The performer

Authors Note: The homework hit me harder than i had expected, which might explain the lack of updates. The fact that i bought Icewind Dale: EE might also explain it a bit. Seriously, those games rule. I am sorry for not uploading but i just did not really have the time. Also if anyone would like to betaread for me i would be grateful. Thank you for your time!

The town of Beregost seemed peaceful, at least from our distance. Me and Jaheira had planned to make a stop in the town, to look for supplies and replace our stock. Both mine and Khalids swords had broke and my armour had taken quite the beating. I suspected that adventuring might be a bit more expensive than I had originally thought.

As we neared the city I noticed a man in the distance walking towards us. He looked like a simple peasant while having a trustworthy face and a welcoming smile. "Be careful Thantalas. Appearances can be deceiving. Especially appearances such as these" Jaheira warned me. I nodded shortly before sending the man a smile.

"Hello friends. May I offer directions? You seem like the friendlier sort so I thought I'd offer my services as a guide. What are you looking for here in Beregost? My name is Golin Vend by the way". The man looked at me curiously, awaiting an answer.
"Uhm, well right now, honestly, we just want to lay low. Find somewhere to restock and rest really. We have been on the road for the last three days". Golin stood there pondering for a moment, before answering.

"I think I know just the right place for you. That place is known as The Jovial Juggler. It's in the south-eastern part of town and close to the Thunderhammer Smithy. I think you will be satisfied with the company there as well. Those folk in the Feldepost inn are some nasty types. They are either high-born nobles or some idiots looking for a fight. I suggest that you stay out of there, friend."

I agreed with Golin, and we said our goodbyes. This city seemed as I had expected. Mostly a bunch of lowly peasants and craftsmen. And of course it had the smithy. Beregost was as I had hoped and hopefully it would match our needs as well.

As we made our way through the streets, we quickly made our way to the town square. People were buzzing around, living their daily lives. In the middle of the square, a halfling stood and yelled. "Hear me, Hear me. The clerics of Lathander offers a reward for the death of the vile priest Bassilus, whom have been kidnapping helpless victims. The reward for such a deed is great indeed. 5000 gold pieces. One must bring proof of such a deed to claim the reward". The small man kept rambling about the man called Bassilus and his foul work. I thought of the opportunity as welcome. 5000 gold pieces could bring in the equipment we needed to survive. I quickly discussed the subject with Jaheira. She had quickly become my favorite chatting partner, the others lacking the overlook on things she had. The elven druid quickly agreed, but was certain that it should not delay our journey to Nashkel too much. First of all, we had to find shelter. A small inn or some stables. As we crossed the town square, a handsome man waved at us. I send the others a questioning stare, but they just nodded.

As we neared the man, I could see that this man was nowhere near of capable of hurting us. He had an almost dumb look on his face, and his arms were small as well. He smiled at us and began rambing "Hail, travellers. My name is Garrick and I have an offer for you. My mistress, Silke, is in need of mercenaries and you look like the sort she could use. My mistress is a famed singer and storyteller, and I am her humble servant. She has travelled far but is worried that someone might want to hurt her. And there will of course be a payment. 300 pieces of it"

I looked at him. "Well, we are in need of money. I guess we can do this small job of yours. But we aren't mercenaries. Nothing near those greedy fools". He smiled, and began skipping down the streets. He signalled for us to follow, and I began walking after him. Jaheira tapped me on my shoulder and whispered "Thantalas be careful. This Silke might seem friendly enough but remember that appearances can be deceptive. I think I've heard of this bard. Not good things though". "Of course. I'll be careful, don't worry".

Garrick showed us to the front of some inn, with a woman clad in a black dress stood. As I spotted her I was in awe. Before us stood what looked like a goddess. Deep green eyes stared at me. Her skin was as pale as the moon and a small smirk crept upon her mouth. There was something unnerving about this woman's beauty. An aura of power pulsed from her and I remembered Jaheiras warning.

"Oh hello there, my fair folk. Are you the ones whom are with Garrick? Oh, of course you are. Silly me. Now, to the actual business. Did Garrick tell you exactly what you had to do? No? Well, there are these thugs in the town. The feldepost thugs. They have been stalking me for a while and I suspect them to make their move soon. I didn't actually expect you to be so strong. I'll raise your payment to, let's see, 400 gold. Wait. They are already here. Protect me!".

I spotted a group of three men walking down the street, all of them smiling. They slowly neared us, and sent Silke and us a friendly smile before one of them opened his mouth. "Silke, my friend. We have brought you the gems you asked for. That should be 150 right?"

I looked at them in shock. What trickery could this be. Was it Silke or these thugs who was trying to pull off some kind of trick on us.

"My heroes! Slay the thugs, and protect me. Quickly before their words begins to poison your mind!"

Silke seemed to get more and more desperate the more I hesitated. Why would the thugs try to fool me if they had no idea, that Silke had bodygaurds? This all seemed a bit too weird. I turned around to Silke, slowly realizing what was going on.

"You wench! You tried to trick us into killing these men just so you could get their gems! To arms, my friends!"

I drew my longsword, as I lunged at her. A small smirk appeared on Silkes face. Words of power began to flow through the air, and before I knew a two meter long bolt of lightning struck me and send me flying back. I felt blood sifting through the cloth around my leg. My vision blurred, and I saw through a haze that Jaheira had pulled out a club, Khalid his sword and Imoen had taken cover behind some barrels. Garrick stood in shock, trembling, obviously not enjoying the situation. An arrow pierced through Silkes leg and she kneeled down. Only seconds after I saw Khalids longsword touching her neck. The haze turned into blackness after that.

I woke up in a bed, warm covers surrounding me. I smiled and closed my eyes again. This was too nice to just end. I fell asleep. What I woke up to surprised me.