The party left the next day and headed for the ruins at Saradush. Arek knew
that the journey would take quite some time, so he wanted to travel as fast
as possible, using all available daylight. They passed through the city
gates of Athkatla just as the sun was rising above the horizon. They rested
once again at the de'Arnise keep that night before heading south to
Trademeet. The journey to Trademeet would take two days, so the party
rested half way. They found a nice clearing along a river that ran on into
the city of Trademeet. Arek and Minsc stood watch for the first half of the
night with out any problems. Three hours before dawn, just after Tavion and
Octavion began their watch, did they hear something in the woods. Six
shapes emerged from the woods, cloaked in dark armor. Tavion, who sat by
the stump of a fallen tree, noticed, just by the moonlight, that they were
Drow, dark elves that lived in the Underdark. They circled the camp, still
not aware that Octavion and Tavion watched from their places. Silently,
Tavion moved to wake Arek. "Brother," he said, "do not jerk awake, or make
any sudden movements. Drow are circling our camp as we speak. It would be
in the best interests for us if we didn't move until they were within
striking distance."
"Good eyes, Tavion. Spread the word to the others if you can without being noticed." Tavion moved to wake Minsc, Keara and Abigail. Before he could wake Keara, he saw a Drow warrior standing over her with his sword raised, ready to impale Keara. Just before the warrior lowered the sword, a red throwing axe came out of the darkness and decapitated the dark elf. All hell broke loose.
Viconia, the leader of the Drow party, swore under her breath when Valius was killed. They had crept up on the travelers as quietly as elves could move. Soon, the party was awakened and defending themselves against her warriors. She looked around the encampment and spotted one warrior wielding a two-handed sword in just his left hand, not a feat many could accomplish. There was something strangely familiar about that sword as it danced in the moonlight, parrying blow for blow with her best warriors. She moved further into the camp, swearing to make this warrior pay. The warrior knocked back one of her warriors, who, knowing he would lose, went to find another target instead. Viconia moved in on the warrior who considered going after his former opponent. She swung with her flail and was sure she would score a hid when suddenly her opponent moved with such speed and power that the flail was knocked from her grasp. The warrior started coming at a back swing that would gut her. As she looked hopelessly up at the man that was to bring her death, she realized she recognized her opponent. It was Arek, her one-time lover and former mercenary-in-arms. "Arek!" she cried. Arek slowed his weapon and placed it at the base of her helmet, right at her neck.
"Who are you?" he asked. Viconia's hands moved slowly to her helmet and removed it from her head. Her flowing white hair fell to drape her shoulders as she looked up into his face. It had changed much since she had last seen him. More scars lined his cheeks and brow, but he still had that chiseled face that she had found so attractive. A look of surprise and recognition went over his features. He opened his mouth to speak when a shout from Tavion drew his attention away.
"Arek! What are you doing? Kill the bitch and get over here, there's still more of these guys to fight!" Tavion yelled as he parried an attack from one of the dark elf warriors. When Arek looked back at Viconia, She was on her feet looking at her warriors.
"Stop, lowly males!" she yelled to her warriors in Drow. "These are not our enemies at the moment." She turned back to Arek and spoke in the tongue of humans. "We will not fight you now. We thought you were a band of elves that has been hunting my people and me down. Forgive me."
"Of course, just be glad I didn't kill you. What are you doing on the surface? I thought you had returned to the Underdark."
"I had up until a year ago. Those damned Illithids have returned in greater numbers then before, and I didn't have enough warriors to wage a war with them. So I took my people to the surface. We have a settlement not far from here. But with Suldanesalar so close, we are often targets for Elven archers. While we hate the Elves, we did not come here to wage war with them."
"Are you the leader among these Drow that you brought to the surface?"
"I am one of the higher ranking warriors, but no, we all serve someone else. If you don't mind my asking, what are you doing so far south? I thought you would be on some errand for that Lollth-forsaken Order you belong to."
"I'm on a mission of my own, and that is all I will tell you now. Meet me in Trademeet tomorrow and I shall tell you more. Come alone, I don't think the city guard would react well to a band of Drow warriors showing up at the gate, and since you helped defeat the Shadow Elves those years ago, I am sure you are still welcome there."
"I will meet you there then. I look forward to talking with you again soon." With that, she ordered the rest of her troops to pick up the body of their fallen warrior and carried it off into the woods. Instead of trying to get a few hours of sleep, Arek told everyone to pack up and to get moving again. They headed south again and later that afternoon, the party arrived at the gates of Trademeet. From there they headed to the tavern and rented five rooms for the night. While everyone got settled in, Arek went back to the gates to wait for Viconia. After waiting for an hour, a fully cloaked figure entered the city. Arek noticed by the figure's posture and walk, that it could only be Viconia. He silently walked up behind her and put a hand on her shoulder. She jumped and spun on him, a dagger in her hand. "You would be wise, stranger, not to come up behind one such as me in the dark."
"And you would be wiser, Viconia, not to pull a dagger on the hero of a city," Arek replied, smiling in the moonlight. Before she could say anything, Arek pulled her in the direction of the tavern. "Everyone else is at the tavern. They should all be up stairs, so we can catch up without them interrupting, for we have much to talk about. They entered the tavern and found a table out of site from the stairs. They sat down and ordered drinks. While they waited for their drinks, Viconia began to ask Arek questions.
"So where in Faerun have you been?"
"I have been all over the place. Minsc took my brother Tavion and myself to Rashemar. We stayed there for half a year before returning to Baldur's Gate. I helped Sarevok become leader of the Flaming Fist within the Gate, not an easy task, considering what he'd tried to do to the city last time he was there. From there I went south to the Friendly Arm Inn to visit with Imoen, who had recently become owner of the inn. I went from there to here where I helped Jaheria set herself up as the leader of the druid grove to the east. Besides that, I have been wandering the Sword Coast and further inland, doing missions for the Order, or for the good of the people. Every now and then I would be called off to the Realm of the Gods for some meeting or dispute. Recently, I helped put down the Shadow Thieves and the Order of Fallen Paladins. Now, I am on a personal mission to put a stop to a Bhaalist cult that has been gathering a lot of power during the past five years."
"When I had met you, you had done more then any normal person would do in a single life time. Five years ago, you had done more then any five normal people could do in a single lifetime, and now it seems, you have done more then any ten normal people could dream of achieving in a single lifetime. I have heard of some of your deeds during my time on the surface, but not of all of them. It is a pity Bhaal did not mate with a Drow, for what a force you could have been to my people."
Arek let out a laugh, "From what I remember of your people, I'm sometimes glad that I wasn't born a Drow. No offense to you, but your people are a brutal race."
"No offense taken. I still clearly remember why I was cast out the first time, and I am much happier as a warrior among the Drow then I was as a priestess. So where are you heading from here?"
"Saradush." At the sound of the name of the city, Viconia sputtered into her glass of wine.
"Saradush? You do remember what has happened to that place when Yaga Shura was finished there don't you?"
"I remember just as well as the next person. I was considered partly responsible remember? I know what has taken up home in the area, and I know how to deal with each of the creatures in their own way. I also know that you were there too. Which is why I want you to come with me. I'd heard of a Drow war party in the area, and figured that perhaps you might be able to persuade them to help us, or at least get information out of them."
"After all the times you've saved my life, did you expect me to say no?" "Excellent. There's a room upstairs for you to stay in, but first you should tell your escorts outside the gate that they can return to your settlement."
"How did you know they were there?"
"I've learned much from the ranger."
"Speaking of Minsc, do you think he'll like me coming along?"
"I'll talk to him while you're gone. He has no attachment to this mission, so he can come or stay if he wants."
"Ok then, I'll be back shortly, and we'll leave in the morning?"
"Absolutely. I'll see you in the morning. Sleep well, I don't think we'll be sleeping well for another few weeks." With that, they both stood up from the table. Arek headed upstairs to Minsc's room while Viconia headed back to the gate. Arek knocked on Minsc's door as he entered the room. Minsc sat talking to his sword, Lilracor, while polishing the blade. "Good evening Minsc."
"Oh, hello Arek. Did you talk to the person you needed to talk to?"
"Yes, I did. Minsc, Viconia is going to be coming with us to Saradush."
"THAT DROW WITCH!?!?! Boo shudders at that name. You would take that evil creature with us heroes?"
"Minsc, she's changed since you first met her. I'd even come close to calling her good, at least as far as a Drow can go good without being Drizzt Do'Urdan himself. Look, here are your options, you can come with us and tolerate Viconia, or you can wait here for us to come back. What'll it be?"
"Minsc and Boo can do neither. We have been called back to Rashemar. My tribe needs the force that is Minsc and Boo to do some butt kicking."
"Very well Minsc, your tribe needs you, and you must do your duty. You will come back though? The tale of Minsc and Boo and Arek cannot end here."
"Of course not! Evil will still feel fear in their bellies and wetness in their pants when they hear the names of Minsc and Boo and Arek. But first, Boo and I must take care of our own business, just as you must."
"Very well, Minsc, my brother in arms, may I wish you luck in your adventure, as well as to you, Boo." With that, Arek left Minsc's room and headed for the room he shared with Abigail. He undressed and got into bed beside Abigail's sleeping form. Before he passed into unconsciousness, he couldn't help feeling that he would greatly feel the absence of Minsc when they reached Saradush.
The next day brought rain to the town of Trademeet, but despite the terrible travelling conditions, Arek and his party left the city and continued south. There was still a road south to Saradush, but it was no where near as crowded as it had been five years ago. In fact, of the few people they saw Arek and his group were the only people heading south.
They rested at night, but only for a few hours. Arek wanted to reach the city quickly. Though not many people were in the area, there was a makeshift settlement full of people that refused to leave, even with the horrors that inhabited the ruins. They reached the largest of these settlements later the next day, but when they arrived at the settlement gates they arrived to a raging battle between several Undead and a makeshift militia. Needless to say, the fight was going bad for the militia. Arek unsheathed the Avenger from his back, Tavion pulled out his bow, Keara cast a spell that made Tavion's arrows arrows of fire, Octavion pulled out Azuredge, which instantly glowed at the detection of Undead, Viconia unhooked the Flail of Ages from her belt, and Abigail unsheathed the Equalizer. Arek, Abigail, and Viconia ran to meet the Undead, while Tavion, Octavion, and Keara rained hell upon them. Tavion shot his bow multiple times a minute, reflecting his amazing archery skills. His arrows were true to their targets, not a single one missing, and each hit causing the target to be engulfed in flames. Octavion threw Azuredge as hard as he could and as often as he could. Every time the axe left his hand, another undead monster would drop. Keara rained fire upon individual monsters. By the time Arek, Abigail and Viconia reached the Undead; most of the monsters were dead or dying. They dispatched the last of the Undead in quick time. As Arek dispatched the last of the monsters, on of the militiamen approached him.
"My name is Ganner Horn, captain of the Saradush militia. I appreciate your help with the Undead. Had you not shown up when you did, I fear we might have been overrun."
"Greetings to you, Captain Horn, my name is Arek. My friends and I are here to investigate a cult that might have taken up within the ruins of the original Saradush."
"Arek? That names sounds familiar. Surely, you are not the Arek, the one responsible for the destruction of Saradush."
"Of course not, the Arek you speak of is guilty of many things, but not the destruction of an entire city. That is the Arek I am."
"Well, I may accept that, seeing what you did to those Undead, but be careful with giving your name in the settlement. Many people remember the accusations that arose about your involvement with the destruction of Saradush. With that, welcome to our settlement, we have limited resources, but we do have a suitable inn and weapon smith."
"Good eyes, Tavion. Spread the word to the others if you can without being noticed." Tavion moved to wake Minsc, Keara and Abigail. Before he could wake Keara, he saw a Drow warrior standing over her with his sword raised, ready to impale Keara. Just before the warrior lowered the sword, a red throwing axe came out of the darkness and decapitated the dark elf. All hell broke loose.
Viconia, the leader of the Drow party, swore under her breath when Valius was killed. They had crept up on the travelers as quietly as elves could move. Soon, the party was awakened and defending themselves against her warriors. She looked around the encampment and spotted one warrior wielding a two-handed sword in just his left hand, not a feat many could accomplish. There was something strangely familiar about that sword as it danced in the moonlight, parrying blow for blow with her best warriors. She moved further into the camp, swearing to make this warrior pay. The warrior knocked back one of her warriors, who, knowing he would lose, went to find another target instead. Viconia moved in on the warrior who considered going after his former opponent. She swung with her flail and was sure she would score a hid when suddenly her opponent moved with such speed and power that the flail was knocked from her grasp. The warrior started coming at a back swing that would gut her. As she looked hopelessly up at the man that was to bring her death, she realized she recognized her opponent. It was Arek, her one-time lover and former mercenary-in-arms. "Arek!" she cried. Arek slowed his weapon and placed it at the base of her helmet, right at her neck.
"Who are you?" he asked. Viconia's hands moved slowly to her helmet and removed it from her head. Her flowing white hair fell to drape her shoulders as she looked up into his face. It had changed much since she had last seen him. More scars lined his cheeks and brow, but he still had that chiseled face that she had found so attractive. A look of surprise and recognition went over his features. He opened his mouth to speak when a shout from Tavion drew his attention away.
"Arek! What are you doing? Kill the bitch and get over here, there's still more of these guys to fight!" Tavion yelled as he parried an attack from one of the dark elf warriors. When Arek looked back at Viconia, She was on her feet looking at her warriors.
"Stop, lowly males!" she yelled to her warriors in Drow. "These are not our enemies at the moment." She turned back to Arek and spoke in the tongue of humans. "We will not fight you now. We thought you were a band of elves that has been hunting my people and me down. Forgive me."
"Of course, just be glad I didn't kill you. What are you doing on the surface? I thought you had returned to the Underdark."
"I had up until a year ago. Those damned Illithids have returned in greater numbers then before, and I didn't have enough warriors to wage a war with them. So I took my people to the surface. We have a settlement not far from here. But with Suldanesalar so close, we are often targets for Elven archers. While we hate the Elves, we did not come here to wage war with them."
"Are you the leader among these Drow that you brought to the surface?"
"I am one of the higher ranking warriors, but no, we all serve someone else. If you don't mind my asking, what are you doing so far south? I thought you would be on some errand for that Lollth-forsaken Order you belong to."
"I'm on a mission of my own, and that is all I will tell you now. Meet me in Trademeet tomorrow and I shall tell you more. Come alone, I don't think the city guard would react well to a band of Drow warriors showing up at the gate, and since you helped defeat the Shadow Elves those years ago, I am sure you are still welcome there."
"I will meet you there then. I look forward to talking with you again soon." With that, she ordered the rest of her troops to pick up the body of their fallen warrior and carried it off into the woods. Instead of trying to get a few hours of sleep, Arek told everyone to pack up and to get moving again. They headed south again and later that afternoon, the party arrived at the gates of Trademeet. From there they headed to the tavern and rented five rooms for the night. While everyone got settled in, Arek went back to the gates to wait for Viconia. After waiting for an hour, a fully cloaked figure entered the city. Arek noticed by the figure's posture and walk, that it could only be Viconia. He silently walked up behind her and put a hand on her shoulder. She jumped and spun on him, a dagger in her hand. "You would be wise, stranger, not to come up behind one such as me in the dark."
"And you would be wiser, Viconia, not to pull a dagger on the hero of a city," Arek replied, smiling in the moonlight. Before she could say anything, Arek pulled her in the direction of the tavern. "Everyone else is at the tavern. They should all be up stairs, so we can catch up without them interrupting, for we have much to talk about. They entered the tavern and found a table out of site from the stairs. They sat down and ordered drinks. While they waited for their drinks, Viconia began to ask Arek questions.
"So where in Faerun have you been?"
"I have been all over the place. Minsc took my brother Tavion and myself to Rashemar. We stayed there for half a year before returning to Baldur's Gate. I helped Sarevok become leader of the Flaming Fist within the Gate, not an easy task, considering what he'd tried to do to the city last time he was there. From there I went south to the Friendly Arm Inn to visit with Imoen, who had recently become owner of the inn. I went from there to here where I helped Jaheria set herself up as the leader of the druid grove to the east. Besides that, I have been wandering the Sword Coast and further inland, doing missions for the Order, or for the good of the people. Every now and then I would be called off to the Realm of the Gods for some meeting or dispute. Recently, I helped put down the Shadow Thieves and the Order of Fallen Paladins. Now, I am on a personal mission to put a stop to a Bhaalist cult that has been gathering a lot of power during the past five years."
"When I had met you, you had done more then any normal person would do in a single life time. Five years ago, you had done more then any five normal people could do in a single lifetime, and now it seems, you have done more then any ten normal people could dream of achieving in a single lifetime. I have heard of some of your deeds during my time on the surface, but not of all of them. It is a pity Bhaal did not mate with a Drow, for what a force you could have been to my people."
Arek let out a laugh, "From what I remember of your people, I'm sometimes glad that I wasn't born a Drow. No offense to you, but your people are a brutal race."
"No offense taken. I still clearly remember why I was cast out the first time, and I am much happier as a warrior among the Drow then I was as a priestess. So where are you heading from here?"
"Saradush." At the sound of the name of the city, Viconia sputtered into her glass of wine.
"Saradush? You do remember what has happened to that place when Yaga Shura was finished there don't you?"
"I remember just as well as the next person. I was considered partly responsible remember? I know what has taken up home in the area, and I know how to deal with each of the creatures in their own way. I also know that you were there too. Which is why I want you to come with me. I'd heard of a Drow war party in the area, and figured that perhaps you might be able to persuade them to help us, or at least get information out of them."
"After all the times you've saved my life, did you expect me to say no?" "Excellent. There's a room upstairs for you to stay in, but first you should tell your escorts outside the gate that they can return to your settlement."
"How did you know they were there?"
"I've learned much from the ranger."
"Speaking of Minsc, do you think he'll like me coming along?"
"I'll talk to him while you're gone. He has no attachment to this mission, so he can come or stay if he wants."
"Ok then, I'll be back shortly, and we'll leave in the morning?"
"Absolutely. I'll see you in the morning. Sleep well, I don't think we'll be sleeping well for another few weeks." With that, they both stood up from the table. Arek headed upstairs to Minsc's room while Viconia headed back to the gate. Arek knocked on Minsc's door as he entered the room. Minsc sat talking to his sword, Lilracor, while polishing the blade. "Good evening Minsc."
"Oh, hello Arek. Did you talk to the person you needed to talk to?"
"Yes, I did. Minsc, Viconia is going to be coming with us to Saradush."
"THAT DROW WITCH!?!?! Boo shudders at that name. You would take that evil creature with us heroes?"
"Minsc, she's changed since you first met her. I'd even come close to calling her good, at least as far as a Drow can go good without being Drizzt Do'Urdan himself. Look, here are your options, you can come with us and tolerate Viconia, or you can wait here for us to come back. What'll it be?"
"Minsc and Boo can do neither. We have been called back to Rashemar. My tribe needs the force that is Minsc and Boo to do some butt kicking."
"Very well Minsc, your tribe needs you, and you must do your duty. You will come back though? The tale of Minsc and Boo and Arek cannot end here."
"Of course not! Evil will still feel fear in their bellies and wetness in their pants when they hear the names of Minsc and Boo and Arek. But first, Boo and I must take care of our own business, just as you must."
"Very well, Minsc, my brother in arms, may I wish you luck in your adventure, as well as to you, Boo." With that, Arek left Minsc's room and headed for the room he shared with Abigail. He undressed and got into bed beside Abigail's sleeping form. Before he passed into unconsciousness, he couldn't help feeling that he would greatly feel the absence of Minsc when they reached Saradush.
The next day brought rain to the town of Trademeet, but despite the terrible travelling conditions, Arek and his party left the city and continued south. There was still a road south to Saradush, but it was no where near as crowded as it had been five years ago. In fact, of the few people they saw Arek and his group were the only people heading south.
They rested at night, but only for a few hours. Arek wanted to reach the city quickly. Though not many people were in the area, there was a makeshift settlement full of people that refused to leave, even with the horrors that inhabited the ruins. They reached the largest of these settlements later the next day, but when they arrived at the settlement gates they arrived to a raging battle between several Undead and a makeshift militia. Needless to say, the fight was going bad for the militia. Arek unsheathed the Avenger from his back, Tavion pulled out his bow, Keara cast a spell that made Tavion's arrows arrows of fire, Octavion pulled out Azuredge, which instantly glowed at the detection of Undead, Viconia unhooked the Flail of Ages from her belt, and Abigail unsheathed the Equalizer. Arek, Abigail, and Viconia ran to meet the Undead, while Tavion, Octavion, and Keara rained hell upon them. Tavion shot his bow multiple times a minute, reflecting his amazing archery skills. His arrows were true to their targets, not a single one missing, and each hit causing the target to be engulfed in flames. Octavion threw Azuredge as hard as he could and as often as he could. Every time the axe left his hand, another undead monster would drop. Keara rained fire upon individual monsters. By the time Arek, Abigail and Viconia reached the Undead; most of the monsters were dead or dying. They dispatched the last of the Undead in quick time. As Arek dispatched the last of the monsters, on of the militiamen approached him.
"My name is Ganner Horn, captain of the Saradush militia. I appreciate your help with the Undead. Had you not shown up when you did, I fear we might have been overrun."
"Greetings to you, Captain Horn, my name is Arek. My friends and I are here to investigate a cult that might have taken up within the ruins of the original Saradush."
"Arek? That names sounds familiar. Surely, you are not the Arek, the one responsible for the destruction of Saradush."
"Of course not, the Arek you speak of is guilty of many things, but not the destruction of an entire city. That is the Arek I am."
"Well, I may accept that, seeing what you did to those Undead, but be careful with giving your name in the settlement. Many people remember the accusations that arose about your involvement with the destruction of Saradush. With that, welcome to our settlement, we have limited resources, but we do have a suitable inn and weapon smith."