General disclaimer: I own nothing, even Maiyn generally decides her own path.

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Harpers and Traitors

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Ajantis rushed as he readied himself to head for the Order, his helm under one arm, a sheaf of papers in the other hand. The messenger had only just departed, having travelled straight to him to inform of Anomen's summons to the Headquarters for his test. Ajantis was hoping to catch the newly appointed knight before he left.

However, he had not counted on his parents' sudden arrival.

Not only had they decided to not forewarn him of their intention to visit, but they were standing at the door of his modest home near the city gates as he threw it open, his distraction causing him to almost run into them. He paused, dumbstruck, upon realising who it was, and his manners and chivalry lagged behind his recognition somewhat.

"What are you doing here?" he asked, causing his mother to gasp in astonishment, and his father to give him a lengthy lecture on how to properly address ones parents. Eventually, he managed to welcome them properly, and was unable to deny their request to be shown in and introduced to the servants -- after all, it was their wealth that had enabled him to secure a property to set up as his matrimonial home, well in preparation for his nuptials. His betrothed, the Lady Bethany, was away from Athkatla, visiting family in Crimmor, a city to the east. She was not expected back for at least another tenday, which had left Ajantis feeling both saddened and pleased.

It was not often he had time to himself -- the Order kept him busy, and he had been required to make a date for his wedding that was set well into the future, so that the campaigns he was already marked for would not be disturbed. But, as he often did when he was away from the city, he felt himself missing her gentle laugh and her love of life, which was infectious, and brought a great delight to him.

His parents were not the substitute he'd expected, and they did not understand that he needed to return to the Headquarters urgently.

"Nonsense dear," said his mother casually, with a wave of her hand. "They know you are entitled to at least one day away from their rigours, and we did pass by to pay regards to some of your fellows. They assured us that you'd not be summoned today, so that we could see you properly."

So Ajantis sighed, and excused himself briefly to tend to some domestic matters. He sought out his maid, Aime, and handed her some coin, requesting that she send messenger boys out to find Sir Anomen and the traveller known as Coran Sullussaer.

"Have them check the taverns," he said quickly, "particularly the ones in the Bridge District, perhaps the Copper Coronet too. If he is not there, get the boy to leave a message at the Crooked Crane -- Coran stables his horse there when he comes to the city, and he will be known of by the keeper."

Aime nodded her head, and bobbed a little curtsey before she bustled off to see to her master's requests. He knew she'd do exactly what he asked, and he could only hope it was enough. The knight took a deep breath, and forced a smile on his face as he returned to the sitting room, and smiled to his parents.

"So, tell me all about what is happening in Waterdeep this time of year!"

-----------------------

Several hours later, Ajantis was riding along the streets of Athkatla, calling out for people to make way as he went. It was not his usual style; he preferred a less attention-grabbing way, like leading ones horse sedately, and smiling pleasantly to the citizens. But time was of the essence, and the knight could only fear that he was much too late.

There was not much of the day left -- the sun was hanging low over the horizon as Ajantis rode into the stables, dismounting with the professional ease of someone who was on horseback almost every day. He thanked the stablehand who met him, and rewarded the boy's quick dispatch of the messenger with a few coins, much to the lad's delight. Then he hurried into the main part of the building, rushing to the statue of Torm, where he knew squires would go to await their Judgement.

There was no one there. He sighed heavily, and turned on his heel, walking briskly to the large oaken door at the far end of the room. He knocked firmly, and entered when the voice called out.

"Ah, Sir Ajantis," smiled the Prelate warmly. "It is good to see you; but do you not have some leave from the Order?"

"I do, Prelate," admitted the knight, approaching the large desk where his superior was sitting. "I... I came to see if I had missed Squire Anomen's test. I had wanted to make it, but I fear that I may be too late."

Prelate Wessalen regarded Ajantis curiously for a moment. "Sir Anomen received the blessing of Torm this afternoon," he said eventually. "I know you served under Sir Keldorn, who has in turn worked at times with Sir Anomen, but I did not realise you were close to each other?"

Ajantis smiled slightly. "We know each other in passing, Prelate," he explained. "Although, I admit, it was more than a professional interest that caused me to find an interest in Sir Anomen's test."

The Prelate signalled to a chair, and Ajantis sat down. "Do explain," encouraged the elderly man, leaning back in his own chair.

Ajantis hesitated slightly. "Sir Anomen is currently travelling with some... interesting companions, as you will be aware."

"Ah," smiled Wessalen. "The Bhaalspawn? Yes, we have watched their progress with interest. It is heartening to see that she displays a benevolent streak, and we came to the conclusion that Sir Anomen would be best placed to stay within her company; both for our benefit, and hers."

Ajantis nodded. "I have met one of her former companions," he said, "who has been seeking her since he arrived in the city. I had hoped to catch Sir Anomen, or possibly her, if they returned here, to let her know of the situation."

The Prelate looked thoughtful. "You have already met Maiyn, however, have you not? You did not mention it to her then?"

The younger man reddened slightly. "I... I did find myself preoccupied with the business at hand," he admitted. "And she was... not very forthcoming about her real name, at the time."

To Ajantis' surprise, Wessalen merely chuckled. "And one cannot truly blame her, when she carries the heritage that she does, and is then implicated in the murder of holy paladins. Well, it is unfortunate that she missed the opportunity to gain knowledge from you then, however. And Sir Anomen left shortly after the ceremony, when he was given permission to rejoin his companions. We have not yet learned where they were headed, or what they plan to do, I am afraid."

Ajantis sighed, but thanked the Prelate for his helpfulness as he stood. He wished his superior a good evening as he left, then slowly made his way back to the stables. All he could do was hope that one of the messenger boys would find either Anomen or Coran, and pass on their message successfully.

-----------------------

Maiyn was virtually running as she tried to keep up with Jaheira. The druid was moving swiftly, undeterred by the crowds as she meticulously made her way to her destination. Her gait was urgent, and Maiyn worried about what they were going to face. She'd had little involvement with Harpers other than Jaheira and Khalid; Gorion had been a member of the group, but he had kept his business away from the curiosity of his wards, and they had grown up respecting his privacy on such matters.

Soon they were passing the familiar building that was home of the Shadow Thieves. Only a short way beyond it, Maiyn could see a large, gaudy building, painted a bright shade of orange. A stepped path wound its way down to it, passing a rowdy sounding tavern, where sailors were spilling out of, drunk already despite it being the height of the afternoon. To her surprise, Jaheira led the way to the prominent structure, and the ranger looked at her sceptically.

"This is very... unlike what I was expecting."

"I would agree with you," muttered the druid, flashing the pin she wore on her lapel, usually hidden out of sight beneath her cloak, to the man standing guard at the door. He nodded, and led them inside to a grand hall, where everything seemed to be made of marble. It was not at all what Maiyn had expected to find.

Soft music emanated from somewhere, but Maiyn could see no source. It was, she wasn't surprised to realise, harp music; soothing and pleasant. Unlike her surroundings, and the people who stood before her, looking at her intently. She shifted uncomfortably.

"Jaheira, my dear, it is good to see you!" exclaimed the man in the centre. He was wearing a long green robe, his silver hair neatly combed back to sit behind his shoulders. He was smiling to the druid, but his eyes stayed cold -- Maiyn immediately disliked him, though she could see no real reason as to why.

"Your welcome is forced, Galvarey," replied Jaheira coldly. It became quite apparent she was not fond of the man. "You know I am here at the bidding of the Herald. Why have you come to greet me; this is too important to waste time on you."

"Ahh, I know well the importance of this," said Galvarey calmly. "It was I that called you."

"You?" Jaheira's eyes widened in surprise. "You are no Herald! What is going on here?"

"This area lacks a Herald currently, and I seek to establish one," the Harper said casually. "You will help, by doing what's right. You know what is right, don't you?"

"I know you are an ambitious fool," the half-elf snorted. "You cannot be sanctioned to do this. Even this gaudy base is against our usual restraint. The position of Herald requires-"

"Herald requires the will to establish the position," the man interrupted. "The High Heralds will judge if it is deserved. Really, Jaheira, this is a matter aside. You know this."

The druid sighed. "Fine, set about with your questions so I can get on with my job as well."

Galvarey smiled again. "Very good. You serve the greater cause that we all do." His eyes moved over to Maiyn, and she frowned back at him. "Now then, Maiyn; do you know why you are here?"

"I have no idea," the ranger admitted. "Though I am waiting to hear with great interest."

"Then I shall keep you waiting no longer," Galvarey replied, "though I am certain you do indeed know why we are concerned about you. Let me ask you a few things straight away, Maiyn. Nothing too intrusive, I assure you. What are your earliest memories? Are they happy ones?"

Maiyn blinked at him, then looked over to Jaheira. The druid nodded wearily to her. Maiyn frowned as she thought back. "I remember playing with Imoen. We would play hide and seek, in the gardens of Candlekeep."

"Hiding, hmm?" mused the Harper thoughtfully. "No doubt from your heritage. And cavorting with characters of a dubious, roguish nature too. Interesting."

"Hey now-" began Maiyn indignantly.

"And quick to temper! Tell me -- as a child of Bhaal, have you... violent thoughts?"

Maiyn glared at him for a few moments, before forcing herself to respond calmly. "That's a loaded question," she noted. "Violence is a part of our world-"

"So... finds that violence is unavoidable. Certainly to be expected in a creature such as you."

"You are twisting her words, Galvarey!" protested Jaheira. "That is not what she meant!"

"Deception is worn into her very being!" exclaimed the Harper. "Can you comprehend the thoughts of an illithid? Or a beholder? Your Maiyn is akin to these."

"Only in your mind!" shouted the druid. "This is a farce!"

"The questions will continue nonetheless," shrugged the man. "I do hope there will be no further outbursts. Now then, Maiyn, what is your favourite colour?"

"What has that to do with anything?" asked Jaheira in disbelief.

"Jaheira!" Galvarey snapped. "I question your loyalty to our cause! My method will become clear in the end. I ask again, what is your favourite colour?"

Maiyn looked at him helplessly. No matter what she said, he was going to twist it. She desperately ran her mind through the spectrum of colours, hoping to find something he would not be able to manipulate into a falsity. Instinctively, her mind wandered to Imoen.

"Pink," she said quietly.

"Ah, pink! Hmm..." Galvarey's face contorted somewhat as he scowled at the ranger. She held his gaze innocently, and eventually he threw up his hands in frustration.

"This part does not matter!" he declared. "Obviously this person causes much disturbance where e'er she goes. My interview is just to clarify the matter."

"But you were to see Maiyn as she is, not as you expected her to be!" objected Jaheira angrily. "I was to bring them here so…." Jaheira's voice faltered as she noticed the other Harpers around Galvarey were also looking at Maiyn emotionlessly.

"You were to bring them here so that we might have them here," stated the Harper frostily. "Nothing more. The course of action was always clear."

"Excuse me, but I am still in the room," interrupted Maiyn. "What is this about? What are you intending?"

"Indeed, Galvarey, what is it you intend?" asked Jaheira, her voice quieter than before. "This is not as we had discussed."

"No," he admitted, "but you only needed to know enough to bring them here. Extraneous information would have endangered the mission. As Harpers we-"

"As Harpers we respect others!" Jaheira's voice went back up in volume, causing Maiyn to jump.

"We have a greater duty to maintain the balance," snapped Galvarey. "How can you, as a Harper…as a druid, sanction the freedom of this person? What will they do to the balance?"

"And what if they will restore the balance?" asked Jaheira pointedly. "What if her intent is good?"

"It is simply not worth the risk," dismissed Galvarey. "No, there is no choice in the matter. Maiyn, you are to be... confined."

Maiyn stared dumbly at him, only just hearing the protests of her friends from around her.

"This cannot be! Minsc and Boo shall not let you take little Maiyn away!"

"We are doomed…"

"You are wrong in this matter! Helm guides my every action, and He has found no fault with Maiyn's accomplishments to date!"

"It is as good as death and you know it, Galvarey!" Jaheira's voice rang out across the others, stirring Maiyn from her gawking.

"Nothing so barbaric," refuted the man calmly. "Imprisonment to contain the chaos she might sow, either intentionally or unwittingly. It is a humane solution."

"Humane?" Maiyn fought the panic that tried to encroach into her voice. "Jailed where, exactly? But Imoen-"

"No, Maiyn, I mean the spell 'Imprisonment.'" Galvarey sneered. "You will find yourself in a small container a few leagues under the earth. Quite peaceful."

"No..." Maiyn felt a small rush of fear as she envisioned the confined area, and she stepped back involuntarily. "You've no right to do this. I will not allow it."

"You have no voice here, and little choice in the matter," he declared impassively. "Certainly, you can fight, but there are six Harpers to contend with. The odds are quite clearly-"

"Nay, Galvarey," Jaheira interrupted. "There is but you and your four lackeys. I will have no part in this."

"Jaheira?" Maiyn's voice was just a whisper.

"Maiyn, you are my comrade in arms," continued the druid. "I know you are good and true in heart. I will fight with you against this!"

"You have made a mistake in this," warned Galvarey, the first sign of hostility shining through his official manner. "With her imprisonment I could get sponsored as Herald! But now you fight the Harpers with this monster?"

"Harpers may interfere, but it is for the greater good!" exclaimed Jaheira, gripping her club tightly, and moving into a defensive stance at Maiyn's side. The ranger found her hands moving to the hilts of her swords as the druid continued. "Not this! I don't know you!"

"Then you shall all die!" proclaimed Galvarey, raising his hands to begin an incantation. With a cry, Maiyn followed Jaheira into attack, faintly hearing the sound of Minsc pulling Lilarcor free, and Anomen readying his mace. An arrow flew past her as Kivan's shot impaled one of the Harper's arms, and Xan's murmurs from behind her were urgent and fast. The fight began.

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"Jaheira." Maiyn's voice was almost a whisper as she stood by the druid, feeling the salty sea air breeze past as they stood at the rails overlooking one of the many quays in the docks. The ranger didn't know what else to say, feeling helpless for the situation that had happened because of her heritage, but had been beyond her scope of control. Just like so many other things, she thought to herself, bitterly.

The druid didn't reply. She had been staring out to the sea for almost an hour, the other companions having settled themselves down a little away from the women, allowing them the privacy they silently requested. Maiyn wondered if she should return to them, leave Jaheira to her own thoughts, when suddenly the half-elf spoke.

"Do not blame yourself. You blame yourself for too much already, and none of it is justified."

Maiyn swallowed hard, but knew better than to argue. "It is little comfort," she offered, "but you will always be welcome to travel alongside me."

The druid looked around to her, and smiled slightly. "It means more than you think it does. Galvarey... if I had known this would happen, I would never have-"

"I know."

"Regardless, I wanted to be sure. He was a foolish man, driven by ambition, uncaring to the true facts. I... I do not regret what I did, because I know it was the right choice."

"I am glad you trust me," replied Maiyn quietly.

Jaheira raised an eyebrow. "I have always trusted you, child," she remarked. "We must be wary now. Other Harpers -- they may decide I have been a traitor, and come to us with force. I feel it is my duty to warn you."

"And I will stand by you as you stood by me," stated Maiyn sincerely.

The druid relaxed, and for a moment a look of weariness crossed her face. "Thank you."

Maiyn smiled, and held out her hand. Together, they walked back to the others slowly, watching as the sun drifted down past the rooftops, casting long shadows on the ground, and colouring the sky in vivid shades of red and orange. Silently they stood together, waiting for night to fall fully so they could make their way to the dock as they'd been requested to. It was Kivan who initially noticed the approaching strangers, and he murmured a word of caution to the rest.

"Hold!" exclaimed their leader, shrouded under a heavy hooded cloak. "Let justice take its rightful measure! You will know this day that you have suffered Harper justice!" Silently, the five figures drew their weapons, and took up defensive stances before the party. Jaheira held out her hand, staying her companions' reactions.

"What is this!" she exclaimed to the leading figure. "Reviane! What are you doing here? It is I, Jaheira!"

The woman threw down her hood, and looked to the half-elf with sorrowful eyes. Her hair was braided tightly back, with only the smallest of clips adorning it. Little else could be made out about her; but when she spoke, her voice was lilting and soft. "So I can see. It pains me to do this, but a traitor's death is what is asked for."

"What?" asked Jaheira in disbelief. "If this is about the attack at the Harper Hold, you know I would not do such a thing if I had any alternative! They left me no choice!"

Reviane hesitated, and then waved for her companions to lower their weapons. "We have just come from the Hold, Jaheira. I know only what I saw when I got there. Explain yourself!"

Jaheira sighed. "It was Galvarey; he had me bring my companion there on the pretence of determining her danger, but he had no intention of letting Maiyn leave once there."

The woman frowned slightly. "The Harpers know only that there was an attack, and Galvarey is dead. The loss of such a promising person sent waves through the ranks and-"

"Bah!" snorted the druid disdainfully. "He was a fool bent on advancing his own station! His intent was to use Maiyn as a trophy, hoping to gain enough influence to become a Herald!"

"This seems far-fetched, Jaheira," replied Reviane cautiously. "You are well known to have hated Galvarey… and why should this woman command such value? Why would he have risked himself so?"

The half-elf fell silent, glaring somewhere in the distance. Maiyn knew she would not betray her heritage, but it was the only way that Jaheira could justify her actions, and make them see sense. The ranger took a deep breath, then spoke.

"Tell her what I am if it will help your case. I will not keep secrets that can harm you."

Jaheira turned to face the elf, her face softened with gratitude and relief, but also tinged with concern and sorrow. "As you wish," she nodded, turning back. "Reviane, Maiyn is of interest because she is one of the Children. Galvarey wished to capitalise on the fear around the prophecies of old by imprisoning her for no due reason."

Reviane regarded Maiyn with surprise. "This is a Bhaal child? And you trust her over one of your own?"

Jaheira brought herself up to stand at her full height. "I trust her over the ambitions of Galvarey. You must do as you will, Reviane. I have told you my circumstance, there is little more for me to say."

Maiyn could hear the others shifting behind her, preparing themselves for another attack. Reviane was regarding them all curiously, seemingly fascinated by the display of loyalty swimming through them all as they acted as one, ready to protect each other. The ranger had no wish at all to make things worse for Jaheira.

"Stand down your weapons," she said softly. "We need not shed any blood here today."

Jaheira nodded. "I will not draw arms against you, Reviane. This has been a huge mistake, and I will not be party to making another."

To Maiyn's relief, the woman appeared appeased, and she nodded in return. "I know you to be truthful, Jaheira, and I have heard good things of Maiyn. I will try to sway the others, but passions run high in this matter. I will do what I can, but be on your guard; others may not give you a chance to explain."

"Thank you, Reviane." Jaheira's voice was quiet and calm, and the women bowed their heads respectfully to each other before the strangers turned to leave. As they disappeared into the shadows, Reviane looked back briefly.

"Good luck."

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"'Tis a grand eve to be sittin' on the docks, rank wi' the smell o' fish guts," remarked the halfling woman they had approached. She was sitting next to several crates at the place they'd been instructed to go to, and Maiyn could only assume she was their contact. "You must be Maiyn," she continued, swinging her legs over the side of the quay, "the one that Aran was goin' ta send."

"Than I am," confirmed the ranger, somewhat relieved to be at the right location. "And you must be Mook."

"I am." The woman pulled her legs up, and clambered to her feet, nodding amiably at the gathered mass. "It's mighty fine ta have some backup," she noted dryly, "but I more expected a couple o' extra hands, not a bloody army."

Yoshimo chuckled somewhere in the background; the thief had been lurking beside the dock, waiting for the others to show up. Maiyn had quickly filled him in on what had happened in his absence before they descended the wooden stairway to the wharf, and he nodded, informing her in return that the armour would be ready to pick up within a day.

"I've seen the same man pass by four times," stated Mook quietly, her eyes carefully taking in her surroundings. "He looked a bit different each time, but I know it was the same man."

"How did you know?" asked Anomen, rather too loudly in the quiet of the evening. Mook glared at him.

"I'm trained to know," she replied bluntly. "He was casin' the area, as clear as day. Next time he passes, I'll try and learn somethin' from him, while you guard the product."

"That sounds good to me," remarked Maiyn, as the others nodded in agreement. "What do we do until then?"

"Keep watch," said Mook casually. "Oh, and help me move these crates over to the other dock... I'm sure you burly lads will be able to manage 'em."

The next hour passed as the group aided Mook with her stocktaking, Minsc being only too delighted to help the small halfling woman with the heavy crates. They were in the middle of transporting another load of goods when Mook hissed a warning to the Maiyn, and the ranger turned to see what was wrong.

"Here he is," murmured Mook, sauntering past the elf, and wandering over to a tall, pale man who had appeared at the other side of the dock. Maiyn quickly pushed her crate into Minsc's capable hands, and sidled closer in the hope of hearing what was happening. She couldn't hear most of what was being said, but was sure she heard the man call Mook by her name; the halfling seemed surprised by this, and only a few more words were exchanged before Mook turned to them.

"Treachery, Maiyn! We are-"

Her words were caught off as the man sank his teeth into her neck at the same time as he thrust his dagger deep into her back, easily penetrating her simple leather armour. The others had heard her call, and were rapidly sprinting across the quay as their enemy advanced on Maiyn.

The ranger pulled out her sword, parrying the blows that came from the surprisingly strong figure. She ducked and weaved around, evading his lunges, and managing to move deftly out of the way as Minsc swung Lilarcor ferociously in her defence.

The cleave should easily have killed him, but instead he merely screamed, "Damn thy soul, upstart! I've not finished with you!" He then seemed to melt from existence, becoming nothing more then a gaseous cloud, which easily drifted away from them.

"Another vampire," whispered Maiyn. "This is not good."

-----------------------

Aran frowned at their report, and voiced his dismay over Mook's demise. "She was a friend," he sighed, almost sadly.

"He seemed to know her," noted Maiyn urgently, "but she appeared to be unaware of his identity."

Aran sat up at this, and drummed his fingers on his desk. "Then it proves what I have feared," he said decisively. "This rival guild knows our actions well; likely to the traitors that have left us to join them. We must stop any more from doing so."

A knock on his door interrupted him, and he called out for whoever it was to enter. The door opened, and a lithe young woman slipped in, dressed completely in black. Her hair was as dark as the shadows, gleaning in the light, and carefully bound back into a neat and practical style. She smiled slightly to the group, and headed straight for Aran's desk.

"Two more," she said quietly. "They left not a minute ago; I believe they're heading to the Five Flagons."

Aran nodded to her, and looked back to the party. "Maiyn, this is Sime, one of my right hand women. She has been keeping an eye out for likely defectors, in the hope we can follow them, and find out where the enemy base is."

"And two are on their way to the Five Flagons?" asked Maiyn curiously. The woman nodded.

"I would follow them, but they are regarding me with suspicion," she explained. "We need to get some of the newer rogues to-"

"I will follow them," announced the ranger suddenly. The rest of her group looked at her in surprise, but it was Aran who reserved the most astonished look. "Yoshimo, you know how to get to the Five Flagons swiftly, without drawing too much attention to us?" The Kara-tuan nodded, and Maiyn smiled. "We will find out what we can," she assured the speechless Shadow Thieves. "We will do what we can to help you in this matter -- don't forget what we need in return."

-----------------------

The patronage of the Five Flagons was in high spirits by the time Yoshimo led them into its welcoming walls. He scanned the room quickly, then pointed to a stairway that led up to the rooms above the tavern. Maiyn nodded, and the group filed their way between the tables, trying to avoid drunken gnomes and halflings, and quietly ascended up to the quieter first floor.

They walked down the dimly lit passage, Yoshimo listening at each door for anything sounding suspiciously like a meeting. He would shake his head at each entrance, and move on, and the ranger was beginning to despair that they'd been given misleading information, when the bounty hunter waved for her to come over, and pointed at the final door. Maiyn signalled for the others to stay outside, and she confidently threw it open, striding into the room. She paused when she saw the occupants; two men, initially looking nervously at her, before their expressions turned to glares.

"Who are you?" asked the halfling snappily. "Damn it, I knew we'd been followed!"

"Ease up, Jaylos," said the human carefully. "Maybe they're just here for the same reason we are. Lots were talking about making the switch."

The halfling grunted. "Aye Caehan, could be, I suppose. Hey, you!" He pointed at Maiyn, and she frowned at him. "What're you doing here? Speak, and be quick about it!"

"Why are you here?" she asked suspiciously, peering at the men as if she expected them to suddenly change into mindflayers. "Are you... spying on me?"

"No!" exclaimed Caehan, looking nervous again. Maiyn let her hand hover above the hilt of her sword, and he gulped nervously.

"If we were spying on you, we would hardly be sitting here waiting for you!" growled Jaylos.

"I don't know," retorted Maiyn. "It might be a devious plot to make me all nervous about meeting... well, never mind."

"You're here to meet the contact too?" asked the human, fidgeting nervously. "We weren't sure if anyone-"

"Caehan, shut up!" exclaimed the halfling in frustration. "And who is this contact then, 'friend'?"

Maiyn glared over to him. "Why? Don't you know? You're trying to pry information out of me, aren't you?"

"Oh no, she thinks we're spies!" wailed the human. "She's going to kill us!"

"Look, just calm down!" yelled Jaylos, showing some signs of panic as some of Maiyn's companions began filtering in the room behind her.

"Listen to your pal, friend," said Yoshimo softly as he looked at the halfling. "You are in big trouble."

"What… I don't understand..." stammered Jaylos, looking over to Caehan. Before either of them could react, they'd met their end, with both Kivan and Yoshimo's shots striking true and clean.

"Well, that was certainly... unhelpful," remarked Jaheira quietly. "We still have no idea who-"

"What is the meaning of this?" Maiyn jumped at the voice, and spun around to see a cloaked man standing at the doorway, looking down at the bodies on the ground.

"Just some spies that had to be dealt with before we could meet," noted Jaheira calmly and confidently. The man looked at her for a moment, then nodded and quickly described the location of their new lair in the Graveyard District. Without even pausing to see if they had any questions, he turned and strode away.

Maiyn ran to the doorway, and watched as he briskly walked towards the stairway. Minsc had taken up a post there, and waved to the ranger as he noticed her. She smiled back, and pointed to the man.

"Hey Minsc! That man is a vampire!"