar had provided Imoen with a detailed layout of the building. The building was five levels plus a basement. The meeting rooms and offices for the leadership of the Iron Throne were on the upper level. Reiltar lived in the headquarters and rarely left the building. Staircases were located on the western and eastern side of each floor. There were a pair of guardsmen located at the foot of every set of stairs and would not allow anyone to pass without the appropriate password. High ranking members of the Iron Throne were known to all the guards so they were allowed to pass unchallenged. Guards who failed at their duties were summarily killed.
According to Endar the Iron Throne had recently imported additional mercenaries to bolster their ranks. Two score of the mercenaries were posted in front of the entrance to the building. All were clad in well made black chain mail and black tunics without any adornment. Imoen recognized their attire as matching that of the men and the giant who attacked her in the Blushing Mermaid after the debacle in the sewers. Most of the men were armed with sword and shield while a handful were armed with crossbows. All of the men looked well trained and alert, these were not simple guards, they were highly trained mercenaries. Entrance through the front door would not be a simple matter.
"Well the front door looks like a bad idea."
"Indeed, your attacks on their organization have caused them to increase their security. These guardsmen were not here yesterday. You must be making them nervous."
"I guess everyone did hear Minsc when he said we were going to attack this place. And here we were all impressed that the thieves' guild had smoked us out."
"Rest assured, the guild has power, and some of that power will assist you and your companions on this day."
"Good to know. Say Endar, where are the city watch? We have been sitting in this foul smelling cart for hours and I have yet to see a single patrol from the Flaming Fist. Since this is one of the richest districts in the city I would expect to see a highly visible presence from the watch."
"You are very observant Imoen. Captain Angelo is responsible for security in this district and he ensures that the Flaming Fist does not interfere with the business of the Iron Throne. He and the Iron Throne have apparently come to some sort of arrangement."
"Does that mean he working for them?"
"It pains me to admit as much but I do not know. We have yet to come up with anything firm but it is clear that their interests appear to align. He keeps his men out of their business. We will not see any members of the Flaming Fist here today unless the situation becomes too much for him to ignore."
"So a raging battle in the street might attract the attention of the Flaming Fist."
"Perhaps."
"Do you have the men to aid us should we attack those men?"
"No. We are not willing to risk open war with the Iron Throne at this time. This is not the time and that is not our way."
"Ok so much for force. Can we bribe our way in?"
"Unlikely.
"And we are all too well known to try and bluff our way into the building."
"Correct."
"Well the front door is not terribly promising, what other options do we have?"
"There is a tunnel in the sewer that opens up in the basement of the Iron Throne building. The servants use it to dispose of kitchen waste and the privies all empty out there."
"Not a chance. I just got new boots so the sewer is out of the question for now. Not gonna happen. What else?"
Endar did not respond. Instead he gently rapped his hand against the bottom of the cart. His ring knocked against the wood and the drover cracked his whip and the ox cart slowly rolled down the street, away from the Iron Throne headquarters. After a short time the cart stopped and the drover softly whistled. Endar quickly stood up and helped Imoen to her feet. The two brushed themselves off and hopped down to the street. The cart was parked in a narrow alley and was completely hidden from the main thoroughfare. The drover handed a water skin to Endar. Proffering it to Imoen she declined. "You first."
"So little trust, how disappointing." Endar upstoppered the skin and drank deeply. Once finished he handed the skin to Imoen and she too drank deeply.
"Ok, so we now smell like a barn and we know we cannot get into the building through the door or through the sewers. What other options do we have?"
"There really is only one option left to us." Endar smiled as he stared at Imoen.
Imoen crossed her arms and fixed the thief with her sternest look. Despite her best efforts the pink hair did detract somewhat from the attempt at intimidation. "Well out with it then."
"Well we cannot go down and straight is out of the question. That leaves up. Only way in is from the roof. My sources indicate that the roof is lightly guarded. Please follow me."
"Wait, what? The roof? That is over a hundred feet up. Can you fly? I sure can't. And scaling up that monstrous building in broad daylight looks suicidal."
"Patience my dear and follow me."
Endar entered a home through an open doorway. The occupants were nowhere in sight and Endar quickly strode through the house and ducked through a hole that was open in the far wall. He strode through a second house and then a third, all in similar fashion. Ducking through yet another hole Endar led Imoen into a large building that was clearly a warehouse of some sort.
"This warehouse belongs to a trader of some note in Baldur's Gate. It stands right behind the Flaming Fist compound. He was encouraged to pull his guards back from it for the day so we will not be disturbed."
Endar swiftly walked to the side of the warehouse and took the stairs up two at a time. Imoen followed as quickly as she could. Reaching the roof Endar opened the door and motioned for Imoen to follow. The roof of the warehouse was made of stout timbers and had a small ledge that surrounded the roof. Endar pointed to the west and Imoen started at the rear of the Flaming Fist compound. From the elevated position on the room Imoen could see that they were still about eighty feet below the roof of the building. Endar walked to the edge of the roof and motioned Imoen over.
"As you can see the alley is deserted. I have associates monitoring both ends of the alley and redirecting those who get too close. We should be able to work unobserved from this side of the building. Since there is no rear door to the building they see no need to position guards in the alley. We should be able to work without interruption and make our way to the top."
"Sure, unless someone sees us from the roof."
"You could not be more right about that my dear. And that is where your brother and his wonderful long bow come in. I have heard great tales about his skills as an archer. Today is the day we will determine if those tales are true. Let us go back inside and away from any prying eyes and await your companions."
"How will they know where to find us?"
"I sent one of my associates off to find them some time ago. They should be here presently."
Endar Sai's sense of timing was impeccable for Jeral and the others strolled into the warehouse after a short wait. Leading the way was a handsome young man with close cropped black hair and a crooked smile. He wore a set of well worn leather armor, thigh high boots and wore a bandolier of darts around his chest and a small dagger at his belt. Imoen found him extremely interesting.
"Ahhhhhhh, well done Niklos. Jeral it is lovely to see you again in daylight. I see you have replaced the lovely dark elf with a dwarf. While I am sure he is an excellent traveling companion the group has lost some of its luster."
"We had no need of her darkness for we are on a noble quest." Ajantis stepped forward and sneered at the master thief.
"And yet you consort with thieves. Seems to me that your rigid morality has at least some flexibility. How refreshing."
Ajantis scowled at the older man and stomped away.
"Not to be rude Endar but why have you brought us here?"
"Right to the point then. Jeral I will give you credit for your ability to get to the point of the matter. No messing around with you. You need to get inside the Iron Throne compound and I plan to assist you. Imoen and I have extensively scouted the building. The front door is heavily guarded and the sewers are not a viable option. When one cannot go down or straight ahead then one must take the only remaining path."
"Up, Jeral. Endar means that we have to go up."
"Imoen, look at us. We have three plate clad warriors amongst our number. How do we scale a building?"
"Well you lot do not scale anything, you are rubbish at climbing. Endar and I scale the building. Once at the top we lower a rope and then you all climb up. Or get pulled up if need be."
"You will be seen."
"Not a concern. Endar's folks have cleared the street and this building is next door to the back of the Iron Throne."
"Ok fair enough. But it will take you some time for you to scale the building, if you even can. While you are on the wall you will be helpless should anyone on the roof attack."
"Jeral, you see with clarity beyond your years. While we are climbing up the wall and helpless you and that lovely bow of yours will have to protect us from harm. If you can perform that simple task then Imoen and I will gain the roof without any issue."
"I wish to accompany you." Niklos stepped forward and bowed his head in front of his elder. The older thief seemed lost in thought as he considered the request. After a long pause he nodded slightly and Niklos clapped his hands together with glee.
"Very well, we shall go and start climbing the wall. I would request that you move to the roof and watch the roof top of the Iron Throne building. Should anyone see us I would be extremely grateful if you could discourage them from accosting us."
Jeral located the stairs on the back wall of the warehouse and quickly took them up to the roof. The Iron Throne building loomed dark and foreboding a dozen feet away. The narrow alley was all that separated the warehouse from the rear of the building. Jeral craned his neck up to eye the top of the ebony building. The morning sun was blocked by the building so Jeral did not have to contend with any glare. Anyone on the roof would give away their position by their shadow long before they reached the edge of the roof. Jeral leaned over the edge and looked down at the three as they prepared for their climb. The trio was sliding on gloves with small metal hooks embedded across their surface. They had already strapped on climbing spikes to their boots. The spikes and clawed gloves would allow them to gain purchase on the smooth stone walls of the building as they climbed. Jeral realized with a start that if they slipped there was nothing to arrest their fall but the soiled cobblestones of the alley below. One slip and someone would probably die.
Endar led off the climb. Reaching up on the wall his gloves dug into the black stone and he started his climb. Despite his age he moved effortlessly up the wall. Imoen and Niklos struggled to match his pace and quickly fell behind. Jeral forced himself to step back from the edge and watch the top of the building to ensure no guards noticed their ascent. Nocking an arrow of ice Jeral held his long bow at the ready as he craned his next upwards. Time seemed to stand still as he eyed the rooftop. Stealing glances downwards he watched transfixed as the three steadily made progress up the wall. Endar led them on a path upwards that steered well clear of all the windows to ensure they were not detected by any within the house. Each strike of the climbing spikes dislodged small chunks of stone that fell to the street below.
Jeral laughed as he realized that the climbers were badly scarring the flawless wall of the building. 'If nothing else we will make the Iron Throne spend a fortune to repair their building.'
"Jeral, someone is approaching!"
Dynaheir's voice started Jeral back to the present and he scanned the rooftop. He quickly spied the shadow and Dynaheir was correct, someone was approaching the edge of the roof. The guard casually walked to the edge of the roof top, inhaled deeply, spit over the side and stretched. He was clad in well made black chain mail that was identical to the mercenaries at the front of the building. A short sword hung from his belt and he held a trident is his right hand. Jeral lifted his bow and quickly loosed his arrow.
Jeral intentionally aimed at the man's stomach to ensure that he fell off the roof after he was stuck. Jeral's aim was true and the enchanted arrow sped home and stuck the man in the stomach. The enchantment from the arrow froze the man's innards solid, silencing any cry before it could escape his lips. Soundlessly he pitched forward, toppled over the low battlement and plunged to the alley below where he struck wetly on the cobblestones. Jeral stole a quick glance and was relieved to see that all three climbers were more than halfway up the building.
Motion in the alley drew Jeral's attention and he noticed Minsc and Ajantis dragging the corpse into the warehouse while Yeslick spread straw over the worst of the blood and gore to mask it from casual observation. Jeral quickly resumed his over watch and eyed the rooftop nervously as he held his long bow at the ready. Jeral tensed as he noticed a pair of shadows quickly approaching the edge of the roof. Where the first guard was relaxed and inattentive this pair was clearly wary and ready for any threat as they looked for their absent colleague. The pair was clad in black chain mail; one carried a crossbow while the other carried a small round shield and rested his hand on the pommel of the long sword hanging from his belt. The one with the shield cautiously approached the edge of the roof and leaned out over the battlement. He looked down and quickly jumped as he spied the trio of climbers on the wall. Snapping his fingers to get the crossbow man's attention he pointed out the climbers.
Before the crossbow man could sight in an arrow buried itself in the man's chest and a puff of frigid air escaped his lips as he back onto the rooftop dead. Reacting to the new threat the swordsman drew his blade and turned to face Jeral, shield held at the ready to intercept any arrow fired at him. So focused on the far threat the man forgot about the climbers on the wall. He was reminded of their presence when a silver throwing knife buried itself in his right leg. Bellowing in pain his screams were cut short when a second knife and then an arrow buried themselves in his chest. The guard fell backwards onto the rooftop and was lost from Jeral's sight.
Jeral watched transfixed as Endar clambered up and scrambled over the low battlement on the roof. Looking down he smiled wolfishly at Jeral and then drew a pair of long fighting knives from leg sheaths. Jeral was horrified to see over a half dozen shadows approaching Endar. Apparently the roof was better defended than they expected. The sound of blades clashing filled the air as Jeral stood helplessly and waited for a target to appear. Imoen regained the roof shortly after Endar did. Imoen rolled onto the roof and started throwing knives at unseen targets.
Niklos gained the roof seconds after Imoen and uncoiled a knotted rope from around his shoulders. Affixing it firmly to the roof he dropped the remainder of the rope off the side of the building. He then rose to his feet and started hurling darts at targets that Jeral could not see from his position.
"Dynaheir, tell Minsc to get up that rope now. Once he is up Ajantis can follow. I will remain here in case any targets make themselves available."
Dynaheir nodded and raced downstairs, concern for her apprentice etched on her face. Jeral stared at the rooftop as he scanned for targets. The sight of Minsc walking up the side of the building pulled Jeral's view from the rooftop. Jeral watched transfixed as Minsc strode up the wall, steadily pulling hand over hand on the rope as he walked up the wall. His massive frame and incredibly heavy suit of full plate mail seemed to not hinder the ranger at all as he quickly ascended to the rooftop. Clambering over the battlement Minsc stood, drew Spiders Bane and strode out of sight. Jeral headed downstairs to wait his turn on the rope.
Ajantis worked steadily as he made his way up the rope. His ankheg plate was far lighter than that worn by Minsc but it was still sufficiently heavy to make the climb a struggle for the squire. Jeral chuckled to himself when he realized that the enchanted boots the paladin wore did nothing to help him climb the rope. Once Ajantis reached the top Dynaheir grasped the rope firmly and made her way quickly to the top. Despite dedicating her life to the arcane Dynaheir had obviously not allowed her body to atrophy, she had the agility and coordination of an acrobat. Once she was at the top Jeral looked at Yeslick and was surprised to see the dwarf looking pale and nervous.
"Are you well master dwarf?"
"I am ashamed to admit it Jeral but I cannot climb that rope."
"Why not Yeslick? I have seen you fight and there is great strength in you."
"If it were something so simple. Lack of strength I could accept, this is a matter of lack of courage. I am scared of heights, always have been since I was a wee lad. There is no way I can ascend this wall."
"Yeslick, we will need you by our side when we enter the building. Not only are you a powerful warrior but you are the only healer in our group. Without you by our side we risk losing a companion before they could be brought down here to you."
The dwarf looked Jeral in the eyes and nodded gravely.
"I understand that Jeral and I do not make this claim lightly. I cannot go up that wall."
Jeral fought back a sarcastic comment as he stared at the crestfallen draft. Yeslick's chin quivered under his beard as he fought to hold back the tears of shame and frustration. Jeral clapped the cleric on the shoulders and slung his longbow across his back. Tugging on the rope to ensure it was secure Jeral prepared to climb. A tug on his belt forced him to look back at Yeslick.
The dwarf handed Jeral a heavily padded bag with a wide shoulder strap. "Jeral, even though I cannot join you take these healing potions along. Pour some on the wound to stop the bleeding and then make the injured person drink one or more down until their wounds are closed. That should keep them alive until you can get them to me."
Jeral nodded, slung the bag over his shoulder and started to climb up the rope. As Jeral steadily climbed up the wall his mind wandered back to his time at Candlekeep. Imoen loved to climb and would take Jeral on adventures all over the fortress. She loved making him climb at night and often in the rain. The more dangerous the climb the happier Imoen was. Jeral considered himself a fair climber but he knew that Imoen could put him to shame and she never passed up the opportunity to belittle his climbing skills. Jeral could not count the number of occasions when he had fallen or become stuck and Imoen had to rescue him by lowering a rope.
Jeral reached the top without incident. He waved once to the forlorn dwarf in the alley below and hoisted himself over the low battlement and onto the roof of the Iron Throne headquarters. What greeted his eyes was a scene of absolute carnage. Black clad guardsmen were strewn everywhere across the blood slicked roof. Jeral counted almost two dozen corpses on the rooftop. Darts and throwing knives littered the ground and had clearly cut down a significant number of the guardsmen. Endar Sai was standing in front of a pile of corpses breathing heavily, blood and gore dripping off his curved fighting knives. Ajantis, flanked by Minsc, stood guard next to the door that led down to the upper floor of the building.
Dynaheir and Imoen were off to the side kneeling over the prone body of Niklos. The young thief was struggling to breathe and blood frothed from his lips. Jeral quickly joined Imoen and Dynaheir and took in the scene before him. Niklos was suffering from a number of wounds. Deep cuts on his arm and shoulder showed where a swordsman had found his mark. The wound in his stomach was the one that was the real danger.
"The fool took a spear thrust trying to protect me. Where is Yeslick? Niklos needs his healing immediately else he may die." The plaintive look in Imoen's eye showed that she was fond of this boy she had just met and that she did not want him to die.
"Yeslick is down in the alley ensuring we have a way to escape when the time comes." The lie came easily to Jeral for he did not want the others to know of Yeslick's fear. "Move aside, I may be able to keep him alive."
"Jeral, you are not a healer, we need Yeslick."
"Yeslick is not here, either I save him or he dies. Move aside both of you, I need room to work."
Jeral leaned over the body and ran his hands over the life threatening stomach wound. Focusing on the wound Jeral willed it to close. A shiver ran through his body as his hands pulsed with energy and he could feel the stomach wound start closing itself from the inside out. Jeral shuddered once and sat back on his haunches. Some color returned to the boy's face and he took a deep breath. Jeral unstoppered a healing potion and drizzled it over the boy's wounds. He opened a second and held it to the boy's lips. As Niklos unsteadily gulped it down Jeral watched as the wounds on his shoulder and arm both started to close themselves up. With the lad out of danger Jeral bound his wounds with strips of uniform tunic from the corpses strewn over the roof. Niklos succumbed to the pain and fatigue and passed out. Jeral stood up and wiped the blood off on his pants. Smiling when he realized the new black pants would not show the blood stains Jeral turned to face Imoen.
"So what happened up here?"
"What didn't happen? Thanks to you and Endar we reached the top of the roof safely. When we got there we saw guardsmen pouring up the stairs to the roof. Endar charged into the mass of guards and was just a blur. He is faster with a blade than anyone I have ever seen. He kept them back while Niklos and I threw everything we had at them. The three of us probably killed a half score of them before a pair of them broke away from Endar and charged me. Before I could deal with them Niklos threw me to the ground and jumped in front of the pair. Stupid kid took on two heavily armed mercenaries with only a dagger."
"He is lucky to be alive Imoen."
"Yeah, thanks to you. Anyway Niklos fell back on top of me, I thought he was dead. I was stuck underneath him, I thought I was a goner but that was when Minsc reached the top of the roof and he took care of the two attackers in an instant. He then joined up with Endar and the two of them killed the rest of the guardsmen."
"How is Niklos? Please tell me he lives." Endar strode up to stand beside Imoen and Jeral. His blood spattered face etched with concern. Tears in his tunic showed glimmers of a fine steel mesh armor that Endar wore under his clothes.
"He lives Endar. He was wounded pretty badly but Jeral kept him alive."
Relief flooded over Endar's features when he heard the news. Reaching out he clasped Jeral's forearm firmly and smiled. "It seems I am to be in your debt yet again. First you and your friends save me from a fate worse than death and now you have saved my son's life."
"Son?" Imoen and Jeral echoed in unison. Imoen continued one she recovered from the shock. "I thought he is your apprentice."
"Imoen, he is my apprentice, he is also my son. However, very few know of that fact and I would appreciate your discretion in the matter. Should his relationship with me become widely known it would place him in terrible danger for my enemies would use him to get to me."
"Your secret is safe with us."
"I thank you my lady."
"Endar, we cannot stay up on this roof forever. They must know we are here."
"You are correct Jeral, they know we are here so we must leave as soon as we can."
"What do you know of the building?"
"The upper floor is the meeting room and private offices of all the Iron Throne leadership. The stairs descend into the great hall and offices line the walls on the north and south sides of the room while the east and west walls end in the windows that overlook the entry way and the back alley. If Reiltar is anywhere he will be on this floor."
"Jeral, I can hear the guards organizing downstairs. They are massing for an attack. Whatever we are to do we should do it quickly."
"One sec Ajantis."
Thinking quickly Jeral walked over and whispered in Dynaheir's ear. Smiling she nodded once and started casting. Jeral walked over to stand next to Ajantis and Minsc and motioned Endar to join them. Dynaheir completed her casting and a familiar tingling sensation spread through Jeral's body. From the looks on the faces of his companions Dynaheir's haste spell had worked on them as well.
"Once Dynaheir completes her next spell we attack. We need to fight our way out of this building. Dynaheir and Imoen will use the time to get Niklos to safety down the rope. We will all meet back at the Elfsong."
"Jeral, this is madness."
"Do not fear good paladin. We do great things today. Boo says today is not our day to die."
Minsc upstoppered a vial and swapped down a vicious red liquid. As the potion took effect Minsc gripped his massive war blade and prepared himself for battle. Dynaheir completed her second spell and the familiar small ball of flame grew steadily in intensity as she molded it in her hands. Releasing it she directed it down the stairs. The sounds of men tripping over one another was soon replaced by the sounds of screams and sizzling flesh as the fireball grew in size and intensity. Dynaheir continued to chant and focus her energies on the spell as the screams below got louder and louder. The air started getting difficult to breath and Jeral broke out in a sweat. Dynaheir clapped her hands together loudly and her fireball exploded with an ear shattering blast as every window on the floor below shattered outwards, showering the street with glass. The rooftop shuddered as the blast wave struck. Dynaheir's body sagged from exhaustion and she slowly made her way back to Imoen and wearily dropped to her knees.
Roaring a Rashemi battle cry Minsc took off down the stairs. Ajantis followed closely behind the ranger muttering to himself. Endar and Jeral looked at one another.
"Ahhhh this kind of wanton bloody combat reminds me of my younger and far less intelligent days. Lead on Jeral for we have much blood ahead of us before this day ends."
Jeral nocked an arrow and raced down the stairs after Ajantis and Minsc. Jeral descended into a great meeting room. Rich tapestries and plush furniture were strewn everywhere in piles of smoldering wreckage. Scorch marks from Dynaheir's magic showed that nothing in the room escaped unscathed. A score or more of bodies lay on the floor in charred heaps of flesh, metal and bone. The stench of death was overpowering and Jeral fought back the urge to empty his stomach on the floor.
"Minsc, search the rooms along that wall. Endar and I will search the rooms on this one. Ajantis, watch the stairs and warn us if others approach."
Endar walked directly to an ornate door on the right side of the wall of offices.
"These are Reiltar's private chamber. As head of the Iron Throne in Baldur's Gate he is the one you want."
Taking no chances Endar quickly checked the door for traps, picked the lock and entered the room. The minute he opened the ornate door a piercing scream penetrated the air.
"He has the room warded with a magic mouth enchantment."
"Jeral, I am not too concerned for I think they have already noticed our presence in the building." Endar expertly searched the room and approached Jeral with his arms full of documents and other odds and ends.
Reiltar is not here. He went to a meeting in Candlekeep. He departed two days ago. He is meeting with representatives from the Iron Throne in Sembia from the looks of this invitation. Endar handed over the ornate invitation and Jeral tucked it into his jacket.
Jeral realized with a start that his pursuit was bringing him home. The thought of returning to Candlekeep filled him with overwhelming sadness. Everything there reminded him of Gorion and Gorion was dead, killed by the giant warrior and the Iron Throne. "What else do you have there Endar?"
"Well this is a copy of Reiltar's business holdings. With this I can start taking his organization apart piece by piece." Endar tossed Jeral a small pouch. Jeral caught it with his left hand and was surprised at its weight.
"Looks like that is some of Reiltar's emergency funds. That sack is full of diamonds and rubies, good ones too. That should fund you and your companions for some time."
Jeral tucked the pouch into an inner pocket in his jacket and turned to rejoin Ajantis.
"Minsc, Ajantis. Time to leave, our quarry is not here."
"What makes you think you will be able to leave? You have crossed the Iron Throne and death will be your reward." The commanding voice echoed through the room.
Jeral whirled around and watched as a half dozen well equipped men strode out the door of one of the meeting rooms on the far wall. In the lead were four men all armored in plate mail. One carried a halberd, one a mace, one a war hammer and one a black long bow. Behind the four plate clad warriors stood a pair of mages in silk robes gilded in silver and mother of pearl inlay.
Without thinking Jeral launched a flame arrow at one of the mages while Endar hurled a pair of throwing knives at the other one. Their magically enhanced speed ensured that they struck first. All three missiles struck home and both mages fell to the floor. Minsc and Ajantis charged the four plate clad warriors. The archer loosed an arrow at Ajantis but the paladin managed to twist out of the way of the arrow as he charged forward. The arrow struck the far wall and exploded, blasting a hole in the wall and causing the entire building to shudder.
'That is an arrow of detonation!'
Jeral had read about the incredibly powerful enchanted arrows but never seen one in action until now.
Ajantis closed with the archer and forced him to drop his bow and draw a short sword to defend himself. Minsc charged into the front rank of men and drove them back. With his strength enhanced by a magic elixir he was a sight to behold. His first swing sliced through the attempted parry with the halberd and cut deeply into the man's shoulder. The man screamed in pain and crumpled to the floor as Minsc moved onto his next target leaving death in his wake. Endar drew his fighting knives and moved forward to assist Minsc and Ajantis in finishing off the fighters. The three remaining fighters were terribly outmatched by a paladin, ranger and master thief.
Out of the corner of his eye Jeral noticed that one of the mages still lived. The man was horribly burned from Jeral's arrow but held up a wand in a trembling hand and pointed it at Jeral. Jeral hastily aimed in and fired an arrow at the downed mage. Before the arrow struck home the mage uttered a word of command and the tip of the wand flashed brightly. Jeral tensed in anticipation of magic striking his body but then relaxed when nothing happened. He watched as his second arrow struck the mage in the face and he fell back, the wand slipping from his lifeless hand.
'Nothing happened? I wonder what that wand does?'
Jeral nocked another arrow and searched for targets. Minsc had sliced his opponent in half and Endar and Ajantis had their opponents wholly on the defensive. Jeral was so focused on the fight in front of him he never noticed the halberd blade until it struck him in the center of his back. The force of the blow drove Jeral to the floor and his long bow dropped from his hands and skittered away on the stone floor. The pair was excruciating and Jeral struggled to avoid passing out. Jeral fought through the waves of pain and rolled onto his back. He found himself staring up at a half dozen heavily armed gnolls.
Jeral scrabbled away from the beasts as quickly as he could as they steadily advanced. The creatures eyed him hungrily as they closed on him. Jeral attempted to cry for help but could not make himself speak, his body temporarily overcome by pain and fear.
"DOG BEASTS MUST DIE! GO FOR THE EYES BOO!"
Minsc roared in anger as he charged into his hated foes. Jeral noted that Minsc was nearly as tall as the gnolls and fought with such ferocity that he seemed equally feral as the beasts themselves. While they were fierce creatures they were little challenge to a plate clad warrior with a heavily enchanted blade and magically enhanced strength and speed. Jeral watched one gnoll after the other quickly fell to the floor in pieces. Jeral started with surprise as he noticed each creature wink out of existence as it died. 'That has to be a wand of gnoll summoning.' After Minsc killed the final creature he leaned on his sword and stood breathing heavily and sweating from the exertion. Jeral unsteadily got to his feet and reached back between his shoulders to check on his wound. His jacket was sliced through. The chain links underneath were intact, his enchanted chain mail had turned away the halberd blade and likely saved him life. Jeral unstoppered a healing potion and drank greedily. The pain lessened and settled to a dull ache. Jeral tossed the empty potion bottle to the floor and looked at the others.
"Well that was exciting. Give me a minute to search the bodies and we can continue on our way."
Jeral quickly walked amongst the bodies and grabbed a few items of interest. The quiver contained 19 arrows of detonation. Jeral smiled as he slid them into his own quiver. He also took the wand from the mage knowing that he could put it to good use. He grabbed assorted rings, scrolls and potion vials, tossing all of them into his pouch for further examination later.
Ajantis led the way down to the fourth floor. The floor was deserted; anyone there had clearly departed in haste fleeing from the battle above. The third floor and the second floor were equally deserted. Jeral headed to the windows overlooking the square and looked outside. There were hundreds of bystanders gawking and pointing at the building. The guardsmen out front had formed into a defensive square with the crossbowmen and their leader in the center of the square. They were clearly ready to defend their location from threats inside or outside the building.
"Well the guards are still out front, so much for calmly walking out the door. Dynaheir's spell has worn off so there is no chance to outrun everyone."
"The building looks deserted. Everyone else must have fled through the sewers. If we try and escape that way we cannot know who or what we will encounter. We must leave through the front door, there is no other way." Endar cleaned his knives with a rag as he contemplated their one final fight before they could escape the building.
"We will be hard pressed for we are four and they are ten times our number. Minsc is fatigued and Jeral is wounded."
"Ajantis, your words have wisdom, but what choice do we have? I wish to return to my guild and my son, but those men stand in our way."
"Hold on now. I think I can help smooth our way a bit. Follow me." Smiling Jeral led them group downstairs. The first floor was as deserted as all the others. The massive doors at the front of the building were built of wood and reinforced with iron and barred from the inside.
Flanking the door were ornate windows that extended to the ceiling. Each was heavily barred with black iron bars as thick as a man's arm.
Jeral pulled an arrow from his quiver and held it out to the others.
"This is an arrow of detonation. One of these blew a hole in the wall upstairs when that archer attacked Ajantis and missed. Arrows like these are incredibly rare and very powerful. These are likely the only arrows of this type in all of Baldur's Gate."
Ajantis blanched at the realization that he narrowly escaped death.
I am going to fire a couple of these at the door and then at the guards outside. That should blast the doors out of the way and also break their ranks allowing us the chance to cut through them."
"Once on the other side follow me and I will take you to one of my safe houses. Your companions should be waiting for us there with my son." Smiling wolfishly Endar saluted each of the three accompanying him. "It has been my pleasure to fight by your side. I spend so much time dealing with unsavory characters that it is a refreshing change to have men of character at my side."
"When one chooses to be a thief one spends their life dealing with scum."
"And the paladin ends the moment of good feeling. Ajantis we need to teach you to mind your tongue."
"Jeral, I have taken a vow to enforce the law and to speak the truth. We are currently allied with thieves. Was it not for us fighting a greater evil I would likely find Endar to be my enemy."
"Fair enough Ajantis, your displeasure is noted. Everyone stand back. Do not charge until I give the signal."
Jeral backed away from the double doors and slowly drew back an arrow of detonation. Exhaling to calm himself he loosed the arrow and quickly drew and nocked another. As the first arrow struck the double doors they exploded outwards in a spray of wood and iron. Jeral caught a glimpse of the defensive square formation though the blast and quickly loosed a second arrow into the soldiers midst. The second arrow struck a crossbowman in the shoulder and detonated. The man disappeared in a pink mist and bits of armor, blood and bone sprayed all over his fellow mercenaries. Jeral aimed his third arrow at the ground in front of the square and let it fly. He quickly slung his long bow over his shoulder and drew his short sword. The third arrow struck the ground at the feet of the soldiers closest to the building. The explosion carried outwards and blasted a hole in the wall of soldiers.
Jeral charged into the melee confident that the others were close behind. Ajantis raced ahead carried along by his speed enhancing boots. The paladin shield punched a dazed guard on the left and ran the mercenary commander through with a strike to the stomach. Jeral, Endar and Minsc followed the paladin into the gap he created and hacked their way through. The mercenaries were dazed and recovering from the three exploding arrows. Distracted as they were the four were able to hack their way through the mass of soldiers and cur through the other side of the formation.
"Follow me." Endar sheathed his fighting knives and sprinted across the square, twisting and turning to avoid bowling over gawking bystanders filling the square. Ajantis was immediately at his side and Minsc and Jeral followed closely behind. Once through the square Endar led them down an alley. At the end of the alley they climbed through a window into a house. The house was currently unoccupied. Endar found a basin of water in the kitchen, grabbed a few rags, and wiped the worst of the blood and gore from his face, arms and clothing. Taking his lead the others did the same. After a few moments they all looked almost presentable.
"Right. From here we walk slowly and casually. We are just four mercenaries out for a stroll. Endar opened the front door of the house and the four exited into the bright sunshine. Jeral was tense and fought the urge to nervously look around as Endar casually led them on a twisting path through the city. Entering the docks district Endar headed to a decrepit looking shack at the foot of a rundown pier. Endar held the door open and motioned the other three to enter. Once in the room he shut the door behind them, lifted a heavily soiled carpet from the floor, and opened a trapdoor. A ladder led down and the smell of cooking and the sound of laughter washed over the party.
The four descended and found themselves in a large room. A well equipped kitchen stood in the corner and comfortable chairs and tapestries lined each wall. Thick carpets covered the floor and the entire room looked clean and inviting. Jeral was thrilled to see Dynaheir and Yeslick chatting with an overweight woman wearing an apron. Plates overflowing with fresh bread, roasted chicken, cheese and onions were strewn across the table. Yeslick was leaning back in his chair and patting his stomach contentedly as he picked bits of chicken out of his beard.
"Ahhhhh I see that Marion is taking excellent care of our guests."
"What took you lot so long? We started without you." Yeslick beamed and held up a tankard of ale.
"Getting out was a bit more complicated than getting in."
Yeslick nodded sagely, "That is often the case Jeral, often the case. No mater you are all here now. Let us drink and eat and celebrate the destruction of the Iron Throne."
"Master dwarf, the Iron Throne still stands. While we thoroughly damaged their headquarters building in Baldur's gate the leadership was not present. Buildings can be repaired, hirelings can be replaced. Our work is not yet done." Ajantis glumly removed his helmet and shield and sat down heavily at the table.
"So where are the leaders?" Dynaheir asked quietly as she eyed Jeral.
"Candlekeep. We found documents that indicate that they are attending a meeting there. Reiltar and the others apparently left two days ago for the city. That is where we must go next."
"Assuming we can get out of the city without the Flaming Fist arresting us how can we enter Candlekeep? The magics protecting that place are well known and incredibly powerful. The only way into the castle is through the donation of a book to their library."
Jeral smiled for the first time that day. "We have that covered. I took a few priceless tomes from Jhasso's library. One of them will be sufficient to grant us entry to the city."
"Well that is a start Jeral. But how can we get out of the city? And can we get there in time before Reiltar departs?"
"My dear lady mage, I believe I can aid you and your companions. I have access to a fast ship and a loyal crew. They could carry you safely out of the city and down the coast to Candlekeep. They would also wait there for your return and take you anywhere you wish after that."
"That is very generous of you Endar, you have our thanks."
"Jeral, can we trust this cur to carry us where we need to go? How can we be sure that he will not kill us at the first opportunity?"
"Ajantis, you are quickly becoming tiresome. Endar has aided us in our efforts and I for one trust him with my life."
"Well Jeral your poor judgment and affinity for creatures of darkness is well known."
Jeral glared at the paladin and felt the rage building in his chest. His hand slowly moved to the pommel of his sword. Ajantis noticed the movement and slowly slid his chair away from the table. Endar placed a calming hand on Jeral's forearm and stepped between the two men.
"Good Helmite, you are fortunate that I am a patient man for your lack of faith is somewhat disturbing. In my younger days I would have taken offense and things may have gone badly for you. However, in my advancing years I have learned patience. So I will say this once and only once. If you elect not to trust me so be it, but know this, I too am an enemy of the Iron Throne so we have common cause. I will also send my son along with you on the ship as your guest. Should anything untold happen to you his life will be in your hands. That should serve to put your mind at ease."
Ajantis folded his arms and grimly nodded his acceptance of Endar's terms.
"But know this master paladin, insult me again in my home and I will kill you. You have watched me fight enough to know that I am more than a match for you. I will fight a duel with you at any time and rest assured, if we duel you will not survive." Lightening up his tone considerably he continued. "But I digress. Please make yourselves comfortable. I will make the necessary arrangements and you will leave on the morning tide. You will reach Candlekeep close on the heels of Reiltar and his companions. Excuse me."
Turning on a heel Endar headed up the ladder and departed.
Jeral forced himself to look away from Ajantis and sit down.
"Excuse me dearie, I can mend your coat for you if you wish." Jeral looked up into the smiling matronly face of the cook.
"That would be very nice, thank you." Jeral stood up and removed his coat and handed it over to the cook. She folded it over her arm and walked down a hallway.
Jeral stood, stretched and pulled his chain mail tunic off over his head. Laying it over a chair he stretched and felt the dull ache in his back. "Hey where is Imoen?"
"She is tending to Niklos."
"Didn't Yeslick heal his wounds?"
"Of course I did, although Dynaheir says that you somehow managed some healing magic of your own."
Jeral looked at the floor unwilling to lie to the dwarf and Dynaheir. A silence hung over the room, broken only by the sounds of Minsc wolfing down chicken and bread.
The sound of Imoen giggling carried through a doorway down the hall. The sound of continued giggling was followed by other sounds that caused everyone in the room to blush and pretend that they were not listening to Imoen and Niklos introduced themselves to one another. The question about Jeral's healing ability was quickly forgotten.
"Boo says Imoen is making herself comfortable."
Jeral, Yeslick and Dynaheir all burst out into laughter at the comment while Ajantis just looked offended.
Jeral wiped a team from his eye as he looked at Minsc and smiled. "My thanks my friend. I have not laughed like that in some time. I needed that."
"Minsc is glad that Jeral is happy but Minsc does not understand what Boo said."
That caused an additional round of laughter as Minsc just looked confused.
