Duke Elton led Jaheira up the stairs of the Duchal Palace to his private office. He shut the door behind him and slumped into a chair behind his desk. He sighed heavily and then motioned for Jaheira to sit. She stared wide-eyed and nervously for a minute. Elton looked up, annoyed.
"By Beshaba's Bosom woman! Sit down!" he said, harsher than he'd intended. Jaheira sat down, still wide-eyed. Elton rolled his eyes, and sighed again.
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have yelled. It's just lately everything has been so hectic. The Flaming Fist is demanding double pay. And Belt…." he trailed off for a moment and muttered under his breath, "Politics."
Jaheira scooted forward a little, resting her elbows on the desk. Elton stared at her for a moment. She was looking around the room mouse-like. Elton slammed his fist on the desk, making her jump.
"Dammit woman! Speak!" he said loudly. Immediately, he was filled with remorse. "Sorry," he mumbled.
"'Tis no need for concern. You must be pressed hard," Jaheira said. Elton slumped in his chair. "What can I do for you?" he asked.
"I told you earlier that Quilik was missing. I am on a search to find him," she said. "A search. Phuh. Is that all? Everything was so simple as an adventurer. How I wish I could go back," Elton said, rambling a little.
Jaheira stood up.
"Come with us, Elton. We could use another sword arm and your help would be greatly appreciated," she said. Elton sighed heavily.
"I wish I could. Gods, I wish I could. There's too much going on right now," he said. Jaheira's face fell. Trying to lighten the young half-elf's mood, Elton tried a different approach.
"I can, however, help. I shall supply you with fresh food and mounts. I have a friend in Waterdeep who can help you. His name is Laith Adarion. If Quilik is in Waterdeep, Laith would be the man to look for," he said. Jaheira sat up.
"You'd do that for us?" she asked.
"Call it, returning a favor," Elton said with a twinkle in his eye.
***
Quilik "Darkhammer" Thann did not dream often. The rare few times that he did were usually premonitions. He'd dreamt of his long dead foster father Gorion when his Bhaal powers had been beginning to emerge. He'd dreamt of the Temple of Bhaal with his final battle with Sarevok. He'd had visits from Jon Irenicus in a few such visions. Once, he'd even "fought" with Bhaal in such a dream. Now, he dreamt of Jaheira. He knew immediately that this was no dream, but that these events were actually happening. He saw Anomen, he saw Jasper…
"No…No! Don't trust him! Don't…." he cried in his sleep. He flew up from his dreams to be staring into Lynn's eyes.
"Master, you were thrashing around all night. Are your dreams proving a bit ugly? Mine are like that too sometimes," she said, resting a hand on his forehead. Quilik panted for a moment and then shook his head.
"Do not trouble yourself Lynn, though the concern is appreciated. I would be alone for a while," he said. Lynn stood up and bowed.
"As you wish," she said. She walked to the door, opened it, walked through it, and closed it behind her. Quilik leapt out of bed and threw on some robes. He knew he had to warn Jaheira somehow, but he didn't know any spells strong enough. He'd defeated Sarevok, sure enough, but he'd had help from friends. He'd had his Bhaal powers. He'd single-handedly destroyed the mage Jon Irenicus without his Bhaal powers. But he'd been the Avatar…
Now, he could not even call upon his Bhaal powers. The Transformation[1] would not come. The magic around this place was like none he'd ever encountered. He surely didn't have any spells powerful enough. But perhaps Kakrin did.
Quickly, he rushed over to the bookshelf and began rummaging through the books and tomes until finally he found what he was looking for. Thoroughly pleased with himself, he set the tome on the table and began to read.
***
Lynn quietly shut the door to Quilik's room and stealthily crept towards Kakrin's chamber. As always, the man was seated over his scrying bowl, looking intently into its murky depths.
"Everything is going as planned," Lynn said, "The Bhaalspawn has found the book and is now studying the spell."
Kakrin looked up. "Excellent!" he exclaimed, a broad smile on his face. "Soon it will be over and your freedom will be granted."
Lynn absent-mindedly fingered the golden circlet around her neck. Kakrin's smile faded and his gaze returned to the scrying bowl. "You are excused," he said. Lynn turned around and left. Soon, Kakrin would let something slip. Soon, she would get her revenge.
[1] Reference to the Transformation of the Avatar of Bhaal, aka the Slayer.