That night Arek spent a lot of time talking with Lady De'Arnise. She had
reclaimed he lands form the family of her crooked husband to be and managed
to make the lands prosperous in the five years since they had parted ways.
They talked with Minsc, Tavion, and the mages until the late hours of the
night. The following morning, the party once again got on the road, heading
towards Nashkel. The party hurried about, passing through a lot of farmland
and wilderness as they made their way northward. They were passing through
a cavern when both Minsc and Tavion stopped and told the others to stop as
well. Arek moved to where the ranger and slayer stood. "What is it Minsc?
Tavion?" He looked around following their line of site.
Tavion answered first, "There is something here. Something big and it has wings."
Arek looked at his brother, "Dragon? Wyvern? Something harmless?"
"I can't say right now, but be on your guard. Don't you agree Minsc?"
"Boo and I agree. Boo doesn't smell a dragon, but the wind is strong through here. The scent might be moving the other way. Minsc and Boo shall lead the way for now." Minsc takes his hamster and moves to the front of the group, looking about and using his ranger skills to look for clues as to what it might be. Tavion moves to the back, looking for anything that Minsc might have missed. Arek and the others fall in between the two as they work their way along the path. Soon they reached a large break in the caver walls and entered a clearing. At the edge of the clearing there was a massive cave. The entrance was lined with bones and uneaten carcasses. There was a low rumbling coming out of the cave. All of a sudden, a massive creature walked out of the entrance. A massive blue dragon walked into the clearing. It stood some 30 feet tall. It saw the group and opened its wings. The wingspan was at least 100 feet across. It roared at the party causing the mages to let out frightened gasps. Arek, Tavion and Minsc, however, drew their weapons and waited for the dragon to move. Tavion held Dragonsbane in front of his body, its blade glowing from the ancient magic that was forged in the blade, causing it to react when it sensed the powers of a dragon. Arek held the Avenger over one shoulder, waiting for the beast to move. Minsc's Lilracor was talking aloud to the group saying "Oh ho ho ho, a dragon! What are you waiting for you idiot, go kill the damn thing. KILL! KILL! KILL!"
As if the dragon heard the sword talking, the beast flew into the air and landed a few feet from the group. Arek began barking orders to the group. "Tavion, Minsc, form up on either side of the dragon. Try to take out its legs and tail; they are just as deadly as the head. Victoria, cast haste on all of us so that we can strike quickly and get out of the way of any recoil. After that, cast spells that will be able to penetrate the dragon's skin. Keara, summon animals or monsters to distract the beast. Valerine, cast your healing spells on the party when they are needed. Also, those of you that have long range weapons, aim for the eyes. The beast won't fight well blinded. Have your familiars attack at long range as well." When he finished giving out orders, he moved into position with his sword at the ready. Minsc and Tavion had taken positions and were waiting for the dragon to make the first move.
The dragon, Bahivion, glared down at the party of humans that had intruded upon his grounds. Did they think that they were better then he, a dragon who had withstood countless attacks by war groups like them and even time itself? He noticed the human in silver armor giving orders to the others in his group. So, he must be the leader. He will have to die first. Although, the human in red armor carried a powerful sword that had been constructed to kill his kind. The third human that came rushing at him was no real threat. The mages and their familiars would make things annoying until he killed the first three humans, but their time would soon come.
Tavion rushed the dragon's left side. Apparently unnoticed, he swung the Flail of Ages across the side of the dragon. In the wake of the five heads were five long gashes in the side of the dragon. The dragon let out a roar of annoyance and tried to crush Tavion under his massive foot. Tavion side stepped and stabbed downward with Dragonsbane. This time the dragon let out a roar of anger and hatred and soon turned his full attention on Tavion, only to have Arek thrust his Avenger into the beast's side. Minsc was hacking at the dragon's tail, leaving several cuts along the tail. Tavion felt himself speed up as Victoria finished casting her Haste spell. Tavion's motions became quickened and he soon saw that he was leaving more and more gashes along the dragon's skin. Tavion noticed that three white wolves had leapt upon the dragon, and though doing little damage, were greatly annoying the beast. Tavion felt himself getting rejuvenated by Valerine as cast healing spells to heal the party. The familiars were launching fireballs at the dragon and doing considerable damage to the creatures face. Before the group could inflict more wounds, however, the dragon opened its wings once again, flapped them to fling the party backwards, then lifted into the air and flew away, taking enough damage from the party. Minsc shouted curses at the dragon, pulling out his long bow and firing several shots into the beast's tail.
As the dragon flew away, he wondered where he would go. The party had caused considerable damage to him; more then anyone had been able to do in the past. Apparently the group had some skill in dealing with dragons. As he flew away, he promised to himself that he would find those humans again and eat them all alive.
The party looked around after the dragon had flown away. Minsc was still cursing at the dragon and kicking the dirt in rage. Arek looked around and saw that there were no major injuries taken by the others in the group. He walked over to the entrance of the cave and looked in. He looked in and saw a large pile of treasures and other assorted including weapons and armor. He called over to the others in the group and they came running to him. An hour later they had collected up the dragon's horde and left the clearing, continuing northward to Nashkel.
They journeyed on for another two days, encountering very little as they went. At one point, however, they came across a bandit camp, though when they heard who Arek was, they retreated into the woods and scattered before the group could give chase. "Minsc does not like enemies who run like cowardly dogs. Boo wouldn't even shit on their worthless hides." At this Boo gave an affirmative squeak.
"I agree with you on that Minsc. I want to fight more. You figured there would be more in our way. Even that dragon Bahivion ran away from us." Tavion cursed at remembering that fight in which the dragon flew away before they could kill it.
"Well, my friends, there is little to worry about, for we shall be fighting soon enough." Every one looked at Arek as he said this. "We have reached Nashkel, the northernmost city in Amn. The second biggest hideout for the Shadow Thieves and their leader Ojjsimpson."
The group walked down into a valley and saw Nashkel. The city was quiet at this time of night and only a few people roamed the streets. The guards kept a constant search for trouble, and in the alleys shadows roamed, making deals and selling illicit drugs. It had been far too long since Arek had been here. This is where he had first met Minsc. "You remember the first time we met Minsc? It was right there in front of that shop."
"Ahh yes, it was the beginning of a great adventure. It was the adventure of a lifetime. It was start of the tale of Minsc and Boo and Arek too!" The group walked down the hill and into the town. They were stopped by two guards. "Hello good soldiers of Amn. Arek and Boo and I have come here to smite the evil Shadow Thieves that control this town. Fear them no longer, for soon they will not be a problem." The guards looked at Arek, and he gave them a look that suggested that Minsc was crazy. They laughed at Minsc and then walked off. Minsc looked as though he wanted to go after the men when Arek put a hand on his shoulder.
"Let's pick the battles that won't get us kicked out of Amn. I personally like the place." He walked on down the main road of Nashkel and entered into a shop filled with food stuffs and weapons. The group walked over to the shop keeper and laid the contents of their packs onto the table. They picked out the coats of armor that they had taken from the dragon's horde and sold them to the shop keeper, who looked mighty pleased for purchasing the armor. The group then sold the regular weapons and gems and things of that nature to the owner as well. Next, Arek picked out the items that neither Minsc nor the mages could identify. He asked the shop keeper to identify them and was rather pleased with what he found out about the items.
"This long sword is known as Drakesmalice. It was forged by the dwarves to do great damage to dragon kin. This sling is known as the Eagle-Eye Sling. It is a sling +4 and also has been enchanted to never miss a target. This halberd is known as Dragonflayer. Unfortunately, it is just another Halberd, though it does do a substantial amount of damage when using it to cook dragon meat, after you have killed the dragon of course. This item is rather useless against dragons otherwise. Now, would you like to sell any of these items?"
"Just the halberd thanks. We'll keep everything else." He took the money that the shopkeeper offered him and gave Drakesmalice to Tavion and the Sling to Valerine. While in the shop he bought a great number of magical sling bullets for Valerine as well as replenished Minsc's arrow supply. They left the shop and went to the Inn. They got rooms and went to bed, though Tavion and Keara, as well as Arek and Victoria, stayed up a little later then the others.
The next day, the group started asking about the location of the Thieves Guild. It wasn't that hard to find. Everyone seemed to fear the Thieves and wanted to see them removed. The location of the Guild was just south of the town, in the offices of the old Nashkel mines. It appeared that the Guild had taken over control of the mines and the shipping of the iron through out the Sword Coast. The group left the town and headed for the mines. When they arrived, they saw a place full of activities. There were many more buildings around the mine now then there were when Arek fought to cleanse the mines of the bandits that had taken them over. There were people moving around everywhere, pushing carts of iron ore to the places where they would be loaded onto transports to be moved from place to place. Arek led the party to a rock formation where they could get a better viewing of the mines. "Ok, my bet would be that the leader wouldn't be in the offices, which would make him to easy a target. However, he may be cocky enough to believe that he is untouchable, so our first goal will be to clear out the buildings. Keara, Valerine, and Victoria, you and your familiars will stay here until Minsc, Tavion, and I have gone down to get a closer look at where the leader could be. If we need your help in the offices, we'll make some sort of sign to let you know. If we find out that the leader is in the mines, we'll come back here to get you on our way into the mines. Understood?"
"How will we know what building to go to?" Keara asked from the back of the group.
"Look for the building that people are running into, that's where the fighting will be." Arek looked around to see if there were anymore questions. When he decided there weren't any, he left, followed by Tavion and Minsc, and headed for the buildings. As they made there way to the first one, they noticed that it was guarded by two heavily armed guards. Arek looked at Minsc and nodded. The ranger pulled out his bow and fired to shots in quick succession. The guards were dead before they could raise any sort of alarm. Arek and Tavion walked over to first building. After a quick inspection, they concluded that the building was empty except for the stashes of weapons and armor. They called Minsc down and Tavion and Arek quickly removed the thief armor and put it on over their own. They had Minsc stay a good distance away to cover them with his bow. Arek and Tavion walked from building to building, casually walking in and out taking note of the numbers of thieves as well as listening for any hint as to where the thief Lord might be. They made there way through all the building but one when they were stopped by a group of thieves.
One of them called over to Arek "Hey, are you guys new recruits? We've never seen you around before."
"Yes we are. We came from the guild in Athkatla. A group of warriors killed Kobebryant and much of the guild thieves. I hear that they are heading here right now. Actually, who's that over there?" Arek pointed over to a rock outcropping. When the thieves looked away, he took off his stolen armor and pulled out his sword. Tavion did likewise.
"Where are they?"
"Oh wait, they are over here." Arek answered as he moved in on the thieves. As the lead one turned around, Arek buried his sword into the stomach of the thief. That's when hell broke loose. Minsc fired shot after shot into the thieves while Tavion and Arek engaged several in close combat. One of the thieves managed to raise the alarm and Arek noticed that many more thieves were coming out of the buildings. It also appeared that Ojjsimpson had decided to show himself. He was barking orders from the doorway of the last building and he also held in front of him a girl that he was using as a human shield. Arek told Tavion to watch his back as he cast a spell to get the attention of the mages. It wasn't a major spell, but the Sunburst that he cast led to many of the thieves' skin to boil on their skeletons, leaving many bleeding burn marks. The mages came down the hill casting spells to distract the thieves. Their familiars spat fire down at the thieves, causing many to burn to death. Arek and Tavion continued to kill the thieves in close combat. Tavion, with his two swords, wrought damage that would kill many, even if they survived the fight. Minsc impaled thief after thief with his deadly arrows, sometimes killing two or three with one shot. The mages cast multiple spells; Keara summoning animals to help in the fighting, Victoria sending wave after wave of Magic Missiles into the fighting ground, and Valerine casting healing spells to heal Tavion and Arek. Soon there was only Ojjsimpson left, still using the girl as a human shield. Arek and Tavion approached him cautiously since he held a knife to her neck.
"Stay back," he warned, "or I'll slit her throat. You paladins wouldn't want me to do that now would you?"
Arek took a cautious step forward. "Now look, you have no more people to fight for you. Just give up, let the girl go, and we'll take you into custody. No more blood has to be spilled, yours or hers."
"Ha-ha! You think that I would like to sit in an Amnish prison? They would kill me in jail, if they didn't hang me after my trial. I think I'll take the easy way out. He motioned with his hand, but before the blade could cut the girl, Arek rushed the man knocking the girl out of the way as Tavion moved towards Ojjsimpson. When Arek was out of the way, Tavion slashed with both his swords. One sword decapitated the thief, while the other dissected him across his waist. When the swords were still, the head, torso and lower extremities of the thief were strewn across the ground. Tavion looked at his swords with an expression of satisfaction and then wiped the swords on the torso at his feet. He then sheathed the swords and walked up to where Minsc was. He too looked very pleased with his weapon as he replaced the bow for his sword. Arek talked with the girl to make sure she was alright then he had her wait with the mages while Arek, Tavion and Minsc explored the last building. They looked around the varied desks looking for any documents that would prepare them for what they would find of the Shadow Thieves outside of Amn. They searched through many documents and found a letter from a thief in Beregost to Ojjsimpson. The letter said that they had found a place for a possible guild hall, but they needed more money then they had. Beregost, it was then decided, was the next place that the group would go. They went outside and escorted the woman back to town. When they were sure she was safe, Arek alerted the shop keeper in town of the wares at the mines, then he and the rest of the group left town heading north.
When the group had crossed the border of Amn and Baldur's Gate, they were soon stopped by a patrol of guards known as The Flaming Fist. The leader of the guards stepped forward "Hold there travelers. I serve the Flaming Fist. We patrol this border making sure that the wrongdoers of Amn do not cross into our lands to cause mayhem. State your name and business here in the lands belonging to Baldur's Gate."
"Hail, good soldiers. I am Arek, brother to the leader of The Flaming Fist, Lord Sarevok. We have come to Baldur's Gate on a mission by the Most Noble Order of the Radiant Heart. Our mission is to put a stop to the Shadow Thieves that are currently controlling all trade along the Sword Coast. We mean only to find these thieves and deal with them accordingly, and then we shall leave Baldur's Gate."
"I see. Well, that is quite a challenge you have ahead of you. I shall let you continue on your way. And as for you being the brother to Lord Sarevok, tell that to any other Flaming Fist guards and they will not hinder your quest. And since you were the savior of Baldur's Gate five years ago, you and your companions are always welcome here." The guards gave Arek and his group a sharp salute and then continued along the path. The group continued northward.
After a day of travel, the group rested. During the night, Arek talked with Tavion and Minsc while the mages slept. "We will be in Beregost within the next day. If we can, I'm going to try to get us rooms at the Jovial Juggler. That place should be a good area to gather information about possible Shadow Thief activities. Also, last I heard, Anomen was here. We should look out for him as well; he could be very useful in our search. Anything you guys want to add or ask about?"
"I think we should stop by the blacksmith. He can make us weapons and improve on the ones we have. It would be nice to get some upgrades to armor and swords." Tavion looked at his own armor which was dented from blows by recent combatants.
"Minsc and Boo think we should get more arrows. That way we can kill anymore dragons that try to fly away. Minsc almost ran out that last time." At remembering the fleeing dragon, Minsc let out a few curses under his breath. Tavion and Arek laughed and Boo gave a loud squeak. "Boo wants to know what is so funny?"
"Never mind, Minsc, never mind." Arek stood up and went over to his sleeping pallet next to Victoria and settled himself down to sleep. Before he fell asleep, he began to reminisce about all the times he'd spent in the lands of Baldur's Gate, and he hoped, that this time, the circumstances could be a little happier.
Tavion answered first, "There is something here. Something big and it has wings."
Arek looked at his brother, "Dragon? Wyvern? Something harmless?"
"I can't say right now, but be on your guard. Don't you agree Minsc?"
"Boo and I agree. Boo doesn't smell a dragon, but the wind is strong through here. The scent might be moving the other way. Minsc and Boo shall lead the way for now." Minsc takes his hamster and moves to the front of the group, looking about and using his ranger skills to look for clues as to what it might be. Tavion moves to the back, looking for anything that Minsc might have missed. Arek and the others fall in between the two as they work their way along the path. Soon they reached a large break in the caver walls and entered a clearing. At the edge of the clearing there was a massive cave. The entrance was lined with bones and uneaten carcasses. There was a low rumbling coming out of the cave. All of a sudden, a massive creature walked out of the entrance. A massive blue dragon walked into the clearing. It stood some 30 feet tall. It saw the group and opened its wings. The wingspan was at least 100 feet across. It roared at the party causing the mages to let out frightened gasps. Arek, Tavion and Minsc, however, drew their weapons and waited for the dragon to move. Tavion held Dragonsbane in front of his body, its blade glowing from the ancient magic that was forged in the blade, causing it to react when it sensed the powers of a dragon. Arek held the Avenger over one shoulder, waiting for the beast to move. Minsc's Lilracor was talking aloud to the group saying "Oh ho ho ho, a dragon! What are you waiting for you idiot, go kill the damn thing. KILL! KILL! KILL!"
As if the dragon heard the sword talking, the beast flew into the air and landed a few feet from the group. Arek began barking orders to the group. "Tavion, Minsc, form up on either side of the dragon. Try to take out its legs and tail; they are just as deadly as the head. Victoria, cast haste on all of us so that we can strike quickly and get out of the way of any recoil. After that, cast spells that will be able to penetrate the dragon's skin. Keara, summon animals or monsters to distract the beast. Valerine, cast your healing spells on the party when they are needed. Also, those of you that have long range weapons, aim for the eyes. The beast won't fight well blinded. Have your familiars attack at long range as well." When he finished giving out orders, he moved into position with his sword at the ready. Minsc and Tavion had taken positions and were waiting for the dragon to make the first move.
The dragon, Bahivion, glared down at the party of humans that had intruded upon his grounds. Did they think that they were better then he, a dragon who had withstood countless attacks by war groups like them and even time itself? He noticed the human in silver armor giving orders to the others in his group. So, he must be the leader. He will have to die first. Although, the human in red armor carried a powerful sword that had been constructed to kill his kind. The third human that came rushing at him was no real threat. The mages and their familiars would make things annoying until he killed the first three humans, but their time would soon come.
Tavion rushed the dragon's left side. Apparently unnoticed, he swung the Flail of Ages across the side of the dragon. In the wake of the five heads were five long gashes in the side of the dragon. The dragon let out a roar of annoyance and tried to crush Tavion under his massive foot. Tavion side stepped and stabbed downward with Dragonsbane. This time the dragon let out a roar of anger and hatred and soon turned his full attention on Tavion, only to have Arek thrust his Avenger into the beast's side. Minsc was hacking at the dragon's tail, leaving several cuts along the tail. Tavion felt himself speed up as Victoria finished casting her Haste spell. Tavion's motions became quickened and he soon saw that he was leaving more and more gashes along the dragon's skin. Tavion noticed that three white wolves had leapt upon the dragon, and though doing little damage, were greatly annoying the beast. Tavion felt himself getting rejuvenated by Valerine as cast healing spells to heal the party. The familiars were launching fireballs at the dragon and doing considerable damage to the creatures face. Before the group could inflict more wounds, however, the dragon opened its wings once again, flapped them to fling the party backwards, then lifted into the air and flew away, taking enough damage from the party. Minsc shouted curses at the dragon, pulling out his long bow and firing several shots into the beast's tail.
As the dragon flew away, he wondered where he would go. The party had caused considerable damage to him; more then anyone had been able to do in the past. Apparently the group had some skill in dealing with dragons. As he flew away, he promised to himself that he would find those humans again and eat them all alive.
The party looked around after the dragon had flown away. Minsc was still cursing at the dragon and kicking the dirt in rage. Arek looked around and saw that there were no major injuries taken by the others in the group. He walked over to the entrance of the cave and looked in. He looked in and saw a large pile of treasures and other assorted including weapons and armor. He called over to the others in the group and they came running to him. An hour later they had collected up the dragon's horde and left the clearing, continuing northward to Nashkel.
They journeyed on for another two days, encountering very little as they went. At one point, however, they came across a bandit camp, though when they heard who Arek was, they retreated into the woods and scattered before the group could give chase. "Minsc does not like enemies who run like cowardly dogs. Boo wouldn't even shit on their worthless hides." At this Boo gave an affirmative squeak.
"I agree with you on that Minsc. I want to fight more. You figured there would be more in our way. Even that dragon Bahivion ran away from us." Tavion cursed at remembering that fight in which the dragon flew away before they could kill it.
"Well, my friends, there is little to worry about, for we shall be fighting soon enough." Every one looked at Arek as he said this. "We have reached Nashkel, the northernmost city in Amn. The second biggest hideout for the Shadow Thieves and their leader Ojjsimpson."
The group walked down into a valley and saw Nashkel. The city was quiet at this time of night and only a few people roamed the streets. The guards kept a constant search for trouble, and in the alleys shadows roamed, making deals and selling illicit drugs. It had been far too long since Arek had been here. This is where he had first met Minsc. "You remember the first time we met Minsc? It was right there in front of that shop."
"Ahh yes, it was the beginning of a great adventure. It was the adventure of a lifetime. It was start of the tale of Minsc and Boo and Arek too!" The group walked down the hill and into the town. They were stopped by two guards. "Hello good soldiers of Amn. Arek and Boo and I have come here to smite the evil Shadow Thieves that control this town. Fear them no longer, for soon they will not be a problem." The guards looked at Arek, and he gave them a look that suggested that Minsc was crazy. They laughed at Minsc and then walked off. Minsc looked as though he wanted to go after the men when Arek put a hand on his shoulder.
"Let's pick the battles that won't get us kicked out of Amn. I personally like the place." He walked on down the main road of Nashkel and entered into a shop filled with food stuffs and weapons. The group walked over to the shop keeper and laid the contents of their packs onto the table. They picked out the coats of armor that they had taken from the dragon's horde and sold them to the shop keeper, who looked mighty pleased for purchasing the armor. The group then sold the regular weapons and gems and things of that nature to the owner as well. Next, Arek picked out the items that neither Minsc nor the mages could identify. He asked the shop keeper to identify them and was rather pleased with what he found out about the items.
"This long sword is known as Drakesmalice. It was forged by the dwarves to do great damage to dragon kin. This sling is known as the Eagle-Eye Sling. It is a sling +4 and also has been enchanted to never miss a target. This halberd is known as Dragonflayer. Unfortunately, it is just another Halberd, though it does do a substantial amount of damage when using it to cook dragon meat, after you have killed the dragon of course. This item is rather useless against dragons otherwise. Now, would you like to sell any of these items?"
"Just the halberd thanks. We'll keep everything else." He took the money that the shopkeeper offered him and gave Drakesmalice to Tavion and the Sling to Valerine. While in the shop he bought a great number of magical sling bullets for Valerine as well as replenished Minsc's arrow supply. They left the shop and went to the Inn. They got rooms and went to bed, though Tavion and Keara, as well as Arek and Victoria, stayed up a little later then the others.
The next day, the group started asking about the location of the Thieves Guild. It wasn't that hard to find. Everyone seemed to fear the Thieves and wanted to see them removed. The location of the Guild was just south of the town, in the offices of the old Nashkel mines. It appeared that the Guild had taken over control of the mines and the shipping of the iron through out the Sword Coast. The group left the town and headed for the mines. When they arrived, they saw a place full of activities. There were many more buildings around the mine now then there were when Arek fought to cleanse the mines of the bandits that had taken them over. There were people moving around everywhere, pushing carts of iron ore to the places where they would be loaded onto transports to be moved from place to place. Arek led the party to a rock formation where they could get a better viewing of the mines. "Ok, my bet would be that the leader wouldn't be in the offices, which would make him to easy a target. However, he may be cocky enough to believe that he is untouchable, so our first goal will be to clear out the buildings. Keara, Valerine, and Victoria, you and your familiars will stay here until Minsc, Tavion, and I have gone down to get a closer look at where the leader could be. If we need your help in the offices, we'll make some sort of sign to let you know. If we find out that the leader is in the mines, we'll come back here to get you on our way into the mines. Understood?"
"How will we know what building to go to?" Keara asked from the back of the group.
"Look for the building that people are running into, that's where the fighting will be." Arek looked around to see if there were anymore questions. When he decided there weren't any, he left, followed by Tavion and Minsc, and headed for the buildings. As they made there way to the first one, they noticed that it was guarded by two heavily armed guards. Arek looked at Minsc and nodded. The ranger pulled out his bow and fired to shots in quick succession. The guards were dead before they could raise any sort of alarm. Arek and Tavion walked over to first building. After a quick inspection, they concluded that the building was empty except for the stashes of weapons and armor. They called Minsc down and Tavion and Arek quickly removed the thief armor and put it on over their own. They had Minsc stay a good distance away to cover them with his bow. Arek and Tavion walked from building to building, casually walking in and out taking note of the numbers of thieves as well as listening for any hint as to where the thief Lord might be. They made there way through all the building but one when they were stopped by a group of thieves.
One of them called over to Arek "Hey, are you guys new recruits? We've never seen you around before."
"Yes we are. We came from the guild in Athkatla. A group of warriors killed Kobebryant and much of the guild thieves. I hear that they are heading here right now. Actually, who's that over there?" Arek pointed over to a rock outcropping. When the thieves looked away, he took off his stolen armor and pulled out his sword. Tavion did likewise.
"Where are they?"
"Oh wait, they are over here." Arek answered as he moved in on the thieves. As the lead one turned around, Arek buried his sword into the stomach of the thief. That's when hell broke loose. Minsc fired shot after shot into the thieves while Tavion and Arek engaged several in close combat. One of the thieves managed to raise the alarm and Arek noticed that many more thieves were coming out of the buildings. It also appeared that Ojjsimpson had decided to show himself. He was barking orders from the doorway of the last building and he also held in front of him a girl that he was using as a human shield. Arek told Tavion to watch his back as he cast a spell to get the attention of the mages. It wasn't a major spell, but the Sunburst that he cast led to many of the thieves' skin to boil on their skeletons, leaving many bleeding burn marks. The mages came down the hill casting spells to distract the thieves. Their familiars spat fire down at the thieves, causing many to burn to death. Arek and Tavion continued to kill the thieves in close combat. Tavion, with his two swords, wrought damage that would kill many, even if they survived the fight. Minsc impaled thief after thief with his deadly arrows, sometimes killing two or three with one shot. The mages cast multiple spells; Keara summoning animals to help in the fighting, Victoria sending wave after wave of Magic Missiles into the fighting ground, and Valerine casting healing spells to heal Tavion and Arek. Soon there was only Ojjsimpson left, still using the girl as a human shield. Arek and Tavion approached him cautiously since he held a knife to her neck.
"Stay back," he warned, "or I'll slit her throat. You paladins wouldn't want me to do that now would you?"
Arek took a cautious step forward. "Now look, you have no more people to fight for you. Just give up, let the girl go, and we'll take you into custody. No more blood has to be spilled, yours or hers."
"Ha-ha! You think that I would like to sit in an Amnish prison? They would kill me in jail, if they didn't hang me after my trial. I think I'll take the easy way out. He motioned with his hand, but before the blade could cut the girl, Arek rushed the man knocking the girl out of the way as Tavion moved towards Ojjsimpson. When Arek was out of the way, Tavion slashed with both his swords. One sword decapitated the thief, while the other dissected him across his waist. When the swords were still, the head, torso and lower extremities of the thief were strewn across the ground. Tavion looked at his swords with an expression of satisfaction and then wiped the swords on the torso at his feet. He then sheathed the swords and walked up to where Minsc was. He too looked very pleased with his weapon as he replaced the bow for his sword. Arek talked with the girl to make sure she was alright then he had her wait with the mages while Arek, Tavion and Minsc explored the last building. They looked around the varied desks looking for any documents that would prepare them for what they would find of the Shadow Thieves outside of Amn. They searched through many documents and found a letter from a thief in Beregost to Ojjsimpson. The letter said that they had found a place for a possible guild hall, but they needed more money then they had. Beregost, it was then decided, was the next place that the group would go. They went outside and escorted the woman back to town. When they were sure she was safe, Arek alerted the shop keeper in town of the wares at the mines, then he and the rest of the group left town heading north.
When the group had crossed the border of Amn and Baldur's Gate, they were soon stopped by a patrol of guards known as The Flaming Fist. The leader of the guards stepped forward "Hold there travelers. I serve the Flaming Fist. We patrol this border making sure that the wrongdoers of Amn do not cross into our lands to cause mayhem. State your name and business here in the lands belonging to Baldur's Gate."
"Hail, good soldiers. I am Arek, brother to the leader of The Flaming Fist, Lord Sarevok. We have come to Baldur's Gate on a mission by the Most Noble Order of the Radiant Heart. Our mission is to put a stop to the Shadow Thieves that are currently controlling all trade along the Sword Coast. We mean only to find these thieves and deal with them accordingly, and then we shall leave Baldur's Gate."
"I see. Well, that is quite a challenge you have ahead of you. I shall let you continue on your way. And as for you being the brother to Lord Sarevok, tell that to any other Flaming Fist guards and they will not hinder your quest. And since you were the savior of Baldur's Gate five years ago, you and your companions are always welcome here." The guards gave Arek and his group a sharp salute and then continued along the path. The group continued northward.
After a day of travel, the group rested. During the night, Arek talked with Tavion and Minsc while the mages slept. "We will be in Beregost within the next day. If we can, I'm going to try to get us rooms at the Jovial Juggler. That place should be a good area to gather information about possible Shadow Thief activities. Also, last I heard, Anomen was here. We should look out for him as well; he could be very useful in our search. Anything you guys want to add or ask about?"
"I think we should stop by the blacksmith. He can make us weapons and improve on the ones we have. It would be nice to get some upgrades to armor and swords." Tavion looked at his own armor which was dented from blows by recent combatants.
"Minsc and Boo think we should get more arrows. That way we can kill anymore dragons that try to fly away. Minsc almost ran out that last time." At remembering the fleeing dragon, Minsc let out a few curses under his breath. Tavion and Arek laughed and Boo gave a loud squeak. "Boo wants to know what is so funny?"
"Never mind, Minsc, never mind." Arek stood up and went over to his sleeping pallet next to Victoria and settled himself down to sleep. Before he fell asleep, he began to reminisce about all the times he'd spent in the lands of Baldur's Gate, and he hoped, that this time, the circumstances could be a little happier.