Finn was not destined for sleep that night. He rolled into bed and collapsed quickly from exhaustion, but strange dreams kept him from resting too deeply. First he was here, and then there, having conversations with people he could not see. A discussion, something… Someone was talking about him. He could not hear the words, but the intent behind them filled him with dread.

His eyes opened. The room was totally dark, and he had no idea of the time. He listened. Except for a rumbling sound that he took as Minsc snoring downstairs, the Harper house was silent as a tomb.

But Finn couldn't rest again. Something, there was something… Quietly he rose from bed and slipped into his trousers, then grasped Sarevok's blade in his hand. He slid out the chamber door and padded softly as he could downstairs.

The sitting room was dark, but a little light from the embers in the fireplace helped him to see. Minsc was wrapped in a blanket on the floor and snoring hard. So much for the watchman. A scurrying made Finn jump, but he quickly realised it was only Boo. The furry beast climbed up on Minsc's shoulder and rose up on his hind paws, his little nose sniffing the air. His glittery black eyes turned from Finn and stared off into the kitchen.

Finn grasped the hilt of his blade harder. Slowly he stepped towards the kitchen, silent in his bare feet. His eyes saw only shadows, but he knew someone was there. He could feel the heat of blood. Perhaps they hadn't seen him yet. But he wasn't going to give them a chance.

He dove into the room, throwing himself to where his senses told him the intruder was. His hands grasped leather and he threw the surprised person to the floor with all the strength he possessed. Finn heard a cry; it was a woman, but no woman from that house. He struck hard again, battering her across the head with the hilt of his blade. He felt the heat of blood on his hands, and the woman was still.

"A battle! We are awake, Boo!" came Minsc's confused cry. The man stumbled into the kitchen, waving his sword around in an alarming way.

"Minsc! Get a light," Finn told him, gasping for breath.

"Finn! Yes, light…candles, Boo! We cannot fight in the dark!"

But there was no more fighting to be done. When Minsc returned with a light they could both see the thief-woman lying bloodied on the floor.

"She's alive, yet," Finn said hoarsely. "How did she get in? Never mind. Call Jaheira, get some rope!"

"Yes, we will!" Minsc bellowed in return. "Awaken, everyone! We are under attack!"

If Finn didn't know better, he'd almost say the big man was pleased. He quickly searched the woman for weapons, then laid his hands on her head. Blood was flowing from her brown hair, but he focused and willed it to stop. He could feel heat flowing out of his hands, and the woman let out a moan.

"By Maskwhat…" she muttered.

"Better thank Tymora," Finn told her. "You're lucky I didn't take your head clean off. Now sit back against the wall there, and don't move."

The woman stared up at him, wiping the sticky blood off her face with her hand. She tried to sit up, but she struggled to rise. Finn grabbed her roughly and pushed her up against the wall.

"You won'tget anything from me," she rasped, giving him an evil look.

"Fine then. I'll just kill you now," he replied, and the woman started. "Where are the others?"

"No others. I'm alone," she said.

"Don't lie, bitch, it won't help you none," Finn said. "You came here to kill us, and I don't have any qualms about returning the favour. Remember that."

The woman glared at him again, but she seemed too dazed for a reply. There was a pounding of footsteps on the stairs and the little kitchen suddenly became very crowded.

"Silvanus! Who is this?" A sleepy-looking Jaheira demanded.

"Who do you think? A thief, an assassin," Finn said.

"My husband, check the doors and windows!" she said quickly. "Minsc, you go with him. How did she get in?"

"Through the back window, by the looks of it," Finn said.

"Then she managed to disarm our wards?" Jaheira exclaimed, staring at the half-open shutter.

"Your wards were not as strong as they might be. But no one else shall enter this way," Dynaheir said.

She hurried to the shutter and secured it again. From a pouch on her belt she took some silvery powder, and began chanting words as she traced arcane symbols over the frame.

The thief groaned again, resting her head onto her knees. Jaheira went to her and applied her own healing.

"You have been spared, for now," she said harshly. "And now you will speak. Who has sent you to this place? And how many of your number are lurking outside?"

But the woman just spat at her for her trouble. Finn wasn't feeling at all gentle. He kicked the woman hard in the ribs, and she collapsed again in pain.

"Enough!" Jaheira said. "But that is not the worst you will endure, if you do not find a proper answer to my questions. Speak, now."

"I don't have to tell you anything," she said, still defiant. "You're dead. That's all you need to know."

"And why should the Shadow Thieves wish us dead?" Jaheira continued.

"Like you don't know? Because you're killing us!" the woman cried. "Folks are going out on jobs and never coming back. Some have been turned up in the sewers, torn to bits like they've been eaten by wild animals. And now Warrich, the Shadowmaster… But we've got a name now. We've finally sussed you out, and you're going to pay."

"And what name is that, exactly?" Finn asked, resisting the urge to punch the woman in the face.

"Ione Valesa. The mistress of your guild," she declared. "Or have you forgotten?"

"You're wrong, love," Finn snarled. "We're not part of any guild Valesa has. I only just met the woman not three days past. She asked me to find some trinket she said was stolen from her, by a man called Trevalan. Things got a bit ugly there, and now thieves are hunting me everywhere I go, saying I'm part of some mythical guild! I don't know one damn thing about it!"

"You're lying," the woman said.

"What reason would we have to lie?" Jaheira demanded. "You are our prisoner, and we have no reason to keep you alive and listen to our stories. We could kill you with ease. We have our own grievances with Valesa, and are hunting her the same as you. But we have nothing more to say. Leave this place now, and call off your comrades who are no doubt skulking outside."

"You're letting her go?" Finn said.

"She can carry the message," Jaheira replied. "Tell your superiors we have no quarrel with your guild, but if we are attacked again, we will defend ourselves. Now be gone from this place, before my temper gets the better of me!"

She dragged the woman up by her ear and threw her out the door like an irate housewife putting out the cat. Jaheira slammed the door hard, leaving the thief staring up blankly from the snowy back garden.

...

"You think…you think they'll really go away?" Imoen asked, wide eyed and breathless.

"For tonight, at least," Jaheira growled. "I do not think they will launch another assault now. But whether they believe our story is another thing entirely. That woman's words were most disturbing."

"She said something about another guild. Valesa's guild," Finn said.

"I know nothing of this," Jaheira admitted. "I have heard nothing about thieves being targeted from our contacts here. Whatever has happened, they must be keeping it well to themselves."

"It's a bit of a leap from homebody book collector to mistress of the local thieves' guild, don't you think?" Finn said. "What the hells is this woman up to?"

"Her motivations are certainly obscure," she replied. "But I think it is high time we asked the woman herself. Dynaheir, are you capable of casting your spell now?"

"If thy wish," the mage answered.

"Then do so. The sooner we can find her, the sooner we may have answers."

"And if nothing else, we can send the thieves her head in a sack," Finn spat. "Maybe that would get them off our backs."

"We shall hear what she has to say first," Jaheira said, cautiously. "But for now, let us ready ourselves."

It was an early start, then. There was a scrambling as the occupants of the house set about gathering their gear, while Imoen did what she did best and stoked up the fire for breakfast. Finn doubted that anyone, her included, was really hungry, but busy hands helped steady the nerves.

At last they were ready. Jaheira turned to Dynaheir expectantly.

"Do you need privacy for this?" she asked.

"No… Just silence, if thy please."

Dynaheir sat at the table, and slowly began to unwrap Valesa's comb. The pale white of the ivory made it look almost luminous against the black cloth. Dynaheir stared at it for a moment, her brow furrowed, as if not sure what to do. But she raised her hands over the comb and began chanting in a strange language. The comb began to glow then, bright at first, but then the glow faded. Dynaheir seemed surprised and chanted more firmly.

The strange back-and-forth continued for a few minutes, to the point Finn wondered if something was wrong. But the comb suddenly burst into light and the reflection caught in Dynaheir's eyes. She stared out into the ether, her eyes white with remarkable light. Then the glow faded, and Dynaheir almost seemed to melt in exhaustion.

"Has it worked? Are you well?" Jaheira asked quickly.

Dynaheir didn't respond for a moment, breathing in silence.

"I am… The spell has taken hold. It was…difficult."

"Why was it hard?" Imoen asked. "That's a basic sort of cantrip, isn't it?"

"It should be," she replied, still breathing heavily. "But something…some will did fight my own. I have never experienced such a thing."

"What could cause that?" Finn said.

"It must be that Valesa has protected herself. That woman has strength…but I did find her at last. I know where she may be found. Here, in the city. But…"

"What is it?" Jaheira asked.

"She is…not on the surface. I sense she is underground…she does not walk on the earth."

She looked up at Jaheira, a worried glance. The druid closed her mouth and her eyes narrowed.

"We shall find her wherever she hides. But let us be on our guard…this woman appears to be far more dangerous than any of us first suspected. And based on what that thief said to us, she may not be alone. Let us not forget those thieves who were torn to bits. We should be prepared for anything."

"Right then. Let's go," Finn said.

"Wait…there's just one thing," Imoen said suddenly.

"What?" he replied.

"I'll just…give me just a minute!" she said, and dashed away upstairs.

"One last trip to the chamber pot?" Finn muttered, but he didn't have much choice but to wait with the rest of the anxious crew. Imoen was gone long enough that he considered hollering up the stairs, but at last she reappeared.

"What in all the hells are you wearing?" Finn exclaimed when he saw her.

Imoen had traded her rough woollen frock for a pair of leather trousers and a jerkin. They both were rather too large for her and she tugged at them self-consciously.

"You can't expect me to go wandering around in the sewers or whatever in a dress, can you? I found these in the wardrobe in my room. I didn't think anyone would mind if I took them."

"You look like some tavern mercenary that's shrunk in the wash," Finn remarked.

"Good!" she replied defiantly. "I'll still look a lot more intimidating than I would in my housemaid's cap!"

"No one's going to think you're intimidating, anyway. Don't even think of getting into a fight! If there's trouble, back off."

His face had turned red, and he wondered for a moment if there was any way of leaving Imoen at the safe house. But he should have known the answer to that question.

"I think Imoen's attire is the least of our concerns at the moment," Jaheira remarked. "We have no more time to waste. It is well past the middle of the night, and we should act while we still have the element of surprise. Now if there are no more distractions?"

Khalid opened the kitchen door carefully to see if anyone was waiting outside. He gave the all-clear though, and they hurried out into the night.

...

The cold took Finn's breath away. Up above them the sky was scattered with thousands of bright stars, burning silently in the frosty night. But there was no moon, and it was dark. Street lamps were few and far between in that neighbourhood and Finn had to trust the half-elves knew where they were going. With Dynaheir's direction they followed through numerous twists and turns as they made their way through the city.

"Are we running a maze here?" Finn asked as they paused for breath.

"Apologies. My magic taketh little regard for city streets," the mage said. "We must not be far now."

They crossed over a bridge which spanned a narrow canal. Dynaheir leaned over the wall and pointed below them.

"There. That grate will take us where we need to go."

"Fantastic," Finn sighed. "Looks like there's a ladder to the water level over there. Come on."

The canal was frozen over, but Finn didn't trust the ice enough to set foot on it. Carefully they walked along the icy, narrow brick path up to the grate. Finn expected it to be frozen solid, but surprisingly it opened with little effort.

"Someone has been using this recently," Jaheira said low. "Be sharp."

Together with Finn she took the lead, followed by Imoen and Dynaheir, with Minsc and Khalid bringing up the rear. Dynaheir sent another of her blue mage-lights floating up above their heads, and it set the sewer alight with an unearthly glow.

"Which way?" Finn asked as they came to a cross path.

"To the right," Dynaheir replied.

They carried on, stepping carefully as they walked. Dynaheir directed them left at another passage, then paused before a dank pipe that led downward.

"Here," she said.

A finger emerged from her long veil and she pointed like a lost spirit towards a grave. Finn peered down the hole, leaning out as far as he dared. Iron rungs were set into the brickwork and they disappeared into darkness.

"Why…why would she be down there?"Imoen asked.

"Do not be afraid, little Imoen!" Minsc tried to reassure her. "See, Boo fears not the darkness or smelly holes in the ground! The iron looks sound, and will bear even Minsc's weight."

The hamster peered out of his master's pouch and gazed down at the hole. He let out a squeak and hid himself again.

"I…don't know," Finn said. "Imoen's right. I don't like this."

"My path is true," Dynaheir said. "Valesa is this way."

"I'm not questioning your magic," Finn said, though a part of him was. "But we keep going down there, the gods only know what we'll find. Maybe try another day."

"I do not blame you for being fearful," Jaheira remarked. "But this may be our only chance to find this woman. What safety will there be on the surface with the Shadow Thieves hunting you? We have little choice in the matter."

Finn clenched his teeth. Jaheira didn't exactly call him a coward, but he could feel a sting in her words just the same. But there was something about that hole he didn't like, something more than the obvious. Like the cellar in Valesa's house. Some instinct told him not to go down there, and he was learning to trust his instincts. But Jaheira was right at least; he was damned on the surface, and he might as well be damned down here, too.

"All right, then. Let's go."

One by one they descended into the pipe. They emerged into a tunnel not so different from the one above, but this one was lower to the point that Finn and Minsc had to walked stooped over. It made Finn feel hot and cramped, and didn't improve his mood at all.

"T-tight down here. N-not much r-room for fighting," Khalid remarked, echoing Finn's thoughts.

"Let us hope it does not come to that, my husband," Jaheira sighed. "Which way now, Dynaheir?"

But the mage suddenly seemed unsure. She looked both ways in the tunnel, even raising her veil that she could get a better look. Her mouth opened and she shook her head.

"I… I do not know. May the mothers preserve me, I do not know! My magic has failed. The spell is gone!"

Her usual aloofness was broken by an obvious desperation. The others looked at each other, not sure what to think.

"Dynaheir," Jaheira said firmly. "Answer me this; did your spell fail, or was it broken?"

"It did not fail. It was taken from me," she said, gasping.

"That's enough, then," Finn said quickly. "We're getting out of here. We can face the Shadow Thieves another time, but this smells rotten!"

"No, wait…wait. I…" Dynaheir stammered. "The bones. I will consult the bones."

She took from her belt another bag and held it in her hands, speaking words in the language of Rashemen. She then shook the bag and opened it, letting a number of pale, carved staves fall to the bricks below. Dynaheir bent down over them, her long locks nearly touching the floor as she leaned forward. She seemed almost paralysed as she stared at them, transfixed.

"This…cannot be," she breathed.

"What is it, Dynaheir?" Minsc asked. "What do the bones of the mothers tell you?"

"Mother's bones?" Imoen exclaimed. "You don't mean those are actually human, do you?"

"This is no gross necromancy, child!" Dynaheir replied. "The clan mothers have volunteered their flesh, that their wisdom may live on after death. It is sacred, and I do not consult the mothers without great need. But they say to me…we must go."

"Back up to the surface? Smart bones," Finn said.

"No…to follow the trail. This way."

She gathered up the bones delicately, picking them one by one as a child might do with daisies. Respect or not, Finn thought she was deliberately hesitating.

"If you are certain then, Dynaheir?" Jaheira asked, herself sounding dubious.

"Yes…come."

She took up the trail, looking even more ghostly as she drifted along in her veil. Finn scowled; something wasn't right. He'd been angry at the thought that Dynaheir was lying to him, but he'd never thought for a moment she might be working against them. He never had cause to think she was anything but decent. But something was wrong, and he was sure even Dynaheir herself knew it. What did those bones whisper to her? He didn't like it one bit.

"Jaheira, I don't…something's wrong," he spoke quietly as they walked along behind the mage.

"What do you mean?" she hissed in return.

"I don't know. Can't you feel it? Something's up with Dynaheir."

"She does seem greatly distracted. Her focus was keen before," Jaheira said. "But have you reason to doubt her?"

"No," Finn sighed. "No real reason. But I'm not happy about this."

"We are in a sewer. I would be surprised if you were pleased with the situation," she remarked. "But we will follow…for now."

Her hand drifted to her mace, giving the impression she was ready for betrayal. Finn wished with all his might that Anna was there, or even Xan. If the mage did turn on them they wouldn't have a counter-spell. But they'd come that far, and if they weren't going to turn around and run back, then they had to keep going. Maybe this place was just getting to Dynaheir, too.

...

But as they turned another corner the mage was driven out of Finn's thoughts. A horrific scream filled the tunnel ahead. They all drew their weapons and went cautiously towards the noise.

"What was that?" Minsc cried. "See Boo's hair standing on end! And Minsc's, if he had hair on his head."

"A woman, it sounded like a woman," Finn said.

Was a woman. By the time they reached the source of the scream, there was nothing left.

"Gods," he choked. "She was a thief, judging by those scraps of leather. They like the leather armour. Torn to bits, just like those men in Valesa's house. What in all the hells did this to her?"

"This woman has hell-hounds in her service, she must!" Minsc said.

"But any beast would surely have followed our scent, as well," Jaheira said, tearing her eyes away from the slaughter. "And if it was here, where did it go? I see no trace of a beast in the tunnel ahead. It could not have escaped so quickly!"

"This is magic most foul," Dynaheir spoke.

She shook her head and clutched her veil to her face as before. Finn turned to her.

"Then I think your mothers must be having an off day, sending us into its path!"

"Do not question the wisdom of the sacred mothers!" she cried. "They knoweth more than thy ever could. They would not send us on the wrong path. We must trust them."

"The right path is not necessarily free from danger," Jaheira said. "But I am beginning to agree with Finn. Can you say how near Valesa is?"

"No. The bones do not speak in such a way. They only tell me to follow the path," Dynaheir said. "We will find Valesa. I am…certain."

Her voice fell on the last. They left the shredded woman behind them and carried on down the tunnel. Surprisingly it opened onto a large, domed room, with eight paths heading off in different directions. Moss hung from the ceiling and trickles of water flowed like little waterfalls down the brick.

"An old cistern," Jaheira said to herself. "Which way now…"

But her thoughts were broken as an arrow suddenly sliced out of the darkness of a tunnel. Jaheira made a sick noise and fell backwards onto the stone. Another arrow struck Minsc, but the ranger didn't fall so easily. Instead he threw his bulk in front of Dynaheir, protecting the mage from the missiles.

"Down, get down!" Finn shouted, dragging Imoen down with him to the floor.

"Minsc, stand aside!" Dynaheir cried, stepping out from behind her protector. She aimed her bird-staff into the darkness, and a series of hawk-like missiles burst forth and flew with a screaming sound into the tunnel. The birds of prey found their mark. Finn could hear shouts and curses, and he took his own chance.

He jumped up quickly as he could, dashing off to the corner of the room, out of the range of the arrows. He slid up next to the tunnel just as Dynaheir let forth another burst. Finn could hear more screams, and he thought for certain their attackers would lose their nerve. But two men burst out of the tunnel, burned and dazed but ready for a fight.

"You won't hold us here!" one of the men screamed as he stabbed his short sword towards Finn. He didn't elaborate though, and Finn didn't much feel like asking what he meant.

The outcome wasn't much in doubt. Injured as they were, the men fought like animals, but they were no match for Minsc and Finn. The bodies of two more thieves soon lay bleeding on the stones.

"I amI am fine, husband," Jaheira rasped, grasping at the arrow which pierced her arm.

"Are y-you ready?" Khalid asked her, his face pale.

"Yes…do it."

She let out a tense cry as Khalid saw to the business. But Jaheira had seen more than her share of arrows, and she healed her own wounds quickly before turning her attention to Minsc.

"Those men were running, weren't they?" Imoen asked, quietly.

She had helped herself to a bow and a quiver half-full of arrows. The bow was rather small, designed for fighting in tight places, and even her short arms could manage the string.

"So it would appear," Jaheira said grimly, rubbing her sore arm. "Running from whatever tore that woman to shreds. It would have been useful to speak with them, perhaps. But I do not think they were in the mood for conversation."

"So something's on the loose down here, and hunting. Just dandy," Finn remarked.

"They c-came from th-that tunnel. P-perhaps that w-way may lead to answers?" Khalid suggested.

"I'm not sure it'll be the kind of answer we want to get!" Imoen exclaimed.

"And here I thought you wanted adventures," Finn reminded her.

"Oh, don't start. Hey!"

Her cry was not meant for him, though; Dynaheir's light suddenly expired and the cistern was plunged into total darkness. Before any of them could worry though the mage sent up another flare.

"Apologies. I have been sparing with the lights…the number of times I may cast this spell grows less. I do not…"

"Never mind. I can do it, too. Look!" Imoen declared. She spoke a short cantrip and another ball of light flared into existence, this one an orangey-red.

"Excellent, Imoen, but perhaps we should save them for when they are needed?" Jaheira suggested, gazing at the orbs. "No one need worry in the meantime…Khalid has torches in his pack. But if we are continuing, let us go. I do not feel like standing here and waiting to see what else turns up."

"Yeah…let's get moving," Finn said.

He wiped the blood from Sarevok's blade and slid it back into the sheath. The runes had grown brighter with battle and they shone like embers on the steel. Though he said nothing to anyone, he was in grudging awe of that weapon. It wasn't like any blade he'd ever known, and he was starting to appreciate having it strapped to his back.

...

They pressed on ahead, but Finn's thoughts were elsewhere. What were those thieves doing down there? Perhaps they'd found Valesa's hideout for themselves and were launching a strike. But thinking about the man's words he knew that wasn't true. Those thieves were running. They weren't hunters…they were prey. Prey for what, exactly, he still didn't know. It was inevitable though; he was going to find out.

"Just how big are these sewers, anyway?" Imoen whispered.

"You weren't with us the last time we were tromping around down here," Finn remarked. "They're as big as the city. Bigger, even."

"You told me you had to escape through the sewers," she said quietly. "That was when…"

"When what?"

"Ajantis."

Finn didn't say anything else. He knew Imoen fancied him. But truth be told, he never liked the knight much. He was a good fighter but a pompous ass, and he didn't think much of the little friendship he'd struck up with Anna. But he'd never felt in more of a white-hot rage the day they had to escape from Dosan's prison and leave Ajantis' murdered body behind.

To have someone who had fought beside them ripped away like that; murdered, chained, not even to die in a fair fight…Finn wanted to scream against all creation. It wasn't right, it wasn't fair. But considering all the bodies they'd left behind them, maybe they had it coming. He just wondered why it should be Ajantis who faced the reckoning.

Once again though his thoughts were interrupted by a scream. Not so blood-curdling as the last one, but painful enough to the ears. They all drew weapons and headed towards the cries. Finn prepared himself for anything, but he was still surprised at what they found.

"Oh, Finnigangods be praised, it is you!"

It was none other than Ione Valesa. She stood in a pool of blood, her silken white gown stained in red. At her feet were the bodies of two thieves. She held in her trembling hand a stained dagger, which she let fall to the floor.

Finn paused in the tunnel, sword raised, trying to make sense of the strange scene. A scene, the thought came into his mind, but he wasn't sure why. Ione took two steps closer to him and collapsed into shaking sobs.

"These menthey came for meso desperate, I had to hide! Thank heaven it is you who have found me!" she wailed.

"You are Ione Valesa, I presume?" Jaheira asked. The druid stayed firmly where she was, and made no move to see if the woman was injured.

"Yes, yes," she cried again.

"What…what the hells has been going on down here?" Finn asked.

"The thieves…my brother has joined forces with them," Ione replied, trying to compose herself. "He has sent them to end my life! Never before has he done this…his heart has turned to cold evil!"

"And a strange thing it is," Jaheira remarked. "For we have also found ourselves targeted by thieves. They have insisted we are aligned with you, and your guild."

"Guild? I have no guild," Ione replied, and pulled herself up off the bricks. "I am just a lone woman. It is my brother's doing, all of it. He has whispered lies to them! I have never had any dealings with thieves before this. They attacked me in my home! I had no choice but to flee to the sewers."

"Indeed…and we have seen the remains of that battle," Jaheira said, still tense. "For a lone woman, you defend yourself remarkably well."

"Yes…that," Ione sighed. "If you saw that, then I am terribly sorry. Such horror! But I am not unskilled in the ways of magic. I summoned a spectral hound to fight my attackers. They are effective, but most…deadly."

To prove her point she waved a hand, and Finn jumped back as the form of a great, shaggy hound suddenly appeared from the ether. The beast glowed strangely with spirit-fire but remained motionless, transfixed as a statue.

"I only did what I must, to defend myself," Ione said sombrely. She waved her hand again and the beast disappeared.

"That might explain it," Finn said. "But what now? You and the thieves are telling completely different stories. And to be quite frank, I've not made up my mind on who to believe."

He scowled at the woman, but she broke into a smile.

"Believe in me, Finnigan. For I can show you the truth of my words. I did not flee to the sewers just for refuge. My brother is here. You may confront him, and demand the truth from him. Will you follow me?"

She reached out with a pale, blood-spattered arm. None of it seemed to be hers, though; if she was injured, she didn't show it. Finn realised then why he'd thought of a scene. He thought of Skie and that ridiculous play he'd been forced to sit through. It was a tableau; artificial, staged. False emotion, false drama. He was still being played, and he didn't like it one bit.

"No," he said.

He stood firm on the bricks, looking the woman straight in the eye. Ione seemed genuinely surprised.

"No…? You will not seek the truth? You would abandon me here?"

"Truth? I don't think we'll find any of that down here, love. It's all wrong, all of it. You're wrong. I don't know why, or how, but… No. We're not following you. Come on, we're going back up to the surface."

He called to his companions, who seemed no less surprised than the elf.

"But what about the thieves?" Imoen asked.

"We'll deal with them," Finn replied. "But something's wrong down here, and we're getting out!"

"If that is your choice," Jaheira said slowly. "I cannot say I blame you."

"Indeed," Khalid said. "This… Th-this is n-not a g-g-good place."

"Finn wants to leave the little elf-woman here?" Minsc said. "But the thieves will kill her!"

"I don't think so," he replied. "But you can stay if you like."

"But…the bones did say," Dynaheir began, quietly.

"Damn the bones!" Finn said, whirling on her. "What do they want, to get us killed? Stay, if you want to. Follow your path. I don't give a damn. But I'm getting out of here, and I'm taking my sister with me. If you've got any sense, you'll come too."

Dynaheir stepped back against the tunnel wall, but what her expression was Finn couldn't say. Her veil was still draped over her face like a shroud. For one moment Finn thought of ripping it off, but he made a disgusted noise in his throat and turned away up the tunnel.

"Do not leave, Child of Bhaal!" Ione's voice rang out.

Finn froze in his tracks. A queer heat began rising in his throat and his heart started to beat faster. He turned around, slowly, and faced the woman.

"What did you call me?" he growled.

"I called you by what you are," she said. "Oh, yes, I know. It is why I took on your services in the first place. I needed someone more than a common mercenary."

"And I suppose if I leave, you'll share that fact with everyone you meet?" Finn demanded.

"Oh, no," she assured him. "We can keep your secret between ourselves. There is no need to sound so hostile, Finn. I need not be your enemy here. But I do need your assistance. Come with me. Aid me, and great will be your reward."

"Or maybe we could just kill you here, and hand your corpse over to the Shadow Thieves," Finn said coldly. "That would solve both my problems, nice and neat."

A little smile cracked out of Ione's mouth, and her pale blue eyes almost looked delighted at the threat.

"Oh, but I do not believe you would do that. You would not kill a defenceless woman in cold blood… Or would you?"

"Do you want to find out?" he said, stepping forward.

"Yes."

Finn scowled again. Was that a challenge, or…? Ione wasn't defenceless, she'd proved that well enough. Whether she thought she was up to taking on the lot of them, though, was another question. He didn't know what to do. He couldn't walk away; Shadow Thieves be damned, that woman knew his secret. But could he kill her for that? No. She'd called his bluff. There was no answer at all.

"Then come with me, then," Ione said, reading his hesitation. "My brother is not far. We can reach him together!"

"Finn?" Jaheira said, looking at him.

Even the druid herself seemed unsure. Perhaps it was only Ione speaking the truth of his heritage, but they all seemed silent as if a spell had been cast. Finn shut his eyes and his heart beat faster. He searched deep within himself, trying to find an answer that wasn't there.

"…Walk the path, Finn," Dynaheir said. Her voice broke into his reverie, pulling him back out again. He could smell the stink of the sewers and the rank smell of fresh blood. He looked straight at Ione, who was still regarding him with that little smile.

"All right. We'll go. But if you show even the slightest hint you're about to double cross us…"

"Then my agony will be too much to bear, I am certain," Ione replied. "But I am delighted you have seen sense at last. This way, follow me!"

She gathered her long skirts and set off merrily as a maiden to a summer fair. Finn was even less pleased with the situation than before, but he felt like he didn't have much choice in the matter. He felt himself being pulled down like water sucked into a sewer pipe.

...

"Finn, that woman isI do not like her," Jaheira came and whispered at his side.

"Me neither," he replied, watching her skip on ahead.

"But there is…more. She is out of balance. Something about her…it goes against nature," she mused. "Silvanus help me…if I had no reason to follow her, I would run away."

Finn looked at her in surprise. It was a rare admission from Jaheira, usually the steeliest of them all. Her face was tight from worry and she kept her eyes fixed on the woman. Perhaps her years of druid meditation had given her a better perspective on these things than most folks had. But he had felt it too…a cold fear. And Dynaheir had spoken of evil.

"What in the hells is she?" Finn muttered to himself.

What, not who. The idea was a new one, but it stuck in his mind.

"I do not know," Jaheira replied. "But I would assume she means us no good. And she knows what you are…"

"That's the least of our problems at the moment," he said. "Let's just keep our eyes open, eh?"

Jaheira nodded grimly and went to walk next to her husband. Finn though kept thinking about Ione. After Sarevok fell, Finn thought it was the end. But Xan pulled him aside one day, and told him there were other Children of Bhaal still alive. How many? Dozens, hundreds… The elf never said. He didn't even say how he knew. But from that moment Finn knew he wasn't alone. There were others out there. And just perhaps, one day, some of them might come looking. Had one found him? Ione was an elf, could she still be a Child of Bhaal? It was a mad idea, but the more he thought about it, the more he wondered.

But there was one person in their group who might offer an answer. And Finn was quite determined that this time he was going to get it.

"Dynaheir," he said, falling back to speak with the mage.

"Thy call?" she said, her voice distant.

"You knew, didn't you?"

"Of what do you speak?"

"Do we need to play these games now?" Finn said. "You knew. About me. What Ione called me. You knew."

There was a silence, and Dynaheir's feet slowed.

"Yes," she finally said.

"How long have you known?"

"Since the death of your foul brother," she said. "Most in this city believed the earthquake to be only a force of nature, but I knew better. I could feel that great force, the power unleashed… I knew."

"But there must be more to it than that," he said. "You couldn't just assume what I was based on some earthquake."

"Indeed. And there doth seem little point in hiding it now," Dynaheir sighed. "It is not for Minsc's dejemma that we came to these lands. That is what we did tell him… May the spirits of my foremothers forgive me. For in my coven there was great talk; a great upheaval was to occur, ancient prophecies come to life. We feared that even our land would not be safe. So my sisters did send me here, with Minsc, to see what could be learned."

"But why you, though?"

"It…it was not by choice. For the mother of my coven sensed within me some thread of this prophecy…some part that I was destined to play. I needed to come, so that my destiny be fulfilled."

Finn stared at Dynaheir's veiled form in surprise.

"What, you aren't a…?"

"A Child of Bhaal? No. But there are many who are not of Bhaal's blood who are tangled in this web. The great seers amongst the Hathran see so much more than I. They gave me the bones of the sacred mothers, that I might consult them if we did lose our way. We followed them up and down this coast, enough that I feared we were lost. Minsc doth follow me everywhere, may his spirit be blessed! Never once did he question me. And when we were ambushed by those foul gnolls I believed we were truly lost. But then…you appeared. I knew at once you were the one we did seek."

"I still don't understand, though," Finn said. "You came looking for the Children of Bhaal? And you came to see the prophecy acted out? A little warning would have been nice!"

"I did not know. Reading portents is not like reading a book, the words are not plain and clear. The name of Bhaal was not spoken. We only knew that a great change was coming, a war amongst the gods. We were afraid. We came to see what could be learned, and what, if ought, could be done. That is all."

"And so where does Valesa fit into all of this?"

"She did seem to be investigating the Bhaal legends herself," Dynaheir said. "It filled me with alarm. If I had known that she would approach you, I would have warned you away. Foolish, perhaps, I thought you would be hidden. If I could discern the truth, then surely others could as well. But I did not wish you ill. And for keeping the truth from you, I do apologise."

She drew up her veil and looked at him with earnest eyes. Finn stopped and looked away.

"So you know what I am, then, and you don't hate me? I always got the impression you didn't like me very much."

"What else could thy expect? I did not know what form this curse might take. But I did see honour within you. And whatever I did think…I know that it is you who will carry this prophecy forward. You must act, if there is to be any hope for us."

"Is that why you've been so insistent we follow this woman? Why? Is she a Child of Bhaal, too?"

Finn though didn't get an answer, as the woman in question had double-backed and was making her way towards them.

"Not the place for lovebirds' talk, my pretty ones!" Ione trilled. "I was afraid, Finnigan, that you were slipping away from me."

"Perish the thought," he said bluntly. "Have we found this brother of yours yet?"

"Not yet. But if we stop, we shall never find him! Now follow me, there's a good boy."

She grinned at him and flounced off again. Dynaheir scowled and let her veil drop.

"She is right…we must follow."

...

Finn gritted his teeth, but he caught up with the others. All this talk of prophecy had set him even more on edge. He didn't feel like anything special. And the idea that unseen powers were directing his footsteps made him feel that much closer to madness. It was only dumb luck that he managed to defeat Sarevok, that was all. He was the younger bastard son, never meant to inherit Bhaal's power. But if part of his destiny should involve killing Ione Valesa, at that moment he was more than happy to be a pawn of fate.

"By the gods…" Imoen said. "What is that?"

It seemed they had reached the end of the tunnel. It opened into a wide room. In front of them were three doors, or what looked like they might be doors. In the centre of the room stood a large crystal on a plinth. It sent out glowing shocks of electric energy towards the portals set into the opposite wall. The air felt alive with electricity and there was a strange humming sound that seemed to radiate off the bricks.

"This is my brother's front door," Ione told her. "I did tell you he was a mage."

"So how do we open it, then?" Imoen replied.

"Just like any door, my sweet child. One only needs the key. Do you see those holes in the crystal? Find the shard which matches and the door will open."

"But we haven't got any… Oh," Imoen said, watching as Ione opened a bag and took out several shards of crystal.

"And do not tell me… You do not know which shard it may be," Jaheira remarked.

"I am afraid not, good peredhil," Ione responded.

Jaheira scowled, not least from the elven woman's reference to her heritage.

"And I suppose great harm will come to any who should try the wrong key?"

"Just so," Ione said, smiling up at her. "Now where to begin? Ah! This one looks a likely match. Finn, if you would do the honours?"

"Ladies first," he scowled. "I'm not daft. You want that door open, then you can fry your own hands."

"Tut, such a gentleman! But do not think I expect you to put yourself into grave danger. This orb will help shield you from any negative effects. Although, there will still be pain…which is precisely why I have asked you. You are the strongest among us. You should best be able to cope with the effects."

She held up a smooth glowing crystal and offered it to Finn, but Minsc had taken offence at her words.

"Finn is not the strongest! Minsc is surely just as strong as he is. Can you not see the strength in his arms? These rippling muscles send all the maidens trembling! Minsc will put the crystal together, his mighty heart will not fail!"

"Minsc, don't," Finn began. "No one's questioning your manhood here, but…"

"Oh, you are certainly quite a…hulk," Ione said, diplomatically. "But I think perhaps it is still best if Finn undertakes the task."

"And why is that, exactly?" Jaheira demanded again.

"Because of his strength, of course," Ione smiled. "You cannot tell me you are not aware of it? The power of his own blood will protect him."

By the look on her face Jaheira was still not very pleased with Ione's explanation, but Finn interrupted further debate.

"Never mind all this. I'll do it."

"Finn, no…" Jaheira said.

"She's hardly dragged us all the way down here just to kill me like this," he groaned. "What do I have to do?"

"That is my brave boy!" Ione said. "It could not be more simple. Place a shard in the corresponding hole, and the door to that passage will open."

"And which door do we need?" he asked, taking the supposedly-protective sphere from her.

"The centre door, naturally. Made your choices carefully," she warned him.

Finn scowled. He could see the hole in the centre was larger than the two on the sides. He spread the shards Ione gave him out on the floor. Two were larger than the rest. The glowing of the crystal made it next to impossible to figure out which of the two might be a match, but Finn did his best. He took up a shard, clenched the sphere tightly in his other hand, and tried sliding the shard into place.

"Gods damn it!" he screamed, or tried to. The force of electricity flowing up his arm felt like a hammer blow. His muscles went rigid and it was all he could do to pull himself away. He collapsed onto the floor, his arm shaking violently.

"Finn!" Imoen cried.

"No, do not touch him!" Jaheira said, restraining the girl. "Damn you, woman; is that your idea of free from harm?"

"He would be far worse without the sphere," Ione assured her. "Try again."

Finn spat onto the ground and glared up at her. He breathed heavily, trying to collect himself. His arm felt stiff and numb; his sword arm. But shakily he rose to his feet, and tried the second large shard.

This time the shard melted into place, but Finn was greeted by such a white-hot burst of pain that he didn't see it. He screamed through clenched teeth, trying to fight off the agony that had seized him. But the electric bolts that guarded the door on the left had ceased, and the passage opened.

...

Finn couldn't see anything at first, waiting for the mist to clear from his eyes. But the screams of his friends told him that something was very wrong. He raised his head off the floor, trying to make sense of the nightmare vision that was shambling towards them. Some sort of creature, huge, stinking, with three eyes set on a stalk like some giant snail. In front of its body were two heavy tentacles armed with barbs the length of a man's hand.

"Otyugh! Get back!" Jaheira shouted.

Minsc was nearest the creature, and managed somehow to dodge out of the way of a vicious tentacle-swipe. The second tentacle struck home though, sending the big man flying through the air with a cry of agony.

"Ghgcght," the otyugh growled, the massive mouth spraying out more filth. "Protect the master!"

"One of my brother's servants!" Ione shouted. "We must destroy it!"

But for that she seemed to put no effort in, retreating instead to the far side of the room. With Minsc out of the way the creature turned its attention to Finn.

He cursed and dragged himself up off the floor. His right arm felt dead as a fallen tree, nearly paralysed by the orb's shock. With effort he managed to draw his sword and took a clumsy swing at the flailing tentacles. He struck home but the blow was not what it should have been. The otyugh screamed and lashed at Finn with the other tentacle. He screamed in turn, feeling those wicked barbs drive themselves into the flesh on his back. His blood felt on fire and he was once again driven to his knees.

Finn thought he was done. That massive mouth was a mere foot away, and he couldn't move. But several bursts of energy struck the creature, melting against its skin and driving it back. Jaheira and Khalid rushed forward as one, he engaging with the creature to grab its attention while Jaheira used all her strength to drag Finn to safety. She laid her hands on him and Finn felt a little better, but not much.

"Stay down! We will deal with this abomination," she said hurriedly, dashing back to aid her husband.

Khalid had already managed to cut off the beast's eye stalk, leaving it howling in agony. The Harpers were quick, dancing around the beast and getting in their blows while the otyugh grew ever more confused. Dynaheir continued blasting it with her spells, and Imoen tried her best to find a clear shot with the thief's arrows. Khalid could see it weakening and took his chance, driving his sword deep as he could into its hide. The otyugh shuddered one last time and collapsed onto the floor, still.

"Keep away, its tentacles may move even after death," Jaheira said, breathing heavily and wiping her mouth.

She went to tend to Minsc, who was still struggling with the creature's hit. Finn knew how he felt; like every illness he'd ever had suddenly decided to come back at once. And his arm was still numb.

"Yuck, yuck, yuck!" Imoen exclaimed. "It's like some walking pile of dung!"

"Dead now, but there still art two doors left," Dynaheir remarked. "What else shall spring from them?"

"I did say to choose wisely, did I not?" Ione said, sliding up to Finn.

"Fuck off," he choked.

"Oh, dear. But I cannot say I blame you; you look positively peaked just now! Can you heal yourself? Are you able? Or do you need to wait for the priestess to nurse you back to health?"

Finn crumpled down into a ball, trying to ignore the woman's taunting. Heal himself; he wanted to heal himself enough that he could stand up and punch her in the face. He gritted his teeth and felt heat blazing though his body. When it cooled he felt like he could breathe again.

"Good, good," Ione said, approving. "Most interesting. Rage is a great motivator for you, I have noticed. I thought if I could anger you it might spurn your abilities."

"You did that on purpose?" Finn said, looking up to glare at her.

"No need to thank me. But we have still not opened my brother's chamber. Now, shall we try again?"

"Absolutely not!" Jaheira said. She had finished her business with Minsc and now came to see Finn. "I will not see him endure this again. If you want the door opened, do it yourself!"

"You are very protective of him, aren't you?" Ione remarked, watching as Jaheira kneeled over him. "It is almost as if… But never mind. Let Finn decide. The door must be opened; will you do it yourself, or watch one of your friends suffer in your place?"

"I'd rather see you suffer," he remarked.

"Oh, no, I could not possibly do this. My delicate elvish constitution, and all that… Besides, it is almost certain my brother will have warded these doors against me. You, or one of your friends must try."

"Minsc will open the door!" the big man volunteered again. "No monster's tentacles can stop him. We are brave! See how brave Boo is!"

He pulled the rodent from his pouch to see how he fared after the battle. Boo seemed well enough, but he refused to come out, and only scrambled back in again.

"Boo? You are no coward. Why do you hide? Don't be afraid, we have slain the scary monster!"

"Never mind, never mind!" Finn said, mustering himself enough to shout. "I'll do it again. Minsc, you don't want to do this. If anything…happens…we need another strong sword arm here."

"If that is what friend Finn wishes. But we will be standing guard!" Minsc finally agreed.

"I really do not think…" Jaheira began.

"Me neither. But let's just do this, alright?" Finn replied.

...

He picked up the orb where he had dropped it, and set about examining the crystal again. Two holes remained. The centre hole hadn't opened the centre door; that was always going to be too easy. But the left door was now open, so maybe the left-hand hole might do something? He chose a likely fit for the crystal and tried to drive in the shard.

Finn knew what was coming next, but it didn't make it any easier to bear. Once again that blinding flash of energy struck him, driving a scream out of his mouth before he could do anything. He collapsed to the ground, dropping the sphere as he fell.

"This orb…" Dynaheir said, collecting it off the floor. "It is nought but a crystal set with a spell of light! It protects Finn not! Thou dost lie, woman!"

"Shhh," Ione said, holding a finger to her lips. "I needed to give him something, some source of comfort. I thought perhaps it might help."

"What sort of a villain are you?" Jaheira exclaimed, and hurried to his aid.

Finn blinked hard and looked up. He could still barely move his arm, but with relief he saw that the middle door was now open.

"I openedthe damned thing…" he managed to say.

"But it…doesn't go anywhere?" Imoen said.

Finn looked; she was right. The door was nothing more than an alcove, sealed in bricks.

"Oops! Well, perhaps it is the right-hand door, then," Ione said cheerfully.

"Stop playing games, bitch!" Finn bellowed, forcing out the words. "I am notdoingthatagain!"

"But you must, or we will never proceed!" she said.

Finn just hissed at her in return. That heat was coming up again. Being battered so much had weakened any resolve he might've had to hold it back. Black tentacles were rising, snapping, sliding up his veins. He pushed Jaheira off him and rose to his feet, forgetting all about his pain.

"What are you going to do, Finn?" Ione asked.

Her voice had an almost dreamlike quality to it, and she didn't seem at all concerned. All Finn could see was black. He reached for his sword, with hands that were no longer his own. He heard a voice, Jaheira probably, but what she said he didn't hear.

"Run…"

Somehow he forced the word from his lips. One warning, more than Ione deserved. He was slipping fast, and he knew it wouldn't be long till the black had totally seized him. But the elven woman just kept staring at him with a look approaching delight.

"Yescome to me…" she whispered.

It was no lover's call, but something even more primal. Something was wrong; her face was changing. Her watery eyes turned solid black, an endless void. Her beautiful elven face seemed to almost shrivel and turned strangely gaunt. But most pronounced of all were the sharp fangs that had suddenly filled her mouth. She flew at Finn with an unnatural speed; fangs open, wickedly long fingernails poised to strike.

Finn raised his sword weakly; even in his state of flux he was mesmerised by the change he had witnessed. But someone was faster than him. A bolt of energy shot out, striking Ione hard across the face. She screamed, distracted from her attack. She turned to face her new attacker, and saw Dynaheir.

"Back, creature of the void!" the mage screamed, trying to summon her courage. She raised her staff again but Ione reached her before she could call forth its energy. With one swift blow the woman knocked the staff from her hands, sending it skidding across the floor.

"You die now, little fool!" Ione hissed, her voice garbled and twisted. Dynaheir somehow managed to conjure a spell, sending a flash of sparks into Ione's face. It made her step back, but it was far from enough to stop her frenzied assault. Ione slashed at her with those wicked fingernails, tearing away her veil and drawing blood.

"Vampire! Dynaheir, retreat!" Jaheira screamed, but it was doubtful if she heard her. Finn though had recovered himself. More than recovered; he felt a surging power, that hunter's instinct summoned with force.

He bellowed and charged forward with all his strength. Sarevok's blade was alive in his hands, singing glory and ready to strike. He raised it, ready to cleave the vampire in two. But at the last moment she whirled. Ione smiled at him, and her form became as ash. Finn's sword struck through her but there was nothing there, the vampire drifting away like smoke. Nothing, but the form of the woman who was behind her.

He saw Dynaheir's eyes, but he couldn't stop his strike. Finn screamed feeling his blade strike Dynaheir's neck. The mage made no noise at all, and fell silently to the floor.

...

Silence. The room around him was silent, but Finn could hear a ringing in his ears. It was deafening, growing louder at every heartbeat. He felt a surge flowing up Sarevok's blade, strengthening him, healing his injured sword arm. But none of that mattered anymore. He stared, gasping, leaning on his blade as he looked unbelieving at Dynaheir, as her blood flowed out onto the floor.

"DynaheirDynaheir is dead?" he heard Minsc say. "Youyou have killed Dynaheir! Our witch is dead! No I will kill you now!"

"Minsc, no!" Jaheira cried, trying to restrain him. "Finnhe did notthat blow was meant for Ione! You saw it yourself!"

"I care not! I care not! Minsc's witch is dead! He will kill you! He will kill you!"

Finn didn't move. He was frozen. He expected the big man's sword to come crashing down at any moment, but it didn't happen. Instead he came and kneeled on the floor, cradling the woman in his arms as sobs began to rack his chest.

"Minscfailed," he choked, blubbering like a small child. "Dynaheir…"

Finn didn't say anything. He shut his eyes, trying to find himself again. He felt the living energy in Sarevok's blade, and suddenly let it drop with a clattering to the floor. He collapsed onto the blood-stained stones, breathing hard as Minsc continued to wail.

"We must leave this place," Jaheira said, coming to kneel in between the two men. "Oh, Silvanus… Pray for her, Minsc, in the way of your homeland. We will…bear her from this place. Perhaps, the priests may… Damn her! Damn that woman! How…why are we here? Finn, can you speak?"

Finn wasn't sure himself. He felt like someone waking from a dream. Or a nightmare. He saw Dynaheir's eyes again, staring up at him before the final blow. Surprised, but not afraid.

"These…these c-cuts the vampire g-gave her were vicious," Khalid said, reaching for something to say. "Even with J-Jaheira's aid…"

Finn shut his eyes again and shuddered. Was Khalid trying to absolve him of some of his guilt?

"Everyone…the door. It's open now."

Finn looked up at Imoen. Her pale face was stained with tears, and she tried to wipe her eyes. But he followed her gaze, and saw that the bricks which were blocking the middle passage were now gone.

"How?" he said, roughly, trying to speak.

"An illusion, perhaps?" Jaheira sighed. "Vanished with this woman. A vampire! She was a vampire…"

Everyone seemed too frozen to move. Somehow Finn managed to pull himself to his feet. He took up Sarevok's blade, now stained with innocent blood. The runes were glowing bright in their mockery. He sheathed it roughly and turned towards the door.

"Where are you going?" Imoen asked.

"She said her brother was down there. Maybe he is. I'm going to find him," he said, automatically.

"Finn, no… It will be but another trap," Jaheira said quickly. "Let us not walk into more this day!"

"Trap or no, I'm going to find him."

"Oh, she has no brother!" the druid exclaimed. "It was all a ruse, all of it. We must leave now before she returns!"

Finn stepped nearer the door, ignoring her protestations. But as he neared the arch he stopped. A cold, intangible wind was flowing out of that passage. The air of the tunnel was damp and cool like the rest of the sewers, but something… He could feel it in his blood.

"No, she's down here. I can tell."

"Where is this beast?" Minsc said, managing somehow to collect himself somewhat.

Finn pointed into the darkness. Minsc laid Dynaheir tenderly down on the stones. Her veil was torn to shreds, so he drew his own cloak over her body.

"Twelve spirits, twelve watching stones…guard her. Do what Minsc could not," he said. "But now, Minsc will have revenge! We must not fail… We must kill the beast. Dynaheir's blood demands this. Kill this beast and bring Dynaheir her head! Do this, Finn, or Minsc will not forget what is owed."

The big man looked at him, a remarkable light of clarity burning in his eyes. Finn agreed.

"I will, Minsc. I swear that to you. We'll kill her, or die trying."

"You m-may do just that," Khalid warned them. "She is a v-vampire, and a p-powerful one. D-do not storm in j-just for revenge. Think of K-Kivan, and his m-madness that n-nearly lost his life."

"Kivan wanted revenge more than he wanted life," Finn remarked. "And I just killed a friend. I don't have any choice. If Minsc and I have to go after her alone, so be it."

"Not alone," Imoen said quietly. "I'll go. Don't worry…I'll stay back."

She grasped her bow in her shaking hand, but her eyes were determined. Finn wanted to send her away, but slowly he nodded his head.

"Alright, then."

"Then we will go as well," Jaheira said, slowly. "I should be more than glad to have my own revenge against this woman. But take care, Finn. No foolishness. One life has already been lost…let there not be more."

Finn said nothing as he turned away into the tunnel, now lit by Imoen's red orb. One life lost…one more to go. Him. He could feel the mark upon his head now. He was a dead man.

...

But Minsc was right; he had no choice. Silently they crept through the tunnel, which eventually stopped at a door. An ordinary door this time.

"It may be trapped," Jaheira whispered, but Finn tried the ring. The door opened silently; not even locked.

But as they stepped through the door Finn wondered if they had been transported. Instead of the sewer they found a remarkably comfortable-looking sitting room. Fine tapestries hung on the walls, illuminated by the fire which crackled in a wide fireplace. Fine carved chairs and shelves stocked with books lined the walls, and a large carpet covered the stone floor. There was even a silver pitcher of wine sitting ready on a side-table, complete with two goblets.

"This is…nice," Imoen said.

"Hush. Be wary," Jaheira replied.

They all drew weapons. There were two hallways in the back of the room, and Finn chose one. His senses were still primed; the air grew colder with every step. He never felt that way in Valesa's presence before; her transformation had a remarkable effect.

The door to the adjoining room was closed, but Finn tensed seeing a shadow move from under the frame. He looked at his companions, and tightened his grip on his blade. But as he reached for the ring the door opened of its own accord.

"Finn! I'm glad you are here. Welcome home, my dears."

Valesa's voice greeted him, sounding much like her old self. Boldly he stepped into the room. It was some sort of study or library, with books stacked clear to the ceiling. So that was where her acquisitions went. Valesa was standing in the corner, looking like an elf once more. She smiled at him and gestured companionably for them to enter.

But Finn's eyes were drawn away from her to the other presence in the room. A large man sat at a desk, his back towards them. He was wearing hooded robes, and Finn could see nothing of him but his hands. Pale hands, strangely scarred. One hand kept place in a book, while the other scribbled notes with a quill pen. He said nothing, but Finn stopped in his tracks. Cold was radiating from him like heat from a bonfire.

"You see, my brother…I told you they would come," Ione said, proudly.

"Count yourself fortunate," the man replied levelly. "Your enthusiasm nearly cost us much."

He did not stop his work, continuing with his scratchings as if no one was in the room.

"A…momentary lapse, I'm sure," she said quickly. "You know me…I am always level-headed!"

The man snorted but didn't reply. Finn tried to shake off the cold enough to speak. There was a fire in the room, but somehow he was freezing.

"So we're here. And this is your brother? You don't look on such bad terms, after all."

"Oh, no, we're the best of chums," Ione said. "And I do apologise for my little subterfuge. It was necessary, you see, to convince you to follow me."

"Not necessary, Bodhi; as I told you, my hirelings would have taken care of everything, and with considerably less drama. But you could not resist a chance to swipe at your adversaries, and use the Child of Bhaal to do so!"

He still spoke levelly, but the air positively crackled with ice and it made Finn shudder deep within. Who was that man? Another vampire?

"But you wanted to be sure… A test, dear brother, was in order. Now we know. Now we can begin."

"You…will begin nothing, fiend," Jaheira said, sounding like she was forcing out the words. "Blood has been spilt this day. I care not for whatever plans you have…but you will answer for them!"

"Such pointless bleating… It was Finn who killed the mage, not I. Will you take your revenge on him?"

"No! Friend Finn…he made a mistake," Minsc declared. "He…he did not want to kill Dynaheir!"

"Oh, are you certain of that?" the woman said, her eyes lighting up. "Do you know what he is? The blood within him simply calls out for murder…whose murder is immaterial. Mine, Dynaheir's…yours. Who will be next, I wonder?"

"You will be!" Finn cried. "I'm not a murderer. And killing you won't be murder at all. Undead have no rights by law. You…"

But the woman broke into his statement with a trill of laughter.

"Oh, the law! Honestly, you do make my sides ache. I could listen to you all night!"

"Mock us not, fiend…" Jaheira began.

"Enough of this," the man interrupted, and they all fell silent. "Restrain yourself, Bodhi, if you are able. You have brought the Child here, that is enough. All this pointless bickering is interrupting my work."

"Fine, then. Let's get to the point," Finn said. "We can carve you both into pieces!"

He was more than primed for a fight. But the man at the desk seemed totally unconcerned.

"No, Child of Bhaal…you will not."

Finn barely heard the man's quiet words as he launched his attack. The man raised a hand, just as Finn raised his sword. He clicked his fingers. Finn's world went black, and he knew no more.