The group had run about a mile out of Memnon when they finally stopped. A young man stood before them. He wore red and black leather armor, as well as a red and black cloak. At his side was a longsword. He seemed only to think, and the group found themselves with their equipment.

"I believe you will find yourselves in need of assistance," he said smugly.

Jarlaxle was about to respond when he noticed the look of horror on the new man's face. Everyone spun around and saw something that would make even the hardiest soul whimper. Approaching from Memnon was the largest fire elemental any of them had ever seen.

"If you're willing, we can run. I have a spell that will carry us a large distance," the newcomer said.

Everyone nodded. Smiling he grabbed them all together, and they took a step.

Memmnon was out of sight, although the fire elemental was still slightly visible.

"Not bad," Jarlaxle commented. The man smiled.

"It was quicker than teleporting, and my recall will only transport me," he said. "Anyway, I think you want to travel on foot to your destination. Things aren't ready for you yet." With that he just left.

"Explain," ordered Callahan.

Avariel smiled. "That was the High Priest. We are headed to the Citadel. I am also going to pour a healing potion down Sahide's throat. Get ready to move."

Entreri and Callahan just stood there as Avariel poured the healing potion down Sahide's throat. He was a little groggy.

"Are we leaving?" he asked, seeing the fire elemental in the distance.

Avariel nodded. Sahide looked to Artemis and realized that they probably didn't even know who she was.

"This is Avariel; she's the Thief Lord—kind of an opposite in Aramil where length of title is concerned."

Avariel smiled and bowed low. "Shall we go?"

Everyone nodded.

77

Nova was a bloody mess. Not the shape you wanted to be in when the High Priest contacted you.

"You want WHAT!" she roared. He had just asked her to go back to the Citadel, and what was more, she was going to end up helping an Entreri.

"You heard me," High Priest Cletran said calmly.

"Fine," Nova said quietly. She put her hand to her forehead. "I'll do it."

Cletran smiled and helped her to her feet. It was time that the Maskarrans had a real Assassin Lord.

Author's Note: I would like to thank ArielD for being my Beta reader.

YoginiGal: Where Artemis's abilities are from you'll have to piece together yourself. Just remember that Ali has similiar abilities.