Magus remarked to Virdel, "You have much fighting prowess, Drow. Perhaps,
in the future, you may learn to use for the better good, and not your petty
assassinations."
The irony of the comment struck forcefully on Rail, and he struggled to keep back a smile. He had stayed at Magus' side during the struggle, only out of respect for the goodly mage. He made it no secret that he'd rather have come out on top on this struggle, or any other involving the hated Cowled fools.
He remained calm through the revelation of the lurking Thryn and the mention of Lazal once again, though his mind was racing. He was slowly starting to piece together what he'd figured Magus already knew, and his hatred of Lazal grew by the minute. He glanced down at the scarred, rune- covered fist and vowed once again to kill, but whether it was for vengeance of for fulfilling his sense of what was right, he could not tell. Most likely a mix of the two. He glanced at the eager drow and the grim human and smiled. They were all ready doing the same as Rail. Only the method differed. When it came down to it, maybe he wasn't so far gone, thought Rail of himself. Maybe there was hope for his own salvation. Maybe the monster hadn't taken him over yet. Time and deeds would tell, he supposed. He forcibly unclenched his fist and listened to the mage, his friend.
As Magus spoke to the small group, the Thieves having left a few minutes ago, Virdel found his mind beginning to wander back to the day were he helped slay that demon. It wasn't so much the demon, or the presence of the Shadow Thieves fighting such an evil creature that made him think, but the Mage who stood on the upper rafters, and in the shadows, the one that cast the fireball into their midst. Could've that been Lazal? Could he have any connection? He didn't know for sure, and knew for fact that no trace would be left, especially this long after the encounter. He also felt no need to bring it up to Magus, as the intelligent Mage probably had suspicions about events like that already.
The Drow wiped some grime off his face, and looked into space for a few minutes more before saying anything. There was an odd sensation in the air. He felt it, having spent his childhood growing up in Drow society. It was very faint, and he figured it was from the recent battle. It wasn't he noticed the Hakeashar above him turn it's own corporeal head, trying to discern what exactly it was in the air. Virdel wasn't sure if Magus knew, or if the Half-Elf's senses were keen enough to pick it up, but both Void and Virdel sensed it. It was a familiar sensation, one of death.
It seemed the business at the battleground were over. Xandax looked around at the people gathered. Not feeling the need to stay in this area Xandax wondered where to go to next.
"I'll take my leave for now – there is no reason for me being here. I'll go see what the Helm is up to, if I can find any." Xandax said to Magus, then he walked away. As he turned away he saw the expression on the drow's face – Xandax smelled it to. This stench had all but engulfed the city during Xandax' stay.
Xandax started to walk away, wondering what to do next. He would go to the former Helm compound, to see what survivors there were. They would inevitably gather there, to regroup, to lay down arms and scatter. Xandax walked slowly down the alleys, the air was cool, and not a sound was heard. It would be dawn soon, and the citizens of Athkatla would once again emerge from their homes, out to the street, greeted by the numerous dead that were scatter all over the place from the nights many encounters between the thieves and the Helm. Xandax thought about how many thieves that had laid their live, how many they still had in Athkatla – if they had time to bring in reinforcement from nearby cities. The Helm would properly be all but decimated; seeing as they were part of the city guards this would leave the defense of Athkatla pretty thin.
And again the wizards came to mind – were the cowards, it would not seem likely. Were they in fact allied with the thieves? – Not likely either. Was this Lazal part of the wizards – didn't seem likely either, Magus would properly have know it then – he seemed to command respect from the wizards. During his thinking Xandax came to the conclusion – either some force would attack the wizards during the next couple of days, or the wizards were partly responsible for this night's slaughter.
He got closer to the building that once served as the headquarters for the Black Helm. It was now a ruin, parts of it burning, while other parts had collapsed. The streets were still empty, the commoners were properly afraid to come out of their houses. Xandax noticed a group sitting on the ground. Calahan was one of them; he had recovered from his battle with Virdel. He was not happy. He was talking to a roped man.
As Xandax left, Magus fell deep into thought. Corellan had accused the Shadow Thieves of plotting the Cowled Wizards' downfall. But from the looks of it, Aran thought the attack had been totally unprovoked. Such a dangerous misunderstanding was uncharacteristic of the keen guild leaders. He had a nagging feeling that Lazal had a part in all this.
Magus thought back to his meeting with Corellan.
"How did you find out about this plot, as you call it?" he had asked.
"One of our freelance operators warned us..."
Freelance operator! Why hadn't he realized it sooner! But why...?
His eyes shot towards the dark assassin, his voice sharp and commanding. "Rail. Do you know any reason at all why Lazal would have conspired to start a guild war?"
"If each leader tells the truth, I fear something sinister is going on. And I bet Lazal is somehow involved."
Aerie watched her husband's face. They hadn't had much time to talk, and she knew little of this Lazal. But powerful he must have been to do what he did to Rail. Gazing at Magus, she saw the wheels spinning feverishly behind his eyes.
Then a feeling, an odor almost, passed over her. As a cleric, she knew it only too well. It was the stench of death, the reek of the living dead. The faint sensation was gone in an instant.
"Rail. Do you know any reason at all why Lazal would have conspired to start a guild war?"
Magus's voice jolted her from her reflections. She pushed them to the back of her mind, giving Magus and Rail her full attention.
* * * * *
"Where in the Hells were you bastards during the fight? We were nearly wiped out!" Calahan yelled at the robed man, his helm conspicuously absent.
Xandax approached unnoticed.
"Calm yourself," the man commanded, irritated. -Did he always have to be the one to deal with the entire Wizards' undesirables? - Sarak thought.
"It wasn't our fault that you people let word of the assault leak. Our preparations weren't finished yet," Sarak reminded him.
Calahan's face turned beat red, and he looked ready to rip the wizard apart with his bare hands. As it was, he barely restrained himself.
"Now if you'll excuse me, I must depart. The time of our own attack draws nigh." The Cowled Wizard gestured, and disappeared in a swirl of magic.
Calahan's armored fists clenched. Suddenly he recognized Xandax standing nearby.
"YOU! WHERE THE HELL WERE YOU WHEN THOSE DAMNED THIEVES BURNED DOWN OUR HEADQUARTERS!" Calahan screamed, grabbing his halberd and advancing threateningly.
* * * * *
Jolted from his bed by an unidentifiable stench, Faisal was tired weary and confused. It took a good five minutes to recognize where he was and recall the events earlier. He checked for any wounds but there was no trace of them. Again the stench permeated the room and Faisal gagged and almost threw up on the floor. Faisal left urgency for what reason he did not know but he must get to Duncan at once. His heart was in his throat and pounding fast by the time he reached the old cleric.
Ribald was already awake and pouring over his cleric spells and he had another book on his bedside table. "Ah you are finally awake," said Duncan "that is good I was about to wake you. You can smell and feel it can't you?" Without waiting for a response the old cleric continued, "That is the reek of the dead, there seems to have been a great battle through the night and many have died. I believe that your friends are some how involved and so you must leave to help them."
Faisal with his mouth open could not think of what to say, so Duncan continued "I have taken all the spells within this temple and made a copy for you." Handing over the book on the table he said, "This is your cleric spell book. All the spells known to me have been added to the book on special paper, which will not age or be stained by anything."
Faisal still shocked and half sleepy did not how to react to this sudden spur of events and just sat down on the chair next to him. Ribald came up to Faisal and put the book in his lap and said, "You must hurry, and if the dead are raised your friends will need you to help turn the undead."
With that Duncan grabbed Faisal and lead him to his room, where Faisal dressed for battle grabbing his shield and sword and the old cleric checked the spell book again if anything was missing. Faisal suddenly came to life as everything had sunk in, and turned to the old man, grabbed his hand in a warrior's handshake and ran towards the exit. As soon as he step out, the stench of decay was obvious. But what do I do now? Where would they be? With no better idea of what to do, Faisal headed for the Copper Coronet in hope that he could find a clue to what his friends had been up too.
*****
"Rail. Do you know any reason at all why Lazal would have conspired to start a guild war?"
The assassin scowled, but somehow a smile seemed to work it's way to his face. It was the kind of smile that banished the hope in even the most arrogant of mages. "It's not Lazal we need to worry about." Rail wasn't sure if the smell of death in the air was coming from his dark mood or from another source, but he didn't really care. He had lived so long in death's shadow, he knew no other way. That the shadow had failed to claim him was a comfort, albeit a small one.
Aerie's brow furrowed in confusion as she gazed worriedly at her husband's friend. "If not Lazal, then who?"
Thryn responded, eyes narrowed in suspicion. "Every sign I can see seems to point right at the mage and the other Cowled Wizards, so..."
Rail cut him off before he could finish. "Lazal is either a pawn or a fool. Probably both!" His speech was slow and steady. Precise. Cold.
Magus remained silent, watching the exchange. The grim set of his jaw looked unnatural with his elven features. It was a look only gained through observed or endured hardship and suffering. It was of past tragedies remember, and future ones foreseen. He hoped the people around him would be spared experiencing what he had seen in his lifetime. He straightened his stance and sighed, drawing upon that inner strength he was famous for. Share your insight, my friend.
"A pawn of whom, thief?" Virdel was full of defiance, arms crossed and feet set firmly apart.
Rail smiled again, showing no mirth. "You know that smell, drow. I can tell." Virdel shifted uncomfortably, but set his jaw firmer, if that were possible. "When was the last time you could feel such a weight in the air? Notice how it called to its dispensers like a dryad lures the weak. It hates those that resist but fight on, even as it feeds in their wake. It howls insatiably, yet makes you believe it can be satisfied. It has not howled like this since the time of troubles."
Aerie gasped and put her hand over her mouth, staring in horror, either at the assassin or at his words.
Thryn frowned. "What do you mean, thief? Is he a god?"
Rail shrugged, though his answer was far clearer. "No. Perhaps he is a Chosen. Perhaps he is Bhaalspawn. Perhaps he feigns to fill a vacancy. Regardless, he is being directed by another power, that much is clear." Shadows and darkness seemed to cling to the assassin's words, though Rail seemed not to mind.
Virdel's eyes narrowed and a smile grew. The assassin is defeated and he believes divine intervention has to be the cause. Relaxing to a more casual pose, hands on hilts, the drow remarked, "What makes you believe this man is who you claim?"
Magus stood wordless, taking in the group.
Rail turned his dark smile toward the drow warrior. "He knew I was there, but he couldn't detect me himself. He never used single target spells, only area affect, and only centered near me. He adjusted his eyes as though someone were telling him where to look, not as someone who noticed anything. His spells and power are laced with the divine, not in ways a cleric uses, but more as a planetar wields divine energy, though with much less grace." Magus raised an eyebrow at that last comment, but Rail seemed not to notice. "He spends much of his time in communion-type ritual I am not familiar with, and those don't exist for conventional mages. Need I go on or have I met with your approval, yet?"
Virdel smiled slightly at the arrogance of the human, though it was not so different from his own. Yet the words hit the warrior with the grim ring of truth. Here in Lazal was a beast far more fearsome than a Yochlol or a Balur. Here was a foe unlike any the drow had crossed blades with. Somewhere deep with in the warrior, he longed for the challenge, even while he knew the task could be deadly unlike any he had ever known. He nodded in respect to the dark assassin who, cloaked in intangible shadows of body and soul, seemed an unlikely ally in such an upright cause. The line in the sand had been drawn and Virdel was ready to fight.
Magus stepped slowly forward, looking each of the companions in the eye, one by one, seeming to see deep into each heart with his soul-searching gaze. Aerie hoped her husband would chime in to refute the assassin's claim, but the firm but peaceful set of his jaw spoke volumes. She hadn't seen such calm sadness in Magus' eyes in many years. "Now you know," the mage began with grim finality, "and if any of you wish to turn back, you will not be though less for doing so."
"Now you know," the mage began with grim finality, "and if any of you wish to turn back, you will not be thought less of for doing so."
"No Magus, I wish to continue. This may be fun." A grin came up on Thryn's face. "Besides, Sarevok's path should not be an example." The others looked in interest.
"He has the guilds wrapped round his godly finger. A war is coming."
The name Sarevok ringed faintly to Magus. Then he remembered. Sarevok was an upstart in Baldur's Gate that had tried to start a war with Amn a while ago. But he was swiftly deposed by a band of vengeful adventurers, and relations between the two powers returned to normal. Perhaps Thryn had been a member of the group.
Regardless, Thryn was right. The river of fate flowed swiftly, and its currents threatened war. Of its own accord the image of a raft came to mind, carried steadily by rushing waters to a falls. He and his friends were aboard it, paddling furiously against the inexorable tide. Against fate. The thought sent an involuntary shudder down his spine.
But that didn't mean they should stop paddling...
Looking from one person to the next, he realized they were all with him. Thryn for adventure, Virdel for the challenge, and perhaps the sheer, arrogant obstinance of one who wouldn't, even couldn't, acknowledged someone greater than he.
And then Rail. Magus never quite knew what motivated the assassin. Friendship, of course, perhaps duty. But there was something else too, something that he couldn't put his finger on. Something darker...
Magus nodded towards Rail. "I've suspected what you say since our bout with that demon. Wizards summon creatures; they don't create them. And your disease was no mere sorcery. But you knew that."
Magus's gaze encompassed everyone. "We must tread carefully, my friends. We don't know who, or what we're dealing with." He paused. "But we do know one thing. Forever whatever reason, whatever twisted end, he's pitted the Guilds, the de facto rulers of Amn, at each other's throats."
He looked off into the distance, thinking. He spoke next as if to himself. "The Council of Ten should be in session now, what with the crisis and all." His eyes traveled back to the group. "I'd like to have words with them before we stumble about further."
As dimensional doors surrounded them, the uneasy feeling of approaching undead came over Aerie again. She would have to talk to Magus about it after they met with the Council.
* * * * *
Lazal stalked the length of the council room. Everything he had planned was moving along nicely, and even though the Black Helm still had forces, he deemed them no threat to his over all wishes. A sadistic smile crossed his face as he thought of the casualties on both sides of the recent engagement. Both the shadow Thieves and Black Helm had been decimated, and reduced in numbers drastically. He stopped his pacing, and gleamed out the nearest window. He watched as the sun broke through the clouds, and over the city. The streets below, having been the scene of a vicious guild war that night, glistened with the still wet blood. Bodies littered almost every corner of the district. The havoc he had caused. Lazal reveled in it, almost as if he fed of it.
He turned his gaze to his replaced Council of Six. They had done their jobs well so far, each one keeping the people ignorant to what was going on. He wondered if this next challenge would prove to be too difficult, or if they would handle it nicely. Lazal was not an imbecile. He knew that the second the Arch-Mage, Magus, saw this carnage, he would be knocking at the doors to speak to the Council.
As if on queue, the sound of arguing could be heard outside the main door to the chamber. The words were muffled beyond his hearing, but Lazal knew it was Magus. He calmly took a step back into the shadows of the room, making sure he remained invisible to anyone who might enter the room.
*****
Magus strode to the door guard outside the Council's chamber, his jaw locked with grim determination. Beside him both Rail and Virdel kept pace, the same determined look set upon their faces. Virdel had his cloak drawn tightly around his face, hiding his drowish features, and so far it was doing its job. Both of the Dark Elf's hands rested upon the scimitars that rested on his hip. Rail was a little more relaxed, but no less cautious. His numerous weapons remained hidden on his body, but all were accessible with a moments notice. He clenched his artificial, rune covered hand.
Magus approached the guard, stopping a few feet before him. "I am here to speak with Athkatla's ruling council." He betrayed no emotion, standing firm, and with an awe-inspiring presence.
The man before Magus merely stuttered intimidated by the powerful Mage. He had heard tales of Magus, and didn't want to go into bad favour with him, but the man was also loyal to his duties. "I- I can't... Can't let you in." the man stumbled over his words, each one sounding unfamiliar in his mind, even though he had spoken them many times before.
Magus didn't react. He just glanced back to Virdel, who nodded. In the blink of an eye, the Drow covered the distance between him and the guard, a scimitar already raised, and held closely to the man's throat. "I believe that Magus didn't request an audience. He demanded it." The grim look on the Drow was now visible to the man, as was Virdel's features. He didn't react, now fearing both the wrath of Magus, and the Dark Elf's blade. "Now open the door, and we shall not be long."
Again, the guard stammered, fumbling with his many keys on his belt. Finding the right one took a few moments, but as the key slid into the door, and unlocked it, the trio looked pleased. Virdel slid his weapon back into his sheathe, and glanced to Magus. Although Magus did not approve of the Drow's methods, he had to admit that Virdel was proficient. Rail just grinned, noticing how much the Drow resembled his youthful, impetuous self.
Magus opened the door to room and casually walked in, his two companions at his side. He stood to face the shrouded features of the Council, and prepared to make his statement.
"Ladies and gentleman," he began. "I'm sure you're aware of the terrible guild war that has broken out on Athkatla's fair streets. Provoked or not, the Black Helm, aided by members of the Cowled Wizards, launched an assault against the Shadow Thieves within the city around midnight. The attack was repelled, with many deaths on both sides. In retaliation, the Thieves razed the Helm's headquarters only a couple blocks away from here to the ground."
"I know this situation distresses us all. But action must be taken. This lawless violence cannot be allowed to continue. Not only because of the loss of life and destruction that would undoubtedly result. But because, as I'm sure you all know, such conflict would endanger the safety of the entire country."
"The guilds have been allowed to have their way for too long, and now we're paying the price. I implore the Council to take immediate action to quell what is no less than an outright rebellion. The Black Helm's control of the military is still tremulous. A public condemnation of these renegade guilds and some inspired leadership would be all it will take to win the army over. That accomplished, it would be but a simple matter to declare martial law and subjugate the guilds by force, if necessary."
"And, of course, I would do all in my power to assist the Council in retaking the authority that the guilds have so flagrantly usurped."
Magus bowed, and awaited the Council's response.
*****
Quickly bracing his shield on his arm, and wielding his sword, just in case, Xandax looked at the angry and irritated Calahan. "Stop right there!" Xandax said in a calmly, yet firmly, tone. Calahan stopped in his track – this "whelp" had never talked back at him before. "You know, if I didn't see to it, you'd still be lying under a drow where you got ambushed." Xandax said cold. "I think you need to get your act together, and start telling me what is going on here – otherwise I'd just as well seek other places to pass time" Xandax continued.
Xandax could see in Calahan's eyes, that he didn't know how to react to this mercenary tone of voice. Xandax standing in a defensive position, with his shield covering his torso and the sword ready to be used – just in case that Calahan didn't take nicely to being told of. Xandax waited to see.
*****
The council listened patiently to Magus as he spoke. Even though they were doppelgangers controlled by the powerful Lazal, they still knew when to pay respect to others who could easily destroy them. One of the Council members stood up from around the circular table, an ashen cloak covering his identity, as was custom of the Council.
"Arch-Mage Magus," He began, his voice strong, showing no hints of any deception. "As you have already pointed out, we are well aware of last nights events, as we can view the result from the very window in this room." The man gestured to the window Lazal had been looking out mere minutes ago. Around him, his last comment gathered scattered mumblings, and whispering from the rest of the group. "We also know of your role in the events that happened a decade ago, and the involvement of those you wished to remain hidden." the man began to walk around the edge of the table, his arms folded neatly into the recesses of his cloak. "We have also been informed of you neglectence to join with the Cowled Wizards earlier this month. A proposition that would've allowed this mess to never happen."
The man was leading to something, but Magus was, as yet, unable to figure out what exactly. One thing was sure though, he wouldn't like the result very much.
"We, as the ruling body of Athkatla, have spent the night reviewing the acts you have committed in the last decade, beginning with the occupation of Raistlin Majere, and Aegis Hevet. During this investigation, we learned of your involvement of yours in training the warrior mage, Aegis." Magus was beginning to understand where this was leading, but did not turn in his resolve. "In the past week, you have again shown questionable acts. Casting Tolgerias, a high ranking Cowled wizard, out of your domain out of anger, and not showing proper respect, and then hiring your assassin friend," The man pointed to Rail, oblivious to who the real killer was. Virdel shifted slightly, and glanced to Rail, who wore an expression of anger. "And then your constant conflict with the Cowled Wizards, and your involvement in the recent fight in the Bar known as the Copper Coronet. We have deliberated over this information, and have come to one conclusion."
Magus remained firm, staring straight into the hole where the council Members face was being hidden by the shroud. No words could describe the anger and resentment he was feeling now, the sheer insolence of these men.
"Magus, we, as Athkatla's ruling council, have branded you as a Traitor to Amn, and as the mastermind behind the events that took place in this fair city. You are charged with plotting conspiracy to all of Amn. You and your cohorts will be imprisoned, and sentenced to death." The man finished, and stood still, a fair distance from the mage.
Magus could do no more to hold his outrage. To be branded a traitor, and a conspirator to the land. A look of utter contempt was locked on his face. Similar looks found their way to both Rail and Virdel. The Volatile Drow, who no longer cared of those who knew of his race, had thrown back his hood, and both scimitars were raised. Rail had his own blade up, ready to defend himself, and Magus's keen mind was already formulating a plan. As the three were about to react to the charges, the crackling of magic was heard all around them as a dozen blue sphere's appeared from the magical transportation spell.
A dozen high-ranking Cowled Wizards appeared from their magical doorways, some holding wooden staffs, others using swords, which was rare for a mage. All these weapons, Magus held no doubt, were magical in nature. These new men that appeared were of the Command structure of the Cowled Wizards, Corellon among them.
Still hidden in the shadows, Lazal smiled...
The irony of the comment struck forcefully on Rail, and he struggled to keep back a smile. He had stayed at Magus' side during the struggle, only out of respect for the goodly mage. He made it no secret that he'd rather have come out on top on this struggle, or any other involving the hated Cowled fools.
He remained calm through the revelation of the lurking Thryn and the mention of Lazal once again, though his mind was racing. He was slowly starting to piece together what he'd figured Magus already knew, and his hatred of Lazal grew by the minute. He glanced down at the scarred, rune- covered fist and vowed once again to kill, but whether it was for vengeance of for fulfilling his sense of what was right, he could not tell. Most likely a mix of the two. He glanced at the eager drow and the grim human and smiled. They were all ready doing the same as Rail. Only the method differed. When it came down to it, maybe he wasn't so far gone, thought Rail of himself. Maybe there was hope for his own salvation. Maybe the monster hadn't taken him over yet. Time and deeds would tell, he supposed. He forcibly unclenched his fist and listened to the mage, his friend.
As Magus spoke to the small group, the Thieves having left a few minutes ago, Virdel found his mind beginning to wander back to the day were he helped slay that demon. It wasn't so much the demon, or the presence of the Shadow Thieves fighting such an evil creature that made him think, but the Mage who stood on the upper rafters, and in the shadows, the one that cast the fireball into their midst. Could've that been Lazal? Could he have any connection? He didn't know for sure, and knew for fact that no trace would be left, especially this long after the encounter. He also felt no need to bring it up to Magus, as the intelligent Mage probably had suspicions about events like that already.
The Drow wiped some grime off his face, and looked into space for a few minutes more before saying anything. There was an odd sensation in the air. He felt it, having spent his childhood growing up in Drow society. It was very faint, and he figured it was from the recent battle. It wasn't he noticed the Hakeashar above him turn it's own corporeal head, trying to discern what exactly it was in the air. Virdel wasn't sure if Magus knew, or if the Half-Elf's senses were keen enough to pick it up, but both Void and Virdel sensed it. It was a familiar sensation, one of death.
It seemed the business at the battleground were over. Xandax looked around at the people gathered. Not feeling the need to stay in this area Xandax wondered where to go to next.
"I'll take my leave for now – there is no reason for me being here. I'll go see what the Helm is up to, if I can find any." Xandax said to Magus, then he walked away. As he turned away he saw the expression on the drow's face – Xandax smelled it to. This stench had all but engulfed the city during Xandax' stay.
Xandax started to walk away, wondering what to do next. He would go to the former Helm compound, to see what survivors there were. They would inevitably gather there, to regroup, to lay down arms and scatter. Xandax walked slowly down the alleys, the air was cool, and not a sound was heard. It would be dawn soon, and the citizens of Athkatla would once again emerge from their homes, out to the street, greeted by the numerous dead that were scatter all over the place from the nights many encounters between the thieves and the Helm. Xandax thought about how many thieves that had laid their live, how many they still had in Athkatla – if they had time to bring in reinforcement from nearby cities. The Helm would properly be all but decimated; seeing as they were part of the city guards this would leave the defense of Athkatla pretty thin.
And again the wizards came to mind – were the cowards, it would not seem likely. Were they in fact allied with the thieves? – Not likely either. Was this Lazal part of the wizards – didn't seem likely either, Magus would properly have know it then – he seemed to command respect from the wizards. During his thinking Xandax came to the conclusion – either some force would attack the wizards during the next couple of days, or the wizards were partly responsible for this night's slaughter.
He got closer to the building that once served as the headquarters for the Black Helm. It was now a ruin, parts of it burning, while other parts had collapsed. The streets were still empty, the commoners were properly afraid to come out of their houses. Xandax noticed a group sitting on the ground. Calahan was one of them; he had recovered from his battle with Virdel. He was not happy. He was talking to a roped man.
As Xandax left, Magus fell deep into thought. Corellan had accused the Shadow Thieves of plotting the Cowled Wizards' downfall. But from the looks of it, Aran thought the attack had been totally unprovoked. Such a dangerous misunderstanding was uncharacteristic of the keen guild leaders. He had a nagging feeling that Lazal had a part in all this.
Magus thought back to his meeting with Corellan.
"How did you find out about this plot, as you call it?" he had asked.
"One of our freelance operators warned us..."
Freelance operator! Why hadn't he realized it sooner! But why...?
His eyes shot towards the dark assassin, his voice sharp and commanding. "Rail. Do you know any reason at all why Lazal would have conspired to start a guild war?"
"If each leader tells the truth, I fear something sinister is going on. And I bet Lazal is somehow involved."
Aerie watched her husband's face. They hadn't had much time to talk, and she knew little of this Lazal. But powerful he must have been to do what he did to Rail. Gazing at Magus, she saw the wheels spinning feverishly behind his eyes.
Then a feeling, an odor almost, passed over her. As a cleric, she knew it only too well. It was the stench of death, the reek of the living dead. The faint sensation was gone in an instant.
"Rail. Do you know any reason at all why Lazal would have conspired to start a guild war?"
Magus's voice jolted her from her reflections. She pushed them to the back of her mind, giving Magus and Rail her full attention.
* * * * *
"Where in the Hells were you bastards during the fight? We were nearly wiped out!" Calahan yelled at the robed man, his helm conspicuously absent.
Xandax approached unnoticed.
"Calm yourself," the man commanded, irritated. -Did he always have to be the one to deal with the entire Wizards' undesirables? - Sarak thought.
"It wasn't our fault that you people let word of the assault leak. Our preparations weren't finished yet," Sarak reminded him.
Calahan's face turned beat red, and he looked ready to rip the wizard apart with his bare hands. As it was, he barely restrained himself.
"Now if you'll excuse me, I must depart. The time of our own attack draws nigh." The Cowled Wizard gestured, and disappeared in a swirl of magic.
Calahan's armored fists clenched. Suddenly he recognized Xandax standing nearby.
"YOU! WHERE THE HELL WERE YOU WHEN THOSE DAMNED THIEVES BURNED DOWN OUR HEADQUARTERS!" Calahan screamed, grabbing his halberd and advancing threateningly.
* * * * *
Jolted from his bed by an unidentifiable stench, Faisal was tired weary and confused. It took a good five minutes to recognize where he was and recall the events earlier. He checked for any wounds but there was no trace of them. Again the stench permeated the room and Faisal gagged and almost threw up on the floor. Faisal left urgency for what reason he did not know but he must get to Duncan at once. His heart was in his throat and pounding fast by the time he reached the old cleric.
Ribald was already awake and pouring over his cleric spells and he had another book on his bedside table. "Ah you are finally awake," said Duncan "that is good I was about to wake you. You can smell and feel it can't you?" Without waiting for a response the old cleric continued, "That is the reek of the dead, there seems to have been a great battle through the night and many have died. I believe that your friends are some how involved and so you must leave to help them."
Faisal with his mouth open could not think of what to say, so Duncan continued "I have taken all the spells within this temple and made a copy for you." Handing over the book on the table he said, "This is your cleric spell book. All the spells known to me have been added to the book on special paper, which will not age or be stained by anything."
Faisal still shocked and half sleepy did not how to react to this sudden spur of events and just sat down on the chair next to him. Ribald came up to Faisal and put the book in his lap and said, "You must hurry, and if the dead are raised your friends will need you to help turn the undead."
With that Duncan grabbed Faisal and lead him to his room, where Faisal dressed for battle grabbing his shield and sword and the old cleric checked the spell book again if anything was missing. Faisal suddenly came to life as everything had sunk in, and turned to the old man, grabbed his hand in a warrior's handshake and ran towards the exit. As soon as he step out, the stench of decay was obvious. But what do I do now? Where would they be? With no better idea of what to do, Faisal headed for the Copper Coronet in hope that he could find a clue to what his friends had been up too.
*****
"Rail. Do you know any reason at all why Lazal would have conspired to start a guild war?"
The assassin scowled, but somehow a smile seemed to work it's way to his face. It was the kind of smile that banished the hope in even the most arrogant of mages. "It's not Lazal we need to worry about." Rail wasn't sure if the smell of death in the air was coming from his dark mood or from another source, but he didn't really care. He had lived so long in death's shadow, he knew no other way. That the shadow had failed to claim him was a comfort, albeit a small one.
Aerie's brow furrowed in confusion as she gazed worriedly at her husband's friend. "If not Lazal, then who?"
Thryn responded, eyes narrowed in suspicion. "Every sign I can see seems to point right at the mage and the other Cowled Wizards, so..."
Rail cut him off before he could finish. "Lazal is either a pawn or a fool. Probably both!" His speech was slow and steady. Precise. Cold.
Magus remained silent, watching the exchange. The grim set of his jaw looked unnatural with his elven features. It was a look only gained through observed or endured hardship and suffering. It was of past tragedies remember, and future ones foreseen. He hoped the people around him would be spared experiencing what he had seen in his lifetime. He straightened his stance and sighed, drawing upon that inner strength he was famous for. Share your insight, my friend.
"A pawn of whom, thief?" Virdel was full of defiance, arms crossed and feet set firmly apart.
Rail smiled again, showing no mirth. "You know that smell, drow. I can tell." Virdel shifted uncomfortably, but set his jaw firmer, if that were possible. "When was the last time you could feel such a weight in the air? Notice how it called to its dispensers like a dryad lures the weak. It hates those that resist but fight on, even as it feeds in their wake. It howls insatiably, yet makes you believe it can be satisfied. It has not howled like this since the time of troubles."
Aerie gasped and put her hand over her mouth, staring in horror, either at the assassin or at his words.
Thryn frowned. "What do you mean, thief? Is he a god?"
Rail shrugged, though his answer was far clearer. "No. Perhaps he is a Chosen. Perhaps he is Bhaalspawn. Perhaps he feigns to fill a vacancy. Regardless, he is being directed by another power, that much is clear." Shadows and darkness seemed to cling to the assassin's words, though Rail seemed not to mind.
Virdel's eyes narrowed and a smile grew. The assassin is defeated and he believes divine intervention has to be the cause. Relaxing to a more casual pose, hands on hilts, the drow remarked, "What makes you believe this man is who you claim?"
Magus stood wordless, taking in the group.
Rail turned his dark smile toward the drow warrior. "He knew I was there, but he couldn't detect me himself. He never used single target spells, only area affect, and only centered near me. He adjusted his eyes as though someone were telling him where to look, not as someone who noticed anything. His spells and power are laced with the divine, not in ways a cleric uses, but more as a planetar wields divine energy, though with much less grace." Magus raised an eyebrow at that last comment, but Rail seemed not to notice. "He spends much of his time in communion-type ritual I am not familiar with, and those don't exist for conventional mages. Need I go on or have I met with your approval, yet?"
Virdel smiled slightly at the arrogance of the human, though it was not so different from his own. Yet the words hit the warrior with the grim ring of truth. Here in Lazal was a beast far more fearsome than a Yochlol or a Balur. Here was a foe unlike any the drow had crossed blades with. Somewhere deep with in the warrior, he longed for the challenge, even while he knew the task could be deadly unlike any he had ever known. He nodded in respect to the dark assassin who, cloaked in intangible shadows of body and soul, seemed an unlikely ally in such an upright cause. The line in the sand had been drawn and Virdel was ready to fight.
Magus stepped slowly forward, looking each of the companions in the eye, one by one, seeming to see deep into each heart with his soul-searching gaze. Aerie hoped her husband would chime in to refute the assassin's claim, but the firm but peaceful set of his jaw spoke volumes. She hadn't seen such calm sadness in Magus' eyes in many years. "Now you know," the mage began with grim finality, "and if any of you wish to turn back, you will not be though less for doing so."
"Now you know," the mage began with grim finality, "and if any of you wish to turn back, you will not be thought less of for doing so."
"No Magus, I wish to continue. This may be fun." A grin came up on Thryn's face. "Besides, Sarevok's path should not be an example." The others looked in interest.
"He has the guilds wrapped round his godly finger. A war is coming."
The name Sarevok ringed faintly to Magus. Then he remembered. Sarevok was an upstart in Baldur's Gate that had tried to start a war with Amn a while ago. But he was swiftly deposed by a band of vengeful adventurers, and relations between the two powers returned to normal. Perhaps Thryn had been a member of the group.
Regardless, Thryn was right. The river of fate flowed swiftly, and its currents threatened war. Of its own accord the image of a raft came to mind, carried steadily by rushing waters to a falls. He and his friends were aboard it, paddling furiously against the inexorable tide. Against fate. The thought sent an involuntary shudder down his spine.
But that didn't mean they should stop paddling...
Looking from one person to the next, he realized they were all with him. Thryn for adventure, Virdel for the challenge, and perhaps the sheer, arrogant obstinance of one who wouldn't, even couldn't, acknowledged someone greater than he.
And then Rail. Magus never quite knew what motivated the assassin. Friendship, of course, perhaps duty. But there was something else too, something that he couldn't put his finger on. Something darker...
Magus nodded towards Rail. "I've suspected what you say since our bout with that demon. Wizards summon creatures; they don't create them. And your disease was no mere sorcery. But you knew that."
Magus's gaze encompassed everyone. "We must tread carefully, my friends. We don't know who, or what we're dealing with." He paused. "But we do know one thing. Forever whatever reason, whatever twisted end, he's pitted the Guilds, the de facto rulers of Amn, at each other's throats."
He looked off into the distance, thinking. He spoke next as if to himself. "The Council of Ten should be in session now, what with the crisis and all." His eyes traveled back to the group. "I'd like to have words with them before we stumble about further."
As dimensional doors surrounded them, the uneasy feeling of approaching undead came over Aerie again. She would have to talk to Magus about it after they met with the Council.
* * * * *
Lazal stalked the length of the council room. Everything he had planned was moving along nicely, and even though the Black Helm still had forces, he deemed them no threat to his over all wishes. A sadistic smile crossed his face as he thought of the casualties on both sides of the recent engagement. Both the shadow Thieves and Black Helm had been decimated, and reduced in numbers drastically. He stopped his pacing, and gleamed out the nearest window. He watched as the sun broke through the clouds, and over the city. The streets below, having been the scene of a vicious guild war that night, glistened with the still wet blood. Bodies littered almost every corner of the district. The havoc he had caused. Lazal reveled in it, almost as if he fed of it.
He turned his gaze to his replaced Council of Six. They had done their jobs well so far, each one keeping the people ignorant to what was going on. He wondered if this next challenge would prove to be too difficult, or if they would handle it nicely. Lazal was not an imbecile. He knew that the second the Arch-Mage, Magus, saw this carnage, he would be knocking at the doors to speak to the Council.
As if on queue, the sound of arguing could be heard outside the main door to the chamber. The words were muffled beyond his hearing, but Lazal knew it was Magus. He calmly took a step back into the shadows of the room, making sure he remained invisible to anyone who might enter the room.
*****
Magus strode to the door guard outside the Council's chamber, his jaw locked with grim determination. Beside him both Rail and Virdel kept pace, the same determined look set upon their faces. Virdel had his cloak drawn tightly around his face, hiding his drowish features, and so far it was doing its job. Both of the Dark Elf's hands rested upon the scimitars that rested on his hip. Rail was a little more relaxed, but no less cautious. His numerous weapons remained hidden on his body, but all were accessible with a moments notice. He clenched his artificial, rune covered hand.
Magus approached the guard, stopping a few feet before him. "I am here to speak with Athkatla's ruling council." He betrayed no emotion, standing firm, and with an awe-inspiring presence.
The man before Magus merely stuttered intimidated by the powerful Mage. He had heard tales of Magus, and didn't want to go into bad favour with him, but the man was also loyal to his duties. "I- I can't... Can't let you in." the man stumbled over his words, each one sounding unfamiliar in his mind, even though he had spoken them many times before.
Magus didn't react. He just glanced back to Virdel, who nodded. In the blink of an eye, the Drow covered the distance between him and the guard, a scimitar already raised, and held closely to the man's throat. "I believe that Magus didn't request an audience. He demanded it." The grim look on the Drow was now visible to the man, as was Virdel's features. He didn't react, now fearing both the wrath of Magus, and the Dark Elf's blade. "Now open the door, and we shall not be long."
Again, the guard stammered, fumbling with his many keys on his belt. Finding the right one took a few moments, but as the key slid into the door, and unlocked it, the trio looked pleased. Virdel slid his weapon back into his sheathe, and glanced to Magus. Although Magus did not approve of the Drow's methods, he had to admit that Virdel was proficient. Rail just grinned, noticing how much the Drow resembled his youthful, impetuous self.
Magus opened the door to room and casually walked in, his two companions at his side. He stood to face the shrouded features of the Council, and prepared to make his statement.
"Ladies and gentleman," he began. "I'm sure you're aware of the terrible guild war that has broken out on Athkatla's fair streets. Provoked or not, the Black Helm, aided by members of the Cowled Wizards, launched an assault against the Shadow Thieves within the city around midnight. The attack was repelled, with many deaths on both sides. In retaliation, the Thieves razed the Helm's headquarters only a couple blocks away from here to the ground."
"I know this situation distresses us all. But action must be taken. This lawless violence cannot be allowed to continue. Not only because of the loss of life and destruction that would undoubtedly result. But because, as I'm sure you all know, such conflict would endanger the safety of the entire country."
"The guilds have been allowed to have their way for too long, and now we're paying the price. I implore the Council to take immediate action to quell what is no less than an outright rebellion. The Black Helm's control of the military is still tremulous. A public condemnation of these renegade guilds and some inspired leadership would be all it will take to win the army over. That accomplished, it would be but a simple matter to declare martial law and subjugate the guilds by force, if necessary."
"And, of course, I would do all in my power to assist the Council in retaking the authority that the guilds have so flagrantly usurped."
Magus bowed, and awaited the Council's response.
*****
Quickly bracing his shield on his arm, and wielding his sword, just in case, Xandax looked at the angry and irritated Calahan. "Stop right there!" Xandax said in a calmly, yet firmly, tone. Calahan stopped in his track – this "whelp" had never talked back at him before. "You know, if I didn't see to it, you'd still be lying under a drow where you got ambushed." Xandax said cold. "I think you need to get your act together, and start telling me what is going on here – otherwise I'd just as well seek other places to pass time" Xandax continued.
Xandax could see in Calahan's eyes, that he didn't know how to react to this mercenary tone of voice. Xandax standing in a defensive position, with his shield covering his torso and the sword ready to be used – just in case that Calahan didn't take nicely to being told of. Xandax waited to see.
*****
The council listened patiently to Magus as he spoke. Even though they were doppelgangers controlled by the powerful Lazal, they still knew when to pay respect to others who could easily destroy them. One of the Council members stood up from around the circular table, an ashen cloak covering his identity, as was custom of the Council.
"Arch-Mage Magus," He began, his voice strong, showing no hints of any deception. "As you have already pointed out, we are well aware of last nights events, as we can view the result from the very window in this room." The man gestured to the window Lazal had been looking out mere minutes ago. Around him, his last comment gathered scattered mumblings, and whispering from the rest of the group. "We also know of your role in the events that happened a decade ago, and the involvement of those you wished to remain hidden." the man began to walk around the edge of the table, his arms folded neatly into the recesses of his cloak. "We have also been informed of you neglectence to join with the Cowled Wizards earlier this month. A proposition that would've allowed this mess to never happen."
The man was leading to something, but Magus was, as yet, unable to figure out what exactly. One thing was sure though, he wouldn't like the result very much.
"We, as the ruling body of Athkatla, have spent the night reviewing the acts you have committed in the last decade, beginning with the occupation of Raistlin Majere, and Aegis Hevet. During this investigation, we learned of your involvement of yours in training the warrior mage, Aegis." Magus was beginning to understand where this was leading, but did not turn in his resolve. "In the past week, you have again shown questionable acts. Casting Tolgerias, a high ranking Cowled wizard, out of your domain out of anger, and not showing proper respect, and then hiring your assassin friend," The man pointed to Rail, oblivious to who the real killer was. Virdel shifted slightly, and glanced to Rail, who wore an expression of anger. "And then your constant conflict with the Cowled Wizards, and your involvement in the recent fight in the Bar known as the Copper Coronet. We have deliberated over this information, and have come to one conclusion."
Magus remained firm, staring straight into the hole where the council Members face was being hidden by the shroud. No words could describe the anger and resentment he was feeling now, the sheer insolence of these men.
"Magus, we, as Athkatla's ruling council, have branded you as a Traitor to Amn, and as the mastermind behind the events that took place in this fair city. You are charged with plotting conspiracy to all of Amn. You and your cohorts will be imprisoned, and sentenced to death." The man finished, and stood still, a fair distance from the mage.
Magus could do no more to hold his outrage. To be branded a traitor, and a conspirator to the land. A look of utter contempt was locked on his face. Similar looks found their way to both Rail and Virdel. The Volatile Drow, who no longer cared of those who knew of his race, had thrown back his hood, and both scimitars were raised. Rail had his own blade up, ready to defend himself, and Magus's keen mind was already formulating a plan. As the three were about to react to the charges, the crackling of magic was heard all around them as a dozen blue sphere's appeared from the magical transportation spell.
A dozen high-ranking Cowled Wizards appeared from their magical doorways, some holding wooden staffs, others using swords, which was rare for a mage. All these weapons, Magus held no doubt, were magical in nature. These new men that appeared were of the Command structure of the Cowled Wizards, Corellon among them.
Still hidden in the shadows, Lazal smiled...
