Author note: the revelation made by Edwin in this chapter is inspired by the beautiful mod for BG2 "Edwin romance", made by the amazing fanfic writer and modder Laufey.
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Anomen's knighthood was celebrated by his companions with a nice party, including a big cream and chocolate cake made by the best baker in Athkatla and a copious amount of wine, or honeyed milk in his and Margaret Dawn's case. The two of them were the only party members not to drink alcohol, even if for different reasons: for her, it was because of a vow made to Ilmater when she was seven; for him, it was because of the sheer terror at the prospect of becoming like his father.
After three hours of celebrating, nearly all of the adventurers decided to retire for the night, but Edwin refused to leave the table and insisted he had to talk to the Ilmatari in private, so the young knight left to help Minsc and Yoshimo to their rooms.
As soon as they were alone, she asked, "So, what's up?". The Red Wizard sat right next to her, "Look, your knight was right: I was hiding something from you. But don't get mad at me". "I could never get mad at you, Edwin". "Promise?". "Promise. Now out with it". "Do you remember when we first met?". "Sure, you were waiting next to the southern bridge in Nashkel".
"And I told you I had been ordered to keep the Rashemi witch under suvva...Surrev...", he slurred, "(Stupid long word!) To keep an eye on the witch". "I remember. Since you didn't mean her harm, I allowed you to join us, despite Minsc's misgivings about your presence". "Well, it was a lie: I had to keep an eye on you, not on her", he admitted and withdrew as if fearing an incoming blow.
The young woman blinked, surprised, "So you...You knew. Even before we met, you knew about my blood". Edwin nodded, lowering his eyes in shame, "Yes, I knew. And I was supposed to convince you to swear alla...Aggi...Loyalty to Thay in whatever way was necessary, or to kill you to make sure you wouldn't help Rashemen". "But you didn't...Sweet Ilmater, that's why they're hunting you!".
He made a helpless gesture, "I couldn't harm you! You were always happy to listen to me, you wanted to learn from me, you helped me whenever I needed it and you were nice to me, even defending me when those mean simians asked you to kick me out of the party! You made me feel welcome, you...You were my friend. So I left and sent the other Red Wizards on a false lead. But now they are very, very angry and disappointed with me and surely so is my teacher", he shot her an uncertain look, "Are you mad at me too?".
"Oh, Edwin...", she smiled fondly and hugged him, kissing his cheek, "No, of course I'm not. You're my best friend and I love you, you know it, right?". "Yes, I know (But it's good to hear it)". "Look, it's late and you're drunk as a fish, so I suggest for you to go to sleep, okay? And don't worry about the Red Wizards and your teacher: we'll find a way to make it all right, I promise". "Okay. Thank you, Meg".
"You're welcome. Now come, I'll help you to your room", Meg led him upstairs, where she put him to bed without bothering to undress him, only taking his boots off before tucking him under the blankets, "Sleep well, my friend". The only answer she got was a soft snoring, so she closed the door with a chuckle and went downstairs. When she reached the common room, though, she found herself alone and bored and without thinking, she went to knock on the door to Anomen's room.
The young man smiled at seeing her, "Ah, my lady, what can I do for you?". "Well...", the Ilmatari hesitated, suddenly feeling very, very, very stupid for knocking on his door without even knowing why, "I...I was wondering if...If you may be interested in a game of chess", she finally said, Ugh, this must be the most ridiculous excuse ever!, she thought.
Thankfully, he didn't notice her embarrassment and nodded, "I would love to: it's one of my favourite games", he said and she beamed. "Great! I've always loved that game too, Sarry and I used to play it whenever he came at Candlekeep, you know? Come, I can't wait to begin!", she eagerly took his hand and led him downstairs.
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Gaelan Bayle was exactly as Meg remembered him: a sneaky man with a slimy smile and slimy manners. "I'm pleased to meet ye again, ladies and gentlemen", he said when they entered his house, "For a short while, I was worried that ye may've accepted...Another offer". "You mean, you feared that we could have sided with the Vampires?", the Ilmatari said and when he paled she knew she had hit the mark.
"Vampires? I've no idea of what ye mean, me dear", he replied, feigning ignorance. "She's not your dear, wretch!", Anomen growled, startling Bayle. "Uh...All right, all right, I take that back", the Shadow Thief shrugged, "No need ta get all worked up, lad, I was just tryin' to be kind to the lass".
Margaret Dawn cleared her throat, "Let's get back to the point, can we? Your nephew said you wanted to sweeten the deal. How substantial a discount will we get?". Gaelan chuckled, "Ye waste no time in idle chat, uh? That's fine by me. New deal is fifteen thousand golds, a reasonable price, don't ye think?". "Well, since you're asking, no, I think it's a Godsdamned blackmail of the lowest sort, but I have no choice anyway".
He grinned and tried to take the blue-dyed leather money pouch, but she kept him at arm's length with her left, while she passed the purse to Jaheira with her right. "Forget it, Bayle: information first, money later. Where is Imoen?".
He opened his arms apologetically, "I dunno, lass. I'm only the contact who can send you to the one who knows it". "Is that so? Then tell me his name and we'll talk directly to him". "I cannae do that, sorry. Me boss was clear 'bout that. Ye gimme the gold and I send you to him". She clenched her fists tightly in anger and her eyes flashed golden for a moment, but then she relaxed and turned to the Half-Elf, who was already taking five thousand gold coins out of the pouch, "Give him the money".
The druidess complied and Bayle greedily checked the content before nodding. "Good, good. Take this key", he gave the Ilmatari a black key with a strange spiralling shape, "It opens a door in the main guildbase in the Docks, it's hidden in the North-eastern wall of the base floor. Just so ye know, ye're gonna meet Aran Linvail".
Yoshimo started and his almond-shaped obsidian eyes grew wide with shock and a hint of fear, "Linvail? The Shadowmaster of Amn himself?", he gulped.
Meg put a hand on his shoulder, worried, "What's wrong, sensei? Do you know this man?". "He's not just a man, Meg: he's the master of the Shadow Thieves of all Amn", the bounty hunter explained, "He's one of the most powerful, dangerous and influential men of all Faerun. Some even say he's secretly part of the Council of Six".
Anomen couldn't help himself, "So now we'll even have to work for one of the worst criminals of the whole nation? I'm getting really tired of having to...", he began, but he cut himself off at seeing his leader's face fall. "I...I understand", Meg murmured sadly, looking at her feet and toying with her Ring, "And I won't ask you to come along, if you don't want to. That goes for all of you. It's not a problem, really, I will manage somehow".
"Meg, I'm sorry. I have no intention to leave, not now, nor ever: I will stand by your side as long as you want me to", he hastily said, mentally kicking himself in the backside, "I was just...Well...A bit surprised, that's all". The young woman shot him a hopeful look, "So you will stay? Really?". "I will never leave your side, my lady, rest assured", Anomen said with a warm smile and she relaxed. "Good", she turned to the others, "And you guys?".
Jaheira cuffed her on the head as usual, "Don't waste precious time with useless questions: you know perfectly well that we're not going anywhere". Minsc nodded, "Jaheira is right! Minsc and Boo won't leave little Meg to kick Evil's backside all by herself!". "I won't abandon you either, Meg", Aerie agreed, "You've been a good friend to me and I will help you any way I can".
"I'm coming along too", the Red Wizard said, "We all know that you wouldn't go far without me and my astounding powers (And I don't want her to be hurt...No! I can't say that!)". Meg smiled fondly at him, "Of course, where would I go without the greatest Red Wizard of all Toril by my side?", she replied and he beamed.
"You gave me my freedom back and saved my life and for that, I will forever be grateful to you", Yoshimo slipped an arm around her shoulders and gave her a brief hug, "My katana and my bow are yours, my friend". "Thank you, all of you", the Human girl felt a lump in her throat at her friends' loyalty, "So, if you are ready, I think we can go to the Docks and meet this infamous Shadowmaster".
