The mountains near the gnoll stronghold were apparently completely infested with ogres. Luckily, Minsc was eager and able to face them. After all, they had not had a good fight since leaving Nashkel; the few wolves they had encountered did not count. It seemed Minsc was the type who thrived on action and he happily swung his huge sword as if it were a toy—albeit a very dangerous one. Khalid and Ajantis quickly learned to keep their distance from the berserker when he was fighting, lest they end up as collateral damage.

Although there had been no trace of a road since leaving the xvart village, Minsc walked confidently ahead, insisting he knew the way to the place near the gnoll stronghold where he and Dynaheir had been attacked. Jaheira expressed her concern over letting him lead, but since no one else was certain of the correct direction they had no choice but to follow Minsc.

It turned out they had made the right decision, for they soon saw a fortress looming in the distance. It was early afternoon and Silandra thought Jaheira may suggest they camp rather than risk being caught inside at night, but she had other plans.

"Gnolls may be considered nocturnal creatures, but they are still quite active during the day," Jaheira said. "I do not think we stand a significant advantage if we ensure we are only among them in daylight. And besides, Dynaheir may not have much time left. I would rather not have delayed our quest for the people of Nashkel for nothing."

For once Jaheira seemed to be awaiting the others' opinions on the matter. She did not usually bother.

"I agree we need to hurry, but we can't all see in the dark," said Imoen. "Won't that be kind of dangerous?"

"Tonight is a full moon," Jaheira said. "It won't be so bad. And didn't you say you found an infravision scroll on one of those ogres?"

"Well, yes, but… Sil, what d'ya think?" Imoen asked.

"I'm not very good at casting spells like that, not when I am unfamiliar with them," Silandra said. She had never needed an infravision spell for herself so it was something she had never even considered learning, but she could see now how useful it could be.

"Silandra, it is a basic spell," Jaheira said. "I'm sure you can do it, and at least it's not the type to be dangerous if it doesn't work. You should study it as we walk."

"Maybe if we hurry we can get in and out before dark," Ajantis said. That was probably overly optimistic.

"I m-much prefer the daylight," Khalid said quietly, gazing up at the large structure ahead of them.

Imoen had been rummaging in her pack for the scroll and now she handed it to Silandra. "Here ya go."

Silandra looked over the spell. She knew that her magic ability was improving, especially now that she was actually allowed to cast spells rather than being mostly confined to theory as she was in Candlekeep. But it was still difficult to learn new spells. However she knew that proper mages could read off scrolls to cast the spell, without having to learn the spell properly. Maybe she could try that? Regardless, she would try and memorize the runes if she could as they walked. Although there was no road, the ground had smoothed since their initial ascent into the mountains so she wasn't likely to lose her footing and fall due to the distraction. Besides… with the way Ajantis seemed to like hovering so close by her side, she probably didn't have to worry anyway. He'd catch her if she fell. She felt her face heat at the thought and frowned. That was the second time she had blushed recently while thinking of Ajantis. She wasn't sure she liked it.

She glanced up at the paladin, who was focused on the road ahead. She did not usually give much thought to the appearance of men as they rarely had the kind of beauty she liked to admire, but she supposed he was attractive enough. She had been very careful not to charm him again, and as for his intentions, surely a paladin was trustworthy enough. He seemed to feel her eyes on him and began to turn towards her, and she immediately turned back to the road. Thankfully, he did not say anything.

The sound of running water became apparent as they approached a bridge. As they drew closer, Silandra saw that the bridge did not appear to be very sturdy. Water flowed swiftly below from a nearby waterfall and she knew that even if she survived the fall, she'd probably drown. Having lived in Candlekeep all her life without ever being allowed to leave, she had never learned how to swim.

"I d-don't like this," said Khalid. Of course, even if he could swim, he'd probably sink in his armor. He peered over the edge, looking pale.

"The other side looks to be clear," Jaheira said. "If gnolls cross here then it should be sturdy enough, but we will go one at a time to be safe."

If she was afraid, she did not show it. She walked across the bridge quickly, apparently unconcerned with the way it swayed under her weight. Minsc followed next, looking equally fearless. If the bridge was going to give way to any of them it would be him, but it was stronger than it looked. Silandra felt a little more at ease after that, knowing her weight was nothing compared to his, and she darted across quickly.

Thankfully, they all made it across without incident. On the other side there was a rough road leading towards the stronghold, though there was no sign of life. Behind some shrubs they found a couple of dead ogrillons, killed by blades and magic. Silandra felt a sinking sensation within; were they too late to save Dynaheir?

There was an entrance ahead, looking like it led into a courtyard of some kind, yet it was apparently unguarded which she considered to be another bad sign. She did think she caught a sign of movement in the fortress above, but when she tried to focus on the area she couldn't see anything. Maybe there was a lookout up there and he had dashed off to tell his fellows. If that were true, the area could soon be swarming with gnolls. Or maybe it really had been nothing—only wishful thinking, because although she didn't like the prospect of fighting off a hoard of gnolls, their absence was unsettling. She glanced nervously at Minsc, who didn't look at all worried and instead plowed onward. Everyone else seemed to share her concern but no one wanted to be the one to voice it.

"Stop! Who you?"

Minsc was already drawing his sword, but Jaheira rushed to intercept.

"Minsc, wait! This gnoll apparently wants to talk!" she cried.

Waiting just inside the stronghold gates were a pair of gnolls. Silandra supposed it made more sense for them to wait hidden for intruders, instead of standing outside where they could easily be picked off from a distance. She had not considered gnolls smart enough creatures to think like that though.

The monsters were hairy, a little taller than Minsc and had heads like big ugly dogs. Their armor looked to be put together with scraps of leather and metal, maybe from their victims, but the huge halberds they held looked lethal enough. They did not seem pleased to see the intruders, but they did not look about to attack.

"We are adventurers," Jaheira said, eyeing the gnolls with caution. "We come seeking a lost companion."

"You find nothing here!" the other gnoll growled. "But Holy One sees all intruders. You follow."

This was an interesting development. Silandra hoped Jaheira wasn't going to insist they follow these creatures though. If they got further into the stronghold and the gnolls turned on them, it could get ugly.

"No!" Minsc roared, pointing his sword at the gnolls. "You tell me where my witch is! Boo will have your ears for shoes!"

"Minsc, quiet!" Jaheira said, before turning back to the gnolls. "You think we will trust your kind? We will not go anywhere with you."

The gnoll made a barking noise that almost sounded like a normal dog, though coming out of such a horrible-looking creature it was much more intimidating.

"You see Holy One!" he demanded.

"You will bring your Holy One here," said Jaheira. "Or would you rather fight instead?"

Minsc still had his sword out and appeared excited at the possibility of using it on these gnolls. Yet he held his ground for the moment, showing what Silandra thought was remarkable restraint.

"Holy One say bring to adventurers," the other gnoll said, scratching his back with the haft of his halberd. He did not seem as aggressive as his partner. "Don't make mad. Go get. I stay."

The first gnoll snarled at the adventurers, before turning and making his way into the courtyard and up a large stone staircase which bore the signs of a recent battle. Some blood was splattered here, the stonework scorched there. There were no bodies, however, and Silandra wondered if the gnolls actually had the presence of mind to clean up. Were they like the xvarts, misunderstood creatures who were just trying to live their lives in peace? But no, she knew gnolls ate people. Or was that only if they happened to fight them and win? Maybe they did not seek them out?

The gnoll took his time, as if he really did not want to fetch this Holy One, and before he could reach the top of the stairs a group of gnolls came to meet him. Curiously, a human woman accompanied them. Her dress was a little ragged and rather dirty, but she seemed unharmed. Her coloring was not like any Silandra had seen before—her skin was a smooth, dark brown and her hair deep red. The effect was stunning. She was obviously not happy with the gnoll who had been guarding the entrance. She spoke to him briefly, too low to hear, and he hurried back down the stairs, ears laid back and whining softly.

"Dynaheir!" Minsc cried happily, dashing forward.

"Minsc, stay!" the woman commanded quickly.

Minsc was apparently not offended by being treated like a dog; he obeyed instantly, though he was obviously itching to continue towards her.

"What is the meaning of this?" Jaheira demanded, crossing her arms and eyeing Dynaheir with suspicion.

"Relax thyselves," Dynaheir said to the gnolls, who bizarrely enough seemed to be acting as her bodyguards. She then turned to address Jaheira. "I apologize for the delay. Dekazz was to come for me immediately when adventurers arrived. Welcome to my home. How may I assist thee?" Her mouth quirked just a little as she said this.

"Dynaheir, what are you doing with these monsters?" Minsc asked. "Boo and I were worried! We brought friends to rescue you! You are saying this is your home now?"

"I thank thee for thy concern, Minsc, but it was not necessary," Dynaheir said. She turned again to the gnolls beside her. "I would like a moment alone with this group. Amuse thyselves upstairs and I shall return shortly."

"But Holy One!" one of the gnolls growled. "The assassins! Are you—"

"Doest thou doubt mine words, Vyc?" Dynaheir asked, glaring at him.

"N-no," the gnoll said. He actually lowered his head in what appeared to be deference, looking almost as pathetic as Dekazz had. "Apologies Holy One… we… we go. Be quick."

The gnolls retreated back up the stairs, looking back every now and then in what looked like concern. The gnoll by the entrance stayed, until a glare from Dynaheir sent him on his way too.

"Quick, let us be gone from this place," Dynaheir hissed, running towards the entrance.

"But the gnolls! They deserve a butt-kicking!" Minsc said, too loudly.

"Hush, Minsc," Dynaheir said. "Not now. We must flee."

An explanation would be required, and a thorough one at that, Silandra thought as she took in Jaheira's irritated expression. But it could wait. There was no reason to be standing around a gnoll stronghold so they made for the bridge. Like before, they dashed across one at a time, which delayed them just enough for the gnolls to return and catch sight of them.

"No! They steal Holy One!" one of the gnolls hollered, loudly enough that surely the whole fortress would be roused.

Dynaheir turned to the bridge and shot an impressive stream of fire from her fingertips, scorching the frail wood and ropes that held it together. Silandra took a moment to admire her quick thinking and the display of magic. Had she finally found someone who she could learn from?

"There are other ways to cross, though they will take time," Dynaheir said. "Regardless, we should move quickly."

No one could argue with that, and the group hurried through the wilderness. It was good they had not had to actually enter the stronghold, as they now had a little time to put some distance behind them before night fell. Minsc stuck closely by his witch now that he had found her so Imoen and Garrick were bringing up the lead. But at the pace they were going, they weren't going to be able to sneak up on any monsters or animals they might encounter. Silandra hoped they had already killed most of the ogres in the area on the way here.

The moon was high in the sky by the time they found a place to rest. It was an area so thick with trees that there was barely room to set up their tents, but at least it was well-hidden.

"No fire tonight, I think," said Jaheira, and turned to Dynaheir. "Now, explain."

"No introductions first?" Dynaheir asked, looking mildly amused. "Suit thyselves. Minsc and I were traveling nearby when gnolls attacked at night. I was captured and, as I am sure thou art aware, gnolls eat people. But I caught sight of some stone tablets in their fortress that foretold the coming of a 'Holy One', an outsider with the blood of a god. I convinced them it was I."

"You could read their tablets?" Jaheira asked skeptically.

"I can read their language, yes," said Dynaheir. "Of course, although they considered me almost as a deity and would not harm me, they also would not let me leave. I planned on earning their trust to the point where they would leave me alone a while so I could escape, preferably in the company of Minsc. That is why I told them to bring me to any adventurers that came. I was not sure they would obey when I told them to leave me with thee, though if they did not I have no doubt thou couldst have fought them off."

"So they were worshipping you and stuff?" Imoen asked.

Dynaheir nodded, and Imoen burst into laughter, Garrick along with her.

"That's priceless!" Imoen said.

"But how did you convince them?" Garrick asked, leaning forward eagerly.

"Gnolls are not overly bright. A few carefully placed lightning bolts were sufficient to awe such creatures."

"And that's all they call you? Holy One? I would have expected something... grander." Garrick sounded disappointed.

"They could not pronounce mine name," Dynaheir said, smiling.

"But wait, there were others that came for you, right?" Silandra asked. "The gnolls mentioned assassins."

Dynaheir's expression darkened. "Oh yes, Edwin? The Red Wizard? He is a fool. He and his companions were easy to trick."

"What happened to them?" Ajantis asked. "We thought they would have the upper hand with the gnolls."

Silandra thought Ajantis was spending a little more time looking at Dynaheir than was necessary. The witch's dress had a slit up the side and was low cut. Silandra thought it was stylish and wouldn't mind wearing something similar, but she knew what Gorion would have said about it and wondered if Ajantis was thinking the same thing. But if he were, wouldn't he be trying not to look? After all, he couldn't handle Silandra in her nightdress and that didn't cover so much more. Silandra wondered if what she was feeling was jealousy. It was a strange thought, one she did not want to dwell on just now.

"The gnolls alone would not have lived through their onslaught," Dynaheir said. "I had not anticipated adventurers to come seeking my death. Dekazz may have been quicker to bring me to thee without that incident. Ultimately I was able to lure the men into a skull trap. They survived and I instructed the gnolls to throw them in the river."

"So they're alive?" Imoen asked, looking unsure what answer she preferred.

"Most likely," Dynaheir said. "Such men do not die so easily."

"Why didn't you just have them killed?" Silandra asked. She was sure she would have had she been in Dynaheir's position.

"I would be as bad as they," Dynaheir said. "But if they come for me again, I do not think I would spare them twice."

"Why was the Red Wizard after you?" Jaheira asked. "What were you doing out here to begin with?"

"Thay and Rashemen are old enemies," said Dynaheir. "He needs no other excuse and mayhap I should have been prepared for one such as he to be sent after me. But I do not fear him. As to my purpose here, I am not allowed to say, but I assure thee, I do not intend any harm."

"So what will you do now?" Silandra asked.

"We owe thee a debt," said Dynaheir. "I am… uncertain whether Minsc would have handled the situation well on his own. Minsc is, well, Minsc, but he hath a strong sword arm, whilst I am practiced in the arcane arts. Mayhap we could assist thee in some way?"

"Well, we're actually going to investigate the Nashkel mine," Silandra said. "We took a detour to come find you. Your help would be appreciated."

"We will accompany thee," Dynaheir said. "Though I would appreciate a brief stop in town to replenish my supplies."

"Of course," Silandra said. "Maybe we could stay the night. Or, uh, maybe not…"

Jaheira was glaring at her, as she so often seemed to do. "We have wasted enough time out here. It will be a few days before we return. Who knows how the situation in Nashkel has deteriorated in the meantime? We do not have time for such luxuries. We will stop at the store and then head straight to the mines."

Silandra could not bring herself to disagree. She didn't feel bad about insisting the group follow Minsc though. She suspected Dynaheir had been close to escaping by herself, but she was glad to have the chance to meet her.

"Dynaheir, how long have you been studying magic?" she asked.

Dynaheir looked a little surprised by the question. "Most of mine life has been dedicated to the art."

"I'm a sorceress," Silandra said, hoping Dynaheir was not the type to hate her kind. "I was hoping you could help me learn some new spells. I didn't get to finish my studies before leaving home."

"Thou ventured out here unprepared?" Dynaheir asked, raising an eyebrow.

Silandra realized they had not even been properly introduced thanks to Jaheira's insistence on Dynaheir talking immediately. Introductions were made, and then Silandra gave an overview of their journey so far. Dynaheir looked thoughtful by the end.

"I will help thee of course," she said. "I do find thy situation curious, however."

Silandra thought she might have been about to elaborate, but that was all she said. She thought 'curious' was an odd choice of words compared to 'terrifying' or 'dangerous' or even simply 'sad'.

They ate their meager rations and settled in for the night. Minsc shared his tent with Dynaheir, and Silandra wondered if that had been their original arrangement or if Dynaheir had just lost hers. Either way, it did not seem Minsc was even capable of anything other than platonic affection for his witch. He was like a child in a highly destructive body.

There was a good chance of a gnoll attack so a careful watch was to be kept throughout the night. As usual, Silandra and Imoen were excluded. Imoen did not mind, since sleep was one of her favorite things to do, but Silandra wanted the opportunity to be more useful. Besides, she could see at night, so surely she was well-suited to the task. Instead, the most she was allowed to do was cast the infravision spell on Ajantis so at least he could see any approaching gnolls through the trees. The scroll crumbled in her hand once she was done. Dynaheir had encouraged her to cast rather than do it herself, and assured her that it was normal for the scroll to be destroyed when used in such a way.

"In scrolls such as these, the magic is contained within," she said. "Tis difficult to use the spell without tearing the magic from the source. Thou performed well, if it is true thou hath not delved into divination as of yet."

Her words made Silandra feel a little better about the whole thing so that by the time she lay down to rest, she thought she may be relaxed enough to drift off right away. It was a relief no longer having to worry whether or not she would be in time to rescue Dynaheir. She realized she had not previously given much thought as to what kind of person Minsc's witch would be, but she was pleased with how it had turned out. Her manner of speaking was strange, but otherwise she seemed nice and appeared to be very skilled in magic. Silandra smiled at the thought of finally making real progress with her magic. Maybe she could even learn to cast a fireball!

"Hey Sil? You asleep?" Imoen asked, keeping her voice low. Minsc and Ajantis were on watch outside and she evidently did not want to be heard.

"Still awake," Silandra replied. "What is it?"

"Well… What d'ya think of Garrick?"

Silandra had noticed that Imoen seemed to like sticking by the bard's side, though she had assumed it was just because she liked music and stories and he could provide both.

"He seems nice," she said.

"You don't like him then?"

"What? No!"

"Oh. He likes you, ya know."

"You know that doesn't mean anything." Silandra sighed and moved closer to Imoen so they could speak even more quietly. "He just likes the way I look."

"I just mean… you could take him if you wanted."

Silandra frowned. "I don't want to take him. I don't want to 'take' anyone. What has gotten into you, Imoen? Why are you talking like this?"

"Sorry Sil. It's just… it's easy for you, ya know? Men will bend over backwards to please you if they think they have the slightest chance. They don't even look at someone like me."

"You're beautiful too, Imoen," Silandra said, and she was sincere—she found it difficult to lie outright. "And Garrick does not have a chance. So there. He's nice enough but he is… too boyish. Why, do you like him? Is that what this is about?"

"I don't know," said Imoen. "Maybe. But let's talk about you and Ajantis. I bet he has a chance, right?"

To her annoyance, Silandra felt herself blushing for the second time that day. She considered her answer. "Maybe," she said. "I mean, he's a paladin. That should count for something, right?"

"That's what you think about? What about his looks? Fighting ability? Adorable devotion to Helm?"

"I'm not sure I would call that adorable. But fine… he is attractive and fights well. I like him. But I will see how long his interest holds."

"Maybe you're right to be cautious. I saw him checking out Dynaheir while we were eating."

So it was not just Silandra who had noticed that. "Well, Dynaheir is a very beautiful woman," she said. "And her dress does not cover very much. It makes sense that he would look at her. I was looking too."

"But not in the same way. I mean, you don't like girls like that right? Or do you? It's fine if you do."

Silandra had to think about that for a moment. She always appreciated beautiful people. But that was all it was. "No, I don't think so. I just like looking at them."

Imoen giggled and sighed, snuggling into her bedroll. "Guess we'd better sleep. See ya in the morning, if we don't get eaten by gnolls."

Although she had to admit that was a real risk they faced, Silandra could not help but smile. If only she could share Imoen's blithe view of the dangers they faced.