Authors note: Few elements in this story may bother someone with tender sensibilities. I had to mention it, just in case.
1372 DR.
Fourteen
years. That is the amount time which has passed since my life changed
irrevocably. It happened during the Time of Troubles, when the gods
walked the land. Some of them perished before they were finally allowed
to ascend again. One among the fallen was my god, Lord Bane, god of
Strife, Hatred and Tyranny. He was killed in his attack on Tantras by
that righteous fool, Torm, who was merely a demi-god then. He fell too
but was somehow returned back to life almost immediately after the Time
of Troubles ended. Lord Bane, along with Bhaal and Myrkul, remained
dead.
An usurper called Cyric claimed their titles, and expected us
loyal Banite's to worship him. Some weak-minded fools converted to the
usurpers cause immediately, fearing they would be lost without divine
power and protection. The most devoted and loyal ones remained
steadfast in their faith and refused. Several killings followed that
denial. Those who weren't quick enough or lacked means to escape,
perished. Some of us remained grouped together, others separated and
went their own way. All of those who chose not to convert have gone
into hiding, which was a wise decision.
The high priest of Bane, master of Black Altar, Fzoul Chembryl remained in the Zhentil Keep along with some of the faithful. A year later I learned that Fzoul had become the high priest of Cyric, although grudgingly since he didn't have any choice. I even heard a verification to the rumor that Cyric didn't even care that Fzoul loathes him. That is all I know of the fate of my brethren since I managed to sneak out on my own from Zhentil Keep just before Cyric began his conversions. I met few of the survivors later which told me of the torments they had experienced in the hands of Cyricists. Despite our common cause, I didnt join them, since I felt I could keep my head if I kept myself away from the larger numbers of my brethren.
So here I am now, brooding away the glories gone. The future looked good when I first became a follower of Bane. I, Vardin Gerhun from the city of Phlan, couldnt have dreamed of a better destiny. The one my parents had planned for me would've been a complete waste of my skills and time, not to mention boring. To become a law abiding official clerk for the family while my miserable excuse of an older brother could indulge himself to his fancies and privileges as a first born and heir of the family's fortune and status. He'd made sure I never forgot that.
Naturally, my parents never believed my claims that Pendak tormented me continually. I doubt they even cared because Pendak was always the decent one of us (decadent more likely), always the one who knew who things were done and where ones deserved place was. I was the one who never got anything right, according to him and my parents. Seven years my senior, a fact my brother had applauded more and more as we got older. Our parents didn't spend too much time in the early days at home because they were too busy in trying to build a new life to us in Phlan, so as a result I got to spend too much time with Pendak.
We were forced to move from Selgaunt after my father had somehow run afoul with a major Sembian merchant. Ordinarily we would've survived from the incident with a loss of fortune and prestige but merchant had belonged to the Old Chauncel, the oldest nobles in the city. They couldn't be pleased easily. All in all, that event had bittered my parents deeply. Forced to flee to a foreign city in order to maintain our way of life somewhat had been too much for them. Phlan had been far enough from Sembia for anyone in there to care. Father had chosen Phlan for another reason, it had just recently been liberated from the forces of darkness so there were plenty of opportunity for a merchant to make a living. Although we slowly began to prosper, my life went downhill after that. I was ten winters old when my torment had started.
The chance encounter with a priest of Bane at the outskirt of the city of Phlan was a turning point in my life. I was twenty winters then. It was 1357 DR. I was waiting for my carriage to arrive at the gate so I could attend another tedious and meaningless task for my brother in Hillsfar. The Banite emerged from west, walking along the city wall towards the gate. He was older than me, somewhere between forty/fifty winters or summers, I figured. He was carrying a backpack bulging with a bundle of scrolls, looking like it was going to burst at any moment. Which it did of course, just few steps from me. Any other noble would've ignored the man completely, not caring if the man was a priest of Bane or Myrkul. They only might have helped the fellow if the priest had been a representative of their own personal faith. Not that the Banite or Myrkulite would've expected any help since general population avoided them like plague.
I still cant explain it but for some reason I felt I wanted to help the man. Even though I was in the privileged status, I still felt like being outsider in the system. There I met a man who struggled against the established system and unlike me, he had the power to oppose it.
"Here, let me help," I said as I began gathering the scrolls.
At first the Banite eyed me with suspicion but when he saw I was sincere, he made a small nod. After gathering all the scrolls and securing them properly this time, Banite hoisted his backpack on again and looked at me for a moment, then bowed slightly. I felt that would be the only thanks I would receive, so I replied in kind.
Banite was clearly puzzled of my courteous behavior, he certainly hadn't seen it shown to him so honestly.
"Why did you help me, lad? Did you expect to get something out of this?"
I wasn't bothered by his blunt response. I would've asked the same in his position.
"Nothing. It just felt stupid to see your dilemma and not doing anything to help. I should know, Ive dropped several things over the years and not once I have received any help. I simply decided I wasn't going to be a same kind of wretch like the majority of the people in this city are."
Banite cocked an eyebrow, he clearly never had heard such a bold statement from a noble, especially a young noble like me. Somehow, I could see that he was slightly impressed. But before he could reply, the sound of my carriage arriving emanated from the gateway. As they stopped next to me, the Banite was preparing to move on.
"Where are you going, sir?"
Banite hesitated for a moment before answering.
"Not that its any concern of yours, I am heading for Zhentil Keep."
Zhentil Keep! The main stronghold of the Zhentarim and the clergy of Bane! Many times Id been warned of that place and those who dwell in it. Compared to the rumors of that place, my life situation didn't seem that bad. At least the life in Zhentil Keep was obvious enough under the Zhentarim rule.
"Thats quite a walk, especially with your load," I said.
"It is not relevant. I will carry my burden," Banite replied. Then he started walking.
I could have let him go without any compulsion, but something made me want to offer further help.
"Sir, please wait! Since I'm going roughly in the same direction, Id like to offer you a ride in my carriage. You could save a days worth of time. If you want, that is."
Banite's expression was almost unreadable. He clearly seemed willing to accept but same time struggled with something.
"Your offer sounds interesting, but that depends on where are you heading?"
"My destination is Hillsfar."
For a second it seemed the Banite was preparing to attack me or throw some vile insult but he composed himself quickly.
"And what is your business in that place?" His tone held a hint of threat.
I had no reason to lie to the Banite. Besides, I was sure he could see if I lied.
"Personally I dont have any business with that place but my brother wants his regular supply of delicacies which Hillsfar provides. I'm just the pack mule here," I said with as much disdain as possible.
Banite remained cautious but something in his manner told me he believed me.
"Well, I suppose I could accompany you halfway to Hillsfar. Zhentil Keep is along the road you are going to travel so I can easily walk the final portion. But be warned, should you try anything, your life is forfeit," Banite said, his tone serious.
I opened the door and motioned the Banite to step inside. The coach tried to protest but I silenced him with one upheld front finger. Surprisingly, he remained silent. In the past he hadn't obeyed any of my commands. No wonder because he was my brothers personal coach, apparently something had changed this time. I found myself momentarily reveling in that surge of power I had wielded over the coach before I stepped inside. Or then it was due the presence of Banite.
The carriage began moving as I sat myself opposite the Banite, noticing how he kept observing me and the world outside. I could almost hear his thoughts, thinking that soon guards or some other authority will surround the carriage. I wasn't sure if it would help but I had to try to ease his suspicions.
"Nothing will happen to you, as far as I'm concerned. If Id wanted you captured, I would've yelled to the guards at the gate. They would've come running immediately, especially when a noble of the city could be in trouble. I could've claimed you'd tried to rob me or threatened me to give you a ride."
I stopped at that, experiencing a tiny shudder of what Id just said. Id never believed I could say something so ruthless and precise. What was happening to me? Was it because of the Banite's presence, or something I'd possessed all along but just now chose to surface in his company? With trepidation, I waited his reply.
He actually smiled briefly before replying, "I figured as much. If you had done that, it would have meant the death of you, the guards and the coach driver. I can wield deadly spells to do that without even breaking a sweat and then be gone from the scene before somebody had managed to come to investigate. It would have not bothered me in the slightest since I have no plans to return to Phlan anymore.
But you have shown some brains with your statement and it is commendable. There is potential in you, I can sense it. I can already tell you could have a great future among Banes clergy only if your current social standing and character would not be in the way."
For me, the time seemed to stop momentarily. Suddenly I could see a new path opening before me, one that showed me the way out of the rut which was my life. I couldn't explain it, but some new thing seemed to call me. The words came to my mind and I spoke them without hesitation.
"Why should that be a problem?" I stated, flatly.
The Banite began pondering. While he mulled it over, I decided to admire the scenery. Sometime later, I decided have a small lunch from my travel rations. I even shared them with the Banite which he reluctantly accepted. As we neared the junction leading towards Hillsfar and Zhentil Keep, Banite spoke again.
"So you want to become a faithful of Bane, despite your social status being legal. You would throw all that away?"
"If only you knew what my status really is, you'd do the same. In my family, I don't have any kind of status and authority at all, merely being my brothers personal slave," I said with as much loathing in my voice as possible. "And I don't have any friends worth mentioning who could offer me slightest help to improve my life or otherwise."
The priest thought some more, then asked, "What would you be willing to do to escape your current predicament?"
"At this point, anything." I was serious, more than Id ever been about anything.
"Even join the church of Bane?"
"I would do even that," I said, with no hesitation in my voice.
The Banite became thoughtful again. I figured he would be thinking awhile but spoke only few breaths later.
"Before I speak further, Ill say this: Bane is the god of Strife, Hatred and Tyranny. Does your soul resonate with any of these principles?"
There was no need to think it, the answer was obvious.
"I already have enough Hatred towards my family, especially for my brother. Ive felt the touch of Tyranny uncountable times over the years, mainly thanks to my brother again. I feel theres enough Strife in my family since its almost always been me against the rest of the family, mainly my brother once again. If that doesn't prove I cant grasp Banes ideals, then I don't know what will."
"Your willingness is commendable, I can believe that. But to become one of Banes faithful requires deeds, not words," the priest said.
"Does it mean I have to pass some sort of initiation rite?"
"Yes, other than the actual entry ceremony which is same for every novice, an individual proof of your devotion to Bane must be produced."
"And what does that require?"
"This varies, depending on who is the supervisor of the candidate. Candidate is required to do something against their nature or otherwise irrevocably do something which changes their lives. In your case Ive decided to ask sacrifice."
"Who do I have to sacrifice?" I was momentarily taken back how quickly Id understood his meaning.
Banite smiled slightly before continuing, "You must sacrifice someone dear or close to you. Since you indicated you dont have any dear friends, the only option is your family. Ive concluded that theres not much love lost between you and your family so strictly speaking that wouldn't qualify. However, Ive noticed over the years that everyone hesitated and had doubts in this test, whether they loved their family or not."
Since the moment my enthusiasm had begun, I momentarily lost focus. I hated my brother and slightly my parents too since they'd ignored my pleas concerning Pendak. Id always wanted to beat my brother senseless but never actually taking his life. Even beating him was beyond me since he was stronger than me and had trained himself in physical combat with his friends, let alone in sword fighting which made killing him impossible as far as I was concerned. He was too tough and skilled as a fighter.
But then some hidden reservoir opened in me and through it I gained new strength in my conviction. My parents had already dictated the course of my life which didn't allow any deviation from it. Pendak would keep tormenting me because of that and his place as heir of the house. For some reason I had no doubt that once our parents had finally passed away, Pendak would either increase his torments towards me or kick me out of the house entirely, just because it would be his right as a head of the house. But if he was removed, I was certain my life would take a new direction, not just as a servant of Bane, but in the eyes of my parents as well. My father would have no choice but to focus his gaze on me and make new decisions, decisions which would finally improve my life. He wouldn't have any other choice but to accept me as his heir.
While I gathered my thoughts, the Banite waited calmly, eating a sandwhich from my rations. When I finally came to a decision, he had finished eating.
"Have you decided?"
"Yes, I have. I'm willing to sacrifice my brother.
"Excellent. Be aware that you have to perform the sacrifice yourself."
I didn't hesitate anymore. In fact, I even looked forward to doing it myself.
"I understand and accept."
"Good. Now, we should introduce each other properly. I am Gorron, priest of Bane."
"I am Vardin Gerhun, from Phlan. Youngest member of the Gerhun family."
"Well met, Vardin. Now, where is the best place where your brother can be intercepted?"
"Aside the city, nowhere. Pendak hardly leaves the city these days, he used to leave only when he was establishing new trade connections. He isn't ambitious enough to expand his connections beyond the Moonsea region, he thinks he can maintain control this way. These days he hasn't left the city at all since he has a established trade network and has no need for new ones, unless one source depletes, then hell be forced to search a new one. That hasn't happened for many years now and when I came of age, he took me with him to introduce me to his contacts. After that, he send me on his behalf to acquire small quantities of what he likes and deliver new documents to renew deals and so."
"Well, then he has to be lured away from the city. I figure a disruption of one of his contacts will do the trick?" Gorron asked.
"It could work, although theres no need to hamper the workings of his contacts at all. Hes stupid enough to believe my word for it that he cant receive his supplies anymore. In fact, you could use this document as a base for a forged document which I was taking to the merchant in Hillsfar, that could give the necessary proof to prevent Pendak even doubting me. This causes him to bolt out and first thing he seeks is the original merchant to inquire the reason for disruption, after that he seeks a new supplier. Pendak believes I wont lie to him because he once said what would happen to me if I betrayed him in any way."
The Banite smiled, "Ive dealt with such fools as your brother on several occasion. I can easily maneuver his doubts into the direction I want. He will be drawn to me like a moth to a flame. Yes, the plan is already forming in my mind. How soon you wish to start, Vardin?"
I was momentarily dumbstruck, not comprehending how quickly Id gained his confidence. It took me few breaths to find my voice.
"As soon as it is possible. The less time I need to obey my brothers whims, the better."
Gorron nodded. "Very well. As soon as I reach Zhentil Keep, Ill make the arrangements. By the time youre returning from Hillsfar, Ill have the document ready. Ill have a messenger bring them to you.
One thing, as a person your brother doesn't sound very remarkable to be worthy sacrifice but as an act of sacrifing your brother and the first born of your family, I believe it will satisfy Bane."
"I hope so," I said.
"You better, because if Bane is displeased with your sacrifice, it will mean your doom."
"I'm ready to accept that, but I will be content as long as my brother dies as well."
"So be it." Gorron said.
The rest of the journey passed comfortably. We exchanged small pleasantries along with the small details of our plan. When we finally reached the junction branching to Hillsfar and Zhentil Keep, respectively, Gorron left the carriage and said the messenger would be waiting at the junction when Id be returning this way. Then we bid each other farewell.
The business in Hillsfar went as usual, except
that the merchant gave me a message to passed to my brother that the
price for future deliveries would go up about five gold pieces. I
smiled at that, knowing Pendak always became furious when the prices
went up. I felt that this time he would've severed the deal with the
merchant since Pendak felt that he was already paying too much for the
juicy fruits from Chult.
The merchant told me that the transport
costs increased slightly because there always were unexpected delays
with deliveries, which sometimes didn't arrive at all. Sometimes the
latest batch wasn't in good quality. Pendak hardly ever believed these
explanations, rebuking them as blatant excuses for increasing price.
Ive learned over the years that both Pendak and the merchant had
spoken truth, sometimes prices went up due a merchants greed, other
time it was because of natural hazards.
Return trip went smoothly. As I neared the junction I became slightly nervous. Would the Banite keep his word? Is there a messenger waiting for me? Did Gorron believe my conviction or is there a similar fate expecting me as is for my brother? Then I realized that Id already become a Banite to whom suspicion is a second nature. I breathed deep and decided to accept things as they came.
When we arrived to the junction, I saw a lone young man standing by the signs. I ordered the driver to stop, which he did reluctantly but stopped anyway. I approached the man, he seemed to be almost as old as my brother.
"Are you Vardin Gerhun?" he asked, flatly.
"Yes."
"I am instructed to give you these," he said, handing me three scrolls. Two of them were sealed, one was simply a wrapped message scroll. I took them, the man turned away and began walking towards Zhentil Keep. I returned back to the coach and resumed my journey.
Once inside, I opened the message scroll. It read:
"Greetings,
Vardin. I have mentioned of your willingness to join the church of Bane
to my superiors. They have accepted your petition to join us and are
looking forward to administer your initiation. Although they were
slightly suspicious of your possible devotion, Ive managed to assure
them that is in their and clergy's interest to have you as one of us.
Proceed as we planned, Ive included the forged document concerning the
other merchant with my own faked credentials as well which you can give
to your brother as an offer for next merchant candidate.
Since you
mentioned your brother never has dealt with the Zhentil Keep, he might
be difficult to be led here but I included many things you said your
brother wants into my credentials. Hell find them impossible to
resist, I am sure. Capitalize to your brother that Ill be staying in
Zhentil Keep only for a tenday, then I am moving on to Waterdeep and
wont be returning since I am only establishing connections and have no
need to return after making those. Tell your brother to give my
credentials to the guards at the Keeps gate so they will let you inside
without hassle. You will be guided to a building near the temple of Bane,
but not too close so that your brother wont become suspicious. My
assistant will be waiting outside to guide you in. Good luck.
Gorron, priest of Bane.
I was relieved. I certainly hadn't taken into account that Gorron had superiors whom he had to ask for approval. At least I now had all the means of luring my brother into Zhentil Keep, but one question remained, would he swallow the bait?
As I finally arrived to our mansion in the eastern portion of Phlan, I prepared mentally for the task. I had to report to my brother straight in his room. Before I exited the stable, I warned our driver that if he would tell my brother anything of Id done during the journey, I would kill him myself. The driver had stared in mute horror for a moment before composing himself after which he nodded slightly. One task completed, the most difficult one of them remaining.
After knocking on Pendak's door, I entered. He sat on his armchair, sipping Westgate ruby wine and reading some obscure book of which Id never been interested. I stood there about a minute before he finally decided to acknowledge me. He gazed me in his usual haughty way, looking almost annoyed by this interruption which he knew very well was coming.
"Well?" Pendak said, trying to sound annoyed.
"It went as before, except for this," I said as I handed him the scroll made by Gorron.
Pendak actually raised his eyebrows slightly. Putting down the goblet of wine and the book, he straightened himself and took the scroll. After reading it, he bolted up like a sprung trap.
Every time he had stood up in front of me I'd felt intimidated, despite our relative size. Reason for that was because he was much stockier and muscular which gave him added ferocity, even when I knew hes act was half bluster. But this time I wasn't shaken by it, because new resolve and strength had emerged in me from the meeting with the priest of Bane. He quickly broke the seal and read the message. After he had finished, he turned his gaze to me, his face was almost seething with fury. I just stood there stoic, ignoring his accusing stare.
"What is the meaning of this message? Speak!"
"Other than that he cant supply the fruits anymore, I don't know. I haven't read the contents of the scroll."
"Did you gain what I wanted?"
"Yes, I did. He had one last batch to give. He said that even if he'd been able to supply more in the future, the price would've gone up about five gold pieces."
This finally caused Pendak's face twist into rage. He began pacing around the room like he always did after hearing something disturbing. He started ranting his usual litany.
"Greedy, backstabbing, fork tongued cutthroats. No matter how much one pays them respect by being their loyal customer, they slowly leech you dry of every single coin. Intolerable!" Then he banged his fist against a jade column next to the bookshelf which usually was the receiving end of his fury. As long as his rage was vented towards the column instead of me, I was content.
"Now I have to find another supplier. I have a bad feeling finding one will take longer this time. Those who I know already charge overmuch and those I'm not familiar enough don't supply what I want. To Abyss with them all!"
Merchants charging overmuch was partially true, but the main reason was that Pendak had always been cheap. He wanted to have lots of things practically for nothing and then charge outrageous sums of them when he wanted to sell onwards. The mental state he currently was in, seemed like a perfect opportunity to lay down my trump card.
"Maybe not. I met a potential new supplier in Hillsfar."
Pendak turned around and stepped in front of me in a blink of eye.
"What do you mean? Ive told you many times not to make any deals with them without me."
"I didn't make any deals. He introduced himself to me after overhearing my conversation with your fruit merchant. He was looking for potential buyers and my situation seemed to offer him an opportunity. Here, take a look at his credentials. Its all there in his own words." I handed Pendak the scroll which he quickly took, sat down and perused the contents. I waited patiently during that time.
After a moment, he placed the scroll on the table next to the chair and stood up.
"We will leave to Hillsfar first thing in the morning, Vardin."
"Theres no point going there. He was almost leaving the city when we met. He was preparing to head to Zhentil Keep. He said if you wanted to talk to him, well have to meet him in there. Hell be staying there for a tenday, then hell move on to Waterdeep and wont be returning for the unforeseeable future."
Pendak began scratching his hair which wasn't necessarily a good sign. Most of the decision he made after scratching his head were negative, I had no choice but to hope his greed would give in. Out of desperation, I whispered a silent prayer to Bane.
After few breaths, Pendak spoke.
"Ive never liked nor trusted the people Zhentil Keep and those who run it. But if a merchant has to make business with them, it doesn't mean hes untrustworthy. Even if I have to step into that den of vipers, I'm willing to endure that so I can secure a new source for my supplies and some other items which Ive been lacking for too long. Go eat your evenfeast and then retire to your room. We leave early at dawn."
Then he retreated to his personal study room and I exited the room. Outside, I had to contain myself so I wouldn't scream in delight of how well it had worked. After composing myself, I offered my thanks to Bane for making this possible. With a smile on my face I went to the kitchen. I decided to eat in privacy so I told a maid to bring the meal to my room. I whistled a merry tune as I left the kitchen. The cook and the maids looked me as if Id lost my mind, because Id never whistled in such a way in my entire life.
I woke up early, feeling relaxed. After getting up I stretched and dressed, choosing the same finery Id worn yesterday, meager as they were. I was surprised that Pendak hadn't come to wake me. Usually he was pounding on the door at this hour. Wasting no more time, I headed to the kitchen to grab my morningfeast with me because in these cases Id never had the time to eat it in the house. As I got to the stables, Pendak was already waiting me, being honestly impatient.
"What kept you? Lucrid deals come rarely in life and they wont wait those who waste their days away by sleeping."
I ignored that, since Id heard something similar from him too many times in the past.
As I was about to step into the coach, I remembered something. "Pendak, do you have the merchants credentials with you?"
"No, I don't. Why would I need them?"
"We need them if we wish to get into Zhentil Keep without trouble."
"Why didn't you tell me this sooner?"
"You didn't give me a chance. You locked yourself in your study before I managed to say one word. Youve told me youre not to be disturbed while in there."
"A barely passable excuse. Go get them, now!"
Keep tormenting me, you goblin dung. Enjoy it while you can because today things will change in a big way. I allowed that thought to warm me as I went to Pendak's room to retrieve the scroll.
Once back in the coach, I dumped the scroll on Pendak's lap. He stared me with disdain for a moment but didnt do or say anything. I was sure he would keep it in mind for a reprimand later. While he began adoring the products mentioned in the scroll, I concentrated on my morningfeast. I managed to eat one apple before Pendak finished reading the scroll and took the basket from me.
"Hey!" I demanded.
"For such sloppiness with the scroll, no morningfeast for you," Pendak said with annoying flatness.
In that moment, I was sorely tempted to kill him. But if I wanted to gain favor in Banes eyes, I had to stay my hand for the appropriate moment, but the temptation felt almost irresistable. Bane, give me the power to tolerate this fool just a little longer!
As the journey began, I did my best to ignore Pendak as he began eating my meal. The journey from Phlan to Zhentil Keep felt like the longest journey in my life. When I finally saw the Keep in the distance, I breathed from relief. Now things would really get interesting!
Guards stopped us at the gate and inquired the purpose of our visit to the Keep. Pendak gave Gorron's scroll to them. After reading it, the guard made few hand signals and indicated to our driver that he should follow someone. Once past the gate, Pendak and I both began observing the bustle of the Keep as much as we could see through the windows.
At first glance I didn't saw anything out of ordinary compared to other cities Id visited, but soon I noticed that there were lots of guards walking around with the populace, and some Zhentilar soldiers, even small groups consisting of priests of Bane walked openly. Peering a glance to Pendak, I saw he was slightly nervous and revolted but he did his best not to show it. He only tolerated it because the promise of a greater reward lay ahead.
Finally we stopped and a guard standing outside opened the door of the coach for us. Pendak stepped out first and I followed. In front of us was a modest looking house amongst other similar looking houses. A man roughly in his thirties waited next to the door. He was wearing the simple clothes of an underling. He approached us after wed stepped off the coach.
"Greetings, sirs. You must be Vardin and Pendak from Phlan?"
"I am Pendak," he said, pointing himself.
The man didn't acknowledge Pendak in any way. Merely told us to step inside because his master, Gorron, was waiting.
We were led into a small room where a short passage led into another small room with a table in the center, behind it was a chair and in front of it another. There was even a third chair against the western wall. I was told to sit by the wall while Pendak was led to sit by the table. The room was otherwise devoid of any specific features. We didn't have to wait long. Gorron arrived from a door on the northern wall. Gorron sat down opposite Pendak. He was wearing his Banite regalia, I briefly wondered why he revealed himself so soon but then I figured it wouldn't matter at this point anymore. Pendak on the other hand, nearly jumped from his seat.
"What is the meaning of this?! I was expecting an honorable merchant, not a servant of evil!"
Gorron replied with sweet calmness. "But my dear sir. In business deals it hardly matters, usually, whom youre dealing with, instead in what you're dealing with matters."
"Vardin, why didnt you tell me this earlier?"
"Because I didn't know it any better than you do now," I said, my tone even.
Despite Pendak's revolted feeling, he was interested. I could almost see the greedy glimmer return to his eyes slightly.
"What could you have or offer that would interest me?" he said, turning his gaze back towards Gorron.
"In this case its not what I can offer, but what you can," Gorron said.
"Oh, really. What is that?" Pendak was now totally fascinated. If he could sell something instead of buying, all the better.
"Yourself." Gorron replied.
For a moment, Pendak couldn't get words out of his mouth. After gasping air for few seconds, he spoke.
"What kind of sick joke is that?"
"Its no joke of any kind, just business. Ask your brother, hell understand."
I could almost see the fury rising in him as he slowly turned towards me. But I wasn't intimidated by it anymore.
"What have you done, Vardin?"
"Simple. You are my currency into the church of Bane."
It took few seconds for my words to sink in. After that he was like a volcano ready to erupt.
"Traitor! How could you do something like this against your own family. I have always known you were incompetent without help, but this vile act. Why?!"
"The way you've treated me almost the half of my youth, I'm surprised that you still have to ask. Im just repaying the favor by sacrificing you to Bane. This will be only time in my life that you'll really be of use to me."
I would've been really surprised if those words hadn't triggered Pendak into action. He bounced up from the chair and lunged towards me, but he hardly had made a first step before he stopped where he stood, immobile. I looked at Gorron who had just lowered his hand.
"A simple spell to hold people in place. I felt certain your brother would attempt that when the truth of his situation became obvious."
I looked Pendak who stood there frozen by the spell, face twisted in rage. I wondered then did it occur him how it felt to be helpless.
"What happens now?" I asked.
"Well begin preparing your initiation ceremony. You still want it, dont you?"
"Of course. I wouldn't have come here otherwise."
"Excellent." Then Gorron snapped his fingers and two strong looking guards emerged from the doorway where Gorron had arrived.
"Take this man to the Temple of Bane and tell the priests to prepare him for sacrifice," he said to the two guards and pointed Pendak's immobile form.
Without word, the guards lifted Pendak up and carried him through the doorway. After they'd gone, Gorron approached me.
"Before we proceed further, I want to tell you few things. First, did it occur to you that I could have arranged to have you sacrificed as well or sold to slavery?"
A chill passed through me momentarily as I felt things had been for naught. But something made me listen to his words and I quickly overcame my doubts.
"At first no, but now that you said it, yes. But why wasn't I taken away with Pendak as well?"
Gorron smiled slightly before answering. It seemed Id passed something. "First, there would not be any point for me to perform two sacrifices, Bane would not have liked it, it would have looked as if Id tried to gain special attention from Bane. Bane alone decides who gets his attention, not the other way around. Second, no point in sacrificing a person who is willingly prepared to serve Bane. Third, slavery would be a waste because every person willing to serve Bane is needed. The conflicts here in the Keep and amongst Banites as well tend to reduce our numbers, even if most of those were young hot heads who did not learn their place. New supplicants are always needed, especially after recent events here in the Keep but you do not need to bother yourself with those."
As I let those words sink in, Gorron indicated I should follow him through the door. His assistant from outside joined us. We stepped into a narrow passage which twisted in few places before opening into a semi-large room. A false wall closed behind us, sealing the passageway. The room seemed to be a storage of sorts.
A single door led away from the storage, opening into a hallway somewhere. I followed the two down the hallway, finally stepping through one of the doorways alongside the hallway. We were inside another storage room, this one full of various clothes. Gorron's assistant led me to the back row of the various racks in the room. There he asked for my measurements which I told him. Then he disappeared somewhere amongst the various robes and cloaks. After a while he returned with red and black colored robe. I quickly fitted it and found it to be just about my size. It felt surprisingly comfortable, despite my clothes underneath.
Gorron gave an appreciative look as I approached him. Then he led me to a small room where I could wait and rest until the midnight was at hand, the ceremony would begin then. I reminded that my family's coach driver was outside. Gorron told me not to worry because he had been taken custody after wed entered the house, he was unharmed. I thanked Gorron after which he left.
Slightly before midnight, Gorron arrived with his assistant to take me to the ceremony. He led us through the hallways once again, until we came to a big double door of bronze and oak. Pushing it open, Gorron stepped inside followed by his assistant. I followed them past very thick walls and found myself in a great hall. There were various decorations and banners on the walls dedicated to Bane. At the end of the room I saw a black stone slab with a man tied to it. Approaching closer I discovered it was Pendak. He was free from the holding spell but was now bound with strong ropes to the slab, thus becoming equally immobile. When he saw me, he seemed to summon all his powers to speak.
"You! Just wait until I get free from this! Ill make you remember this humiliation for the rest of your miserable life! You will…" Pendak never managed finish his sentence when one of the priests standing next to slab swung a hard backhand blow to Pendak's face. "Be silent in the Black Altar of Bane, worm! Your protests are futile." the priest said.
Surprisingly, Pendak remained quiet. Judging from the few bruises he had on his jaw told me he had been silenced few times already. Other than shivering slightly, he was otherwise unharmed, for now. Gazing around I saw a large black hand, trifle taller than a man and seemingly carved of some black stone, rose into view behind the altar block. I didn't fathom its significance then other than symbolizing the slab being dedicated to Bane. Before I could make any further observations, Gorron stepped next to me.
"Time is almost at hand, Vardin. Now we only wait for the high priest of Bane, Fzoul Chembryl, to arrive. Then the ceremony shall begin. Follow his instructions to the letter, without hesitation. That way your devotion will be determined."
"I understand," I said.
We had barely finished speaking when the double doors opened and several Banite's began filling the room. The room was almost full by the time a last Banite had entered.
Few breaths later, a bell tolled somewhere in the temple and then from behind a curtain in the southeast corner of the room, a man stepped forward. He had red hair and he wore much grander priestly ornaments than anyone else in the room. This had to be Fzoul Chembryl, high priest of Bane. He was attended by two acolytes who followed close behind him. Fzoul walked in front of the Black Altar of Bane where Pendak was tied, both acolytes stopped on Fzoul's left and right side. Then Fzoul spoke:
"My brothers, we are gathered once again to honor our lord Bane. And also to welcome a new member to join our ranks. Step forward, Vardin."
Gorron pushed my back gently with his finger, indicating I should move. I quickly gathered myself and walked to stand in front of Fzoul Chembryl.
"State your full name before Bane," Fzoul said.
"I am Vardin Gerhun from the city of Phlan."
"Do you swear to serve Bane and obey his will in all things?"
"Yes, as long as I live."
"What do you offer as a proof of your devotion to Bane?"
"I offer my brother, Pendak."
Once again, Pendak couldn't hold his tongue.
"I spit on you, Vardin, and on your new blasphemous friends, ceremony and god."
Fzoul made a gesture and one of his acolytes punched Pendak to the stomach. The punch drew all air out of him. Pendak began gasping for air but the acolytes didn't pay any more attention to him as long as he otherwise remained quiet.
Then Fzoul turned around and began reciting some litany to sanction the sacrifice to Bane. During that time Pendak tried uselessly to struggle loose from his bonds, but no avail. Only result Pendak gained from the attempt was that his clothes got torn and skin became blistered from where the ropes held him. Shortly after he gave up struggling, Fzoul finished the litany and turned around again.
"Great Bane is pleased with the offered sacrifice, but first the sacrifice must be prepared for Bane to be fully acceptable." Then Fzoul lifted his right hand and the acolyte gave him a whip. Fzoul gave that whip to me.
"Vardin, the sacrifice must be made to feel Banes power before he can be accepted by Bane. He must be flogged until his will is subdued. My acolyte, Fern, here will show you how its done. Follow his lead."
Fern
nodded to me, stepped next to me and lifted his own whip. I did the
same. I noticed our whips were metal-barbed, black in color. Ferns
first strike drew a scream from Pendak, as did mine. At that moment
drums began booming and rolling, beginning an unhurried beat that shook
the temple. Fern continued, methodically striking all over Pendak's
body and I repeated after him. The drumbeats quickened very slightly.
The world seemed to blur around me, I hardly noticed anything else
around me, only Pendak lying on the slab few steps ahead. If somebody
said anything to me, I didn't hear it, only Pendak's screams.
As the
flogging continued, my pace seemed to increase and gradually Pendaks
screams lessened. I got caught in a frenzy, all the torments over the
years surfaced in my mind which I returned in full to Pendak. I didn't
stop until a hand grabbed my wrist, only then I seemed to come to my
senses again and noticed Fzoul was holding my hand. The drumming had
stopped. The moment my head cleared, Fzoul removed his hand and I
lowered the whip which the other acolyte took away. Then I noticed Fern
had went back beside Fzoul, I certainly hadn't noticed when he'd
stopped, probably when it had seemed I was able to handle it myself.
Then I turned my gaze to Pendak. He was barely panting, his clothes torn nearly to shreds and blood flowing freely from numerous wounds where the whip had torn his skin away. Saliva dripped from his mouth and from his eyes small wisps of tears seemed to flow too. I stepped closer and looked his eyes. It was clear his mind had abandoned all sanity at this point but still he somehow reacted to me when I stepped into his view. His mouth moved like a fish on dry land gasping its final breaths, I couldn't make out any words but the look in his eyes were one of pleading. Instead of feeling sorry, I became annoyed. After all these years, when all sense had been beaten out of him, he was pleading my help. It was too late at this point. How many times I had pleaded him not to torment me and make my life a living misery. With disdain clear on my face, I turned away from the slab.
Fzoul nodded with approval and then studied Pendak closer, after which he turned around and addressed everyone.
"My
brothers, the sacrifice is ready to be delivered to Bane. He has shown
great strength by surviving the preparation. This will…" Fzoul didn't
manage to finish his speech when the black hand behind the altar
suddenly began rising slowly. A halo of wispy red flames began rising
and falling around its fingers. The hand began moving towards the altar
and stopped hovering above it. For a second, nothing happened, everyone
in the room held their breaths.
Suddenly the hand reached down and
scooped up Pendak, then slowly began crushing him. Pendak went limp in
a matter of moments. At that moment I had a vision of black armoured
figure sitting on a throne made of jewel-encrusted skulls. On his right
hand was a jewel-encrusted gauntlet stained with blood. From the depths
of the armour, burning, malevolent eyes seemed to gaze straight at me.
The figure seemed to salute me with his right hand. The vision occurred
in a span of breath, yet I still knew Id been face to face with the
great god Bane. Then the vision ended as abruptly as it had began,
after which I saw the hand had just released its grip on Pendaks limp
body which was falling to the floor and then the hand began returning
back behind the altar.
"The Hand of Bane has spoken, great Bane is pleased with the sacrifice!"
Then Fzoul stepped in front of me and spoke.
"Congratulations,
Vardin Gerhun. You are now an acolyte in the church of Bane. You can
consider yourself privileged, the Hand of Bane has rarely waken of its
own accord without being summoned to do so. The vitality of your
sacrificed brother clearly pleased Bane, otherwise it wouldnt have
happened." Fzoul paused for a moment, clearly pondering something
before continuing. "Whatever the reason Bane has chosen to favor you,
youll still go through the duties of acolyte like anyone else, before
you can become a full-fledged priest of Bane.
However, due to your
social standing the Phlan, youll have some deviation from your regular
training at this point. Youll be our eyes and ears in the city as long
as it is possible or until other arrangements can be made. Gorron will
be your contact between me and the church. Discuss the necessary
details with him. For your part, this ceremony is over, the rest of us
will continue usual process in which you will be taking part in the
future."
"Thank you, mlord," I said and bowed deeply.
Fzoul nodded back slightly, then turned his attention to the other priests and acolytes in the temple. Gorron pulled me aside where we could talk without disturbing the ceremony.
"Congratulations on my part as well, Vardin. I have seen the hand rise on its own only once and the acolyte who received the honor wasnt under my tutelage. Now that I saw it happen again and with acolyte under my guidance, I must confess I feel being privileged myself too."
"What difference doest make under whose guidance I am?"
"Well, like I told you earlier, there is constant conflict among the clergy. One of the few less harmful conflicts is that who manages to gather more converts under his belt than others. Although Ive had a rather good number of converts, never before I have not gained a someone favored by Bane. Almost all other senior priests, who are still alive that is, have gained them. Now that you have gained the favor of Bane, whatever it will be, the knowledge of it will increase my prestige here. You have made me more happy than I dare to show."
"Thank you, Gorron," I said and bowed. "I too gained what I wanted. Now that my brother is out of the way, I finally expect things to change in my family." Then I remembered something which Id forgotten all together in this hassle. "Gorron, how do I explain Pendak's disappearance to my parents? If my father doesn't hear a plausible explanation, hell turn over every stone from here to Sembia to find him."
"Ive already thought about it. I will to arrange an accident which convinces your parents that you were robbed and your brother was taken prisoner for ransom. I am able to frame some local bandits into beings culprits. They will be executed before you father is able to get the truth out of them."
"That sounds plausible. I can only hope that Pendaks death doesn't push my father too much over the edge. Then he might do something out of his character."