Road to the Horizon

by Ztin

It is about vengeance. It is about honour. It is about hate as much as love. It is about villainy and heroics. It is about quests and treasure. It is about the perfect combination of blacklotus and Baalor's root to get the maximum blast effect.

2. Breakfast and Dealings

Disclaimer: I own nothing. Everything belongs to whomever really owns it. Though I am too lazy to point out who those people are, they know who they are.

Chapter 2

Breakfast and Dealings

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A crowd was gathering around the remaining party members, their curiosity focused on the bowed young half-elf sobbing and screaming all at once. The onlookers had thinned out considerably after it became apparent that the spectacular magical battle ended with the mages departing yet there were still remained some people milling about. They kept a fair distance, murmuring amongst themselves and trying to avoid getting caught staring. Jaheira was making her displeasure known by the death glares she gave to those with less tact.

Turning her attention back to Pan, whose loud grief deteriorated into pathetic mewling, Jaheira gave a loud sigh of frustration. Even despite her normally wilful attitude she could not comprehend how she could be so utterly helpless three times in just a few days. First she had berated herself for allowing themselves to be caught so effortlessly, like they mere children being kidnapped. During her captivity she could only grip her cage bars helplessly as the screams of her comrades echoed through the darkness. The fact that they could still cry out in pain was little consolation that they were still alive. In a rare moment, Jaheira had resigned herself as a powerless witness and after Imoen picked her lock open she vowed never to be so again.

Her self-made promise would break less than a day after her release. Everything ground to a halt as she could only cradle her husband's dead body. She knew that no matter how much she prayed, how many healing spells she cast, not even Silvanus or Mother Nature herself could bring him back. She would not get a final goodbye or a last kiss, all she could take from this was the assurance that Khalid no longer suffered.

By her very own nature she forced herself forward, if not for herself then at least for the two girls who were on the verge of breaking. Just when the light of day bathed their skin and she thought themselves finally free, one was once again just as easily snatched from under her care as before.

Now she stood over her remaining charge, the unfamiliar sensation of uncertainty biting beneath her eyelids. She looked down at Pan and was quickly overcome by pity and annoyance. The young mage was shaking and mumbling to herself, constantly scrubbing at the dirt in front of her.

"No, this cannot be! The murderer of Dynaheir flees from righteous butt-kicking vengeance! And he takes Imoen with him, too! Something must be done, we must find this evil wizard! All that is goodness cries out for this! Even little Boo, though he cannot cry out quite so loudly."

Jaheira looked up at Minsc, Yoshimo trying to placate the large warrior. "Calm, my large friend! The wizard obviously had great power and I doubt we have seen the last of him. Perhaps it would be wise to 'catch our breath' as you say."

Minsc finally stopped twirling his sword around him, which Yoshimo had to constantly duck from. Seeing how both humans looked towards Jaheira, she shook herself from her melancholy. Pan was in no condition for any leadership roles so it once more bore down upon her. Steeling herself for what she felt were dark days ahead, she gently raised Pan up by her shoulders, "Come up now, child. Enough of this foolishness, no help will come to any of us, especially Imoen, if you insist on playing in the dirt."

Pan's filthy hair was plastered against parts of face, dirt streaks emphasizing her gauntness, giving her the look of a sickly person. What remained of her clothing hung in tatters barely covering her decency. The look she gave the druid almost made Jaheira flinch.

While for as long as she had known her, Pan constantly had a faraway look in her eyes, like she was always in some kind of daydream. Jaheira was at first wary, in fact very much against allowing such a silly looking girl to travel with them yet time after time after time, Pan somehow managed to lead them to one victory after another although admittedly, sometimes through questionable if immoral means. If she did not know any better she would have figured that the daft look Pan often presented to the world was a front for the unsuspecting but in reality she knew that Pan really was, for lack of a better word, loopy. Through some grace of nature, Pan seemed to be guided by some sixth sense, unnoticeable by others and was most likely pure dumb luck. This time however, her eyes told Jaheira that she seemed far too gone for her to actually be fully present now.

"They took my Imoen."

The stress of recent events played heavily on Jaheira's patience. Yes, they took Imoen but what of Dynaheir? Of Khalid? Did they not take them too? "Stop this foolishness at once! You will not gain anything by losing your mind now. Focus, damnit!"

Instead, Pan only sagged further into the druid, "Took all of her."

Jaheira's steady voice did not betray her anxiety, "Yes… they did. We will get her back but only if stop acting the fool."

"Oh. Okay. Good."

Letting Pan to lean against her shoulder, Jaheira addressed the males, "We must get her someplace to rest before anything. There must be an inn somewhere around here," she paused, taking a good look at their surroundings, "Where ever here is."

Even though they were previously occupied with trying not to get killed by an insanely powerful archmage, it seemed almost unlikely to still not have noticed their surroundings. The thing that struck Jaheira the most was just how huge the place was. Yoshimo was struck with how many pockets could be picked in this place. It seemed more like something made only for giants instead of insignificant people. The colossal amphitheatre they were in was easily three times the size of any stadium she had ever seen and just as high, about fourteen stories up. The parade ground itself was able to fit five hundred people, arms outstretched and fingertips touching, along its width. Its length looked able to fit triple that number. She could even make out the gaudy colours of a giant circus tent at one end that barely able to completely occupy its own corner.

In addition to its great size, she could only imagine the cost its construction, the shine of gold and polish of marble plentiful reflecting brightly amongst the intricately styled columns rising high above them. Dispersed evenly were humongous and elaborate statues carved from the same stones of the amphitheatre, their outstretched arms reaching high above the walls towards the sky, as if they were the gods themselves being born from the amphitheatre. Climbing Greens and Sweet Ivy grew along the walls, columns and even along some steps, adding a hint of naturalness clarity to the air. Inside, all along its sides it rose upwards like some manmade mountain slope, the homes and shops moulding with one another up a dozen tiers, representing the paradisiacal cliff side homes of legend.

It was a mass of people everywhere on the grounds, along the walkways, balconies, inside the homes, the very top edges of the walls, underneath huge decorated arches, people coming in, going out. If she squinted upwards she could even make out a few figures sitting atop one of the statue's hands high above the top of the walls. And everywhere she looked, coin was being exchanged. People were talking, shouting, screaming, bartering, auctioning, haggling, buying and selling. There were shops and stalls set up on every possible space, from the crowded grounds to along the multiple terraces to the tiered walls. A practical rainbow of colours were splashed upon tent tops, canvases, flags and painted setups.

In the stalls were trinkets of any possible use from decorative animal heads to egg-cracking spoons, food of every single culture from the spices of Chult to the cuisines of Rasheman, all marketed by people of different nations. There were weapon smiths, armourers, antiquities dealers, collectors, cooks and bargainers. Baskets of vegetables, baskets of knives. Mulhorandi mummified cats to gnomish flying ferrets. How-to books and Where-to guides. Kara-Turan silks and Thayvian cotton. Dwarven made easy chairs and one-of-a-kind drow elf socks. Bulk orders of giant's nostril hairs and single purchases of knucklefish. Dotted here and there throughout the mass of activity were performers doing either amazing acrobatic feats or shoving swords down their gullets while breathing fire at the same time.

Opposite where the battle took place was a huge wooden structure on thick raised stilts, richly carved and expensively decorated as can be seen by the exotic plants and fabrics decorated on its patio and along the windows. Lavishly dressed people could be seen reclining on thick pillows while servants were madly dashing in and out of the building. Despite the flurry of business and trading going about, the entire place (excluding the collapsed area behind them) was clean, the air fresh, the stones white and the grounds practically immaculate. Jaheira noticed how even a fatal battle resulting in death and destruction of property failed to distract these people from doing business for more than a few moments.

Keeping her wonder in check she spoke to Yoshimo, seeing as how Minsc was in a deep conversation with Boo. Something about finding a choice selection of space hamster food here.

"Do you recognize where we are?"

Yoshimo furrowed his eyebrows slightly in thought, "Yes… yes, I believe we are in Athkatla. I am very sure of it. I recognize this mad marketplace, it is known as Waukeen's Promenade. Quite the marvel, Amnian architecture. If you look at some of the roofs here, however, you will notice the typical style of Kara-Tur. A far reach of influence, wouldn't you agree?"

Jaheira let out a relieved breath. At least they were in familiar territory, recalling some of her past experiences in the area. Yoshimo grinned at her, "It is most excellent, neh? We are fortuitous to have someone like me who has spent enough time here to guide us through this bewildering chaos."

"It would be most fortuitous for our sakes if you would cease yapping about Kara-Turan roofs and simply lead us to the nearest inn. We are not here to go on a tour."

Yoshimo bowed his head deeply, "Ah, I apologize. You are right, we must rest ourselves, both mind and body, especially Pan. There is a place nearby, the Den of the Seven Vales, I believe it is called. It is costly, though still much more of a bargain compared to the Mithrest Inn."

"I do not care if it's a palace or a tent, take us there."

Still supporting Pan, they made their way down the hill of rubble onto the parade ground where there still remained some curious onlookers. Thinking that they could still use a bit more information Jaheira handed Pan to Minsc, the ranger cradling the woman like she was a baby.

A finely dressed woman eyed Jaheira cautiously as the druid strode up to her. "Excuse me, did you see what happened here?"

"You mean about that horrendous fight that just took place?"

Jaheira forced herself not to roll her eyes, "Yes, about that."

The woman thought that now would be a good time warm up her gossiping skills, "Oh, it was most dreadful for such an occurrence to happen and during afternoon tea no less. Inconsiderate of them really. First there was such a commotion that my little Boopsie here could hardly concentrate on his dim dums," Jaheira finally noticed the tiny, rat-like dog the woman held in her arms, "Well, I just couldn't have that now could I? Boopsie needs his vitamins, yes he does. Don't you, Boopsie-shmoopsie-poo?"

Jaheira refrained from commenting about what Boopsie really needed.

"At first I thought is was just a rabble of drunken ruffians, you know, the commoners. So I decided to put them in their place, quiet and out of sight. Just when I round the corner, there came such a frightening explosion! Rocks and debris were flying everywhere and the dust almost reached me. However most unsettling was the amount of dirt that seemed to just rain down. The nerve! Some disgusting filth could have actually landed on my dress. Do you know how horribly difficult it is to get stains out of Calimshite silk?" the woman eyed Jaheira's present attire and decided that she probably would not, "Luckily I was still a fair distance away."

"How fortunate for you."

"Yes, well, after most of the dust settled there were a gathering of ruffians in black hoods surrounding this one fellow in leather robes, quite fetching really, I should get a hold of his tailor…"

Jaheira's patience had run out, "Yes, yes, we saw the rest ourselves. Do you know who those people were, wearing the black hoods? Or anything about those robed mages?"

"Well, I never!" huffing, the woman gripped Boopsie tighter and walked away, "How should I know? As if I would associate with such dregs. Just a bunch of ruffians dressed as vagabonds causing nothing but trouble, no doubt. Such rudeness, am I right Boopsie? You would never interrupt momma like that, would you shmoopsie-doopsie-goo? Come, let's go get you nice and clean for daddykins, it will be such a surprise…"

Jaheira gave a small growl as the woman walked further away. Curiously, Boopsie could be seen over her shoulder, a pleading look in his eye that just signaled save me.

"Oi, don' ye be listenin' ta that puffed up blowbag. Unless ye be havin' at least one castle packed full o' coin an' blood purer than Ao 'isself, e'erybody be considered a 'ruffian' ta her!"

The druid turned to the elderly man who had spoken. His clothes were common enough though immaculately well kept and in his hands he held a wooden box filled with trinkets.

"Do you know who those people were?"

The man nodded, "Aye, that I do an' let me tell ye 'tis ill omen when the thieves an' wizards be seen dyin' in the same spot."

"Thieves?"

"Oh? Newcomers, eh? 'tis bad luck for ye ta be here in such a time. Usually not so dangerous here, in tha City o' Coin. Well, that's not entirely true, I jest means leasts 'round here in Waukeen's Promenade. Them dark hooded fellas was Shadow Thieves."

"Is that so?"

He puffed his chest slightly, "'Course is so! I been in this town longer than mosts an' I'd recognize their guise anywheres! Powerful thief guild, they are, wi' connections all o'er tha place. Runs the city wi' strength on par wi' the Council o' Six themselves. Thievery, murder, blackmail, ass'ssinations, whorin' an' smugglin' is their trade. Think they all secretive an' such but I knows 'em, I do. Just, ah, don' be tellin' others that, aye?"

"Of course."

"As for them magic tossin' tossers, they is the Cowled Wizards."

Jaheira's curiosity peaked, "Cowled Wizards?"

From the man's tone it appeared he held no fondness for the mages, "Aye, buncha cock-eyed, quill pushin' uppity greed gobbers they are. They be the law here, magic wise. Not many folk in tha city care for tha stuff, highly suspected it is. Magic an' other such craft be strictly regulated, almos' outlawed what have ye. Them Cowled ones be enforcers, makin' sure nothin' an' nobody gets away with deviance. Tho' I been 'ere long enough ta know a corrupt official whens I sees one, causin' all kinds o' mischief themselves."

"Yet they themselves are mages, yes? How can this be if such a thing is frowned upon here?"

The man shrugged, "They scares ev'ryone, simples as that. 'Sides, folks is more scared o' the wild an' dangerous ones an' the Cowled Wizards be the only ones' ta bring 'em down. Jus' like they did wit that tall, powerful 'un here. Reckless booger sniffin' runt, 'e was."

Jaheira urged a question at the mention of Irenicus, "That tall one, do you know who he is? And what of the young girl, did you see her get taken along with the other one? Do you know where they went?"

He shrugged again, "Sorry, miz, can't helps ye there. Firs' time I be seein' that 'un an' I hopes it'll be the last. As fer the gal, was she a friend o' yours? Then sorrys agin but when a wizard gets 'isself captured nobody knows where he goes an' they don't come back. Ever. Poor sods."

That was not what she wanted to hear. Thanking the man, she headed back towards her companions when she suddenly remembered, "Wait, what of those Shadow Thieves? Do you know how they are involved in this?"

"Don't rightfully knows, could be fo' a numbers o' reasons. Profit, a job gon' bad, mebbe even cuz of a wrong look. They be dangerous folk in all o' Amn, so's best not ta cross 'em. Any o' 'em."

Tossing him a few coin, she thanked him again.

Grateful, the elderly man departed a last bit of warning advice, "This be the City o' Coin fer a reason. E'erythin' has a price."

The information gleaned from the man did little to ease Jaheira's mind. They now knew the names of the players but the roles still remained a mystery. They did not even know where their party were placed amidst this drama.

Yoshimo led them towards one end of the promenade, climbing up to the fourth tier where the inn was located. It looked decent enough, the front looking clean and free of refuse and animated conversations coming from within. On a sign in bright orange letters, "Den of the Seven Vales" was written boldly. When they opened the broad oak doors a thick fragrance wafted out, the smell something familiar to Jaheira.

Once inside they waited by the stairs as Yoshimo secured them rooms for a few days, paid for by the loot he procured in the dungeon. The soft glow of the red chandelier and the bustling of patrons did little to warm their moods. When they made their way to the rooms, barely a word was said as the men took one and the women the other. Sleep descended upon them followed closely by dreams and nightmares.

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…Murder…

A dry, hot wind blew against her naked body, the smell of decay and rot thrusting into her senses. It should have sickened her yet it was familiar to her, like something she had smelt innumerable times since before ever.

…Murder…

In front of her, like a canvas of necromancy, a sea of bones flowed and ebbed from her toes expanding far off into the horizon. Bones of all manner of creatures, both humanoid and otherworldly made up this macabre ocean. Humans, elves, orcs, halflings, dwarves, gnomes, and goblins. Gnolls, giants, mindflayers and dragons. There were huge bones, small bones and child bones.

…Murder…

There was no roar of waves or the howl of winds. Instead, every single skull in that sea of bones was screaming. Screaming, wailing and crying the universal language of pain.

…Murder…!

She was swimming through the bones. Their joints and fingers and teeth cut into her skin, bleeding into the mass of solid white, still not slaking their thirst. It hurt and she did not know where she was going but she still swam forward.

…Murder…!

…Murder…!

They begged her, threatened her, pleaded with her, fought against her, held onto her, screamed at her, bit her, violated her, whispered to her, spoke to her. She could not stop.

…Murder…!

...Murder…!

Forever she swam alone, the screams of bones her only company.

…Murder…!

Finally she reached it. One skull, a human's yet godly. Beastly. It was titanic, a veritable island, the top of the head reaching upwards like a mountain.

…MURDER…!

…MURDER!

She began to climb.

…MURDER! MURDER! MURDER!

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Pan opened her eyes and the madness fell away into a hazy existence.

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Pan awoke to unfamiliar territory. Comfortable but unfamiliar. The window shutters were left partially open and what light could, flood in directly over her face. She eased herself up onto one elbow, taking a good look at the room. She was in one of two beds, the other at the opposite wall of her. There was a small adjoining room by the door where she could spy a tub and a washing basin. A small desk and two chairs were by the window. All in all it was lightly furnished though noticeably spacious.

Figuring she might as well get up, she dropped back down, performing her morning wake-up ritual. First she straightened her arms out, stretching each joint from her fingers, wrists, past the elbow and finally her shoulders. She then arched her back, her legs wide apart and straightened, curling her toes as she tried to stretch out as much of her body as possible. She stretched herself out, arms and legs extending as far as they could.

"Mmmmmm, eeeeeeee!"

It was a habit of hers, to squeal as stretched, one that she knew annoyed her travelling companions especially Jaheira. She did not understand why it should, it was just her way of expressing her relief at how a great stretch felt so good. Secretly, she thought the point between maximum stretch and collapsing into a relaxed lump was kind of mini orgasmic. They could at least refrain from telling her that it reminded them of a stuck pig. She did not sound that bad.

"Eeeeeeee!"

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Splashing water onto her face, Pan took a good look into the mirror. Her dark cherry hair was free of grime and now hung chin length in waves, her bangs covering her left eye, the tips of her pointy ears barely poking out. Her skin was scrubbed clean of all dirt and now her pale complexion was clear for all to see.

Hygiene is my saviour, like earwax but not so annoying.

Pan found a new violet cotton tunic sitting atop a chair as well as her old brown leather pants and leggings she had worn since her capture. Someone had thoroughly washed them, judging from the strong smell of soap. No evidence of the blood and filth remained.

Mmm, smells like Laymander's soap. Make from lavender, cow fat, vilip herbs and frog scrotums, mix well, cook and bake over a period of two hours.

As she dressed herself, she thought back to everything that has happened. Like a montage of an unstable mind, everything from Gorion's death, the Iron Throne, Sarevok, their recent capture up until her waking up this morning. She thought of the people she met, the people she killed and the people still with her. Then she thought of Imoen and swore that she will get her back. She needed to get her partner in crime back, if not for herself then at least in principle.

Then of Irenicus she swore a terrible vengeance. I will kill him. Then torture him. I will make him eat Imoen's cooking. Yes, deliciously evil. Then I will kill him again. Then feed him some more. Rinse and repeat.

Pan shook her head at these thoughts. Maybe I should show him a bit of mercy. Minsc always says I should be more sensitive to other people's feelings. Fine then, I will only feed him Imoen's food once.

Pan was so focused on fast forwarding through the events in her life that as she was leaving the room she failed to notice her unevenly buttoned tunic and that she had placed her shoes on the wrong feet.

When she made her way down the stairs pieces of conversations drifted to her ears.

"… robbed blind, he was! I say they should just burn the whole…"

"… out of nowhere a giant ball, just sittin' there…"

"… war, an' a bloody mess it's makin…"

"… it moved I be tellin' ye…"

When she came around the corner on the last step she found the rest of her companions sitting at a table having breakfast, "Hello in the morning!"

Pan felt slightly puzzled at the looks of intense relief that washed over their faces when they noticed her approaching. She immediately became alarmed as Minsc suddenly rose up, knocking back his chair in the process and enveloped her small frame in a gentle hug lifting her completely off the floor. Unfortunately, what is gentle to Minsc is usually bone crushing to everybody else.

"Ah ha, righteousness prevails again! Not even the villainy of sickness could stop Pan from her path to goodness. Boo told me it would be so but still I had to worry. Little Pan is hail once more to deliver evil a most sound thrashing."

Pan reddened enough to rival her own hair and as her face was smooshed against Minsc's chest she could only utter, "Eh?"

While Pan was stuck in between Minsc's arms, Jaheira placed the back of her hand against the mage's forehead, checking her temperature. Nobody missed the scathing bitterness in her tone however, "You became fevered child. You do not remember this?"

"Really?"

Only Yoshimo flashed a look of bemusement that he quickly covered up at Pan's air-for-brains attitude. Having quested with her for a while Minsc and Jaheira knew this was normal for her.

The druid spoke with almost cold indifference, "The wound you received to the head was more serious than we had thought. You were sick with fever and have been drifting in and out of consciousness. We have remained here the entire time caring for you while gathering what little information we could gather from the locals."

"That is real nice, you fellows are real nice," Pan said, not noticing the irritation in Jaheira's growl as she was trying to pry herself from Minsc's grasp, "How long have I been sleeping?"

"Sleeping!? Are you joking? You weren't sleeping you were unconscious-"

"Five days!" Yoshimo said, interrupting Jaheira's outburst, "You were… unconscious for five days."

"Five days we should have been on the trail of Irenicus instead of worrying ourselves to death whether or not you would ever wake up," Jaheira spoke unawares of how her voice slightly faltered at that last part.

"Why did you not seek for clues yourselves? You do not need me for that."

Yoshimo winced as soon as those words left Pan's mouth. That was the wrong thing to say. "You are too much of a fool! Fine! Next time you become severely ill I will let you die!"

"Wh-what?"

"Do you still not realize how sick you were? We are strangers in this place with little money for medicine. I had to send Yoshimo out to procure both through whatever means necessary. And nothing I did seem to work… no amount of medicine… deep in your sickness you became…"

"You became incredibly aggressive, thrashing about with a strength belaying your size," Yoshimo continued after it looked like Jaheira needed a moment to compose herself, "Minsc had to remain in order to hold you down while our druid here performed every herbal remedy craft known to her. We thought you were lost to us a few times. Jaheira finally resorted to faith and had to ply for the grace of an exceptionally powerful healing prayer. Your fever only broke yesterday morning."

Pan turned her wide eyes to the thief and only then did she notice the dark circles under each of her friend's eyes. Distractedly she thought, Some Eversoul Potion would clear that right up. Mix well with chicken soup.

A quiet voice broke her reverie, "Such a fool. Such a childish fool. How could let yourself get hurt like that?"

Pan looked at the older half-elf, confusion evident in her eyes, hurt in the Jaheira's, as the consequences of her absence finally sunk in. They gave all of themselves, they stole, spent their precious few coins, prayed, exhausted and cried themselves, for her.

The trail would have gotten extremely cold by now. Still, at least I found something just as precious.

"Thank you so much. Thank you. I… I am sorry, Jaheira… I-"

"No, do not be sorry. Just be ready to do what we must."

The tension was strained to point of something breaking. Pan could not look into the druid's eyes, staring instead at Boo who was perched on Minsc's forearm. Normally the scene of a small girl crushed to a giant's chest, her feet dangling above the floor would have struck someone as quite humorous. Yet there was nothing funny about the seriousness of their situation. Jaheira sat back down, her exhaustion having dimmed but she still remained a rigid posture. Yoshimo kept his distance, eyes shrewdly taking in the group before him. Only Minsc seemed confused by what just occurred. Their little leader is up and walking again, should this not be a joyous occasion for expressing happiness?

Jaheira looked up, ignoring the weight on her shoulders. Pan was looking at Boo, the little rodent seemingly squeaking advice and it looked as if the mage were actually paying attention, her head nodding slightly.

The druid contemplated this scene in front of her. Finally looking as if she came to a decision she said, "Well, what are you waiting for? You might as well sit down and order something to eat. It is time to break your fast anyways."

"Jaheira?" Pan's eyes questioning.

"Eat now. Childsitting time is over now."

A small grin made its way out of Pan's face, "Okay. Minsc, you can put me down now, I think Boo wants to get back to snacking."

Jaheira nodded, turning back to her meal, the weight still heavy but easier to bear. Another confrontation was inevitable but at least for now they were clearing the road.

Having noticed the descending calm, the others took their seats. Even despite this vibrant confrontation nobody else in the inn seemed to have paid any attention to them. A hefty, fleshy woman brought up Pan's food, bread and a large bowl of stew with some chunks of meat floating in it. She smiled pleasantly at the women who smiled politely back.

"Ah, thank you, Missus Patricia, your service is commendable, as usual."

The woman's smile immediately transformed into a fierce scowl directed at Yoshimo. The bounty hunter ducked his head down in an attempt to avoid her look. "You keep your comments to y'self boy, if'n you know what's good for you," she spat, turning away while giving the women a piteous smile, "Enjoy y'selves ladies."

Jaheira and Pan did not bother holding back their laughter at the glum looks both men had on their faces.

"What was that all about?" Pan asked.

"Oh, it is bad fate for me and Boo and Yoshimo. That not so little woman would vanquish all evil, if evil were only male and even then I shudder to think if it were a woman."

"Hush now, Minsc. Do not spread such gossip, Mrs. Patricia is a most wholesome soul to all in this city," though the grin on Jaheira's face said otherwise.

Pan then noticed that only she and Jaheira had delicious looking if not edible meals. From the looks of it, there seemed something almost… unholy about the mess on Minsc and Yoshimo's plates. When she looked closer, she imagined she saw parts of it move.

I could probably make some really potent tranquilizing potion with that…

Yoshimo asked keenly, "Perhaps it is time for us to sample other ventures of local cooking."

Minsc looked up hopefully. Even Boo's eyes seemed shiny with anticipation.

"Tsk, you know we cannot afford such things. This food is included in our rent so eat it all up, dear sir," Jaheira replied with a wide smile.

"But last time I finished this… stuff I…"

"Oh hush now. It could not have been as bad as what Pan vomited all over you."

"What!?"

Jaheira was the only one smiling broadly away as the others could only look at her in surprise and disgusting memories.

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Eventually convincing the women to share their food, the group decided to begin their search. Jaheira told Pan what information they gleaned from the elderly man at the battle site.

When she had finished, Yoshimo added, "While you were… inactive, I took the liberty to sort through the rumours circulating the promenade. Apparently there are whispers that the Shadow Thieves are involved in a war with a rival guild. No one knows who these newcomers are but there have been reports of bloody confrontations at night. Perhaps Irenicus is involved in this somehow?"

They sat in silence as Pan looked deep in concentration, her brow furrowed in thought. After a while they began to get restless when suddenly she cried out, "Aha!"

"Do you have a plan?"

Pan looked confused, "Plan? What plan? I had something stuck in my teeth that I have been trying to get out."

Minsc dipped his head sagely, the other two trying to refrain from groaning aloud, "It is good you have defeated such evil, though a very tiny evil it is. Boo advises that nothing should deter us from virtuous butt-kicking even villainous crumbs of annoyance."

Gritting her teeth, Jaheira said in a voice bordering a growl, "Pan, we must decide where to go from here."

"Hmm," the mage thought, placing a finger against her chin, "The Cowled Gizzards-"

"Wizards."

"-Wizards took Imoen and Irenicus, eh? Let us ask them where they put them then."

Jaheira nodded her approval, glad that the girl still had enough common sense to pursue the most logical action available, "A sound move. Yoshimo, you know Athkatla, where could we find someone to speak with them?"

"I've had no reason to deal with them before. It's not really recommended in my particular circle to associate so freely with such… officials. But they are a branch of authority with ties to the local administrations. I would humbly suggest we try the Council of Six Building in the Government District. If it needs to be on paper, it will be processed there," he paused for a moment, "Eventually."

Gathering their meagre gear the party stepped out of the inn into the bright of day. Pan sucked in a breath, the mass of sights and sounds assaulting her senses. Never in her life had she seen such a wondrous place.

"It is so… big. Just really… big."

Jaheira shrugged indifferently, "I do not care for cities that much."

"It is a grand spectacle, neh?" Yoshimo said sidling next to the awestruck mage, "It even reminds me a bit of my homeland."

Pan turned to the thief, her eyes wide, "You mean that there are places like this, even in Kara-Tur?"

"Of course," a hint of pride evident in his voice, "There are dozens that I could name off the top of my head. Some cities even have markets twice as big as this one. Ah, it truly is such a prosperous place."

Jaheira quirked an eyebrow, "Did much shopping then?"

"Ah, well, nothing so mundane. I believe I still currently hold the record for most picked pockets in the Red Farmers Market, two hundred and seven though it would have been much higher and far more impressive had my last mark not decided to bring along her bodyguard."

Pan nodded sympathetically, "Ohhh, that is too bad. You probably could have gone so much further if it were not for such paranoid people."

"It is good that you understand," the bounty hunter lamented, "It is a lost opportunity that I still regret to this day. You are truly insightful, my friend," Yoshimo added, grinning at Pan.

Pan smiled back, "Of course I am, records are meant to immortalize your name. Who would not want to be immortal?"

"I believe around the same number of people as those who do."

"Maybe. But if I ever visited that Red Farmers place, you can be sure that your name will definitely live forever."

Yoshimo raised a curious eyebrow, "Oh? And how would that be so?"

"Because I will be bringing your truth back home, that is why."

Her response mystified him somewhat, nonetheless his smile broadened, "So you would be interested in seeing the place of my birth and conquest?"

Pan practically squealed, "Heeeeeeee, I want to see everything!"

The bounty hunter bowed slightly, "Maybe someday, my friend."

Yoshimo led the group towards one of the entrances to the promenade, a huge arching tunnel with a few Amnish guards standing to attention. Jaheira reminded them that they had a goal so they must not arouse any suspicion.

"Hear ye, hear ye!"

Suddenly Pan veered off sharply, the others bumping into each other at her abrupt move. "Pan, where are you going?"

"I want to hear," she called back, stopping in front of a halfling boy who had an impossibly deep, LOUD voice.

"Hear ye, hear ye! All the news that's fit to bellow! Today's latest: diplomatic overtures in Riativin! Council of Six foresees resolution to southern troubles!"

"That sounds boring."

"Riativin and Trailstone petitioned to join Tethyr a few tendays ago, but talks collapsed under covenants gone bad. Now Riativin wants back in."

"Hmmm. That sounds interesting."

"The real tales behind the proclamations! Each morning I've scuttlebutt on the fat and dirt on the pure. The call of the cock and I roll from my rock!"

"Heeee. Dirty boy!"

Jaheira grabbed Pan, shoving her gently away from the town crier, "We do not have time for meaningless politics. You do not even know what he was talking about."

Pan pouted, "I do too, he was talking about the call of his-"

"No! No he wasn't."

They continued on their way towards the exit, Jaheira warning Pan to smarten up, they had serious things to do. Pan tried not to get distracted by all that was going on that was in her mind "really pretty." Eventually her concentration failed.

"Eeeeeeeeeeeee!"

Immediately everybody halted, on guard for any threats, "Child, what is wrong?"

Pan had dashed off back to a stall selling potions they had just passed, holding up the prize she had in her hands, "It is a complete set of Khelben's Khemistry Kit! And it is the limited edition one!"

Complete and utter disbelief spread across her companion's expression. "What?"

"Eeeeee! Look!" the very excited girl cried, thrusting towards them a large black wooden box. It had a glass top and from what they could see inside were beakers and vials of various shapes and sizes all lined up on velvet.

Jaheira tried very hard to keep the murder out of her voice, "So?"

"So? So this is a Khelben's Khemistry Kit, the most essential potions set in… in everywhere! See, you probably cannot see but each box is enchanted so that there is more than what you see. They have magical vials and tubes and burners and measuring equipment and spectacles and recipe books and guidebooks and really good starter ingredients and a lifetime warranty and…"

"And so?"

"So can I please, please, please have it?"

The look in Pan's eyes was something Jaheira thought she would never see again, an innocent presence. The druid addressed the vendor who was looking at Pan like she was someone he did not want to upset due to mental instability. This was really not that far off seeing as how she was already lightly drooling.

"How much for the Khe… Kit?"

"Twelve hundred gold pieces, sirrah."

Jaheira sighed at the large requested amount, "We do not have anywhere near that much."

The mage looked as if her birthday was cancelled, "But… but it is limited edition Khelben's Khemistry Kit… with magical vials… and a lifetime warranty…"

"I know but we cannot afford it. I am sorry, child but we just cannot do this."

Pan sniffed, still cradling the box. She knew that Jaheira was right but she had lost her own potions tools when they were captured. Plus, this is a really nice box. With tears threatening to fall she finally handed the box back to the vendor. Placing it back amidst his other wares, the vendor decided, "Tell you what, sirrah. I see that you have a heart mightily set upon the merchandise. For you, I will put it on hold until the necessary amount is attained. Okay, good deal, sirrah?"

That perked the mage visibly up and thanked the man (several times and a forced separation of shaking hands) for doing so. The party continued towards the exit, Jaheira and Yoshimo in the lead while Minsc walked alongside with Pan, trying to console the girl who kept looking longingly back.

"Is it normal for mages of this region to display such… desire for the tools of their craft?"

Jaheira looked at the questioning bounty hunter while they passed beneath the tunnel arch. Though she always felt uneasy within city walls, she could not help but admire the detailed architecture of some structures. All along the sides and on the high curved ceiling there were carvings of murals, the people and creatures created with such meticulous care it seemed as if they were passing through a church instead of a doorway.

Turning her attention back forward, she replied to Yoshimo's question, "Pan is different from most mages."

"Different, how?"

"Do not be fooled by her behaviour. She is adept as any mage of her level if even stronger. Yet that is not where her real strength lies. An old friend of mine, Gorion, who was also Pan and Imoen's guardian told me of these things. Whilst Imoen and most other mages focus their training in the incantation and casting of spells, there are still other schools of wizardry that can be pursued."

"Curious. Please enlighten me of these other areas, perhaps there will be similarities to those of my native land."

Jaheira blinked away the sudden brightness after emerging from the shade of the arch, taking the direction Yoshimo indicated they should be heading. "There are those who enchant objects for practical use at home or at work. There are those who map the stars and use mathematics to predict future events. Those who are skilled in handling magical beasts. Those who create wands and other magical artefacts. Those who scribe scrolls. Those who use their voices. Those who focus on the power of the mind and body."

The druid stopped walking, briefly pausing, "Then there are those who brew potions."

"Ah, I can see that is Pan's chosen pursuit. I take it that our esteemed leader is an aspiring potions master?"

Jaheira eyed Yoshimo carefully, "Perhaps. Pan's knowledge is not restricted to the creation of healing potions. She and others like her explore… other branches that involve the application of magic and chemistry on her surrounding world. I take it you know what that means, yes?"

Yoshimo did not respond, nor did he show any surprise as Jaheira continued, "She once told me it is not just magical potions. It is potions that extend beyond life and death, pursuing the manipulation of natural properties and transmutation of substances. It is the dealing with poisons, remedies, body changing salves and using elements of earth, fire, water and air. They seek ever onwards, disregarding the consequences of their actions and ignoring their failures. She is dangerous with no direction yet powerless with it. It is the art of understanding and experimentation of nature, philosophy and the spirit and finding the truth behind the answer."

The druid and bounty hunter did not say anything after that, the latter showing no indication of what he thought. A noise behind them caused them to turn around. Pan had her hands on her bum, screaming at a big nosed gnome dangling off the ground from the scruff of his shirt that Minsc held in one hand. The rear-end-pinching perpetrator tried begging forgiveness but the constant shaking by Minsc made it difficult to do so. The ranger was threatening the gnome with an inevitable butt-kicking while trying to hold Pan back with his other free hand, a crowd gathering to watch the entertainment.

Yoshimo and Jaheira merely kept witness, amusement guarded behind the bounty hunter's eyes. "It's interesting that that girl is an alchemist. Madness, really."

BGBGBGBGBGBGBGBGBG

"Coo! You'd be the one I be looking for, if I not be mistaken. Pan be yer name, aye?"

The man who had stepped out of an alley in front of them looked extremely ordinary. Everything from his indistinguishable face to indistinct clothing did nothing to attract attention which was probably his intention all along.

Curious, Pan spoke congenially, "Yes, my name is Pan. Er, my name is Pan, right?"

If the mage's reply threw the man off guard, he did not show it, "'Tis not what I want, but what I can be doing for ye. Ye might be wanting information about a young lass arrested by the wizards on yer arrival here, aye?"

The man rapidly held everyone's attention. "What do you know of Imoen? Speak quickly, lives could be at stake!" demanded Jaheira.

"The boring looking man knows of little Imoen! Tremble evil, for Minsc and Boo are one boot closer to butt-kicking!"

"Now, Imoen, aye... that be her name. Young lass made the misfortune of castin' a spell or two in a city that frowns on such business. Bad timin', it was. You be thinkin' ye wants to find her, then?"

"Yes, we do. I think. No, wait, yes we really do. Probably. What do you know?"

"Coo! I knows very little meself, me lady. I can, however, link ye up with a group that knows. Or can be findin' out. But this be not the best place to hold such a dialogue. I be havin' a place that would suit far better. It be just a short walk from here. Why don't I take ye there right now? Unless ye have some reason for not wantin' to come along?"

"Ummmmm, I do not know about that. Jaheira always says I should not talk to strangers," the man opened his mouth to reply but Pan kept on going, "Or accept things from strangers. Or sleep with strangers."

Yoshimo eyed Jaheira who only shrugged, "What? It is good, sound advice. It has saved her from trouble many times."

The man's mouth twitched slightly upwards, still speaking to Pan, "An' a right smart thin' to do, me lady. Well, bless me for bein' an idiot if I haven't gone and forgotten me manners. My name be Gaelan Bayle. Ye needn't stretch your brain thinkin', I be sure it's a name ye haven't heard."

"I've heard of him, Pan... at least a little. He is a man with many connections amongst the underworld in this city. A man of his word, too, as far as that is worth."

"Hmmmmmm, I guess since I know your name now and Yoshi says he knows you, then that means you are not a stranger anymore. Eeeeeeeee, okay, let us go to your place!"

"Wait, Pan! I said I've heard of him, I didn't say I knew him!"

"Eh, heard of him, knew him, saw him, ate him, same thing. Come on."

Exasperated, Jaheira nonetheless warned Gaelan, "This best not be a trap or else, dear sir, Minsc will make you very sorry for distracting us," the ranger showing his agreement by hefting the Sword of Chaos in one hand.

Gaelan scoffed, "Hah! I have no interest in settin' up a trap. It be more profitable to serve. I will speak no more...come with me and you can decide whether to enter me house."

He led them through further along the street, the homes becoming noticeably shabbier, the people definitely more raggedy. The smell of garbage and refuse practically blasted out from open alleys though the locals seem immune to any nauseous effects. Trash littered the streets, shady characters roamed around, stray animals dashing about and the daylight seemed a lot dimmer. People were either in a hurry to get somewhere or resigned to drift amidst the poverty. Gaelan's pace was fast and the party had a bit of a trial keeping him in sight. Several times the party was begged for spare coin, barely clothed children with filthy faces or starving folk reaching with desperate fingers. Pan brushed by them easily following Gaelan, too lost in her own thoughts to have noticed or even care about the beggars but the others had difficulty avoiding them in order to keep up.

Finally, when it seemed to Jaheira that she could no longer stand the desperation, they came up to a building that, like its owner, was nondescript in any way. Gaelan led the party inside to a surprisingly well furnished room, escaping the depression of the outside slums.

Gaelan had a bright smile on his face, seeing everyone accounted for, "Coo! I see that ye were able to keep up with me alright, eh? I was afraid I'd lost ye there, heh..."

Their trek through the slums did little to improve Jaheira's mood, "We kept up just fine. Now tell us what this all about. What information do you have for us?"

"Aye, I'll be doing that quick as ye blink. I tell ye straight that I know a powerful group that can be helping ye. They can be findin' the wizard and the young woman both, they can."

"Ooooh, that is good."

"But they can be doing far better than the tellin', my friends. They can also affect the rescue of your lass, or the capture of the mage, to boot."

"Oooooh, that is better."

"But ye should know that it requires my friends to cross the Cowled Wizards. Not something ye would be able to do on yer own."

"Just who are your friends anyways," Jaheia inquired.

"This I cannot tell ye. Rest ye fine that they be willin' to help... and havin' enough power to challenge the Cowled Wizards. That all ye be needin' to know."

That answer did little to satisfy the party. Jaheira especially did not like the idea of not knowing who they were dealing with. Yoshimo had an inkling of who these 'friends' were but only through his own suspicions, plus he needed to keep a low profile anyways. Minsc was praising Boo on how well he handled the gnome pervert.

"Are you wearing women's undergarments?"

Slowly all eyes turned to Pan who seemed to be scrutinizing Gaelan's crotch area. "Excuse?"

"Are. You. Wearing. Women's. Undergarments?"

"Er… ah… n-no." a nervous twitch evident on his face.

"Are you sure? Because I used to know this dwarf who loved the feel of clean silk garments sliding around his-"

"Oi, me lady! Stop that, I not be the dwarf!"

"That does not matter. He always was kind of weird anyways. He did not like strawberries."

"Um…"

"And that explains everything because I am pretty sure that strawberries hold the key to, well, everything."

"Well…"

"And if you do not like strawberries, you wear women panties."

"Uh…"

Yoshimo added, "Unless you are already a woman."

Pan nodded in complete agreement, "Unless you are already a woman, then you have to wear women panties whether you like strawberries or not."

"Hoo…"

"You do not like strawberries, do you?"

"Wha…?"

"Do you not like laxatives? Because do not believe that myth about strawberries making you poop water. You have to add copper for that to happen."

"Bwa?"

Jaheira quickly interjected, "Who did you say were your friends again?"

"Hwa? Oh, uh…the, uh, Shadow Thieves."

Pan began preaching the laxative concepts of a ripe strawberry in the background to nobody in particular while the druid and bounty hunter both grinned widely at the still flabbergasted middleman.

Blink.

Blink.

Blink.

"Aw, hells…"

BGBGBGBGBGBGBGBGBG

The party that came out of Gaelan's house was a distinctly more focussed than when they went in. Pan could not really wrap her mind around it. 20,000 gold pieces. She did not think you could fit that much into one pouch.

Guess, I am not getting that kit. Stupid Irenicus.

"I guess we should start collecting, huh?" Pan suggested, a distinct lack of enthusiasm evident, "Any ideas of where to start?"

"Boo thinks we should still try the important official place. The wizards that took little Imoen should definitely know more than shadowy thieves."

"What makes you think that they will not cost as much?"

"We have secret weapon. Even wizards must tremble before the combined interrogative might of Minsc and Boo."

"Is that so, my large friend? I did not think that a miniature giant space hamster would make an effective interrogator," Yoshimo teased.

"Oh, it is very so. Boo is the 'bad' guard who makes evil tremble and I am the 'good' guard they think they can trust. Then when they get close enough, I pounce with righteous fury. It is most effective strategy."

Pan sighed, "Boo is just so amazing, huh?"