In The Cards 33 - Sugar And Spice

It has taken me some time, but I think I've finally learnt to ignore the opinions of those who don't matter and treasure the opinions of those who do matter. Not easy, but it does save you some heartache.

Excerpt from 'Ruminations Of A Master Bard'

"Edwin? What is this, exactly?" Imoen asked as she watched the contents of her plate. It had been the Red Wizard's turn to do the cooking that evening, and the results were interesting to say the least. It looked more or less like some form of stew, which was traditional adventurer's fare. There was meat and vegetables, nothing odd about that. Even the vivid red color might have been overlooked. And it certainly smelled tasty. It was just that the fumes made your eyes water if you leaned too close over the cauldron, and that a fly that had happened to fly across it had died instantly and dropped into the food where it immediately dissolved. Edwin insisted that the insect was bound to be nutritious and that it was illogical to be bothered by it, but Imoen couldn't quite overlook the implications.

"Thayvian cuisine", Edwin explained. "Or as close to it as you get in these barbaric hinterlands. It's not perfect, but it's as close to perfection as it's possible to come with these limited resources."

"So", Zaerini said, "instead of boring old rabbit stew we get Thayvian rabbit stew? What's the difference?" The bard was sitting in the soft grass, her legs crossed, golden eyes glittering in the twilight as she gave the wizard an amused look that also held a sort of unspoken challenge and invitation. It's amazing that he doesn't see it, Imoen thought. But then she doesn't see the way he looks at her either, does she? As if she were…I don't know…some sort of wonderful and magical secret that he's trying to figure out but can't quite wrap his head around. It's really very romantic. I wonder if I should tell Rini? But I don't know if I ought to interfere. Suppose I ruined everything? Still, I wish they'd do something about it soon.

"The difference", Edwin went on, "is the spices. I realize that this is probably an alien concept to you Westerners, but in Thay we prefer for our food to actually taste something. I am, of course, extraordinarily skilled at preparing succulent treats to gently tease the tastebuds."

"Of course you are." The bard grinned. "Well, I've always loved spicy food. I place myself at your mercy, oh Chef of Chefs."

"A wise decision, and one you will never regret. (I just wish this could have been a private dining room, so we didn't have to watch all these monkeys chew.)"

Zaerini accepted a plate of stew and gingerly tasted it. Then her face lit up with a wide smile. "Hey, this is good!" she said. "Really, really good. Just the way I like it."

"In that case", Jaheira said, "I believe I will have some as well. Khalid?"

"Y-yes", Khalid agreed. "I s-suppose so." Imoen thought about warning them. She knew what they didn't, after all. Her best friend's taste for spices wasn't exactly orthodox. Nah. I'm sure they can handle it. And the river's not that far off.

"What about me?" Coran asked. The archer had been a bit more subdued until his warts wore off, but now he was coming back in full force. "Don't I get any, or are you afraid I'll put you to shame?" He directed a smoldering look at Zaerini. "As I certainly will. Lovely one, you should know by now that my skills and strengths are unsurpassable - in every field this human can think of with his crooked mind. I would be happy to demonstrate just that, any time you wish…"

"Afraid?" Edwin said with a malicious smile. "Hardly, but perhaps you ought to be. I would venture to guess that you lack both the legendary stamina and…ardor…of Thayvian males, so I would strongly advice you against attempting to taste what you are unworthy to touch, or even to dream about. (I, on the other hand, like nothing better than playing with fire.)"

"I can match you in any twisted game you device, Istar! Give it here!"

"Certainly", Edwin said and handed the elf a plate. "Just a…friendly word of caution."

"You're friend to nothing and nobody, dark one. But I am born of the eldest race, and I'll answer any challenge you come up with - in blood, if need be." Coran scooped up a large spoonful of steaming stew, put it in his mouth and swallowed. There were approximately three seconds of stunned silence. Then the elf's face turned a vivid scarlet bright enough to match Edwin's robes, sweat started pouring forth from his face and Imoen could swear she saw his hair curling at the tips. "YAAAARRRRGH!" Coran screamed. "You foul…evil…oooh, it burns…I'll get you for this, Utinu en lokirim!" He rushed off, still screaming and swearing in the direction of the river. Jaheira and Khalid very deliberately set their plates aside.

"I will go after him and make sure he does not drown", Jaheira said. She gave Edwin a reproachful look. "Was that really necessary?"

"What?" the wizard asked innocently. "I warned him, didn't I?" He turned to scream after the retreating back of Coran. "I did warn you, amada! Lasta lalaithamin!" He laughed quietly to himself as the two Harpers went after the elf.

"You speak elvish?" Zaerini asked, sounding incredulous.

"Some", Edwin nonchalantly explained. "I have received a thorough education, you know. I know the most important phrases of all the great languages."

"Such as common insults?" the bard asked with a wide grin.

"Well…yes. Orcish is much better than elvish for swearing, mind you. Troll is even better. (True, those words and phrases weren't exactly part of the curriculum but looking up good insults is what dictionaries are for, after all.)"

Imoen giggled. "So, what did you say to each other?"

"After he referred to me as 'son of snakes' I called him a fool. Which he is. Oh, and I told him to 'hear my laughter'. I would have gone on, but I suppose I'll have to save the better parts for later."

"Just don't kill him", Zaerini said with a small sigh. "I wouldn't like that." She rose from her sitting position. "Well, I liked the food anyway, even if poor Coran didn't. Think I'll just go for a short walk around the camp before I go to sleep." She raised her hand in farewell and then moved off into the shadows, Softpaws close on her heels. Edwin watched her as she walked off, a peculiar mixture of longing and frustration in his eyes.

"Maybe you should go after her?" Imoen suggested.

Edwin started. He had obviously forgotten she was even present. "Wh-what?" he said. "I…I have no idea what you're talking about. None. None whatsoever."

"Sure you do." Imoen reached up to pat the much taller wizard on the shoulder. "Aw, don't worry too much. It'll work out, I'm sure. She's not really in love with Coran or anything. I can tell."

"I…I don't care!" Edwin sputtered. "Of course I don't. Not at all. Not the slightest bit interested, one way or the other, and you're a complete and utter brainless ninny for even suggesting it." He paused, and when next he spoke, he sounded more than a little desperate. "Er…you're sure?"

"Sure I'm sure! She's my sister, you know. I can tell." Imoen thought of something. "Say, what was it you poured onto his plate anyway?"

"What? I didn't…"

"'Course you did! I saw you, even if nobody else did." Imoen grinned proudly. "I'm a rogue after all. I'm supposed to spot these things. What was it? Extra pepper?"

Edwin sighed. "Yes, you annoyingly perceptive little brat", he said. "Thayvian Red Pepper. His lying, honeyed tongue ought to be peeling properly by now, though I'm still surprised you spotted me. (This is getting worrying. She's becoming too good at this. I think she's been spending too much time with…certain people.)"

"Good for you", Imoen said approvingly. "Coran's fun in his own way, but I don't trust him to treat Rini right. He's more the 'fun in the night, gone in the morning' type, isn't he?" She was satisfied to see the wizard blush deeply. "Go on. Go and talk to her. Before Coran gets the same idea."

Edwin's eyes widened and he hurried off into the woods, muttering something about 'stretching his legs.'

That ought to help some, Imoen thought to herself. Now, if only somebody would do the same for me… She smiled to herself and settled into a happy daydream, featuring herself and a certain other rogue. The kissing parts were very satisfactory, and it got even better after that. Oooh! Once he's mine I don't know how I'll bring myself to even let him out of the door for a second. Hm. Wonder what he'd look like in, say, a nifty suit with lace on? She adjusted the mental picture accordingly. Wow! Just as hot. But perhaps even more interesting…how would he look without it? Another adjustment, and Imoen squealed with delight, fanning herself with her hand to keep down the rising heat in her cheeks. Just as I thought. Perfect. I mean, just look at that body! Keeping that covered up is a crime all by itself…

Zaerini had found herself a nice and quiet spot by a large oak tree. She was currently sitting on the ground, thinking things over. Coran's flattery had been entertaining at first, but now she was growing weary of it. She hoped they'd come across some wyverns soon, so she'd be rid of him. Besides, if he sticks around much longer Eddie will most likely kill him. She shook her head. She'd seen the wizard annoyed before, certainly, but this new animosity seemed particularly strong.

Look at that, kitten, Softpaws said. We've got company.

The bard turned around, a welcoming smile on her face that faltered a little when she saw who it was. "Oh", she said. "Hello, Coran. Feeling better?"

"Much", the elf said, "thanks to Jaheira's assistance." He sat down next to her, just a little bit too close, and gave her a charming smile. "That black-hearted villain of a wizard may have tried his best to silence me, but the words of a true romantic will always out." He surreptitiously raised his arm and tried to sneak it around the bard's waist. Then he faltered as he noticed Softpaws. The familiar was sitting on the half-elf's shoulder, staring coldly at him with unblinking green eyes. She silently raised a paw in the direction of Coran's eyes and slid out a set of needle-like claws. Coran froze in mid-motion before carefully retracting his hand, very, very slowly. "Yes", the elf hastily carried on. "Much, much better. So much better in fact, that I thought perhaps I could give you a few lessons."

"Lessons?"

"Certainly." The smile was back in full force. "You mentioned before wanting to learn more of the elves?" Coran pointed dramatically at himself. "Well, here I am, in the flesh. Feel free to explore me in any way you like. I am at your full disposal, Mela en' coiamin."

"And that means?"

"Mela en' coiamin?" The elf looked immensely satisfied. "Why, that is a most useful Elvish phrase. It means 'love of my life.'"

That was rather sudden, wasn't it? Rini thought. She was starting to get vaguely uneasy. "Love of your life?" she asked. "And how many others have you said that to?"

Coran looked a little rattled for a second, but then the smile slid smoothly back into place. "What does it matter?" he said. "I may have thought myself in love before, but I now know it was but a pale reflection of the truth I see as I gaze into your burning eyes, and rejoice at the sight of your lovely form. Vanimle sila tiri. Your beauty shines bright. Bright enough to blind this poor elf." He moved a little closer, close enough that their hips touched, and raised his hand again.

I'll see about blinding you if you don't keep your grubby paws to yourself, Softpaws hissed, and it seemed Coran could pick up on the general meaning for he hastily snatched his fingers back. Kitten, you should warn him off. He is not to be trusted.

That's what Edwin said as well, Rini thought. She quickly compared the two men in her mind. And Edwin would never say things like that if he didn't mean it. "Very sugary words, Coran", she said with a small frown. "But I should probably tell you right now that I don't want empty flattery. Don't tell me things like that if you don't mean exactly what you say."

"Ah, you wound me, my lovely lady! Very well. If lessons in the language of the elves will not satisfy you, then perhaps an introduction to another part of our culture will?"

"Such as?"

Coran licked his lips seductively. "The art of lovemaking, oh lusty one. The elves are an ancient folk, and I have forgotten more about giving and receiving pleasure than any mere human could ever hope to learn. Allow me to demonstrate…"

"No!" the half-elf exclaimed. "I'm not interested. Coran, you'd better get out of here right now. This isn't funny anymore."

"Oh, come now. It has been a pleasant hunt, but now the hunt is at an end, and it is time for the prey to yield…and there is an itching in my pants that only you can satisfy." Coran leaned in closer, breathing rather heavily by now. And then he suddenly found himself flat on his back, his jaw feeling as if it had been split in two. Zaerini stood over him, rubbing her aching knuckles, her golden eyes blazing furiously beneath her mane of red hair.

"That does it", the bard growled. "I told you politely to cut it out. Now I want you to leave. Oh, and one more thing. I'm not 'prey'. So just take a hike and try your stupid lines on somebody who's impressed. You're just not what I'm looking for in a mate."

Excellent, kitten, Softpaws purred. Send him packing.

Coran slowly got to his feet, red in the face and looking extremely angry and humiliated. "You…you little fiend!" he spat. "A dalliance with me would have been an honor beyond your wildest dreams, and you reject me?" A spiteful note crept into his voice. "For make no mistake, a dalliance is all it could ever be. No true elf would ever take up permanently with a…mere half-breed."

She had half expected him to say it, but still it hurt. That word, that hated word stabbed into the very core of her soul like a poisoned blade. Rini stood motionless, drinking in the hatred in the elf's eyes, feeling her own slowly fill with tears. She hated herself for crying, but she couldn't help it, and that made her hate herself even more. It hurt all the more because of the affection he had professed to feel only moments before, hurt because she had truly wanted to trust him.

Coran sneered at her, triumphant as the sight of the pain he had caused washed away some of his own humiliation. And then he suddenly froze, his mouth still open to speak, his wide open, but immobile like a statue. "In that case", Edwin said as he stepped out behind a tree, "you aren't even worthy of licking the ground she walks on, excrement-brain." The wizard's dark face was a mask of fury, and he actually trembled with rage as he approached the magically held elf. "And I'll make personally sure you pay for making her cry…in blood." He pushed the immobile Coran until he fell over and then spat in his motionless face. "A pint per tear ought to be about right. Now don't go anywhere until I have the time to deal with you properly."

"I…" Zaerini said, and then words failed her. She closed her eyes as her legs folded beneath her, slumping to ground as she began to cry in earnest, unable to stop. And then she felt an arm around her shoulder, and a much more welcome one than Coran's at that. She sobbed quietly into the wizard's chest as he held her close, his face buried in her hair, whispering something in what she supposed must be his own language. It felt…good. Right, somehow. Like…coming home. And…I don't care about belonging to either elves or humans anymore. I've had enough of that. From now on, I'll settle for belonging with those who…who really care about me, and don't just pretend to. I've had enough of sugar and pretty falsehoods. Give me spice any day.

"Are you feeling better?" Edwin asked after a while. He sounded very worried, and apparently noticed that himself for he hastily amended himself. "That is…I would not wish to see the leader of our group incapacitated for an extended period of time. That could cause all sorts of problems. Suppose Jaheira got it into her head to lead? She'd be so obsessed about keeping 'the Balance' that we'd never get anywhere."

"I'm much better", Rini said, managing a smile. "Thank you." She gave the still immobile Coran a contemptuous glance. "I'm not about to let him or his opinions bother me any longer. He's not worth it."

"Shall I kill him for you?" Edwin asked. "It would be my pleasure." His voice was very eager and Zaerini didn't doubt that he meant exactly what he said.

The bard walked over to stare into the face of the motionless elf. Was that a glimmer of fear in his eyes? "No", she said. "No. Tempting as it is, I have a better idea."

When Coran came out of the spell, he was still immobile, tied firmly to a tree in the middle of the forest. Moreover, he also found himself liberally coated with something sweet-smelling and very sticky, particularly concentrated to the groin area. The bard and the wizard were standing in front of him, both looking very pleased. It wasn't a reassuring sight. "What…" Coran croaked.

"Wakey, wakey!" Zaerini said, giving the elf a wicked grin. "You don't want to miss this."

"What…"

"Oh, you mean what is it that's smeared all over you?" Edwin said. "It's wild honey. You know, the sweet, sticky stuff that bees make. (Really, I thought elves were supposed to know about wildlife things. I suppose we'll just have to educate him.)" This last was added in an innocently helpful voice.

"Honey? But…"

"Oh yes", the bard said. "Honey. And now, please take a look at your feet." Coran did. The ground was black. Black and…moving? "Ants!" he screamed. "Oh no, please don't! Not ANTS!" The ants were already marching up his legs, millions of them swarming over his body, and particularly into his pants.

"Very good", Edwin said with a condescending sneer. "So, you do know something about the local fauna after all. Ten points for making an effort."

"Why, Coran!" Zaerini said, her golden eyes glittering with amusement. "I just thought I'd oblige you and satisfy that 'itching in your pants' that you mentioned." She pursed her lips as if deep in thought. "This was what you meant, wasn't it? True, at first it may cause a worse itch, but once it starts to get really painful, I'm sure you'll forget all about that."

"But…but…ANTS!"

"You'd better hope they eat quickly too", Edwin said. "After all, there are bears in the forest as well. Bears do love honey - and I'm sure they wouldn't be all that particular about what they happened to bite off in order to get to it. (Not that it would be a great loss, I'm sure.)"

"Bye now, Coran", Zaerini said, waving. "Have fun. Maybe you'll get loose on your own, being such an amazing rogue. Maybe some 'pure' elf will stop by and rescue you. You never know."

"And now", Edwin added, "a parting phrase in Elvish, just to be polite. Llie n'vanima ar' lle atara lanneina. That's about the most useful words to know in any language."

"What does it mean?" Zaerini asked, pushing her bright red hair out of her eyes.

The wizard shrugged. "It means 'you're ugly and your momma dresses you funny'. A pretty good summary of that useless waste of space over there, I would say." He bowed briefly to the bard. "Shall we?"

Coran stared after them as they disappeared into the forest, their laughter intermingling until it sounded almost like a single voice. They never looked back. Not once.

There was a house in the heart of the Cloakwood Forest. This might not have been so strange, if it hadn't been for the shape of it. A magnificent tree stood there, its branches seemingly scraping the sky, the trunk too wide for a score of men to encircle with their arms. And in the middle of that tree-trunk there was a door. A smooth, unpainted door, almost invisible against the rest of the tree. It was as if it hadn't so much been placed there, as grown out of the tree itself.

"So, who do you suppose lives in a place like that?" Zaerini asked her friends. "I can imagine a few reasonable alternatives myself."

"Such as?" Edwin asked.

"Well…it could be a wicked old man-eating hag."

"No, no", Imoen protested. "Those are supposed to live in gingerbread houses. Not in trees."

"Oh. I suppose so. How about a friendly old Grandma?"

"Inside a tree?" Jaheira said, sounding incredulous. "And whose Grandmother are we talking about anyway?"

"I…I'm not sure", Rini admitted. "Actually, I'm not sure why I said that in the first place. It just…kind of made sense. I don't know why."

"It is because of the power that surrounds this holy place", as strange voice said from behind her. "The power of the wild woods." The half-elf turned around to see a strange woman standing some distance into the trees, watching the adventurers coolly. As she slowly approached Zaerini took in her disheveled brown hair, with twigs and mud clinging to it, the impassive face dominated by a pair of cold gray eyes, and the clothes, gray and brown leather cunningly sewn together to resemble leaves. "I am Faldorn", the woman said. "A protector of this forest, and a member of the True Druids."

Before the bard could respond Jaheira stepped forward, eyes blazing and a hand on the hilt of her scimitar. "Shadowdruid", she growled, never taking her eyes off Faldorn. "So, your destructive ways have spread this far."

Faldorn smiled, but there was no warmth to that smile. "Our way is the True Way, weakling", she said. "It is you who would destroy the holy groves and wildernesses of the world, by letting so called 'civilization' spread, like parasites devouring an ancient tree."

"Unlike you, who would needlessly slaughter all mankind, wanting to frighten them away from the woods rather than teaching them to cherish them."

Faldorn shrugged. "At the moment, it matters not what you or I will. You have come here, unto the home of the Archdruid, and rather than having you all slain for your trespassing he has decided to be merciful - for now. He wishes to speak with you, and he has sent me to tell you so."

"And i-if we r-r-refuse?" Khalid said, his voice uncharacteristically firm. "What th-then, Shadowdruid?"

"Then, you will all die, for the very ground and the trees will rise up against you at the Archdruid's command. It is your choice." Faldorn sounded utterly convinced that she was speaking the truth.

"Very well", Rini said. "We will come and see this 'Archdruid' of yours." There was no way of knowing whether Faldorn was lying or not, but she could tell that this was no ordinary place. If she were to fight a druidic sect in the heart of their own power she would prefer to do so when not taken by surprise.

Faldorn simply nodded and led the way to the great tree, pressing her palm against the door when she reached it. It swung open without a sound, and the Shadowdruid led the adventurers inside.

The inside of the tree seemed somehow even larger than the outside. There were no windows, but a pleasant green light emanated from the walls. Passing through a first room holding only a few austere pieces of furniture, Faldorn guided the adventurers up a narrow flight of stairs winding itself up inside the tree-trunk. They came out into a second room, a bedchamber by the looks of it. The man who was turned from one of the bookcases to greet them looked extremely odd, Zaerini thought, even for somebody living inside a giant tree. His manner of dress was similar to Faldorn's, green and brown leathers decorated with patterns resembling leaves and vines. He was of indeterminate age, his tangled salt-and-pepper beard and hair making it difficult to tell, and he was very, very dirty. Mud and twigs were stuck in his hair, clothes and beards, and Rini even thought she could spot a dead beetle somewhere in there. The reek that surrounded him was such that it made it difficult to breathe.

I wonder why religious fanatics so often seem to be opposed to the concept of soap and water, she thought. Maybe they think there's something particularly holy about dirt.

"So, you have come", he said in a voice that reminded the bard of the creaking of a very old door. Probably spent so much time rolling in the mud that he's forgotten how to talk. "Who dares presume to trespass upon nature's territory whilst A Shadow Archdruid looks on? Who could be so hungry for death? More of that softhearted fool Seniyad's weakling pawns no doubt! How he can be one of the three with his pacifist attitudes is beyond logic!"

Seniyad? Zaerini thought. That was the one who wanted to slaughter Aldeth for hunting a little game in the forest, wasn't it? And if he's a softhearted fool, then I really don't think I'm going to like this guy.

"Pardon my ignorance", she said, determined to buy some time. "Just what is an Archdruid?"

The man's face tightened in a fierce scowl. Or at least she thought it did. Underneath all that hair it was hard to tell for sure. "Ignorance is never to be pardoned!", he snapped. "Lessons hard learnt are the ones best remembered. I shall enlighten you, and then pose my question again. I am an Archdruid of the Shadow Druids, one of the few with my level of experience, and it is our duty to purge nature of outsiders. Druidic orders that think people can exist alongside nature are doomed to fail. I and my devoted followers shall restore nature to its former glory the only way possible: active aggression! So again, I put it to you: who are you to dare trespass in nature's territory? Decadent city-dwellers, no doubt."

"Tell me something", Edwin said in an urbane voice that instantly set off warning-bells inside Rini's head. "In this commendable urge to 'purge nature', did perhaps you and your devoted followers forget to purge yourselves? You do look as if you could use it. Here's a small tip for you. B-A-T-H. Just a little something us decadent city-dwellers invented millennia ago in order not to make the eyes of others water from our body-odor. You might want to look into it. Who knows, after a thorough washing you may even start looking human. (Though I sincerely doubt it. More likely he's dirt through and through and will simply dissolve altogether.)"

"Impertinence!" Faldorn sputtered. "We are Shadowdruids. We live like animals, wild and free. Animals do not wash!"

Really? Softpaws waspishly commented. Shows how much you really know about animals, Stinky.

"You dare insult me while we stand on holy ground?" the Archdruid intoned in a dangerous voice.

"Stand?" Rini said. "Looks more like you smeared your 'holy ground' all over yourself. What's the matter? Trying to cover an embarrassing rash you got from dallying with a rabid bear?" Then she gave Faldorn an apologetic glance. "Oops. Sorry. Didn't mean to let the others know about your little secret." She had decided that the situation was probably unsalvageable anyway. She might as well tell the two Shadowdruids exactly what she thought of them.

"As bluntly as the children put it", Jaheira said, "they are quite right. You are abominations, thinking to own nature rather than to guard it. Nature is the birthright of all, not just those called to become druids! And you are mistaken. I do not think people need to exist alongside nature. People are part of nature, and the role of the druid is to help make them remember that."

"Then die", the Archdruid snarled, "and may your corpses feed the Great Trees." He immediately started chanting a spell, Faldorn following his example. Rini wasted no time, quickly intoning the words to summon Magic Missiles. There was a curious ringing in her ears, but she ignored it, thinking only of the battle ahead. The spell formed inside her mind, it launched - but something was wrong. Her entire body was tingling, and rather than the glowing balls of energy she had been expecting she felt something cold and wet against her face. Snow?! she thought. Inside a tree?!

And snow it was, a veritable snowstorm suddenly raging inside the closed space of the room, half blinding the combatants, whipping against their faces. Something had taken her spell and twisted it all up. "Edwin, don't!" the bard screamed as she suddenly recalled seeing the wizard starting a spell of his own. But it was too late. Edwin finished his spell, and as he did he was suddenly enveloped by a cloud of bright red smoke. When it cleared the wizard was nowhere to be seen. A dark gray wolf stood there in his stead, looking extremely puzzled about what had happened. A Wild Magic field, Rini realized. And it seems to only affect arcane magic, not priestly. We are in such trouble now…Gods, I hope Eddie is all right!

Meanwhile the Archdruid finished his spell, a blade of roaring flames leaping into his hands. Faldorn's skin took on a brown tinge and became as hard as the bark of an old tree. Abandoning all thoughts of further spellcasting Zaerini started firing arrows at the two druids in hopes of interrupting their spells, and Imoen did the same. It was hard to aim in the still ongoing snowstorm though. Khalid drew his sword, and as it met the flaming blade of the Archdruid sparks flew high and sizzled in the whirling snow. Jaheira finished a spell of her own, and suddenly she seemed to grow in stature, her eyes taking on a cold glow. As she turned on Faldorn the Shadowdruid shied back in fear, but the effect was only temporary. Spinning around Faldorn twisted away from Jaheira, and in a swirl of flashing light she shifted form, fur erupting from her skin, jaws elongating into a muzzle until she had fully changed into a growling brown wolf.

Jaheira's mouth set in a grim line as she watched the approaching animal. Raising her hands again she began another spell, but Rini had no time to watch her further, being forced to concentrate on the Archdruid. Khalid was hard pressed. The druid was no great swordsman by any means, but his flaming sword forced the half-elven warrior to take extra care and kept him at a distance. At least it had stopped snowing by now.

Edwin, meanwhile, had got over the worst shock of suddenly finding himself transformed into a lupine form, and since he was currently unable to use magic he had apparently decided to let the instincts of the wolf body take over. He leapt without making a sound, burying sharp fangs in the meaty flesh of the Archdruid's thigh, sending hot blood spurting all over the room as the druid screamed with pain. The transformed wizard hung on for dear life, his paws sliding across the smooth floor as his victim tried to kick and beat him off. And then there was a gray blur in the air and the druid's screams of pain and anger ended in a choked gurgle as his throat was violently ripped open.

Faldorn?! Zaerini confusedly thought at the sight of this second wolf. But no…this wolf was gray, not brown. The female wolf shook the dead body a final time, then licked her muzzle clean. Despite her ferocious appearance her green eyes were clear and focused. "Jaheira?!" the bard exclaimed, hardly believing her eyes. The wolf shimmered briefly and Jaheira assumed her normal form, wiping her face clean with her sleeve. Rini turned her head to see Faldorn, still in wolf shape, break free of the holding spell that had immobilized her and run off down the stairs, her tail firmly tucked between her legs.

"Oh no", Imoen said. "She's getting away!"

"Pfeh", the druid snorted. "That one is just a low wolf. She's not worth the trouble."

Speaking of wolves, where's…"Edwin!" Rini shouted and threw herself at the wolf that was unsteadily getting to his feet again, scrambling out from beneath the Archdruid's corpse, hastily running her hands through the thick fur to check for injuries. Most of the blood seemed to be the druid's fortunately enough. The wolf stood motionless, allowing her to fuss over him without seeming to mind in the slightest. In fact, she thought she could see his tail wag slowly. So intent was the half-elf on her ministrations that she barely noticed the sound of quiet chanting behind her, or the white glow that filled the air. She did notice that she was suddenly standing very close to a very human wizard however. Very, very close. And with her arms…wrapped around him…very tightly indeed…

"Ooops!" Zaerini blurted out, feeling her cheeks burn as hot as the Archdruid's now extinguished sword had done as she took a step backwards. "Sorry! I…I didn't mean…"

"No, no, that is quite all r-right", Edwin stammered, looking almost as embarrassed as she felt. "In fact, I actually…er…that is…I quite appreciate your concern, misguided as it is. I could have handled him on my own, you know. (Yes…very….very pleasant indeed. Now if only there wasn't a huge audience of goggling monkeys to witness this.)"

"Are you sure you're not hurt?"

Perhaps you want to give him a more thorough examination? Softpaws innocently asked. I'm sure he'd oblige.

Softy, stop it. He could have been seriously harmed. Even…even killed.

So pet him a little more. You both certainly seemed to enjoy it.

SOFTY!

"I am fine", Edwin said, and then made a face. "Well, for the most part." He turned to Jaheira. "I'm surprised you aren't on the floor puking your guts out. I know I certainly feel like it."

"What?" Rini asked. "Being a wolf was that bad?"

"No, no. Not in itself." The wizard shuddered with disgust. "But I bit him, didn't I? Would you believe it, he tasted even worse than he smelled?"

Later that same day…

"Gentlemen, gentlewomen - may I introduce myself? I am Eldoth Kron."

Zaerini gave the stranger in front of her a careful look. He was a little older than herself she guessed, dark of hair and beard, and dressed in clothes that looked like they had once been very expensive but now were stained and torn here and there. Most interestingly he was carrying a lute-case slung across his back. A bard, is it? Let's hope he's not as stupid as that Garrick fellow. Not that he looks very trustworthy, but we'll see. I'm really exhausted after fighting those druids, I don't want to get into a fight right now. She introduced herself and her companions in turn. "So, what makes you wander the Cloakwood all by yourself, Eldoth?" she asked. "Aren't you afraid you'll be surprised and ambushed by monsters?"

The other bard simply smirked. "Such a thing sounds awfully tedious, don't you agree?" he said. "Potions of invisibility will help take care of that kind of little details, for those occasions when I don't have the time to vanquish what great foes fate may throw at me."

"Which great foes would those be?" Edwin murmured. "Your pimples? Or perhaps whichever fiend it was that persuaded you to drench yourself in hair oil. In case you hadn't noticed, it's leaving a trail of grease all over your collar. (Not that a little grease it makes much difference in his case. It's a bit like throwing a bucket of water into the ocean.)"

"Look", Rini hastily said, hoping to forestall another fight. "Why don't we just skip past the smalltalk, Eldoth? What is it that you want of us?"

"Certainly", Eldoth said with a sharp glance at Edwin. "I can tell you are in a hurry." He smiled. "And may I say how pleasant it is to meet such beautiful people wandering these woods? I never would have thought it possible." He glared at Edwin again. "Well, when I say beautiful, I mean those of you not possessed with the manners of an ogre with a severe tummy-ache." Then he shrugged. "What I want? To crassly sum things up, I have a business proposition for you, and a very profitable one at that. You see, there's a girl, my lover in fact, who desires to escape her father and live on her own. Her father is Entar Silvershield, one of the Dukes of Baldur's Gate. This, of course, makes her desires more difficult than those of the average city girl." He smirked again. "Not that her desires aren't worth it. Anyway, with your assistance we could help her escape the tyrannical clutches of Entar. Here's the punch line: since Entar's going to be hunting us anyway we can blackmail him for hordes of cash and not worry about our captive escaping. After all, we're doing it all for the sake of Skie."

What an utter, utter slimeball, Rini thought. Poor Skie, whoever she is. I bet she has no idea of this plot to blackmail her father. She probably thinks he really loves her too, poor girl.

So you're going to refuse him, Softpaws said. The cat was watching Eldoth intently, her back slightly arched. Her mental voice carried a definite hiss with it.

I should. This guy is a total creep, and he'll likely ruin that girl's life.

But?

But if I refuse him, he'll just find somebody else to do it for him. No, I think I'll play along for now. And who knows, then I may just be able to teach him a lesson or two…

"I really don't have the time for such an endeavor at the moment", the redheaded bard explained, making herself sound as jaded and bored as Eldoth. "I'm on a mission of my own right now. Perhaps later."

"What?" Jaheira sputtered. "Child, you cannot possibly mean…"

"I mean what I say, Jaheira", Rini firmly declared, staring into the other woman's eyes. "I know what I'm doing. Trust me, why don't you? Remember how we spoke about trust before?"

After a few moments the druid looked away. "Very well", she reluctantly said. "It is your decision. I just hope you will not regret it."

"Would you like me to accompany you?" Eldoth asked. "Or shall we meet up later, in Baldur's Gate? I can wait for some time longer."

"Baldur's Gate", Rini said at once. "I accept the assignment, and we will meet with you there once our own business is concluded."

"And I shall be looking forward to another encounter with such a charming young lady", Eldoth said, bowing. "You will be able to reach me at the Three Old Kegs Inn. Until then, fair wanderers." He walked off in a northerly direction, looking very pleased with himself.

"What do you really intend to do with him?" Edwin asked.

"You'll see", Zaerini said. "You'll see." She yawned. "And now I think we ought to see about making camp. That Eldoth fellow was rather dull, he made me really sleepy."

Before going to sleep that night Zaerini decided that it would be a good idea to do another reading of her Chaltar Cards. It had been a while, and now that she was approaching the Cloakwood Mines she felt it would be a good time to do so. Conjuring a magelight to help augment the light from the camp fire she rapidly shuffled the deck, then spread out the selected cards. Show me what is to come, she thought before turning them over. The near future, the far future, whatever events may affect me.

The cards were placed in groups, she noticed. First the Priest Of Clubs, next to the Prisoner. Right next to them lay one of the Element Cards. Water.

In the next group she saw the Wizard of Swords, opposing the Rogue. Close by the Knight of Swords.

The Knight of Swords also was connected to the next group. Death, and then the Tower, crumbling to bits as armed warriors fell from its dark battlements. Falling…falling… And then the bard felt her vision blacken and swirl as the cards reared up towards her, filling her mind and her soul.

There was a deep black void all around, except for the gray and dead ground beneath her feet. Zaerini looked about herself, finding herself eye to eye with two solemn figures. The Priest of Clubs was muscular and armed with a large hammer, an imposing beard streaming down his broad his chest as he calmly watched her. Next to him the Prisoner hunched, an emaciated figure wearing rags, shackled with heavy irons, eyes desperate and dark.

"Hail, Child of Bhaal", the Priest spoke.

"Hail, Bringer of Freedom", said the Prisoner.

"Who are you?" the bard asked. She didn't think these two posed a threat, but during this reading she intended to find out as much as she could. No more waiting for the cards to reveal what they would, this time she would have proper answers.

"We are two, yet one", the Priest said.

"One of us was", said the Prisoner, holding out his arms to show her the chains that fettered him. "Now the other one is. Your actions will determine which one will be in the future."

"They will?" Rini asked. "I will? Do you mean I'm supposed to free you? Free you from where?"

"From the chains of greed and friendship betrayed", the Prisoner said, his eyes filled with wrath and sorrow. "Beware the one who would forge such chains. Beware him, for he means you grave harm."

Well, that was really helpful. "Who means me harm? Do you mean Sarevok?"

The two figures both shook their heads, their movements exactly mimicking each other. "The Knight of Swords would merely slay your body", the Prisoner said. "There are worse fates."

"That's easy for you to say. I'd like to keep my body intact if it's all the same to you."

"But the Devil would destroy your very spirit", said the Priest of Clubs. "Beware the Devil, Child of Bhaal. You must not let him succeed, and not only for your own sake. Too much depends on it."

"If whatever I need to do keeps me alive and sane that's about all the motivation I need. You don't need to tell me that I need to save the world on top of that."

The two figures fell silent.

"What?" Rini asked. "Why aren't you talking to me?"

"You did tell us that you had no need to hear that you must save the world", the Prisoner said in a pointed voice.

"We have offered our guidance", the Priest said, stroking his beard. "It is up to you to decide whether or not you wish to benefit from it." He raised his hand as if in benediction, and a soft white light spread out from it. When it winked out it took the two beings with it.

I have no idea what that last part meant, Zaerini thought. But I bet it wasn't anything I really want to know. Which card was next? Water, wasn't it?

As if in answer to her question she heard a roaring sound, and a great wave rolled towards her, arching up high above. Oh, sh… Then she was fighting for her life, tossed and flung here and there by the raging water, fighting desperately to hold her breath despite her burning lungs. "This is how they died, so long ago", said a disembodied voice that she recognized as that of the Priest of Clubs. "If you would save lives, then this is how others must die as well. This you must know, Child of Bhaal. Those who bring death may also bring life, under the right circumstances. Remember that."

I won't be remembering anything if I don't get to breathe soon, you stupid old…

And then the water subsided as quickly as it had come, and the half-elf once again found herself on dry land, her clothes dry as well. She was not in the place where she had started though. Now she stood in a great hall, cold marble floor stretching out endlessly around her, soft voices whispering in dark corners and behind the rich furniture that dotted the room here and there. In the middle of the room she saw two more figures, facing each other.

The Rogue slipped from shadow to shadow, moving as if in an intricate and graceful dance, almost invisible in the darkness. And yet this being was more clearly visible to her than he had been during previous readings, almost…familiar. Cloaked in deepest shadow as he was, there were moments when she could almost glimpse the face beneath that deep black hood. Almost, but not quite. Still something in the way.

The Wizard of Swords carried darkness with him in his own way. A gaunt and joyless figure he was, his eyes dark hollows in a pale face. There was something clinging to his breast, the bard noticed. A dark little creature, almost goblin-like. It had an ugly, twisted face, and its sharp fangs were buried deep within the wizard's heart, as the hideous little fiend suckled his very lifeblood. He…he doesn't know it's there? Zaerini thought, incredulous. Or…or has it been there so long that he has forgotten it? The Wizard's hands were crackling with magical energy as he twisted and turned, scanning the shadows. He was obviously trying to spot the Rogue, but it was equally obvious that he didn't know who he was looking for.

These two were clearly more dangerous than the Priest of Clubs and the Prisoner, and yet the Bard could not turn away. They were playing a deadly game, she could see that much, and she had no idea who would be the winner. She thought about speaking out, but was afraid to do so, afraid of what might happen. There was no need, however. The Rogue suddenly stiffened and turned towards her, and she could feel sharp eyes boring into her even if she couldn't see them. The Wizard turned as well, alerted to her presence by the new tension that had come over his opponent. Now there were two very penetrating looks directed her way, and it wasn't a comfortable sensation at all.

"Well, well", the Rogue murmured. "It would seem we have an audience. Perhaps we ought to start charging admission if this is to continue. Now tell me girl, is there a particular reason for you to bother me while I'm working, or are you simply doing the Grand Tour? If the former, please be brief. If the latter, please don't expect either of us to give a lecture on divination. We were rather busy; in case you didn't notice."

"Quite so, my friend", the Wizard agreed. "And it wouldn't surprise me if she has questions to ask, questions that she ought to be perfectly able to solve herself if only she would sit down and concentrate on them for more than a few minutes at a time. But of course, she's going to ask us instead. It's not as if we had anything better to do than to get dragged into a rather exotic form of fortune-telling, against our will at that. I suppose we ought to count ourselves lucky if she doesn't ask us to explain the meaning of Life while we're here. That ought to keep us all busy for a century or so."

"Hey!" Rini protested. "There's no need to be rude, you know!"

"Rude?" the Rogue said. "Trust me, you've never seen either of us be really rude, and you really don't want to. It can be rather…messy."

The sarcastic smirk was almost visible by now, a brief flash beneath the black hood, and that voice… "Adahn?!" the bard asked incredulously. "Is that you?"

The Rogue was silent for a moment, and when next he spoke, he sounded more serious. "No. That…is not my name." Hint of a smirk again. "And I'm most certainly not about to tell you my real one, divination or not, so don't even bother asking. I've hidden my secrets from worse than you, you know."

"Besides", the Wizard of Swords added dryly, "it would spoil the whole vision thing something dreadful. Visions are supposed to be vague. It's the Gods way of tormenting mortals, I think." His voice turned suddenly bitter. "One of them, at least."

Zaerini tried her best to suppress her annoyance. "All right!" she said. "So, what can the two of you tell me? Without the clever remarks, thanks."

"You're really taking all the fun out of this", the Rogue remarked. "Oh, very well. Ask your questions, and we will answer you - maybe." The smooth voice was filled with amusement by now. "It all depends on how you put your questions. And don't expect unlimited time either."

Gods. I thought only Edwin was capable of deliberately being that irritating. "Those other two guys I met earlier were much more helpful."

"Well naturally they were. They were bound to be, being Heroic and all. Whereas me and my friend and colleague here…" The Rogue indicated himself and the Wizard. "…are more ambiguous. Now, are you going to ask your questions or not?"

"Yes, please do", the Wizard agreed. "We really need to get back to what we were doing."

"All right", Rini said. "What were you doing? It looked like you were trying to kill each other, but now you seem…I don't know…friendly to each other."

The two men gave each other a long and considering look. "We are opponents at this time", the Rogue conceded, now sounding much more serious. "But by circumstance, not by inclination."

"Indeed", the Wizard agreed. "We…share certain common ground. Yet that which unites us is also that which causes our current conflict."

"But why? Who are you?"

"We are Guides", the Wizard declared.

"We are Guardians", the Rogue said with a brief nod.

"Determined and committed."

"Prepared to make sacrifices."

"Willing to die."

"Ready to kill."

"Me for my charge."

"And me for mine."

"I…I see", Rini said, not really understanding but unwilling to admit that. "But what does all of this have to do with me?"

"More than you might think", the Wizard said.

"Certainly more than we are going to tell you", added the Rogue.

"So are you two going to tell me anything I can actually make sense of?" the bard said, hoping she didn't sound like a whining child.

"Two things", the Wizard said. "When you and I meet in the flesh, I am going to ask you to do something for me, though the 'real' me doesn't know that yet of course. If you oblige me, I will be most grateful. Also, one other thing. Remember that everybody acts for a reason, even those you consider your enemies. Understanding is the key to everything. Yet understand you must, in time."

"As for me", the Rogue said, "you will not see me go, though you will certainly see the consequences of my departure. Remember that actions have motives - misguided as they may be. You will need to understand in order to forgive. We both will."

That's what they call 'making sense'? "Understand what? Who? Why? Can't you be a little more specific?" But they were both gone, and the shadows gave her no answers.

And now Zaerini heard a deep and chilling laughter behind her, one that she knew all too well. She turned, her blood feeling like ice water in her veins, and saw a huge armored shape rear up above her, sword raised. The Knight of Swords. Sarevok. "And so, it is just you and me, little sister", the warrior taunted. "Did you think I would sit meekly, waiting? Then you were mistaken. I am coming for you. Sooner than you think."

She ran, unthinking, instinct urging her to get away. Sarevok was close behind her, she was certain of it, but she dared not look back. Then there was something in front of her, a vast tower, dark and terrible, narrow windows staring like blind eyes at the empty sky, portcullis yawning open like a fanged mouth. The Tower. The half-elf darted across the drawbridge, frantically pulling open the heavy doors. They fell shut behind her and she could hear Sarevok's scream of frustration and anger as he failed to open them. The doors…were locked, shutting her in. There had been no other way to survive, and yet she felt herself shivering with fear. And inside the Tower she could sense shadows awakening. Shadows…and something else as well. Something more dangerous.

"The Tower…" Zaerini whispered to herself as she came back to reality. She had a feeling she knew what that meant. And she really wished that she were wrong.