Disclaimer: I own nothing.

Chapter 14

The unexpected find

He was watching again.

Elene kept her gaze locked on the last sentence in her journal. A pointless exercise really, since the words would not flow. Not with someone observing her. Again. The first night at the Fists' encampment, she had to put up with plenty of staring. After some days of sharing campsite though, the men eventually lost interest when she flatly ignored them, just as Jaheira advised. Not all the occupants of the camp were Flaming Fist soldiers, though.

Ajantis had joined the Flaming Fist free of charge in hopes of bringing the bandits who maimed his mentor to justice, through the courts or by the sword. Briefly, she tried to recall the brief chats she'd had with the paladin of Helm. There was nothing in what she said that should attract any particular interest. She was a young woman trying to survive in the world after brigands murdered her father. It was a generic enough story. Yet why did she keep drawing his gaze? She glanced over at Imoen across the campfire, who was shamelessly flirting with Garrick, the unendingly upbeat bard. Surely Imoen and her antics were much more interesting to look at, she thought.

"Taking notes from your friend?" came Xan's dry voice.

Elene put down her journal with a small smile, grateful for the distraction. "I'd need magic to achieve the same effect, I think."

He gave her a critical once-over as he sat next to her. She was glad that he no longer seemed like the broken, haunted man she found in the Mines. "Draw on the Weave just to capture the attention of a man? Surely you've been taught better than that."

"I was joking, Xan," she replied, shaking her head.

Xan was a good teacher but what he had in knowledge, he lacked in sense of humour sometimes. Even so, their lessons had been going well since Nashkel, with her picking up the nuances of casting spells stronger than cantrips and Armour such as the techniques and control needed for them. Imoen even joined some of the lessons. The girl was now able to cast Prestidigitation at will, much to Jaheira's annoyance. The ability to cool water in summer was a useful trick, but the random shower of sparks or shows of magical pink animals dancing in her palm, the druid could do without.

"I certainly hope so." Xan paused to study her. "Are you alright? You seem…tense."

"Oh. Yes, well," she flailed about in her head for an excuse until she found something passable. No point tipping him off about Ajantis. "A bit frustrated with our search, I suppose. We've been working with Officer Vai for a tenday, but we still can't seem to find hide nor hair of the bandit leaders."

"Don't you start turning into him now," he said, nodding towards Kivan just returning from a scouting foray. Their kinsman's face made thunderclouds look cheerful. "If the number of bandits we've killed the past few days is a sign, I would venture that we're getting closer. We just need to keep our wits about us. It will not be easy to put down this beast, even with Vai's help."

Elene hugged her knees close. "How many bandits do you think we'll be up against?"

"Insurmountable numbers, no doubt," he scoffed. "I wonder everyday what folly we are walking into."

"Then…why are you still here?" she tilted her head at him.

"Duty," he sighed even as his fingers brushed the hilt of his moonblade. She watched as the pommel gem seem to glow slightly at the contact. "I cannot return to Evereska until I have clear answers. Just as Jaheira and Khalid must see this through to report to their superiors." After a moment's thought, he shifted slightly, then gave her one of his piercing looks. "And you, Elene? Why do you still pursue this? Vai said no new bounties have come up for you. You could hide out in Amn until the old bounty notices fade away. While we figure out this plot."

She rested her chin on her knees, thoughtful as she stared into the campfire. The merry crackling of the flames did nothing to brighten her mood.

"Vai also didn't know who was putting up those notices. I don't know what I don't know at this point. What if I have enemies in Amn, after all? What then?" A sigh escaped her. "As dangerous as this path is, living in ignorance is a bigger risk. I need to find out who's after me. And the only one who can answer now is this bandit leader."

"And if he doesn't have the answer, what then?"

"I suppose I'll have to cross that bridge when I get there," she answered glumly.

Silence reined between the two companions for a while even as the bustle of the camp continued around them. When she lifted her gaze towards him, he was scrutinising her with a bemused expression, like he couldn't quite puzzle her out.

"Did I say something wrong?" she arched an eyebrow at him.

Slowly, he shook his head. He looked almost sad. "I am…surprised at how well you are handling this. Were you of Evereska, this position you find yourself in would not have been allowed. You are far too young to be facing such dangers."

"Unfortunately, the choice was never given to me." She picked up her journal and dusted herself off as she got to her feet. "Well, I've prepared my spells. Time to turn in. Have a good evening, Xan."

He nodded at her as she left. In truth, she'd had no intention of retiring for the night. It was simply that his attempts to draw her into conversations on Evereska or even "elven-ness" in general always made her uncomfortable. By rights she should feel the most kinship with him, another high elf. And yet, she felt alienated every time it was pointed out that she did not fit the right 'elf mould'. It was jarring, the validation of the self-doubt she'd experienced growing up, a sheltered child in Candlekeep, that there was something inherently wrong with her.

And there was something wrong with her. Once she hit her stride in battle, she was almost unstoppable, shifting from one target to the next with ruthless efficiency, focusing only on organs, joints, arteries, like those anatomy diagrams Bendalis used to show her. The past few days' patrols, she barely thought of the bandits she cut down as living beings. Combat almost felt like clockwork, moves and countermoves until the other person was dead.

Killing doesn't feel so intense now, just something that needs to be done. What does that say about me?

Nothing good.

Khalid was already preparing himself for sleep as she approached their group's makeshift circle to rest. Vai was considerate enough to spot them close to her tent, which made their resting place more secure than if they'd been at the edges of camp. Jaheira had wondered if it made them easier to monitor, but Elene thought she'd give the captain the benefit of the doubt. She flashed Khalid a warm smile as she settled into her bedroll.

"Hang on, Jaheira told me to give you this," Khalid stammered, reaching into his pocket.

"What is it?" Elene asked, curious.

He handed her a small pouch. "Herbs. Put them where you rest your head, should help you rest better."

"I…" she stared at the pouch, "Is it that obvious?"

A sympathetic smile was his answer. "It's alright, dear. It can't be easy for you. I hope the herbs will help some, at least."

"Thank you." She swallowed. "My thanks to Jaheira as well."

He squeezed her shoulder. "You will tell us if you have more strange dreams, won't you?"

"Yes. Of course," she nodded.

Her smile to him felt especially forced in that moment. Yet he left it at that to retire for the night. She opened the pouch and found sprigs of chamomile and lavender within. It smelled calming, pleasant even, as she lay her head down. For a painful moment, she was reminded of Phlydia and her lavender perfume. She wondered how the aged scholar was doing back in Candlekeep, of who would find her misplaced books for her now that both she and Imoen were no longer around. That night, she closed her eyes reliving the Great Library, its high shelves and dry tomes, and a random cookbook wedged between Alaundo's writings.

Though she arose before dawn with chamomile in her hair, she didn't feel particularly rested. She knew without checking in a mirror that dark circles had taken residence under her eyes. No dreams, at least. She gingerly eased herself out the bedroll to avoid waking Imoen, smiling as she glanced at her friend's sleeping profile.

Kivan was already up, as was his wont. He wordlessly handed her dried rations when she came to sit beside him near the edge of camp. This early in the day, only the sentries were awake. The forest was still.

"What's the plan today?" she asked the ranger as she ate.

He gazed off into the distance, beyond the trees surrounding them. "North, for now. Unless Aoln finds something."

Among the freelancers recruited by Officer Vai was a local hunter named Aoln, a middle-aged man who made a living selling animal pelts. His keen familiarity with this region's wilds made him valuable in figuring out movement patterns and minute disturbances in the environment. He could give even Kivan a run for his money, but she'd never say that out loud.

"He's still out there?" she looked up in surprise. "Didn't he come back with you last night?"

Kivan shook his head.

"Oh." Images of the last slaughtered caravan they found flashed through her mind. "I hope he's alright."

"I will look for him if he's not back by dawn."

"Alright. I'll come with you."

He gave her a sidelong glance, his eyes alighting briefly on her neck. "Best if you stay with the group, Elene."

"Why? I can move quietly like you," she asked, confused.

"If I'm caught, the worst they can do to me is kill me." He shot her a grim look. "Do you understand?"

She stared at him for a good few moments before it clicked, what he was implying. Then she frowned at him. "I won't get caught."

Kivan shook his head. "You young ones…"

"I'm not a child, Kivan," she told him indignantly.

"And I'm not arguing with you." He turned away.

She watched him with narrowed eyes, fuming in the ensuing silence. Since the close call in Nashkel, Kivan had been keeping a tight rein on her. He didn't allow her to be there for Tranzig's interrogation. He forestalled any attempts she made at scouting on her own. And now she couldn't even shadow him to search for Aoln. Did Jaheira put him up to it? She honestly wondered. After Gorion died, Kivan became the one who most encouraged her to learn and get better, yet now he was the one holding her back.

As she racked her head to think of counterarguments on why she should be allowed to go with him, she didn't notice Sorrel until he plonked himself down next to her, already kitted out in full armour. She flinched in surprise, earning her a mildly amused look from the Fist.

"You're jumpy," he commented.

"Sorry, I didn't see you," she murmured.

"So much for elves and sharp eyes," Sorrel huffed a short chuckle before taking a sip from his hip flask. He pointedly ignored Elene's sceptical look. "Not like Aoln to stalk off into the night with no word. Officer Vai probably wants to send a group to look for him soon. I'd wager she'll pick our group to do it."

"Only because we have the only ranger left," Elene glanced at Kivan.

"Well, there's that," Sorrel scratched at the growing stubble on his chin, "There's also the fact that the other group move like monkeys with bells on, the amount of noise they make."

The other group consisted of the other freelancers and a few Fists. Besides Aoln and Ajantis, there was Kagain, the dwarven boss of a local mercenary company which ran protection jobs for caravans. Intimidating fellow, he had no interest in anything beyond finding out what happened to one of his missing caravans.

Balancing out the cantankerous dwarf was Garrick the bard. Imoen immediately took a shine to him. Not surprising, given they were about the same age and he was so boyishly handsome that he looked completely out of place in the current setting. He was also cheerful to a fault, always ready with a tune or a little remark to brighten up the situation. But his main function, a key one, was to ensure messages get passed seamlessly between the camp and patrol teams. A few in the camp, Sorrel in particular, wished the bard could fill that role with much less pomp.

Then he wouldn't be a bard, would he.

"You're not that subtle either," Kivan pointed out to the Fist.

"I'd like to see how subtle you are carrying sixty pounds of steel," came the whipcrack response.

Elene smiled, anger forgotten in the face of Sorrel's unique brand of banter. He wasn't pleased to be assigned away from his men at first, but he'd adjusted quickly. Over the days they travelled together, she noticed that his glibness was counterbalanced with cool pragmatism and quick handling of his sword. Certainly an ally who could do more than count dead bandits. He did, however, fight bandits with almost the same fervour Kivan did. She wondered if there was a story there, too.

"Come to think of it," Sorrel leaned forward suddenly, an odd gleam in his eyes. "We could go look for him now. Wouldn't hurt to get a head start to the day."

Kivan flicked a derisive glance his way. "You can't even see in this darkness."

"Neither can Aoln, but he's out there," he gestured at the trees around them. "Besides, that's what you two are for, isn't it?"

Elene perked up at the opportunity. "Maybe we should go look now. What if he's in trouble?"

"Elene…" said Kivan warningly.

"We can take a few more with us," she suggested.

"Safety in numbers? Not a bad idea. Hey, Godric," Sorrel called out to the nearest sentry. "You can see in the dark, can't you? How about coming with us?"

"I'm on watch, Corporal," the sentry, a bored-looking half-elven man, replied.

"Well, get someone else up to take your place. I need your eyes for this. Up, up."

A tall and broad man trudged over to them, his fingers still sleepily fastening the straps on his armour. "What's going on? An attack?"

"Ah, the Helmite," Sorrel remarked in pleasant surprise. "Fancy joining a search party for Aoln?"

"He's not back yet?" Ajantis' eyebrows went up at that, now fully awake.

Elene shot Kivan a hopeful look. His only response was a long-suffering sigh.

So, they set out, the two elves with Sorrel, Ajantis and dutiful Godric bringing up the rear. Elene wondered if Jaheira would be upset with them striking out on their own like this. But surely someone needed to be sent out to check on Aoln. He wouldn't stand a chance if he ran into a group of Talons on his own.

The forest was quiet but for the sound of insects in the night. Being close to dawn, the moon was no longer prominent in the sky, making it exceptionally dark under the canopy of the trees. It was of no trouble to her, but the two humans in their midst advanced with great caution to avoid tripping as they walked. Kivan led them forward in complete silence, sometimes stopping to crouch over the ground for long minutes before choosing their next path. She stayed close, peeking over his shoulder every now and then, but she could not discern any of the patterns he saw on the earth. Perhaps this was the sort of knowledge one couldn't learn from books.

After a long stretch, Kivan halted, his hand raised even as his eyes remained trained on the ground. He seemed almost confused by what he was looking at. The rest of their group hung back for his signal. Although there was no sign of any threat, the air crackled with tension, as if waiting for something to happen. A few long moments later, the ranger half turned and whispered in elvish to Elene.

"Can you sense magic?"

She started. "Here?"

Kivan nodded, then began studying their surroundings, moving only his eyes.

Taking a deep breath, she flexed her fingers as she attuned her senses to the surrounding. Now that he'd pointed it out, she began to notice the faintest hint of the Weave close by. She concentrated harder, angling her body to the right, following the traces of magic until she noticed an area a few dozen feet away that seemed unnaturally darkened.

She pointed. "There."

A heavily cloaked person burst out of the darkened area, bolting away from them and into the trees. Kivan kicked off in pursuit a half breath later. Surprise made her hesitate, but she was on his heels quickly enough along with the other three men. She fervently hoped it wasn't a trap.

The chase didn't last long. Their quarry was fast but Kivan had longer strides. When he drew close enough, he launched into a tackle, taking the person down in a heap and quickly restraining their hands before they could draw any weapons. Elene unsheathed her sword and levelled it at the person's head, putting an abrupt halt to their struggling. Grunting, Kivan pulled back the person's hood to reveal the face underneath.

They both stared.

A drow woman was seething up at them.

"Drow filth!" spat Kivan. "Why are you here?"

"I do not answer to a male iblith," the drow bit back, defiant despite her position.

Elene continued to stare even as the rest caught up behind her. The woman was stunning, with dusky skin, exotic features and haughty crimson eyes. Her beauty was marred only by a swollen cheek and a cut on her lip, as though she'd been struck repeatedly across the face. She tried to hide it, but fear lurked in her eyes. This woman had gone through some kind of ordeal recently. Despite all the horrible things she'd read about drow and how she was supposed to hate them on sight, she could only feel a swell of sympathy for the other woman.

"What happened to you?" Elene found herself asking instead, to Kivan's chagrin.

"I will say nothing until you call off your dog," the drow growled.

Kivan twisted her wrists behind her, earning him an anguished cry. Elene flinched at the sound, disturbed by her friend's sudden brutality.

"I think that's enough, elf," Ajantis admonished him quietly.

Sorrel approached them, studying the woman closely. "Well. Wouldn't have thought these brigands to have drow among them."

"I am no brigand! I have done nothing wrong!" she gasped.

"You expect us to believe that?" Kivan scoffed.

Elene raised a hand to forestall her hostile companions, worried at the direction the encounter was going. She went down on one knee but kept her sword trained on the woman. "Look, we don't want to hurt you. But we need to know what you're doing in these woods."

The drow watched her for a long moment, eyes like burning hot coals. Then for some reason, she seemed to deflate, as if weighted down by great fatigue. "I…was running from a group of men."

Elene kept her eyes on the drow even as she sensed glances being exchanged over her head.

"Who were these men?" she asked.

"Bloodthirsty louts, dozens of them," huffed the drow. "Dressed all in black. They caught me as I tried to cross Peldvale. I escaped but they're not far behind. So, let me go," she pushed back against Kivan still restraining her, "Lest we all end up as arrow fodder."

Ajantis' jaw tightened. "Are they close by?"

"Maybe. I don't know. A fool man tried to help me, drew them off my trail a few hours ago."

"This man, what did he look like?" Sorrel demanded.

The drow frowned up at him. "Human, light-haired. He carried a bow."

"What happened to him?" Elene prompted.

"I don't know. But he could not have faced them and lived."

A troubled silence followed as they all digested this new information. Her explanation tallied with the hours Aoln had been missing. Worse still, the camp was not far away. If their enemies closed in, it would not be long before their base of operation was discovered.

"This one," Kivan jutted his chin at the drow, "Leaves too obvious a trail where she goes. The Talons will come this way soon."

"We need to warn the others." Sorrel's voice was grim. He looked to Godric, who was still staring wide-eyes at the drow. He cuffed the other Fist hard on the shoulder to snap him out of it. "Get back there, double time. Prepare them to fight."

"Aye, Corporal!"

Godric turned and sprinted back the way they came, vanishing into the darkness within seconds.

"What about us?" Elene stood, sheathing her blade.

"Our objective hasn't changed. We find Aoln." Sorrel gestured to their captive. "And now we have ourselves a guide."

"You want to go after those louts?" The drow gaped. "You rivvil are mad!"

"Get her up, we need to move. Gag her if you must," Sorrel replied coolly.

Kivan pulled the woman roughly to her feet, his one hand enough to restrain both her wrists. She began struggling again even as she threw curses at them in her native language. Elene put her hand on Kivan's arm when she saw him reach into his pouch for a makeshift gag.

"Please, we don't have to do it like this," she whispered to her kinsman.

He scowled at her. "She is a drow. No better than the beasts we hunt."

She sighed then turned to the other woman. "Listen, we don't need to be enemies. If you cooperate with us, I promise you better treatment than this. Will you help us find these men? We may not look like much, but we can take care of them when the time comes."

The drow looked at her sceptically before slowly nodding.

"Good," Elene gave her a tentative smile. "What is your name?"

The woman raised her chin as she answered, "Viconia."

Author's note:

Thank you for the feedback, Nikoru Sanzo and Eyanid. Will certainly think about how to slot in a bystander view in the current story plan.