Disclaimer: I own nothing. Everything, except OC's or anything else unrecognizable, belongs to whoever really owns it. Though I am too lazy to point out who those people are, they know who they are.
A/N: Noted how long it's been since the last update. Sorry. Also, only a lot of talking this chapter. Sorry again.
Chapter 11
Do You Have a Permit for that Dowry?
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"Ahhh, the sweet taste of fresh air."
Jaheira raised one dispassionate eyebrow towards Teos, "That would depend on how you would define 'fresh.'"
"Ach, all I be in'erested in right now be a sweet, fresh meal."
The survivors of the battle were all gathered outside the entrance to the Planar Sphere, relishing the light of a late afternoon. It was still bright enough that the blue sky stretched from horizon to horizon yet the sun was low enough for rays of light to cut across the rickety rooftops and narrow alleyways.
To some, it was slightly off putting to see citizens of Amn walking along the street, focused on their own affairs and totally unmindful of the devastating trials that had occurred within the giant sphere. The innocently unknowing people were envied by the group for not having to relive the nightmare in their dreams. All of them had drawn faces and shook slightly with unvoiced gratitude that they had survived.
Even Yoshimo's nerves were slightly rattled despite his calm appearance, his breaths coming sharp and quick and his heart thumping too loudly for his tastes. If he had any idea what would happen from joining with Pan, he would have taken the time to reconsider. In less than a tenday since their escape they had plunged into whirlwind of devastation and death. Glancing around he noticed that the only ones who seemed least affected by the encounter were Korgan and Pan.
The dwarf was spit-shining his battleaxe, a pleased expression on his face as he admired his cleaning handiwork. It was obvious that the horrific slaughter did not faze him a bit.
As for Pan… if he was honest with himself he had to admit that the half-elf probably did not fully grasp the dire situation they barely escaped from. Right now, she was jabbering on about what a good time she had and that they should all get together at a later date and do it again.
After Lavok breathed his last, Valygar wordlessly stepped away from the body and without looking back made his way towards the doorway. Everyone else silently followed him outside ignoring the carpet of twice dead halflings.
Reyna stood just as silent beside the stalker who retained his distant look as he gazed unseeingly across the battered rooftops of the Slums ignoring those gathered around him. Despite the loss etched on her face, the Knight of Solamnia glanced concernedly out of the corner of her eyes at him. Valygar had not said a single word, his face practically dead and his katana still gripped loosely out of its sheath in his hand. He did not even seem to care when Jaheira asked loudly where Tolgerias was.
"He escaped."
"What!?" Jaheira almost shrieked, "You let him get away?"
Her outrage was mirrored by all those present. As of this moment none of them were overly fond of the ambitious mage who had brought them to their near deaths… or the walking death of others.
Teos sneered, "Place your boorish blame somewhere else, druid. It's as much your fault as it is mine. I saw the fool manage to sneak away with his spineless lackey while we were preoccupied with the undead. Should I have chased after him like some thoughtless city guard while there were ravenous corpses to deal with, or is your head so down a tree trunk you fail to realize that we were all in danger?"
Jaheira narrowed her eyes, "Listen closely, wizard. I'm well aware of what would've happened to us without everybody fighting… together," the word rolling strangely off her tongue as if she, too, could not believe it, "I've no doubt that you and your mages are a big reason why we're still alive now… but I would have thought you competent enough to ensure that he was properly restrained."
"I assure you that the bonds we placed on him were more than adequate enough to allow us to escort him into the proper custody. I'd hope there's enough reason in you to see that we could've hardly anticipated the disastrous encounter needing to secure him even more firmly. Your ire is irritating, druid. What do you care about any concerns of him?"
"That man is dangerous! I'd think that Tolgerias was so desired by you mages that you'd have taken better precautions in keeping him prisoner. From what I've heard about all he's done and the danger he caused to us all, his escape should be of a great affront for you. Too be sure, I also find your lack of concern over his escape most frustratingly curious."
The silver-braided mage glared dangerously at the druid, "Just what is it you're insinuating?"
"What is Tolgerias to you? Why go through all this?"
As this was going on, two sides had slowly shifted facing each other. The Cowled Wizards had placed themselves behind Teos while Minsc, Yoshimo and the two remaining Solamnic Knights took their place beside Jaheira. Korgan smirked in anticipation of a little more spilled blood beside a lost looking Pan who swivelled her head helplessly between the two groups. Valygar stood alone ignoring it all.
Teos snarled while the rest of his face remained remarkably impassive, "His escape is not a great affront to me… it's a bloody insult and disaster! If you think for an instant that his escape pleases me at all I'll turn the lot of you into rabbits and feed you to the urchins that roam these disgusting streets! I'll wipe your ignorance from the realms if you continue to question things you haven't the slightest business of understanding. If you seek a conspiracy in all this then you only have to look at yourselves, after all, one of you is the reason Togerias came here."
Jaheira barked frostily, "I warn you to watch your words. None of us standing before you has even an inkling of fondness for that man who would've killed us for his own ambitions. He sought to use me and my comrades like common tools and confined the knights against their will, not to mention the hellish torture he subjected to Valygar. To suggest that we had any association with him other than loathing is madness."
"An' the cheap bastard wouldnae pay me!"
The Cowled Wizard ignored Korgan's outburst, "The only reason Tolgerias escaped is because Corthala didn't have the sense to stay from provoking his ancestor. All this wouldn't have been for nought if you could've restrained him like a dog. If that wretched excuse for a nobleman hadn't provoked Lavok then half my mages would still be alive and Tolgerias would be rotting in a prison by now." Teos lowered his voice threateningly, "I'm thinking, if anything, you are the betrayers. Right now I've every good reason to strike you all down for suspicion of obstructing Cowled Wizard Law and allowing the escape of a wanted man!"
Instantly Minsc had drawn the Sword of Chaos, "We are no betrayers! We are doers of justice and I'll prove it with good butt-kicking!"
Before the two groups could draw another blade or utter a single syllable of a spell, Pan leapt dramatically with a whoosh between them with arms outspread and a spectacular (in her mind) pose. She would have made a more serious interruption if she did not have a silly grin on her face though.
"Waitwaitwaitwaitwait!" she rattled rapidly, "Please desist with the ensuing fisticuffs that would effect the camaraderie abolishment that may articulate hostilities of unwarranted prejudice amid benefactors bereaving beguilement furthering deception and aggression!"
"…"
"…"
The alchemist smiled even wider, satisfied that once again her powers of persuasion and negotiation had negated the negative feelings emitting from everybody and replaced by the stunned realization of-
"What the )&)()# did she just say? Can someone translate?" Onvo ground out.
"I think she just called each of us a… a lying, violent, bun-factory derrière!" replied an angry Cowled Wizard.
In a split second, Pan suddenly found herself the focus of nearly a dozen offended glares.
"I may be violent but at least I don't lie about it!"
"No one calls me an ass, no matter how fancy they pretty it up!"
Pan giggled nervously, cautiously stepping backwards beside Korgan who was at the moment to busy busting his gut laughing to stand up straight, "Heeeeee… uh… can we all not just… uh… get along?"
Teos barked acidly, "No, it seems we cannot. I'll not sugarcoat it; our entire partnership had been dangerously strained since we began this expedition to capture Tolgerias."
The alchemist's face fell crestfallen.
Sniffle.
The silver-braided mage rolled his eyes in annoyance, "Retain your tears, fool, I'd rather not see how hysterical your weeping can become. I find the lot of you barbarically short of civilized competence…"
A trembling of her lower lip.
Wet brightness welling in her eyes.
"… However your timely interruption has given me pause to think that… we've all had enough for today… wouldn't you agree, druid?"
Jaheira loosened her grip on her scimitar though the look she gave the Cowled Wizard had not lessened in loathing, "Our business was to confront Tolgerias… not each other."
Both groups relaxed marginally, idle hands but wary eyes. Jaheira glanced at Pan whose face still looked on the verge of crying.
"Pan, stop your childish blubbering before you humiliate yourself further! We're not going to… fisticuff… each other."
But the alchemist could not contain herself, "Waaaaaaaahhh!"
"You've got to be jesting."
She blubbered on, hands clasped to her cheek with far-too shiny eyes to be considered tears of joy. It was more akin to the light of a hysterical breakdown… though a joyous one to be sure.
"It's -sniff- all-all s-so-ooooo… bea-oooo-utifulllllaaahhhh!"
"…"
"…"
"Just ignore her," Jaheira growled.
"That's what I've been trying to do this entire time," a Cowled Wizard grumbled though he twitched visibly when Pan's caterwauling hit a particularly high note.
As the others found themselves slowly inching away from the weeping and giggling half-elf, Teos scrutinized the adventurers before commenting, "Not to play the childish concept of getting in the last word but I really must insist on clearing this point; I base all my decisions upon what is presented before me… and at that time it was masses of hungry undead. Tolgerias wasn't the greater priority at the time then so he's a loss I'm willing to accept for the moment… can you?"
"Must you always have last words?" Jaheira spoke truly aggravated.
"… I suppose there's at least some common ground between us."
Despite the reasoning behind his argument, the last parting sentence was not appreciated by Jaheira, "Priorities, loss, I would expect nothing less of such words from a corrupted bureaucracy to ignore the consequences of its own actions. He may have escaped justice for now but all that has happened was allowed to happen because he's one of you. Are his actions a mere reflection of what normally occurs within your ranks?"
Teos seethed angrily, "You are a stubborn mule, druid. Why do you continue to fight this? Bah! I thought I'd make it quite clear. Tolgerias was a mere itch we should've scratched a long time ago but he's grown into such a subtle rash that we could not treat without fear of contaminating what isn't wrong. He ceased being a true Cowled Wizard for far too long."
Curiosity piqued the group, "What do you mean by that? What happened?"
Curiosity replaced suspicion when immediately all the Cowled Wizards seemed to visibly clam up. Their faces were a montage of disgust, wariness, passion and fear. Even Pan ceased her crying to try to gauge what their physical responses could mean.
Teos replied stonily, "That is none of your concern. As I've said before, the Cowled Wizards will deal with this. Now if you'll excuse us," he made to turn towards the derelict stairs leading to the slum streets, "We really should part company, I believe we've all had enough of each other. Unless of course you wish for us to continue arguing about your association with conspiring with Corthala and his-"
"I'm not with them."
All eyes riveted themselves to Valygar who had finally spoken. The stalker however kept his own gaze fixed upon the slums before him. To most of their eyes, he made a pitiful sight, unfocused and shoulders slumped and Jaheira knew that this was not the same man they met at a lone cabin just the day before.
He ignored their stares, continuing on, "They may have found me but it was the dwarf who brought me to Tolgerias. Do not forget, you know that I ventured with him the entire time within the sphere. For all that has happened since I met them I have nothing more to do with these people but a passing glance."
"Valygar…" Jaheira tried.
"No," his voice quiet but resolved, "You know it's true, Jaheira. This entire ordeal stemmed from me and my accursed lineage. Toglerias had more involvement with that than any of you. He and his… desires. We both knew what we wanted. All of you though… you're the unfortunates swept into my pitiful oath with no heading and no realization about what lay ahead. You're faultless in what you thought was doing me good. However, I knew what would happen… the sins I knew I would commit in accompanying that damned wizard… and I went along with it because I needed to know what lay ahead for myself. No price was too high then. It's me. It's all for myself. You may've thought you were rescuing a victim but all you really did save was a fool."
"Dear sir, you say so yourself. We may have had no idea of what was going on but you yourself said you didn't as well. We are all fools to think that we would all leave without scars," Reyna said trying to dissuade him his line of thought.
"Enough!" Valygar snapped but the knight did not flinch instead her face becoming more compassionate.
He continued, his tone grave, "I can't figure out whether I lost what I was before the moment I slew Lavok… or whether I've ever had it in the first place. Please, I do not deserve your compassion… I deserve your judgement."
Reyna could not find the words to speak.
Without giving her a chance to reply, the stalker gestured lifelessly, "This sphere…"
"Will be confiscated under Cowled Wizard jurisdiction," a dark-haired mage interrupted.
Angry glares matched against the smug smirks of the Cowled Wizards.
"Will not be under anybody's control lest I say so," Valygar ground out.
"I think you're hardly in any posi-"
"Shut up," Teos commanded to his underling, "I'm curious Corthala. Your voice says it, your eyes say it… but how is it that you're so confident that the sphere will remain from the custody of the Cowled Wizards? Surely you can see it is a highly dangerous magical construct not to mention a hazardous disruption of city planning," he indicated with a sweep of his hand around the buildings the Planar Sphere was currently sitting atop.
There was no malice in the ruby-robed mage's voice, only what appeared to be a genuine inquisitiveness.
Valygar barely gave a hint of a sigh, the gravel in his voice as monotone as ever, "I have been the sole Corthala for nearly seventeen years and have been running the family affairs for the past ten. All properties, businesses, investments and possessions have been administered through me," he glanced aside and deadpanned, "No family can live in Amn without picking up a few financial habits. The culmination of wealth needed to be catalogued. Lavok was a Corthala noble before a necromancer. He made sure that proper business was conducted… In short, Edict 334-H."
"Ummm… hooray for Edict 334-H?" Pan ventured hesitantly.
"So…" Yoshimo trailed off indicating Valygar to continue.
"So, in short, after he built it and went through the prerequisite safety inspections, Lavok registered the Planar Sphere under my family's name, fully and legally licensed under Property Registration Edict 334-H, an edict may I remind you that has been ingrained into Amnish law regardless of current or changing governmental affairs. Though it is naught but damnation and regardless of magical attributes or not, it is under the complete and total ownership of the Corthala's… that means me."
"…"
"…"
"Eh," the dark-haired mage shrugged, "So long as it's been registered."
To the surprise of Pan and the others, the Cowled Wizards all took Valygar's explanation with accepting nods. Incredulous as to the mages's casual behaviours, the foreigners could only stare wide-eyed at the contemplation from both sides.
"That is it? No angry shouts of denial? No threats of physical harm? Not even quiet curses of spite? You are not going to further challenge his possession of the sphere? Is this not kind of… dues ex machine-ish?" Pan asked in awe.
Teos merely cocked an eyebrow at them, "Of course not. Edict 334-H is a legal course of action approved by the Council to the Committee of Possessions and Properties of Amn before there was even an Amn to begin with. Do you think us uncivilized in such matters of legality? Corthala need only to bring the proper signed permits and license to update the documentation of his ownership of the Planar Sphere."
"… That's it?" Yoshimo repeated the question.
"However… amendments can be made. Knowing your recent activities within the sphere and your history of aversion to magic, the Cowled Wizards will do what they can to ensure that the Planar Sphere does not simply… rot away its potential."
Before indignant words could be exchanged between the two groups again, Valygar quickly answered in kind.
Looking back onto this moment he would grudgingly acknowledge that he may have been to hasty.
"It won't. I've already in mind that Pan will become the magical caretaker of the Planar Sphere."
Pan's head shot up from examining her tongue after hearing her name, "Wha-?"
Valygar continued, "Part of a sub-article under 334-H, Paragraph 3-S9, simplified; as long as there is a mage under the employ of my family attending to the sphere then there is no grounds for interference from any part of the government body, including Cowled Wizards."
"Huh…?"
"Well, as long as you've cleared that up," Teos quipped.
"Uhh…"
"We will of course, require annual receipts of salary paid to your employee as proof that there is caretaking occurring."
"Someone call my name…?"
"I'll have my servant arrange the presentation of all the required paperwork and documents to the Cowled Wizards."
"… I have a job…?"
"… There is one slight detail," Teos said while Valygar looked at him suspiciously, "As I've said before, your aversion to magic cannot be ignored and the sphere is too great a magical construct for us to fully disregard."
"I've told you, I have full, legal-"
"Yes, yes. Cease your fearful assumptions. It's merely a simple arrangement to ensure your claims continue without further interruption. As I was about to say, you will not interfere with any periodical Cowled inspections, which I assure you we have legitimate rights to do so. We will also, should need arise, refer to you or your caretaker for any favour that I strongly urge you to consider. Agree to this and you may rest assured that you will have the Cowled Wizards' good graces."
The stalker considered for a moment, "In reality, it's out of my hands. I agree, as does my caretaker."
"… I do…?"
"Be warned, should I feel that your mages are snooping around the sphere for more than is required, I will finish what I started with Tolgerias upon all of you."
"Yes, of course you will. Well then, it appears that the matters of discussion have come to an end."
"To the end, yes," Valygar agreed gravely, "Then there is nothing further to be done. I've completed what I've came to do. Lavok is dead. The sphere is out of your hands. There nothing more," he turned deadpanned to the Cowled Wizards, "I turn myself in."
Everything from the declaration of Valygar's actual legal ownership of the sphere to turning himself in seemed to have blurred right before their very eyes. Before the protests could escalate, Valygar threw his katana down, the clanging metal tolling the finality of his decision. He stood with both arms raised, hands upturned into submission.
As the Cowled Wizards stepped forward to take the stalker, the knights unsheathed their blades and started forward. Before they could take two steps they halted when Jaheira raised her shield blocking the way forward.
"What are you-?"
Yoshimo interrupted warily, "This is not our decision. It belongs to him."
Reyna stared at the bounty hunter and the druid and saw they both shared the same look of grim acceptance.
"Giving in so easily, Corthala? Instead of your blood did Lavok manage to rob you of your backbone?" Teos said waving to his Cowled Wizards to stop, his voice strangely without wickedness and ignoring the foreigners' dangerous growls.
The silver-braided wizard stepped inches from the stalker, his eyes examining like he was contemplating purchasing fruit. Neither broke their respective gazes.
"Justice be met upon on you, is that it Corthala?" Teos began quietly, "… It matters not what you think. What have we to gain by dragging you with us? You're of no importance Corthala, not anymore. You'll only be taking space in the cells for more dangerous deviants. However, if you wish to push me further, I just may make special arrangements for you."
With that the senior Cowled Wizard walked away, dismissing everybody without a thought.
"… And what of the two wizards I killed?"
Teos paused before answering, "They were in league with the traitor Tolgerias. So, what of them?"
"… What of them indeed," Valygar began slowly, "I'm free to go?"
Teos answered slightly strained with impatience, "Yes, did I not just state that earlier?"
The stalker nodded calmly, not at all reacting to the news that he is now no longer a hunted man.
The big mage, Davish, spoke up, "As for Tolgerias, he is now a matter to only fully be dealt with by the Cowled Wizards. I say this with the full knowledge of being within his circles; there is more behind him, something behind the cloaks and daggers… something that has twisted its fingers into the deepest shadows. His actions here are but the tip of a spear and we know not where it's pointed."
For the briefest moment, it seemed a darkness flashed over the assembled Cowled Wizards.
"… That be the most I've ever heard ye say," Korgan stated, "Och, ye can go ahead an' have 'im… if'n ye can gets tae 'im first."
Before the Cowled Wizards could leave however, they were interrupted once again.
"Wait!" Pan suddenly called out.
Sighing heavily, Teos turned his eyes skyward momentarily before facing the alchemist, "Gods give me strength," he muttered quietly, "What is it now? I hope you've not dashed it into your head that this should've been a tearful parting because I'm quite sick with the smell you've no doubt rubbed on me."
Pan's eyes flashed confusion. Pausing mid-step she lifted her arm and sniffed her armpit before shrugging.
"Well, it was quite a workout and I have not yet perfected a perfume that not only prevents bodily odours but also completely neutralises the excretions that causes the smell, I have been thinking about calling 'Neutrodour' or 'Odourizer' or 'Deodorant' or 'Desmellifier' or-"
"What in the Nine Hells do you want!?"
"I want Imoen."
"…"
"… You know, Imoen?"
"…"
"My pink-haired half-sister?"
"…"
"'Heya' girl?"
"…"
"Your fellows took her away a few days ago and…"
Teos made to turn away, "Magical deviants are of no concern of mine-"
"Well, okay, but before he tried to kill us, what was his name? Toadias? Togepi? Tollygaymass? Todd 'n' Gerry? Told-Gary-He's-An-Ass?"
"TOLGERIAS!" the united frustrated shout coming from everyone.
Unfazed, Pan continued, "Tolgerias! Yes, Tolgerias, said he was going to look into her for us."
The ruby-robed mage glared, "… And especially any prior arrangements made between you and Tolgerias are of no concern of mine."
"But-"
"Even if I did feel inclined to help you, it's out of my jurisdiction. That particular branch of Cowled Wizards that deal with deviants and my own branch answer to different proceedings and authorities."
"Oh…" Pan whimpered.
"Now then, if you'll excuse us…" and with finality, the Cowled Wizards whirled around and finally made to leave the foreigners behind without a second glance.
A despondent Pan and various levels of anger amongst the party could only glare at the backs of the mages as they descended the steps towards the Slum streets. Yoshimo stood next to the alchemist, silent in his offer of comfort. Valygar had not taken his eyes off of some point at the top of the sphere and Jaheira and Minsc could only pace in helpless frustration. Robes of bottle-green and one silver-braid walked away, along with their hopes and chances of finding anything about their stolen friend.
"Ah! Yes, before it slips my mind again…"
Teos's exclamation caught their attention. They turned and saw the mage fumbling through his wide sleeved robes before he withdrew his arm and tossed something up towards them. Minsc caught the object and held it in his open palms allowing the others to see what it was.
All their faces registered blank looks.
Pan stared wide-eyed at the heavy looking bag in Minc's hands, "Ummmm… what is this?"
Teos' reply was full of disdain, "Are you really this daft? That is the agreed upon payment for leading us to the fugitive Tolgerias. You have fulfilled your end of the deal and thus the bounty is now yours. Do try to remember that he really isn't the best example of our order. Unlike him, we, true Cowled Wizards, tend to honour our agreements."
"But he got away…"
"And our agreement was for you lot to track him down, find him and assist in his capture, all of which have been satisfied. It is unfortunate that he did not remain in custody for long but if next time you wish to stipulate a finer detailed contract…" the silver-braided mage trailed off as he turned away for the last time, he and the Cowled Wizards making their way down the Slum streets before disappearing into the crowds… leaving behind an unvoiced offer…
… and a bag of gold that Minsc held above his head far from the reach of a jumping Korgan.
"Ye big lummox! C'mon now, I jes' want tae have a wee peek in the bag, is all!"
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After the Cowled Wizards had gone from their sights, Jaheira stepped beside Valygar who remained staring vacantly at the sphere. He still had the Corthala Blade in his hand. The way he loosely held the handle looked as if he were uncomfortably unfamiliar with it.
She noticed that his eyes slowly strayed to the two Knights of Solamnia. They were closer to the entrance, their lost and forlorn expressions indicating that they were just as numb as the stalker. The druid glanced at them warily.
They had proven themselves noble people and she knew she had nothing to fear from them. She had known them only briefly and they had willingly risked their lives to fight beside her and the others. One had even given his life for Valygar's. Jahiera knew that it was a true act of their station.
But still, she knew next to nothing about them. Any kind words from her would be just as meaningless as unspoken words. So instead she contemplated her words carefully for the stalker.
Before she could speak however, another voice cheerfully interrupted.
"Heeeeeeeyyy… soooo… is this really mine?"
Both the druid and stalker turned to face Pan who sauntered up grinning madly.
"I pray not," Jaheira began wryly, "I cannot even begin to think of the consequences you may shower upon us all should you be serious allowing Pan control of this place."
The alchemist grin grew even wider.
"She doesn't have control of this place," Valygar replied, ignoring the face fall of Pan, "If I'm correct, by naming her, the sphere should recognize her. I've only allowed her able to enter the sphere without needing me present. I only needed to name a caretaker to keep the sphere from Cowled hands. Hm, though now that I think about it carefully, I may have brought further scrutiny upon you all."
"So it may."
The stalker's voice became grave, "It seems that I have entangled you further into my web of curses. I apologize. Please rest assured that this construct is a blight and I have every intention of destroying it."
"Awwwww… I thought this was to be my dowry."
That grabbed the attention of everyone present, "What!?"
Pan gestured at the Planar Sphere as if it were a trinket, "Valygar gave it to me because he wants to marry me."
Yoshimo popped up beside them slightly troubled, "Dowry? What dowry? There can be no dowry, why would you give her a dowry? There was no talk of marriage…" he narrowed his eyes suspiciously at the stalker, "Hm. What motive could you possibly have to marry her?"
Before Valygar could scoff a denial, Pan squealed, "But Yoshi, Valygar gave me a dowry so that we can get married and then we can have a honeymoon and a house and two and a half children and lots of sex!"
"…"
Valygar did not even have to turn around to know who the big presence behind him was, "Honeymoon? Between little Pan and my fellow ranger? Must Minsc and Boo kick some no-no into your head?"
"Hah! Listen, boyo, if'n ye wants tae impress on the wee daft whelp in the sack then I suggest ye gets her nice n' drunk first."
"Enough!" the stalker cried out, whirling on the group in fury, "Stop this idiocy! What's wrong with you people? I'm not marrying her. This is not her dowry! Haven't I made it clear!? I can't even conceive of how I could ever bear myself to suffer the company of marriage with a," he all but spat on the word, "mage."
Pan recoiled as if struck.
Yoshimo angrily made his way towards the stalker, "Ungrateful and dishonourable!"
However, a small hand halted him from punching the stalker, "It is okay Yoshi," Pan spoke without a trace of hurt, "He has had a tough day. I think I can put off the honeymoon sex until later."
Though it was lost upon her, the looks on her friends' faces clearly indicated that if they could help it, any sort of honeymoon would be very, very, very much later.
"Well," she continued cheerfully, strutting towards the sphere entrance, "I am sleepy. I think we should all just go back inside for a nice refreshing nap and a cup of milk tea."
However she soon found her path blocked by the extremely stern face of Jaheira, "No."
"No?"
"No."
"Awwwww, but why? It is mine… ours… ummmm, Valygar's! I am sure that he would not object if we had a little sleepover."
"If you think for one second that we'll be spending any more amount of time in there then you must truly think me a fool."
"Well… no. But-but I am the leader! And I say…" at the lethal gaze of Jaheira, Pan quickly finished, "that we should really not stay around here any longer!"
And with that the alchemist quickly retreated.
"Wait."
Pan turned quickly hope shining in her eyes before she realized that is was not Jaheira who spoke.
"Before you go, I have a request," Valygar's tone as grave as usual.
"'Before you go?'" the alchemist repeated in confused tone, "Are you not coming with us?"
"… No, I will not."
An uncomfortable silence was shared between everyone present.
A light dawned almost disturbingly in Pan's wide eyes, "Ohhhhh… Okay."
"Okay? You're so eager to part ways?" The stalker replied though he showed no hint of spite.
"No, not so eager, after all, you have really nice cheeks," Pan contemplated for a moment before continuing, "I just figure that you seem stressed. What you need is some quiet 'Valygar' time. Suuuure, we have to find Imoen and we will need lots and lots and lots and lots and lots of help but you will only be helpful when you are ready. Sooooo, this time now will be 'Valygar' time. Go home, grab some tasty treats, think happy thoughts like what our honeymoon would be like, kill some wizards for fun, get really, really, really drunk, recover from the morning hangover and then after breakfast, you come find us. Now, because this is 'Valygar' time and not 'Pan' time, you do not have to do all that but I highly recommend that you do not miss breakfast. It is the most important meal of the day after lunch and dinner, whether it is 'Valygar' time or 'Pan' time. But if you still do not feel like it… it will still be okay. Because mayyyyybeeeee… 'Valygar' time is really 'Everybody-Is-Asleep-So-Now-It-Is-Time-For-The-Secret-Private-Valygar-Alone' time."
No one could ignore the suggestive wink she gave.
The barest hint of something resembling a grin almost touched Valygar's lips.
Jaheira smiled at Pan, proud about her rare moment of semi-clarity, "What Pan says is true," her eyes locking on his before hurriedly continuing, "Not about the 'Secret-Alone' time, of course. You are unbalanced, Valygar. You don't know what your path is yet it diverges from ours. That doesn't mean that they will not cross again."
Something glimmered in the stalker's eyes, "… I… wish I could offer my help…"
"You will only offer your help after you've helped yourself," Reyna spoke up.
Valygar turned towards her, the knight having regained her noble demeanour. He gave a small nod.
"What is your request?" Jaheira asked.
The stalker thought a moment before answering, "Your quest to find your friend is your top priority, I understand that. I will ask you nothing if it would divert you from your goals. Yet, I have neither ability nor knowledge to do this one task."
"That would be?"
Valygar walked over and stood beside the Knights of Solamnia, "I want you to get them home."
"Dear sir," came the shocked whisper from Reyna.
The gratefulness radiating from the knights solidified the stalker's resolve.
Pan opened her mouth to speak but before she could, Valygar interrupted, "The sphere must never jump again though I don't even think it can anyways. But there are other ways of travelling the planes. As caretaker you have full access to all within the Planar Sphere. Do what you can, use what you can, learn what you can. This is I beg of you."
The alchemist shrugged in a non-committal way, "Sure."
Valygar looked to question her easy decision but quickly decided against it. He had no energy to deal with the mind of the alchemist. Instead he looked at her companions, all who nodded their agreement to do what they can.
Coming from them, he knew it was enough.
"Do you want to come with us?" Pan asked the Solamnic Knights.
Reyna and Onvo took a long gaze at the world before them. So new, so vivid, so alien to the countless years spent within the sphere. They shared a wordless glance with each other.
"We wish to go home. We have waited long years for that day to come. We understand your own quest will be long and arduous so waiting longer is of no consequence to us. We'll stay with the sphere, to guard it against those of ill and devious intent. Dear sirs, it is the least we can do to further ease your mind from lesser concerns," Reyna continued looking at the slums around her, "Besides, it occurs to us that these surroundings could use a little more decency. We will strive to help those around here."
Onvo nodded, "Unless you have a home elsewhere, we will maintain this sphere as yours, always ready when you need it. We'll provide what aid we can from here."
Reyna swallowed audibly, "We will clean it of the death wreaked within and clear away any dangers leftover… And we must give our comrade a proper funeral worthy of his sacrifice."
With a sorrow Valygar turned to the knights, finding it difficult to speak, "I'm sorry… he deserved better."
They all knew whom he referred to. They could hear the sorrow in his voice when he spoke of old knight Ancan who gave his life for him
So the stalker was surprised then when Onvo said with pride, "Ancan got what he deserved. A noble death."
Reyna continued resolutely, "You will bear no burden over him. He saw something in you worth his life. I know that you cannot fathom what it could possibly be but one day you will," she clasped one of his hands, "Perhaps one day you'll be able to see it as easily as I do now, dear friend."
The stalker nodded once to everyone there before turning to leave towards the slum streets.
"Valygar."
He stopped, barely turning to face Jaheira.
She echoed her words from earlier within the sphere, "What you search for… find it first… then find us again as an ally."
Valygar walked away, "Then… that is all..."
BGBGBGBGBGBGBGBGBG
After confirming that the knights preferred to stay and maintain the sphere in their absence, the group prepared to leave with the promise of returning the next day.
"We'll bring back some fresh supplies," Yoshimo told Reyna as the two clasped hands.
The knight smiled though the sadness remained strong in her eyes, "That shall be most welcome. I thank you."
As he turned to leave, the bounty hunter paused hesitantly, "My condolences about your friend."
Reyna shook her head, "I… I know Ancan died in peace. Until his last breath he upheld the oath we Knights live with every day of our lives. Est Sularus Oth Mithas."
"That sounds… honourable," Yoshimo remarked, clearly not knowing what it meant.
She chuckled and half turned towards the others, "You're most correct. It means, 'My Honour is My Life.'"
Because the knight had not been looking directly at the bounty hunter she would never know how deeply her words cut into him.
After finally prying Pan's arms from the crushing hug she had around the knights in what she thought was to be a final farewell, they made their way through the slums and away from the Planar Sphere.
BGBGBGBGBGBGBGBGBG
They had walked barely a block from the sphere before the peace of the party was once again interrupted.
"Where do you think you're going, you miserable, disgusting stump?"
"With ye, o' course. Oi, an' there be no need for name calling, tree-thumper."
"The mountains will soar before you take another step with us!" Jaheira spat angrily.
Minsc and Yoshimo also found the dwarf's company to be less than pleasing.
"It would be best if we parted ways here, mercenary."
"Yes! The righteousness stinks of unrighteousness with you here!"
"… I'm really startin' tae think ye donnae like me much."
"Not like you? Not like you!?" Jaheira sputtered in disbelief, "You betray us and kidnap Valygar and you're surprised that we don't like you? If anything, I'm surprised that we don't hate you even more."
Korgan enjoyed riling up the druid, "Come now, it nay be like we crossed blades at any time. Now donnae get me wrong, I nay be very fond o' any o' ye. Ye're all a bunch a lily-gutted knobheads who're probably goin' tae save lives an' protect idjit people an' a whole bunch o' other nauseatin' deeds. But I still gather ye're all about tae come across some serious coin. Ye can put up a decent fight an' yer little adventures definitely be guaranteed tae offer a scrumptious amount o' blood an' glory. I jes' want tae come along for the ride, is all."
"Really? Is that all?" Minsc scoffed.
"Well, an' mebbe tae wet me lips a little on the rewards tae come."
"I knew it!" Yoshimo scoffed, "Then perhaps you should turn around while you still can. The coin we seek isn't for our pockets. All of it is going to fund the rescue of our friend."
"Like I said, nauseatin' deeds."
Jahiera stormed towards the smirking dwarf, "Silvanus will understand my actions. You want to cross blades, dwarf? Let us cross them!"
Before axe and scimitar could clash, Pan nonchalantly stepped between the two.
"Now, now, no need for fighting. There are plenty of other people to do that to besides ourselves. Okaaaaaaay, so kiss and make up and let us go go go go!"
Yoshimo voiced his displeasure, "Pan-chan, are you seriously allowing this mercenary to accompany us?"
The alchemist looked momentarily confused, as if the answer should have been glaringly obvious, "Well, of course. Ummmmmm, this is Killer Korgan after all, the funniest talking, most violent friend we have… why would he not join us?"
"Aye, why wouldn't I join ye?"
"He will not join us!" Jaheira spat, "Child, of all the stupid, nonsensical acts you've ever done, this is by far the most inconceivable. Have you forgotten that we cannot trust him? He's betrayed us once already! He left us to claim the reward for himself while endangering the life of someone else, all for his own petty gain. I will not let you jeopardize our safety, all because you think this monster entertains you!"
"Tree-thumper, ain't ye ever heard o' the expression, 'laughter be the best medicine?'"
The druid barked at Korgan, "You shut up! And go away!" and whirling on Pan, she continued, "What could possibly be going through your mind? What explanation do you have to even consider letting him join us, of even trusting him?"
"… Well, to be fair, I was thinking of betraying him first."
"…"
Blink.
"…"
Blink.
"Excuse me?"
"Ohhhh yes, I figured we would have just left him behind in the middle of the night because we really needed that reward money. Heeheehee, but what do you know, he goes and does it first. Eeeee, Killer Korgan is so smooth!"
"Are ye serious?" Korgan asked, feeling the same incredulity as everybody else, "Ye were goin' tae betray me first?"
"… Actually, no, not really."
Korgan's smirk faded.
"But I did get the idea after you did it. Soooo, technically it is only now that I was thinking of doing it first. In fact, if it will make you feel better, I will betray you first at a later date, okay?"
"That not be the kind o' thing ye say aloud tae the person ye're goin' tae betray."
Pan exclaimed excitedly, "See!? We agree on something! You will be a great friend to us all!"
"… What?"
"Pan," Jaheira tiredly interjected, "You cannot trust him. He's too much of a danger to us."
"Do you not see, Jaheira?" Pan insisted, "We cannot trust him and he cannot trust us. Two negatives make a positive, right?"
"Child, it doesn't work that."
"… Yes, it does."
"Only with numbers."
"… Hmmmmmmm… well, we will need the extra muscle and verbal cursing."
"I'm sure that isn't necess-"
"And we will not have to worry about sharing reward money or any big treasure because he can have any of the small stuff that he comes across himself."
"What do ye mean I cannae get a share o' the big bounties?" Korgan growled dangerously.
He advanced towards the alchemist when she suddenly spun around to face him. He could not help stopping abruptly like an invisible force froze his legs. He absently noted how even the druid took a weary step back. Never before from anybody else had he ever seen that look the whelp was giving him, the brown eyes that hid murderous power.
Perhaps it was the trick of the wind that carried her voice, a malevolent promise, "Be grateful I grant you the picking of our leavings, dwarf. Whatever you find on your own that is not of great value to us, is yours only if I so choose it. I do not care that you object. Deceive us again… and I will tear into your soul and bleed you for eternity. I tell you now; you will never betray me again."
His breath halted as a spike of fear momentarily flashed through him. His voice caught as he stared wondrously.
"Whatever ye say."
As quick as a snap Pan's mood changed, "Excellent! Now that we are all happy and cheery and sparkly and agreed upon, let us get to that inn."
Jaheira spoke again resignedly, "You tread a thin line, child."
"Ohhhhhh, do stop worrying, Jaheira. He may be a little on the rough side but we need him. You have seen him, even you must admit that he is really, really, really good in a fight. And there will be nothing to worry about coin. We usually never have trouble coming across treasure. Soooooo, no worries!" Pan smiled foolishly.
"I was talking about you."
"Oh."
"It has been a long day. I won't continue this further but to mention the way you just spoke, it terrifies me how easily you fell into it and where it might lead," and with that, the druid walked on ahead.
The alchemist looked thoughtful before shrugging noncommittally, "Eh, well. Personally, I think it will lead to a pair of new boots with fur trimming… and a dinner show. With puppets. Puppets with strings because without strings is just too horrible to imagine. Hmmm. And I think I want a potato sandwich."
Korgan trailed behind, quietly contemplating what had just taken place… and what he had gotten himself into.
BGBGBGBGBGBGBGBGBG
"… This is it?"
Yoshimo brought them to the popular place in the slums they could stay for the time being, no questions asked. Pan looked just above the doorway, reading the sign whose size did no justice to emphasize the massiveness of the inn.
"The Copper Coronet?"
"Harr har, a fine choice, laddie!"
Black and grey smoke wafted and billowed from the dozens of chimneys, pipes and vents that jutted up and sideways. The Copper Coronet was a sizeable warehouse that rose upwards shaped like a ramshackle three tiered square cake. The inn was immense, easily encompassing an entire block. On the second and third layers two balconies ran the entire length around the Copper Coronet, both filled with drunken patrons and giggly prostitutes.
Lit by torches all over its surface, the Copper Coronet was one of the biggest establishments they had ever come across though it was far from the most welcome looking. If it were not for the raucous noise and people milling about they would have thought it abandoned. Refuse littered around the establishment that was covered in loose boards and faded posters as old as the place itself. Neglect seemed to be decorative theme.
Derelict homes surrounded its sides and deep shadows camouflaged the hundreds of nooks and crannies that pockmarked the Copper Coronet like bad acne. Traffic of people could be seen entering and leaving through the constantly opening doors.
"Ooh, look Boo, a ship!"
Startled eyes riveted to Minsc's exclamation. Sure enough, rising above the rooftop lines they could see the prow and masts of a large ship. Having spent time here before, both Korgan and Yoshimo knew that the front half of the seagoing vessel emerged from and made up the entire back northwest corner of the Copper Coronet, sticking out like it had crashed halfway through. The ship and inn looked to have been combined together though both the mercenary and bounty hunter knew it to be inaccessible to most customers.
Through the holes that dotted the walls of the Copper Coronet they could make out a huge pub populated with less savoury characters.
"I'm not so sure this place is appropriate," Jaheira spoke cautiously, already the hedonism of urban squalor nauseating her.
Angry shouting and what sounded like fighting caught their attention.
"Wha' djya say!?"
KRABANG!
The doors suddenly burst outwards as a few bodies flew out and crashed in a heap on the slum streets. Two men with very displeased faces emerged from the entrance.
"Ya mangy cow-faces, I dares ya to say that again!" one of two men growled as he stalked forward.
One of the people staggered upright from the floor, a large muscular woman who spat angrily, "Yah heard me, you oaf! Oi calls yah the stingy, cheap, most unromantic bastard to ever step in dog dung!"
"Unromantic?" the man cried in disbelief, "Unromantic? Dammit, Debby, I'm prob'ly gonna be the most romantic fella you'll ever meet. Gotcha to marry me, didn't I?"
"Oho, didja yah hear that, girls? Moi husband, Beddy the bloody love guru his'elf, thinks he swept me offa moi feet," she ground out sarcastically, "D'yah knows what the callous bastard gave me for our anniversary?"
"What, Debby?" her friends crowed.
"A beer! And not even a pint o' the good stuff!"
Beddy retorted, "Watchyoo want, flowers? Watchyoo gonna do with those weeds? Leasts with beer ya get somethin' out of it."
Debby snapped back, "If Oi gets more outta beer than Oi do from yah in bed then it's Tymora's blessin' that we have kids!"
"That we even gots kids be a bloody miracle if'n they coulda popped outta yer uptight arse!"
"That's it!"
With a screech, husband and wife clashed in a flurry of blows, their friends eagerly diving into the fray. The brawl crept further into the street, unmindful of the cheering and bets being placed from the balcony above.
"There is so much passion," Pan grinned happily at the others, her hands bunched together by her cheek, "Eeeeeee! This place looks like fun!"