Chapter 3

They walked in the ruins for what seemed like two hours. They stopped when they came across a massive stone building. Seven stone columns stood in front of the doorway,. Beautiful stone statues of winged angels holding harps were planted in front of the seven columns.

"Is this the Hall of Angels? Jarlaxle asked, his eyes gazing upon the sight of the building. Entreri looked at Bowie, who began walking up past the statues. He quietly opened the large wooden door, and entered the Hall of Angels.

After a minute, Jarlaxle and Entreri walked into the building. At fist, the inside of the Hall was all darkness. Then they heard Bowie's voice singing a song in elf tongue.

The room quickly lit up, revealing a large empty lobby. The floor was made of smooth marble, and several statues-similar to those outside were lined up against the walls. In the middle of the lobby, was a large staircase that ascended to the second floor. Entreri was the first to notice the halfling bard standing at the top of the staircase.

Entreri then noticed seven wisps floating around the room. Just as the assassin was ready to draw Charon's Claw, Bowie quickly said," Do not worry. These wisps are actually spirits of the elves who performed within these walls." Bowie looked at Jarlaxle and said," the vault is down the hall to your right. I'll be in the amphitheater if you need me."

Jarlaxle and Entreri watched as the bard walked away. The drow mercenary looked at Entreri and said," Perhaps we best get started."

The assassin pulled up the hood of his cloak. "You can start without me."

The dark elf watched Entreri move up the steps with speed and stealth. He knew the assassin was going to follow the bard. Would he kill the halfling? Jarlaxle asked himself. He didn't want to find Bowie Butterball with a dagger wound in his throat. After all, the halfling had a beautiful voice.

Jarlaxle decided not to think about it too hard. He slowly gazed up at a beautiful portrait of an elven couple singing a duet. "Maybe I will wait just a little while and enjoy the scenery before I grab the treasures from the vault."

Holding his dagger in his left hand, Artemis Entreri quietly crept onto the large stage, watching the halfling as he sat on the stage. When he was in close range to the halfling, Bowie began to sing a song in the halfling language:

She walked in robes made of silver, her hair colored as gold;

Her beautiful eyes were colored blue, and her mature is both strong and bold.

Her steps were full of grace, her skin as smooth as silk;

Her lips were like sweet honey...

The halfling stopped singing. Entreri thought that be had been spotted, but then from where he stood, Bowie asked out loud," What's a good word that rhymes with silk?"

Rarely did the assassin reveal to those he watched from the shadows. He slowly walked up to Bowie. "Who was that you were singing about?"

Bowie turned to Entreri. "I was singing about my love Hannah. We met years ago. After getting wounded in battle, I was forced away. I quickly sought shelter in the woods. Then I heard a beautiful voice coming from far away. I gathered my strength and followed the voice. I continued to walk in the woods until I saw the most beautiful halfling maiden." He stopped, when he noticed Entreri's cold gaze. "I trust that Jarlaxle is already looting the vault. I'm sure that Ileznara will enjoy her treasures. I guess this beats your days as an assassin on the streets in Calimport," he added with a smile.

Entreri stared at the halfling in disbelief. "How do know about that? Did you cast some sort of Legend Lore spell on me?"

Bowie shook his head. "I didn't need to. I learned about you from a relative of mine. A year ago, I traveled to Calimport. One night I decided to make a stop at the Copper Ante. The proprietor there, Dwahvel Tiggerwillies, took one look at my eyes and recognized me as the son of Shayna the Orchid, my mother. That night I learned that Dwahvel and my mother used to work together in the halfling thieves guild-that is before my mother worked for the Zhentarim. Not only that, but I also learned that Dwahvel is my second cousin on my mother's side."

The assassin took a seat, and continued to listen to the bard's story. "Our conversation eventually led to you," Bowie added. "She told me some interesting things about you."

"Like what exactly?" Entreri asked in a cold voice.

"She said that Artemis Entreri was the absolute best in his profession, and that I should watch my back," Bowie quickly answered. "She also said that you were her friend." Entreri smiled as his thoughts turned to Dwahvel Tiggerwillies back in Calimport. "She then asked if I was married," Bowie continued. "I told her about Hannah, but that we weren't married yet."

The assassin crossed his arms. "So what's stopping you?"

Bowie raised an eyebrow. From what Dwahvel told him about Artemis Entreri, he would have never expected a question like that coming from the assassin. Still he answered it. "Believe it or not, Hannah's mother is the goddess Yondalla. She told me that I could not marry Hannah until I defeat some great evil that will threaten the world, or something like that. I'm not sure what means exactly."

Bowie was about to ask Entreri's advise on the matter, but when he looked up, the assassin was had disappeared off the stage.