"Where'd that necklace come from?" Imoen asked as she helped Silandra do her hair for the day.
Of course, Imoen would have noticed right away. The only surprising thing was that she hadn't asked last night, but perhaps it was because they had both been tired from their studies.
"Ajantis gave it to me," Silandra replied.
"Well it's about time, if ya ask me. I guess he made some kind of romantic declaration of his affections too?"
"He wants to court me," Silandra said, with a dramatic flourish.
Imoen giggled. "Of course he does. He's a knight." She paused a moment, her expression falling a little. "Maybe that's what I need."
"What about Garrick?" Silandra asked.
"You would think that, being a bard, Garrick would be more romantic. But he's just… not. Or maybe he just doesn't like me like that."
Silandra wanted to reassure her friend, but she would only do so honestly. She though Garrick's eyes did seem to light up a little when looking upon Imoen. Then again, he got a similar expression when he thought of a new line for one of his songs or found a beautiful flower.
"Wasn't he writing a song about you?" she asked.
"He wanted to write one about you, once," Imoen said. "When we first met him."
"Oh. I'm sorry."
Imoen shrugged and stepped back, beginning to pack up her things. "It's not your fault. And Garrick is writing a song about me, but it's not really romantic. It was supposed to be about the adventures of Imoen the Pink but everyone else is in it now too. Minsc has three verses!"
"How come I haven't heard him play it?" Silandra asked, genuinely intrigued.
"He says it's not ready yet. He won't show it to anyone but me."
"Well, doesn't that say something?"
"Maybe he just thinks of me as a really good friend. But it's okay. C'mon, we should get moving."
Imoen was already leaving the tent so Silandra followed. They were usually the last to be ready in the morning; the others were already nearly done packing up their tents. Just as they were beginning to dismantle their own, Ajantis came to stand beside Silandra.
"Good morning," he said, beaming down at her. "Do you need assistance?"
"Thank you, but we've got pretty good at this by now," Silandra replied, smiling back.
"Oh. Well, perhaps I could carry something for you?"
"My pack's not that heavy. I think I'm used to the weight."
"There must be something I can do for you to make you more comfortable."
She could think of a few things, none of which were possible right now. She may have grown used to traveling, but she did not think she would ever stop wishing for a warm bed, a bath and a decent meal every night.
"If I think of something, I'll let you know." She caught Imoen suppressing a giggle and shot a quick glare at her.
This seemed to appease Ajantis for the moment. The rest of the group was ready, so they began to move.
They headed west, this time with Minsc leading. Given his mental faculties, Silandra may have been hesitant to rely on his tracking skills had he not already proven them by tracking Dynaheir to the gnoll stronghold.
They had been traveling for a few hours with no further sign of Thalantyr's apprentice when Dorn slowed down, falling into step beside Silandra.
"We are being followed," he said quietly.
"How would you know?" Ajantis asked. He did not sound too happy about having the blackguard so close.
"I would not have survived so long on my own without being observant," Dorn replied. "We should be wary of an ambush."
"I am always wary," said Ajantis.
Silandra sighed. "It's probably Xzar and Montaron."
"Or more assassins," said Xan from behind. "I feel it too. Someone is watching us."
Silandra wondered how Jaheira would have dealt with this. Should the party split up to try and find their pursuer? That could be effective, but also dangerous. What if it was not just one person following them, but a whole group who meant them harm? Perhaps it was best to continue as they had been, with the awareness that they were not alone.
"Let's just continue for now," Silandra said. "If anyone attacks, we will be ready."
She did not enjoy the walk through the forest quite so much after that. She kept thinking she saw something in the trees around her, but perhaps it was just an animal. She wondered if whoever was following would want until they camped for the night, when most of the group would be asleep. She remembered the night the campsite had been burned and shuddered. She did not want to experience anything like that again.
When they had traveled another hour or so and Silandra thought she could catch the faintest whiff of the sea, the group was set upon by wolves. The creatures looked to be half-starved; surely they would not attack a well-armed group of adventurers if they were not desperate. Silandra felt sorry for having to kill them.
They were just beginning to continue when Silandra thought she heard the clucking of a chicken. She decided she must be hearing things. After all, what would a chicken be doing all the way out here?
"Hey look, dinner!"
Imoen dashed to a nearby bush and pulled out a real, live chicken. It did not struggle, but it did begin squawking loudly.
"I'm not a chicken!" it said in a hoarse voice, interspersed with clucks.
Imoen squealed and promptly dropped the chicken, which ruffled its feathers and appeared to be glaring up at her.
"It talks!" Imoen cried, taking a few steps back.
"Of course I talk!" the chicken replied. "I am not a chicken."
"You look like a chicken to me!" Imoen shot back.
"I believe this to be an enchantment," said Xan, gazing at the chicken.
"Who would enchant a chicken to talk?" Garrick asked, looking upon the chicken in wonder.
"He means this is a person, polymorphed into this form," Dynaheir said. "This is advanced magic."
Xan nodded. "Even if we did know a polymorph spell, the manner of the initial change is important."
"Bracers!" the chicken exclaimed. "A pair of bracers which were apparently cursed."
"That complicates things further," said Xan. "They appear to have changed with you so they cannot be removed."
"A powerful enough curse removal spell may work," Dynaheir said.
"You will have to take me to my master," the chicken said. "I doubt he will be thrilled to see me, but he is the only one who may be able to fix this."
"Oh, are you Thalantyr's apprentice?" Silandra asked, remembering that a pair of cursed bracers had been among the items stolen.
"Yes. My name is Melicamp." The chicken looked and sounded about as miserable as a chicken could. "He sent you to find me? Does he want me dead?"
"He just wants the things you took from him," Silandra said. "He said he will give you a chance to explain yourself."
"That's more than I expected," Melicamp said. "Very well. You'll have to carry me to him; I can't possibly walk all that way like this."
"Wait, what about the other things you stole from Thalantyr?" Ajantis asked.
Even in chicken form, Melicamp's sigh was obvious. "I don't have them. A couple of brigands made off with them, everything except the bracers, which I used in an attempt to fight back."
"How long ago did this happen?" Silandra asked.
"Last night," said Melicamp. "It's a good thing you found me when you did. I'd been hiding in that bush all night, hoping someone would come along who could help me. Those wolves were far too close for comfort."
"I suppose we will have to venture after these brigands," Xan said. "And I also suppose you will tell us that they headed towards the beach."
"Yes," Melicamp said. "There's some treasure cave there."
"We should get moving then," said Silandra.
Imoen picked up Melicamp. "Sorry I dropped ya before," she said.
"You weren't really going to eat me were you?" Melicamp asked.
"Well, yep, if you were a real chicken," said Imoen. "I mean, wouldn't you?"
Melicamp merely clucked a few times, sounding as displeased as a chicken could.
"What made you decide to steal from someone like Thalantyr?" Garrick asked. "You had to know it couldn't end well."
"I was in love," Melicamp said. "Or, at least, I thought I was. Turned out she was using me to get some of Thalantyr's possessions."
"This woman is one of the brigands that robbed you?" Ajantis asked.
"Yes," Melicamp said. He paused and clucked a few times. "Turns out she was with some other fellow all along. And now they've run off with my master's possessions."
"You should tell us more about these two thieves," Silandra said. "We may have to fight them to get back Thalantyr's things."
"I'm not sure they're the type to fight if they can avoid it," said Melicamp. "Safana simply stuns with her beauty while the elf bonks you over the head.
"We understand you are bitter at being duped by this woman, but we would appreciate any real details you can give us," said Xan irritably.
"Safana has a dagger but I haven't seen her use it," Melicamp said. "The elf has a bow and a sword, but like I said, he just hit me over the head. Would've knocked me out too but my skull is exceptionally thick. Thalantyr says so."
Silandra thought it far more likely he had just been exceptionally lucky. Imoen giggled, and Melicamp clucked a few times, sounding as though he disapproved.
"We should change places now," Silandra said. "I think we are near the beach and I don't know how far inland the sirenes may venture. Branwen, do you have your charm protections ready?"
"Of course," said Branwen. "It will not block a powerful charm completely, mind, but it will help."
"I would really rather stay by your side," Ajantis said.
"I'm much safer at the front," said Silandra. "A sirene may easily charm you to attack me. If I can try speaking to them first then things will go much more smoothly."
Ajantis looked shocked at the very thought. "I'm sure I could resist them."
"Like you resisted me when we first met?" Silandra retorted.
Ajantis blushed. "I'm sure these sirenes cannot compare to your beauty, my lady," he said.
"I'm sure they can, and they are full blooded so they are likely more powerful. It is much safer for us all if the men stay at the back of the group."
"What about Melicamp?" Imoen asked.
"He's probably safe enough in chicken form," said Silandra.
Branwen finished her spells, and with only a little more protesting from Ajantis, the group reformed and Silandra and Imoen took the lead. It reminded her of their early talks of adventure, when they had dreamed of traveling all over the world together. They had not considered having other traveling companions, but Silandra appreciated having them. After all, she was sure she and Imoen would not have survived long on their own.
It was only a short time later that the sirenes made their presence known. Their voices could be heard carrying softly over the waves, though they were still not visible, despite the beach finally coming into view. The sand was almost white and the water was a clear blue-green. It looked very inviting, even to Silandra, who could not swim. That was just part of the sirenes' magic. They wanted travelers to venture into the water so that they would make easier targets.
Silandra stopped, willing the sirenes to show themselves. She did not want to get closer than necessary.
"I think I'd like a swim," Branwen said. "We have time, yes?"
"No," said Silandra firmly. "That's the sirenes' influence. Ignore it."
She glanced behind Branwen and Dynaheir to see how the men were doing. Dorn and Ajantis were first, Ajantis wanting to be as near Silandra as possible while still being able to keep an eye on the blackguard. Both looked to be fine for the moment, as did Xan, though Garrick's eyes looked a little glazed, even though he was further back. Minsc seemed more serious than usual; he appeared to be listening very intently to Boo.
"Don't come any closer," Silandra said, before turning back to face the beach. Feeling a little silly, she addressed what appeared to be empty air. "We don't mean you any harm. We are just after a couple of thieves."
There was no audible response, but Silandra felt the singing was getting closer. Perhaps she was imagining it, but she thought she saw the air a few paces ahead of her shimmer.
"We mean no harm," Silandra said, this time in Sylvan. "We are looking for two who may have passed through this area recently. A man and a woman."
"We understand your barbaric tongue well enough," came an icy voice in much better Sylvan. "Your companions are not welcome here."
Finally a figure emerged before them, seemingly out of thin air. She stood ankle deep in the water and her skin was almost the same blue while her hair was a deep green, artfully decorated with seaweed and shells. Larger pieces of seaweed and moss formed a short skirt and a band around her chest. Her only weapon appeared to be the bow at her back. Maybe it was a good sign that she had not drawn it yet.
Silandra found herself looking at the sirene and feeling ugly in comparison. Then she frowned. Was that thought really her own? Yes, she knew she could not compare to the beauty of this creature, but to think herself ugly was quite a stretch. She realized the sirene was attempting to manipulate her.
"That's not necessary," she said sharply. "We do not plan on lingering. Did anyone else come here today?"
"You may be a half-breed, but it would seem the blood is strong within you," the sirene said, smiling slyly as she ceased her influence. "We have not had much cause to trust men. Do you mean to bring them as an offering?"
Silandra hoped none of her companions understood Sylvan. "No," she said. "They are my traveling companions. But they won't harm you. We just want to find the thieves and leave."
The sirene was silent for a moment. She looked over each member of the group in turn, as if appraising them. "They came here a few hours ago. The woman was eager to offer her companion for her safe passage and we could hardly refuse. She entered the cave to the north, looking for some dead pirate's treasure."
Silandra wondered what her chances were of retrieving the man. There were no male sirenes so they enticed elves and humans when they wanted a child. The men were usually willing enough, but sometimes they were never allowed to return home. Even if this man was a thief, it sounded like he had been duped by this Safana woman the same way Melicamp had, and Silandra could not help but feel a little sorry for him. Still, she was on a mission and that had to come first.
"Will you allow my companions and I safe passage through your territory to this cave and back?" she asked.
"Without tribute? The queen may grant your request, if only because the elf the woman brought is so… entertaining. But I will give you a warning I did not give that woman. That cave is full of horrible flesh creatures. She is probably dead by now."
"We will have to go after her regardless," Silandra said. "As I said, she's a thief, and she stole some things that belong to a powerful mage. He has asked us to retrieve them for him."
"You do the bidding of a man?" the sirene asked, raising a sea green eyebrow.
"For payment, of course," Silandra replied.
"And these men, and the women? They follow you?"
"Yes."
The sirene cocked her head, and Silandra thought she heard the singing chance in timbre for a moment. "The queen is coming," she said, looking surprised. "She will be guarded of course. I suggest you advise your companions to show her the respect she deserves and to avoid provoking her."
Silandra wasn't sure if the queen coming was a good thing or not. She turned to her companions, who seemed uncertain. She didn't blame them; after all, they probably had not understood anything that had been said.
"The queen is coming," she said. "I don't think we are in any danger, but you need to stay calm. And you probably shouldn't try speaking to her either. Minsc, can you hold onto Garrick please so that he doesn't do anything he shouldn't?"
Garrick seemed to be completely captivated by the sirene and his body was trembling, as though he were torn between wanting to move forward and wanting to stay still as he should. Minsc set his hands on the bard's shoulders firmly. Garrick sighed and blinked a few times, but his eyes were still unfocused.
"I don't like this, Silandra," Ajantis said quietly. "What if it's a trap to lure you in?"
"I doubt they have much interest in me," said Silandra, though she could not deny that she was worried about her companions.
"There are many more nearby, invisible," said Xan. "I don't think they would have to wait for their queen if they wanted to attack. Besides, sirenes are not innately evil. I do not believe they have reason to harm us."
Ajantis seemed to concentrate for a moment and glanced towards the sirene. It almost seemed as though it pained him to do so, and he averted his gaze a moment later.
"They may not be evil," he said, "but they are not good either."
"Silence! Queen Silara approaches!" the sirene cried, speaking so that all could understand.
The sirene queen was even more beautiful than the sirenes surrounding her. She wore a dress made out of some kind of shimmery material and a crown of sea shells and pearls adorned her head. Her guards carried sharp spears and had daggers at their waists in addition to their bows. They did not look friendly, but the queen herself was smiling.
"I have already decided," she declared, speaking the common tongue. "This one and her companions may pass freely through our lands on this day. We shall meet again, and then I will collect on this debt."
"What will you ask?" Silandra asked, frowning. It could be anything, after all.
"Nothing that you will not be prepared to give," the queen said. "I will require your aid. I have foreseen it."
Silandra could not remember reading anything about sirenes seeing the future. "You're a seer?"
"The ocean tells me things sometimes," the queen replied. "I know about you. If you are to survive to help me, you are going to have to do something about the darkness inside you, you know."
Silandra did not know what to say to that. She remembered what the dryad had said, about there being a shadow over her. At the time, she had not thought too much of it, but now it seemed more important.
"You should leave now and find the thief you seek," the queen said. "When you return, you may take her male with you."
"Thank you," Silandra said, a little stunned. Was this really it? She had not expected the sirene encounter to go so smoothly. She wanted to ask more about this supposed darkness, but she thought that could be pushing her luck.
The queen and her guards faded into the distance. As they did, Silandra thought she heard the queen's voice whispering in her mind. A name, nothing more. She thought she knew what it meant, but she could not spare time to think on it now.
The sirene who had initially confronted the group remained a moment longer, glancing at Silandra incredulously before disappearing.
"I know she said we are safe, but we should move quickly," Silandra said, once she felt she could speak.
Imoen burst out laughing, as if she had been holding it in for a while. "Sil! You could share nicknames with the queen!"
Silandra allowed herself a small smile. The thought had not even occurred to her at the time. She only hoped the queen would not be offended if she was still in earshot.
"I can't believe that just happened," said Garrick, who seemed to be back to normal. "In all the tales, sirenes are evil creatures that drag men to the depths of the ocean and suck out their souls."
"Obviously that is not true," Silandra replied quickly, hoping the sirenes would not overhear. That had to be one of the worst assumptions she had heard about them. "They are territorial, but they only do what they must to survive."
"But they kill innocents," Ajantis said. "Surely that can only make them evil."
"How innocent do you really think the men they kill are?" Silandra asked. "Surely they only kill with good reason. After all, they're going to release the man they just took."
"A thief," Ajantis said derisively. "Why would they choose to let him live?"
Silandra chose not to respond. She thought the most likely reason for letting the elf go was that he had served them well. If Ajantis knew what the sirenes were likely doing with their captive, then he might just explode. Better to just continue along the beach and get this over with. She felt that the sirenes had not left. They were watching them of course, and she hoped they were not too offended by her companions' words.
"I don't suppose you are going to tell us what that sirene meant about the darkness inside you," said Dorn. "It does make Ur-Gothoz's request that I follow you seem more… sensible."
"I have no idea what she was talking about," Silandra said. It was the truth, after all.
"She was obviously mistaken," said Ajantis. "Silandra is a force of goodness."
"On the outside, perhaps," Dorn said.
"Just what are you implying, blackguard?"
"Just that darkness is not always as obvious as you seem to think."
"Enough," said Silandra, unnerved rather than angry. "We're here."
The cave entrance was already before them. Silandra didn't know what exactly the flesh creatures the sirene was referring to might be but she did not like the sound of them.
"Maybe you should have a look first Imoen," she said. "I'll cast an infravision spell. Just be careful."
Imoen was fearless as usual. She was quick to agree, and once the spell took hold she thrust Melicamp at Garrick and crept into the darkness.
Silandra felt a certain sense of trepidation at having just sent her best friend alone into the cave, but thankfully it didn't last long. Imoen was out only a moment later.
"Found her," she said. "Just inside. She might be dead, not sure. I don't think I can pull her out myself. Seems safe enough for the moment but I can hear something big moving around in there."
Silandra looked around at her companions. No one was volunteering, and she didn't blame them.
"Dorn, pull her out please," she said. Dorn was the strongest of her companions, after all, and she wouldn't have to use another infravision spell on him. "Even if she's dead, we have to see if she has Thalantyr's belongings."
Dorn narrowed his eyes at her for a moment before nodding and following Imoen into the cave.
He returned carrying a woman, along with her overstuffed pack.
"Still breathing," he said gruffly.
Silandra looked at the woman. Her dark hair was matted with blood and her skin was pale and clammy, but her beauty was still evident. Silandra did not exactly approve of her using her looks to steal, but she didn't think she deserved to die either.
"Branwen, do you think you can heal her?" she asked. No one had been seriously injured since the cleric had joined the group, so she did not know what to expect from her.
"Really?" came Melicamp's clucky voice. "She's the reason I'm like this!"
"Perhaps, but you're not dead, and I'm sure Thalantyr will be able to return you to normal," Silandra said. "I can't just let her die."
Melicamp gave a cluck of disapproval before falling silent. After all, there was not much he could do in chicken form.
Dorn lay the woman down and Branwen came to examine her.
"Head wounds can be tricky," she said. "Most of her ribs are broken too. But I think I can do it. I may not be able to heal anyone else after though, not before resting."
"We will rest as soon as we are away from the beach," Silandra said. "Do what you can."
"What are we gonna do with her?" Imoen asked, as Branwen began murmuring prayers over the woman.
"I guess we'll take her to Beregost, if she doesn't decide to leave when she wakes," said Silandra. "But no further than that."
"We should turn her in to the authorities," Ajantis said.
"Don't you think this is enough punishment for her crimes?" Silandra asked. "Surely after almost dying she may rethink things."
Xan was rifling through the woman's bag. Silandra might have stopped him if she wasn't so sure that most of the contents were stolen.
"Bring me closer so I can see," said Melicamp. "My master will likely only be prepared to cure me if I return all of his possessions."
Garrick obliged and the chicken looked at the items that Xan pulled out. Not one but two magical tomes, an enchanted cloak, a few wands and spell scrolls as well as a small pouch filled with gems.
"She has been busy," Melicamp mused. "Some of this belongs to my master, but not all. That cloak and that wand, and that book. They are not his."
"Perhaps she found the cave's treasure before the monsters got to her," said Xan. "She has a large amount of gold as well."
"She will live," said Branwen, taking a step back. "She may not wake for a while though."
"I hope you do not expect me to carry her for the next hour or so until we camp," Dorn said.
That was exactly what Silandra had planned on asking. She glanced down at the woman. If they distributed the contents of her pack between some of the members of her group, then perhaps she and Imoen could carry her between them. While she was contemplating this, she heard the sound of weapons being drawn and turned quickly.
Standing on the beach a short distance away was a man—an elf, she realized. His clothes were soaking wet and disheveled and he looked dazed. He had a green tattoo across his eyes in the shape of a mask, which would have looked ridiculous on most people but it seemed to suit him. In some ways, it made what may have been an unremarkable face rather attractive. There was something familiar about the man, but she couldn't remember where she might have seen him before. He had a bow and sword but neither were drawn. It was Ajantis and Minsc who now had their swords at the ready.
"Who are you?" Ajantis demanded.
"My name is… Coran, I think," the elf said. "I might be drunk."
"I don't think he's a threat," said Silandra. "He's probably the elf the sirenes took."
"Sirenes?" Coran asked, glancing around quickly. "Where?"
"I don't think they will be back," Silandra replied. She wondered how much he remembered of his encounter.
Coran's eyes finally focused on Silandra. "Well, the sight of you is enough to push any thought of sirenes from my mind. Which lovely goddess do I have the pleasure of standing before?"
"My name is Silandra," Silandra replied, trying to sound stern but failing. She did have a weak spot for compliments on her appearance.
"Watch yourself when addressing her," said Ajantis.
"I thought I was perfectly respectful," said Coran innocently.
"We don't have time for this," said Silandra. "We need to get away from here. Coran, were you traveling with this woman?"
Coran's finally noticed the prone form lying on the ground. "Safana?" he murmured. He took one uncertain step forward. "I think I am supposed to be upset with her, but I cannot remember why."
"We'll tell you about it later. Do you think you can carry her?" Silandra asked.
"I suppose." Coran lifted Safana easily, still looking a little confused.
"Then let's go," said Silandra. "Once we are well away from the beach we will stop for the night and talk."
They moved quickly, not wanting to stay near the sirenes any longer than necessary. Silandra observed the looks Ajantis was giving Coran. Could it be possible that he was jealous? She had accepted his courtship; he should realize that it was him she liked and she was not going to abandon him for someone she had just met.
When they were far enough from the beach that the siren song could no longer be heard, they found some shelter amongst a few trees and set up camp for the night. Safana was settled in Branwen's tent and kept guarded. Her life was no longer in danger, but no one trusted her and there was no telling what she may do when she woke.
Coran, on the other hand, seemed to have a fuzzy memory of the past few hours. He did remember hitting Melicamp over the head, and admitted to feeling bad about it. Perhaps that was why the blow had not quite been enough to knock the apprentice out. He said it had seemed a good idea at the time, that Safana had promised him riches, but he didn't want to actually hurt anyone. He was watched too, though Silandra didn't feel he was a threat.
Silandra remained seated by Ajantis after eating, attempting to study one of the new spells she was learning. Her companions were, for the most part, happy their encounter with the sirenes had gone so well. She should be too, but she could not stop thinking about what the queen had said. Then she remembered something else.
"Are we still being followed?" she asked, loud enough that everyone could hear.
"I don't think they followed us to the beach," said Dorn. "But I cannot say for certain."
"We will be extra careful on our watch tonight," Silandra said. "I think I'm going to retire early. I can take an early morning watch if needed."
She retreated to her tent and tried to calm her mind. She had some meditating to do.