Chapter 5- Dark clouds
Warning – graphic violence, strong language and blood.
The evening was going to be nice and easy. After the hearty dinner that Minsc had provided with his successful hunt, the entire team spent their time around the campfire. Everyone was busy with something else. Jaheira was preparing herbal mixtures that could be useful for them on the journey and to help with mild ailments, Edwin, as usual, studied one of his precious scrolls, muttering to himself and nodding at the same time. Yoshimo and Minsc chatted happily around the fire sipping hot tea while Anomen was cleaning his new weapon Flail of Ages, which he had obtained during the mission at The de'Arnise Keep. Esme, sitting next to him, wrote down the events of the day in her journal as she did every evening, and looking at Helmite from time to time, she laughed in her mind that one moment more and she would start to be jealous at seeing with what delight Anomen looked at his weapon. Esme was glad that, apart from saving the fortress from the trolls and some extra gold, they had managed to get the weapon. The whole incident on the de'Arnise family's lands was not very pleasant, and kensai was happy that they had managed to leave the fortress and camp in the open air. As tempting as the prospect of sleeping in a soft and most likely comfortable bed was, Esme could no longer bear the company of Nalia and her aunt. Pompous and self-righteous statements from her aunt, Esme managed to swallow somehow, the woman was already old and could not change anymore, all kensai had to do was nod. However, for a brief moment, when Esme and her team traveled with Nalia, the girl was simply annoying. "How are we going to help the poor by wandering around aimlessly?" "We should do something more!" "Blah blah blah !!!" Esme screamed in her mind, hearing the comments of the red-haired noblewoman, "Forgive me, killing monsters, bandits and risking your own life is not enough in your eyes, my Lady! Maybe I will throw all my savings in the middle of the slums and Imoen will be fine somehow and will come back on her own! " she wanted to scream into Nalia's face more than once during their brief collaboration. So when de'Arnise Keep was finally saved, Esme didn't even want to hear about Nalia's permanent admission to the team. "Oh, no no no," she thought, politely expressed her condolences on the death of her father and, taking the award, departed with her companions as soon as possible. Now even the weather was their ally and the rain stopped, allowing them a nice and quiet evening under the stars.
Everything changed in a split second when unexpectedly bright light flashed. Instead of having a nice rest before their journey tomorrow, Esme stood now and stared in shock straight ahead with her eyes wide open. She saw Yoshimo and Anomen surrender first. Oh, her poor beloved priest and bounty hunter from Kara Tur couldn't stand it and their bodies and minds gave up. But Esme knew that even the toughest warriors with many years of experience and enormous willpower would give up in this situation. Minsc stood still to the right of her, and even little Boo sitting on his shoulder dared not move. He only squealed loudly and his tiny black eyes watched the whole situation tensely and the tiny nose moved quickly, inhaling the air now saturated with magic and fear. Esme did her best not to join those comrades who had already surrendered. She was the leader of the whole group, and she knew she couldn't give up that easily. If she fails, the consequences will be suffered not only by her, but also by the entire team. For long days and, oh horrors, perhaps weeks, they will have to endure the effects of tonight. She tried to hold on as much as she could. The muscles of her face trembled and begged to be relaxed, tears rolled from her eyes, and she pressed her lips into a thin line just to hold on for a while longer. She looked at Jaheira, who was usually able to calm her down and restrain her. In her serious expression and stoic nature, she will surely find some kind of motivation to stay on her feet. The druid, however, stood speechless with her eyes and mouth also wide open and shock written on her face.
"By Sylvanus" she managed to whisper only and looked at Esme. Kensai had never seen such an expression on Jaheira's face and felt her lips tremble more and more.
"You can do it, you can do it. Don't do this, don't give up!" She thought frantically, tightening her muscles in pain.
A terrified scream broke the air. There was a loud rustle somewhere in the bushes. Some large wild animal that was close to their camp rushed to run as far away from danger as possible. Esme thought for a split second that she would like to run away as well. Nobody in this situation would call such behavior a cowardice, anyone with healthy mind and with two efficient legs would run to escape, only to avoid the impending horror. Unfortunately, she had to stay. Kensai could not stand it anymore and in the end, like the rest of her companions, she fell to her knees. Tears rolled from her eyes and, holding her belly, she burst out laughing out loud.
In front of them, quite unexpectedly, screaming frightfully, Edwin Odesseiron turned into a woman.
-NOOO!! That's not the way that damned scroll should work ‼‼! - Edwin shouted, carefully examining his body, which now took on completely new shapes. The wizard now clutched at the parts of his body that had changed unexpectedly, screaming in now squeaky female voice.
Anomen and Yoshimo rolled on a grass laughing, unable to contain their reactions to the sudden change. The bounty hunter held tightly on his stomach and rolled over his back laughing out loud.
-Ahahaha .. I can't ... just ... I would never ... hahahaha ...- he tried to say something, but the bursts of laughter made it difficult for him.
Edwin looked at Yoshimo with fury in his eyes.
-This is not funny, you pathetic idiot imbecile! - shouted a red wizard - Stop laughing immediately or I'll help you control yourself with power of fire‼!
The threats unfortunately did not impress Yoshimo, who was just wiping the tears trickling down his cheeks.
-That's too funny ... Hahahaha ... I can't help myself ... Sorry ... my Lady… hahahaha.
Edwin raised his hands up, growled furiously, and fell to his knees beside his bags. He frantically searched and flipped through all the scrolls and books, scattering them all in frustration, not finding what he was looking for. Esme managed to control her laughter with the greatest difficulty and slowly rose from her knees. Taking a few deep breaths to calm her breath, she approached the wizard who was throwing everything around.
-Edwin ... What happened?- she began to speak slowly. The wizard hearing her words looked up at her with eyes full of fury and murder. If the gaze could kill, kensai would turn to dust under Edwin's gaze.
-Can't you see??!!!! - He shouted full of venom and rage - Were you too busy laughing at me‼! ??? Let me explain to you, if you're stupid enough not to notice what happened‼! I turned into a damn woman ‼‼
Unexpectedly, Anomen stood next to Esme and pointed at Edwin.
-Be careful with your words, wizard! You're lucky you turned into a fair sex, otherwise you would have learned a lesson for such offensive remarks to Esme!
Edwin looked at the knight and for the first time smiled maliciously.
-As usual, you're just as strong in your mouth! He shouted. Anomen took a step forward, but Esme quickly stepped between him and Edwin, who continued his statement- Go make a horse out of wood and go play knight you imbecile!
Anomen laughed lightly:
-Sooner or later wizard, you will regain your form. Then we'll see how brave you will be! Helmite said. Edwin, shocked, inhaled sharply, losing some of his combat enthusiasm.
-You stu...- he began, but Esme cut him off loudly.
-Enough! - she said and Edwin shut his mouth. She took Anomen's hand lightly and looked at him warmly - Thank you, my darling. I will talk to him alone now and I will try to calm him down somehow.
-All right- replied Anomen, kissing her hand gently - But one word of yours or one wrong from his mouth is enough, and he will regret it- cleric added and slowly moved back to his seat. Esme smiled at Anomen and she watched him sit down by the fire. Then she turned towards Edwin, who was still standing in a fighting position with his hands on his hips.
-Go ahead, mock me! - Edwin said, sitting offended on his blanket with his hands folded across his chest. Esme felt a bit embarrassed. She knew Edwin would point out to her that she too, was laughing at his transformation.
-I'm truly sorry ... I admit that for the first moment I was very surprised and ... I laughed a little ... I'm very very sorry- she explained, choosing her words care fully - But please, try to understand how sudden and unexpected it all was. I've never seen anything like it…. And I admit that I've seen a lot.
Edwin tried to retain some dignity and lifted his chin.
-Of course you've never seen anything like this! Everything that happens to me is unique and extraordinary! I am a pioneer in the field of magic after all!
Esme nodded eagerly.
-Of course, yes, yes. But please enlighten me on what happened. I am not as knowledgeable about witchcraft as you are and I would like to help you somehow- Esme said.
She wanted to help Edwin as much as she could and if she was going to pretend to be a little more fascinated than usual, so be it. Edwin, regardless of his difficult character, has proved his loyalty many times. Esme did not know if the wizard was driven only by personal gain, sympathy or only reasons known to him during their adventures together, but she knew that if her companion was in trouble, she should help him as best she could. Edwin sighed heavily and a bit theatrically, then lifted up the scroll that Esme recognized immediately as Nether Scroll.
-Someone clearly made a mistake (of course it was not me, I am infallible). And there were some undesirable side effects. Now I have to look for a solution to this embarrassing and uncomfortable situation. Feel honored to help me. Search for everything regarding the transformation of body and matter!
Esme nodded and saluted like a sailor on a ship and began searching through the books and scrolls that the great red wizard of Thay had assembled. Before she focused on reading, however, she looked closely at Edwin, or rather Edwinia, who was close to her now. His hair remained the same surprisingly, but his whole face took on a nice, delicate feminine features. His mouth was fuller and more prominent, his voice was softer and more melodious, and with a hint of jealousy, Esme noticed that the new shapes that her companion had were much fuller than hers. Mentally cursing the justice of the universe, she sighed heavily and set about finding a way to reverse the embarrassing spell.
Evening turned into night, night turned into dawn and Edwin was still an unhappy and sleepy woman. None of the spells found helped solve the problem of his transformation. Even the weather seemed to mock him, and in the morning it started to rain, now still pouring down stubbornly on their journey back to the city. Esme yawned widely and glanced at Edwin behind her. Disheveled, with dark circles under his eyes and in soaked clothes, he did not speak stubbornly to anyone. Esme felt sorry for him with all her heart, but as tired as she was, she didn't even have the strength to start a conversation and comfort him. Her soaked clothes stuck to her skin, she was cold and the only things she dreamed about after arriving in the city were a hot bath, a decent dinner and a long nap in a comfortable and soft bed. "Why no one practices rain protection spells," she thought. The rest of the companions seemed to share her opinion as well, not saying a word, only muttering something under their noses and marching briskly through the puddles and mud towards the approaching walls of Athkatla on the horizon. The Copper Coronet hadn't pleased them as much as it was now in a long time. Nice and warm fireplaces warmed the place pleasantly and the whole team headed for the nearest of them to warm their cold hands a little. Hendak, who was in charge of the place now, along with Bernard, greeted them with a broad smile and with his arms spread even wider. Seeing Edwin's transformed form, he looked puzzled and looked at Esme questioningly.
-What…- he began, but Esme shook her head quickly, not having the strength to explain it.
-We'll tell you later- she replied, and Hendak nodded understandingly.
-All right. I'll have a bath and a hot meal ready for you immediately - he said and Esme sighed with relief.
" May the gods bless him," she thought, and turned to her companions.
-Everyone dress up and bathe, and I'll meet you later for dinner- she said. Everyone agreed and went eagerly to their rooms to finally warm up and take off their wet clothes. The warm and pleasant Bath however was yet to wait, when halfway to the room they heard an unfamiliar voice calling loudly behind them:
-Sir Anomen! Sir Anomen! I have found you at last!
The only positive thing that had happened in the last two long hours was that it had finally stopped raining. Though the sky was still obscured by dark clouds, so that it was almost twilight, people took to the streets to hurry to do their errands before the weather broke again. Esme watched as the two children accompanying her mother happily jumped in one of the puddles formed by the rain, splashing drops of muddy water around. Mother, carrying the basket with groceries, only turned around and hastily hastened the children, who fearing her anger, quickly stopped playing and ran towards her. As soon as the family disappeared around the corner Esme sighed heavily, feeling even more exhausted than in the morning, only now it was not about physical exhaustion but also about the gravity of the situation she was in. She looked up at Anomen who was standing in front of her. The knight, still with his head down, was leaning against the wall of the building in the Government District. Esme knew Anomen needed time to gather his thoughts and she waited for him to to speak first. The sudden message brought by the messenger about his father's death was a sudden blow that now tugged at his feelings and which he was unable to deal with. Under the influence of the moment and emotions, Anomen had rushed earlier to Saerk Farrahd estate to take revenge, for the omission of which a few weeks earlier he had even blamed Esme. Kensai barely managed to stop him and talk him out of killing Saerk. Then, after reassuring Jaheira that she would be able to handle it, and sending the rest of the team to a well-deserved rest, she stayed here with Anomen. But Helmite still didn't say a word, and Esme felt an unusual bitterness in her throat. She knew that the decision she had made then was the right one, and that she had adequately advised Anomen on his actions beforehand. It would be wrong and shameful to kill Saerk then and now. Now, however, she felt guilty and kept analyzing the fateful day in her head when she had dissuaded Anomen from taking his revenge on Saerk. Maybe if they had talked to him then and had tried to end this pointless quarrel between the two men, Lord Cor would have been alive to this day and things would have turned out differently.
-I'm begging you for forgiveness- Esme realized after a while that these words were meant for her. Torn out of her thoughts, she looked quickly at Anomen who, with uncertainty, fatigue, and pain written on his face, stared at her intently.
-Forgiveness? - She asked slightly surprised.
Anomen swallowed loudly and nodded.
-Yes my love. For trying to blame you for what happened. My temper took over me again…- Helmite ran his hands through his hair and closed his eyes trying to collect his thoughts. After a while he added looking at her - I'm a fool! I've already lost so much, and almost because of my stupidity, I've lost all the rest! Everything for which I have worked so long and hard! I might even have lost you too! - Anomen almost shouted and looked helplessly at the sky - I'm a fool … Maybe I deserved everything that happened to me … maybe you shouldn't have stopped me, my dear .
Esme felt her heart tighten as she saw him like this. She walked up to him briskly, took his face in her little hands and looked deep into his eyes.
-You know perfectly well that this is not true, Anomen. Nobody deserves something like this to happen to him. You shouldn't be saying such things.
Anomen looked at her with pain in his eyes and shook his head.
-This… All this perplexity and bitterness, all these feelings are tormenting me in such a way that I'm not sure if I am able to control them. I feel this black despair coursing through my veins and just wait for the right moment to take over me. One day I will not be able to control myself and I will destroy everything I have. I'm pathetic.
-You're not pathetic, my dear- Esme said, looking at him - You are still here, you are standing in front of me. You haven't lost anything.
-It was you who stopped me, from completing my revenge – Anomen denied – If it weren't for you, everything would be a gone.
Esme shook her head.
-You're wrong. True, I was there, but it was only you who made the decision not to kill Saerk and his family. You could have ignored me and my words. You are not a fool. You knew in your heart what was right. You acted under the influence of emotions but managed to hold back and control yourself. You can't be too hard on yourself. You are only human and it is normal to make mistakes.
Anomen laughed bitterly at her words.
-Just what if these emotions will take over me again and then I wont be able to come to my senses in time? I don't know if I will be able to keep them in check next time.
Esme took his hand.
-I will be with you and I will help you. We will support each other, my dear, and I hope this will be enough to keep us from straying from the right path.
Helmite rested his forehead against hers and sighed heavily.
-It will be enough for sure. With you by my side, I will surely make it. Thank you for being here and I am begging you to for give me for my actions today.
-Of course I'll forgive you- Esme said and looked at him - Though a part of me really wants to kick your ass for making me worry about you so much today.
They both laughed lightly, feeling a little lighter.
-I deserved it without a doubt- Anomen agreed.
-It's true, but we'll save it for another occasion - she replied. Her eyes fell on the tall walls of The Council of Six Building in front of them- Are you ready to go inside?
-Will you come with me? - Anomen asked and kensai nodded.
-Of course.
Hand in hand they walked slowly towards the huge door leading inside. The guards on both sides nodded their heads and let them in. The interior of the building was bright and elegant, just as Esme remembered it from their previous visits. All around there was a delicate scent of ink and perfume and the atmosphere almost resembled a temple with the difference that here, apart from priests and believers, there were officials, clients trying to arrange papers and permits, and nobles looking down on everyone. Esme noticed one of the nobles glance at her and a horrible scowl appeared on his face. Girl raised her eyebrows in surprise, and it wasn't until she looked down at herself and her clothes that she realized why the gentleman reacted this way. Dirty, tousled and soaked, wearing the same clothes all the time, she could scare sinners in the deepest dungeons of the Nine Hells with her appearance. Her entire coat and shoes were covered with a thick layer of mud, and turning back, she saw embarrassedly the marks she had left on the marble floor. Somehow, the footprints Anomen had left despite the size of his feet were softer.
"Always neat and elegant … Even the dirt cooperates with him," Esme thought. She smiled awkwardly at the nobleman who had given her a horrible look earlier. "Yes, yes I know my appearance offends your entire family tree, piss off already," she thought annoyed.
Not looking around anymore they finally reached the end of huge room where an elegant woman in her 50s was sitting on her impresive armchair. As they approached close enough, she lifted her eyes from the scroll she was reading. She immediately rose from her seat at the sight of them, handed the scroll to her assistant, who emerged out of nowhere and vanished just as quickly, and then turned to them.
-Ah, Sir Anomen Delryn and Esme of Candlekeep, how nice to see you, although the circumstances of our meeting are unfortunately not as pleasant as we would like- she said in an exceptionally melodious voice keeping a serious expression on her face. Esme immediately liked Bylanna Ianulin the first time they met. The woman was businesslike, direct, but not a bit self-righteous or conceited. Kensai nodded in greeting, smiling slightly and Anomen spoke first.
-Regards, Lady Ianulin. Undoubtedly, the circumstances of our today's meeting are not joyful. I'd like to speak to you if possible.
Lady Bylanna nodded.
-Of course. However, we will not be discussing this delicate matter here among all the people present. Come to my Office- she said and headed for the door on the right. The three of them entered the small side room, Lady Bylanna sat in a chair behind her heavy mahogany desk and gestured toward the two chairs opposite. Unexpectedly, the door opened and an assistant came in, carrying a tray of hot tea. Esme watched slightly stunned as the boy efficiently puts the cups on the desk and left silently in just a few seconds like a ghost. Even the soldiers on the battlefield seemed not as well trained as he was.
-Please, sit down. Hot tea will do us good on this rainy day- said Lady Bylanna smiling slightly in their direction. Esme looked at Anomen, at her clothes, then at the beautiful ornate chair, and finally at the woman looking at them expectantly.
Esme waved her hand and began to explain:
-I think we're good. We are not doing our best right now after the morning trip. I don't want these beautiful chairs to get dirty.
- Nonsense – Bylanna Ianulin said sharply – Chairs are made to sit on them, no matter what state you are in. It is an ordinary piece of furniture, it can be easily replaced, which cannot be said about some people. Besides, you know what they say about the knight in shining armor. Armor like this has never seen a fight. You, indeed have seen many and your fame is ahead of you now. I am proud to host you and I don't want to hear any more nonsense about dirty furniture. Please sit down.
Esme and Anomen looked at each other and, knowing there was no sense to argue, sat down carefully in their seats. Lady Bylanna smiled at them, took a sip of her tea and slowly began to speak.
-Sir Delryn, I believe a messenger reached you with a letter from me. But I also hear about your… ah… visiting Saerk Farrahd's house. I am very grateful that you managed to end the whole situation without causing yourself any more trouble or problems. It could undermine your reputation and position, wouldn't it?
Anomen nodded and cleared his throat slightly.
-Yes, I am ashamed to admit it's true. I got carried away after reading the letter you sent me Lady Ianulin. But I don't think my troubles are over yet. I have forced my way into Lord Farrahd's estate, and he will most certainly prosecute me. My reputation and position could still suffer.
Lady Bylanna Ianulin smiled, surprising Esme. Maybe the situation wasn't as hopeless as it had seemed.
-You may be surprised by the fact, Sir Delryn, but I know Lord Farrahd very well and I knew your father Lord Cor just as well. There were weeks when they both "honored" me with their presence, throwing accusations and insults to each other day after day. So, having gotten to know Lord Farrahd fairly well, I dare say that if he wanted to make any charges against you, he would be here before you. If he hasn't shown up by now, I wouldn't be worried.
Esme let out a breath she didn't even know she was holding. Clenching her fingers tightly on the palm of Anomen's hand she looked at him with a smile on her face. Cleric looked at her slightly in disbelief. Only after a short while he manage to smile and relax. They both couldn't believe they were finally hearing some good news. Anomen looked at Lady Ianulin:
-Thank you. I was afraid it would all turn out differently. Thank you once again for your entire investigation and for your help, Lady Ianulin. I am your eternal debtor.
-That's not all I wanted to talk about- Lady Bylanna said.
Esme and Anomen looked at each other. Anomen turned back again to Lady Bylanna:
-There is one more thing that needs my attention? I thought my father's death was the only reason for this meeting.
Lady Ianulin opened a drawer and took out an envelope secured with a red seal.
-Both of these cases are related, Sir Delryn. This is for you- she said, handing him an envelope.
Esme watched Anomen uncertainly open the envelope and begin reading the letter. With each word he read, his jaw began to tighten more and more and his hands trembled. Esme waited, wondering what was in the document that he had read that made knight so agitated. Finally Helmite exhaled loudly and looked up at Bylanna Ianulin who was watching him closely all the time.
-I do not understand. It's a deed of ownership on my father's property.
Esme raised her eyebrows at his words.
-How could that be- she whispered more to herself. She remembered the last time they saw Lord Cor perfectly well. The drunk man shouted then that Anomen was no longer his son and that there was no point in returning to his family home. There must have been some mistake. Anomen clearly thought the same.
-My father made it clear to me that I am no longer his son in his eyes,the last time I saw him- said Anomen.
Bylanna Ianulin drank a bit of her tea. After a long moment, she looked up, looking first at Esme and then at Anomen.
-That's right, that was your father's initial intention- she said - He came to me one day, drunk, of course, demanding a change of his will. He wanted your name erased and said he'd rather drink away all the value of the house than save it to a coward.
Anomen sighed heavily.
-I can perfectly imagine his tone and the way he spoke these words- he whispered. Esme felt her throat tighten at the sight of Anomen. He would remember his father's words for the rest of his life probably.
-But I don't understand what made him change his mind. It's not like him. Please enlighten me, Lady Ianulin- he said.
-As I mentioned, your father showed up here completely drunk demanding a change of the previously written will – she said and looked at them seriously – I am a professional and proudly serve truth and justice. I am proud of myself and what I do. I do not sign anything or deal with someone who is under the influence of alcohol. It is immoral and not ethical. I said the same to your father that day in that very office. He wasn't happy with my answer. He started screaming and threatening me, but then he sat up and started crying. Maybe it was just a drunkard's gibberish or maybe a feeling of guilt rising to the surface. He talked about the mistakes he had made and how much he regretted it. When he calmed down, I advised him that if he was still sure of his decision, let him come back tomorrow sober. He never did. So as you can see, the mansion and everything else is yours now. You are the only heir. You can do whatever you want, sell it, or keep it. Now that's all I wanted to talk about. Questions?- Bylanna Ianulin finished smiling slightly.
Only now did Esme look at Lady Bylanna and see how straight the woman was sitting and how refined her demeanor was. All her movements and behavior, despite her kind and polite nature, were calculated and there was nothing accidental about them. With all her person she showed pride in what she represents. Esme felt unusually small in her presence for the first time.
-Thank you for your time and help- Anomen said and he and Esme rose from their chairs. Lady Ianulin also rose from her seat and shook hands with both of them.
-I wish you luck and prosperity in your further endeavors- she said, leading them out of the office. Esme and Anomen nodded and quietly left the Council of Six Building.
-How are you? Esme asked Anomen as they finally stepped outside. Anomen looked at her and then at the letter he was still clutching in his hand.
-I'm not sure. I feel relieved but also surprised at this sudden twist. I'll have to sleep to calm down a bit so I can think about it all and decide what to do.
Esme smiled and put her arms on his shoulders.
-I'm here if you need any backup. Let's finally go to the inn and rest. We deserved it after such a long day- she said.
Anomen put an arm around her waist and they both walked slowly forward.
-Do you mind if we stop in the Graveyard District for a while?- asked Anomen - If my father still considered me his son, I would like to say goodbye to him for the last time and pray for his condemned soul. I will visit the grave of mother and Moira too.
Esme smiled and nodded.
-Of course, let's go.
Tightly wrapped in coats, they quickly covered the distance from the Government District to the Graveyard District. The sky was even more clouded now, and it didn't let any sunlight in, which made the Cemetery seem unusually gloomy that day. Heavy rain clouds hung low and heralded the imminent arrival of another downpour. Anomen promised to return soon and Esme decided to visit little Wellyn's grave during this time. The little teddy bear was still lying in its place, ensuring the boy peacefull sleep. It was evident that the tomb was well-kept and regularly visited by the boy's parents. Esme pushed the fallen leaves from the trees away from the grave with her hands when, unexpectedly, she heard a woman's laugh. Esme turned to the path leading from the gate where the couple were now walking, giggling. The woman pushed her blonde hair back and laughed at the words spoken by the man walking beside her. He was leaning towards her, his face was hidden under the hood and he gestured with slender fingers in front of the girl's face, telling something enthusiastically.
Esme looked shocked at the whole situation and turned to finish shoveling the leaves off Wellyn's grave. Indeed, some people had no decency. Arranging meetings and dates at the cemetery was unthinkable for her. She wasn't too religious herself, but there were limits. How could you show such disrespect? Hastily finishing the cleanup of the tiny grave, she said a short prayer for the boy's soul.
"Sleep well, Wellyn," she said in her mind and walked towards where they separated with Anomen. She heard a loud chuckle again and Esme rolled her eyes.
"Gods, of all the places, the cemetery was by far the last place I'd want to kiss someone. Girl, have some respect if not for yourself then for the dead! Esme thought critically. From what the kensai remembered, blond girl was really pretty and well dressed, probably from a good home. Of course, she knew appearances could be deceptive. Many of the noble people they met on their way were extremely vain and horrible people by nature. So the girl could be to very spoiled despite her origin.
"Or maybe she is simply in love and secretly meets her beloved?" Esme wondered, walking briskly down another alley. "She seemed content and happy. She laughed and listened to the words of her lover really… enchanted". Esme stopped and turning back started running in the direction in which she last heard the girl's laugh. Wishing she had her weapons with her, she grabbed the dagger from her belt. She turned into one of the paths efficiently avoiding the tombstones and mausoleums. She stood still and raised the dagger pointing it at the hooded man.
-Let her go! - Esme said sharply. The man, still hiding his face under the hood, was now bending over blond girl's arm held in his slender hands. Hearing the foreign voice, he immediately froze in motion, clenching his fingers tighter on the noblewoman's arm. His long claws digging into her skin to the blood. It was those long, sharp fingernails that allowed Esme to realize at the last minute that something was wrong. She had seen something like this before. The graceful movements of a pale hand in front of eyes and sweet words whispered in ear mesmerized reliably. The victim didn't even know she was going to certain death.
-I suggest doing a manicure. I offer my help. I can cut off your whole hand right away, preferably at the very nape of your neck- Esme said without taking her eyes off the man. A hiss of dissatisfaction escaped his throat and he lifted his head, throwing off his hood so that Esme could finally see his face. Gold eyes full of anger watched her carefully and the tongue casually caressed the tip of a long fang. The vampire shook his bald head and chuckled, either bored or irritated. He pulled his victim closer to him with his left hand. The girl with a slightly absent gaze looked at her "beloved" and then at Esme and giggled again as if she saw something funny. The vampire with a long claw stroked her cheek, sliding lower and lower along the neck, red blood appeared on the incised skin, flowing lightly and lazily.
-It's very rude to disturb the meal. Didn't your parents teach you good manners?- Vampire asked in a slightly bored tone, licking the blood off his slender finger.
-You see, I'm an orphan. That would explain a lot- Esme replied sarcastically trying to sound as calm as possible. She thought the plan of action in her head as she waited, regreting she had not call Anomen for help. Now she was really beginning to doubt whether she would be able to defeat a vampire on her own, and with only a dagger. She was fast, but not that fast. She decided to stall. Maybe Anomen will be there in time to help.
-Be a polite bloodsucker and let go of the girl. Maybe then as a reward I will kill you exceptionally quickly- she said.
Vampire laughed softly and sighed.
-Oh, I'm so scared, I'm shaking- he sneered and trembled as if in terror, shaking his whole body. The earrings in his ears rattled loudly.
Esme looked scandalized and looked away.
-Ughh please don't move like that. I'm getting sick.
-Excuse me? - Asked the baffled undead.
-I don't mean to be rude, but under your coat you're wearing only jewelery and pants. I understand you don't feel cold, but what about being decent? Man… I can see your nipples! Are all vampires dressed like that! ? Is this some of the newest trend in the underground? If so, forgive me, but you're closer to a brothel than vampire guild. You look like a male prostitute.
The vampire stood dumbfounded, mouth wide open.
-WHAAATT ?? ‼! - He finally shouted, examining his clothes.
-MALE PROS-TI-TUTE- Esme said very slowly and clearly – You know, someone who is paid for company. Although looking at your pale body, you can immediately see that you were not too muscular during your lifetime. I'd rather pay you not to come closer… Oh, I forgot my purse with money- she added, disappointed, grabbing her belt. She looked at the vampire and shrugged.
The undead gnashed his teeth and was trembling with rage.
-You are extremely insolent, but very stupid at the same time. It is going to be fun- vampire hissed, baring his sharp teeth and pushed the victim he was holding on to Esme. Kensai was surprised for a second. She jumped gently to the side, with one hand trying to catch the girl pushed at her to ease her fall at least a little without losing her balance. For a brief moment she let her opponent out of sight, belaying the noblewoman falling on the hard paved path, and sharp claws flashed right in front of her face. Thank to long years of fighting and training, she blocked a blow that would most likely cut her face. Finally, standing more confidently on her feet, she stood ready to counterattack, when she heard a surprised voice and a scream behind her. With the fall, the hypnosis finally stopped working and the noblewoman regained her senses, now screaming with all her might, terrified.
-Honey, do both of us a favor and run to safety as soon as possible- Esme said without even turning around. She heard the rustle of fabric behind her back, a few hurried breaths, and finally sound of heels on the stone. Now that the victim was safe, she could focus her full attention on the opponent, who did not wait any longer and attacked again. With quick attacks, he tried to break through Esme's guard, who blocked his attacks as much as possible. He cut the fabric on her arm in one move, miraculously not reaching the skin. Esme took the moment to reach her attacker and the blade cut through his pale skin. The vampire hissed angrily at the long cut on his wrist. The wound was gone after a few seconds, contrary to the fury in the golden eyes of the undead.
-My little extremely annoying cockroach, even though you are a servant of the Shadow Thieves, our Lady did not order you to be killed. However, I think that taking from you a little blood and smacking your face will not cause me much trouble. You interrupted my meal, and I'm very irritable when I'm hungry.
-I'm almost sorry about that- Esme said, adjusting her grip on the dagger hilt - You can try your luck. I'm waiting.
Vampire suddenly tilted his head slightly as he listened.
-I think we have company. Shame. You are lucky I cannot kill you, Child of Bhaal, otherwise it would be over for you. We will meet again, and then I will not be so restrained in attacks – said the vampire and, waving his cloak in front of her eyes dissolved into thin air, turning into a fog.
Only now did Esme hear footsteps behind her that the vampire had heard long before thanks to his heightened senses. Anomen emerged from behind one of the buildings and quickly ran to Esme.
-Esme, my love, are you okay? – he asked, looking around and then looking at her carefully – I was on my way back when I suddenly heard a scream. A girl ran into me, she mumbled something about a vampire.
Esme nodded and sheathed the dagger.
-It's alright, my dear. He just fled when he heard that you were approaching. He was dangerous but a coward at the same time.
-Are you hurt?- Helmite asked with concern in his voice.
-No, I'm fine- Esme reassured him. - But it looks like Aran Linvail was right. Vampires watches us as closely as the Shadow Thieves, and they also know who I am. Fighting them may be more difficult than I thought so far. Who knows what they are up to.
Anomen put his arm around her, scanning area.
-Let's get out of here, my dear. We'll talk when we're at the inn. It's not safe here.
Esme nodded and the two of them set off between the gloomy tombstones.
-Let's try to find that poor girl too. She's definitely scared. Let's take her home safely- she added.
The wind blew and howled sadly and single drops of rain began to fall from the sky. The weather perfectly reflected Esme's gloomy thoughts. The enemy guild will have to be annihilated eventually. Sooner than later, they will have to face the entire vampire nest. Kensai was grateful that they still had some time to prepare for the storming of their headquarters. If they knew about her origins, they might still have an ace up their sleeve, and the unknowns had to be taken into account. They were safe for the time being, and the only real concern now was still Edwin turned into a woman. Though Esme wasn't sure which of the two worries was worse.