Hello my lovely readers. Please forgive me for such a long break between chapters. Unfortunately, I had a complete lack of free time and energy. Enjoy!
Chapter 6 – Moving forward.
Warning: Blood, strong language and graphic violence.
Unlike other Athkatla neighborhoods, the Temples District was not as crowded as the rest of the city at this time. Here and there you could see individual priests, paladins, worshipers, or just a few nobles strolling the streets. Yoshimo and Minsc have just left one of the buildings and walked briskly ahead. They were both carrying voluminous bags which, judging by their appearance, were extremely heavy. Yoshimo looked around for some suspicious figure without slowing down for a moment. He and Minsc quickly made their way to the Docks. Their target was one of the inconspicuous buildings standing there, which at first glance did not stand out from the others. Turning back to make sure they weren't being followed, the bounty hunter nodded to the ranger and he opened the door. They both went inside and headed deeper into the building.
Esme and the others in the large room looked up at the sound of the door opening. Yoshimo and Minsc went inside and threw their bags on the table.
-Any hassle? - Esme asked, smiling at the sight of her returning companions.
Yoshimo shook his head.
-Even the smallest. Nobody followed us. And we have everything that the nearby temples promised us- thief said pointing to the bags they had brought.
Esme looked into one of them and took out a large bottle with a clear liquid inside.
-Are you sure it's enough just to get our weapons wet in it, dear?- She asked, looking at Anomen standing next to her. Helmite nodded and took the bottle from her.
-I'm sure. Even an ordinary sword will give us an advantage against the undead if we sprinkle it with holy water. – He said – We should also take some bottles with us, just in case.
Esme smiled and nodded her head.
-You are an expert here, my dear, and I will fully trust you in this matter – she said once again looking into the bag lying on the table. This time she took a wooden stake, sharpened at one end. She weighed it lightly in her hand and tossed it slightly upwards, checking how it was in the palm of her hand.
-Why does it have to be a wooden stake in the heart to finish off a vampire?- She asked, more to herself than to anyone in the room.
-And have you ever seen anyone surviving something like this?- Edwin sneered nearby.
Esme narrowed her eyes at him.
-One- zero for you wizard. You are undoubtedly right- She said and unexpectedly threw the stake in his direction. Edwin clumsily somehow grabbed the stake, which almost slipped out of his hand.
-I want you to have a few with you too. Spells are spells, but these bastards are extremely fast and I want you to be prepared for any eventuality- Esme said, looking carefully at red wizard.
Edwin rolled his eyes.
-Yes, Yes of course. I will employ these primitive methods if need be (Though I doubt any of these filth will escape my finely cast spells).
Yoshimo nudged wizard on the side with his elbow:
-Lucky you have already returned to your former form. As a defenseless and squeaky woman, you certainly would not be able to get rid of vampires and we would have to save you again – thief teased Edwin.
Esme heard Anomen snort somewhere behind her back without even trying to hide the amusement at the joke. Edwin, furiously enraged, turned red and inhaled loudly, most likely wishing Yoshimo with death by incineration. He opened his mouth to speak but was interrupted by the unexpected opening of the door to the room in which they were staying. Aran Linvail walked in looking at the faces of those present. The man presented himself impeccably as usual. His short blond hair was lightly fluffed at the temples with gray color, his face shaved smoothly. He was wearing a white shirt buttoned up to the neck and black pants. Everything was completed with high leather boots and also a long leather coat. Sharp pale blue eyes scanned the faces quickly and stopped at Esme. Aran smiled.
-How are the preparations?- He asked directly, ignoring unnecessary politeness.
Esme smiled back and nodded her head in greeting. She had gotten to know the Master of the Shadow Thieves quite well, and she knew that always busy he didn't like to waste his time on unnecessary familiarity, and he went straight to the point.
-Everything's fine- Esme said - We've just collected the last equipment we need. We have already agreed on the details of tomorrow's attack several times. We are ready.
Aran Linvail nodded pleased to hear her reply.
-Excellent. As I mentioned wizard and his golem will be waiting for you tomorrow at the entrance to the crypts to open the door.
-Perfect- Esme replied - We'll be there right after sunrise.
Aran looked at her and raised his index finger.
-I think I will be much calmer if you decide to spend this night here in the guild building.
Esme and her companions looked at each other slightly surprised.
-Here? Why?- Esme asked.
Aran laughed slightly.
-You will certainly agree with me that I would not be in my current position if I had not been extremely cautious – he said – This operation is quite important to me. The enemy undoubtedly has an eye on both me and you. You can never be sure how much they know exactly and you could be exposed to a surprise attack.
-We are able to take care of ourselves. We've been attacked by surprise more than once- Jaheira said sharply.
Esme nodded and looked at Aran Linvail.
-We wouldn't be here if we hadn't proved that we can't cope, would we? - She noticed and raised her eyebrows waiting for the answer.
The Shadow Thief Master smiled again, looking at the kensai intently.
-That is undoubtedly true. But eliminating the enemy guild is important to me, as it is to vampires, eliminating us. Why risk unnecessarily? It's much safer here than an inn, isn't it?
Esme raised an eyebrow.
-It is undoubtedly safer for you if the vampires saw our plan at the last minute and decided to attack your premises.
Aran chuckled softly and spread his hands.
-As I said before, I like to be protected from any eventuality. So you will stay here for our common good.
Esme turned to her companions, Jaheira nodded slightly, Edwin shrugged and Yoshimo waved his hand to indicate that the decision was up to her.
-All right, we'll stay- kensai agreed-But we don't have all the things we need with us. One of us …
Aran held up his hand and cut her off in mid-sentence.
-You don't have to worry about that. I have already allowed myself to send my people for them. Your things are already waiting for you in your rooms.
Kensai looked surprised to hear these words. She took a deep breath to calm her nerves a bit and began slowly:
-Aran, I respect you. Maybe I don't approve of all your methods, but I respect you and try to be fair to you. So I am asking you to stop treating me like a child. I would be grateful.
-I know from experience that a last minute change of plans can be very beneficial and the less people know, the better- said Aran Linvail- Please understand my behavior, Esme. Our interests, yours and mine, are the same and so far I really appreciate our cooperation. The welfare of my guild and my own are still however a priority.
Esme nodded and forced a smile on her face.
-I understand perfectly well, Aran. The well-being of my comrades is also most important to me. Our cooperation has been going smoothly so far, but tomorrow my friends and I will be risking our lives for you. A little trust would be good and very much appreciated.
-I trust you as much as I can. Being in my position, unfortunately, I am not able to allow myself to make mistakes and I do not allow too many people to come close. I appreciate what you and your companions are doing for me, be sure of it and I will most certainly keep my promise. Some methods, however, will remain the same, regardless of the feelings and preferences of outsiders. We work together and I can assure you that as long as you are loyal to me I will repay you with the same. You have my word.
-And you have mine, Aran- Esme replied - But don't put us in this position ever again.
Aran Linvail made no reply to this and turned towards the exit. Before he left, he turned and looked at Esme and her companions.
-I wish you all the best tomorrow. Have no mercy on them- he said and disappeared behind the closed door.
Esme exhaled loudly and turned to face her companions.
-Looks like we're staying here. Not that someone asked us for our opinion.
-Aran is as charming as ever- Yoshimo said.
-Unfortunately working with him is necessary. Cooperation with vampires would be scandalous and defile anything that is good- said Anomen.
Esme smiled and spread her hands in a gesture of helplessness.
-That is why, we are here in this charming place. We just have no choice. I am glad that tomorrow our cooperation will end – she added in a more serious tone – We will fulfill our part of the contract and the Shadow Thieves their part.
Esme turned to her companions and looked at their faces. All their efforts so far have been down to tomorrow. Tomorrow it would all be decided, tomorrow they would make their last effort and finally move from where they had been for so long. Tomorrow they were finally going to take a step forward to save Imoen and reach Irenicus. Esme just hoped they all would be able to survive the battle with the vampires. She wanted to make sure everyone was still sure they wanted to accompany her.
-If you have any doubts, now you have the opportunity to comment out loud. Tomorrow's fight is primarily mine, Jaheira's and Minsc's. Anomen, Yoshimo, Edwin, if you feel that you want to quit, I will not blame you.
-And who will disarm all the traps for you if Great Yoshimo will not go with you tomorrow? You need me and my abilities. My decision remains unchanged, I will accompany you tomorrow.
Esme smiled gratefully and nodded at the thief. Then she looked at Edwin, who rolled his eyes in irritation.
-You are going to the vampire lair in the ancient underground of the city and considering the possibility that I would not be there ?!- red wizard hissed- How do you imagine my spells missing tomorrow? Pffft what a mockery, you wouldn't have walked farther than the front door without my help! (Plus, you'll trample and ignore priceless ancient treasures, scrolls, and artifacts if I'm gone!)
Esme laughed at wizard's words and agreed.
-It is true, without your Fireballs we will indeed be doomed. I'm glad you can help us tomorrow, Edwin.
Then Esme looked at the last of her companions. Though she was sure what his answer would be, somewhere inside she felt an unpleasant nerve clenching her stomach. Anomen smiled slightly at her and folded his hands over his chest.
-I think I should be mortally offended and greatly touched. Really, you have to ask what is my decision, my dear? - Asked cleric tilting his head slightly and lifting one corner of his mouth.
Kensai exhaled a breath she didn't even know she was holding.
-I know, Anomen. However, I wanted to be sure and give everyone a chance to think or change their minds. I did not want to put pressure on anyone.
Helmita walked over to her and put his arm around her.
-All your battles are mine as well. I will follow you everywhere without hesitation, you dont need to ask.
-So do I- Yoshimo cried - We are with you, my dear friend.
Edwin rolled his eyes again and nodded.
-Yes, yes, enough of this sloppy stuff.
Esme felt much better and also embracing Anomen tightly she said aloud:
-Please, be carefull tomorrow. I don't know what awaits us and the clash with vampires is no joke, especially in their territory. But what we can be sure is that tomorrow we will give them hell and that their ranks will thinner. And then, we'll go Imoen to the rescue!
The comrades roared loudly sharing her enthusiasm. They were ready.
Nervous and very excited at the same time, Esme couldn't sleep when they finally went to bed. When she finally fell asleep lying next to Anomen, her dream was filled with images of vampires, Imoen and Irenicus.
The echo in the old and empty catacombs carried even the slightest murmur and noise, and though the team treaded carefully and slowly, each step seemed to rumble and carry far, betraying their arrival. Minsc and Yoshimo were the first to go, lighting the road with torches and looking for hidden traps. Tall ranger suddenly raised his fist signaling his companions to stand still. Esme walked closer, keeping her eyes on the darkness in front of them.
-What's going on, Minsc?- She asked in a whisper.
-Something is lurking here- giant replied – Boo feels it too.
-Where, ahead of us? - Esme looked around, gripping her hands tighter on the hilt of her swords. Minsc shook his head.
-No, somewhere around, I think above us.
Esme and her companions looked carefully around. Yoshimo raised his torch higher and squinting his eyes, stared into the darkness above their heads.
-I think I see something, some movement.
Everyone grabbed their weapons and looked up.
-Are you sure, I can't see anything ?! - Edwin said.
Esme couldn't pick up anything from the darkness around them either, though she knew Minsc was most definitely right. If he said there was something there, it was.
-Over there! - Minsc pointed with his finger and Yoshimo raised the torch higher. Esme felt her whole body go numb and shivers ran down her spine. Four enormous spiders hung on thin cobwebs above their heads. Esme, despite her clashes with all kinds of creatures, hated spiders with all her heart, and they disgusted her. So when the torchlight reflected just above her head in the eight bead-black eyes staring at her, she flinched, trying not to run away in panic. She pressed her lips tightly into a thin line so as not to squeak and tighter her hands on her weapons.
"Why spiders, why, why?! …. And why do they have to be so gross ?! " She thought frantically, watching the creature intently " Eight eyes, nasty fangs, and those legs, why the hell eight of them ?! Ugghhh don't give up, Esme, don't give up… " she kept repeating in her mind. One of the spiders hissed suddenly and bared fangs, ready to attack when a magic bullet suddenly pierced the air. The spell hit one spider. Creature swung thick legs furiously and cramped on the spider web over the heads of Esme and her team. Another bullet hit the next spider and using this unexpected diversion team also launched an attack. Slightly stunned creatures, attacked suddenly from two directions without waiting for death, quickly dragged themselves along their cobwebs far beyond the range of blows and spells. Taking one last look at the place where the spiders had disappeared, Esme flinched one last time, grateful that she didn't have to fight the creatures she hated. The image of their last encounter with nearly identical spiders was still in her mind. " Hairy abomination from the last circle of the Nine Hells," as Esme called the spiders, or what was left of them from the last fight almost made kensai vomit in disgust. Lots of green and yellow thick blood, entrails, and hundreds of tiny stinging hairs covered their clothes and their skin. Wandering in caves, far from the exit and still further from the prospect of a quick bath and clean clothes, Esme felt disgusting and shuddered every now and then. The spiders she hated had somehow managed to become even more gross. So now Esme was thankful that the spider's thick and shaggy leg hadn't touched her or even her sword. She and the rest of her companions turned in the direction from which the spells had just been cast. Not far from them, in the shadows, stood a man, a middle-aged wizard, followed by a tall clay golem. A tall and slender man, dressed in blue robes, approached cautiously.
-I'm here to open the door …- he said, looking at them carefully and expectantly.
Esme smiled immediately at his words.
-You're Haz? I am Esme, Aran sent us.
The wizard sighed and visibly relaxed.
-I figured it out. The chances of any other group of adventurers wandering here are rather low.
Esme laughed slightly.
-It is true, the surroundings do not really encourage sightseeing. Thank you for helping with the spiders. Thanks to you we avoided the unnecessary fight.
Haz nodded.
-I managed to get the element of surprise. I was hiding in the shadows here with my golem when I saw you coming.
-Here? Esme was surprised. Linvail said we were to meet at the door.
The wizard snorted.
-If Linvail is so smart, let him stand there by himself. It's dawn and all this crap is coming back to its place. A moment ago I saw one group of these bloodsuckers going inside and it's good that I was standing hidden here. Otherwise, there would be nobody to help.
The wizard, maybe a little right, but seemed a little arrogant, and Esme wondered if Haz would be so talkative and saucy if the Shadow Thief Master was down here with them.
-Okay, let's go then. Let's not wait any longer, otherwise our hairy friends may be back soon- Esme said and started moving, casting one last searching glance at the high ceiling above her. The team moved without protest when unexpectedly Anomen approached kensai and embracing her with his arm, whispered in her ear:
-Are you okay, my dear? – He asked.
Esme looked at him surprised.
-Yes, why are you asking?
Anomen laughed softly.
-Because I know how afraid of spiders you are- he explained. Esme flushed slightly and looked at him embarrassed.
-I'm not afraid of spiders, love. I am disgusted with them and afraid of them- she corrected him.
Anomen laughed.
-Yes, it does make a huge difference, Essie. Don't worry, I'll protect you from them. Just like when you ran away from the tent and didn't want to come back- Anomen teased her slightly and Esme looked at him with mock seriousness.
-That spider was sitting on my blanket and it was almost as big as Boo. I'd rather sleep outside in the rain than with this thing.
-So I promise to take care of all these terrible creatures for you, my fearless heroine.
-Aawww, my Knight in shining armor! - Esme laughed and kissed him lightly - What would I do without you?
They both covered their mouths with their hands so as not to burst out laughing out loud. Jaheira turned to face them.
-Quiet, it's a very important mission- she scolded both of them.
Esme raised her hands in an apologetic gesture.
-Sorry Jay, we're calming down already- she said, but thought it was pointless to be quiet. They were going to enter the main vampire lair through the front door. There was no finesse and no element of surprise in it. They might as well knock and ask how they are.
They quickly reached a corridor that now widened considerably and ended in a large, heavy door the weight and size of which would not allow an ordinary mortal to open it.
-Are you ready? - Haz asked and Esme nodded.
Everyone stood ready with weapons in their hands, waiting tensely. Haz gave the order and the heavy golem moved forward, with a few big strides to the huge door and grabbed one side. Despite the undoubtedly great strength in his magically animated body, the golem at first pushed his legs down and it seemed that even he would not be able to open the door. Eventually, the old hinges creaked loudly and the golem pulled the door open for Esme and her companions. The way was open.
-Good job dummy. We're getting out of here- Haz said to the golem as a strange-moving mist suddenly emerged from behind the door, from which a vampire materialized.
-How dare you come here‼? - He hissed loudly and before anyone could react, he bit into the wizard's neck and gnawed a thick piece of meat, killing him right there. Haz's body fell to the ground, surrounding itself in a pool of rapidly flowing blood and the vampire turned furiously at the rest of the uninvited guests. Surprised, Esme recognized the bloodsucker's face. It was the same vampire she had recently met at the cemetery. The vampire apparently recognized her as well, the rage vanished from his face and he was staring at the girl in surprise.
-It's you! I have to inform the Mistress! - He said and fled to the crypt.
Anomen and Jaheira ran to the wizard's body, but when Esme looked at them expectantly, they just shook their heads. He could no longer be saved. The whole operation did not start very well and Esme felt a bit irritated. Now she wanted to wipe out all the vampires even more than before. After casting all the necessary spells, group slowly entered inside, intent on destroying anything that moves. From the other end of the corridor one of the vampires hissed at them and two more appeared behind him.
-Edwin- Kensai turned to the red wizard - Now that they know we are here, why not give them a warm welcome?
Edwin said nothing, only a malicious half smile appeared on his face, and standing in front of the group he began to recite the words of his favorite spell.
-Get ready- Esme said, though it was unnecessary. Everyone waited tensely, ready to attack. The vampires in the corridor rushed forward to attack but Edwin had finished his spell and the fireball lurched devastatingly forward, consuming everything in its path. Shielding their eyes from the glare, Esme and her companions watched the raging flames from which three vampires, still hissing loudly, jumped out as they expected. The rapid movements of the blades of Esme, Yoshimo and Minsc, accelerated even more by the spell, stripped the monsters of their heads, and Anomen, Jaheira and Edwin immediately pierced their black hearts with stakes. The bodies of the vampires turned into dry, gray, shrunken caricatures, looking unlike anything they had been just moments before. Without waiting team moved forward looking around. The old and richly decorated interior of the tomb was full of vases, paintings and other valuables, which they now paid no attention to. The time after the fight will come to loot the place and take what will compensate them for their efforts. In each of the rooms they passed, they killed two or three vampires, then carefully examined every corner in search of hidden mechanisms and rooms. Small scratches and light wounds were healed immediately and, like a sensationally synchronized mechanism, they moved on without stumbling or wasting energy and time on unnecessary things. As she climbed the stairs to the upper level, Esme felt the atmosphere getting a little different, a bit heavier. A strong metallic smell filled the air. In the center of the room was a large stone pool into which thick scarlet blood flowed continuously from several different sources. Esme felt breakfast roll in her stomach and stuffed her nose. Jaheira and Edwin standing next to her did the same.
-What a filthy place – scandalized Anomen said somewhere behind her back – How many innocent people had to die to fill this tank ?! The gods should burn this place to the ground!
-These are not very nice words- they heard unexpectedly. To the right was a vampire that Esme had recognized earlier. Somewhere behind her back, Jaheira and Anomen cast their protective spells once again and Edwin cast a spell to speed up their movements. The team was ready for another fight.
-We're not here to be nice to you- said kensai, looking at the vampire carefully - We're here to kill you.
The vampire snorted.
-In our last meeting, you didn't do very well. I doubt you can kill me.
Esme pointed to her companions.
-As you can see, this time I'm not alone. I also have two helpers – she said, showing the vampire her two swords – They can't wait to get to know you better. I also remember that last time you didn't have your shirt on … Nothing has changed as I can see. You could have sent a note, I would have bought you one on the way here.
The vampire bared his fangs, clearly irritated.
-My name is Lassal and I am 134 years old! I will not let you offend me and destroy my house!- He shouted and jumped on them.
Edwin hit him with an acid arrow to slow down his attack, Jaheira hit him with his staff, which the vampire avoided with unnatural and impossible for an ordinary human movements, but in the next moment he was reached by a huge sword of Minsc. A blow that would cut a normal mortal in two was too weak to knock a vampire off his feet. In the next moment a glow lit the room. The False Dawn spell cast by Anomen did not kill the vampire, but it was enough to confuse him. Before Lassal could regain his balance and attack again, Esme cut his head with the blade, and Yoshimo, to be sure, pierced his torso with a wooden stake. Shock and surprise showed on the vampire's face before it finally dried out, losing its old features.
-I have to admit, I'm a little disappointed, it was all too easy- Yoshimo said, pulling the stake from the vampire's torso.
-Boo says it's not over yet- Minsc said, and Jaheira nodded in agreement.
-There is still the leader of these filthy group- druid said, massaging her sore shoulder.
Laughter broke the silence. Delicate and melodic, in other circumstances it might even seem pretty and pleasant to the ears. Now, however, it sounded ominous and cold, heralding the arrival of its owner. Esme felt shivers down her spine and flinched involuntarily. A female figure emerged slowly from the dark entrance to one of the side rooms. Pale and petite, dressed almost vulgarly in tight black leather outfit, a woman looked at them with golden eyes smiling ominously. The vampire sighed loudly, either bored or irritated.
-I see that Aran has finally found people stupid enough to do his dirty work for him- the vampire looked up at Esme.
Esme smiled.
-Well, of the two bad things, I'd rather get my hands dirty for Shadow Thieves than for vampires. Both groups are not very pleasant to work for, but you bloodsuckers disgust me. You must be their mom I presume?
-Ouch, disgust? – She pretended to be offended and vampire began to gracefully circle around them – How can you talk so badly about my beautiful children? And yes, I am in charge here. My name is Bodhi. You don't need to introduce yourself, Esme. I know perfectly well who you are. We've been watching you since you arrived to the city, we know which inn you stayed in, who you visit, and even with whom you spend your "free time" – said Bodhi, looking meaningfully at Anomen.
-I feel almost honored that you pay so much attention to me- Esme replied, her blood boiling. She knew that she could not be provoked and tightened her hands tighter on the hilt of her swords- Enough talking, give up or I will cut off that cheeky smile from your face.
Bodhi raised her eyebrows and still pacing the room, laughed.
-Give up? I'm not in a position to give up. Do you think you were victorious here? Do you think you managed to destroy my house? Most of my beloved children have escaped a long time ago and only those I thought were unnecessary remained – she said and stopped at the remains of Lassal – Let's take my dear Lassal, for example. He was a perfectly capable lover, but he was also incompetent and irritating.
With the thin heel of her shoe, Bodhi crushed the skull lying on the floor and placed her hands on her hips, a malicious smile on her pale face.
-We will come back here much stronger and crush all our enemies.
-Not if we kill you- Jaheira said.
-Oh, no, no- said the vampire - I'm not going to fight you. I really do want to tear your hearts out, but that would upset Jon a lot, and I don't like to tease him.
-Jon?! You mean Irenicus ?! Are you working with him ?!- Esme called. She took a step forward, but Jaheira held her.
-Questions, questions, questions – Bodhi replied- You are very interesting and at the same time extremely boring, my little mouse. Forgive me, but you will find out in time, Child. Now excuse me, but I have a very important meeting with your pink-haired friend. We will see each other another time!
Finishing her statement, Bodhi turned into a fog and disappeared from their sight as unexpectedly as she appeared. Esme tasted bitterness in her mouth. The whole operation was hardly a victory if the leader was still safe and sound at large. In addition, Bodhi was working with Irenicus and they both had plans for Imoen. The short joy of the day before was replaced by anger, fear and disappointment. So what if they managed to move forward, if the enemy was two steps ahead of them?
Esme gritted her teeth and turned to her companions.
-Let's search this cursed place and lets get out of here as soon as possible - she said, hoping that the results of their mission would satisfy the Shadow Thieves Master.
The ship swayed slowly on the waves. Stars began to appear on deep blue sky, used now by sailors to navigate to help them safely reach Brynnlaw. Saemon Havarian, the ship's captain, the only one who was crazy enough to take them, assured Esme and her companions that they would reach their destination tomorrow evening. Kensai didn't like him a bit, he seemed smart, two-faced and Jaheira called him "slippery", but whole team, remained silent and polite wanting to reach the destination without hassle.
Esme stood leaning against the side of the ship, staring at the moving waves. Anomen had just gone to bring them both hot tea, and Esme tried to distract herself from the unpleasant thoughts that had haunted her since meeting Bodhi. Irenicus knew they were approaching, Imoen was in danger, as long as she hadn't already suffered at the hands of him and the vampire. Esme was constantly devising strategy and plan, calculating possibilities, but too many unknowns left her irritated and tired each time. She didn't know what to expect in Spellhold and it drove her crazy. Finally, Esme looked away from the sea, knowing that there would be no answer to her questions there, and looked around. Nearby, she saw Minsc and Yoshimo and walked over to them wanting to talk a little to kill time. There wasn't much for them to do on the ship, so they spent the time mostly talking, training, or just doing nothing.
-Do you mind me joining?- Esme asked looking at tall ranger who greeted her with a wide smile.
-Little Esme, neither Minsc nor Boo ever mind your company.
Esme beamed at his reply, but the smile faded from her face as she looked at Yoshimo. The thief didn't say a word and stared ahead lost in thought. Companion from Kara Tur had become quiet and looked bad from the moment they boarded a ship.
-Yoshi … Are you okay?- Esme asked, looking at him carefully. Yoshimo straightened and looked at her.
-Yes, everything's fine- he said unconvincingly.
-Are you sure? You look bad. - Yoshimo darkened even more and his muscles tense. Kensai saw something obviously biting him and wanted to help him – If something is bothering you, you know you can tell me about it, right?
Yoshimo looked at her a little different this time, as if he was thinking about something. After a while, however, he shook his head.
-I just don't like ships, and I'm sea sick. I'm just too proud to admit it. – He replied – Forgive me, I dont feel very well, I'll go to bed.
Esme nodded and spoke to Minsc as Yoshimo's figure finally disappeared below deck.
-I don't understand why he is lying- she said - You can see that something is wrong.
-Boo says so too – said Minsc, gently stroking pocket in which the hamster slept well- He says that our friend is afraid of something.
Esme frowned and looked at where her friend had disappeared. What or whom could Yoshimo be so afraid of? Esme respected him and didn't want to press him for an explanation. She had already made it clear to the thief that he could count on her, and she hoped that if the need arose, he would come and ask for her help. Troubled thoughts resurfaced in her head.
-Are you afraid, Minsc? - kensai asked and the giant looked at her in surprise.
-What would Minsc be afraid of?
Esme took a deep breath and looked out at the sea, not knowing exactly how to formulate a question. Finally she looked up again at Minsc who was now watching her closely.
-I mean, we're on the verge of getting to Imoen and Irenicus. We don't know what awaits us, but the fact is that we will come face to face with our former torturer. Someone who locked us up and tortured us, someone who killed Khalid and Dynaheir. I wanted to know what you think, Minsc? Are you angry, excited? Or maybe you are afraid of this meeting as I am?
-Minsc is not afraid, little Esme – the giant replied immediately, surprising her. His tone was sure and there was not a shadow of a doubt in it.
-No?
-No. Both Minsc and Boo know what awaits us- Minsc said and folded his hands on his massive chest- Minsc has failed Dynaheir, but he is stubbornly trying to regain his honor and avenge her death. On the road to redemption and glory, however, there is nothing Minsc is afraid of. There are only two options, Minsc will either triumph or die, return home as a mighty warrior or die. There is no third way Minsc could and would like to go. There's only death or glory. Nothing is unknown- Ranger looked at Esme smiling and patted her back- That's why Minsc is not afraid and neither should you, little Esme. You are a great warrior with a sincere heart that does good. Minsc and Boo believe that justice will triumph.
Esme hugged her companion tightly as much as she could embrace his enormous form.
-Thank you- she whispered- You and Boo are both irreplaceable. I love you both.
-Oh, should I be jealous? – she suddenly heard Anomen's voice and Esme turned to face him. Helmita smiled and stepped closer.
-You were gone so long that I found myself a new love- Esme joked- It was too empty and cold without you.
Anomen kissed her forehead and handed her a mug of hot tea, then wrapped her in his coat.
-I went to get some warm coats for us. Evenings at sea can be very cold.
-Thank you- kensai said. Anomen put his arm around her and she snuggled tightly against him. Hot tea warmed nicely from the inside and the presence of Anomen was soothing to her.
The sky darkened and sailors lit lanterns on the deck. Just after supper, a little more than a splash of rum was distributed to everyone, which even Esme and Anomen enjoyed drinking. The drink warmed from the inside much better than tea or soup and gave a pleasant relaxation. A few of the sailors took out their instruments and began to play and sing to make the cold evening at sea a little more pleasant. As time passed more and more tired, sleepy and slightly drunk sailors shouted out the titles of the songs they want to hear, and the bouncy pieces gave way to a calmer and more melancholy one.
-Oy, Sam! Play that one about the raven!- One of the sailors called to a young friend who was playing that evening on a lute. The rest of them picked up the idea and whistled and shouted approval. Young Sam nodded, his fingers danced on the strings, and his voice rose pleasantly above the sound of the wind and the waves crashing against the ship's sides. Esme pressed against Anomen's shoulder listened to an unfamiliar song.
"I'm sending the raven
Black bird in the sky
Sending a signal that I'm here
Some sign of life
I'm sending a message
Of feathers and bone
Just let me know I'm not forgotten out here alone
The air is cold
The night is long
I feel like I might fade into the dawn
Fade until I'm gone "
Esme looked up, still listening to the lyrics of the song, and looking at the stars, she thought about the lonely and imprisoned Imoen. A long time passed, but they were finally on their way to save her. Soon, they will be together far away from all the horrors that had accompanied them both until now.
Young sailor was still singing, and the rest of his comrades sat quietly, listening to the melody and the words.
"I'm sending a raven
With blood on its wings
Hoping it reaches you in time
And you know what it means
'Cause out here in the darkness
And out of the light
If you get to me too late
Just know that I tried
Oh, I'm so far from home
So far from home
Oh, not where I belong
Not where I belong
Not where I belong
Oh, I'm so far from home
So far from home
So far. "
Esme lifted her cup and finished the rest of her rum, mentally praying for Imoen's wellbeing.
"I am close Immy. Please hold on, just a little more" she thought.
Song – Sam Tinnesz – "Far from home (the raven)"