Disclaimer: I own nothing.
Chapter 27
The Gate
The Wyrm's Crossing cut a grand sight, the ancient stonework structure spanning the narrowest part of the Chionthar river that flowed out to the Sea of Swords. The only path in and out of Baldur's Gate from land, or at least through legal means. The length of the bridge was filled with a wagons and caravans queuing up to enter the city with various wares. Yet it was not as crowded as one would expect. Even though the bandit threat had been routed, the trade flow was still recovering as merchants waited to see how their competitors fared before they risked their own caravans on the roads.
In hindsight, Imoen wished that they had joined a caravan to Baldur's Gate instead of taking the journey on foot. Certainly a wagon would have kept the rain out while the party waited in the queue on the bridge that wet afternoon. Eleint had all but crept up on them and the rain would be a mainstay in the coming weeks leading up to colder weather.
Imoen gazed sullenly at the sky and wished she'd bought that raincoat she saw in Beregost.
But then again, surely there was an even larger marketplace in the Gate that she could shop from. Unlike the rest of her party, she was keen to explore the city and see everything it has to offer. She'd been looking forward to this leg of the journey after literally months in the wilderness.
She couldn't wait to catch up with Coran and see the sights!
"What are you smiling about?" Elene asked from under her hood, a shadow of a smile on her lips.
"Oh, ya know. This and that," Imoen grinned at her, then scrutinised the drab, high-collared shirt she wore beneath her gambeson. "Ya sure you don't wanna see the marketplace with me later? Maybe get yourself some nicer clothes?"
"What's wrong with my clothes?" Elene glanced down at herself in confusion.
"Ya still dress like a librarian," Imoen poked her friend in the rib.
Elene batted her hand away, chuckling. "Scribe in training, if you please."
Leaning back, Imoen studied her. She looked better since their escape from Cloakwood Mines. There had been difficult days when she'd wander around at night after being woken from nightmares, despite Jaheira's best efforts to browbeat her into resting. But a dull sort of listlessness lingered in her demeanour after the near catastrophe in the mines, like she'd seen something in the depths that would plague her for years to come.
After they left the druid grove, they'd stopped over at the Friendly Arm Inn to allow Elene and Xan to recover from their injuries. Coran came with them, before splitting off to Beregost to collect the bounty on the wyvern. Imoen, Khalid and Kivan accompanied him if only to pick up supplies in preparation for travel to Baldur's Gate. Coran eventually shared with her that he had a bag of holding on his person, which answered the question of how he was able to hide and preserve the wyvern head. The same bag of holding helped them store most of the things they went on to sell in Beregost.
Coran left for the Gate a few days earlier than they did, to tie up unfinished business. In all likelihood, Imoen suspected he just wanted to return to the city to quickly spend as much of his newfound coin as he could. By the time she met up with him, she was sure he'd already have new escapades to share.
Xan stirred next to Elene when the caravan ahead of them began to move. "I believe we are next in line."
Nodding, Jaheira strode forward to engage the gatehouse guard. Some conversation went on between them as the druid presumably stated her name and their intent of visiting the city. Coin clinked as a pouch was handed over, the customary toll for the bridge. Then the guard gestured for her to stand to one side while he entered the gatehouse, calling after someone.
A tall man stepped out from the gatehouse, dressed in Flaming Fist livery. In that moment, Imoen was reminded of their stint with Sorrel and Officer Vai. If they were lucky, word of their good deeds had already reached their headquarters and they'd have an easier time getting in.
"Ma'am, we were told to keep an eye out for you. Our commander would like to have a word, if you please," said the Flaming Fist, his voice sounding muffled through his full-faced helm.
"Who is your commander?" asked Jaheira.
"You'd be looking for Commander Scar. You can meet him at the Flaming Fist Compound in the southwest of the city. If you have a map, I can show you. Here."
Jaheira studied her map briefly, then stored it in the satchel at her belt. "We will see what your commander has to say then."
With formalities and directions out of the way, the party strode up to the main ramp of the city. Imoen looked up and grinned.
Tall spires rose into the air, and the city was surrounded with aged stonework that has stood there for centuries. In the distance, they could even see what looked like a wizard's tower on the eastern side. Around them, though, shops and stalls lined the streets, with houses in between. Men and women of all stripes bustled about, going about their business even in the rain, but the people lacked the familiarity and friendliness to each other like what she saw in Beregost and even the Friendly Arm Inn. The Gate seemed like a vast city of strangers by comparison.
Stealing a glance at her friend, she saw that Elene was also studying their surroundings with interest, but the elf tugged her hood lower to conceal more of her features.
"This way then, let's not clog traffic," Jaheira nudged her as she brushed past.
The party made their way to the Elfsong Tavern not far from the entrance to the city. It was a famous tavern, where an elven spirit supposedly took residence and sang a haunting melody on the loss of their lover. Xan had scoffed when Imoen asked about it, saying that the truth was not quite so dramatic, and it was simply good marketing.
Khalid palmed the door to the tavern and held the door open for the others. The interior was dim but warm, filled with the smell of roast chicken and herbs. There were not many patrons in the taproom, unsurprising given the time of day, but it was a spacious place indeed. Most of them moved off to retire to their rooms the moment they obtained keys to shake off the fatigue from travel, but Imoen lingered with the innkeeper to pass a message to Coran.
The rain continued unabated through the day. Elene spent time in the lounge with Xan inventorising all their scrolls and magic items, but Imoen nipped out quietly with Khalid to a nearby store. After the dreadful turn their travels had taken in recent months, Imoen felt that it was high time to do something a bit light-hearted, especially for Elene.
I mean, who knows when we would next get a chance to be merry? No time like the present!
When dinner came about, Imoen was in an even better mood than when they'd first arrived, a prized bundle safely tucked under the table. She winked at Khalid when Elene finally traipsed down the stairs to join them in the taproom after spending the rest of the day holed up in their room. Probably writing in that mysterious journal of hers.
Jaheira and Xan were already at the table, while Kivan had opted out as expected. The ranger had made amends with Elene, but Imoen noticed that the rest of the group were still on tenterhooks with him. Imoen didn't see what the fuss was about. If Elene had forgiven him after what happened to her, then the rest should be able to accept him just as well. According to her friend, he did promise that he would control his impulses better the next time around. If that was good enough for Elene, then it was good enough for her.
Just as Elene settled in, the food arrived. As usual, Imoen had ordered up a veritable feast. But this time, there was an actual purpose to it. She winked at Khalid before she got things started.
"So, I got ya yer favourite baked fish and fancy red wine fer tonight," she beamed at Elene.
"I noticed," her friend said. "What's the occasion?"
Imoen rolled her eyes. "Your nameday, you bufflehead!"
"My…what? But that's two weeks from now," Elene frowned at her.
"Yeah, yeah, technicalities," Imoen waved her off. "We don't know how long we're gonna be in the city for, so I thought might as well celebrate it while we can." She reached under the table and thrust the hidden parcel at her friend. "So here ya go!"
Elene laughed in pleasant surprise as she studied the gift. "So this was where you disappeared to."
"Well, I had help," Imoen shot a meaningful look at Khalid.
"We hope you like it," said Khalid, his eyes twinkling. "Consider it something from all of us."
"Go on, open it," Imoen nudged her.
Still smiling, Elene opened the parcel and chuckled when she found a book within. Jaheira smiled indulgently at them while swirling the wine in her glass. Xan, on the other hand, looked pensive as he studied the gift.
"'The Adventurer's Guide to the Realms', huh?" Elene turned the book over in her hands.
"We haven't been going to really fun places of late, but maybe you wanna have a look and see where the fun places are. You know, so we can go have a visit when this is done. I'd be happy to never see another mine for the rest of my life!"
"That sounds like a plan." Elene looked up after giving Imoen a hug, then gave them all a grateful smile. "Thank you, this means a lot to me. I haven't read a book, since…well."
She trailed off from there, her gaze dropping to the book again.
Since she left Candlekeep, Imoen finished in her mind.
"So, you wanna go tavern-hopping later?" Imoen clapped her hands together with glee. "Coran left a note saying he will come over and catch up tonight, we can go with him to other places when he shows up."
"I…don't think I can join you, Im." Elene looked apologetic. "Kivan went to check if there are any bounties up. It's not really a good idea to show my face about the city until we know if those notices are still around."
"Oh, right." Imoen's face fell.
"But I can come with you tomorrow maybe," Elene offered, placing a hand on Imoen's shoulder. "If Kivan doesn't find anything."
"Okay."
Although it was supposed to be a celebration, dinner conversation invariably drifted towards business. Jaheira and Khalid were eager to visit the Harper stronghold in the city to gather what information they could from their brethren. The mages, Xan and Elene, already planned to visit Sorcerous Sundries, the premier supplier of all things magic in the city. A part of Imoen was interested to visit the place, but how could that compare to tavern-hopping with Coran?
"You're sure you don't want to come with us?" Elene asked as she got to her feet, the book she received tucked under one arm.
"Nah, you and Xan have fun. I have other plans," Imoen replied.
"Tell you what, I'll get you something. It'll be a surprise."
Elene offered her a conciliatory smile as she left with Xan. Imoen tried to remain upbeat, but in that moment, she felt somewhat forlorn sitting alone in the taproom. Maybe it was just a feeling, but she didn't feel as close to Elene as she used to. Elene was always needed somewhere else, or had to do something with Jaheira, or busy studying magic with Xan. The only time they really had with one another was when they sat in their beds at night, whispering about the small things that happened in the day. Since Cloakwood, Elene had been too troubled to even do that.
Imoen wondered if they were slowly drifting apart. Of late, she'd even wondered if they would have been friends if they hadn't been stuck together in Candlekeep from the start.
"Good evening, my flower. Why the long face?" Coran appeared with his usual pomp at Imoen's shoulder, a jolly twinkle in his eyes. "Well I have just the thing planned to bring a smile to that lovely visage. Are you ready to go explore what this jewel of a city has to offer?"
"Do I ever!" Imoen grinned at him, melancholy forgotten. "Where are we going?"
"A seedy little place to the northeast. But worry not, I will be right there with you. Now come along."
As they left the Elfsong, Imoen noticed that Coran had upgraded his attire. He was now clad in sleek studded leather armour and he had fashioned himself a stylish new haircut to go with the new attire. Imoen smiled inwardly. As she'd suspected, he'd already put the bounty coin to good use.
"It's just you for tonight?" Coran asked as they walked. The streets were still dotted with people out and about, looking to enjoy a night out on the town just like them. Again, a marked contrast with what she'd seen in Beregost, where mostly courtesans or ne'er do wells milled about in the streets after sundown.
"I wish Elene could come with us, but she's so worried about getting the wrong kind of attention," she replied, carefully avoiding mention of the bounty notices.
Coran chuckled. "I doubt she has anything to worry about. She has a protector on hand to guard her honour, after all."
"What do ya mean?"
"Oh, come now, flower. That Xan has a soft spot for your friend, and I'm fairly certain it goes both ways. Surely you've noticed."
"Really? But he's just teaching her magic."
Coran smirked as he gave her a sidelong glance. "Is that what they call it these days?"
An uneven cobblestone almost tripped her when the realisation hit. He was right. Something has been going on between Elene and Xan for weeks, now that she thought about it. Long walks together, just the two of them. Those quiet hours in the common room poring over scrolls. The little glances those two exchanged every now and then, like some kind of telepathic conversation. So many pieces began to fall into place.
How in Faerun could she have missed that? Elene always had a thing for the boring ones, like the staid scribe Bendalis in Candlekeep, when she could have gone for someone like the hunky swordmaster Gorion hired to teach her. Only Elene could make those types of romantic decisions.
And yet it took an outsider like Coran to point it out to her after all this time.
"I'm so dumb," Imoen slid a hand down her face in exasperation while Coran laughed.
"As good a reason as any to drink tonight!" He clapped her on the back.
He took her past several winding streets, moving away from the thriving merchant quarter to the less savoury part of town. A part of her wondered if she should be worried, but she felt that underneath all the innuendo, Coran was a decent sort. She couldn't see him as the type to lead her into a dark alley to be robbed or murdered. The biggest threat with him was his continual attempt to get into her knickers. But she could handle that. Unlike Elene, she's dealt with her fair share of skirt-chasers looking for easy game while waiting tables at the Candlekeep Inn.
"Ah, here we are," Coran breathed as they arrived at a grimy-looking tavern.
Imoen looked up sceptically at the signage.
The Splurging Sturgeon. Huh. Doesn't look like the people in this area can afford to splurge.
Despite her misgivings, the interior was quite lively, with bright lighting and colourful curtains, carpets and tablecloths. The tables were set up close to one another and a crooning minstrel was already performing as they eased their way past the other patrons to the bar. Imoen glanced around with interest. Maybe the Sturgeon didn't look as well-put-together as the Elfsong, but it had a certain kind of charm to it. Glancing at the fare on offer though, Imoen made a note to stick to the Elfsong for her meals, if only for hygiene reasons.
"Here, I recommend trying the spiced wine. It's on me," said Coran with a wink.
They settled at the bar, cradling their drinks and chatting. Apparently, Aldeth Sashenstar had made it back to the city in one piece after the fiasco in Cloakwood, and no longer held any interest in hunting trips in the future. Even so, he had upheld his part as an employer, and Coran had gotten his payment as promised. With his heavier coin purse from both the backpay and the wyvern's bounty, Coran had been keeping busy with shopping and catching up with friends.
"Although, Aldeth did mention he may need my help with something. There's some sort of intrigue afoot in the Merchant League, but he didn't deign to share any details in his note," Coran shrugged. "I wonder if it's worth the trouble."
Imoen frowned. "Some kind of quarrel with the other merchant guilds, maybe?"
"Possible. I did notice the Iron Throne has been on the up and up of late. You'd be amazed at how many parties Rieltar and his son have been attending this past tenday."
"What sorts of parties?"
Coran chuckled. "Not the sort that people like you and I get invited to, flower."
"Well, it's their loss," shrugged Imoen.
"Well said! Another, then?"
As he was about to call for another round, a man sidled up beside him at the bar. The man was slight of frame, with a shock of brown hair and clever eyes under his thick hood. A half-smile played on his lips as he tipped his imaginary hat at the two of them.
"Evenin'. Didn't fancy seeing ye here, Coran."
To Imoen's surprise, her usually cheerful companion stiffened at the sight of the other man. "Narlen. To what do I owe the pleasure?"
"Just saying hello to a friend, aye? That's still legal in these parts, surely?" The man, Narlen, turned his shrewd gaze to Imoen. "Aren't ye gonna introduce yer friend?"
Imoen noticed the undercurrent between the two men. She waited for Coran's lead.
"This is Imoen," he said, unwilling to offer up anything else.
"Good eve, miss Imoen. Me name's Narlen." He tilted his head to another man loitering behind him. "And this is my mate Rededge. Pleased to meet ye."
"Pleased to meet ya too," replied Imoen.
"Now, now, mate. Let me buy ye both this round. Ye've earned it," Narlen reached over, a hand on Coran's shoulder.
Coran said nothing, but his jaw tightened.
Still with a half-smile on his face, Narlen settled in at the bar next to Coran while Rededge, a stony-faced fellow, sat on Imoen's other side. Imoen resisted the urge to fidget in her seat. Whoever this Narlen was, she could tell he was dangerous if he could put Coran off his game just by his presence. Suddenly she wished she'd told the others where they were headed. Maybe she could blind them with magic and make a run for it if the situation called for evasive manoeuvres. They wouldn't see that coming.
"How are things with you?" Coran asked, then winced when he realised how contrived he sounded.
"Ahh, ye know how it is. Another day another mark. Gotta keep hitting those targets," Narled replied. "We've missed ye on some of our runs, truth be told."
"You lot do just fine without me in the picture."
"Aye. We do at that." Narlen nodded sagely. "But it's always nice to have a bit more help."
She knew it probably wasn't the smartest thing to do, but she couldn't help herself. "Help with what?"
"Well…now that you've asked. Since you're Coran's friend, I reckon you could keep a secret."
Narlen flashed her a quick smile as he leaned forward, like a conspirator in the making. It was a random thought, but she was reminded of an illustration she once saw in Candlekeep, of shark-people in the deep sea. Beside her, Coran was blinking furiously as if trying to signal something, but she was a bit on the tipsy side to catch on to what he was trying to tell her.
"Rededge and I, we have a caper on for tonight, you see? A bit of second storey work nearby, the mark none the wiser. Thing is, the property be a mite big, we think it's best to have two people casing the place in one go." Narlen made a show of rubbing his chin in thought. "But then, we suppose that leaves no one left to be the lookout. Ye never know who might come'a knockin', aye?"
Imoen knew a lure when she heard one. Although he was trying hard to appear subtle, Coran seemed to be on the verge of distress by that point. Clearly he didn't want her to get involved with this bunch, but some spontaneous second storey work sounded harmless enough.
"Pfft, a lookout is all ya need? That's easy, I could do that."
"Splendid!" Narlen clapped Coran on the back. "What a jewel ye have here, mate."
"When's the deed?" she asked.
Narlen laughed. "Now there's a larcenous fire burnin'! As soon as yer done with yer drink, if ye like. It'll be quick and quiet-like. Ye'll even get a fair share of the pot once we're done."
"If I may, I would like to sit this one out," Coran muttered.
"Suit yerself, mate. She offered first."
Imoen took slow slips of her mead but mostly drank water after that to clear her head. From what she observed, Narlen and Rededge didn't carry much by way of weapons. But she spotted the tell-tale rolled up leather pouch which would be useful to store lockpicks and small tools. Professional burglars, she surmised. Were they part of some kind of thieves' guild, perhaps? She couldn't help but wonder why Coran was friends with a pair of dubious fellows operating out of the dingier quarter of the city.
"Ye ready then? The spoils won't wait forever," said Narlen after he'd emptied his flagon.
"Sure, let's go!" she replied.
Coran frowned as she hopped off her seat to leave.
Despite Coran's misgiving, Imoen felt a thrill of excitement as she trailed Narlen and Rededge into the night. It was deep into twilight by then, the upstanding citizens of the gate already fast asleep in their homes. From what Narlen shared with her, the house they were aiming for belonged to a mistress of a nobleman, not far from the Elfsong Tavern. What the nobleman didn't know, however, was that his mistress had another lover in the merchant quarter, hence her home was conveniently vacant that night.
"Right, all ye need to do is sit there in the corner and whistle if trouble comes along. Don't fall asleep now, aye?" Narlen nodded at her as he pulled out his elaborate lockpick kit. Definitely a professional, Imoen noted. "Aft the deed, we meet up at the Sturgeon in two nights and split the goods."
Imoen flashed a thumbs up signal and disappeared into an adjacent alley while Narlen and Rededge got to work. Narlen worked from the ground floor while Rededge ascended to the roof with rope attached to a grapnel, all through the back garden.
Lookout work was boring, Imoen decided after the minutes ticked by. No wonder Narlen told her not to fall asleep. As she lurked in the shadows, she considered what she would do after this whole Iron Throne mess was dealt with. Once upon a time, she would have considered joining a thieves' guild for the fame and riches. But if this was what the job really entailed, she no longer found such a career appealing.
Suddenly she caught the sound of metal boots. Already? The boys haven't been in there long enough to even find the vault, surely. Yet Imoen knew what she had to do. She raised her hands to her lips and let out a sharp whistle. And she kept going until the metal boots approached her alley, then she turned tail and ran for it.
"You, there! Stop!"
Like Hells she would. Adrenaline coursed through her as she took her pursuers around the quarter in a merry chase, drawing them away from her accomplices. It was fun, in a way, because she knew they would never catch her with their heavy armour on. Eventually, she managed to circle back to an alley close to the Splurging Sturgeon, and she sat on an abandoned crate for a bit to catch her breath. Looking up at the night sky, she grinned.
Imoen the Quick, the best lookout there ever was!
Yet as she stepped out onto the streets again to return to the Elfsong, she caught sight of a Flaming Fist walking about as if in search of something. Surely this can't be the man who chased her from the house? Before she could react, he spotted her.
"Halt!"
Imoen froze. If he were to search her, he would find her lockpicks and assorted thieves' tools. She'd be sent into prison, languish there until Elene found out what happened. Oh, she would get into such trouble with Jaheira for sure.
Looked like she was going to have to make a run for it again.
"By Oghma, there you are! We've been looking everywhere for you!"
To her surprise, she turned to see Elene and Xan hurrying towards her. Elene had removed her gambeson and was dressed in simple shirt and leggings while Xan no longer wore his overcoat. As they were, they looked like a pair of elves just out for a casual night of drinks.
"What are you lot doing out here so late?" the Flaming Fist asked them, his tone hostile.
"We were out for drinks but lost our friend here at the Blushing Mermaid. I hope she hasn't gotten into trouble?" Elene stepped closer and gave her a look.
Play along, the look said.
Imoen hiccupped, ready to lay it on thick. "Whaddaya mean, trouble?" she exclaimed in a loud voice, swaying as she did. Elene secured her around the middle to steady her. "I ain't got into no t-trouble. Nossir, not me. Not a single trouble. Just mindin' my own bishness."
Elene sighed and looked to Xan. "Must have been the wine. Always gets to her head."
"We apologise for the bother, officer. If you don't mind, allow me to escort these ladies back to our inn. As you said, it's late," said Xan, ducking his head at the Fist. Imoen could be mistaken, but she felt a faint tingle of magic as Xan spoke.
The Fist hesitated for a moment, but then blinked. "Carry on then, citizen. Stay out of trouble."
"Youuuu got it, offisher," Imoen sent a mock salute his way.
Elene led her away, with Xan taking the rear. They carried on the act all the way to the Elfsong Tavern in case they were being watched. In fact, none of them spoke until they were safely ensconced in a private meeting room on the upper floors of the inn, conveniently vacant at that time of night.
"How did you find me?" asked Imoen once Xan closed the door.
"Coran came looking for us, saying you might need help." Elene ran her fingers through her unbound hair. "What happened?"
So Imoen told her about their trip to the Sturgeon, the meeting with Narlen and Rededge and the subsequent heist. Xan was shaking his head at the end of the story and looked ready to admonish her when Elene held a hand up to forestall him.
"Wait, this Narlen said to meet him again?" she asked.
"Well, yeah." Imoen shrugged. "Assuming the Fists didn't nab him."
"This might be a lead," said Elene as she flicked a glance at Xan. "I'm sure these thieves would have done their homework on the Iron Throne Headquarters at some point. Big, wealthy target just sitting there waiting to be burgled."
Xan paused to mull it over. "You may have a point."
"So, I did good?" Imoen grinned.
Elene let out a strained laugh. "Jaheira might not agree with that statement. But I think we're onto something."
"If I may suggest, we can reconvene on this tomorrow with the others," Xan stifled a yawn. "It's far too late at night to be scheming."
Imoen realised with a start that he was right, it was pretty late. With that, Xan strode to his room while Elene and Imoen returned to theirs. As they were preparing to bed down, though, Elene turned to her, a thoughtful expression on her features.
"I'll come with you next time," she said.
"Nah, it's alright. Yer right, it's pretty risky for ya to be showing your face in taverns and all that."
"No, I mean it." Elene shook her head, her gaze suddenly intense in the candlelight. "You're my sister in everything but blood. We stick together, alright?"
Any doubt Imoen had about their friendship evaporated as a slow smile spread across her face.
"Yeah. Always."
.
.
.
Author's Note:
In my head, I kind of imagined the book Elene received as a 50 Places to Visit Before You're 50 sort of guide.
And yes, we will see more of Coran and friends like Narlen in the Gate. Not gonna lie, I tried to write dialogue in thieves' cant for Narlen but decided to spare myself the headache after three attempts.