General disclaimer: I own nothing, even Maiyn generally decides her own path.
-----------------------
Departures
-----------------------
Maiyn was exhausted when they returned to the inn that evening. They had managed to locate Xzar in a tent at the edge of the carnival as they left. Khalid had immediately forbidden Maiyn and Imoen from entering.
"There is a scent of d-dark lotus coming from in there," he had said, frowning. "I will g-go and see if the necromancer is within."
Within moments Khalid had re-emerged, dragging a slightly dishevelled Xzar with him. The necromancer had been scowling and cursing at the fighter as he was man-handled back into the sunlight; but at the sight of Maiyn he had paused and beamed, opened his mouth as if to speak, and then fallen over unconscious.
Montaron had taken him up to bed after he and Khalid managed to carry him to the tavern, then the halfling had cornered Maiyn on the landing before she went back downstairs to join her companions.
We be leavin' in th'mornin, was all he had said before sullenly returning to his room, closing the door behind him before she could respond.
-----------------------
The ranger shared the news with the others as they settled into their usual seats in the common room; the two half-elves had barely been able to keep the expression of satisfaction from their faces. Maiyn didn't share the sentiment, feeling slightly hollow about parting company with the strange Zhentarim. Food was ordered, and the companions found themselves relaxing, listening to Branwen's tales of her people, and sharing their own backgrounds with each other.
Xan spent most of the evening listening. Although it had also come to his turn to talk of his background, he had felt his heart wrench at the memories of Evereska, and he had only just managed to describe the lands he called home. He concentrated more on discussing his duties as a Greycloak, a defender of elven interests across the Western Heartlands, and the Moonblade that passed to him from his father. He knew his own tale sounded much less interesting than the others, but he couldn't remember having much of a life without duty, for the Moonblade had ever been present in his family. Even his childhood had been spent in Evereska's magnificent libraries, where he cultivated his magical arts, and did little in the way of anything else
He listened to Jaheira and Khalid talk briefly of their meeting; how they came together when Jaheira was a member of a band who helped Khalid escape the clutches of some Zhentarim agents. Although they avoided going into too much detail, he could tell they trusted the group enough to hint of their Harper ties; he had suspected as such, especially when he had learned of Maiyn's father, and noted the pair's constant concern over the old sage's wards.
Garrick spoke for a while about his longing to be a bard as a child. He had been born in Saradush, but he avoided talking about his parents, instead describing how he would sneak into the inn in the town and sing for the travellers, avoiding the locals who would inform the innkeeper, and ensure he was thrown out most unceremoniously. In his short years of life he had already travelled to Calimport with some merchants, where he had been mugged and left beaten within hours or his arrival. There he had met Silke, and had followed her swift departure from the city, which at the time she had insisted was due to 'artistic differences' with another actor.
Then all eyes fell to the two young girls, worlds apart in race, yet closer than many sisters he'd met. The human went first, talking of her earliest memories of life at Candlekeep under the watchful eye of Gorion. Xan listened intently as she described how she quickly learned that she could make more money by working for Winthrop than Maiyn ever managed running errands; the young elf grinned at her friend but didn't deny it. Imoen went on to talk of the people she'd met who had stayed in the inn's rooms, some of them being notable thieves who had encouraged the girl's natural talents for lockpicking and passed on tips and words of wisdom for her art.
Then she spoke of the times they'd played truant from class; it seemed to be such a frequent occurence that he wondered how they had managed to learn anything at all, but there could be no doubting that they both possessed some intelligence. Maiyn reluctantly took over when Imoen ran out of escapades to share, but she spoke very little of herself much to Xan's disappointment, and only really went into any detail about the day she left Candlekeep for Branwen's benefit.
Xan wanted to ask about her childhood, he wanted to know how the bright spirited girl had coped being away from her kin, living amongst humans in a human environment, but the conversation shifted to other things, and he found himself listening less and less.
What have I got myself into? He thought morosely.
-----------------------
Maiyn wondered how late it was. It had been dark outside for several hours, and they had been chatting for even longer - the discussions slowly changing into more personal conversations amongst themselves. She yawned and stretched, bringing amused glances from Jaheira and Khalid. She had insisted earlier that Branwen could have her bed in the room she shared with Xan, and she would use her bedroll. Xan had been aghast at the thought of the girl sleeping on the floor while he had a bed, but she'd waved off his protests with an amused grin, insisting that it was good enough for her.
She looked over to Imoen, and felt a pang of jealousy. Her friend had spent most of the evening sitting with Garrick, completely engrossed when he spoke, while Maiyn had sat alone. She couldn't blame the young thief, of course. She'd rather spend her time with a charming young bard too, and she had known perfectly well that Imoen would be the one to get the attention of the young men they encountered. Even back at Candlekeep, the human had been the one the new boys followed. Well, except Dreppin, she thought ruefully. The thief was easily the prettiest, despite being a human compared to what should have been a naturally beautiful elf. It was something that Maiyn had never been overly bothered about though - well, not until now.
"I must retire," she said sleepily, running her eyes as she stood up. "I shall see you all in the morning."
As she walked to the stairs, she noticed two figures entering the inn - unusual at this late hour. She watched them approach the bar, and could make out a human man and woman. The female enquired with the innkeeper about rooms, but he told them apologetically that he had none left. The travellers' faces fell; the dark-skinned, slender young woman especially looked weary and tired - Maiyn thought she could see injury to her arms in the dim light. Her tall male companion was covered in scars and tattoos; he was an impressive size, but Maiyn didn't feel threatened by his stature in the slightest. She cautiously approached them as they headed back towards the entrance, and called out to get their attention.
"You are looking for rooms?" she asked.
"Oh Boo, look at the small elf!" roared the man, and Maiyn could see a small rodent in his hands that certainly seemed to be regarding her. "Perhaps she has come to tell Minsc and Boo and Dynaheir where they can find shelter for the night!"
"We are indeed," said the woman, in a much thicker accent than the man. "Doest thou know of another tavern that is near?"
"There is only one other tavern in Nashkel that I know," replied Maiyn, "but alas, it doesn't have any rooms for travellers."
The woman sighed. "Well, we thank thee for the information, but we must go and find somewhere safe to camp for the night."
"No, wait," said the ranger quickly. She was unsure why she wanted to help the strangers, but knowing her group had shelter from the rain outside meant she at least had to offer. "We have the rooms here, but we're already slightly overcrowded. It won't be the height of luxury, and you'll have to share with some of us, but you're welcome to at least have some room on the floor if that's preferable to the woods outside." Her words tumbled out in a rush clumsily, but her message managed to get across to the travellers. The tall male was looking at the woman, obviously allowing her to make up her mind. Her eyes in turn were fixed on Maiyn, and the ranger found it hard to tell what she was thinking.
"May we meet thy other companions before we answer?" she asked.
"Of course," smiled Maiyn, leading them to the table where the others had been watching the exchange. Jaheira and Khalid immediately introduced themselves, and the woman seemed to relax visibly when she looked at the druid. How does she do that? wondered Maiyn. Strangers can take one look at her, and they will begin to trust us. Before they realise how annoying she can be, anyway...
Maiyn studied Jaheira as the strangers listened to the others introduce themselves, and suddenly she knew. The half-elf wore a small Harper pin on the collar of her tunic, but usually kept it hidden under the fold. Maiyn caught her replacing it there, having had it out on display for the formal meeting. Maiyn grinned slightly, and realised the woman was introducing herself.
She said her name was Dynaheir, and her warrior was known as Minsc. They were apparently travelling on a 'dejemma', which was some task she had to perform as a witch from her home in Rashemen. The mission would also allow Minsc to become a member of the band of berserkers where he had grown up, and although she didn't go into much detail about what they were trying to do, she expressed concern that they would fail.
"Minsc received a rather nasty head wound," she said, looking at the warrior with some concern. "We were passing through Sembia, and it has left him unlike his old self. We managed to make it to Cormyr despite his inability to keep a hold on his berserker rages, and I believed that would be the end of our travels. I was about to seek passage home to Rashemen at that point."
"But then Boo found Minsc!" exclaimed the ranger, showing the group his furry friend. "A nice man in a pointy hat told Minsc that Boo was the only miniature giant space hamster he'd ever find!"
The woman sighed, but a smile crossed her lips faintly as she regarded her guard fondly. "The change in Minsc was almost immediate. His control of his rage was much better, and as long as he was not parted from the rodent he was almost back to his old self."
Maiyn regarded the warrior with a thoughtful expression. She didn't doubt his ability as a fighter for one second, but something about his character, and his gentle undertones made her wonder about the complexities that probably lay within his seemingly simple exterior. When the introductions were done, the strangers accepted the offer to share the companions rooms for the night, and together they made their way upstairs to arrange the distribution of rooms.
-----------------------
Maiyn bounded downstairs two at a time, wondering what the day had in store for her ever expanding party. She entered the common room and came face to face with Montaron and Xzar, who looked as if they'd been waiting for her. Her spirit dropped.
"We jus' wan'ed t'make sure ye knew we was off now," said Montaron gruffly, avoiding eye contact.
"Do you really have to go?" she asked, surprised that she cared so much considering they were both quite neurotic.
"S'for th'best," Montaron mumbled. "Yer sister gave us our dues in coin, so we're all even."
Maiyn nodded, and threw her arms around the halfling in a quick hug.
"Ge'off me!" he snapped, but she could see a hint of amusement in his eyes as he pushed her away. She turned to Xzar, but was more cautious of approaching the errant necromancer.
"Goodbye then Xzar," she said, giving him a little wave.
"Are we off now mummy?" he replied dreamily. "I do like it so much better when you come with us."
The halfling rolled his eyes to Maiyn, and dragged the mage away out of the inn as she watched them go. She noticed Jaheira and Khalid at a table, in deep discussion with the Rashemeni witch. She frowned slightly, and wandered over to them innocently, finding it hard not to notice their obvious cease of discussion as she got near.
"Good morning Maiyn. It seems to be a fair day outside," said Jaheira, uncharacteristically chatty. She usually was not one for mindless small talk.
The ranger peered at the three of them suspiciously. "You don't have to stop talking just because I've come over," she said, rather indignantly.
"Don't be silly, child!" laughed Jaheira, trying a little too hard. "We were merely filling Dynaheir in on our travels so far. She and her warrior companion have agreed to accompany us... if you permit it, of course."
Maiyn nodded to the witch, and smiled pleasantly. "Of course."
"It shall just be Minsc who travels with thou awhile," the Rashemeni woman stated. "I have business to attend to elsewhere, and thy companions here have agreed to escort me. We should not be long absent, but it is of the utmost importance."
Maiyn frowned slightly. "Can we not all accompany you?"
The witch hesitated, and Jaheira answered for her.
"It is better if only Khalid and I go. You are safe with the others, and you have wished to be able to prove your own competence; this gives you the perfect opportunity to. We should not be gone for more than a few days, and we would be able to meet you in Beregost to try and find this Tranzig person if all goes well."
Something wasn't right, and Maiyn knew she wasn't getting the whole story. She shrugged, and walked away, heading outside to get some fresh air. As she stopped and embraced the sunlight she felt a hand rest on her shoulder. Khalid had followed her outside, but she was in no mood to humour him.
"Maiyn, p-please don't think we are excluding you from anything important," he said.
"What am I meant to think? We meet some strangers, and the next day you and Jaheira intend to leave with one of them - who has already admitted to being on some sort of mission that she wouldn't tell me about, but you seem to have got enough from her to know you can help!"
"It is n-not so much Jaheira and I who c-can help her, as the people we know," said Khalid, trying to explain to the irritated girl. "You know the p-people we are counted amongst and who I m-mean."
Maiyn regarded him for a moment and nodded. "And because it is Harper business, and I am not one, you cannot tell me any more." She sighed loudly. She had heard those words so often from Gorion when she had shown curiosity in his meetings.
Khalid nodded. "We shall not b-be gone for long, and we would not d-do it if it was not in the best interest of the group."
"I know," she nodded. "And I accept it. But just because I accept it, does not mean I like it."
-----------------------
"Minsc and Boo do not understand why they cannot go with their witch," said the warrior with a puzzled expression as Branwen tried to explain it to him for a third time. Maiyn was sitting beside Xan, her expression rivalling his for gloominess as she stared dourly at the table. Imoen had been informed of the Harper's decision to leave with the witch when she had come downstairs, and she too had expressed her irritation at being excluded from the full story before she'd gone back upstairs to waken Garrick up properly. That had been quite a while ago, and Maiyn started to wonder what they were doing. Then she realised exactly what they might be doing, having missed the chance of privacy the previous evening by having to share a room with the Harpers, and she shook the vision from her head.
"I'm going up to see what's holding them up," she said, getting up and stomping towards the stairway, deciding that it was at least something to do.
"Are you sure that's a good idea?" asked Xan dryly after her. "Who knows what you might walk in on."
The ranger snorted and strode up to the room. She did have the sense to knock first, but there was no reply, and Maiyn sighed with exasperation. She took a deep breath, and pushed the door open, preparing herself for an unsavoury sight. Instead, Imoen was sitting on one of the beds, a crumpled note in her hands, and she seemed to be hastily wiping her eyes. There was no sign of the bard.
"Im? What's wrong?"
The thief said nothing, but held out the note for her friend to look at. The ranger's concerned gaze shifted from the thief, to the letter.
My dearest Imoen,
This is not how I envisioned parting with you, but I fear it must be this way. Our adventures together in the company of your friend, Maiyn, have been both exhilarating in nature, and sweet for company. A bard truly could not have wished for a better comrade than yourself, and I hope your memories of me will stay fond, as my memories of you are sure to.
Our recent escapades have given enough material for me to now try to travel to Baldur's Gate, where I hope my muse will be of interest enough to raise my reputation in my profession. I shall be sure to describe you as the beautiful and wonderful adventurer you were so keen to be - and as you truly are. Perhaps one day we shall meet again, and until that day I hope that your travels keep you safe.
Give my regards to the others; it was a joy meeting you all.
Garrick
"Oh Imoen..." Maiyn pulled her companion close into a tight embrace, and felt her slight sobs and trembling as she wept. Eventually Imoen freed herself, and wiped her nose on a tissue.
"It's okay Maiyn, I'm alright," she said, managing a weak smile. "I guess I knew it'd end like this one day, and well... I'm young! We have the rest of our lives ahead of us, don't we? At least he didn't steal anythin' from us - I checked the money pouch quickly and he's taken a little, but nowhere near what his share would have been." Maiyn had to prevent herself from grinning. Trust Imoen to think of money when her heart had just been broken for the first - and probably not last - time.
The human sighed. "Let's go back down to the others. I guess they'll... need to know."
Maiyn nodded and held her friends hand as they went back downstairs. The others looked up as they approached, and Maiyn spoke.
"Garrick had to leave us," she said quietly. "He didn't want any emotional scenes so he stayed upstairs hoping to get myself and Imoen alone to explain. He's gone to Baldur's Gate, as he felt it was time to take a break from the adventures to work on his material so far, and we agreed with him. He asked us to say goodbye to you all, and to pass on his regards."
Maiyn felt Imoen squeezing her hand in appreciation before she let go. Garrick had better be praying that he doesn't encounter me again, she thought to herself. I won't forget what he did to my sister.
-----------------------
It had seemed like an easy task, and Maiyn had been unable to say no when the Mayor himself arrived at the tavern to ask them personally. You have heard of Commander Brage no doubt? He'd said. We have had little luck finding him, but we hear you have some tracking skills, and we would appreciate it if you could lend your help to our cause.
And so, within an hour of learning of Garrick's departure, they had secured their rooms for yet another night at the inn, hoping they would make it back before nightfall before they had headed west out of the town.
Maiyn had picked up the track of the former soldier quite quickly, and had led them deep into the forest that lay before the hills by the coast. They had been walking for several hours now, and had emerged onto a woodland road, where the track seemed to end abruptly.
Maiyn searched around, looking for any trace or clue as to which way to go, but it was Minsc who noticed the prints in the mud that went in the same direction as a recent caravan had.
They had not gone far along the road when they saw the fate of the caravan; it lay on its side, blocking the passage for any other wagons and heavy blows seemed to have caused immeasurable damage to it. The horse that once pulled it was lying mutilated on the ground to one side, and an uneasy silence seemed to linger over the area. Maiyn shook her head, to prevent anyone from approaching any closer, then beckoned Branwen to follow her as she skirted along the edge of the forest, aiming to go around the scene of devastation. They had almost drawn level with the caravan when a woman broke from the trees, rushing towards the two women.
"Please," she said breathlessly, "I beg of you to go no further!"
Maiyn had taken a defensive stance at the first sign of danger, but relaxed herself somewhat at the woman's plea. "What has happened here?" she asked.
"It is Brage..." gasped the woman. "He is there, strewn about with the carnage he has wrought. I have tried to reason with him, but it is as if he is possessed by another's soul."
"Brage is still here?" Maiyn asked. "We were sent by the Mayor to escort him back to Nashkel."
"No!" The woman's shout echoed through the forest, and the ranger could see the pain in her eyes. "You cannot take him back to the guard! They will surely execute him!"
"He has murdered both family and strangers in cold blood!" interrupted Branwen. "Justice should be served!"
"He knows now what he does, he is like a man possessed!" The woman dropped to her knees before Maiyn. "Please... I am Laryssa, his cousin. I came to find him, and he attacked my caravan... it was all I could do to flee the swing of his tremendous blade. For all the bonds of love and blood, save him from his present agony if there is a way to do so, without ending his life!"
Maiyn reached out, and helped the woman to her feet, as a figure emerged from behind the overturned wagon. "We will do what we can," she said, trying to assure her. "Go and join my other companions, you will be safe there."
The woman scurried off as Maiyn and Branwen stood tall to face the commander as he approached. He was very tall and imposing, but Maiyn held herself confidently; a quick glance to her companions showed Imoen readying her bow, and Xan preparing a cantrip. She knew neither would act without her signal.
"I pray you have left a trail of crumbs to lead us all back again." Brage walked straight up to Maiyn, his voice was quiet and calm and she waited for him to continue. His hand swept across the scene of destruction that lay around them. "The others did not, so they decided to stay. Shall we try to find the way home together?"
The ranger looked into his empty eyes and nodded, but remained quiet. Her companions had edged closer and were comfortably within earshot, watching the conversation with concern.
"I pose you a riddle," he said, his eyes never leaving the elf. "The answer to which I once knew, but now cannot perceive. Remind me and we shall return unto the day. Fail, and stay with me to embrace the dark, forgetting whence we came." His gaze lifted to regard the others, before returning to her. "Only you may answer, your friends shall not speak if they value your existence."
Maiyn heard Xan groan slightly, but she nodded to the man. "Ask me your riddle."
"It has neither mouth nor teeth, yet it eats its food steadily. It has neither village nor home, nor hands nor feet; yet it wanders everywhere. It has neither country nor means, nor office nor pen; yet it is ready for the fight - always. By day and night there is waiting for it. It has no breath, yet to all it appears."
Not a sound was heard when Brage finished his riddle, and she felt her gaze shifting to Xan subconsciously. His face was expressionless, as gloomy as she expected, but she was certain there was a slight hint of concern hidden deep inside.
"Death," she said simply.
Several long moments passed, then a remarkable change came over the commander. Light filled his eyes, and his cold expression was replaced by one of confusion and daze.
"The end of the night." His voice was soft, much softer than before, and he looked down at himself. "Where the light shines unto mine eyes and I can see clearly again. What hath I wrought? Tis horrible... HORRIBLE!" He raised his eyes to Maiyn's once more, and they were filled with despair.
"You must know we have come for you," she said.
He nodded with a resigned sigh. "I shall welcome the block that must await me at Nashkel. How could I live with what I have done?"
"We wish to accompany you back to the town," responded Maiyn, "but we would much prefer if you came with us to the temple."
Brage looked at her with surprise. "The Temple of Helm? Please, thy must guide me to the town that I pay for my crimes. I fear I can only keep my senses for so long, and I must not be allowed to do this again! Too many good people have lost their lives to me! Please..." His eyes were full of sorrow.
"We shall escort you to the town, but we urge you to come to the temple with us first - then it shall be your choice if you wish to hand yourself to the garrison." Maiyn had decided she would not let this man waste his life, and determination prevailed in her tone.
"I fear I can do nothing for those I've wronged whether I live or die," said Brage sadly. "And I still know not what led me to this. It is like a foul presence in my mind... I can only imagine I have finally succumbed to battle fatigue. Take my weapon that I might not harm another. Use it as thy wish, though I'd rather see it destroyed. Innocent blood on everything! I had only just acquired this sword... take me to Nashkel, I can bear this no longer!"
Maiyn accepted his sword carefully, and handed it to Branwen. "Do not let anyone use it," she said in a hushed tone to the priestess. "It may be cursed." Branwen nodded, and secured the weapon in her pack as Maiyn carefully took Brage's arm and moved off back towards Nashkel.
-----------------------
The trek back to town was a sombre affair, and it was dark as they crossed the bridge over the river. It was only when they reached the temple that Brage made any objections to the groups decisions.
"No, I cannot show my face here after what I've done!" he cried. "Just give me to the guard that I might take my punishment as I should! Do not disgrace me further in front of Helm!"
Maiyn took his arm and pulled him firmly into the building to avoid any guards realising what was happening. She knew she couldn't force him to take the path she was offering, but she would not let him go willingly to his death without at least trying. To her relief, she saw a priest approach them from the altar, looking dishevelled and tired.
"I am Brother Nalin" he said to her. "I received a sign that you may arrive this evening; that you would return our lost brother to the fold." He looked to Brage, whose eyes were rooted to the floor. "Calm yourself Brage," he continued gently. "Helm sees all that he wishes, and knows much of what you do not. It was your hands that did indeed do many a foul deed, but not your will alone. Intent is vital, and yours was influenced without your knowledge. Justice will be done, my friend, but with atonement, not punishment."
"But..." Brage's voice faltered. "My family... I don't want to go on!"
"If you are returned to the garrison, yours will be the only wilful killing that has occurred about this matter," replied Nalin kindly. "It would be a waste of your life, which fractured as it is, still has much to contribute. Helm will see you through."
Brage nodded, and walked towards the altar, where he lowered himself to the prayer mat and began his communion with his God. Nalin turned to Maiyn.
"I must thank you for your service, especially as it was from your own conscience. We shall exceed the reward that was being offered for Brage's return to the garrison. After all, it was the same task of bringing Brage back to justice." The priest held out a bag of coin which Maiyn reluctantly accepted.
"There is one other thing," she said quietly, making sure her words would not reach the ex-commander. "When we found him, he handed his sword over to me, remarking that it was quite new. His eyes became less empty without it, his whole bearing seemed to change."
"Do you have the sword?" Nalin's voice was sharp.
The elf nodded, and looked to Branwen who produced it from her pack and handed it to the priest.
"We have also cast spells of lore upon it," continued Maiyn. "Our enchanter detected a curse on it, but he could not determine much detail. We think it may be related to the madness Brage suffered from temporarily."
"You have done a good thing," said Nalin, his voice full of relief. "We shall ensure it is destroyed, but more importantly, we can also show it to the Guard when they come to find him tomorrow morning. Hopefully then, they shall be more inclined to let him make his atonement here."
Maiyn nodded, and ensured Laryssa was content to wait in the temple for her cousin. Nalin scuttled off to fetch her some food and blankets, and Maiyn wished them both a good evening as the group retired to the inn.
