Chapter Eleven: The Road West

Spring seemed to come too fast for Katla. It was not that she hated the spring, but loathed the journey to Straankeep that came with the coming of spring.

Iasa was not happy about going to his father's new home. He, like Katla, wished they could avoid going.

The day before they were to leave, Kamiel tried to talk the two out of going back . "I know you two think it is your responsibility, but I don't think it is. Besides, either route to the west will be dangerous for any inexperienced travelers like yourselves. It might be better for the both of you if you joined up with one of the groups leaving."

"Are there any going west?"

"None that you would want to travel with, Katla. Most of the Amaquissars are heading towards Evereska, and I know you do not want to go there."

"Certainly not."

"Why not Katla? After all, my father's cousin, Kymil lives there. We both know him. I am sure he would help."

Kamiel frowned. "You have not told him yet?"

"I did not want to send him into a lamenting fit."

Iasa stood and put his hands on his hips. "Enough secrets, Katla. Now what are you talking about?"

Katla stood and went nose to nose with Iasa. "Kymil Nimesin burned down Wisteria Manor. He killed most of my family and nearly got both of us killed."

"Nonsense! You have no proof of that."

Kamiel stood and crossed his arms. "Actually, she does. I gave her a partially burned pitch pot from the last bit of arson he performed. All she has to do is compare it to the one Isolder has, and you will have your proof. Nimesin is evil, no matter what kind of face he puts to the public."

Iasa pulled his sword. "Outside, Kamiel. You have slandered my blood kin and put false words in Katla's mouth."

Kamiel pulled his sword, marched to the door and kicked it forcefully open. "I can speak of Kymil Nimesin's evil all I wish. I also have the blood right to do so! More so than you!" He grabbed Iasa by the collar and shoved him out the door. "If you want to fight over it, cousin, fine by me!" Kamiel slammed the door behind him.

Katla started towards the door, but the few remaining guests rushed ahead of her. Those whom Iasa had rubbed the wrong way on more than one occasion longed to see Kamiel give Iasa a good beating.

By the time Katla made it out the door, Kamiel and Iasa were already fighting .

The small crowd was jeering and cheering as the swords rang .

"Stop it, both of you!" Katla screamed at the top of her lungs but neither of them heard her.

Neither Iasa nor Kamiel paid any attention to the sound of those around them. They concentrated every effort on their fight.

Iasa was doing well defending himself, but that was all he could do.

Kamiel slashed at Iasa , making several cuts.

Iasa tried to be careful to not allow Kamiel a killing blow, but Kamiel was simply too fast.

"You know, looking at their faces as they fight, it almost looks like they are brothers." Lysar commented as he put his hand on Katla's shoulder."

"They are cousins. " Katla breathed out. "You are right. Iasa has gotten a little taller over the winter. Now that I look, the resemblance is there."

"Cousins? Mom's side?"

"I am afraid not, Lysar."

"Ugh, no wonder." Lysar gripped onto Katla tighter.

"Watch your grip, Lysar, You are going to bruise up my shoulder."

Lysar let go as he and Katla watched Kamiel find an opening in Iasa's defense.

"Oh gods!" Katla screeched as she saw Kamiel's sword thrust into Iasa's midsection.

Iasa fell to the ground unconscious. The blood pooled around him as he lie on the snow patched grass.

Lysar rushed onto the battlefield. "Idiot! You are not supposed to kill our guests, no matter how bad you hate them!"

"Shut up Lysar. " He wiped his sword off on Iasa's tunic. "I am sure Katla can heal him up. I hit nothing vital. Healing up for a day or two in the dungeon should teach him to watch his mouth." Kamiel stomped back into the lodge and headed up to his room.

Katla went to Iasa and began using every healing spell she knew to stop the blood. As she looked, she noticed that Kamiel had used the sword thrust technique that Xarlion had taught her earlier that year. The technique that made a non lethal thrust look lethal.

Katla sighed with relief as the wound quickly closed .

"Kamiel says he has to spend a couple of days in the dungeon. I suppose that means that you will be putting your travel plans on hold for a few days."

"At least a week. Perhaps more if he catches a cold."

Lysar laughed. "Kamiel is such a conniver. This time of year there is a caravan of merchants who pass close to here. They go west across the Anauroch desert on their way towards Silverymoon. I just bet that Kamiel was thinking of a way to keep you here until the caravan got here. Iasa gave him an excuse."

Lysar and a few of the others lifted Iasa's limp form and carried him to the dungeon.

Katla followed close behind, offering a dozen complaints.

"Don't worry. Iasa is my friend. I will make sure he has a brazier and plenty of blankets. I won't let him get sick." Lysar said as he lay Iasa on the cot in the cell. "Go talk to Kamiel. I am sure he could use a little cheering up. He doesn't like to hurt people unless it is a life or death situation."

"Thank you, Lysar. I will talk to him, but I can not guarantee he will be cheered by my words."

"What do you want?" Kamiel groaned as Katla entered his room.

"Is there truly a caravan that goes west that passes through here every year?"

"Yes."

"Is that the reason you wounded Iasa?"

"You know that it is not. He is a spoiled, selfish brat. He needed to be taken down a peg before he caused you harm."

Katla moved closer to examine the superficial cuts Kamiel had gained in the fight. "Thank you for not killing him. You are right. He is selfish, but he is my friend."

"He is madly in love with you."

"He has no idea what love is. His father sent him away because he did not want to deal with more sons. My father tried to show him some caring, out of respect for his sister, who is Iasa's mother, but my father had too many other children and the responsibilities of the Astral Knights to deal with."

Kamiel nodded as he allowed Katla to heal his wounds.

"Kamiel, you are more like Corellon than you realize. Sometimes, when your voice sounds gruff, it is so much like his."

"You really do believe you have a personal bond to The Father God?"

"Yes, I do. I know it sounds far fetched, but it is true. Now that I know that I am a berserker, the bond makes a bit more sense. My feelings for Corellon are deeper than any other feeling of love I have ever had. It is a bond, and something more that I can not quite grasp the meaning of yet. I do know he comes to me, and he speaks to me."

Kamiel nodded. "Go over to that trunk, there is a green scarf inside, take it out and bring it here."

Katla opened the trunk and handed the scarf to Kamiel. He carefully unfolded the material and showed Katla the intricate embroidery in the center, a symbol of a harp within a circle.

"When you get to Silverymoon, there is a priest at the temple of Selune called Caramon. I want you to give this to him."

"This is the same symbol that is in the guard posts through the tunnel."

Kamiel nodded. "Someday perhaps you will understand its meaning. For now, let me just say that it, in it's own way, is a message. I have the feeling I will have some trouble after you leave."

"I will keep it safe."

Kamiel nodded as he lay back on the bed. "It may not sound surprising to you , but despite everything, I still love you. I wish thiramin was more predictable.If so, I could make you stay."

"But such a thing is not. I must go get something to eat."

Kamiel smiled as she left his room. "A remarkable woman." He sighed.

"You did not disagree with him?" Iasa grumbled as he grabbed his gear and readied himself for the journey east.

"No. You have been a pain for the past few months, with no good reason. A little time in his dungeon did you no harm. Besides, Lysar made sure you had a brazier and plenty of blankets and plenty to eat. You did far from suffer."

Iasa huffed and frowned. "I don't know you anymore Katla. You have been acting strange for weeks. I don't know how to tell you how I feel about it."

"It is not jealousy, I can tell you that much. Protectiveness, perhaps, but I know you are not in love with me."

"No need to be so blunt."

"You value duty and honor above all else. I have been your only friend for years. It is a natural mistake."

Iasa grabbed Katla around the shoulders for a hug. "You are right, of course. And.. there were so many things I could not really discuss with you, because you were a girl... and well because..."

"You were afraid I would tell my father about it and he would inform your mother who would inform your father. The end result being a beating."

"Yes. That too. There are just some things that can only be told man to man. If I had not met Lysar, my internal burdens might have stayed locked away." He released her from the hug, smiled and sighed "I have been going through some emotional turmoil. Well, I did not take it as far as you did, but I understand why you made yourself sick. I have been having strange dreams during my reverie. Dreams about someone I should not be dreaming about."

Katla gasped and blinked, " You have been dreaming about Arvandor too?"

Iasa looked at her wide eyed, "Is that why you were so distracted from your physical health? did your really see Arvandor?"

"Yes, Iasa. I saw Arvandor as clearly as the tree that makes up this hall. I had no control over it, until Corellon came to my dreams and showed me how to gain control of the visions. It was very unbalancing. Along with the knowledge that Kymil burned down Wisteria Manor, and the knowledge that Kamiel hated being Kymil's natural son. It was all just too much."

Iasa looked at Katla and nodded, "I am sorry I goaded him into that fight. Lysar told me after the first few days in the dungeon. I feel awful, but don't know how to apologize. I don't particularly like Kamiel, but I respect him. It takes much work to keep a place like this safe. If I had his resolve, I know I could face my father boldly."

"At least the scouts spotted the merchant caravan a days travel away, by their pace. We can be on our way as soon as their business here is conducted."

Iasa sighed, nodded, and continued to work on his gear for a few more moments. "I don't want to go to Straankeep. I will make sure you are safely there. I will stay long enough for you to earn your spurs and your holy sword, but then I must go. I need to find a way to bring Airlia back to Faerun."

Katla looked at him seriously. "Are you sure your father will let you leave? If Iagron shows his madness again, he will want you to be the heir to Straankeep. Who knows what Onagron will pull to keep you there."

"Then as my best friend, you must help me escape, or find a way to keep Iagron at bay. You can do it. You, above all other people can do it, Katla. After all, you have beatenIagron, thoroughly, once."

"I don't even remember his face, how the hellsdid I beat him? Besides, he is a very powerful wizard, like your father."

Iasa blinked a couple of times. "I can't believe it! You mean you don't know what happened the night your mother died?"

Katla took a few deep breaths as flashes of memory came into her head, but none of the pictures that flashed before her eyes made any sense. "I don't remember, only dark images."

Iasa nodded a couple of times. "Well perhaps it is for the best. Iain, while he was still here, let me read a little bit about berserkers. Those without proper training often forget themselves when in the midst of a rage. That is why Iain nearly pissed himself when you poised yourself during your duel."

"What are you getting at, Iasa?"

"Would you believe me if I told you that your mother's death was an accident? And, would you believe me that her murderer missed his mark and hit her when he was aiming at an assassin?"

"What are you talking about?"

Iasa took a deep breath and blew it out. A small tear graced his eye before he could wipe it away. "It is why I have such a heavy duty to you, Katla. I was the one who killed your mother. I did not mean to. I did not have a good a control of throwing knives then. I was restless that night. I was not supposed to be where I was, but I wanted to look out the windows at the stars without being bothered. Iagron was meeting your mother for a tryst. She was in love with him and he with her. They had plans to run away together."

Katla stood stunned as the pictures in her mind slowly began to take shape.

"Katla, I will never forget your screams, your mother's groans of death or Iagron's wailing. Iagron used spells to dispatch most of the assassins in the room, then turned to you. He screamed and ranted about it being all your fault because your mother insisted on taking you with her. Before he could let out with another spell, you grabbed one of your father's old long swords from the wall. It was twice your size, but you wielded it as if it weighed nothing. Your father had already begun to teach you some swordplay, but you waved the huge thing as if it were literally an extension of yourself. You nearly cut him down where he stood, before he turned and ran. That is when you dropped the sword and ran like a wailing banshee to wake up the rest of the household."

"You killed my mother." Katla breathed out. Her heart ached as tears ran down her face in rivers. The tears hit the wood floor and the flowers sprouted up.

Iasa let his own tears fall as he took Katla in his arms for a hug. "I am sorry, oh gods, I am so sorry. It was an accident. I saw the assassin headed towards her and tried to be a hero. I should have cried out instead."

Katla wiped her tears. She looked down at the flowers at her feet but was no longer afraid that they appeared. "No, do not blame yourself anymore. You tried your best. If I had known that was the reason that your duty to me was so strong, I would have released you. You could have gone to Nyärith with Airlia."

"I was shunned in your household. It was not the same as the way they treated you, but your siblings all knew I was a murderer. You and your father and Sandrine did not blame me for your mother's death. I did not realize that you did not remember."

Katla nodded. "Now I know. I promise I will help you find Airlia. Is it thiramin?"

Iasa said nothing, but shrugged.

"We had best get these flowers cleaned up before Yuula goes into another of her religious fits. I am glad Kamiel told me the story of the Warrior of the Flower Tears. I am certain it has to do with the history of the berserkers. Iain has promised to help research it. He is sending messages to the Edificent Library as well as Candlekeep to inquire about the information."

Iasa nodded again. "I think I will get something to eat and take reverie. I have much to think on."

Katla nodded, then shook her head as soon as Iasa left the room. "I wish I had remembered before now."

The merchants turned out to be quite a lively bunch. Not only were there people selling their wears, but minstrels and actors.

Katla sat between Kamiel and Iasa as a group of jugglers danced around to a lively tune.

"Where are Yuula, Ormin and Bhintel?"

"Mother wants to keep Bhintel and Ormin hidden. She worries that someone will try to kill them if they are seen. These merchants are mostly strangers and would not understand why there are two drow here."

"Bad for business as well, hmm?" Iasa added.

"Well, we do count on their supplies every year. Especially the healing potions and the wands that purify water that mother buys from that wizard over in the corner. He is the leader of the caravan, and never travels without a full entourage. Fellow knows about Ormin, but, it would be bad for his business as well if drow were spotted among us. Pity really. Ormin really likes the old man."

Katla rolled her eyes and picked at the food on her plate. She was not really hungry. The idea of traveling through the Anauroch both frightened and excited her. Also, Elliberyl Amaquissar had decided to travel with her and Iasa rather than with her family.

"I am doing this for your safety, Katla." Elli had said. "My brother will give away your location, and the location of prince Xarlion for the right price once he reaches Evereska. I have a score to settle with him. You took so many of my guard duties, at your own risk. I owe him a bit of annoyance and I owe you a debt of honor. I always pay my debts. Besides, I am loyal to the Queen and will not have her son put in jeopardy for mere coin."

Katla rolled Elli's words in her head. She loathed having a known thief and assassin among them, but the more she weighed the options, she knew she could do worse. After all, the Amaquissars were the Queen's own personal assassins, when called upon. They were the best at their duties. And, although Elli was only a scant few years older than Katla, she knew the girl was already an expert.

Convincing Iasa that her presence was a good idea was another matter. Katla decided to wait to tell him the morning they were leaving, so Iasa could not throw one of his fits.

"You must be enjoying the entertainment." Kamiel said in a swarthy tone," You are hardly touching your food."

"I have much on my mind."

"I could help you forget your troubles for a while, if you want."

"Stop it, Kamiel," Iasa piped in, "You don't need to be seducing her to stay."

"He's joking, Iasa. No need for you to be so concerned."

"But am I joking?" Kamiel said with a wink. "I could just be wanting to give you a good memory for the road."

Iasa snorted, stood and headed for the kitchens. "I am going to go help Lysar with the dishes."

"Poor fellow, he doesn't want to leave."

"He has no love for his father. Iasa is afraid Onagron will try to make him crown prince of Straankeep."

"Ugh, he is not suited for that kind of responsibility."

"Iasa knows that is true."

"So, are you going to take me up on my offer of helping you relax before tomorrow?"

Katla stood and offered Kamiel her hand. " I have no reason to say no."

Their goodbyes were tearful. Iasa tried to hide his sorrow at leaving the only male friend in his life, but he could not . Lysar and Iasa ignored everyone else as they hugged and wept with each other.

Katla and Iasa met with Bhintel and the rest down in the kitchens.

"Go and face your fears, but if you are in need, you are always welcome to come back and talk to me."

"I will, Bhintel, I will."

"What about me?"

"Well, Kamiel, I can always count on you for a comforting word and a good tumble. I will miss you." She kissed him on the cheek.

"I want a kiss too. You haven't kissed me, not once." Ormin screeched as he threw his skinny arms around Katla.

"Alright, one kiss for Ormin." She said as she started to plant a kiss on the boy's forehead. Ormin moved so the kiss was on his lips and he drew her in tighter, trying to deepen the kiss.

"Ormin! That is enough!" Yuula shouted as she pulled her youngest son off of Katla.

"But mother, I decided it. Since she is a sacred warrior and she is really pretty, I wanted her to give me my first real kiss! Then I could tell my kids about it when I get some."

Katla threw her head back and laughed. "You could have asked, Ormin."

"But I did, didn't I?"

"Yes, I suppose you did." Katla looked up at Yuula to inquire whether she should make good on Ormin's wish.

Yuula rolled her eyes and wrinkled her nose, but she could not resist her son's pleading eyes. "Oh, alright. Let her give you a real kiss."

Ormin jumped for joy, threw his arms around Katla and puckered up his lips.

Katla massaged his face so Ormin relaxed a bit, then she gave him a good wet kiss that sent the boy reeling.

"Wow, " Ormin said as he stumbled back into his father's arms, "That was amazing. Can you show me that again?"

"Now that is enough son. You will have plenty of girls to kiss when you are a bit older. I am sorry Katla, but he has been wanting to kiss you for months. He has been practicing with his mother's brass mirror."

"So that is why my hand mirror is so smudged!" Yulla roared and grabbed Ormin by the ear. "You have extra clean up duty. You will clean all the brass in the house."

"But mother!" Ormin said as Yuula sat him down at the table where she was polishing the brassware. Ormin gave a sigh and smiled. "It was worth it." He mumbled.

Katla and Iasa gave everyone one last hug before heading upstairs to meet with the caravan waiting outside the front door.

The first few days of their journey with the caravan, Iasa ignored Katla. He was extremely angry with her. He felt free to express his anger since Katla had released him from his obligation, but he had been her protector for so long, he kept his distance so not to upset her.

"If Iasa doesn't find a way to use his anger constructively, he will not last very long."

"I agree, Elli, but I have no idea what to do to help him. I took the weight of guilt he carried, for my sake, off of his shoulders, and now he does not know what to do with himself."

"Is it like that among all of the high nobles?"

"Sadly, it is like that for many of us of high birth. We are sheltered, given a narrow view, and few skills to work with. In a way, my reputation gave me an advantage to broaden my skills. Iasa had no such encouragement."

Elli nodded as they walked along beside one of the wagons. "You know in some ways, the actors are sheltered as well." She giggled. "They can only rely on their wits. I have yet to meet any one of these who ride in the wagons who can ride a horse or wield a real blade."

"Speaking of horses, why aren't you riding one?"

"These old nags? There are so few to go around and I don't want to ride with any of these petty pickpockets. I am waiting until we reach the desert's edge. The mounts they sell at the inn outside of Dagger Falls are much more suited to desert travel. If we are lucky, the will not just have desert horses, but camels."

"What's a camel?"

"Big animal with four legs, a long neck and a hump on it's back. Only bad thing about them is the way they spit. The best thing about them is their speed and endurance."

Katla scratched her head and tied to imagine the sort of animal that Elli was describing. After a few moments she rubbed her forehead to relive it of the ache she caused to herself.

"One thing is for certain, Old Hassan likes the fact that you are along with us. That old wizard has a huge respect for berserkers."

"The wizard who sold Yuula the potions and such?"

"That's the one. He owns the caravan. The big wagon is actually his home. It has to be so big because he has four wives that stay with him."

"Four wives! Elli, surely you jest?"

"No. He's a Calimshite. According to his faith, you can have as many wives as you have wealth enough to support them. I believe that angers Iasa more than having me along."

"Why would you say that?"

"Because the second day into out trip, Hassan asked Iasa if you were married and if he could have permission to court you. It has nothing to do with you personally, I believe. I think the human is just fascinated that you are a berserker who is both a female and an elf. So, I would watch myself when I am around Hassan."

"Thank you for the advice."

"Oh, and for the sake of the gods, don't ever sleep with Hassan. According to his faith, coupling is like a formal engagement proclamation. Humans are so strange."

Katla cocked her eyebrow and shook her head. "That they are Elli, that they are."

Katla stared with awe at her first look at the Anauroch desert. She had never seen anything so barren in her life. The sight of the desert lessened her shock at the sight of the camels that Elli insisted she buy for herself and Iasa.

"I have plenty of money for my own, and we can trade them for horses on the other side. They may look ugly, but once you get used to riding one, you will see the advantage quickly."

"I don't see why we have to ride these ugly beasts when no one else in the caravan is buying them." Iasa grumbled.

Elli patted Iasa on the shoulder. "Because we are planning to go ahead of them once we are a day or two into the desert."

"Don't touch me. And since when did you decide that we should go on ahead on our own?"

Elli lowered her voice so that only Katla and Iasa could hear her. "Because some of Hassan's business practices are not all what they seem. He has few scruples in his dealings. He plans to sell goods to the Zhentarim who are heading for the City of Shade. He might even be persuaded to go there. No one in their right mind would set foot anywhere near that place."

"How bad can it be?" Iasa harrumphed.

"Evil, of the most vile kind. So bad even the spider queen will not go near the place."

"Then it is settled. I agree with Elli in this, Iasa, since she has traveled the Black Road before."

Iasa grumbled at both Elli and Katla, but nodded his agreement as well.

Hassan held a celebration on the fourth night of their journey through the desert.

Katla and Iasa both could see the wisdom of traveling as much as possible by night and the early mornings before the sun above got too hot. To host a party at night, so soon into the journey seemed suspicious.

Elli shared their unease. "Are your things still packed on your camels?"

"Yes. " Katla replied assuredly.

"You have not eaten or drunk anything that they have served you?"

"No, but I can not say the same for Iasa." Katla said as she elbowed him.

"I only had a little water. Are you sure we will have enough water for the rest of our journey?"

"I am not sure, but I am sure that we should gather as much water as we can and leave quickly. something is not right. You two stay here while I take water skins from the other mounts."

Katla nodded and pulled her sword. She carefully rested her back against her camel as it lie in the sand. She wanted to get closer to the camp fires, where it was warmer, but she decided the heat from the camel's body would be enough.

Iasa, seeing Katla, drew his sword as well, but stayed standing.

Figures seemed to move through the shadows towards the camp.

"Do you see that?"

"Yes, Iasa. Now keep your voice down. And pull up the hood of your cloak. The moonlight reflecting off your hair shines like a beacon."

Iasa nodded and pulled up his dark hood. He crouched down, watching the shadowy figures move closer to the camp.

Elli moved silently around behind Katla and Iasa, frightening Iasa when she quietly spoke. "Zhentarim. I wonder if that snake, Hassan is negotiating the sale of us as slaves. Elven slaves are highly prized by the Zhentarim. I know if there were more of us, Hassan would not dare. I collected several water skins from their mounts. We need to leave, now."

Iasa and Katla mounted their camels and followed Elli as she slowly led them out of sight of the camp fires. Elli looked at the moon and stars. She made a signal with her arm as she spurred her camel into a run. Iasa and Katla followed suit.

Within moments of their frantic ride, shouts could be heard over the sands.

"I think they discovered our flight." Iasa said.

"Shut up and keep that camel at full speed. I did not see any camels among their mounts. Camels are faster when rested, which ours are."

The three kept their mounts at full speed until the noise from pursuers quieted. Even afterward, Elli kept them moving, even if their pace was slightly slower. "We do not know how many of their allies are on the road ahead. Did either of you see which direction the Zhents came from?"

"The shadowy figures going towards Hassan's camp? They did not seem to come from the same direction as we came." Iasa replied.

"Damn. That means we will need to keep an eye out as we move. There is a good chance we will encounter an ambush if we stop."

"Even through the heat of the day?"

"Yes, Katla. I know it will be rough, but we don't want to get caught."

Iasa harrumphed, "And you thought it would be worse to travel around and stop in Evereska."

"We would both be dead, for certain, if we had taken that route. Nimesin already tried to kill me once, and did kill most of my family."

"You have yet to prove that. It is not certain until you compare the pitch pot to the one your father has in his possession."

"Will both of you quit arguing. We need to be quiet."

Katla nodded and pushed her camel close enough to Iasa's in order to kick him in the leg.

Iasa frowned, but stayed silent.

Iasa wondered about Elli's assumption of an attack on the road ahead as the night broke into morning, and there was still no sight of the enemy. Hi stomach was growling and his head was heavy. "Are you sure we can not stop, at least for a little while?"

"Do you need to relieve yourself, Iasa?"

"Well, no, but..."

"Then we are not stopping."

"If you put it that way," Katla said, "I could use a small break. Iasa needs some dried meat in his stomach before it's rumbling gives us away."

Elli rolled her eyes at Iasa, but nodded and quickly found a small dune that looked like an easily defendable spot. "We go one at a time as the other two stand guard. "

Katla dived for a small amount of scrub.

"You are awfully bossy." Iasa said with a wavering voice as he pushed the sand around in a circle with his toe.

"I can say the same for you. I only get bossy when I am frightened. I am very frightened right now. I wonder if it was wise to accompany you, but I know you would be dead or enslaved if I hadn't."

"You came because you felt it was right?"

"That, and other things. I like Katla ... and I like you too, I suppose."

"Thank you for your confidence in me" Iasa said sarcastically.

"I also have business in Straankeep. I have family, on my mother's side, who moved there not long ago. I knew I would never get to see her if I traveled with my brother's family."

"I think I know where this is going," Iasa said as he put his hands on his hips. "You and your brother are only half siblings, and your brother hated your mother."

Elli shook her head, "My brother and I are full siblings, but our mother left out father, because she felt the call to be an Astral Knight."

"I am done, who's next?" Katla said as she returned.

Iasa grumbled then pushed Elli towards the bushes. "You next."

Ellie frowned and stomped away.

"What was that all about?"

"I found out why she came with us. Her mother is an Astral Knight."

"I will have to ask her if her mother holds one of the nine swords. At least it will give us something to whisper about when we can't sleep."

"She's trouble."

"And, you, Iasa, like that for some reason. It is why you grumble so much instead of whine." she poked him in the side.

"Katla!"

"I have known you a long time, Iasa. Don't nay-say me about your moods. I know them well."

"Alright, I like her. I like her free spirit and her courage."

"Your turn Iasa. You can grab the meat from your pack and eat on the way. We have already wasted enough time."

"Elli, how long will it take to get through the desert?"

"At our current pace, at least a fortnight, but there is a small hidden oasis a few days ahead. We can fill the water skins there."

Katla looked at the dawn turned into day and sighed.

They kept their camels at an easy pace as they set off away from the rising sun.

The attack came with the afternoon sun shining in their faces.

A score or more of Zhentarim soldiers were escorting a group of slaves and a wagon of supplies.

"They anticipated we would ride ahead hard!" Iasa shouted.

"At least most of them are on foot! Watch out for spears." Katla yelled as she spurred her camel, pulled her weapon and charged the soldiers who came at them.

Fighting atop a camel was not the same as fighting atop a horse, but Katla did her best to compensate. She managed to decapitate two soldiers before she was forced to slow her pace.

Elli rode her camel past the fray and dismounted atop the supply wagon, slashing at the red garbed occupants.

Iasa maneuvered his camel between Katla's attack and Elli's attack, slashing at the soldiers holding onto the chain of slaves.

A huge human slave on the end looped his chain around one of his captors, choked the life out ofthe guardand stole the keys to his chains. Once freed, the huge slave grabbed the soldier's sword and aided Katla, Iasa and Elli in the fight.

"For Corellon!" Katla shouted as she dismounted. She let the berserker rage flow through her. As she breathed in the smell of blood and sweat, she noticed how all of the soldiers closing in on her seemed to be moving at a snail's pace. She smiled as she found every opening she could. When she could not find an opening, she created one, by stopping her actions and daring the opponent to come closer.

Katla laughed and reveled in the bloodshed, until suddenly she felt pain course through her as her chest and arms were engulfed in flame. She rolled on the ground to put the fire out, then into a crouch and stood to see another line of flame come at her. Katla quickly fell into another roll to dodge.

Katla came up from her roll facing the wagon. One of the men from the wagon gesturing with his fingers.

Iasa rushed to Katla's side, but she only growled and pushed him aside as she made her way purposely towards the wagon.

The escaped slave dispatched a few more guards as he quickly freed the rest of the slaves.

The slaves that knew how to use weapons quickly stole the swords and such off the dead bodies and fought alongside Iasa. They helped him to kill the last of the soldiers that were assaulting him.

Katla did not slow her pace as she reached the wagon. She could feel the pain of the spell one of the red robed men used upon her. She could feel the power of the berserkergang healing wounds that would have killed anyone else.

"Impossible!" The man who cast the spell yelled as Katla strode towards him. He tried to gesture again but Katla made a gesture and wave with her free arm, silencing his voice.

Katla saw Elli laying face down in the sand and growled at the red robed man. She raised her sword and cut off his arms first, then taking her time as she tore him limb from limb before allowing him to die.

Another bloodied, red robed figure rose from the wagon and gaped at the way Katla was killing his companion. A knife flew through the air, hitting him in the throat, silencing his scream before it could leave his lips.

Elli rolled over and looked up at Katla. "I am fine, just had the wind knocked out of me." She stood and dusted herself off, not expecting Katla to attack her.

Elli quickly jumped out of the way.

A forest elf slave rushed over and grabbed Elli, dragging her away from Katla.

Katla walked in circles, feeling the intense pain of her healing body and the intense thrill of causing death.

The slaves she had just helped to free circled her with weapons brandished.

"Hold!" The large, brown-haired human slave yelled to the rest of the slaves. "All of you, if you value your lives, put your weapons down and back away from her slowly!"

The slaves looked at the huge man and did as he bade.

"Katla!" Iasa shouted as he sheathed his sword and slowly made his way towards her.

"What in the hells are you doing, boy. She could kill you! Move away until she calms!"

"I know how to calm her down."

"Nothing will calm her as long as she is in that much pain. I have seen this many times before."

"Who in the hell do you think you are?" Iasa yelled at the huge man. "I have known her all my life, I can calm her."

"Uasil Haadraad of Ruathym. I have much experience with battle rages. She's hurt bad, and will not be calmed until she heals some." Uasil grabbed Iasa and pulled him out of harms way just as Katla slashed with her sword.

Once out of Katla's range, Iasa stood and looked at her in shock. "She would never hurt me, she's my kin... Why?"

"You had best pray to your gods while I keep her in that circle. She will not come out of that rage for some time." Uasil made circles around Katla, not attacking, but keeping her from running away and possibly hurting anyone. At one point, he tried to disarm her, but Katla was too fast. Luckily Uasil only came away with a small scratch.

Iasa screamed at the top of his lungs, "Katla, remember Corellon! Pray to Corellon! Let him help you. I did not believe you before, but I do now! Invoke Corellon to come to you!"

Elli looked at Iasa as if he were insane. She tried to grab him to help him quiet down, but the elven male that had saved her life earlier, caught Elli by the arm.

"What do you want? Can't you see he is going mad?"

The male looked Elli and gestured.

"Speak, damn you. I don't know what you are trying to say."

The male shook his head.

"His name is Loelvar." One of the slim elven females said as she approached Elli. "The Red Wizards had his tongue cut out after he tried to use magic to escape."

Loelvar looked at Elli and nodded.

"He was once a bard of some sort before he was captured." the girl continued, "Perhaps he wants us al to pray?"

Loelvar looked at the girl and nodded. He went on his knees in a prayerful stance and looked at Elli and the girl to follow him.

"I am Shadow." The girl said as she went on her knees beside Loelvar.

Elli, realizing that praying was better than ranting like Iasa, went on her knees as well.

Iasa continued to call out to Katla until his voice failed him.

Uasil continued to keep Katla at bay.

It was nearly an hour before Katla calmed enough to come to her senses. She dropped her sword, swooned and passed out into Uasil's arms.

"There we go. We will get you to the wagon. Loel, Shadow, see if any of any of those healing supplies survived the fight!"

Iasa rushed to Uasil as he carried Katla in his huge arms.

Elli helped Loel and Shadow clear the dead body of the red wizard out of the wagon as they searched for healing potions.

"You, whatever your name is,"

"Iasa."

"Iasa, right. You go tear that robe off that other dead wizard. The least bloody part of it ,anyway. We will need the cloth to wrap her up. She healed up pretty well, but she still has some nasty burns from that fire spell. We don't need the sun making the burns worse." He placed Katla carefully down in the wagon.

"I found some healing potions." Shadow handed them to Uasil and jumped from the wagon. "I will go see to everyone else and see if we can get the horses and camels back."

"Good, even though this little lady is hurt, we have enough potions, and at least one healer to stabilize her." Uasil said as he turned to Elli. "I think you agree that we should get away from here as soon as possible."

"I agree, but you were going in the opposite direction we were."

"Not by choice, silver hair. We will go back the other way. I don't know of any other caravans, of any kind coming from the west. As for myself, and several of the others, we would rather be going back west, to where our homes are."

Iasa brought the robes over to Uasil whom shredded them to make wide, long bandages. "Help me get the healing potions down her, Iasa. I am sure you are the one who wants that task."

Iasa nodded as Uasil bandaged up the burns. "Thank you sir."

"Bah, it us who should be thanking you. We were on our way to the City of Shade to be sold for use in flying ships. Debt's paid."

Iasa held Katla's hand, as the rest of the people gathered together everything they could and prepared for the journey west.

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