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.

9. Thicker Than Water

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 9

Thicker Than Water

BGBGBGBGBGBGBGBGBG

"…"

"…"

"…"

It was a typical standoff. Tense bodies ready to snap into action yet at the same time unwilling to make the first move. The threatening waver of tightly reigned-in weapons directed at opponents within a very edgy atmosphere of terse silence. Sweat gathered upon trembling brows until they accumulated enough to languidly trickle downwards the grim faces that were too preoccupied to wipe away when faced with warding off impending warfare.

Glares abounded, nervous twitches of the eyes scanning possible aggressive activities and thoughts frozen with stress. Among the standoff-ees there were no light moods, no easy attitudes, no smiles…

At least for those who have a clear grasp of reality.

"Heeeeeee, you are iii-in trooou-ble, you are iiii-in trooou-ble, you are iii-in trooou-ble, you are iii-in tr-!"

Jaheira interrupted the rhythmic flow, growling low, "Now is not the time to test anyone's patience."

Sensing the seriousness of the situation and the very annoyed glares directed at her, Pan decided to desist her taunting…

"… Troooou-ble."

Tolgerias steadily grew enraged, his plans falling apart before his eyes more swiftly than he could comprehend. One minute ago it seemed as if the sphere would be completely under his control after he cleaned away the loose ends and now the next, if he heard correctly, he was to be apprehended like some common criminal.

The shock of seeing other Cowled Wizards outside his influence quickly wore off as indicated by his menacing tone, "Arrest me? Teos, don't play me for some fool, I've done nothing to warrant such an accusation. My business here is my own and has nothing to do with our organization."

The ruby-robed wizard replied in kind, "Doesn't it? If you truly believe your own words than you've grown far more foolish since the days I apprenticed you… which I might add have been some of the most frustratingly tedious days of my life. Your being here is but one of many problematic concerns you've caused, so the order has been given for your arrest the minute you stepped into this sphere. Quite frankly, we're disappointed in you, it's apparent that we've given you far too much free reign in your activities."

"You'd best watch what you say around me, old man. Whatever weight you think your rank has over me is all just for show. I've friends who will not take kindly to the way you've been speaking to me."

Teos infuriated Tolgerias by laughing condescendingly, "Ha ha ha hahah! HAH! Your friends?" he sneered, "Who do you think it was that talked? If your friends are Alferiss and Yulunda then I suggest you find better company. They were incarcerated this morning. Apparently someone higher up than them didn't like the way they've been acting as of late."

Nervousness began to settle within the pit of Toglerias' stomach despite the anger that was flaring through his emotions. Alferiss and Yulunda were the two higher officials within the Cowled Wizards that he relied on to make sure the things he did not want known, stay unknown. The fat bastards probably sold him out to save their own skins!

"Is this some pathetic attempt at humour, Teos? I was not aware that setting up such an elaborate hoax was in you though I assure you that I find nothing amusing about all this."

Despite their precarious position at the center of firing range, Jaheira could not help but feel annoyed at being ignored as the two wizards continued their conversation.

The ruby-robed wizard shook his head lazily, "Oh, don't look at me like that, else I'd actually think you were challenging me… your superior. And even if this were some practical joke played on your persons, do not get it into your head that you are above such things… as far as I'm concerned, should I ever choose to make a fool out of you, you will take it… and you will love it."

Tolgerias raised his arms in rage, hands burning furiously with barely contained magic, "I've warned you, do not speak to me like I'm some pathetic street magician! I've grown far more powerful than you've ever given me credit for!"

His angry shouts reignited the tension between the groups, everybody's weapons and spells rose up waiting to plunge into battle.

Minsc grinned eagerly, glad that all the talking finally seemed done, he was long ready to start fighting and stomping.

Teos remained undisturbed by the sudden rise in hostilities, "As much as you'd love to think so, no, this is not some personal vendetta I have against you because quite frankly, I don't think you're even worth my attention…"

"You-!"

The silver-haired Cowled Wizard continued on, "This is strictly business, as I have stated before. Alferiss and Yulunda were the first to go and then the order came down to me to get you. Say what you will, the command didn't come from me and I really do not know nor do I particularly care who actually did. Since we're having this conversation I'll let you in on something, just between you and me… I don't even know how far up I am. Tolgerias, you always go on and on about status and rank when what really matters… is that you do not upset the Cowled Wizards. Despite the supposed influence of those two, their arrest barely caused a ripple… it's you we want. For your crimes against us, you will submit, you will come with us… and you will be punished and so forth and so forth."

This is exactly why I hate wizards, Valygar thought, They all talk too damn much.

"What crimes?" Toglerias denied, though his mouth felt dry, "I've told you before my business in the Planar Sphere is well within my privilege to pursue. I even filed the report! It is a powerful magical contraption that would do well to be under Cowled influence and since it is I who lead the expedition, it is lawfully within my right to govern over it. I've conducted dozens of missions for my own personal nature, none of which the Cowled Wizards have ever deemed inappropriate. Since when did it become unlawful to perform our own projects?"

"Since, in this case, it's you."

"I fail to see the logic of your answer."

Teos smiled, "We've been on to you for a long time, Tolgerias… you could say you've proven to be quite a 'twisted' character."

"…"

Pan's eyes fluttered, her head beginning to doze off.

It seemed that only the two Cowled Wizards knew what was going on in the conversation between them and that whatever it is, it spoke volumes to both. With the admission of suspicion, Tolgerias changed from a man of angry defiance to one of grim acceptance, letting the magic from his hands dissipate. If there was one thing not immediately noticed about the wizard's face, is that despite his troubled look… there was still a hint of victory.

In spite of having total victory swiftly replaced with severe and possibly fatal consequences, Tolgerias calmly folded his arms beneath his robes, his face unreadable.

With the chance of freeing himself so close at hand, Valygar's patience ran out, "What's the problem now, Tolgerias? Stop your stalling and surrender, it is you who is now surrounded with all your mad plans foiled."

"He's right, wizard," Jaheira agreed, "There's nothing you can do to avoid your fate."

Tolgerias turned his head, focusing a burning glare on Valygar. The stalker stared defiantly back… and then his eyes widened in horror. Behind him, he heard the knights also gasp aloud in shock.

"You," Tolgerias hissed as he pointed straight out with one arm, the rune stone.

"… Soooo prettyyy… I want to play with that."

Valygar did not bother Pan's ignorant remark with a glance, his body tense at the threatening glowing stone in the Cowled Wizard's hands. The Solamnic Knights prepared to dash at him, their fury renewed, while the others looked at the stone in confusion.

"You," Tolgerias continued threateningly, a hostile aura emanating from him that made the hairs on everyone's neck stand up, "… Have nothing to do with this recent development, now that I think about it."

"… What?" several voices said simultaneously in disbelief, the wizard's comment not what they were expecting.

His face renewed its smug look, "Obviously despite how many times I must remind you all, I am not some gullible fool of an apprentice, dashing about making stupid rash decisions. The way I see it, your involvement in all of this is a mere reflection of a coincidental culmination of unfortunate events leading towards my eventual incarceration. The fact that I am being charged with crimes that took place before this day and my incursion into the sphere is further proof that our working together is just an example of a regrettable partnership and not a rehearsed operation intended to bring about my downfall with the Cowled Wizards. As I deduced from your ignorant gape of surprise, you did not have any idea that they were coming for me this day… and you certainly had no idea, as I did, that my position with the guild was hanging tenuously on a frayed string. Obviously, Corthala, you're as much a played puppet as I was, which I would add, certainly strengthens our relationship as brotherly companions."

Everybody stared wide-eyed numb at the Cowled Wizard's surprising speech of leniency. Only Jaheira, Valygar and the Solamnic Knights kept narrowed eyes focused suspiciously on the smirking man.

"… What kind of fool attempt at trickery is this, wizard?" Valygar barked, the anxiety rising in his gut when he noticed that the hateful light never left Tolgerias' eyes.

"This is no trick, Corthala," he replied coldly, casually bringing the rune stone back up... and activated it.

"AAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!"

The unexpected piercing cries of the stalker finally broke the tenuous stand off. Magic exploded like ignited fireworks. Surprised as Valygar collapsed screaming, Pan and the others leapt back bewildered leaving themselves open to the attacks of Tolgerias' mages.

Shlack! Shwaaa! Plaaack!

Thud!

Immediately Onvo and Minsc were struck down by a sweeping force of bright red light, the concussive burst sending their bodies sliding across the floor like it was ice. Yoshimo knocked Pan down in time to avoid a stream of fire shooting over them, the blistering heat singeing the bounty hunter's leather armour.

"Ugh!" Jaheira grunted, barely putting up her shield in time to deflect a barrage of magic missiles.

In that split-second, the druid believed themselves at the mercy of the magical attacks. However the Cowled Wizards under Teos responded just as quickly with their own spells.

Hrooom! Thwack!

Before they could cast anymore, Glorcia's lower half was encased in a block of ice, the chilling pain causing her to shriek, while Madeen was struck by forceful spells that sent him flying high into the air slamming hard into one of the marble pillars.

Shlunk! Shthunk!

Having both avoided the magical assault, Ancan and Reyna took down the remaining two nameless Cowled Wizards permanently with their swords. In an almost languid fashion, the knights weaved by the magical attacks so swiftly that the looks of surprise remained frozen on the dead wizards.

The two Solamnic Knights immediately whirled around to face Davish but to their surprise he had his hands up in surrender, his stoic face regarding them carefully.

"AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!"

The screams of pain from Valygar halted anymore thoughts of the big mage's curious behaviour. The stalker remained where he had collapsed, Jaheira kneeling by his side trying desperately to get the collar off him, having been told by the knights how Tolgerias had forced them to comply with his demands.

Yoshimo had notched an arrow, keeping careful aim on the Cowled Wizard who had retreated farther back, Korgan still by his side. Pan and the two remaining knights advanced on the pair with Teos and his Cowled Wizards right behind them.

"Lying coward!" Reyna cried, "You said he had nothing to do with this!"

"This is just my little way of proving how petty I can be. If I am to go… I'll at least leave him gibbering wreck."

They stepped forward, ready to take down the wizard.

"AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!"

Valygar's pain suddenly increased and he let loose a scream so loud he felt as if he burst his vocal cords. Pan and Reyna stopped, eyes wide as the stalker suddenly began convulsing, Jaheira helpless and only able to restrain his head from smashing itself into the ground.

Tolgerias held the rune stone out for all to see. It was glowing far more intensely than the knights had ever seen.

"Oh, silly me," he grinned deviously, "I forgot to mention… not only can I turn the collar on or off… but I also control the intensity of pain coursing through his body. Right now I'd say he's experiencing around a dozen lightning bolts, a bathtub of acid and icicles piercing his body so coldly, his flesh instantly frostbites…"

"AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!"

"…So please, step back or any longer and he'll become as useless as the village idiot."

Ancan and Reyna hesitated briefly before lowering their weapons… but the mages around them kept striding forward.

"Corthala is of no consequence to us," Teos stated, "Destroy his mind for all we care, Tolgerias. You should know that such an insignificant hostage would do little to dissuade our goals."

The Cowled Wizards under his command each began weaving enchantments… and Tolgerias only increased Valygar's torture so much that the stalker began frothing at the mouth. The wizard smiled broadly the entire time.

"AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!"

"Stop, you fools!" Reyna cried out to Teos and his Cowled Wizards, "He's not bluffing, he'll destroy Valygar!"

They paid no heed to the desperate knight, their attention taken by Korgan raising his battleaxe, his customary sneer gracing his features.

Jaheira looked on in horror as blood began pouring from Valygar's nose.

"So?" Teos replied casually, not taking his eyes off Tolgerias, "As I said before, the man is of no importance to us, we're only here to apprehend one of our own."

Tolgerias had heard the comment and smirked, knowing quite well that this little diversion of his would do little to stop the other Cowled Wizards… but at least he would have the satisfaction of putting that dog in his place. The Cowled Wizard kept his arm raised, the rune stone shining so brightly now it was like a lantern plotting the course of the vast amount pain being inflicted on Corthala… so he was slightly confused as to why Pan was staring at the stone, not in revulsion but with desire.

"AAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!"

"… Oooooooh… Neat."

His arm still raised and pointing forward, Tolgerias looked at the alchemist strangely, his fingers paused fleetingly before moving to increase the power…

…And his momentary distraction was capitalized on.

SHHHWIIIPE- - -SHTHUNK!

Blink.

Everyone, even Teos, looked on in surprise at the unexpected turn of events.

"…"

Blink.

"…EeeeeeeeYAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!"

Tolgerias fell down to his knees, his remaining hand clutching the bloody stump that was his right hand. His eyes glossed over in disbelief, staring as the blood ran free staining his robes like red rain, his own screams unheard to his ears.

His body shook and trembled as he looked up wide-eyed at the person who had taken his hand, "… Wh-wh-?"

Korgan leered down at the wizard on his knees before him, his freshly bloodied battleaxe relaxing upon his shoulder, unmindful of the crimson drops running down the immense blade.

The berserker ignored the barely coherent Tolgerias, bending down to pick up the blood-speckled hand still in the grips of the rune stone. He pried the fingers loose and disdainfully dropped the Cowled Wizard's disconnected appendage not bothering to take note of the upset cry from Tolgerias that the pieces of his body had been disrespected.

"…Eeeeeeeee! Killer Korgan got me a present!" Pan cried happily, giving no one in particular the 'peace' sign.

Korgan held the rune stone and after a momentary glance, ran his fingers over the surface… deactivating the stone.

"AAAAAHHHhh-!!!" Valygar's screams stopped, his body collapsing in unconscious relief.

Jaheira immediately began administering portions of Pan's altered healing potions, trying to get the liquid through his lips while Yoshimo tended to the groaning forms of Minsc and Onvo. The incapacitated mages, Glorcia and Madeen were also taken care of by having the same golden rings they conjured around the knights securing their bodies.

Brushing by everybody else, Teos unhurriedly approached the still kneeling Tolgerias who seemed to have entered a slight state of catatonia. The now one-handed wizard was still staring at the space where his hand used to be, unmindful of the blood he was losing despite his greying pallor.

The silver-hair braided wizard looked down on his former apprentice, his face boredom bordering annoyance. With a careless snap of his finger, his own hand ignited into flames much to the shock and surprise of Korgan, Pan and Reyna. Despite the fire that completely engulfed his hand, it was completely unharmed and Teos showed no indication of discomfort nor were there any signs of singeing of his robes.

Then with his hand ablaze he swiftly gripped it atop Tolgerias' handless stump.

Sssssszzzzzzzzz!!

"YAAAAAAAGGGHHH!!!" Tolgerias screamed, instantly waking from his shocked trance, desperately trying to wrench his arm away, "Stop it, STOP! AAAUUHHH!!"

However Teos retained an iron grip, his unsmiling face unaffected by the sizzling sounds of smouldering flesh, "Well we can't have you bleeding to death on us, can we Tolgerias? We've got to seal this rather messy wound up so that you'll be all fine and dandy to face the others when we get back."

Only after he detected a charred odour in the air did he release Tolgerias. The convicted Cowled Wizard gasped in pain, clutching his freshly cauterized arm though his discomfort only increased when Teos wrapped him tightly in golden rings.

Seeing that Tolgerias was not going anywhere, Teos turned to Korgan, "Now, now, what are we supposed to make of you?"

The berserker was not the least bit intimidated, "Ye ain't supposed tae make nothin' out o' me, wizard. Fars as I be concerned, me only business be concluded wi' that wretched, whimperin', sack o' crap so there naught be nothing between us."

Teos looked at him in amusement, "Fair enough though… I'll warn you that I should arrest or at least reprimand you for assaulting a fellow Cowled Wizard like that. Yes, is there something you'd like to say in your defence?"

By now the others had gathered around. Valygar was being heavily supported by Minsc while Yoshimo was lending Onvo a hand steadying himself. Ancan and Jaheira stood next to each other, both glaring hard at the berserker though their weapons were not drawn.

Korgan noticed how the other Cowled Wizards were also gathered nearby, all subtly looking for the signal to take him down, "Mayaps ye'd like tae join yer pansy-arsed friend on his knees, aye?" he snarled angrily, "Donnae question me methods o' collecting debt, I'll not have some old, magick usin', pen-pusher dictate me honour. I donnae care whether it be yer mother who's legs I done chopped off, if'n she hires me, she'd better pay me! That stinking, oily-mouthed, cog owed me a fee he cannae pay, so's I got tae make sure he donnae cross me again."

The burning sensation inflicted upon him left Tolgerias wincing in mind-wracking pain yet it also kept him awake and coherent, "You barbaric, stupid, dwarf!" he shouted, hate dripping from each syllable, "Look what you've done! You've-you've disfigured me! Turned me into some hideous cripple and-and for what? Your damned paranoia destroyed what little chance we had left, you selfish bastard!"

Even though it was he who chopped off the wizard's hand it was Korgan who had an outraged look on his face, "Oi, quit yer bitchin'! I didnae have tae take yer hand tae save me own skin. I be mercenary, yer troubles gots nothin' tae do wi' me! Taking yer hand be just me way o' cancellin' our contract."

Jaheira, Minsc and the knights looked disgusted at the berserker's manners. On the other hand, Yoshimo thought nothing of it as such actions were commonplace enough in his field of expertise back in Kozakura and both Pan and Teos bore looks of amusement.

"Tsk, tsk," the alchemist admonished, "What you did was wrong and dishonourable, you should know better than to lie and cheat on your agreements…"

Jaheira nodded in approval.

"…unless you know you can definitely get away with it!"

Jaheira shook her head in exasperation.

Pan continued on like she was telling a friend about a small mistake they made, "…If you had managed to wiggle yourself out of trouble then, yayyyy, good for you! But, tsk tsk… you have no haaa-and nooowww… which means you do not have the skill nor the expertise to avoid the consequences." Sigh. "Amateur. Like Minsc always says, you get what you deserve if you allow yourself to get caught red-handed with one foot through the door walking in and your fingers covered in honey and sprinkled with sugar while a moose is licking your hair after you went swimming with mermaids in apple juice on a warm winter's day."

Blink.

"… I don't remember saying that… maybe Boo perhaps…"

"…"

"… What in the Nine Hells are you babbling about you crazy fool?" Tolgerias said furiously.

"That's what I've been trying to figure out ever since we met her," Onvo grumbled under his breath, ignoring the scathing glance from Yoshimo.

"The daft whelp be tellin' ye 'tis in me rights fer taking out a diff'rent form o' payment," Korgan clarified, placing the head of his battleaxe next to Tolgerias' neck, "Since ye been intending tae skivvy on our deal."

"Hold your blade, dwarf," Teos commanded, "I'll not begrudge you your particularly… archaic form of… debt collecting. A Cowled Wizard owed you payment that was not being paid forth and thus you have legal cause to extract alternative compensation, be it monetary or bodily. However, I'll not allow you his life… it is already forfeit to us."

Through his disorientation, Valygar still felt satisfaction that it was now Tolgerias who was being bartered about like meat at the butcher's.

The Cowled Wizard did not like the way he was being discussed, "Insolent wretches! Do you think I'll allow myself to be beaten so easily? You've only incurred my wrath, you will all pay!"

"Have ye not been listenin' tae a word being said, wizard? I told ye, 'tis ye who should be payin' me."

Tolgerias fixed the berserker with a wilting glare, "I should have killed you the second you handed over Corthala."

Korgan shrugged off the threat, "An' did I not tell ye tae wait fer it? Ye cheap, scroogin', pinch-pursed poof, no one stiffs me me share o' treasure an' walks away wi' it."

"You gluttonous dwarf, did you not realize the potential worth of this place? I could've achieved so much ahead of plan but your greedy heart damned us for your desire for the present!"

Teos and Valygar narrowed their eyes in suspicion though Korgan remained unconcerned, "I wasnae innit fer education or yer bloody retirement plans. Ye said ye'd be payin' up in treasure but lo', what did I be findin' instead but trouble. Worthless junk, nonsensical arch'tecture an' bleedin' hordes o' creatures trying tae strike me dead," the berserker growled dangerously, "An' ye… nobody treats me like some fool errand boy, ye hear me? I donnae stand fer it, I not be a collared slave like the boyo, the Bloodaxe is a free dwarf an' anyone that stands tae disrespect me be goin' tae pay dearly fer it. Yer mistake was tae not pay what be owed me. Yer mistake be tae threaten me. Yer mistake… be tae cross me."

"Heh heh," Teos chuckled without a smile, "Another foolish mistake you've made Tolgerias, how many times must I tell you… never rely on the help, especially when they can get too close to you. This reminds me… excellent work as always, Davish, your reputation precedes you."

It was only then did the people realize that of all the mages from Tolgerias' party… the big mage was standing, unharmed, next Teos, his stony gaze looking down on the captured Cowled Wizard.

Davish nodded, not saying anything but accepting the compliment.

Though Korgan and Valygar were surprised it was Tolgerias whose mouth was gaped in disbelief, "What's the meaning of this?"

"Isn't it obvious? How did you think we could build a case against you? Witnesses and hard evidence? You'd only find a way to get rid of them. Ah, but subterfuge has always been reliable in controlling wayward members such as yourself. Granted, you never allowed anyone in close enough to divulge your true plans but from the times you've employed Davish garnered enough insight into your suspicious activities to give us just cause."

Tolgerias could still hardly believe that he had allowed a spy into his network. Glorcia perhaps, Madeen if someone were to bribe the cowardly wretch… but Davish?

"…You've betrayed me?"

"…" the big mage shrugged, "Just doing my job."

"Your job? Your job!? You've ruined me!"

"Now really," Teos scolded, "There's no need to throw about such harsh blame, Davish is hardly the cause of your downfall. Remember that it was you inciting all sorts of illegal activity, he was only providing small tidbits of information and truthfully not enough to use against you… but when used together with the evidence from the other spies we've seeded amongst you…"

Valygar aloud a wracking chuckle at the gobsmacked Tolgerias.

The stalker spoke hoarsely, "A spy, is it? Did you tell them anything about me?"

Davish remained silent.

Leaving Tolgerias speechless on his knees, Teos turned to Korgan, "Well, dwarf? You've taken his hand, you've seen his reputation destroyed and his plots betrayed from the inside. Is your lust for payment satisfied or must the Cowled Wizards be continuously bothered by your demands?"

"Hmph, not yet," the berserker answered.

He stooped over, picking up the severed hand lying at his feet. Thinking nothing of it, Korgan slipped each large jewelled ring off the pale fingers, examining each glittering bauble critically before pocketing them.

Then with the dismembered appendage still in his hand, the berserker proceeded to repeatedly slap the stupefied Cowled Wizard in the face.

"Oi, quit hittin' yerself!"

From the disgusted looks on everybody's face, it seemed that no one appreciated the dwarf's attempt at humour… except Pan

"HAAAHAHAHAHAHAA! Heeeeeeeee, Killer Korgan is the funniest!"

That satisfied Korgan, "Hmph. I knew it… only the whelp…"

He then carelessly tossed the naked hand over his shoulder much to the dismay of Tolgerias.

"…I say… my hand…"

The berserker grinned toothily, "Aye, now we be cleared."

"But not with us."

"My, my… this has nothing to do with us," Teos remarked stepping to the side as Davish hauled Tolgerias back.

Despite the gathered front against him, Korgan was not the least bit intimidated. If there was one thing that can be said about the dwarf is that he is either utterly fearless or stubbornly arrogant to confront the combined hostility of Jaheira, Minsc, Valygar and the Solamnic Knights.

"Is that so?" he sneered, "I donnae seem tae recall a debt a'tween us but if'n ye insist I'll gladly collect."

"Enough of your lip, cur. Your evil ways have slighted not only our honour but the safety and trust of your former companions," Reyna proclaimed, "And you attempted to strike down my men, your cruel intent as clear as the blood that stains your hands."

"Piece of a pile of a turd pit!" Onvo spat.

Ancan shook his head, "Dwarf, that I detect neither remorse nor desire for redemption for your past deeds speaks only of the surface of the depths of your sins. Murder and betrayal are your constant cohorts, not the men and women you travel with."

"Don't think for a second that we'll forget what you've done to us," Jaheira said angrily, "You abandoned us and kidnapped Valygar to hand over to the wizard when you knew that he did not deserve such a fate. We were foolish to have trusted so easily someone as volatile as you. You have brought only hostility and vulgarity, misbalancing the group with your craven greed and lust for death, an enemy of all we fight for."

"My great fury is bursting to teach you a lesson, little betrayer. These boots are eagerly waiting for Minsc to stomp down very hard on what you have done but only Boo's infinite hamster mercy says you should have some last words… so quickly say something so that justice can be done."

Though he was still leaning heavily on the Rashemi warrior, Valygar's voice was loud and cold, "… Why shouldn't I kill you?"

If they expected Korgan to feel chastised or at least angry, they were sorely disappointed. The berserker bore a smug grin, looking for all the world like he had just received praise and congratulations for winning the Most Villainous Bastard award.

"Are ye all finished? Best be done wi' yer moaning an' bitchin' an' cryin' for I not be yer bloody mothers. I donnae know what the problem be, ye're all standing here hail an' swell an' alive, are ye not? I need nay excuse fer trying tae gut yer armoured hides, a foe be a foe an' ye're supposed tae slay the enemy lest they slay ye. What, was I supposed tae shake yer hands and sup tea wi' ye? Nay. An' as fer betrayin' ye, tree-thumper… well, I cannae have ye besmirching me honour by sidin' wi' the bounty. Ye jes' met the boyo an' ye're foolish enough tae take his word, tae offer him loyalty? I wasnae going tae take the chance. Jes' because ye didnae want the reward, doesnae mean I didnae want it. Besides, 'twas it not me who took the brunt o' the fightin' in this damned ball, keeping yer precious boyo alive tae see another day? If'n 'tweren't fer me, it'd have tae been ye riskin' yer own necks an' battling the murderous curmudgeons."

"… That is soooo thoughtful," Pan cooed.

"You only fought your way through because you figured you'd make a profit out of it!" Jaheira retorted.

Korgan waved the accusation aside, "Ach, now where be the harm in makin' a little extra on the side? Now use yer noggins, none o' ye own a hard claim against me, fer the fact be this, even if I hadnae done what I'd done… the wizard would've anyways."

Though there was no reply, hateful glares abounded aplenty.

"Come now, the past be the past and the present…" the berserker grinned, holding up much to the other's anger, the rune stone, "… be the present."

Reyna started forward, "Stay your hand, dwarf, what are you trying to pull here?"

"Yes," Valygar said gravely, not breaking eye contact with Korgan, "Are trying to go the same way as the wizard?"

"Hah!" the berserker scoffed unworriedly noting the knights cautiously placing their hands on their sword hilts and Jaheira and Yoshimo inching slightly forward, "I be no pansy-robed mageling needin' toys tae do me work but seein' as how I got this little rock in the palm o' me hand, mayhaps a little negotiatin' be in order."

"Negotiating? Why don't you just switch it on and see how much of a deal you'll end up with?" the stalker dared.

"Mayhaps it slipped yer mind, boyo, but was it not I who done keep yer worthless hide alive an' breathing? So's why would I wait all this bloody time, jes' tae have ye die by a stinkin' leash rather than me own hands? Nay, that not be what I had in mind, so I'll ask ye tae shaddap an' stop testing me patience unless ye really want me tae show ye how an angry dwarf guts self-righteous idjits."

"… What do you want?"

"I want ye bloody bags o' dog scum tae back off o' me case… an' I get tae keep the reward… an' in return, I'll take off the dandy little necklace around yer throat."

The stalker's hand self-consciously fingered the collar.

Jaheira replied incredulously, "Are serious, dwarf? What makes you think that we cannot take it off ourselves?"

"Because ye jes' can't."

"I'm afraid he is correct, Jaheira," Yoshimo informed, "I took a look at it earlier and there is no lock or fastening that I could spot. I wouldn't recommend breaking it either for it is sure to be heavily enchanted and thus impervious to force or, if we're unlucky enough, produce dire consequences."

"Ye'd best listen tae the thief, if'n he says it cannae be done, it cannae."

"And you can?" she challenged.

"Aye, I can," the berserker grinned, "What the fool didnae realize when he had it made was that any dwarf worth his salt can make out another 'un's craft. 'Tis dwarven handiwork, I rec'nize the rune. Har har, o' course what ye all should un'erstand be that only a dwarf could've made such a fine instrument."

Silence coursed amongst the group though each knew that if what he said was true then they were left with little choice. Jaheira and Reyna in particular would have rather the dwarf drop dead than to have to acquire his help.

"… Do it."

Korgan looked at Valygar, "I figured ye'd say that."

The stalker shrugged, "I cannot speak for the others… but I would prefer that you go your own way… as long as you can get this damned thing off of me."

Jaheira kept a heated glare on the berserker though she asked concernedly, "Are you sure Valygar? Can you trust the word of this foul monster?"

"What choice do I have? You can't disable the device and I doubt the wizard would voluntarily do so. No. I've no wish to continue wearing this collar and I would prefer it off even if I must get him to do it. He's a lying, deceitful, homicidal bastard… and doing this ensures I never have to deal with him again."

"Ach, I'll miss ye too… idjit boyo."

On shaky legs, Valygar made his way to Korgan. Despite his victory over Lavok… the stalker looked more like a man defeated.

"I'm just… tired."

"Well?" Korgan said looking at the others, "Be the table clear a 'tween us?"

Reyna sneered, "For now… though I hope you give us another excuse to end your vile existence."

BGBGBGBGBGBGBGBGBG

Valygar rubbed the slightly raw ring around his neck where the collar had been. He was staring at nothing in particular, all sense of place lost after all that had happened. Lying at his feet, chest visibly rising up and down was Lavok.

The necromancer was not dead. The thing lying beside him was.

Far larger than his emaciated ancestor, the demon's carcass was practically featureless. Its smooth, rubbery skin was black, its head hairless, noseless and mouthless and only its black eyes were open staring upwards. What should have been a barrel-sized chest was instead a crater of charred and ruined organs.

But he was not concerned with dead things… at least things that no longer breathe. Valygar now had the necromancer at his mercy.

He had wandered here, leaving the others to deal with the Cowled Wizards. The knights wanted justice against Tolgerias but Teos was adamant that Korgan had already collected. Pan was needling the ruby-robed mage about their fee for getting them here, Minsc beside her trying to add an intimidating factor but the effect was lessened considering Davish also stood impassively beside the ruby-robed wizard.

It bothered him, when logically he knew it should not, that the young half-elf was concerned with getting paid. He knew that she and the others risked their lives to come and help him but at the same time, like a splinter in his thoughts, she was getting profit out of this. He cared not for gold… his gratefulness was tainted by the idea that she did not act entirely out of the goodness of her heart.

Though what can you expect out of a mage, Valygar thought with slight disgust at the word, Purity of the soul is fiction but it's downright a fairytale when it comes to magic.

Magic. Fury seeped through every pore of his being. Long he held a deep abhorrence for the art and the cause lay before him. Despair ran beside the word, holding hostage all that he regarded as good by degenerating values held sacred.

Magic. The foolish pursuit of many ambitious men and women who's corruption destroyed all that they touched. The power they wielded that destroyed nations and people, all for the madness they controlled. It created knowledge, not for the satisfaction of education but because of the fear of the unknown and the desperate bid to understand regardless of the consequences because of the deep-rooted panic plaguing all rational reason.

Magic. The cause for most problems, the reason for his capture, the reason for Tolgerias plaguing his life, the reason for the wizard's greed and lust for power, the reason why lives are helpless before it, the reason for the pain he suffered and the reason why his family is cursed…

The reason that plagued generations before him and was now lying unconscious… the reason that was finally in his hands to end.

No more words, no more waiting.

He raised his family's katana high above his head, pointing the cutting edge downwards at Lavok's unwary head…

"Stop!"

Valygar did not move, keeping his blade pointed at the necromancer, "Keep out of this wizard, this is no longer any concern of yours. He has long been my enemy and you'll not keep me from fulfilling my vow."

"I'd like to disagree," Teos said, brusquely striding towards him, "In fact, I'd garner he concerns all of us."

The stalker scoffed, "Ho, couldn't keep your greedy fingers back could you? It doesn't surprise me the least that the Cowled Wizards actually desire the sphere for themselves. What more could be expected out people such as yourselves? You wish to know the inner workings of this hell and the necromancer can tell you all you need to know."

"You are surely correct, Corthala. I happen to do so indeed want to know how to work the Planar Sphere. However, not for the reasons you are undoubtedly and uncharitably thinking of."

Valygar whirled angrily to face the Cowled Wizard, "Then enlighten me! You're an all-knowing, all-wise mage, why don't you tell me why I should allow Lavok to live?"

The others had gathered close by before the giant machine, both curious and wary as to why it should be allowed for the necromancer to live.

"Because," Teos began testily, "his knowledge is of particular importance to us. And I mean all of us, to me, to my subordinates, to you and," indicating towards Pan and the others, "to them."

The stalker snarled, "And that's because…?"

"Because only he knows how to take us back home," the Cowled Wizard answered, looking upwards.

At those ominous words everyone dreadfully looked up as well… and Valygar swallowed his pride knowing that Teos had a point.

Beyond the glass ceiling there was no warm blue Amnian afternoon. It was a stormy blood-ruby sky patched with not clouds but twisting and roiling black… holes.

And from the outside looking in, a monstrous-sized demon baring rows of dagger-like teeth was grinning down at them… and waved.

"…"

"…"

"…That reminds me," Pan said airily while waving back at the demon, "I do not think I have a home… soooo, does that make me homeless?"

Before anyone could answer her question, Lavok groaned, his eyes half open.

BGBGBGBGBGBGBGBGBG

"'Ey, there Dug, where ya been these past few tendays?"

"Sleepin' under the stars 'n' enjoyin' classic-like theatre… where tha dog's bollocks do ye think Oi've been? Dagnamit, Oi still be outta house 'n' home! That goshdarn ball done be sittin' on moi humble place o' residence an' nobody's done nothin' bout's it."

"Wot ya talkin' 'bout, ya never had a place o' yer own, ya just been squattin' there for years!"

"That not be tha point ye picky pipsqueak, 'tis tha principle of tha thing. Arr, 'tis rough toimes we be husslin' through if a man cain't even squat in peace."

"Speakin' o' husslin', I got a bit o' a prop'sition for ya."

"Aye, 'n' what be that?"

"The ways it works is 'at no one's done claimed that ball fer they's own an' I figures since ya've been livin' there all this time, ya should be stakin' it out as ya own."

"Now what tha bloody pig spit's am Oi gonna do wi' that thing?"

"Ya could be's chargin' folks admission ta take a tour, bringin' in all sorts o' business an' making it a genuine Slum Attraction!"

"Yea… Yah! People's is dumb enough ta pay anythin' fer that kind of stuff!"

"Yep."

"We'll jus' sets up a little booth ta take their money…"

"Yep."

"Charge 'em extras ta have theys portrait painted 'aside tha thing…"

"Yep."

"Oi'll be able ta finally gets a decent meal…"

"Yep."

"Oi'll gets ta own me own home!"

"Yep."

"Oi c'n finally affords Luda down at the Coronet!"

"… Yep."

"Well, c'mon Kijji, let's get this thang started, Oi don'ts wants nobody musclin' in on our bus'ness entr'prise."

"Yea… I forgots to mention to ya… the ball's ain't there no more."

"Wha-?"

"Uh huh, the thing's up an' gone, disappeared likes it were never there."

"What's about…?"

"An' ya homes is gone too. All them buildin's is vanished as well, nuthin' but all o' them gettings clean cut like the gods 'em selves scooped it all up."

"… Why the cow's bleedin' teet didja gets me all started for?"

"No reason, I jus' don't likes ya that much, is all."

"Ye be a real twat, ye knows that roight?"

BGBGBGBGBGBGBGBGBG

Normally, if there can be one good thing about having a dead demonic carcass lying around is that it would be assumed a demon's heart would be nearby as well. Unfortunately, that heart had been obliterated by Pan's fireball along with most of its upper body.

"This is so not how I pictured the rest of my evening," a Cowled Wizard grumbled.

"Yes, I agree, I mean, honestly, what were the chances? Of all the organs she annihilated, it had to be the one that we needed."

"Stow your complaints, Onvo," Ancan chastised, "The past cannot be changed nor can it be helped. The young mageling did what she thought was best not knowing the consequences and she did assist against the darkness that threatened to overwhelm us. We can only fault good intentions when the means strays. Now the task has been set before us and we shall accomplish it with pure hearts and just souls."

"Besides," Reyna added, "I think it's a good thing that we're doing this. I would think that these fiends have enjoyed their time in the darkness for far too long. It shall be up to us to remind them that righteous mortals will not stand idly by and allow them to reign chaos unchecked, isn't that right, sir Minsc?"

"Hah ha, your words get me all tingly, noble knights! Oh yes, evil shall fear the justice we shall dispense, long have they been denied the pleasure of meeting our swords!"

They were trekking past the remains of the golem in the first room, heading towards the entrance of the sphere. It was with reluctant but insisting good grace that Minsc and the Solamnic Knights volunteered along with some forced assistance from a few Cowled Wizards to venture outside the sphere on the hunt for another fiend's heart.

Though Jaheira and Valygar wished to accompany them, stating how they seemed woefully undermanned to battle demons, the knights waved away their assistance.

"Demons are the least of our worries," Reyna had enigmatically assured them.

It was only by giving up a portion of their bounty reward to Teos so that he would agree to send a couple of Cowled Wizards to accompany them would they allow the knights to try to acquire a demon heart.

However they could not deter the Rashemi from joining them, the possibility and joy of thrashing evil demons too great an opportunity to pass up. The other's remained behind to prep the engine golem for when they delivered the power source necessary to jump the sphere.

Or so the necromancer insisted that was how it works.

Minsc knew that in this world, at least in the world that good butt-kickers live in, there were righteous people like these knights and Jaheira and Valygar. There were also people who at least tried to be good, like little Pan and Yoshimo. Then there were those cracked eggs who needed a good stomping to keep them in line like the dwarf with mental problems.

But the necromancer… it was only at the insistence that they needed him to operate the sphere that kept the ranger from striking him down. He did not like the creepy feeling he got from Lavok… and plus, when Boo gets jittery that is all the proof in the realms he needs to know that something is not right.

It puzzled the Rashemi ranger somewhat when Valygar backed quickly away from everybody, choosing to remain at the opposite end of the room. When Jaheira and Teos questioned and threatened Lavok to get them back to Faerûn, his brother ranger kept his distance out of direct contact. Minsc thought it quite suspicious that the necromancer was more than willing to help them… but then again, the ancient man looked far too weak to try anything.

Minsc was positive that the evil wizard was Valygar's monstrous ancestor and therefore deserved a righteous butt-stomping… yet it is not very just to hit skinny old men. The necromancer admitted to his horrendous past and was more than relieved when he was split from the demon. The Rashemi was very confused because now he was puzzled as to whether or not Lavok deserved the whacking all evil deserves. Evil did not usually admit to being evil nor does it say it deserves punishment, did it?

He had thought that Valygar would come to a decision of what to do… but the stalker remained silent, instead going with Jaheira and Teos down into the engine golem room, leaving Pan, Yoshimo and the other Cowled Wizards to watch over the necromancer lest he try anything. Korgan also remained, though he was more concerned with searching around for anything of value.

The ranger nodded to himself. If there was anyone who could handle an evil wizard who could manipulate the dead and a treacherous dwarf with mental problems, it was little Pan.

"Tell me, sir Minsc," Reyna asked, interrupting his thoughts, "Your accent and your general manner seem different from those of your companions. I assume that you hail from a land foreign to theirs. Are all warriors of your ilk as… reckless as you?"

The ranger grinned happily, willing to tell another person about the grandness of his home, "Oh very much so. In Rasheman all are brave and just, eager to stomp out evil wherever it lays its greedy, grubby little hands. We are trained in the fighting art of butt-kicking, generations of berserkers smacking bad people and nasty Thayvians around like naughty children. It is taught that we should never stray from righteousness because there is nothing worse than doing the wrong things but it can be a tricky thing to do when glorious battlelust blesses our strength. Luckily, we have many noble and powerful witches who… who guide our blades and fists into the right type of evildoer's face…"

Reyna noticed the sadness that crept into his eyes, "Sir Minsc? Does your heart yearn to be back with your people?"

"No, my heart, beating loud and proud as it does, is always with my people," he answered slightly distracted, "But… I am just thinking of my good witch, Dynaheir…"

The ranger did not say anything further and Reyna thought it best to leave the large warrior to his own thoughts. Whoever this Dynaheir was, it was apparent that she was of great importance to him… and she believed sorrow themed his tale.

She stared quietly up at Minsc, Boo squeaking softly while nestled in his large hands.

The knight shook her head, blinking her eyes. Perhaps it was the sudden excitement of the day but she could not help but think that the little hamster was… speaking to the ranger. At least the man also appeared to be nodding in understanding.

Hm, I guess the people of his realm are just really attached to their pets.

"Ready yourselves, brave souls," Ancan intoned, "We march forth into the lands of the damned."

They stood before the Planar Sphere entrance, the huge circular door open and revealing a world of nightmares.

Reyna swallowed her fear though she could not help feeling like they were in the belly of the beast for the dark crimson land pulsed and rolled. Protruding upwards were obsidian monoliths, curved and jagged like teeth piercing the land. Threading and spreading were fiery veins of molten rivers that occasionally burst forth red mephitis, the little fiends cackling before flying off.

"I don't wanna be here," a Cowled Wizard gulped, "That sky is seriously freaking me out."

Reyna curbed her tongue knowing that berating the man for his cowardice would only antagonize the already tumultuous companionship the knights and wizards shared.

However he did have a point. Strangely when looking out there it was difficult to differentiate it from a child's portrait. The sky practically melted into the land for the horizon was one red boiling mass… only the 'holes' were of any indication of the separation between the ground and atmosphere. Strange howling winds gushed forth from the black pits hanging in the skies, coiling and roiling… and crying and screaming.

Horror seeped through their minds, attaching itself to their very hearts…

"Cry in indignation Boo, this is no place for miniature giant space hamsters. You just let mighty warriors of justice like Minsc and the shiny knights handle things from now on. Ahhh, it is about time to dispense good, old-fashioned butt-kicking on smelly demons, right comrades? Hoho, evil will cry in their beds tonight!" the big Rashemi proclaimed, happily hefting the Sword of Chaos in one hand.

"…Hah ha, strangely enough, sir Minsc, I find your words showering me with strength and spirit. I gladly bathe in your confidence knowing we shall accomplish our goals nobly," Ancan grinned, a glimmer of pleasure dancing in his eyes.

"Eh? I am guessing you mean we'll be cleaning out evil soon? I am hoping there will be more butt-kicking than tidying up but Boo always says that it is rude to leave a mess... unless of course it be a fortress of badness," he paused for a moment, a happy smile dawning on his tattooed face, "HAH! So be it, let us make BIG mess so that evil knows it was Minsc and the shiny knights and, oh, some funny little wizards that have visited kicking and screaming!"

Reyna stared wide-eyed at Ancan, her elder and a veteran warrior of countless battles yet who also served under her with a deep-rooted loyalty beyond that of soldier and commander. She stared at Minsc, the huge ranger whom she only knew for a short time but garnered her utmost respect for his unyielding desire for justice.

"You… have no fear?"

"Fear? Minsc does not let fear stop his righteous boot stomping!"

Shame burned her cheeks… she is a Solamnic Knight of the Order of the Crown! There should not be any terror burning her conscience, she should not be a coward!

"Fear does not make you a coward, Reyna," Ancan said kindly as if reading her mind, "Only when you let it stop you from doing right, does cowardice take place. You are a Knight of Solamnia… you can control your fear."

Reyna did not reply immediately… but she regarded Ancan and the Rashemi… and her spirits lifted.

Aye, I am a knight, aren't I?

She grinned, "Dear Ancan, who said anything about cowardice? I was merely being concerned for our companions here, letting them know that no danger shall befall them as long as we are about."

"See, Boo? The noble knights are very knightly! We must learn their good manners…"

Ancan laughed heartily.

Onvo grumbled something about 'crazy' and 'big sword,' but determination radiated from him as well, a pride warming his heart that he served with his fellow knights through thick and thin. Even the Cowled Wizards, while filled less with resolve and more with trepidation at Minsc's eagerness to venture forth into a demonic realm, began readying spells.

After all, they figured that anybody willing to fight fiends had to be skilled… or at least screwloose enough to be dangerous.

"Come then," Reyna commanded, stepping beyond the doorway, "let us continue our quest without fail."

The four of them lined up outside the entrance, the Cowled Wizards standing behind them…

They were not alone. Gathered around, snarling and bleeding rage, were dozens of fiends, some small, most big, all sporting vicious claws and gnashing fangs. A few resembled lobsters with elephant legs, one was covered in needles like a pincushion, there were some humanoids with snakes for hands… and towering behind them was what appeared to be a giant carrot with teeth.

"… I'm gonna soil meself."

Reyna ignored the Cowled Wizard's comment about his lack of bowel movement control, instead she and the other knights unsheathing their longswords… and the demons shrank back.

A light radiated not form their blades but seemed to emanate from their brave faces.

"Courage sir, surely you've been trained in the arcane that there is power to fuel your resolve?"

"Well," he grumbled, "… I guess I can at least conjure a… a giant rabbit or something for that one in the back."

She smiled, "That'll do. Away fiends! The virtue of our spirits burn your dark existence."

"Yea," Onvo added, "Now give us damned heart."

BGBGBGBGBGBGBGBGBG

Beyond the second door from where they found Lavok lay the engine room. More specifically, it was where the engine golem resided. Jaheira, Teos and Valygar travelled the descending staircase into an area far larger than any they had ever seen so far, easily twice the size of the navigation room.

It resembled less a room and more like an indoor lake. Murky, silvery water sloshed and glopped the entirety of the 'floor,' while extending upwards twenty feet from the unseen depths were thick stone columns upon which were laid metal grills, creating a circular network of bridges.

These paths reached various areas of the room like storage facilities and strange panels similar to the ones found in the navigation room.

However the most dominant object lay in the center of the room.

Rising up like a leviathan, the engine golem resembled a mountainous statue, with no neck, no arms and no legs, a face carved into a pillar of immense size. It was thick enough for fifteen ogres to wrap themselves around and its surface was a strange black metal, smoother than worn stone.

The metal path, much to their disconcertion, led straight towards and into the engine golem's wide open mouth. As they walked towards the great opening they were watched by huge, burning orange eyes the size of goblins that seemed to track their every step. There were no teeth within the jaws but it was deep enough to fit three horses end to end and high enough for two.

Within this cavernous mouth at the back of the 'throat' was a fleshy blanket of twining black chords. It was here that they had to prepare for the demonic heart that Minsc and the knights were to bring them.

What remained of the previous power source was tangled within the mass and they had to sort it out.

Jaheira sniffed disdainfully, the taint of mechanized grit and lack of naturalness in the air pushing her ire further. It was bad enough that the Cowled Wizards were being pig-headed but to be trapped with them in this place really grated on her already frayed nerves.

What was supposed to be a simple task of tracking people down ended up being a full-blown operation to switch on a planar jumping vehicle… and to top it all off, they all now have to depend on the deadly necromancer who built the thing.

Lavok, the beast who's bite she had no idea was poisonous or not. Despite their suspicions, his words of lament and utterances of weakness bore no malice. It shocked them all to learn that he not only locked himself within the navigation room but that he had been in constant struggle with the entity, refusing it the knowledge it sought to control the sphere.

It was of particular disconcertion when the necromancer said he would gladly welcome death, acknowledging how the years of pain were still not enough to atone for his past deeds. Regret soaked his words, wishing repentance for his pride. She could make out no hidden agenda behind his words but until they were back in their own realm, they had no choice but to tentatively trust each other.

However, even if Lavok was truly remorseful for all that he had done, she felt that his continued existence only upset the proper balance. The druid knew that the necromancer was just another devious foe that they would eventually have to deal with. His corruption and thoughtless toying with the realms of the universe bred chaos and danger as evidenced by the madness housed within the Planar Sphere. The recklessness of his life imposed a tipping of balance, leaving it spinning and rotating like a flipped coin.

There was no doubt that Jaheira could not excuse his unchecked rampage across the planes… no matter how much he regretted it.

"… Well, I'll just leave you two to it."

Valygar was still weak from his extended torment of the collar but he had regained enough strength to see to the new task at hand, "Then what shall you be doing, wizard?"

Teos waved the aggravated stalker's tone aside, "This hardly requires the three of us and the both of you are far more suited for such… menial tasks. But fear not. I shall be checking around making sure everything else is in tiptop order and then I'll be heading back to see how the others fair," and with that he quickly left.

"Damn wizards."

"Pay no heed to him," Jaheira said though just as annoyed, "It would be better to be around him as less as possible."

Though he joined her by the mass of chords, Valygar kept his glare on the wizard's back. He then noticed the druid watching him carefully.

"Worry not… I'll not stab him in the back… yet."

"That's the least of my concerns… you, however, are not."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

Jaheira did not speak immediately, her aquamarine eyes studying him gently.

Valygar was not in the mood, "What?" he repeated.

"Something is the matter with you."

Without knowing why, the stalker's rage exploded, "Of course something is the matter with me or did you forget what I've been put through? Even with the damn collar off I'm constantly being forced to bend to the will of all these cursed wizards! I've had about enough of you people prodding me about like some cow, I'm neither crippled nor a fool. It's bad enough that I had to work with that blasted Tolgerias but now he's been replaced by an even more abrasive bastard! This was supposed to be a matter to be settled between me and Lavok but now it's all gone to hell with more than enough people making things complicated by questioning my very presence here! In fact, there's no damned good reason for any of you to be here…"

"You think we're here to make things harder for you?"

"I'm not ungrateful enough to dismiss your arrival… but you are making things far more complicated than they should be. Lavok was to die, Tolgerias is an enemy but now all this is put aside just because your insane little friend couldn't control her own powers. The madness of magic is a constant curse but now I'm surrounded by it and to top it all off, I cannot do anything about it. The fate of you, your band, the knights, they're all jeopardized because you couldn't keep your nose out of opportunity! What is it you want that you would risk so much? Is your need for gold the reason you cast your pity on me, your cause to watch my step?"

"I did not imply such a thing, Valygar, you're blowing things out of proportion," Jaheira answered back annoyed.

"But obviously you think me incompetent. Why else would you and the others slather me with charity? I could not even fulfill my family's vow and I allowed myself to be manipulated so I'm guessing that my skills are hardly favourable in your eyes. Is there some purpose for you to actually be here or has this always been about the money? I'll tell you right now I don't need the help of bloody mercenaries who have nothing but the state of their account at the forefront of their concerns. Did you hope to garner more from this little expedition, do you seek value? If so, then you're in for a world's worth of disappointment because there's nothing left to be gained from me. I've been enslaved, battered, insulted, dishonoured and practically had my soul ripped to shreds! What could you possibly hope to achieve by being here with me? I've nothing to offer you, this damned sphere will probably be confiscated by the wizards and as far as I know my family's name has been stricken from Amnian society, or does my expected gratitude really satisfy your need to pity me?"

Jaheira did not appreciate his rant, "Forget your delusions of our unworthiness. Do not speak to me as if I were the one who wronged you, Corthala! You'd best think twice before insulting me like that, I'm not a silly little girl to take your anger out on. Remember that if weren't for us you'd still be a lapdog and your ancestor would be feasting on your bitter soul right now!"

"Perhaps that would've been best! At least I wouldn't have to put up with your bitching and nagg-!"

PAF!

BGBGBGBGBGBGBGBGBG

"AAAAAAAAAAAUUUUUUUUUUUHHHHHHHHH!!!"

The screams of a tormented soul echoed unheeded in its own personal hell. The wretched body twitched in unrelenting spasms that wracked every frayed nerve and bone and ounce of flesh. Beneath the uncaring roof and atop the unforgiving cold ground, a mass of broken pride sobbed in its sorrow, the prisoner on a leash.

Not completely alone, helpless witnesses gazed in fear unable to tear their eyes away from the torture of a man. Yet despite its anguish and merciless pain crying in front of them, their true fright stemmed not from his screams but the accompanying shrieks of glee.

"Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! Sing monkey, sing!"

"AAAUUUHHHH!!!! TURN IT OFF TURN IT OFF YOU CRAZY BITCH!"

"Oh, fine," Pan relented, deactivating the rune stone, "But I have to say, where have you been all my life? Stick with me kid, and I will make you a star."

Tolgerias lay on the ground, greedily sucking in deep breaths of air into his lungs after all that screaming. The other Cowled Wizards kept their distance, having seen enough to not want to associate with the other band. Conveniently they believed that all of them were needed to keep watch over Glorcia and Madeen, the two of them bound in golden rings and equally thanking the gods that Pan ignored 'training' them.

Shortly before he left for the engine room, Valygar had fastened the collar around the Cowled Wizards' neck… after he had given a short but vicious beating. Now the combination of physical bodily harm and magically induced pain has left the wizard in a less than respectable state.

Tolgerias groaned, his body aching too much to pick himself up from the floor, "You'll…nnnghh… pay for this insult, you hear me? Awgh, I think I'm going to be sick. Uuugh, stupid brat, you'll kill me if you keep this up!"

"Ach, donnae listen tae the pansy-arsed wizard, whelp, he c'n take the pain, I only done set the stone tae less than half o' what he been givin' the boyo. Ye jes' keep on makin' sure he donnae get out o' line, aye?"

"Okay… hey! Do not breathe in so much air, save some for the rest of us!" and so she turned the stone on once more.

"AAAAAAAAAUUUUHHH!!!"

"Ah, Pan-chan, while I don't disagree with you finding amusement in all of this… perhaps you could give it a rest? It has been my experience that the employers are never appreciative if you destroy the merchandise before the trade-in."

"Eh? Fine, Yoshi. Practice is over my little muse, rest those tuneful vocal chords of yours."

"AAAaauhh…!" Pant. Pant. "Crazy…ugh, bitch," Tolgerias gasped before passing out.

"Pathetic," Korgan scowled walking away.

Yoshimo shot the dwarf a dark look before focusing his attention on the alchemist who was now tilting her head back as far as possible without falling over, staring through the glass ceiling into the alien sky above.

The bounty hunter shook his head in thought. He had his suspicions but he knew that giving Pan a device like the rune stone to control is too much of a temptation and would prove to be very bad for the Cowled Wizard's continued sanity.

But then again, this entire venture has been anything but sane. Quite frankly, if he did not think it would have made him look less than 'manly' he would have broken down into a tantrum begging for the world to stop spinning.

Only since this morning Korgan left them behind taking the bounty with him, a move that Yoshimo only begrudgingly felt some small mullet of admiration for. They then raced after the dwarf as fast as they could with no rest, making it to the city tired and sweating so much they caused a rather odorous presence. Then came the Cowled Wizards accosting them and generally ruffling more than a few robes which strangely enough led to a rather unfriendly friendship typically found in Amn that was strengthened upon the basis of 'services rendered.'

Not at all that eager to help out the very group who captured Imoen, it was a tense journey through the sphere, the kind often seen on family road trips with barking dogs and bladder retarded grandparents. It did not help for better relations when one of the Cowled Wizards tried in a vain attempt at suaveness to squeeze Jaheira's rear end as a symbolic gesture of 'let's mate.'

That wizard is now limping and carries a whistling tune every time he breathes through the gap where his front teeth used to be.

Just when things were about to snap, Pan had found and released the bound Solamnic Knights who were just as enthusiastic about beating robed wizards with their longswords as they were to finally regain circulation in their limbs.

Since then the Cowled Wizards kept their distance… though the knights were only slightly better company. They were amiable enough with Jaheira, Minsc and to a certain extent Pan… but the guarded looks he kept on receiving from the old knight gave him cause for concern. No matter how carefree he tried to come off as, the bounty hunter could not help but feel as if Ancan kept on seeing through him.

Then came the disagreement about their current course of action…

"Yoshi?"

The bounty hunter looked at Pan, the half-elf still gazing upwards, "Hm?"

"… When people scream, does it bother you?"

"It depends, only if it disturbs my meditations or if they're accusing me of missing objects when perhaps they've really just… misplaced them."

"Umm, I meant… when they scream because it hurts."

"Oh?" Yoshimo said softly, "The world suffers and its pain is as much a part of it as the life and death breeding within. Yet there is also much seen behind closed doors that cannot cry. It is most unfortunate that there is little a humble thief such as myself can do about it, so if it is needless I would end it only if it's convenient to do so… but if it is an enemy's… then I am shamed to hear them dishonour themselves."

Pan did not remove her blank gaze from the red sky, her head still tilted back. The bounty hunter was tall enough to notice the inconsequential detail how her cherry red bangs somehow managed to remain constantly swept to the left. She never looked back at him once.

"Soooo… you do not like to hear it?"

"… No, Pan-chan, I do not."

"Funny… because sometimes… it makes me feel good…"

Yoshimo said nothing, the hairs rising on his neck as her detached voice drifted on.

"Not all the time but just some of the time. Breathe, walk, talk, eat, you know, whatever, the screams are just people saying that something hurts and, yes, it is happening right now. They can say it however they want and it sounds long and horrible but if you listen just right, it is melodic and soulful. An entire, whole, epic story told by wordless shrieking, such is the soul's language. You cannot know the tale if nobody says anything because nothing is being said. It is… empty. Hmmmm, it is like… they are trying to tell me that they are still alive and that they are celebrating life because they can still feel pain. They are not empty… they are not fake… they are real… so alive because they suffer. I think it is better than nothing… the silence gets too loud sometimes."

The bounty hunter did not even realize he had been holding in his breath, "A silent death bothers you?"

"… I would rather have them die screaming so that at least I know something used to be there… heeeeeee, or maybe it just sounds better. Hmm, which reminds me…"

The alchemist walked off, leaving a slightly anxious Yoshimo. He could not lie to himself that he found her explanations… unnerving. Not quite used to her random behaviour he eventually found his voice when he saw her kneeling beside the demon's corpse.

"What are you doing?" the bounty hunter asked cautiously, seeing her unsheathe her shortsword.

"Collecting ingredients," Pan answered with a truly happy grin, "Want to watch?"

BGBGBGBGBGBGBGBGBG

Valygar looked up with an aching jaw from his new position on the floor, Jaheira glaring vehemently at him, her fist still tightly clenched from punching him.

"And I wouldn't have to stand here taking such lip from you!"

"What're you doing here then?" he cried, his anger renewed, "You're not supposed to be here, I'm not your damned responsibility! You didn't have to be caught in this Abyss ruined mess, you didn't have to risk your lives! I let myself be trapped, I'm the one who's damned, not you! I don't need anymore suffering bloodying my soul, you hear me? I don't need it! I didn't want this!"

WHUMP!

"Ngh!" he grunted, the druid's foot sailing into his stomach.

WHUMP! WHUMP! WHUMP!

"Stop it-oof! Stop-ugh!-kicking me! What in the-agh!-Hells are you doing?"

Jaheira stopped her assault, her face cold, "… Is this how you wanted to free yourself from burden? Surely, this shall make your life easier, having to fight enemies instead of working with allies. Does your hatred truly give you the strength you think you need? I did not take you for such a fool, I had thought you were more experienced than this but instead I find you whining worse than a child, worse than Pan! Are you so immature to believe that you could fight the world on your own?"

She finished with one last boot to the stomach.

WHUMP!

The stalker felt his angry resolve subside, the druid's words, not kicks, pounding their way to his very bones. He let his head fall onto the floor, a small groan of despair leaving his lips.

"…I do not want to fight the world… I want it to stop fighting me."

"You obviously think otherwise, the way you constantly aggravate those around you."

"I didn't ask you to stick around."

"That's not what you said when we first met. You gladly welcomed our assistance."

"Things have changed, they're not that simple anymore."

"Yes they are. We may have failed you in the beginning but we are here now. I don't know you well enough to understand what you've been through but-"

"Which is why I didn't need any of you here."

The druid looked down on him with contempt, "But perhaps you could get it through your worthless self-pity and believe me when I say that you're not the only one to lose a part of yourself, to lose something… so dear and important…" she turned around before adding, "but you are the only one to let yourself stay lost."

Jaheira then walked away, leaving Valygar lying on the ground.

"When you find what you're looking for… we can be allies."

He made no effort to rejoin her.

BGBGBGBGBGBGBGBG

When Jaheira and Valygar made their way back to the navigation room they found Teos already there. No one seemed to notice the stalker walk away to the side, not saying anything to the druid who appeared not to care. Instead he stood under the shade of the stairways, cold indifference to the other people in the room… but still keeping a cautious eye on Lavok who was tweaking with the instruments on the control panel by the huge machine.

The necromancer for the most part looked the same but with the removal of the demon, the ancient human was far more emaciated and frail and the raggedy black robes positively swallowed him. He was leaning heavily against the panel, pausing often to catch his breath.

When Lavok awoke, Valygar had no reason to believe his pleas of demonic possession and lamentations of past sins… but neither did he have reason not to. A vast contrast to the murderous behemoth he battled with, his ancestor had become more like the meek being he looked like.

So now his family's oath rested on what he chose to do with a broken old man. Yet what could he do if all the necromancer truly wanted… was to die beneath the skies of home?

What could he do to a man he never expected? Nothing? Then what was the point for any of the others to be here?

… Hmph. Jaheira's right… I'm far too angsty for my own good… and I'd thought I'd done with puberty…

"Hahah! Victory comrades!" came a shout from the doorway catching his attention.

Trooping in with Minsc in the lead were the Knights of Solamnia and the two Cowled Wizards who went with them. Despite the variety of blood from neon green to violet red splattering their armour, the group looked every inch the returning heroes… except for the mages who were pale and shaky. One even had a slightly suspicious stain on the crotch of his robes.

"Ooh, Boo is quivering with excitement and the euphoria of swift justice. Evil shall surely remember to cry in fear now that Minsc has reminded them of righteous butt-kicking!"

"It astounds and awes me the fury of your battle prowess, sir Minsc," Ancan commented, who appeared to be less covered in blood than the large ranger.

"A truly amazing sight to behold," Reyna agreed, a glow of pride about her.

"Yes, yes, I'm sure you all have some grand tales to tell your children but did you get the heart?" Teos demanded smugly.

The knights looked at the Cowled Wizard, suspicious of his smile. In fact all of them, his subordinates, Pan, Yoshimo and even Korgan had canary-eating grins plastered on their faces.

"At the risk of our lives against a horde of fiends, here it is," Reyna said cautiously, holding out the prize wrapped in cloth already soaked crimson… and beating ever so slightly.

"Heeeeee, now we can go anywhere we want, twice!"

"Hey, what's she talkin' about?" questioned a Cowled Wizard.

"Guess what I found," Pan eagerly asked, bounding up to the demon heart hunting group.

"Your mind?" Onvo muttered, grunting when Reyna elbowed him in the stomach.

"I was dissecting the demon because I saw he that was sooooo big and that means there was plenty of him to go around-"

"Dissecting? Plenty to go around?"

"-and I cut around the parts that were not burnt because you really cannot use demon parts that have been burned too badly, they leave a really smelly, stinky, sulphurous odour and tend to make healing salves and deodorant potions explode and go boooooom! Ohhhhhhh, I am so happy I killed him, I gathered his sharp shiny finger claws, some intestines, a couple of his other intestines, ummm, his livers, all four of them, a bunch of rubbery black sponge things that I have nooooooo clue what they are but I am pretty sure are important for something or at least will add flavour to the soup I am planning tonight-"

"… Luckily I'm allergic to soup."

"-three testicles, the skin off the arms, a ball of nerve strands, a few slabs of nicely tenderized muscles, mmmmmm, a few pinches of nose hairs-"

"… It doesn't have a nose."

"- the nipples which make very good pacifiers, its fat that can be used to grease the tubes of a cooking salve when roasted over a fire of copper wires which you then pour slowly into a mixture of ivory and tomato skins while stirring slowly so that you can get a nice apple artificial flavour that works under two point eight seconds, let us see what else, ohhhhh yeah, the bladder was empty so I could not use it but can you guess what I found around his anal cavity?" her eyes disturbingly unperturbed with her impromptu biology lesson.

"… Please, oh please don't let her touch me…"

"Heeeeeee, I will give you a hiiiiint… it is what you fellows went looking for!"

"… That's not a hint…"

"I found another heart! Yaaaaaaaaayyy! It was not in the chest, it was in his buttocks meaning that the species is very advanced because everybody knows the best protection for vital organs is in your cushy tushy. Eeeeeeeeeeee, is that not so convenient?"

"…"

"…"

"… It would've been convenient if you told us before we got out there," a Cowled Wizard whimpered.

"Pan," Jaheira called out, "Are saying that you have found a demon heart? Here, in this room?"

"Heeeeee… yes."

"Oh child," the druid muttered, smiling in amusement while those who had remained inside the sphere laughed aloud.

The knights and the two Cowled Wizards gaped open-mouthed at the oblivious glee of the alchemist prancing about. Never mind that they risked their lives for an item that did not need finding, Pan was ignorant enough about it for all of them.

"Hahaha, little Pan has saved us all once again!" Minsc roared, picking up the half-elf waif and spinning her around.

"Hooray for meeeeee!" Pan squealed, congratulating herself.

Both Lavok and Valygar watched the entire scene, noting wryly that the celebrating pair was unaware of Ancan restraining Onvo who pleaded with him, "Please, I won't hurt her I just wanna kill her a little bit!"

BGBGBGBGBGBGBGBGBG

After Onvo's murderous ire was soothed, the demon hearts were placed within the mouth of the engine golem. It went without incident except for a slight accident when Pan tripped almost falling off the gangway, her suspicious eyes falling on the innocently whistling young knight.

Lavok was left alone to ready the controls, his frailty emphasized by the mass of machinery he worked in front of, though the others were gathered nearby around Teos who was speaking and taunting the revived Tolgerias.

"…I will admit, you can be one slippery eel when you want to be, staying hidden when we try to find you but always appearing at the appropriate times to dissuade your involvement. The signed contracts and orders that do not have your name but just scream your influence. Creating your own luck as shown by the coincidences that always seem to work out to your benefit, such as brokered deals, unfortunate accidents and missing evidence," Teos ticked off though his tone was far from admirable.

Toglerias puffed up smugly, having regained some of his confidence despite the massive loss he faced, "Sounds like you're all chasing smoke. Is the order for my arrest purely based upon these conspiracies?"

"Yes, it is true that we've had nothing but… hunches and assumptions. But you're not as smooth as you ought to have been, you've slipped up enough to damn you until eternity."

Both Glorcia and Madeen began to waver nervously. As far as they were concerned, their future was bleak. They either die in the imminent trial to come or even if they do manage to escape, be hunted down.

"… I'll repeat myself… what crimes?"

"Just the usual convictions for any man who's as ruthlessly ambitious as you. Conspiracy to undermine your superiors and the organization, assassinations, magical hoarding, abuse of power and authority, and so forth."

The face on Tolgerias was unreadable, "It sounds to me like the complete profile of every other mage within the Cowled Wizards… including you."

"Be that as it may," Teos replied while brushing away lint from his sleeve, "You're the one who allowed himself to be caught."

"And is it because of this leaving of supposed 'evidence' that I have been accused?"

"No," Teos frowned.

Everyone could sense the sudden change in mood in the ruby-robed wizard. Pan looked back and forth between the two Cowled Wizards. The way they stared at each other reminded her quite a bit like the way people wear clothes. They are all covering something up.

"What does that mean?" Yoshimo asked her incredulously.

Pan turned wide-eyed at the bounty hunter, "Did I just say that out loud?"

"…Yes."

"… Did you know we have not eaten all day?"

Their conversation about the realization of her speaking aloud her mind was cut short when Teos and his Cowled Wizards marched closer to Tolgerias, "I will not underestimate you, Tolgerias. It's no secret that every crime you're accused of happens everyday within the Cowled Wizards, we are a frivolous lot… but you're planning something outside the guild and that is really quite taboo…"

Tolgerias said haughtily, "Allegations and conjectures, nothing provable and nothing physical about any of this except my molestation by your paranoia. You are all fools if you believe what you think you believe about what you thought I'd completed about what I'm doing is alleged to have been done to what you think might've occurred to assume what would have been thought about… but by the time you've figured all that out, it'll be too late."

"…"

"…"

"… Ohhhhhhhhh, I get it."

"What do you know, Tolgerias? Tell me what is it that makes the shadows darker, the betrayals deeper and death closer every time the word is whispered like smoke in the wind… what is the face behind the mask called, 'twisted?'" Teos demanded.

"…Hn," a cold grin began forming on the convicted Cowled Wizard's lips, "Hnheh. Heheheheh," Tolgerias chuckled, grotesquely waving his severed arm, "Now, now… patience, you're going to have to watch the entire show run out, it just wouldn't be right to spoil it for you when it's only begun."

The ruby-robed mage snarled about curse his former apprentice when a cry came from the direction of the machine.

"It's… it's done!"

No sooner had he said that when Lavok engaged the sphere to jump the realms.

Valygar looked up, the dull throbbing rumble distant sounding to his ears as he watched the sky above transform from a terrible crimson… to the familiar violet hue of an Amnish evening.

"Just like that?" Teos queried.

"Is it not enough?" Jaheira admonished, her look quickly softening, "Ah, we're home… I can feel it."

Reyna looked at the druid, "You are one in tune with your world?"

"Yes," she replied, though lost in thought, "Though we were gone for a brief time… I can hear the soul of nature lighten the taint of the fiend infested hell…" she breathed in deeply, "It… it is good."

"Yes, well I'm glad you're feeling chipper, druid," Teos interrupted her reverie, "But now that we don't have to worry about spending eternity together perhaps we can conclude our business, I'm sure we'll all feel just as enlightened as you."

"Of course," her tone curt.

While the druid and Cowled Wizard quickly got into a round of negotiating and veiled insults, Pan's attention was captured by something else.

She could not make out the emotion on Valygar's face as he slowly made his way towards Lavok. The necromancer was leaning back on the control panel and she could barely make out the glistening of unshed tears in the ancient man's eyes. The stalker noticed them too, for he hesitated but quickly rounded up his resolve getting closer until he was in front of his ancestor.

"…"

He never remembered why he chose then, of all times, to finally confront the necromancer. What he did recall was that before he did, his mind was constantly in turmoil, a broiling cauldron of thoughts, each one having to do with Lavok and none were comprehendible.

Promises made. Burdens to carry. Oaths to fulfill. Blood to repay. Death, demons and destruction. Sins of a family. Wizards and mercenaries. Knights and golems. Peace of mind and princesses to rescue.

Fear. Lament. Anger. Loss. Anxiety. Despair. Honour. Ambition. Arrogance. Excitement. Pain. Madness.

MOTHEEERRR!

… He remembered regretting ever choosing to finally speak with his ancestor.

"So… you've brought us back to our own realm."

The necromancer's voice sounded just like Valygar's though it was frailer with the weight of centuries, "Ah, it is the sky, after all. I had forgotten how it looked after so long. I thank you..."

"You are not the man I expected, Lavok."

"A-and what did you hope to find, young blood?"

"… Something truly evil, the sorcerer who preyed upon his own family as a ghoul would, whose legacy has haunted my family always."

"Your… your family?"

The stalker's grave voice was thick with resolve, "I am your descendant, Lavok. I am Valygar Corthala."

The necromancer looked at him in surprise. The deep wrinkles and pores of age the most obvious indicators of the true length of his life only emphasized the diminutive presence of the old man.

"Corthala...yes, I-I remember this now. My… family…"

"Yes… the family you destroyed with your quest for immortality… you cannot comprehend the misery you've unleashed on our bloodline," Valygar's tone steadily growing angrier, "Your sins should be rewarded with death."

A desperate laugh surprised the stalker, "Heh… heheheh. It should seem that nothing would bring me greater relief… I have been imprisoned in my own mind by that strange force for half an eternity. Death would… should be a blessing… yes… a b-blessing…"

"A fitting punishment."

When Lavok spoke on, it was not his words that shocked his descendant… it was the rising tension behind the tone, "P-punishment? Do… do you still not understand? I've committed horrible crimes… but did I truly deserve what was done to me? I have had years of pain and anguish to consider my sins… years! I can offer to you nothing other than my sorrow, Valygar, if I have brought you pain… but can you not see the torment I've subjected myself to? Is that not enough retribution?"

"You speak as if you did not deserve such treatment."

"But I do, young blood, I did deserve that and… and yet so much more awaits. If I could call it all back... Ah... if I could go back and convince the man I once was that the sphere was a mission of pride doomed to failure… I would save myself from such torment! I would not have suffered for so long… and now… I can feel it… coming closer… death."

In that one instance, forgiveness and hope shimmered like a glowing ember in Valygar's heart.

"I-I… had not thought you capable of regret-"

"Oh, death… the release of the soul… judgement of the gods… I… I cannot die, I do not wish to die!"

That ember's life was smothered, "Wh-what?"

A glint of madness crept back into the necromancer's black eyes, "Please, young blood, understand! Did I not endure enough!? For so long I've suffered for my sins, the pain and agony I was subjected to for what I've done. Can you imagine the anguish of my soul when I DIE? What… what I've been through will be insignificant compared to the damnation I deserve! Please, I-I can't… I cannot take anymore!"

Valygar mind had numbed. What was once an old man calmly accepting the inevitable was now a frantic animal of denial. The stalker stepped backwards but Lavok trailed after him, bony hands clasping like claws, eyes fidgeting with desperation and drool at the corners of a mouth that continued gaping like a fish over the fire.

By now the others were drawn to the scene… and they were taken aback by the feral power emanating from the necromancer.

"Valygar," Jaheira warned too late, "Stop antagonizing the ancestor."

"Please, young blood, you're my descendant! Don't let the darkness take me, I cannot endure the torment any longer!"

The stalker spoke in disbelief at the sudden change, "You're dying Lavok, what can you expect me to do?"

He stumbled into the control panel, too shocked to even think of drawing his katanas. Minsc and the knights cautiously began approaching the two while the Cowled Wizards were content to remain where they are, as witnesses of interest.

"Do?" the necromancer paused briefly as the light vanished completely from his eyes, a fledgling dead before its first dawn, "You… you are of my blood… you are a Corthala! You… are… my… flesh!"

Despite the frail condition he was in earlier, Lavok's hands snapped forward wrapping themselves around Valygar's neck and then his fingers dug in.

"Gglgh!" the stalker felt as if the air had been thrust from his lungs.

He tried to pry the necromancer's hands off but it was like wrestling with iron rods. Desperation fuelled Lavok with strength and madness hardened his resolve. His ancestor was killing him.

"Please, young blood, you must understand!" Lavok tried reasoning as ever so slowly he drew blood, the dark streams flowing into his fingers, "You cannot let me suffer anymore, I'm-I'm a coward terrified of the death that awaits me! Don't you understand? You must do this, you're family! You're my descendant, you're bound to honour me, you owe me LIFE!"

With only a few drops of blood, Lavok already felt invigorated and so he pierced deeper into the throat, digging through the flesh. Despite his energy and consciousness being drained, Valygar was in murky fog, slowly comprehending the fact that he failed and that he was too tired to care.

Black spots flashed in the stalker's vision yet he could still make out the eager grin of the necromancer growing larger and larger… until all Valygar could think of was a wall of yellowing teeth and dead ghosts.

MOTHEEERRR!!