Arek set off the next morning alone and headed for the Government District.
Once there he headed for the Council of Six, where the leaders of Athkatla
held their offices. Arek talked briefly with a scribe, before being led to
where the Council members were seated around a table, all facing Arek.
"What can we do for you, Paladin Arek?" one of the Council members asked.
"I'm looking for information that I hoped you would be able to provide for me."
"And what information would that be?"
"Tell me why this symbol has reappeared after so many years," he demanded, tossing the medallion Minsc had taken off of the necromancer in Nashkel onto the table in front of the Council.
They stared in confusion for a moment before someone spoke to Arek. "Where did you get this?" the council member asked.
"A ranger in my company took it off of the body of a necromancer that had attacked the town of Nashkel in northern Amn. I myself haven't seen one like it in more then five years, and I know damn well the new God of Murder isn't starting cults or temples in all of Faerun."
"That is true, for we all know the God of Murder has been quite busy with his own affairs." The speaker stepped out of the shadows from behind the Council. It was Elminster, a Harper and old friend of Arek's foster father, Gorion.
"Elminster?"
"It is I, Arek. I must say, you look well, at least, better then I thought you would after having taken up the Throne of Bhaal as your own. Gorion was right about you after all, you would be the difference. And now, as to the matter of your inquiry, this Council knows nothing, they are as confused as you are, so if I were you, I'd be on my way. But, before you head off to talk with your other source, I would like a word outside with you, if I may?"
"Of course, Elminster." Arek walked out of the building followed by the old mage.
"I have heard whispers of your actions the past few months, and I must say they are quite impressive. I was saddened to hear about the death of Victoria. She was one of my better students, but that is the way of things. Now, as to the matter of why I asked to speak with you, I have heard a few rumors of a Bhaalist cult, but I do not know where they are. I came to Athkatla hoping you would know more then I, but it appears we are at the same place. I would like to know as soon as you find out more about these cultists. Come to the Harper hold in the docks and I'll speak with you then when you have learned more. I leave you now; it appears someone noticed you had left the Copper Coronet.
Arek looked puzzled but followed Elminster's glance. Octavion, Minsc and Tavion stood leaning against some trees in the courtyard of the Government District. "Oh, those are some of my companions, they..." Arek turned around to face Elminster, but the old mage had vanished. Arek turned back again to see the trio approaching him.
"Find anything out brother?" Tavion asked.
"The Council has as many questions as I do, but Elminster set me in the right direction. I need to talk to Solar. You guys think you can stay at the Copper Coronet for a while, you won't be allowed to go where I am going."
"But why not?" asked Octavion.
"There are only so many places mortals can go," Arek replied and then vanished into thin air, heading towards his pocket plane. Tavion and Minsc acted like it was quite normal, while Octavion looked very confused.
"Come on Oc, you're better not knowing right now," Tavion said, walking back in the direction of the Slums.
Arek appeared once again in his pocket plane. He saw Caspenar was sleeping and decided not to wake him. He walked over to the portal and asked that a portal to the Realm of the Gods. The portal was opened and Arek took the form of the Lord of Murder, becoming the shape of a Slayer, but this form he would be able to control when he reached the Realm of Gods. There, he sought out the spirit of Alaundo, who could tell him where to find Solar. "Hello, prophet," Arek said as he addressed Alaundo.
"What is it that I may do for you, Lord Arek?"
"I'm looking for Solar."
"I am here," said a voice from behind Arek. Arek turned around to see his former guide, floating in front of him. "What is it you wish, Lord of Murder?"
"On Faerun, there seems to be a reemergence of a Bhaalist cult. I was wondering if you knew anything about it?"
"There is a growing movement among the old followers of Bhaal. They have been secretly gathering power these past five years. It would appear that they feel they have gathered enough to make themselves known to Faerun."
"Why would they be gathering power?"
"To force a confrontation with you. They feel that you do not deserve to be the Lord of Murder and they would kill you as a mortal to prevent you from staying the Lord of Murder."
"By the Gods, is there anyone who does want me to be Lord of Murder?"
"Those of us here do, we know the good in your soul, and would do anything to keep you as the Lord of Murder, but you must know that we cannot interfere on Faerun, it would be the Time of Troubles all over again."
"I understand. Can you tell me where they are?"
"There are five cultist locations. One is in the Cloakwood south of Baldur's Gate. Another is in Ulgoath's Beard, an island to the north of Baldur's Gate. Another is in the catacombs beneath the ruins of Saradush. And two lie to the far north, near the Spine of the World; one in the forests between Neverwinter and Luskan, and the other in the Vale of Shadows outside of Kuldahar."
"They certainly have spread themselves out. What were they planning, marching an army from all sides and burn everything in their path?"
"Exactly, Lord of Murder."
"Same routine, different enemy. Well thank you, Solar, you have been a great help, yet again."
"You're welcome, and my the God's be with you on your journey." Arek headed back to his pocket plane and quickly changed forms before the Slayer's bloodlust could take hold. He then returned to Athkatla and headed for the docks.
Arek arrived at the Harper's hold in the late afternoon. He walked up to the guard, but before he could ask to enter, the guard opened the door and stood their waiting for Arek to enter. I guess Elminster told him I was coming, he thought. He entered the hold and stepped into an elegantly decorated room. He spotted Elminster sitting at a desk deeply involved in a huge tome. Arek quietly approached so as not to disturb him. When Arek was no more the five feet way, Elminster spoke.
"So how did you meeting with Solar go?"
"How did you know who I was meeting with?"
"I make it my job to know everything about you. So then, what did you find out?"
"There are five cultist locations, two near Baldur's Gate, one at the ruins of Saradush, one near Neverwinter and Luskan, and another near Kuldahar."
"Interesting, they seem to have most of their points covered. And let me guess they are assembling an army to attack the Sword Coast, and their primary goal is to kill you."
"That seems to be the goal of a lot of people these days."
"People are always looking for power. You gain power with each enemy you kill, and you use that power to kill those that would seek power for evil. People like these cultists seek power in an attempt to restore something that has been dead for many years. When you first started out, all those years ago, back when we first met, you were just a young man, and your only goal was to get to the Friendly Arm Inn. From there, you went after Sarevok, the man that killed Gorion. With each minion of his you killed, you gained more power. When you killed Sarevok, you gained even more, but lost it when Irenicus captured you. You gained it back when you killed him in Suldanesalar, and restored your spirit in Hell. You gained what some would call the ultimate power when you killed The Five, and then Mellissan at the Throne of Bhaal. Now that you are the one with the power many seek, anyone with a strong lust for power, that lust that drives everyone in life in some way, you are at the top of the list to any former follower of Bhaal."
"That would make a lot of sense. Well, it looks like I am going to once again have to crush the dreams of those who would see Bhaal restored."
"One last thing, Arek. Watch yourself. These cultists will stop at nothing to kill you. Since you are the last remaining Bhaal child, and now Bhaal successor, if you die as a mortal, that essence that was left in you when you were born will be transferred to the one that kills you. I know that you have taken responsibility of Octavion, the Fallen Paladin. Watch him carefully. I do not sense deception in him, but he could just as easily Fall again."
"Thank you for everything Elminster. I will report back here when I have finished with these cultists."
"That won't be necessary, for I shall know if you succeed or not. May the Gods guide you on your way, Arek."
Arek started to walk away from the old Harper, but a thought came into his mind and when he turned to speak again to the mage, Elminster had gone. "I hate it when he does that," he said, and left the Harper hold, and headed back to the Copper Coronet.
When he finally arrived back at the Copper Coronet, he saw that everyone was seated at a table in the back of the inn. Tavion was the first to look up and se he had arrived. "Well, well, the fearless leader finally decides to grace us with his presence. Have you enjoyed your day out on the town, leaving us all here worried sick about you?" His brother smiled as he spoke to his brother, obviously not mad at all.
"We're leaving in the morning for the ruins at Saradush," Arek proclaimed as he sat down at the table. Keara sputtered into her drink, Minsc sat back in his chair, Tavion took a double take at Arek, and Abigail almost fell out of her chair. Only Octavion seemed undisturbed at what Arek said.
"Hey, Arek, not to reign on your parade or anything, but going there is like flirting with suicide. It is infested with the undead, not to mention anything strong enough to fortify itself there, even with the undead there. There's been rumors about a family of Shadow Dragons in the area, as well as limitless numbers of ghouls, skeletons, and sucker-heads," Tavion said those last words with a voice full of malice. Though a Cavalier, he hated the Undead, especially vampires, as much as Arek did.
"You don't think I know that? I've traveled around as much as you have. Hell, I SAW what happened at Saradush. I also know there is a greater evil there then dragons or undead, and I intend to put a stop to it. You can come or stay, its your choice, this isn't a mission asked of you by the Order."
Octavion spoke up first, "I am with you, you just tell me where and when, and I'll follow."
"Vampires and skeletons and ghouls.... Oh my! Well, since the Order has ordered me to follow Arek, I guess I am in too," Abigail said.
"More evildoer butts to be kicked! Minsc and Boo are with you!"
"I'm in," Keara stated.
Tavion looked around at the others as if they were crazy. "Well, how about it little brother, are you coming or staying?"
"Of course I'm coming, you think I'd stay here and let you have all the fun, all be it dangerous fun?"
"Excellent. Get everything packed tonight, we leave at dawn."
"What can we do for you, Paladin Arek?" one of the Council members asked.
"I'm looking for information that I hoped you would be able to provide for me."
"And what information would that be?"
"Tell me why this symbol has reappeared after so many years," he demanded, tossing the medallion Minsc had taken off of the necromancer in Nashkel onto the table in front of the Council.
They stared in confusion for a moment before someone spoke to Arek. "Where did you get this?" the council member asked.
"A ranger in my company took it off of the body of a necromancer that had attacked the town of Nashkel in northern Amn. I myself haven't seen one like it in more then five years, and I know damn well the new God of Murder isn't starting cults or temples in all of Faerun."
"That is true, for we all know the God of Murder has been quite busy with his own affairs." The speaker stepped out of the shadows from behind the Council. It was Elminster, a Harper and old friend of Arek's foster father, Gorion.
"Elminster?"
"It is I, Arek. I must say, you look well, at least, better then I thought you would after having taken up the Throne of Bhaal as your own. Gorion was right about you after all, you would be the difference. And now, as to the matter of your inquiry, this Council knows nothing, they are as confused as you are, so if I were you, I'd be on my way. But, before you head off to talk with your other source, I would like a word outside with you, if I may?"
"Of course, Elminster." Arek walked out of the building followed by the old mage.
"I have heard whispers of your actions the past few months, and I must say they are quite impressive. I was saddened to hear about the death of Victoria. She was one of my better students, but that is the way of things. Now, as to the matter of why I asked to speak with you, I have heard a few rumors of a Bhaalist cult, but I do not know where they are. I came to Athkatla hoping you would know more then I, but it appears we are at the same place. I would like to know as soon as you find out more about these cultists. Come to the Harper hold in the docks and I'll speak with you then when you have learned more. I leave you now; it appears someone noticed you had left the Copper Coronet.
Arek looked puzzled but followed Elminster's glance. Octavion, Minsc and Tavion stood leaning against some trees in the courtyard of the Government District. "Oh, those are some of my companions, they..." Arek turned around to face Elminster, but the old mage had vanished. Arek turned back again to see the trio approaching him.
"Find anything out brother?" Tavion asked.
"The Council has as many questions as I do, but Elminster set me in the right direction. I need to talk to Solar. You guys think you can stay at the Copper Coronet for a while, you won't be allowed to go where I am going."
"But why not?" asked Octavion.
"There are only so many places mortals can go," Arek replied and then vanished into thin air, heading towards his pocket plane. Tavion and Minsc acted like it was quite normal, while Octavion looked very confused.
"Come on Oc, you're better not knowing right now," Tavion said, walking back in the direction of the Slums.
Arek appeared once again in his pocket plane. He saw Caspenar was sleeping and decided not to wake him. He walked over to the portal and asked that a portal to the Realm of the Gods. The portal was opened and Arek took the form of the Lord of Murder, becoming the shape of a Slayer, but this form he would be able to control when he reached the Realm of Gods. There, he sought out the spirit of Alaundo, who could tell him where to find Solar. "Hello, prophet," Arek said as he addressed Alaundo.
"What is it that I may do for you, Lord Arek?"
"I'm looking for Solar."
"I am here," said a voice from behind Arek. Arek turned around to see his former guide, floating in front of him. "What is it you wish, Lord of Murder?"
"On Faerun, there seems to be a reemergence of a Bhaalist cult. I was wondering if you knew anything about it?"
"There is a growing movement among the old followers of Bhaal. They have been secretly gathering power these past five years. It would appear that they feel they have gathered enough to make themselves known to Faerun."
"Why would they be gathering power?"
"To force a confrontation with you. They feel that you do not deserve to be the Lord of Murder and they would kill you as a mortal to prevent you from staying the Lord of Murder."
"By the Gods, is there anyone who does want me to be Lord of Murder?"
"Those of us here do, we know the good in your soul, and would do anything to keep you as the Lord of Murder, but you must know that we cannot interfere on Faerun, it would be the Time of Troubles all over again."
"I understand. Can you tell me where they are?"
"There are five cultist locations. One is in the Cloakwood south of Baldur's Gate. Another is in Ulgoath's Beard, an island to the north of Baldur's Gate. Another is in the catacombs beneath the ruins of Saradush. And two lie to the far north, near the Spine of the World; one in the forests between Neverwinter and Luskan, and the other in the Vale of Shadows outside of Kuldahar."
"They certainly have spread themselves out. What were they planning, marching an army from all sides and burn everything in their path?"
"Exactly, Lord of Murder."
"Same routine, different enemy. Well thank you, Solar, you have been a great help, yet again."
"You're welcome, and my the God's be with you on your journey." Arek headed back to his pocket plane and quickly changed forms before the Slayer's bloodlust could take hold. He then returned to Athkatla and headed for the docks.
Arek arrived at the Harper's hold in the late afternoon. He walked up to the guard, but before he could ask to enter, the guard opened the door and stood their waiting for Arek to enter. I guess Elminster told him I was coming, he thought. He entered the hold and stepped into an elegantly decorated room. He spotted Elminster sitting at a desk deeply involved in a huge tome. Arek quietly approached so as not to disturb him. When Arek was no more the five feet way, Elminster spoke.
"So how did you meeting with Solar go?"
"How did you know who I was meeting with?"
"I make it my job to know everything about you. So then, what did you find out?"
"There are five cultist locations, two near Baldur's Gate, one at the ruins of Saradush, one near Neverwinter and Luskan, and another near Kuldahar."
"Interesting, they seem to have most of their points covered. And let me guess they are assembling an army to attack the Sword Coast, and their primary goal is to kill you."
"That seems to be the goal of a lot of people these days."
"People are always looking for power. You gain power with each enemy you kill, and you use that power to kill those that would seek power for evil. People like these cultists seek power in an attempt to restore something that has been dead for many years. When you first started out, all those years ago, back when we first met, you were just a young man, and your only goal was to get to the Friendly Arm Inn. From there, you went after Sarevok, the man that killed Gorion. With each minion of his you killed, you gained more power. When you killed Sarevok, you gained even more, but lost it when Irenicus captured you. You gained it back when you killed him in Suldanesalar, and restored your spirit in Hell. You gained what some would call the ultimate power when you killed The Five, and then Mellissan at the Throne of Bhaal. Now that you are the one with the power many seek, anyone with a strong lust for power, that lust that drives everyone in life in some way, you are at the top of the list to any former follower of Bhaal."
"That would make a lot of sense. Well, it looks like I am going to once again have to crush the dreams of those who would see Bhaal restored."
"One last thing, Arek. Watch yourself. These cultists will stop at nothing to kill you. Since you are the last remaining Bhaal child, and now Bhaal successor, if you die as a mortal, that essence that was left in you when you were born will be transferred to the one that kills you. I know that you have taken responsibility of Octavion, the Fallen Paladin. Watch him carefully. I do not sense deception in him, but he could just as easily Fall again."
"Thank you for everything Elminster. I will report back here when I have finished with these cultists."
"That won't be necessary, for I shall know if you succeed or not. May the Gods guide you on your way, Arek."
Arek started to walk away from the old Harper, but a thought came into his mind and when he turned to speak again to the mage, Elminster had gone. "I hate it when he does that," he said, and left the Harper hold, and headed back to the Copper Coronet.
When he finally arrived back at the Copper Coronet, he saw that everyone was seated at a table in the back of the inn. Tavion was the first to look up and se he had arrived. "Well, well, the fearless leader finally decides to grace us with his presence. Have you enjoyed your day out on the town, leaving us all here worried sick about you?" His brother smiled as he spoke to his brother, obviously not mad at all.
"We're leaving in the morning for the ruins at Saradush," Arek proclaimed as he sat down at the table. Keara sputtered into her drink, Minsc sat back in his chair, Tavion took a double take at Arek, and Abigail almost fell out of her chair. Only Octavion seemed undisturbed at what Arek said.
"Hey, Arek, not to reign on your parade or anything, but going there is like flirting with suicide. It is infested with the undead, not to mention anything strong enough to fortify itself there, even with the undead there. There's been rumors about a family of Shadow Dragons in the area, as well as limitless numbers of ghouls, skeletons, and sucker-heads," Tavion said those last words with a voice full of malice. Though a Cavalier, he hated the Undead, especially vampires, as much as Arek did.
"You don't think I know that? I've traveled around as much as you have. Hell, I SAW what happened at Saradush. I also know there is a greater evil there then dragons or undead, and I intend to put a stop to it. You can come or stay, its your choice, this isn't a mission asked of you by the Order."
Octavion spoke up first, "I am with you, you just tell me where and when, and I'll follow."
"Vampires and skeletons and ghouls.... Oh my! Well, since the Order has ordered me to follow Arek, I guess I am in too," Abigail said.
"More evildoer butts to be kicked! Minsc and Boo are with you!"
"I'm in," Keara stated.
Tavion looked around at the others as if they were crazy. "Well, how about it little brother, are you coming or staying?"
"Of course I'm coming, you think I'd stay here and let you have all the fun, all be it dangerous fun?"
"Excellent. Get everything packed tonight, we leave at dawn."