As the companions crested a hill they could see the outline of Baulder's Gate.
"We can be there by the evening," Avariel said matter-of-factly.
"How much do people know about Baulder's Gate?" Callahan asked. He was looking at Entreri
"I have been there on several occasions," Entreri answered.
"I traveled through with Aramil," Sahide responded.
"I have gone through myself," Avariel added.
"We won't have a problem then," Jarlaxle said.
The group started up again.
22
"I don't believe it!" Nova Von Houchie screeched. She was staring at a piece of parchment. It was details on Artemis Entreri. She just kept staring at the picture of his dagger.
Nova sat back in her chair and thought. She had to protect Artemis Entreri. That was what Cletran had ordered, begged, her to do. Now, she had even more reason.
"Something tells me it will take more than protection than he currently has," she muttered under her breath.
It was time to do what was, to any other assassin, unthinkable. She was going to call help in from an outside source.
"Well, Artemis, if anyone can protect you it's Nightwing and Wraith." Nova smiled. Cletran would argue, but she didn't care. This now mattered to the Circle as much as it did the assassins. Oh well, she had better get going on those calls before the High Priest caught wind of it.
222
The sound of a twig breaking was the only warning the group had before a colum of flame descended upon them.
Entreri, Avariel, and Sahide easily dived completely out of the way. Jarlaxle's fire resistance saved him. Unfortunately, Callahan was fried. One spell, and Callahan was unconscious.
The only advantage was that the invisible cleric became visible again. Laughing madly, he attacked Entreri. Jarlaxle almost wanted to laugh. Of all the people in the group to attack Entreri was the dumbest. Surprisingly, the cleric of Cyric predicted Entreri better than anyone else.
The cleric charged. Entreri drew his weapons planning to fight. Then, realized how close to death Callahan was. Entreri dove to the side. The cleric swerved his longsword around and hit the assassin in the arm. A deep gash appeared.
Jarlaxle began hurling daggers at the cleric, they hit but it would take a lot of them to take this enemy down. Avariel snuck up behind the cleric and sneak attacked him. He gasped. The pause was long enough for Entreri to get to Callahan. Sahide guarded Entreri.
Callahan was almost dead. Entreri touched Callahan's face, there was no saving the elf. A spark flashed from the man's dagger that lay at his side. It began to glow feircly.
"NOOOOO!" shouted the cleric. Sahide pounced him. The cleric didn't stand a chance.
Entreri just looked at his dagger, then he heard a voice.
"Callahan is not dead yet. Let me into your mind, and I will teach you how to heal." The voice sounded feminine. Entreri didn't even think about it before nodding.
Avariel and Jarlaxle were just about to run to Entreri when Sahide barred their path.
"You might break his concentration," the panther explained.
Avariel and Jarlaxle exchanged worried glances, than watched.
Green particles seemed to flow towards Entreri. The assassin slowly worked them through a thread that was becoming visible. He began to speed up. After about a minute he stopped. Callahan looked up at his mentor, startled.
"Think you can walk?" Entreri asked.
"I only have a small burn," the elf replied.
Soundlessly, Entreri helped his apprentice to his feet. Sahide went for Artemis. Jarlaxle and Avariel followed.
"We had better go before any more clerics turn up," Jarlaxle said. He was clearly somewhat worried.
Entreri nodded and they headed off again.
Jarlaxle looked at Entreri. He just wasn't sure what to think.
2222
The group had gotten into Baulder's Gate, after about 300 gold pieces in bribes. Now,Jarlaxle and Entreri were sharing a room. Callahan was with Sahide. Jarlaxle wanted to talk to Entreri some more, and didn't trust Sahide.
The man had healed Callahan. Now, he was bandaging the gash that had come from the sword wound. It wasn't bad, but it would get infected if not tended to. I can heal it myself, the drow thought.
"I'll get that," he said to Entreri. He pulled out his healing orb and began to chant.
22222
The body was a day old. Sokale looked at it. This was not the work of Charon's Claw or of Entreri's dagger.
A spot of dried blood caught the vampire's attention. He bent down and sniffed. It was Artemis's. They were probably still in Baulder's Gate. Smiling, he cast a quick spell that brought him in a dark alley inside the city. He would end the pain tonight.