"The only safe place you could think of was in Neverwinter?" Shandra asked Marcus sceptically as they walked towards the Sunken Flagon.

Marcus sighed. "Shandra, we've been over this at your farm. You'll be safe here in Neverwinter, at the Sunken Flagon. Or at least as safe as any place can be, with githyanki after you." Talk about your reluctant damsels in distress; the woman is stubborn, the harbourman thought.

"Why did we have to bring her to the Sunken Flagon, harbour boy?" Neeshka asked, her tail twitching. "I don't want to have to watch her all the time, you know." She'd been suspicious of the farm girl since they'd saved her from the gith.

"You don't have to watch me, I can take care of myself," Shandra said defiantly. "You're the ones who need watching. I'm surprised all of Neverwinter hasn't burned down with you loose on the streets."

"Trust me, if I wanted to burn a place down, you'd know," Neeshka snapped. "But if you don't want to be here, fine by me." She was definitely getting jealous.

Marcus shook his head, giving the tiefling a questioning look. Ever since they'd left Shandra's farm, the harbourman had been baffled by Neeshka's reaction to the farm girl. Marcus guessed there was probably a simple explanation to it, but he was damned if he could work out what it was.

"Well, now, I see you've brought someone new to my establishment. Now who is this young lady?" Duncan asked, almost as soon as Marcus, Shandra and everyone else were through the door of the Flagon.

"This is Shandra Jerro, Duncan," Marcus said, wondering why Duncan had taken a sudden interest in her. For some reason, the harbourman couldn't help but think he was up to something.

"Please, lass, come in, come in. Make yourself at home. This here is the Sunken Flagon, I own it. You'll be safe here," Duncan said, laying on the charm as he turned to face a gnome that stood near the bar. "Grobnar, play a tune or something, make the lady feel welcome."

Grobnar whipped out his lute and began to play a happy tune. "Why, of course, I was just think..." he started in an overly cheery voice.

"Look, we don't need a lecture on what passes through your head and out your mouth. Just play," Duncan muttered under his breath, exasperated at the bard.

"What's with the innkeeper?" Shandra asked, a little bewildered. "He seems to run hot and cold."

"Well, I'd say, judging by his tone and that look in his eye, I'd stay out of arm's reach, if I were you," Marcus said dryly. Where'd the gnome come from? He wasn't here when we left, he thought.

"Alright, I agreed to let you bring me here, now I want some answers," Shandra said.

"Not all of us wanted you here, trust me," Neeshka muttered under her breath.

"Neesh, behave," Marcus replied, squeezing her hand. What is with her when we get another woman in the party? he wondered.

"What happened at my farm? Who were those creatures? And why were they after me?" Shandra asked, ignoring the remark that the tiefling had made.

"Shandra, we realise this is difficult, but your life may well be in danger and I swear to you, we are trying to protect you, not make more trouble for you," Casavir said, trying to ease Shandra's fears.

Shandra blushed. "Oh, alright, sorry. Guess the whole thing's hard to take all at once," she said apologetically.

"Huh, what'd you know, a little paladin charm sure calmed her quick," Neeshka remarked, trying not to gag. It wasn't because she didn't like Casavir; it was the farm girl's reaction.

The harbourman shook his head at the tiefling's antics. "We don't have all the answers, Shandra... Those were githyanki, and as to why they were after you? You are the last living relative of Ammon Jerro. It's not what you know, but what Ammon Jerro knew," Marcus said.

"Ammon Jerro?" Shandra asked, baffled. "He was my grandfather. Or my great-grandfather... or was it my great-great-grandfather? I heard he was an eccentric, but humble wizard, but he died a long time ago. What's he got to do with this whole mess?" Shandra asked.

"It seems he possessed a githyanki silver sword. The githyanki want it back, and if it's anywhere, it's probably in his Haven along with all his information on silver swords," Marcus explained.

Shandra frowned. "My mother told me about the Haven when I was a child. I thought it was just a tale she used to make me do my chores on time. She always threatened to lock me in there if I wasn't a good girl," she said.

"I assure you, the Haven is real enough, and we need to find it before the githyanki do," Marcus replied.

"But I have no idea where it is!" Shandra protested. "Knowing its location wouldn't help you much anyway. My mother said something about a... path you have to walk to get to it. Like a series of challenges, but I don't remember what they are," Shandra said, then she looked worried. "She also said… getting into the Haven requires a pint of fresh blood. And not just any blood will do... it has to be Jerro blood. Wait... is that why you 'rescued' me? So you could bleed me?" She looked around wildly. "If you think I'm going to let you drag me into some dark dungeon I used to have nightmares about, think again."

"Oooh, I get it now. I was wondering why we'd brought her here. She was really starting to bother me," Neeshka said softly.

"Neeshka," Marcus growled, a bit exasperated. "Certainly not, Shandra…" he continued, turning towards the farm girl, "…but it's important, to me, and maybe to all of Neverwinter. If Ammon Jerro was 'eccentric, but humble,' it's not likely his Haven is a place to fear," Marcus said, even though he found the thought of a pint of blood being used to enter Jerro's Haven a bit creepy.

"Hmmm... you know, I never thought of it that way. You may be right." Shandra yawned, and then looked around apologetically. "Look, I can barely think, let alone stand. I really need rest... we can talk about this tomorrow."

"Is she sleeping here, too?" Neeshka whispered.

All Marcus could do was roll his eyes. "That's a good idea, Shandra. Duncan, I'm sure, can find you a room," he said.

"Indeed I can, Shandra," Duncan said, again laying on the charm as he showed her to a room.

Marcus turned to Neeshka. "And as for you sweetheart, we are going to have to have a little chat about that jealous streak of yours," he said with a smirk.


"What's with that tiefling… Neeshka?" Shandra asked, as she walked alongside Duncan.

The innkeeper looked a little puzzled. "What do you mean, lass?"

"Well… she just didn't seem to want me here, that's all," Shandra said.

Duncan smiled a little. "Ah. I see. Well, as far as I can tell, she sees you as a threat, so she's reacting in the only way she knows. Nothing to worry about, it'll pass." He opened the door of the last room on the corridor. "Here we are, lass."

"What do you mean 'she sees me as a threat'?" the farm girl demanded. "A threat to what, exactly?"

Duncan looked at her for a moment or two. "You mean you haven't noticed?" he asked, surprised. "Gods help you, lass," he said, shaking his head. "All I can say is just don't get between her and Marcus, and you'll be safe."

Shandra's brows furrowed a little, and then she looked at the innkeeper, mildly shocked. "Are you telling me that she and he are...?"

Duncan just nodded. "Yes. I'm still having a hard time getting used to the fact that my kin has hooked up with a tiefling." The half elf smiled a little. "But, as Marcus would point out, he's not kin by blood, more by adoption."

"And you're okay with this?" Shandra asked, slightly surprised.

Duncan rubbed his chin a little. "I wouldn't say that exactly, but I was made to realise I have a few of my own demons colouring my view of things."

"Duncan, I thought we'd talked about this, and that you would leave them be." A deep voice rumbled just behind them. Shandra's eyes grew wide: she recognized the holy symbol round the tall, armoured man's neck. She did not exactly get a chance to take a good look until now. A paladin of Tyr…here?

Duncan sighed as he turned to face Casavir. "Aye, that we did, but it's still going to take me a while to deal with everything. Sorry if I've disappointed you, Casavir."

"You have done no such thing, Duncan," Casavir replied. "Just don't let the past influence the future."

Duncan nodded as he turned back to Shandra. "Well… have a good night, I suppose, and I'll see you in the morning?" he said, as he moved past the paladin. "I better go see what those two young tearaways are up to."

Casavir smiled, in spite of himself. "When I left them, Marcus was attempting to get to the bottom of Neeshka's jealousy… It proved to be… entertaining." Duncan muttered something under his breath and hurried away.

Casavir turned his attention to Shandra, who looked a little overwhelmed, and was just standing by the open bedroom door. "Are you alright, Shandra?" he asked, with a slight bow.

The farm girl looked up, obviously deep in thought. "Hmm? Oh sorry… Casavir, isn't it?" The paladin nodded. "I'm just wondering what I've walked into, is all." She gave a shrug. "A tiefling who's the jealous girlfriend of your party's leader…"

"I can sympathise," Casavir said in a soothing voice. "I had much the same reaction upon first meeting them in the Sword Mountains." He paused a moment, collecting his thoughts. "I was unsure what to think when I learned of the relationship that existed between Marcus and Neeshka. Since then, I have travelled with them, and it is obvious to me that they truly love each other."

Shandra frowned slightly. "But you're a… paladin?" she asked, confused.

Casavir nodded. "I am. But there is nothing in Tyr's law that says a relationship like theirs cannot exist. As long as they walk the higher path, I will not have a problem." The paladin smiled ruefully. "Though Neeshka has been known to push the bounds of the law at times, Marcus seems to hold some sway over her… urges, shall we say." He bowed again. "It's getting late, and you should get to your bed, Shandra. You've had a trying day," Casavir said as he turned to leave.

"I guess you're right," Shandra said, stifling a yawn. "And Casavir…thanks."

The paladin looked back over his shoulder. "For what?" he asked, puzzled.

"For being yourself," Shandra said with a smile as she closed the door.


"I am not jealous of that… that farm girl!" Neeshka cried, irritated. "How many times do I have to tell you, Cole?" she asked as they stopped outside her room.

Marcus just grinned. "Your mouth says no, but your heart and eyes say yes, Neesh." He nudged her gently in the ribs. "Come on… what's got you all worked up, huh? First Elanee and now Shandra?"

Neeshka shuffled her feet. "You'll just laugh if I told you," she said softly.

The harbourman let out a sigh. "Come on Neesh, it's me you're talking to, remember? I won't laugh at you," he said, pulling her into a hug.

"Promise?" the tiefling asked, looking up, her eyes all big.

"Yes I promise, sweetheart, I will not laugh at you," Marcus said as he kissed her. "Now come on, out with it."

"I just have a fear that some other woman will come along and steal you from me," Neeshka said quietly. "Irrational, I know, but I've never had anyone pay any real attention to me until you came along, you know?"

Marcus ran a hand through her hair. "Torm save me, Neesh, you really are worried about that, aren't you?" he asked. "So that's why you were against Elanee coming along, even though now you're good friends?" he said with a smile. "I tell you what: give Shandra a chance, okay?"

Neeshka pouted. "Oh, alright, but I'll be watching her!" she said, then looked at him. "Come stay with me tonight."

Marcus blinked. "Pardon?" he asked. "Are you asking me into your room, Neesh?" he said with a smile. "What would Duncan say?"

The tiefling nodded. "Yes. I want you to hold me like you did in Old Owl Well. I felt safe then."

"What's the matter?" Marcus asked, concerned, searching Neeshka's face. "What's got you on edge?"

"Don't know. Maybe fighting the gith. I just can't shake the feeling something's going to happen before the night's over," Neeshka said with a little smile., "I just want my harbour boy close by tonight."

"I can hardly turn you down, now can I?" Marcus said as he opened Neeshka's bedroom door. "And it's none of Duncan's business, frankly." he muttered under his breath, as he led Neeshka into her room and closed the door with his foot.

Duncan shook his head, a bemused expression on his face, as he'd watched them without interrupting. The innkeeper knew he'd have to get used to the idea of them sharing a room sooner or later.


"Mmm… I've missed this." Neeshka said as she snuggled up against the harbourman.

Marcus grinned as he stroked her hair. "You're not the only one, Neesh," he said a little wishfully. He was happy to have the warmth- not to mention the curves- of her body against his.

Neeshka smiled devilishly. "And here I was thinking it was a dagger you had down there, or maybe it's more of a short sword? You're just happy I'm close, huh?"

"Neeshka!" Marcus cried, appalled, as he blushed a little. "Gods, woman, it's not my fault if your proximity has… ah, unintended side effects."

"Hmm… so you do want me?" Neeshka asked, as her tail made for its target, while she peeked under the covers. "Definitely more of a short sword," she purred.

Marcus managed a smile. "I'd be a fool not to want you, Neesh. You're a…" His sentence was cut off as he sucked in a breath. All he could do was look at the tiefling, who was grinning.

"I told you I'd show you what I could use my tail for," Neeshka said innocently.

"Gods… keep that up and I will not be responsible for my actions," the harbourman breathed as he gently took the offending tail and put it somewhere much safer. "Anyway… I thought you wanted me to hold you?" he asked. "The way things were going I wouldn't be doing much of that, I don't think."

Neeshka grinned. "Well… I wanted to see if you wanted me, and you do. So that's good enough for me," she said, as she cuddled her man. "'Night, harbour boy."

"'Night, Neesh, sleep well. I'll keep you safe," Marcus said, as kissed the top of her head, wondering what had caused the sudden display of intimacy in the tiefling. Not that he minded. He was just taken by surprise.


Nasher looked across the desk at his two closest friends and top agents. Both Aarin and Kari looked equally grim.

"Githyanki and a Luskan Hosttower mage?" Nasher asked, concerned. "Are you certain of this?"

"As certain as we can be, Lord Nasher," Aarin replied. "After all, Marcus confirmed some of this himself, when he reported back to Captain Brelaina."

Kari nodded. "Yes, and we believe this Black Garius is a Hosttower mage," she said, as she looked through her notes. "I made a remark to Sand and his reaction confirmed it. Sand should know as he did spend some time at the Hosttower, before coming to Neverwinter."

Nasher nodded. "I see. But what would the gith and a Luskan mage want with the young harbourman, Marcus Cole?" he asked, perplexed.

"That we're not certain of," Kari said. "Marcus has in his possession two silver shards of unknown origin. Both Brelaina and Cormick have seen them. And this was the reason he was looking to see the sage Aldanon in Blacklake."

"Both Kari and I have speculated, given what we know about the gith, that these shards may be the remains of a githyanki silver sword, but we need to speak to the sage to confirm this," Aarin said. "As to the mage… he may be after these shards." He rubbed his chin in thought. "Also, there is the possibility that Garius may simply want revenge on Marcus for his apparent interference in his plans, though we have no real idea what they may be at this time."

Nasher leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers as he thought.

"This is troubling. A Luskan mage and extraplanar beings operating near, and even within Neverwinter's walls," he said after a while. "I seem to recall something about silver shards after the war with the King of Shadows years ago." Nasher sighed. "You might want to make some inquiries in that direction as well. Thank you for your efforts, Aarin, Kari. I shall keep you no longer."


"Alarm, alarm!" Duncan yelled as he ran down the hallway. "Everyone get out of bed and grab a weapon! The Flagon is under attack!"

"For once, just for once, I'd like it if something went according to plan," Marcus mumbled as he and Neeshka got out of bed, where they'd been for barely an hour.

They didn't have time to put on their armour, so they just made themselves decent and grabbed their weapons and headed out the door of Neeshka's room, into the hall- and into a whole mess of githyanki.

Marcus fought his way along the hall with the help of Neeshka. Now, with just the two of them fighting side by side, Marcus noticed how well they fought together. Marcus would keep the githyanki's attention while Neeshka, who was far more agile, easily got behind them and dealt serious damage from behind. As soon as she sensed she was in danger herself, Neeshka got behind Marcus so fast it was frightening, so that he could get a good solid hit in. Then Neeshka would leap out again and go back to her dance of death.

They at last made it into the common room just in time to see the last githyanki fall. "That lass, Shandra, has been taken! How in the hells did those githyanki get into the city?" Duncan asked, lowering his short sword.

Marcus rolled his eyes. Great! I have to go save her again? The harbourman could practically feel the scowl coming from his tiefling companion. "I'd like to know as well, as I was pretty sure we killed them all off in their secret base within the city," Marcus said.

"Does that matter? You'd best hurry if you want to get her back," Bishop said, kneeling by a dead gith. "Look, this one has a sprig of Duskwood trapped in his boot. That means they came from deep within Luskan territory... and that's where they'd be returning to," he said as he stood up and turned to face everyone.

"Luskan? That's your territory, Bishop," Duncan said, with a challenge in his voice.

Bishop gave a curt nod. "Yes, but it's not my problem. I'm not going into Luskan territory for some farm girl, and certainly not with any tiefling-loving kin of yours, Duncan," the ranger replied.

Neeshka hissed a curse in demonic. "Easy, Neesh," Marcus whispered. "The ranger isn't worth the effort," he said, squeezing her hand.

"It is our duty to rescue her, Bishop," Casavir said, stepping closer. "We failed to protect her, so we must make amends, even if that means going into Luskan territory."

"Duty? What, you think I care what happens to her, paladin? She wasn't tough enough to save herself, so let her rot, I say," Bishop replied sceptically.

"You'll help them, Bishop, whether you like it or not," Duncan said, in a tone of voice that Marcus had never heard the innkeeper use before.

"And what makes you think…" Bishop sneered. A glaring contest ensued.

"Calling it due, are you, Duncan? Are you sure?" Bishop's voice held challenge.

"A woman's life is at stake, Bishop. If that's what it takes to move you to do the right thing, then so be it," Duncan replied firmly.

"Fine, it will be worth it to be rid of you, and for such a small price, too. You're a fool, Duncan," Bishop said, as he turned to Marcus. "All right, pack your bags and grab your weapons. We're bound for the Luskan border. Follow my lead and don't try to be clever. If the Luskans catch us, they'll use us for target practice," the ranger warned.

"Fine," Marcus said shortly. He didn't like the ranger's attitude. "Neesh, Elanee, Casavir, Khelgar, you heard the gentleman. Get your gear and meet us back here as soon as you're ready."

Marcus was about to go back to Neeshka's room to collect his gear when Duncan pulled him to one side. "Watch out for Bishop. His interests are his own, and his loyalty only lasts as long as his debt... or your gold." He sighed. "The only good I can say of Bishop is that he's a survivor and a gifted tracker, who knows Luskan territory like the back of his hand."

Marcus raised an eyebrow. "Do I really want to why he knows Luskan so well?" he asked.

Duncan hesitated a moment. "He's a smuggler who makes regular runs across the Luskan border, and he's tangled with them more than a few times."

Marcus turned to glance over his shoulder at the ranger. "Thanks, Duncan, for the warning," he said, then left the room to get ready.


As he and Neeshka walked back to her room, Neeshka spoke up softly.

"I don't like that ranger Bishop at all. There is something… I don't know, slimy about him."

"I'm not thrilled to have him either, but the sad truth is we need him, for now, at least," Marcus replied with a frown. He'd be watching Bishop very carefully, that much was clear.


Sand picked his way carefully through what used to be the Neverwinter Archives. The building was a mess, and bodies were still being removed, both those of the githyanki and the Watchmen who had fought them. The archivists had been slain, all of them.

"Let us hope the tomes I require are still intact," the wizard said to himself as he walked along the aisles of books. "Ah… here we are. Remarkably, the githyanki haven't been too destructive here," Sand said dryly, as he looked upon the section of the archives that hopefully held the information he sought.