Disclaimer: I own nothing.

Chapter 3

The fateful meeting

The inn for which the Friendly Arm was famous for was bustling and bright - filled with people, music and appetising smells. Bentley and Gellana Mirrorshade put in a lot of effort to ensure their establishment was the go-to stopover for most travellers between Baldur's Gate and Amn, and it showed. Food was abundant. The tables and furnishings were of good quality and importantly, clean. Even the chandeliers were ensorcelled to dim and brighten at appropriate moments in the evening, often accompanying the tune played by the bard of the night.

He picked them a table by the west wall, between the stairwell and the entrance. It afforded him a good vantage point of the room and was quiet enough to have a private conversation. The girls pulled stools and sat down. He unhooked Tarnesh's belt from his waist and dropped the belt and satchel onto the table.

Elene looked at the item, her eyes wide with apprehension. Cautiously, she unclasped the satchel and upended it over the table, letting its contents slip out. There wasn't much in there – some scrolls bound together, a small pouch likely containing some gold, a worn leather-bound book, dry ration and a crumpled piece of parchment. Frowning, she singled out the parchment for closer inspection.

Imoen whistled. "Looks like the fella definitely was a wizard of some kind. If that there isn't a spellbook, I'll eat my hat."

"What about those scrolls?" Kivan asked.

Imoen took one and unrolled it. "Magic scroll. Looks like an illusion spell, some words that I think mean to 'not be seen by the eye'. Huh. Invisibility, ya think?"

The question was addressed to Elene, but she did not hear a word of it. She was staring at the parchment in her hand.

"Hey, Lene?" Imoen nudged her friend. "What's up, you've gone all quiet like."

Elene turned the parchment over to let her companions see for themselves. The first thing that caught Kivan's eye was a rough sketch of a slender elf with long hair tied into a ponytail – the facial features were pencilled in with great care and detail. At the top of the parchment, the words 'Bounty Notice' could be read clearly even from across the table. He flicked his eyes between the sketch and the girl holding up the parchment. The resemblance was uncanny. No wonder Tarnesh singled her out so quickly.

"Wait, what?" Imoen grabbed the parchment and read it up close, her hand shaking. "Three hundred gold? But…why?"

Elene looked down at her hands miserably and shook her head. Yet somehow, she didn't seem as shocked as he would have expected her to be.

"Was this the first attempt on your life?" Kivan asked, following a stroke of intuition.

After a long pause, she shook her head again. She seemed to gather herself before elaborating. "A man tried to kill me in Candlekeep. Jumped me in the priest's quarters." She looked at Imoen. "That's why we left so suddenly yesterday. By rights Gorion wanted me to pick up a few more things." Unconsciously, she began wringing her hands. "Given what happened after, I…I don't know if it would have made any difference."

'Gorion' is her father, Kivan surmised. Not an elven name, surely.

Imoen stared at Elene, still in disbelief. "But, why would anyone want to kill you? You haven't hurt a fly your whole life. You're a librarian!"

"I prefer 'scribe in training', if you please," the elf smiled wryly, retrieving the bounty notice from her friend. She took a deep breath, the humour seeping out from her features as she did. "I don't have any of the answers, Im. I wish I did." Elene turned her attention to Kivan, a worried expression settling into her features. "What do you think of this…this bounty?"

Kivan glanced around the room, noting that no one seemed to be paying attention to them. "You've caught the attention of someone with influence," he concluded. He tapped the hood resting on his shoulders. "Step lightly in towns. Conceal your face."

"Sound advice. I will try to heed it." Elene leaned forward, her face and tone softening. "Whatever it is, thank you, Kivan. You didn't have to step in. Not in the woods, not just now in the alley…but you did. And I owe you my life."

Belatedly, he realised that she was right – there was no sound reason for him to step in and help these girls. It was an almost unconscious decision on his part, that they needed protection and he was in a position to offer it. At the end of the day, that was all that mattered. He could not let more innocents fall to vile beasts wearing the mask of men.

Perhaps he could be redeemed of his failure, after all. One day. By saving one soul at a time.

And yet, looking at these two, he probably has his work cut out for him.

Instead of responding to her words, he looked around the room. "What do your friends look like?"

"I don't know. I only know that their names are Khalid and Jaheira."

"That's good enough. Come."

He stood up. Elene looked at him in surprise for a moment but collected herself and started putting Tarnesh's effects back into the satchel. Imoen picked up the leather-bound book and put it into her own pack, earning her a frown from Elene, which she just shrugged off.

"Hey, who knows, it could be useful to learn new things."

"Be careful, Im. Magic can be dangerous. I've had cantrips go wrong before."

He did not linger to hear the rest of it, simply noting that the girls likely had magic training. His focus had already shifted to the barkeep, none other than the owner of the Friendly Arm, Bentley Mirrorshade himself. He began making a beeline for the bar.

Bentley looked relaxed as he wiped a flask, fastidious even in such a mundane act. The gnome stood on a stool to be seen over the bar, but despite his stature, his bearing was that of a man twice his size. His beard was well-kept, his hair oiled and his eyes bright and cunning. Those eyes followed Kivan as he approached, but briefly flickering to the girls in curiosity before the gnome accosted the trio.

"Greetings, Master Elf and friends," Bentley greeted him with a bright smile. "A little bird told me you had a bit of a nasty run-in with one of the guests. Terribly sorry for that bit of mess. I've told the lads to tighten up security a hundred times, but on the day I forget to remind them, this kind of thing happens."

Kivan decided to cut to the chase before the gnome got into his chatting stride. "Bentley, we are seeking two of your guests. Their names are Khalid and Jaheira."

Bentley raised his bushy eyebrows at that, a shrewd look in his eyes. "Are you, now?" Again, he glanced at the girls. "Well, that's interesting. They are over in the corner there," he raised the flask in his hand to the west corner of the room. "I do believe they have been waiting for someone as well."

Elene craned her neck to get a better look at where he was pointing, spotting a man and a woman conversing on the sofa. "Thank you, sir. We appreciate it."

Bentley chuckled at that. "Your companion has a sight better manners than you, Master Elf."

Kivan grunted, letting the girls move ahead of him. "We will speak of rooms later."

"Yes, yes of course. You know where to find me."

As they drew closer, Kivan studied the strangers. There was no doubt in his mind that these were the two travellers Garth described earlier. A couple, both of half-elven descent, emanating a strong do-not-approach vibe just by sitting in their own little corner minding their own affairs. He suspected it had a lot to do with the woman's stern bearing. She seemed to have more than a little elven blood in her based on her features, the angular features making her facial expression severe almost by default. Her hair was the colour of wheat, a stark contrast to the man's dark auburn hair. The man had the tanned complexion of one who spent much time in harsh suns, his slightly crooked nose indicating scuffles in the past.

They were both armed and armoured, postures relaxed but alert. Indeed, they seemed to be waiting for someone, as they ceased conversing with each other when they spotted Elene and Imoen approach.

The half-elven man made the first move by getting to his feet, his face open and friendly. "Something about you is familiar, child," he stammered as he spoke, looking at Elene. "Your manner reminds me of a sage I know, by the name of Gorion."

"It is almost a slight on him, but I see it too," the woman added, also vacating her seat. Unlike her companion's warm greeting, her gaze was scrutinising, almost business-like.

"Jaheira, mind your manners." The man admonished her. "This must be the child that Gorion wrote of so often." He turned to the Elene and smiled. "Elene, I am Khalid and this is my wife, Jaheira."

"We are old friends of your adopted father," Jaheira explained.

Kivan glanced at Elene, finally connecting the dots on why her mannerisms were so staid and un-elf-like: she was adopted by a human sage. The realisation, however, opened up a whole slew of other questions.

Jaheira craned her neck to look across the room, her eyes pausing on Kivan before asking, "He is not with you? I must assume the worst. He would not permit his only child to wander without his accompaniment."

"He...didn't make it," Elene admitted, her voice sounding brittle even to her own ears.

Khalid seemed to deflate somewhat at the confirmation before sharing a grim look with Jaheira. "We share your loss." He stepped forward and rested a gentle hand on Elene's shoulder. "He was dear to us."

Steeling herself, Elene tried a smile. It felt ill-fitting on her face, given the circumstance. But with Khalid's gesture, she felt certain she had found the people her father wished to entrust her safety with. "I appreciate your words, Khalid. Let me introduce my companions. This is my friend Imoen, she grew up with me in Candlekeep." Imoen waved at the half-elven pair.

"And this," Elene motioned to the ranger, "Is Kivan. He helped guide us here from the Lion's Way." She looked to him, her gaze unreadable. "We wouldn't be here without his help."

"Well," Jaheira huffed. "It seems you have a long tale to tell. Perhaps it would it be better to have this conversation in a more private space? We have a room upstairs with space for all of us."

Elene glanced at Imoen. The other girl nodded. She then turned to Kivan. He knew what she was about to ask, so he forestalled it by nodding as well. While the two adventurers seemed to be the people she was indeed looking for, thus completing his own escort duty, he also wanted some explanation for all the strange events of the day. It seemed all the scum in the region were converging on this poor girl today and he wanted to know why.

"Alright, Jaheira," said Elene. "Lead the way."

The five of them headed upstairs, adjourning to a spacious bedroom on the second floor. Imoen marvelled at the colourful drapery and upholstery within the room before settling down on one of the four plush chairs set up around a small table. Elene, Khalid and Jaheira followed suit while Kivan elected to remain standing by the wall. Jaheira graced him with yet another look of scrutiny but eventually diverted her attention back to Elene.

"Gorion often said that he worried for your safety, even at the expense of his own," Jaheira began. "We received a letter from him a tenday ago, with a plea for us to journey to the Friendly Arm Inn. After all we have been through when we were adventuring together, there was no way we would refuse his summons."

"You adventured with Gorion?" Imoen asked, surprised. "That must have been decades ago. How old are you?"

Amused, Khalid hid a smile behind his hand.

"Old enough, child," Jaheira smiled thinly. "Our elven blood means we age more slowly compared to humans. Now back to the matter at hand," Jaheira shot Imoen a pointed look, "we arrived here three days ago. A note was left with Bentley that Gorion would arrive with you in a day or two. So we waited."

"We feared the worst when neither of you turned up," Khalid added quietly.

"Well," Elene fidgeted in her seat. "It is, as you said, a long tale."

So, she told them the story, with Imoen interjecting here and there. It began with Gorion interrupting her in the middle of afternoon service at the Temple of Oghma, handing her a pouch of coins to prepare herself for travel. She had packed and purchased whatever she thought she needed, apprehensive about the whole affair until she had been attacked by a man while scrounging for healing salves at the priests' quarters. She had dispatched him almost by accident and ran, shaken to the core, to Gorion.

Upon informing Gorion, he immediately led her out the gates of Candlekeep. Barely an hour outside of the gates, she described the ambush, the frightening armoured man with glowing yellow eyes and her own harrowing escape.

She then told of how Imoen found her in the undergrowth the next morning and their hopeless journey through the wilderness until they encountered Kivan by chance. She did not gloss over the strange encounter with the old man at the Coast Way – at this point in the recounting, Kivan noted the subtle look exchanged between husband and wife. But they let Elene continue without interruption.

Finally, Elene came to the part about Tarnesh. Khalid looked to Kivan with approval when she shared about his quick actions in despatching the man. She pulled out the bounty notice and placed in on the table for Khalid and Jaheira to peruse. Khalid's benign features darkened as he read the notice out loud for his wife to hear. Jaheira frowned throughout, quietly absorbing and trying to make sense of it all.

Once Elene's recounting ended, the room was silent. Questions seem to hang in the air like a shroud of gloom over the room's occupants. And yet, no one there was equipped to answer any of them.

"Many things you have told us disturb me greatly. We had an inkling that you and Gorion were in danger but these hunters, the random attacks…" Jaheira trailed off. "Someone dangerous has great interest in you."

"What do I do now, Jaheira?" asked Elene. "Imoen and I cannot go back to Candlekeep."

For the first time that night, Jaheira cracked a small, warm smile. "There are many things you can do. But know that you need not do them alone. Gorion, he wished that Khalid and I would become your guardians, if he should ever meet an untimely end." Elene's eyebrows shot up in surprise at that. "However, you are much older now, and the choice of your companions should be your own."

"We could travel with you until you get settled, help you find your lot in life," Khalid smiled nervously at the girls. Imoen returned his smile gratefully, even as she reached out to touch Elene's arm. Elene just sat there looking bewildered.

"It would be a fitting last service to Gorion. But we must tell you that we plan to head to Nashkel soon. Khalid and I look into local concerns and there are rumours of strange things happening at the mines. No doubt you have heard of the iron shortage? You would do well to help us. It affects everyone, including you." Jaheira glanced at Elene's plain sword, the implication clear.

Imoen perked up at that but Elene raised her hands, palms outward in a slightly defensive gesture. "But I don't know the first thing about adventuring. I was a scribe in Candlekeep." She pointed to herself in an incredulous manner. "I scribed."

"Then you will have to learn," Jaheira told her curtly. "In this world, those who survive are those who can defend themselves."

"Don't worry, Elene," Khalid interjected. "Skill comes with time. I can teach you the way of the sword," He offered, ever gracious. "What do you say?"

Elene swallowed and drew into herself for a few moments, thinking. In that small gesture, the girl reminded Jaheira painfully of Gorion. Her heart clenched at the thought and she swore she would seek justice for her old friend, one way or another.

Eventually, Elene glanced at Imoen. She did not really have to as Imoen's preference was clear as day. Imoen's eyes practically shone with eagerness. Meeting an elven ranger in the wild was exciting but embarking on a heroic quest to solve the iron shortage was positively thrilling.

"Your company would be welcome," said Elene at last. She looked to both Khalid and Jaheira in turn. "It's what Gorion would have wanted." Then she shifted her gaze to Kivan, her tone hesitant. "Kivan, you're welcome to join us, if you wish."

His cloak rustled as he adjusted his stance against the wall. "I will think on it."

"Good," Jaheira nodded. "We are to meet the mayor of Nashkel, Berrun Ghastkill, as quickly as we are able to. Given this bounty notice floating about, we had best make our move at dawn…before more hunters turn up at Bentley's door. Have you secured rooms for the night?"

The girls shook their heads.

"Very well. You can take this room, best to have your evening meal in here as well. Khalid, stay with them." Jaheira stood up. "I will secure another room for myself and Khalid, and Kivan here." Jaheira shot Kivan a meaningful look. "Do you mind coming with me?"

She stepped out of the room. Kivan followed her wordlessly, having some idea where this was headed.

Sure enough, as soon as they were several paces away from the room, Jaheira turned to accost him. "What were you doing in those woods? Those are bandit lands."

Kivan glared at her. Elene and Imoen may have taken well to her bossiness, but he was having none of it. "What does it matter? I got them here."

"Yes," she exhaled, catching herself. "Yes, you have done well in getting them this far. I am grateful for that. Elene seems to trust you very much, despite just knowing you for several hours."

"She trusts you despite knowing you for minutes," he shot back coolly.

Jaheira smirked at that, amused. "That is also true. We will need to teach her about the dangers of trust, I think." Then she became serious. "Since you prefer directness, I will be transparent with you. I wish to offer you a trade, elf. You've shown yourself to be a competent and honourable sort. Join us on our task in Nashkel, and we will help you with whatever quest you are on. You have my word."

"You want me to help investigate a mine?" Kivan did not bother to hide the incredulity in his tone.

"Khalid and I believe that the iron shortage is somehow linked to the bandit infestation around these parts. The timing of both occurrences is too…convenient, somehow." She paused, giving him a shrewd look. "We hear that you are a hunter of bandits around these parts. It is a noble, if thankless task – a quest after our own heart, as it were."

Kivan stared at her. How does she know?

She crossed her arms. "What say you? Are you interested?"

"The girls are not equipped to go on this journey. Bringing them along is folly." He blinked the moment the words came out from his mouth. His concern for them was becoming an increasing source of surprise for himself.

"What would you have me do? Closet them here? You have seen how 'safe' this guarded fortress is. As I said, they must learn - all children must grow up one day. It is the natural order of things." Her gaze flickered to the room door. "But I will be honest. Having you in the group will grant us better odds."

He studied her. "Can your word be trusted?"

Her brows furrowed. "Elene owes you her life. If she is anything like her late father, you can trust that she will do what she can to repay you. And I will be by her side for as long as she will have me." She extended an arm to him. "Can we shake on it?"

What a strange day, Kivan thought. Just this morning he was agonising over finding dependable allies on his hunt and here his answer was staring him in the face. Mysterious as the husband and wife team were, he sensed their good intention, as well as their evident experience. The whole situation was unfolding so rapidly, and yet, he had a strange foreboding, as though there was a higher power aligning all these events and the players on the board. And that he was merely a pawn getting sucked into a grand game.

But did any of this matter as long as his hunt succeeded?

He grasped her on the forearm, warrior to warrior. "I hope that we will work well together."

Jaheira smiled grimly. "Time will tell. Now then, let us get our room and board."