Author's Note: This chapter has been revised so many times that I'm not sure that I even recognize it from the original draft anymore. Old paragraphs and new paragraphs have been cobbled together into something that I'm finally somewhat happy enough with to be published. If the narrative seems to lack flow and cohesiveness, you now know the reason why.

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The day had indeed been a warm one, but the five adventurers and one prisoner had made good progress. The heavy pack that Thayan had been forced to carry had nearly caused him to faint a couple of times under the relentless sun, but he was determined to not show any signs weakness, especially in front of that arrogant squire Anomen. The two men had exchanged glares but had hardly uttered a word to each other since the rude wake up that morning. The others were little better; only Irlina had shown him a modicum of friendliness, but Thayan knew that it was only a ruse to entice him to join her group.

Minsc, the large Rashemi ranger, had become hostile when he had learned during the midday meal that 'Thayan' was not just a name, but also indicated his place of birth. Apparently, the connection was not as obvious as Thayan had assumed, or perhaps the ranger wasn't very bright. Upon saying as much out loud, Minsc had flown into a rage, lifting Thayan, who was still carrying the sixty pound pack, off the ground with one hand and threatening to skewer the 'evil Thayan' with the sword he wielded in the other hand. Amusingly, the ranger had also threatened that Thayan's eyes would be gouged out by Boo, his pet hamster. Thankfully, Irlina had settled the Rashemi down before any blood could be spilled or any eyeballs could be gouged. Minsc's role as party scout had kept the two at a safe distance for most of the trip, something for which Thayan was extremely grateful.

The nations of Rashemen and Thay had been bitter enemies for centuries, and that conflict was alive and well even beyond those borders. Thayan had never actually met a Rashemi before, but if the warriors of Rashemen were as nearly as fearsome as Minsc, then Thayan could understand why his birth nation had failed to conquer Rashemen.

As dusk approached and the town grew larger in the distance, Thayan began to think about the problem of his immediate fate. Somehow Irlina had learned of his problem with small spaces and was using it to her advantage, but that didn't mean that she was lying about the size of those cells. Although being locked in a tiny cell was a petrifying thought, what really worried him was the execution that was sure to follow.

Despite the fact that it would release him from the curse of his wretched life, deep down, he really did not want to die. His life on the run, fighting, struggling, and surviving should not end so ignominiously with a noose around his neck. And what about the goal he had set for himself as a youth on the streets of Riatavin, the goal of leaving Faerûn on ship for Maztica? When had that dream disappeared? Perhaps as an adventurer, he could finally earn enough gold to pay for such a passage. Then he could start a new life as far from the shadow of Thay as he could possibly get – on the opposite side of the world. Wasn't that why he had left Riatavin in the first place? It was an opportunity that couldn't be passed up, even if it meant having to face one of his worst fears.

The decision was made.

**********

Trademeet was celebrating tonight. The problems with the druids and the animals were solved and it was business as usual for the merchants and caravans. High Merchant Logan Corprith had greeted Irlina's group with a hero's welcome earlier that evening. Vyatri's Pub was the epicenter of the ensuing celebrations, and it was literally stuffed with people wishing to meet the 'Heroes of Trademeet' to give their praise and thanks.

Minsc and Anomen were drawing the largest crowds that evening. Minsc was eager to tell (and retell) the story of the group's encounter with a troll mound in the swamp and the endless waves of trolls that had tried to kill and eat them. Anomen, meanwhile, had cast aside the façade of the humble squire as he recounted his personal exploits against the shadow druids that had harassed them en route to the druid grove to anyone who would listen and appreciate his prowess.

Irlina and Nalia were seated at a table with the High Merchant and the captain of the militia, Lorana Carrick. Irlina had handed a small piece of parchment to the militia captain, who was studying it carefully. On the parchment were directions to a bandit camp in the Forest of Tethir along with a crudely drawn map.

The captain looked at Irlina after a short time and asked with barely disguised skepticism, "You believe that this source of yours is telling the truth?"

Irlina nodded and said with conviction, "I do."

Logan Corprith clapped his hands together and grinned. "Well, then, if Lady Irlina says it's accurate then I have no reason to believe otherwise."

Captain Carrick wasn't nearly as convinced, however. "But, my lord-"

"Captain," Logan interrupted,"tomorrow morning you will take a patrol to investigate this camp. It will probably be abandoned by the time you get there, as Lady Irlina suggested, but they may have left some clues as to their destination. If the druids have indeed resumed being the 'friendly' druids that we've always known, then you might be able to enlist their aid in tracking them down."

Captain Carrick bowed her head slightly and said, "Yes, my lord. I will begin making the preparations at once." The captain stood and politely excused herself before striding purposefully through the crowd and out of the tavern.

Logan watched the tavern door close behind the militia captain before returning his attention to the two women seated at his table. "Please excuse Lorana's cynicism," he said apologetically. "It's her job to be suspicious."

"Oh, that's alright," Irlina said dismissively. "It's quite understandable."

"The source of your information is the scarred man that came with you, isn't it?" Logan asked.

Irlina flinched in surprise at the directness of the question, and she exchanged a look with Nalia. She considered lying outright but thought better of it; the High Merchant was clearly a very astute man, and she didn't want to abuse the good will they had earned by being caught in a lie.

"Yes," she replied hesitantly.

Logan narrowed his eyes at her. "He's a bandit, is he not?"

Irlina blinked in surprise. "How did you know?"

Logan smiled. "Let's just say that he fits a description."

"Yes, I'm sure he does. But he's not a bandit anymore."

Logan craned his neck to find the ex-bandit seated with Jaheira at a table in the corner. "He's a criminal, a murderer," he said, trying to remind her of the fact. "I should have him arrested."

"Please don't!" Irlina begged. "I promised him that I would not turn him over if he gave us information on the other bandits. Please don't make me break that promise."

Logan returned his gaze to the woman and saw the pleading in her eyes. He asked with genuine curiosity, "Why are you protecting him?"

"Because I think he can help me rescue my friend. He has certain…talents that I need," Irlina explained vaguely, hoping the High Merchant would not inquire into the exact nature of his talents.

"I see," Logan said thoughtfully as he rubbed his chin with his hand. Finally, he turned to woman seated next to Irlina and asked, "And what about you, Lady Nalia? I would hear your opinion on this matter."

Nalia looked down, unable to meet the High Merchant's gaze. "I…um…" she floundered.

Like Irlina, she didn't want to lie, but she definitely didn't want to tell the truth: she feared Thayan like she had never feared anyone in her life. Just knowing that he was practically immune to her magic was unsettling enough, but the fact that he had come so close to killing her the previous day and could probably kill her any time he wanted was making her anxious. Personally, she wouldn't have minded if Thayan was arrested, if only to gain some peace of mind. She couldn't reveal these feelings without betraying Irlina, however, and that was something that she would never do.

"I trust Irlina's judgment," she finally said. When she looked up, Nalia found the High Merchant carefully considering her words, while Irlina was smiling at her with deep appreciation. Nalia returned the smile.

After coming to a decision, Logan took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "I am only allowing this because of what you've done for the people of this town," he said. "Very well, I will let him stay with your company on two conditions: one, as long as he is within the walls of Trademeet, he will be escorted by one of your people at all times. I will not have a bandit running loose in my town unguarded."

"Agreed," Irlina said.

"Two, in exchange for my pardon, our debt to you will be considered paid in full."

"Yes, of course."

"Well then, it appears our business here is concluded. But consider this: if he should spill any innocent blood in the future, it will be on your hands," Logan warned.

Irlina nodded slowly and frowned. "I know."