"No, no, and no!" snapped the dark-eyed man, who, though he neared his sixty-fifth birthday, appeared ten years younger to anyone who didn't know his true age.

Deep scars in his face and corns in his strong hands revealed in this man great warrior, even though his best days had already passed. "This is a suicidal! And you know it!"

The man was talking to a tall and rather eccentric drow, who was clad in a multi-colored cape, and an unfastened short leather vest. His enormous hat didn't allow seeing his face. But the human didn't need to. He new this self-righteous, cheeky smirk far too well…

"Since when Artemis Entreri is afraid of suicide?" the dark elf laughed. Entreri sent him an anger filled glance. ""Well, calm yourself, my friend. There is no choice. We need food and rest. You need the help of a cleric."

"I do not," the assassin insisted. He was sitting on a rock, gingerly rubbing his ankle. It was probably broken. The swelling was worse and so was the pain. "It's just a couple of days to Silverymoon, perhaps I can..."

"Hop?" Jarlaxle finished mockingly. "It's about two hundred leagues from here to the town on narrow trails through mountains." Entreri dropped his eyes… "I wish you luck, my friend! I'll visit our old friends." The drow turned on his hills, and started to walk away.

"What are we to tell them?" Entreri exclaimed. "Greetings! Remember me? I wanted to kill you and your friends so many times that I've lost count. But will you be so kind as to allow the dwarf cleric of yours to heal my ankle? It would also be very good of you to give me and my friend... who is one of the drow who attacked Mithril Hall so long ago...food and place to rest!" Entreri made an attempt at getting up, but stumbled and almost fell, had it not been for Jarlaxle's strong hand.

"Stay still or you'll just make it worse" The drow said calmly "As for your question, yes, this is what I'm going to say and, you, my friend, will stay here. Nothing comes close to the mines anyway, so you will be safe." In response Entreri just mumbled something about the stupid dwarf patrols… Jarlaxle didn't pay any attention to his companion. In a couple of seconds his hat disappeared behind a tall rock.

When the former assassin was finally alone, he decided to examine his leg and ankle. He tried to move it, but it was stiff and ached. Broken, it was, and if he was not able to get help soon, there was a good chance on permanent injury, perhaps keeping him from walking properly unless he used a cane. That prospect did not sit well at all with Artemis Entreri, nor did the idea of asking for help from his enemies. Choosing between the devil and the deep blue sea Entreri was caught off guard when suddenly two young dwarves appeared in front of him. Hands on their weapons – two short but wide swords – they were looking at him with non too friendly faces. Subconsciously the assassin's hand went to grab the jeweled hilt.

'If I get their life-vigor there would be no need of a cleric!' This pleasant thought was rapidly spoiled for the hand found nothing but empty air. 'Oh, Kelathar, you'd best keep the dagger!' Realizing that he wouldn't be able to battle even if he had the blade, Artemis he offered his most charming expression. He smiled that wide, friendly smile and said,

Good day to you, kind sirs! Tell me, am I indeed near to the great and grand Mithral Hall? I am in need of a cleric.' Artemis winced at looked at his swollen ankle. "I hear Mistress Stumpet does wonders!"

"Afore me answer yer question, ye will answer us first!" Growled one dwarf. "Where did ye come from? Where were ye goin'?"

"And who're ya , in the first place!" Interrupted the second one.

"I was about ta ask that!" Yelled the first one giving his companion a heavy kick.

"Hey, stop that!"

"I'm in charge here.Let me ask the questions, ye orc face!"

"What did ya call me!..."

Entreri's dark eyes went from one dwarf to the other, then rolled in disgust, and weary of the quarrelsome duo, attempted to rise to his feet, but cried out in pain.

The dwarves exchanged amused looks, then looked at Entreri.

"My ankle…" The assassin sight "As I said I need cleric and urgently. As for your questions, I'm coming from Calimshan and I was going to Silverymoon to meet my son." Artemis decided that there was no use in lying…almost. He prayed to all gods 'Please let them forget about my name!' And the gods seemed to hear him…

"And so, sirs, will you take me to Stumpet?"

"Uh, aye, Stumpet? Well...uh..she and King Bruenor...they be away together, and...Ow!"

""Shut yer mouth! Ain't his business! I'm sure you won't mind if Cordio Muffenhead examines yer ankle?" he said to Entreri, his smile almost covered by a bushy beard.

The pain was getting worse, and Entreri shouted, "You know…Actually… I do not care!" Of all the hundreds of dwarves living in the mines he should have met the most stupid ones! 'At least the don't ask questions' he thought. "I mean, I would be glad if ANY of your clerics could help me."

"Oh, aye, of course!" mumbled the dwarf. "Can ye hop?"

"Look at his ankle, ye goblin brains! He can't even stand up, to say nothin' of hoppin' around! I'll take care o' that…" And before the poor assassin could say anything he was over the dwarf's sturdy shoulder, his hair brushing the rocks - Entreri was twice the dwarf's height.

'Could the situation get any worse!' Artemis was thinking to himself while trying (and utterly failing) to save his hair from the dwarf's grubby boots. Suddenly he was very sorry of asking – he saw a dark swift shadow running on the rocks. 'Oh, gods, let it be more black panthers in Mithril Hall!' The second shadow appeared from behind a rock, this one thin and elegant. 'Oh no'

"Lloth, take me to the Abyss!" Entreri sighted and another gleam of hope crossed his thoughts 'Maybe he won't notice me, maybe… maybe…' He struggled and fell from the dwarf's shoulder. Pain shot through his ankle, and he groaned as he made a poor attempt to get to his feet.

The dwarves both grinned. The one who had carried Entreri said: "Ah, Master Ranger! Look who we found near the mines. His ankle's hurt, an' he asked us to take him to the cleric Stumpet.. Ouch!" He glared at the other dwarf. "I mean Cordio."

The white-haired head bowed to look at the face of the poor victim…and froze…

"Entreri!"