When they finally arrived in Beregost the next day, everyone was in good spirits – all except Montaron, of course, but he was never particularly cheerful. They'd encountered no further danger on the road and since they'd only traveled half the day they still had energy to spare. What's more, they were in time for a midday meal at an inn, and Beregost had four to choose from.
"I recommend the Burning Wizard," Jaheira said. "The food is good and we'll be able to get rooms for a reasonable price."
"We got a bunch of gold from those bandits though!" Imoen said.
"How much?" Silandra asked, frowning. "I thought Montaron took most of it."
Montaron didn't try to defend himself. He just glared at her as if daring her to challenge him.
"As I said before, that gold should go to Entar Silvershield," Ajantis said, glowering at the halfling.
"His son's dead, don't think he'll care 'bout a li'l gold," said Montaron. "Finders keepers. The wizard and I've got errands ter run. We're off."
"Make sure you're at the Burning Wizard for breakfast tomorrow morning," Silandra said. "We are not waiting for you again."
Although the two had already begun walking away, she was sure they'd heard her, but they didn't acknowledge her words. She wasn't used to being ignored and she didn't like it.
She found it hard to concentrate on where she was walking as they passed the small farmhouses on the outskirts and headed into the village proper. There were actual cobbled streets, unlike the dirt paths that were used throughout Candlekeep, and she saw all manner of interesting-looking stores. She was so engrossed in a lovely dress in one window that she almost bumped into a woman lugging a heavy-looking sack of fruit, but Imoen grabbed her arm and pulled her aside.
"Hey you, watch where yer goin'!" she said. "I know this seems big compared to back home but it's still not a real city. Just wait'll ya see Baldur's Gate!"
"I thought you didn't remember that," Silandra said.
"Well, not very well," said Imoen. "I was too young. But there were heaps of people everywhere! I kept gettin' lost."
"You traveled, whilst Silandra was not allowed?" Ajantis asked.
"Oh I never got out neither once I arrived," said Imoen. "I didn't really grow up in Candlekeep. I got there when I was ten or so. Afore that I was on the road. It was fun, but kinda dangerous I guess."
"I… see," said Ajantis. Perhaps he wanted to know more but was worried it would be another sad tale like Silandra's.
They reached the Burning Wizard, marked by a wooden sign depicting a golden sun on a fading blue background. It wasn't as busy as the Friendly Arm had been, but perhaps most of their patrons came in the evenings.
While Jaheira was at the bar ordering food, Silandra glanced at Khalid and found herself wondering what their story was. Jaheira was so loud and assertive while Khalid barely spoke if he could help it and seemed afraid of everything. Except when they'd fought those bandits. He'd fought just as well as Ajantis, if not better due to experience.
"So, Khalid," Silandra said, "how did you and Jaheira meet?"
Khalid's eyes widened. He clearly hadn't expected the question. He looked over at Jaheira, but she was facing the other way.
"W-well," he began slowly, "w-we were w-working together. And, um…"
"Yes?" Silandra asked, leaning forward.
"I… well, honestly I c-c-can't really tell you… our m-mission was s-secret."
"It was secret, so it's not anymore!" Imoen said. "And anyway, you can trust us!"
"I d-don't think it's a g-good idea." Khalid paused a moment, then continued, quieter than before. "All I'll say is… she saved my life."
"That's so romantic," Imoen said with a sigh.
"What's romantic?" Jaheira asked, taking a seat beside her husband.
"You saving Khalid's life," Silandra said.
"Hmm," Jaheira said, glancing at Khalid fondly. "I hope you didn't tell them too much."
"Of c-course not!" Khalid responded.
"Good. Because you know we'd have to kill them if you did."
Silandra couldn't tell how serious Jaheira was – from what she'd seen so far, she wasn't the type to tell jokes. Regardless, she decided to leave it for the moment. "I take it you're heading to the blacksmith this afternoon?" she asked.
"We are all going to the blacksmith," Jaheira said. "It may be unwise to split up."
"But I don't need anything from there," said Silandra. "I saw a few shops I'd like to look at."
"I could go with you," said Ajantis. "I don't need anything at the moment."
"How about that, Jaheira? I won't be alone."
"I suppose it should be safe enough in daylight," Jaheira said. She drew the Silvershield letter from her pack. "You're responsible for finding a Flaming Fist officer and giving them this. Tell them you found Eddard Silvershield's body. It would probably be wise to avoid mentioning we found the bandits responsible, since we can't return all the gold."
Jaheira didn't look particularly pleased about that, and Silandra knew Ajantis wasn't, but she saw the sense in it.
After their midday meal they headed their separate ways. Truth be told, Silandra didn't think she was going to buy anything in any of the stores she'd seen. She didn't want to spend what little money she had on anything that wasn't strictly necessary. But she had to seize the opportunity to explore.
Silandra and Ajantis decided they'd better find someone to take the letter first, but they took their time walking to the town center. After all, the others would probably take a good hour or so at the blacksmith.
"Is there something you're looking to buy today?" Ajantis asked.
"Nothing in particular," said Silandra. "I just didn't want to sit around at the blacksmith when I could be exploring instead. I've never been in such a big town before."
"You don't want to look at spells?"
"I have enough in my book to last a while. Oh look, maybe she's an officer."
Silandra indicated a tall woman in plate armor holding a shield with the Fist's insignia emblazoned on it. She was standing with a man wearing chain and they appeared to be having a serious conversation.
"Excuse me," said Silandra as she approached, a little nervous about interrupting.
"Yes, citizen?" the woman asked briskly, though she didn't look angry.
"Are you an officer? We have something to report," said Silandra.
"I'm Officer Vai," the woman replied. "What is it?"
Silandra handed her the letter. "We found Eddard Silvershield's body north of town. It looks like bandits attacked his caravan. He had this on him, a letter from his sister."
Officer Vai winced and exchanged a glance with her companion, though neither looked surprised. She took a deep breath before replying. "I thank you for reporting this sad news. These damned bandits… Can't even get back into the city because of them. You know what, you look like adventuring types. If you can bring me proof of every bandit you've killed – their scalps perhaps – I'll pay you for them. My contingent and I are staying at the Jovial Juggler."
Silandra wrinkled her nose, though she did like being considered an 'adventuring type'. "Scalps?"
"Barbaric, but I understand why you'd want proof," said Ajantis. "Do you need anything else from us?"
"I should probably take your names, just in case," the woman said, pulling out a small notebook and quill – the magic kind that didn't need ink.
"Ajantis Ilvastarr, squire paladin of the Most Noble Order of the Radiant Heart," said Ajantis proudly.
"Silandra. Of, uh… Candlekeep," said Silandra, wishing she had some fancy title or, at the very least, a last name.
Soon they took their leave of the soldiers and headed on their way. Silandra was still disgusted at the concept of scalping people, even if they were bandits, but she suspected Montaron would be up for that gruesome task.
"She seemed stressed," she said. "The bandits must be getting pretty bad."
"We should look for their base after we are finished with the Nashkel mine," said Ajantis. "I cannot bear to see these poor people suffer."
"Oh, look here!" Silandra cried. They were outside one of the other inns and there was a piece of parchment nailed to the wall. "Silke Rosena, the famous bard is playing here at Feldepost's Inn tonight," she read. "I haven't heard of her but perhaps it would be fun."
"You enjoy the arts?"
"Oh yes. I particularly love music. Imoen does too. She'll be so excited."
"I'm not sure Jaheira is the type to enjoy music."
Silandra laughed, the first time she could remember doing so since leaving Candlekeep. "I agree, but she can't stop me from going. She and Khalid can remain at the Burning Wizard if they want. You'd escort Imoen and I, right?"
Ajantis reddened slightly. "Of course, my lady. I wouldn't mind seeing Miss Rosena play myself."
"It will be nice to do something interesting that doesn't involve danger. Adventuring seemed so glamorous when I read stories about it back home, but so far it's nothing like that."
"No, I wouldn't call it glamorous. But it is worth doing. You'll understand, the first time you help someone in a way only an adventurer can. It's a good feeling."
Silandra smiled as she thought of all the people she'd rescue from monsters, all the crypts she'd cleanse of undead. It would be a good feeling.
Imoen wasn't having much luck with the armor she'd been trying on.
"This is too stiff!" she complained. She hadn't expected that. The leather felt as though it would cut right through her clothing and into her skin.
"This is what you can afford," said Jaheira. "You'll get used to it and it will soften with wear anyway."
"Maybe Sil should wear some too," said Imoen. "Why should I be the only one to suffer?"
"Silandra is a mage," said Jaheira. "She cannot cast spells while wearing armor, at least not any kind that can be bought here."
"She's a sorceress," said Imoen. "That's different."
"Regardless, my statement stands." Jaheira adjusted a few straps, causing Imoen to yelp.
"That's tight enough!" she said.
"You'll get this one," said Jaheira. "Taerom, thank you for your patience. We have decided."
"I didn't decide anything!" Imoen complained.
Jaheira ignored her and Imoen sighed. The armor looked nice enough, she supposed, even if it was plain brown leather rather than pink. She just had to get rich, and then maybe she could get something better. There was a particularly nice set of pure black armor on display, and she'd been immediately drawn to that. It looked softer than the leather tunic she was wearing, and it would come in handy for sneaking. She'd almost died when she found out the price.
Soon the armor was purchased, as well as some arrows and a new sword for Khalid – his previous one was showing signs of rust, despite only having had it a few weeks. Apparently many items made from iron were not very durable these days due to whatever was happening to the iron coming out of the Nashkel mine.
"Alright, back to the Burning Wizard," said Jaheira.
"But it's not time for dinner!" Imoen said. She wanted a chance to look around and was a little jealous of Silandra for being able to do so instead of spending what felt like forever at the blacksmith.
"Yes, we still have some time, but Silandra and Ajantis are probably bored and waiting for us."
"Oh, I doubt they're bored," said Imoen. "They are made for each other. She's the most beautiful and he's the most handsome."
"The most handsome?" Jaheira repeated, eyebrow raised.
"I haven't seen many men my age, okay?" said Imoen. "Most handsome I've seen. There. Can we at least take some long way back? Sil's probably got to see all kinds of cool stuff while I was stuck in there."
"I suppose it can't hurt," said Jaheira. "But it will only be a short detour."
Imoen knew that was as good as she'd get, so she made the most of it by intentionally walking slowly. That was hard for her, but she could manage when there was a good enough reason. She saw a few stores she wouldn't mind looking at, but she knew Jaheira wasn't going to stop for that, especially if she knew how Imoen intended on procuring the items she was interested in. Sure, she had a bit of gold now, but she was far from rich and would rather not spend it if she didn't have to.
"Hey, you!"
Imoen and her companions glanced around, looking for the source of the voice. A young woman with pale pink hair was running towards them. She wore a mage robe and held a quarterstaff, but she looked too frazzled to be dangerous.
"Yes, you!" the woman cried when she was met with no response. "I don't see anyone else around here. A little help please?"
"Who are you and what do you want?" Jaheira demanded.
"I'm Neera. I'm being chased by bandits!" the woman said. "Vicious, magic bandits! And – oh goodness, they're here!"
There was a glimmer of magic in the air in front of them and Neera darted behind Khalid and Jaheira just as four men emerged from the portal. Two were obviously wizards, the others perhaps their bodyguards. They were all wearing the same color – a beautiful vivid red. Kind of classy, Imoen thought, though not as nice as pink.
The villagers in the area shrieked and made themselves scarce. One of the red-robed men stepped forward. He had a fancy cape to match so maybe he was more important than the others.
"So, you would try to hide behind these unfortunate fools?" he asked. "Your cowardice proves as deadly as your reckless magic."
Khalid drew his sword, looking more nervous than usual, and Jaheira's grip tightened on her quarterstaff. "Red Wizards," she murmured. "Excellent."
Imoen felt some of the blood drain from her face. She may not read much but she did know that the Red Wizards of Thay were evil and dangerous. And here she'd just thought these men had matching outfits. She drew her bow.
"I don't know what exactly you want so I'd rather not let you capture me," Neera cried. "Get out of here before me and my new friends decide to inject a fist into your mouth!"
"You there!" the wizard said, glaring at Jaheira. Somehow, he just knew she was the one in charge. "Stand aside and give me the girl. Surely you won't risk your life for a stranger?"
"Why are you after this woman?" Jaheira demanded.
"We must study her anomalous powers!" the wizard replied, his voice rising in pitch until it sounded almost feminine. He seemed a little unhinged – kind of like Xzar.
"By 'study' I assume you mean 'dissect'?" Jaheira asked. "I know what your kind are like. You will not harm her."
"Harm her? You should be more concerned about how much harm she'll do to you!" the wizard cried, completely incensed by now. "She's dangerous! Unpredictable!"
The conversation was apparently over; both Red Wizards began casting. So did Neera.
"Away with you, you pompous creep!" she shouted.
Suddenly, light enveloped the wizard who'd been speaking. "What? Not again!" he cried, before disappearing in a swirl of lightning.
"Ekandor? Where'd you go?" yelled the other wizard, so shocked his spell disappeared in his hands. He tried to compose himself. "We can't let her escape! Slaughter them all and we'll sort this out once we find him!"
Imoen had been training her bow on the wizard's chest for the last few moments, and she let her arrow fly the second he began casting another spell. She didn't quite hit her intended mark, instead lodging an arrow in his side, but at least his spell was ruined.
Khalid and Jaheira rushed to engage the guards, which they were luckily able to take down easily. Neera cast a spell at the injured wizard, but somehow Imoen didn't think it had its intended effect. The pink-haired woman's expression made it clear she meant harm, but instead a torrent of pink bubbles shot forth from her hands, popping harmlessly on contact with her target. Less harmless, however, was Khalid's sword running him through from behind.
Imoen turned with interest to this peculiar mage. Maybe she liked pink as much as she did! Jaheira, however, rounded on Neera with thinly veiled disdain.
"Wild magic," she said, glaring. "Count yourself lucky you did not affect us with your spells."
"I am really, really, really sorry about what just happened," Neera said. "But if I hadn't involved you they'd be knee-deep in my brains right now."
"We were happy to help, right guys?" Imoen asked, looking at Jaheira pointedly.
The druid ignored her. "You put others in unnecessary danger with your magic. You would do well to contain it."
Neera's face fell and her shoulders slumped. "I said I was sorry. I-I was hoping you might let me stay with you for a while. I swear I'm quite a skilled spellcaster, I-"
"Absolutely not," said Jaheira. "You'd only be a liability."
"Let's at least ask Sil!" Imoen said.
"Silandra is young and inexperienced," said Jaheira. "I'll not put her at risk by inviting this delayed blast fireball into our group!"
Neera squared her shoulders and glared at Jaheira defiantly. "Well, that's disappointing," she said. "I was all worked up to go on an adventure and now you've left me to die in the wilderness!" I'll head to the Friendly Arm Inn. Maybe we'll run into each other again when you're feeling less heartless."
The pink-haired woman stormed off, and Jaheira watched her for a moment before continuing to walk as though nothing had happened.
"Why wouldn't you let her join us?" Imoen asked. "Sil could use another mage to talk to. And I would've liked to talk to her too. Xzar's kinda creepy."
"Do you fancy being caught in an ice storm because of a wild magic surge? Or being turned to stone? Split in two?" Jaheira asked. "No, I doubt it."
"She is r-right, you know," said Khalid. "Wild m-magic is d-dangerous and Silandra is in enough d-danger as it is."
While Imoen could see the logic in this, she felt bad for Neera. She thought they could have been friends. And maybe she could have found out how she made her hair such a lovely shade.
An hour later, Silandra and Imoen were in their room at the Burning Wizard getting ready to see Silke perform. Jaheira had initially declined the request, but a few words from Khalid, plus the knowledge that Ajantis would take the girls anyway, made her give in. The group would eat at Feldepost's and watch Silke perform, then head straight back to their rooms to sleep.
Imoen had launched into the encounter with Neera the moment she and Silandra were alone.
"You met another mage and Jaheira rejected her?" Silandra asked, upset. So what if Neera's magic was unpredictable? She probably still had enough knowledge for Silandra to learn from and she regretted the missed opportunity.
"I know, I know," said Imoen, who was working on giving Silandra a new hairstyle. "I told Jaheira we should ask you first but she wouldn't listen. She's kinda bossy, doncha think?"
"I'm glad it's not just me," Silandra replied. "I know she was Gorion's friend and wants to look out for me, but I want to adventure, not be babysat!"
"Maybe give it some time," said Imoen. "She'll see you're actually pretty capable and then maybe she'll lay off. I think she's just bein' protective."
Silandra didn't reply to that. She wasn't sure that she really was that competent and in some ways she wanted people to be protective of her. It was clear that someone wanted her dead. She wondered if it was the man who'd killed Gorion and shuddered involuntarily.
Imoen didn't notice; she'd stepped back to admire her work. "There ya go!" she said. "Just wait'll Ajantis sees you!"
Silandra frowned slightly. "Ajantis?"
"You're kinda dense sometimes, ya know that Sil?" Imoen said, smiling. "Ajantis likes you."
"Oh," was all Silandra said, her frown deepening.
It wasn't that she didn't notice. She was just used to it. Most men liked her and so did a lot of women for that matter. But she knew it was only because of her looks, and Gorion had told her early on not to pursue such a relationship for it would only end in heartache. There'd also been the underlying hint of what he may do to her, the bindings he may enforce on her powers, if she did start a relationship and he suspected she'd coerced her partner in any way. So she'd tried hard not to think about anyone like that.
She glanced at her reflection, smiling briefly at her new hair style. Imoen knew her well enough to know she preferred her hair loose, despite that not being considered proper. Most of her golden locks flowed down her back unrestrained, but a few small braids circled her head and were pinned at the back of her neck.
She thanked Imoen and the girls headed downstairs. The Burning Wizard was nearly empty, and Silandra hoped that didn't mean that everyone was at Feldepost's to see Silke. It wasn't quite time for dinner and the show was to start after, but maybe they should get moving just in case. There was no sign of Montaron or Xzar so they left a note at the bar for if they showed up.
It was immediately obvious upon entering that Feldepost's Inn was for rich people. The floor was polished wood and there were intricately woven carpets on the floor. Silandra and her companions took the last remaining table and she noted that the chair's cushion was extremely comfortable.
The clientele were mostly nobles by the looks of them, well dressed, many bejeweled. Silandra was glad Imoen was sitting beside her where she could keep an eye on her.
There were also a few more interesting patrons. In one corner sat a rather striking elven man with a green tattoo depicting a mask across his eyes. A pretty noblewoman sat beside him, blushing at something he'd said. Standing against the wall with a mug of ale was a dwarf in chainmail, an axe at his side and crossbow on his back. He didn't seem to be enjoying himself as much as those around him, but then most of the dwarves Silandra had met tended to be on the surly side so it didn't seem out of the ordinary. Sitting alone at a table across the room was a man wearing a dark mage robe. Silandra may have considered approaching him, but his expression was not friendly. At the bar, an attractive woman wearing a low-cut tunic and trousers instead of a dress sat talking to a nobleman. Silandra's eyes widened as she saw the woman smoothly cut the man's purse, something she likely wouldn't have noticed if she hadn't seen Imoen do it so many times. She averted her eyes quickly. She didn't want to interfere.
The food here was excellent – tender cuts of beef braised in red wine, soft, white bread, lightly grilled vegetables with fresh herbs and delicate honey cakes for dessert. Silandra tried not to think about how expensive it was. Imoen was ordering food and drink for the table like she had a limitless supply of gold, and Silandra only hoped she wasn't counting on replenishing it by robbing the people watching the performance. Silandra herself drank wine this time and found she much preferred the taste to ale, though it cost more. She made her one glass last.
Soon the dinner hour was over and the small platform serving as a stage on one side of the room was taken by a woman holding a harp. Not just any woman either – she was beautiful, with skin like flawless ivory and smooth dark hair that was cut just past her chin. She wore a revealing black dress that fell short of her knees and appeared to be made of real silk – Silandra wondered if that was an intentional play on her name.
A young man followed her onto the stage, lute in hand. He was nice looking, in a boyish sort of way. He smiled up at Silke before turning to the audience.
"Greetings, ladies and gentlemen of Beregost!" he said, his voice a little high, though that tended to be a good quality in bards. "I present to you Miss Silke Rosena, thespian extraordinaire!"
There was a round of applause and the bards began to play. Silke had a high, clear voice which flowed through the notes with ease. Her accompanist rarely added his own – this was clearly her show; he hadn't even seen fit to introduce himself. Silandra wished she could dance, but there was very little space with how full the inn's common room was, and no one else seemed about to. Maybe the upper class didn't think it appropriate to dance in an inn.
She was disappointed once the performance was over – not only because she'd been enjoying herself, but because it meant it was time to head to the decidedly less fancy Burning Wizard and get some sleep. Tomorrow she and her companions would be off on their way to Nashkel, encountering who knew what kind of danger on their way.
Just as she was getting up to leave, however, she saw the young lute player coming her way with purpose and decided to wait for him.
"Excuse me, but you are adventurers, are you not?" he addressed the group.
"Yes, we are," said Silandra, more confidently than she felt. "Are you in need of assistance?"
The man looked at her for a moment, apparently lost for words. Silandra was used to this, especially from young men, and waited patiently.
"Well, what is it?" Jaheira asked. She, of course, couldn't wait.
"Oh, uh, I… well I'm Garrick," the man sputtered. "I have a proposal for you. How would you like a well-paying job as bodyguards for my mistress?"
"We have very little time," Jaheira said.
"Oh but this will only take a few moments!" Garrick said quickly, and looked around before continuing, lowering his voice. "You see, she and Feldepost have had a disagreement regarding her payment and she is worried the negotiations may turn violent. She only needs you to accompany her for a few moments outside."
"That sounds fair," said Silandra. "We can always use more gold."
Silke herself was still mingling with the audience, smiling and shaking hands. She didn't look concerned for her life, but she was a performer after all, so she was probably good at concealing it. She flung a dark cloak around her shoulders and headed out the door.
"That's her signal," he said. "Let's follow, quickly."
Silandra and her companions headed outside where Silke was waiting. The bard glanced at the group, sniffed, and began walking without a word. Silandra and Imoen exchanged a glance. Bards had visited Candlekeep before, of course, but they were usually a little more friendly than this.
"This way," said Garrick.
They soon arrived at a small street that ran around the back of the inn, where Silke stopped.
"So, Garrick," she said smoothly, "these were the only mercenaries you could find? I guess they'll have to do. Protect me from Feldepost's thugs and I will pay you 300 gold."
"Sounds fair to me," said Silandra.
"Good, because here they come," Silke said.
Silandra took a few steps backward, letting Ajantis and Khalid move to the front, as three men emerged from the backdoor of Feldepost's Inn. They didn't look dangerous – as far as she could tell they weren't even armed – but perhaps they were wizards. They weren't dressed as such though, instead wearing simple tunics and trousers like common folk, and she didn't sense any magic coming from them.
"Here they are!" Silke declared, a touch dramatically. "Strike now!"
"What?" said one of the men, eyes wide in what looked to be fear. "We're here with the gems that – "
"Don't listen to him! Kill them!" Silke was practically screaming now, a far cry from her beautiful singing voice.
"I don't think so," Silandra said, glad that her companions were sensible enough not to have attacked yet. "These men seem harmless. They're not even armed."
"Why you!" Silke screeched. "I'll handle them myself, after I kill you!"
The woman had to be mad to take on so many. But she was already beginning a spell, and if Silandra knew anything about combat it was that spellcasters could be extremely dangerous.
"Stop her!" she yelled.
Ajantis and Khalid were upon the woman quickly. Garrick, thankfully, had stepped to the side rather than joining his mistress in her attack. Silandra watched nervously as Silke avoided Khalid and Ajantis' blows, and when her spell finished there were five of her. Silandra took a few steps to the side so that she had a better view and shot a magic missile at the woman. By chance it connected with the real Silke but did nothing more than singe her. Jaheira and Imoen were shooting missiles but they only succeeded in hitting copies. Now Silke was casting another spell, and Silandra felt uneasy as she watched the motions. She was vaguely familiar with the beginnings of a devastating spell and she launched another magic missile, but it harmlessly hit the last illusion. Luckily, a split second later Ajantis got a good hit on the woman, slashing open her side and causing her magic to fizzle in a burst of white sparks.
"Garrick, help me!" she cried weakly, before unsteadily launching into another spell.
Garrick did have a short sword at his side, but he didn't reach for it. Silke was unable to move so easily now and quickly fell to Khalid's next strike.
"Were you in on this, bard?" Jaheira, of course.
"N-no!" Garrick said quickly. "I swear, she told me Feldepost wasn't paying her fee and that he threatened her!"
"We thank you for seeing sense," said one of Feldepost's men. He opened the pouch he was holding and held it towards the group, revealing a number of glimmering gemstones. "This is her payment. She did try asking for more, but Feldepost was firm and he thought they'd reached an agreement."
Silandra couldn't believe she'd been deceived in such a way. She liked the idea of helping people but now she'd always be wary of deceit. She glared down at Silke's corpse.
"I'm sorry she turned out to be so treacherous," Ajantis said.
"It's quite alright. Here, you should have these. For your trouble," said the man, holding out a few of the gems.
Silandra's eyes lit up and she accepted the reward, trying to take pleasure in it and ignore how dismayed she was. "Thank you," she said.
"I guess I'm out of a job now," said Garrick nervously. "Would it be too much to ask if I could join up with you?"
"We neither want nor need an entertainer," Jaheira said.
"Maybe you don't, but I do!" Silandra said. "You can't just turn down everyone who wants to join us! People are trying to kill me!"
"I assure you, I am proficient at combat and know a few spells," said Garrick. "And if people really are trying to kill the lady, then perhaps I could be of some assistance."
"You're welcome to join with us, Garrick," said Silandra, smiling and ignoring the way Jaheira was looking at her.
They waited outside the inn for Garrick to retrieve his belongings from his room, since he doubted Feldepost would want him to stay after what happened. When he returned they headed for the Burning Wizard. Jaheira took off at a swift pace, Khalid following close behind, while the others took their time. Imoen had taken it upon herself to tell Garrick everyone's names and was already questioning him about his talents, while Silandra and Ajantis walked side by side in a companionable silence.
Silandra looked at the darkened sky, which tonight was clear enough to make out many stars, and smiled slightly. Despite everything, perhaps she could begin to enjoy this life. She wasn't quite so sore as she'd been the first day, and although it hadn't exactly happened in the way she'd like, she'd just helped some poor innocent inn employees. She tried to ignore the part where Silke had lied to her.
She turned to Ajantis to ask what he'd thought of the performance, which she'd still rather enjoyed despite finding out Silke was evil, when she felt a sharp pain in her chest. She gasped, more surprised than anything. She grabbed Ajantis' arm, suddenly finding she was very weak. She knew he cried out in alarm but she couldn't make out his words. Her whole body felt like it was burning, and she looked down and saw something sticking out of her chest before everything faded away.