Behind Closed Doors
"Galen, your impudence is beginning to irritate me," muttered Zarek.
"And your impulsiveness is quite bothersome as well. Never before have I been part of such a poorly run operation," Galen replied cooly from where he sat in the cramped safe house's only armchair.
Zarek raised a threatening hand and started towards Galen, only to halt when the dog sitting by Galen gave him a carnal growl in warning.
"Easy Broc," Galen said, petting the animal behind its ears. Gradually, the dog relaxed and laid down again. Zarek withdrew to the other side of the room nonetheless.
"What do you think of this predicament Cathal?" Galen asked.
It took the priest of Oghma a moment for him to realize he was being spoken to, his mind seemed to wander ceaselessly, "Well it is undeniable that this young woman is a Bhaalspawn. Certainly one such as she cannot be allowed to roam freely. I was under the impression that you had read much on the matter of the Bhaalspawn. Surely you understand the need for this woman to be held."
"I have read much concerning the Bhaalspawn and I would say I know as much about them as there is to be learned from prophecies and research."
"Pray tell, how much is that?" Cathal asked.
"Practically nothing."
"A lot of use you've been," Zarek murmured, "so far you've done nothing but spout nonsense and question my authority as the senior-ranking harper here."
"I think I have plenty of reason to question you. The Harpers must have been quite desperate to accept you as a member," Galen laughed, "I suppose that the fact you accepted help from a non-member such as myself should be an indicator of just how desperate the Harpers are as well."
"Our war with the Cult of the Dragon is no laughing matter," Zarek retorted, "Owyn will be back soon with whatever instructions Lord Balduin has for us concerning this Bhaalspawn."
"What makes you so certain the Cult of the Dragon hasn't intercepted Owyn? You sent him out over two hours ago."
"That's preposterous."
"Don't be a fool. Even without the Cult of the Dragon to worry about, the streets are still dangerous to travel alone at night. We should relocate to another safe house."
"You are forgetting who is in charge here, Galen. We are not going to move that woman without instructions."
"Hells, I'm going to talk to her," Galen said as he stood, and Broc quickly rose as well.
"I wouldn't advise that," said Zarek, "she's dangerous."
"I'll be fine," Galen replied in a dismissive tone, "Broc will see to that, won't you Broc?"
The chamber was made of stone, low-ceilinged, and furnished only with a hard bed and a candle that sat on the floor. Sadira sat on the bed with her back against the wall, staring at the heavy metal door. She jumped when the door finally did grate open, and tried to back even further into the wall when the dog stepped through and approached her.
A man entered soon after and shut the door. Although the lighting rendered the man little more than a silhouette, Sadira could plainly feel his gaze. The man snapped his fingers and the dog halted its approach to return to its master's side.
"I do not believe we have been properly introduced. Abductions tend to complicate such things. My name is Galen Crossley. I understand that you are Sadira. Formerly the wife of Bahram Hamaldin."
"How do you know who I am?" Sadira tremulously asked.
"I'm working with an organization called the Harpers. They are quite resourceful."
"You are here to bring me to justice for the murder of my husband?" Sadira asked, managing to bring some strength back into her voice.
"Not quite, your husband's murder caught the attention of the Harpers. Your lineage is what kept it."
"My lineage," Sadira laughed, "I am the daughter of a simple merchant family. I can't understand what could be of interest there."
"You're the daughter of Bhaal."
"What? Who? The dead god? I find that unlikely. Unless if it's another Bhaal you're referring to."
"No you have the right one. And we're quite certain you are of his blood. The Harpers think you're dangerous."
"And you don't?"
"I do believe that you are Bhaalspawn. I am not convinced that you are a threat to the world. But please, tell me why you killed Bahram."
Sadira looked hard at Galen, tried to read any sign as to his intentions. His face was a somber mask.
"I had been hearing voices for several months," Sadira started, "they began at about the time my family had me marry Bahram."
"It was an arranged marriage then?" Galen asked.
"It was," Sadira said, "my family wanted to have me marry as soon as possible."
"Why?"
"They wanted to get rid of me. I wasn't much use around the house. Mother constantly told Father he was wasting money on my schooling. I didn't get along very well with my other sisters either. At the time I had hoped marriage would make things better. I was foolish.
"Bahram turned out to be a pig and a miser. I think that was when I started hearing the voices. I started becoming discontent and found little ways to frustrate Bahram."
"What did the voices say?"
Sadira paused, "They told me that I could be so much more than I was. That I should stop living for other people. They were angry that I was willing to be ruled by Bahram. Finally, it was too much and... and I killed Bahram."
"These voices, do you still hear them?"
"Not since I fled Suzail."
Galen nodded, "You are one of Bhaal's children. Of that I have no doubt. But I think the presence of Bhaal within you is something separate."
"What do you mean?"
"I don't pretend to understand the nature of Bhaal's blood. Truly, I don't think anyone does. But I do not believe you wish to follow in your father's footsteps."
Sadira sighed with relief, "Thank you, Galen."
"Don't thank me yet. I'm not an official member of the Harpers so I might not be able to make a difference. Still, I know a few important members in this city. I will try and sway them."
"Do you know what they will do if you can't sway them?"
"Truly, I do not know," Galen replied as he pulled the iron door open, the dog at his heels, "I will try to speak to you again." The door closed with a heavy clang that echoed in the stone chamber.
Sadira waited until the ringing in her ears ceased, then crossed over to the door to get a closer look. The metal door would not open easily, but the lock looked to be a simple one.
With the tools I have stashed in my boot heels, I can open it at my leisure. But there are probably people on the other side. Maybe it's better to wait.