Chapter Eleven
Back on the Silent Rudder the party took stock of their findings along their adventure. Coin and gems lie strewn about on the floor of their quarters along with the trinkets and weapons of the two would-be assassins. Ari used her detect magic spell to discern which items were magical so that the party could identify them. A ring of ram, amulet of health, and a quiver of magical arrows were among the finds and doled out to the party members that needed it most. Samash went about attuning to the ring of ram while Ari looked over the amulet of health with a sliver of ginger in her mouth. Chaucer was already up on deck telling tales of their adventure having already claimed his stake in the loot.
Up on deck Kuku watched the waters of the sea go by, reminded of his time on the water in Icewind Dale before the endless winter took over the area. Every now and then he found himself homesick for his childhood home, reminding himself that adventure and exploring was why he set out from the frozen tundra. At the helm Captain Dagger gave orders to his helmsman while watching over his crew as they pulled rope and adjusted sail. The rain was light today, more than a drizzle but not a hard rain either. The winds were good for sailing, not to strong but not weak. Chaucer stood in the center of the deck and soaked up rain gleefully. Kuku ruffled his feathers attempting to dry off, a few feathers falling to the ground around him.
After about an hour spent with the ring, Samash made his way up top to speak with the captain. He had seen the cargo, more crates and barrels, and felt safe enough travelling with it, safer still not knowing what it was. On deck Samash observed more than one crewman serving as lookout, all directions covered by someone. Samash made his way to the helm and up to the captain, once again stepping over riggings and bights that came up from the helm's floor.
"Ah, Mr. Samash," called out Captain Dagger, "I was wondering when you'd make an appearance up here for one of our riveting conversations." The pirate smirked as the half-orc approached. "I expected to see you in those bunny slippers of yours but I guess you're not on downtime."
Samash nodded in acknowledgement. "I noticed you have a lot of lookouts posted," he began, "I wondered if you could tell me what kind of danger we are looking out for."
Captain Dagger thought for a moment, casting a quick glance to his helmsman. "We are watching out for the Zhents. The cargo we now carry is sought after by them and we don't have the capacity to fight one of their ships right now."
"But you have cannons down below. All of your men have weapons, and you have us," Samash replied in confusion.
"We used most of our munitions getting the cargo. Now we are relying on speed and swiftness. The winds are in our favor." Captain Dagger placed his hands on the hilts of his daggers and considered Samash. "Best to keep near your arms until we get to port. The winds may be good to us now but that means they're also good to the Zhents. On a more positive note we haven't seen any sign of the Zhents yet," he added in an upbeat tone.
"You stole from them, didn't you," Samash asked flatly. He crossed his arms in a judgmental way looking the captain up and down.
"Not so," said Dagger. "We merely liberated from them what was not theirs to begin with. The Silent Hand will see to it that these items get to the right place," he finished with a smile.
Samash waved a dismissive hand. "Whatever you say, Captain. I've no love for the Zhentarim and even less for the shady activities they engage in. I'll make sure my people are aware and ready should we need to fight."
Dagger slapped Samash on the back with a smile and said, "That's the spirit! If any new information comes to light I'll make sure someone briefs you on it." Samash nodded and made his way down from the helm. No bunny slippers today the barbarian thought as he traversed the slippery stairs down to the deck.
Tamar and Ari had joined Kuku at the side of the ship staring out into the sea. Kevin and Adora sat perched on the rail of the ship, wings tucked at their sides. Tamar gently caressed Adora's neck as the rogue stared out into the blue sea. Samash made his way over to them, taking note of Chaucer soaking up the rain just a few feet away.
"I spoke with the captain just now," Samash said as he approached. "Sounds like we're on the lookout for enemy ships. Zhentarim to be specific." Ari quirked an eyebrow in confusion. Samash elaborated. "The Zhents are like an end all be all thieves guild. They are a criminal syndicate that is located all over the realms. The man that Raz sent Crom to assassinate is the leader of the Zhents."
"Oh. Dey sound like trouble," Ari retorted. She pulled her cloak up over her dreads as the rain picked up a little. "So wha should we do?" she asked the barbarian.
"Be ready for anything," he stated. "Keep your weapons close and your spells ready. The ship doesn't have the armaments left for a battle on water so it sounds like we'll have to board the enemy ship for an upper hand should we come across anyone."
Tamar pulled a spyglass from her pouch and extended it out as he looked through it, scanning the area all around the boat. "All clear for now," she said softly. "I'd go up in the crows nest with whoever's up there, but not in this weather," she said. "Speaking of which, I'm going down below to get my cloak," she finished.
"Did he say why the Zhentarim are after us?" asked Kuku. "It isn't like the Zhents are known for coming after folks unprovoked." Samash nodded.
"It sounds like these pirates stole from them," Samash divulged. "The captain tried to make it sound like they liberated whatever they have from them, but stealing is stealing."
"Anything bad that happens to the Zhentarim is something I support," remarked Tamar as she made her way down below for her cloak. The wind picked up some and the party could feel the speed of the ship pick up. Kevin and Adora lifted off from the boat's rail and promptly followed Tamar down below while Samash and Kuku looked around for where they might be needed.
The Silent Rudder pulled into port under clear skies and light winds. The journey had been quiet though they did finally spot a Zhentarim ship behind them on the horizon. It had been too far back to catch them and when Port Nyanzaru became visible the Zhent ship had peeled off course and disappeared. There had been much cheering and celebrating on the ship as the last leg of the journey proved to be safe and clear, the captain popping a few bottles of rum and passing them around.
Ari stumbled down the gangway and fell to her knees as she came to the dock, glad to be on dry land once more even if it was the bustling port. Chaucer came next, bouncing down the plank with ease and stopping to check on his fellow caster.
"Are you going to be okay, Ari?" Chaucer asked as he came up beside her, standing only as tall as she was kneeling down. He placed a gentle hand on her back and tilted his head to look into her eyes.
"Mi fine now. Jus glad ta be on dry land is all," she replied, regaining herself and slowly standing. The dock was a bustle of activity just as when they'd left. She wondered if it ever stopped. Burley men rushed off this way and that while beasts of burden drug heavy loads onto large ships. It was organized chaos she thought. She wondered how anyone could work in these conditions.
Samash and Goilon were the last two of the party to exit the Silent Rudder and gathered the party together off to the side of the dock. In a tight circle they huddled around the barbarian.
"Does anyone need to take care of anything before we head to Bilben's," Samash asked. "I'm sure he is anxiously awaiting our return."
"That is if he doesn't already know we're back," commented Tamar. "That little guy seems to know about every little thing that goes on."
"I say we go straight there," chimed in Chaucer. "I'm anxious to inherit that tower of his and make my grand stage for all to come and hear my stories!" the grung said excitedly.
Captain Dagger came down the gangway plank and moved over to the party. "Thank you for being such great passenger! Anytime you need another ride like that you be sure to look us up," he said to the group with a kind smile. As he spoke several dockhands scurried up the plank and onto the boat to begin retrieving the cargo. "Just wait till they hear at the watering hole that I had the infamous Oakdell Circle on my ship! I'll be the talk of the bar." Captain Dagger laughed to himself as he walked off to manage his docking affairs.
Samash shook his head in irritation. He was glad to be rid of the questionable character of the pirate captain. He had contained his displeasure for days and was glad to finally be done with it. Looking back to his group he said, "Okay then. If there's no objections, let's head over to Bilben's and turn in this artifact." The party all nodded their agreeance and stepped off into the bustling city heading for the Market Ward and Bilben's tower.
"Yes, yes, Nyx. That one too," Bilben chided the apprentice as she pulled out another scroll of teleportation and began weaving the spell at the large crate in front of her. "Everything that is crated or packed up is to be teleported back to Baldur's Gate, no exception," Bilben explained. "I spent weeks making all of those scrolls of teleportation so that we could easily move everything and not be limited by our spell slots." Nyx only sneered in response, rolling her eyes as her master mansplained the plan to her all over again. She chose instead to focus on casting the spell from the scroll, and with a few waves of the hand the large crate disappeared before her. Just then the bell rang for the front of the tower. Bilben looked up excitedly and scurried off for the front door.
"I wonder if that is the Oakdell Circle returning at last!" he said with zeal. "We'll be home before you know it." The bell rang out again as he made his way to the foyer, teetering to peer out the windows that ran alongside the big oak door. Outside he saw a dark-skinned human in intricate green and brown armor alongside the distinctive orange and black striped pattern of a giant tiger. Bilben opened the door curiously.
"Riri? What are you doing here?" the halfling asked as if baffled by her presence. He'd not known her to frequent the city often, preferring to remain out in the wilderness she called her home. If she is in the city, it must be important the mage thought to himself. She stood in the doorway in her hunting leathers, green and brown studded leather setting off the dark complexion of her skin. She was of slender build with long dark curls pulled up into an unkempt bun. At her side a giant orange and black striped tiger.
Riri stepped in without being invited, her large orange tiger pushing the door open ahead of her. "We ave a problem, Bilben," she said as a matter of fact in her gentle patois accent. "Two nights ago I was ambushed by assassins. During de fight I was able to determine dat dey are afta anyone eva in de Oakdell Circle." She looked around the empty entryway curiously. "Do you know where dey are? De Oakdell Circle."
Stunned, the halfling walked away from the door leaving it open. He looked at Riri with a bewildered look on his face. "Assassins?" he asked. "After the Oakdell Circle?"
"Not just de current members, dough. Dey seem to be afta anyone who eva been in de group. I dispatched de ones dat came afta me but I ave a feeling dere will be more," Riri replied with confidence.
"Oh my," Bilben said softly. "Well, the team should be arriving here any day now. I had sent them on a quest out in the jungle to retrieve an artifact of great significance to me."
Riri nodded and looked around. Crates lined the walls in most of the rooms while barrels littered the kitchen stores. She cast a glance back to the halfling. "Where are you going?" she asked with an almost demanding tone.
Bilben scratched his head and fumbled with what to do with his other arm. Nervously he said to his old traveling companion, "It seems that everything that brought me to Chult is resolved. I am heading home to Baldur's Gate once the party returns with my artifact."
Riri considered him for a moment. "Dat is too bad, old friend. I'm sure we could ave had many more adventures." Bilben chuckled out loud.
"I'm afraid my adventuring days are behind me. After losing my hand and getting possessed by one of the trickster gods I'd had enough of that life. Besides, I have an apprentice now to look after and a nephew who adventures that I need to keep out of trouble," the halfling explained.
"If it's all de same to you, I'll wait here for de party to return so dat I cyan brief dem on what is out dere afta dem," Riri said as she walked down the hallway and into the kitchen. Bilben lifted a finger as if to redirect her but stopped as he remembered her strong will and fierce independence.
"Make yourself comfortable," he called out as he closed the front door before setting out for the library. "You may enjoy the garden out back, too. I know Ari does. I'll be around here somewhere tending to my belongings if you need anything."
"I rememba de routine," Riri called back from behind her, Onika sniffing alongside her as she went.
"All I'm saying is dat it is very hard to go about my business in de jungle wit dese assassins coming afta me," lamented Riri to the group. They all stood around in Bilben's study; Samash, Kuku, Goilon, Tamar, Kevin, Adora, Ari, Chaucer, Riri and Onika, Bilben, Nyx, and now Bran, Cotton, and Crom who had arrived shortly after the main party.
Samash folded his arms across his big chest. "It's our top priority to dispatch this cult that keeps sending assassins after us," Samash stated to the room. "We've already had three come after us in less than two weeks' time," he added.
"We had two come for us in Mbala just the other day," Bran said speaking up. "They were clearly after Cotton and me but they obviously didn't do their homework on us."
"Speaking of which," Cotton chimed in, "when did you get access to a portal to Port Nyanzaru," he asked Bran.
"It's better you don't ask too many questions," replied Bran. "Let's stay on topic, old friend."
Samash stepped forward, arms still folded across his chest. "We managed to find out from two of our assassins that there is a cult dedicated to Acererak that rises up in his absence. Apparently, we've made it onto their list of people they don't like. They're trying to kill us because we defeated Acererak, though they don't seem to want to get their hands dirty so they keep sending out assassins," Samash informed the newly arrived. "We've got it in our plans to find and dispatch this cult to hopefully end this madness."
"Well you won't be doing it without us," said Riri as she scratched Onkia behind her ear. "None of us cyan do anyting until dis threat is dealt with." Tamar clapped with joy. She hadn't seen the ranger in ages and was excited at the idea of adventuring with her again.
"Same," piped in Bran. "This is really messing with my operations and I can't be having assassins coming after me with the line of work I do." Cotton nodded in agreeance.
"I've done what I had to do for Raz, so I can help out as well," remarked Crom. "You'll need someone to deal with the contract and I have an idea." An evil grin slid across the half elf's face. Tamar recoiled at his reaction and could only assume the worst from the assassin.
Bilben moved over to the fireplace, poking at the embers with his mage hand while holding firmly in his other hand the crown that the party had retrieved for him. After moving the logs around in the fire he turned to the group. "Go ahead and make your plans here. Settle into your new home while Nyx and I teleport the last of my things to Baldur's Gate. This tower belongs to you now just as I said it would." He held up a parchment with a signature on it. "Just sign this deed here and it's all yours." Chaucer smiled big hopping up to the parchment with a quill. Dipping it in the ink he signed the deed and stepped aside for his fellow party members to do the same.
One by one they all came forward and signed the deed, Samash with an 'X' and Tamar with a scribble. With the signing complete Bilben rolled up the parchment and handed it to Samash. "Congratulations," the halfling announced, "you are now the proud owner of a wizards tower, though most of the things that make it a wizards tower are going with me." He leaned forward and chuckled.
"I'm confident we'll find a way to make it our own," Samash said with a smile. He looked over to his party mates, both current and old, and offered a soft tusk bearing smile. "Let's move into the dining hall where we can discuss this over some food," the half-orc finished.
"Now you're speaking my language, lad!" replied Goilon with enthusiasm. "I'm famished from all that traveling an fighting. It'll be good ta get some real food in my belly instead of those trail rations."
Bilben smiled as the group headed into the dining hall, the halfling holding tight to the crown he'd been waiting years to possess. He stared down at its glowing golden aura, squeezing it tightly for a moment. How badly he'd wanted this, for so long. This was the final piece, in the very flesh of his own hand. Bilben struggled for a moment longer. Shaking his head clear he hurriedly rushed off to his study to begin investigating the item. He beamed with excitement as he bounded up the stairs.