Virdel turned to look at the feline Hakeashar, his face contorted in disbelief. He gave his scimitar a quick wipe, removing the foul smelling blood left from the creature, and re-sheathing it. He walked to Magus and Void. "It must've been stepped up after my initial excursion into the Black Helm. We don't have a lot of time to deal with this. How should we proceed?" Virdel may've been a bit of a rogue, but he did know how to think rationally, much to the surprise of the Arch-Mage. This sudden rationality, and clear headedness caused a bit of a grin to form on Magus' lips, but faded soon after. "We can't possibly choose sides in this blood bath, but we can't stand idly by. My only thoughts is that we must eliminate the leaders of the Black Helm, and inform Aran Linvale of what's going to happen." He turned to Void, "I'm sure this little rag doll can do the trick easily." He smirked, and Void hissed vehemently in the Drow's direction. "I can probably get my Ranger friends to help with this, as they got wind of a Guild War brewing a few weeks back."

Magus pondered using the help of the Rangers. Virdel obviously had reliable contacts, other wise he would have never suggested it. He glanced briefly to each person in the room, sizing up what they could do, and the limits of their bodies. Rail was in no shape to fight, not for another hour or so. Xandax and Virdel were the only two who fight in a sustained battle for any given length of time. Thryn could be of use, possibly as a scout for the two, more sturdy fighters. He found the only one missing at the moment was Faisal. He would need his rest, and would not be able to aid in this fight without the help of a more experienced cleric by his side. "Virdel, go to your Ranger contacts. Be quick about it. We shall need their help. Take Xandax with you, and apprise them of the situation. Be back in half an hour, max. Bring any help you can. I'll remain here, with Thryn, and look after Rail." Magus spoke with an ease gained through years of patience and study. In a matter of moments, he had thought of some things that could possible change the course of this night's upcoming event.

Virdel nodded, and looked to Xandax, who did the same. The two walked to the door, and brushed it aside, and stepped into the main room, and headed for the exit...

So it was finally happening...

As much as he tried to deceive himself, deep down Magus knew that the conflict was inevitable. 'Three's a crowd' they say, and that went for enemies as well as friends.

As Virdel pushed the curtain aside, Magus recalled what he had said.

"My only thoughts is that we must eliminate the leaders of the Black Helm, and inform Aran Linvale of what's going to happen."

Magus knew it wasn't that simple. For all they knew, the Shadow Thieves could have brought the attack on themselves. Rumor in the taverns had it that the Thieves had vowed to crush the insurgent Black Helm. Perhaps the Helm was like a cornered rat, striking back with that courage borne of fear. But more likely the Black Helm was merely a pawn, a lackey of the Cowled Wizards, the true power among the two.

As much as he hated to admit it, his hands were tied until he could find out what in the Nine Hells was really going on.

But, if nothing else, he owed Aran this favor. Mystra willing, the Shadow Thieves wouldn't be caught off guard this night.

"Thryn, I have a task to ask of you. Go to the Shadow Thieves' headquarters and warn Aran Linvale of the imminent attack."

Magus pulled a small rune stone from his robe and handed it to Thryn. Taking a quick look at it, he saw it was intricately inscribed with the likeness of a hooded mage. He held a scale in his hands, a plate with the likeness of a demon on one end and another shaped like an angel on the other end. It leaned conspicuously on the angelic plate. But most remarkable of all was the mage himself. His face was hidden completely in shadows, but two eyes shone from the darkness with an eerie ruby light, all the more striking in an otherwise colorless rendition. They seemed to stare right at Thryn as he observed, as if somehow judging him.

"Show the door guards this if they give you trouble. It is my sigil, and it is well known throughout the city."

Thryn pocketed it and turned to leave.

"Hurry back, my friend. There's much yet to be done, and you don't want to be out alone when the chaos hits." Thryn nodded, then passed through the curtains of the large booth.

"What are you going to do, now?" asked a sweet voice by his side, silent until now.

"What else? I'm going to find out why they're doing this. The Cowled Wizards never got along with the Shadow Thieves, but they never dared move so rashly, so openly. I won't be satisfied until I've had words with Corellan himself."

"Love, be careful. They're not playing games anymore. People are going to die tonight. One more casualty would mean nothing to them."

Magus's eyes flared suddenly with a consuming flame. "They wouldn't DARE harm me. No, not unless they want to be dragged screaming into the depths of the Abyss alongside me."

The anger felt good, burning brightly within him. But anger was the bane of reason, and he wouldn't let himself fall prey to its insidious clutches, not now. He banished it, storing it away within the confines of his mind, leaving him cold and emotionless.

"Aerie, stay with Rail. Come Void, and let us find what the Wizards have to say for themselves." With a wave of his hand, he permanently dismissed the lingering corruption enchantment that had been their deception for more than a day.

A second later and they were gone, leaving Aerie alone with Rail. He was beginning to stir, shifting as if in the midst of some unpleasant dream. His recovery was remarkable. She judged he would be awake in no more than half an hour.

* * * * *

Xandax was following Virdel down the streets of Athkatla. He didn't like the fact that they were going to warn the thieves. For all Xandax cared, the thieves were evil and did not deserve to live, but Magus seemed to think that the thieves and wizards had a kind of symbiosis and that it would be better if the Black Helm were removed from the equation. Still… thieves. Oh well, Xandax were just in it for the adventure and gold – and the possibility of getting some magic equipment were never to be ignore, especially with his past hunting him like it did. He just realized he didn't get any of the trinkets Magus had offered earlier, oh well, he thought, there will be other times. Xandax kept thinking, analyzing. The air was cold, and the occasionally gust of wind cut its way to the bones. Xandax looked up and inhaled in some air, he knew this smell.

*****

"Thryn, I have a task to ask of you. Go to the Shadow Thieves' headquarters and warn Aran Linvale of the imminent attack."

Magus pulled a small rune stone from his robe and handed it to Thryn. Taking a quick look at it, he saw it was intricately inscribed with the likeness of a hooded mage. He held a scale in his hands, a plate with the likeness of a demon on one end and another shaped like an angel on the other end. It leaned conspicuously on the angelic plate. But most remarkable of all was the mage himself. His face was hidden completely in shadows, but two eyes shone from the darkness with an eerie ruby light, all the more striking in an otherwise colorless rendition. They seemed to stare right at Thryn as he observed, as if somehow judging him.

"Show the door guards this if they give you trouble. It is my sigil, and it is well known throughout the city."

Thryn pocketed it and turned to leave.

"Hurry back, my friend. There's much yet to be done, and you don't want to be out alone when the chaos hits." Thryn nodded, then passed through the curtains of the large booth.

Half way out of the Copper Coronet, Thryn felt the warm, orange, stone he had taken from the table he held it and it suddenly started to glow and began to get hot, instinctively he threw the stone, bouncing remarkably well of the ally wall and again the warm sensation, clever thought Thryn and hurried to the thief guild

*****

Virdel, too, recognized this smell. The Underdark reeked of it, and it made his face cringe at the thought. War was on the wind, and it was imminent. Off in the distance, he could hear the fanatic war songs of the Black Helm, singing to their gods for victory. He wondered if maybe the Shadow Thieves already knew. He couldn't risk it though. The small group needed the help of the Rangers to implement any plan that Magus had. The cunning mage was an intelligent man, and Virdel had no doubts of his ability to find a solution to this problem. His found his hand straying to the comfort of his weapons. He gave a relieved sigh as he felt the cool metal under his hand.

The two men turned one last corner, and came upon the modest building that served as the Rangers Head Quarters. He approached the door in haste, and rapped his knuckles upon it. It took no time at all for a response. Rodel opened the door swiftly, and let the two men in, where Ferchen was already waiting for them.

"What news, Virdel?" she asked inquisitively, knowing little of how much this guild war had escalated.

"War breaks out tonight. I have been sent my Magus to ask for your help in the coming tumult." Virdel replied so calmly, Xandax wondered if the Drow really did care. "Of course, if you say no, it would be accepted." He laid no guilt trip on her, and honestly expected the answer he received.

Ferchen scratched her chin before coming to a decision. "Virdel, as much as I wish to help you, My Rangers and I have no right to interfere with these affairs. We were only here to maintain a watch on them." She walked to Virdel, gently placing a hand on the stern Drow's arm. "I am truly sorry, my Dark friend."

Virdel nodded, and turned. He knew Ferchen well, and was not upset. He knew better than the to be mad at her. "Let's go Human." Virdel coldly said to Xandax as he passed him on his way to the door.

Xandax' jaw hung limply. A look of disbelief struck his face. "That easy for you, isn't it Drow."

* * * * *

Magus stood in front of the towering structure that was the Cowled Wizards' headquarters. The faint light of the moon cast a pale milky light on its glistening towers, and he couldn't help thinking the scene looked ominous. Undoubtedly here lied the source, the instigator, of the coming conflict. As he walked through the double doors, he was reminded of Aerie's words.

"One more casualty would mean nothing to them."

It was likely he wouldn't leave without a fight.

-Bah. You worry too much. Cowards don't become brave overnight-

Humans aren't as simple as you make them out to be. Gather them in large numbers, and you'll be hard pressed to find a more unpredictable enemy, or a more dangerous one...

Entering, he found the place a flurry of activity. Always a bastion of quiet and order, the sounds of frantic rushing and the din of conversation met his ears. It quieted quite a bit at the sight of the famous Arch-Mage. Mages all around stopped what they were doing to stare for a moment at one of the few wizards in all of Amn to be neither Cowled nor renegade.

Finally a senior member got up the nerve to approach.

"Lord Magus, what brings us the pleasure of your visit?" he asked respectfully, though somewhat strained.

"I must speak immediately to the Grand Wizard, Corellan. It is of urgent importance."

"As you can see milord, we are all very busy this night. Preparation for quarterly inspection, you know. I'm very sorry, but he's been away for a few days planning the inspection. I'm afraid he won't be back until the whole mess is over and done with."

Suddenly the mage found himself staring right into the eyes of Magus's infamous Hakeashar.

-You shouldn't lie. It's not...healthy-

The blood drained from the poor man's face, and he took an involuntary step back.

-Take us to Corellan...-

"See here, demon!" His voice quavered, and he looked about to panic.

"We both know Corellan's here, so we can dispense with the prevarication," Magus quickly interjected, seeing this could get ugly. "Simply tell us where he is, and we'll find our own way."

The mage opened his mouth to protest, but Void's dire glare made him reconsider.

"Third story, second door on the left," he sputtered before hurrying away. It didn't matter anyway, he thought. No one could get through the wards to the next level uninvited, not to even mention the vast network of wards surrounding the Grand Wizard's office.

He smiled inwardly when he saw Magus pause at the portal to the staircase. Magus and his demon pet would puzzle at the wards for a few moments, then would no doubt see the futility of it and leave.

Magus muttered a few words of magic, and then waved his hand over the runes. They burned brightly, and then melted away, leaving the door scarred and blackened. He calmly pushed through and began to ascend the stairs, Void hovering close behind.

"Wait!" the mage cried, running up after him. "I'll take you to him! Just don't erase any more runes or I'll have a one-way ticket to Spellhold!"

"As you wish," Magus replied, a cold smile on his lips.

* * * * *

A few important-looking mages talking to Corellan scuttled out of the room as Magus strolled into the Grand Wizard's office. Sarak alone remained at his side.

"You!" Sarak growled. "What do you think you're doing here?"

"I'm here to speak to Corellan. This doesn't concern you," Magus replied emotionlessly, staring at him fixedly.

"Why you-"

"Enough, Sarak. You may leave," Corellan interrupted.

"But Lord Corellan-"

"GO. Attend to your duties and return when Magus leaves."

"Yes, milord."

Sarak left reluctantly, brushing against Magus as he passed. Magus ignored him completely, though Void's eyes flared provocatively. Stopping, an expression of surprise crossed Sarak's face. But he remained silent, and continuing on, didn't look back.

"I'm almost curious as to how you managed to coerce Wendel into bringing you here. But I'm sure I wouldn't enjoy the tale. So then, what brings you barging into our headquarters demanding an audience with me?"

"I want answers, Corellan. I want to know why you've targeted the Shadow Thieves for destruction this night," Magus answered grimly.

"I haven't the slightest idea what you're referring to."

"Do you think I bluff? I'm not accusing you of plotting against the Shadow Thieves; I already know it for a fact. I'm asking why you'd do such a thing. Why do the Cowled Wizards want civil war?"

"Why do we want civil war? Is that what you came all the way here to ask?"

"Yes." Magus's face was emotionless.

"First, this won't be a "civil war." We know from divination that the Shadow Thieves don't suspect a thing. It will be over by dawn, their guild utterly destroyed. Second, we didn't WANT this to happen. Our hand was forced."

"Forced? By whom?" Magus asked, unconvinced.

"The Shadow Thieves' murderous appetite knows no bounds. Not happy with the years-long stalemate, they sought to turn the tables by secretly enlisting the Black Helm's aid. It would start with a couple of minor assassinations. Then one night they would seize control, arresting all of the wizards and razing our headquarters to ground. Swift and merciless, together they would eliminate the Cowled Wizards in one fell swoop.

But now it's their turn to be annihilated, and at the hands of their own cowardly co-conspirators. We discovered their vile plot, and now they'll pay with their larcenous hides."

"One more question."

"You're beginning to try my limited patience," Corellan cautioned, his eyes locking with Magus's.

"How did you find out about this plot, as you call it?"

"One of our freelance operators warned us. After that, it was simply a matter of interrogation and divination. Now I must ask you to kindly wait within the building until midnight. Word of the attack must not be allowed to reach the Shadow Thieves," he explained casually.

He snapped his fingers, and several wizards stepped out of dimension doors to form a ring around Magus and Void.

"These men will keep you company until then. You'll find it in your best interests to cooperate."

Glancing around at his stern-faced escorts, Magus smiled without warmth. "You forget who you deal with, Grand Wizard," he replied calmly, a hint of danger in his voice.

Corellan rose. "You can't fight us all. You can't escape. What do you intend to accomplish?"

Magus and Corellan stared at each other for a long moment, the tension almost palpable.

"You've grown complacent in security, Corellan. Never let appearances deceive."

Suddenly the illusion of Magus vanished, leaving only Void.

I wonder; do the Wizards also deceive themselves?

Before the wizards could react, Void had disappeared through the floor.

* * * * *

Unseen, Magus crept down the stairs going up from the first level and out the door. During the confusion created by the melting wards he had projected an image of himself, remaining invisible on the stairs while his image confronted Corellan. As he crept out the door, he saw someone staring directly down at him from the third floor above. It was Sarak. Sarak nodded, smiling despite himself. Even he had to admit it was a clever trick.

*****

It seemed that Virdel's "friends" weren't much help.

"I'm going back to the Helms compound" Xandax told Virdel, "I'm already late, and if I show up much later, I'll properly be declared a deserter."

Xandax left Virdel' company and went back through the alleys towards the Black Helms compounds. The time was now nearing midnight.

Getting closer to the courtyard in front of the compound Xandax could see a massive activity, plate mailed warriors running around amongst each other, people shouting orders left and right.

Xandax walked closer.

"WHERE THE HELL HAVE YOU BEEN?" a familiar voice cried out. Xandax look towards the point of origin, and saw Calahan. "YOU ARE SEVERAL HOURS LATE, GIVE ME ONE FREEKING REASON I SHOULDN'T KILL YOU ON THE SPOT," he yelled at Xandax.

Thinking fast Xandax came up with a plausible story.

"I was attacked by a couple of thieves," he said, thinking of Calahan's hatred against thieves. "I killed 2 of them and chased the other one down an alley, and got lost – I'm not familiar with the city yet"

Calahan look in disbelief at Xandax, judging his story. He then notice some fresh bruises and minor cuts from Xandax' fight with the demon in Rail' body.

"He isn't buying it" Xandax though nervously without showing his feelings.

"Heh" Calahan replied, "I hope you showed them good," he said. Xandax not believing his luck told a fictive tale of his battle with the thieves.

"Well back to business" Calahan said, "As you can see all the regular warriors of the Helm are going on a field exercise – and we are leaving you mercenaries and a couple of officers behind to guard the compound."

"Where are you going?" Xandax asked.

"IF YOU WERE MENT TO KNOW THAT I WOULD HAVE TOLD YOU" Calahan yelled. "Now get inside an patrol the area until I return"

He then turned around and joined the last 15 men still standing around and left the courtyard.

Xandax went inside, and saw some other people, mercenaries, patrolling the area.

After 10 minutes or so, Xandax had moved on up to the third floor of the building, near the leaders quarters and offices. Suddenly a mage teleported in.

"Where is your leader?" the mage asked, "I have an urgent message for him"

"He is out with all the others" Xandax replied, "What is your message?"

"He knows too much, tha…" the mage then realized he didn't know the person talking to him. "I'll be back when they return, carry on soldier" the mage said nervously – and then teleported out.

"Hmmm – was Magus that he?" Xandax thought, "he had apparently shocked the others mages a bit."

Continuing his patrol, and feeling almost watched Xandax continued down the halls – they were eerily quite this night, only his footstep made a sound.

It seemed that Virdel's "friends" weren't much help.

"I'm going back to the Helms compound" Xandax told Virdel, "I'm already late, and if I show up much later, I'll properly be declared a deserter."

Xandax left Virdel' company and went back through the alleys towards the Black Helms compounds.

Virdel nodded in response, letting him go. He stood in the open doorway of the rangers building, motioning Rodel to come. The Young Ranger quickly complied, and stood next to Virdel. "I want you to deliver this message to a man in the Copper Coronet. His name is Magus." He pauses as he saw Rodel's recognition of the name. "He should be there shortly." Virdel reach into the folds of his cloak, and withdrew a small parchment, tied together with a plain wax seal. Rodel nodded, took the note, and made his way off into the night, towards the Copper Coronet. Virdel waited for the Ranger to disappear before he made his way out.

Virdel figured the best way to play a role in this coming tumult was to follow Xandax. He had given the warrior a few minutes lead, nothing the skilled Drow couldn't keep up with. He took off down the darkened streets, following each bend and turn that Xandax himself had taken. It wasn't long before he saw him conversing with a bigger man. A man who he recognized. The familiar Blue Halberd slung across his back. It was the same man who had killed a dozen Shadow Thieves a few days ago.

Apparently, he was more involved than Virdel figured originally, and it gave him a second chance to find out just who this man was.

Virdel saw Xandax nod to the man, and make his way off onto his patrol route. The larger man then began walking down one of the unlite streets, obviously towards something of importance. Virdel quickly used his innate Drow abilities to stalk the man. It wasn't too difficult to do, as the man was arrogant enough to think no one would dare follow him. Keeping about thirty paces behind the man, Virdel stayed shrouded in the shadows, not making a sound. It wasn't long until he saw the man stop. He was then surrounded by three Cowled figures.

"Calahan." started the first one. "You failed to retrieve the weapons shipment. This will make our battle more difficult." Calahan stood unwavering, a confidant look on his face.

"Some blasted Thieves ambushed us, and the bloody men you sent with me were worse then the dogs they had has kids." Calahan spat back, obviously no fear for his situation. "Besides, those Shadow Thieves have no chance against the might of the Black Helm!" He stood smugly.

The first Cowled man stood in thought for moment, considering what Calahan had said. "You are right, we can take those dogs without the weapons. But your failure will cost you. After the battle, you will receive basic patrol duty for a fortnight. Further punishment will be administered shortly after." Slight mumbling could be heard from the other two men before all three sunk back into the shadows.

Calahan was enraged by the final decision. In a fit of rage, he withdrew his Halberd, and tossed it violently in a random direction. Coincidently, it spun towards Virdel's hidden form. Virdel quickly leapt back, still hidden in the shadows, and watched as the bright blue shaft penetrated the thin stone wall of the building. Calahan fumed for a few minutes more before finally stalking over to retrieve the weapon. Slinging it across his back again, he made his back down the alley. Virdel, still rather intrigued, followed, still staying a safe distance away...

*****

Thryn couldn't help shivering as several pairs of eyes watched his progress into the headquarters, much like his first time there only a day ago. But tonight there lingered in the air a special sense of tension, like the nervous calm before a storm.

Inside the atmosphere was much the same. A few suspicious glances were directed his way, which he calmly ignored. Abruptly he found his path blocked by an experienced-looking thief.

"Where've you been? Hey, you were one of Llira's group that went missing, weren't you?" His tone turned menacing. "No one else returned, yet here you are. Care to explain, FRIEND?"

"It's a long story, and one I don't have the time to tell. I must see Aran." Thryn pulled the rune stone from a pocket and handed it to the thief.

"This is Magus's bloody sigil! How in the Hells did you get a hold of this?"

"Let's just say I've done a few jobs for him in the past. Now take me to Aran. I have some news he might want to hear."

The thief complied, though somewhat reluctantly, and soon Thryn stood before the Shadow master of Amn himself. Guards at the entrances and corners flanked the medium-sized room. Aran sat in a desk at the back.

"What is the meaning of this? Why are you disturbing me?" Aran barked, sharply remonstrating the thief.

"Sir, this guy claims to have news for you. He bears Magus's sigil."

"Let me see."

Thryn handed the rune stone to the thief, who carried it to Aran. He inspected it carefully

"Indeed, it is genuine." He handed it back. "Well, what is it? I have little time to dawdle."

"The Black Helm and Cowled Wizards have been plotting against you. Tonight at midnight they attack."

"Is that so?" Aran replied, unmoved. "Tell me, did Magus really think that the Shadow Thieves were oblivious of this plot?"

Thryn remained silent.

"Of course not. You're just a lackey. Well run along and tell him old Aran is not as senile as everyone seems to think. The treacherous Wizards and their pet Helm will soon discover the folly of fighting the masters of the night in their own element."

* * * * *

Continuing his patrol, and feeling almost watched, Xandax continued down the halls – they were eerily quite this night, only his footstep made a sound.

The whoosh of air was his only warning. Xandax threw himself to the ground as the dagger embedded in the wall a hairsbreadth away from his head. Coming out on his feet, he heard yells and screams of agony as the Thieves' surprise assault on the headquarters began.

* * * * *

Virdel followed Calahan to the outskirts of the Docks district, where he was met by a group of wizards. Virdel's abruptly noticed shadows where they shouldn't be. He realized what was going on when the wizards and Calahan disappeared. An invisible company, magically silenced, awaited his command. He saw Calahan's shadow begin to move, and the rest followed behind.

As the company silently approached the headquarters of the Shadow Thieves, Virdel sensed something in the air. Something was wrong, very wrong. Suddenly there was a bright flash, and phosphorescent droplets rained down from the sky, coating the soldiers' armor. Then came the hail of arrows from the rooftops.

"IT"S AN AMBUSH!" screamed Calahan's voice.