Author's Note: Sorry for the long delay between chapters- I like to update once a week, but between moving and a new job, that hasn't been happening. I know this chapter is short; hopefully I'll find my stride again soon. Oh, and I don't own anything but Greywulf. Just in case you forgot.
The creak of the old brass hinges that supported the door leading into the Temple of Waukeen was somehow more audible than the constant crashing of fireballs against the increasingly strained magical shields of the city. Once pristine ceramic tiles that composed the floor were dirty, cracked and broken. Luckily, the supports were still fully intact, but every now and then when a fireball would strike particularly close, pieces of plaster and wood would shake from the roof above, adding to the mess below. A young woman, her face marred with worry lines and exhaustion beyond her years, was busying herself over the altar, murmuring her prayers when she heard the doors creak open. She stood with a sigh, turning to face the silhouettes as they entered, three men and women approaching her with nods and smiles.
"Ah... welcome to the House of Waukeen. If you need healing or medical attention, I am afraid you will have to wait for a time- I have exhausted the divine powers given to me, and desperately need some rest for my own well-being."
"Not to worry, just looking to ask some questions. You remember me, right?" Imoen beamed at the cleric, who paused a moment, then nodded with a weak smile. "I guess things picked up a bit after I left?"
"You could say that, child." Sister Farielle exhaled, gesturing toward the guest rooms, which had been empty during Imoen's first visit. Now, they were all full, occupied by a fair number of elves, tattered and worn. Some still had wounds, but it appeared that Farielle had reached her limit of healing spells for the moment. "The streets of the city are not safe for any, it seems. These elves sought refuge from harassment by Gromnir's men- I could not turn them away, but few of them were unhurt. I will take some rest and begin working with them once more, but it will be some time before I find time to breathe. Still, you have earned my gratitude, and I am still indebted to you. I believe you had some questions for me the last time you were here?"
"Yeah, that's about right." Imoen nodded. "Sorry about the quick exit- had some things to take care of. These are some of the friends I mentioned- Aerie, and Minsc."
"Nice to meet you." Aerie smiled. "It seems as though Imoen made an impression the last time she was here..."
"One could say that." Farielle said with a wince, pain in her body giving her pause as she walked to an old wooden table on the opposite side of the altar, sitting down to speak with them. "When she last came, Gromnir's men had finally decided that all my potions and healing supplies were to be confiscated for their own use, rather than at the disposal of any who are in need. I could scarce stop them on my own, but your Imoen took the time to aid my defense."
"That is because Imoen is as noble as Minsc and Boo." Minsc said proudly, patting Imoen on the back with a nod. "She is a very nice girl, and often helps those in need. Or picks their pockets. But that is all in good fun, right Boo?"
"Wasn't nothing, really." Imoen grinned, seating herself and tucking one knee up near her chest as she reclined in the rickety chair. "But you look pretty tired, so we'll make this quick and get out of here so you can get some rest. I think you mentioned something about knowing how to get inside the castle?"
"Something of the sort. But not... directly, no." Farielle admitted, tucking one strand of her dirty blonde hair behind her ear. "It has to do with the city jail, you see- several years ago I was asked to seal the jail with wards and powers of the divine. Powerful undead creatures had begun taking up residence in the abandoned stonework below. Because Saradush is a small city, we did not have a militia strong enough to go in and wipe out the evil before it grew too strong. All we could hope for was containment... and so I sealed the doors with both key and magic. For a time, it seemed, nothing could get in or out and that was good enough for us."
"You said this could help us get into the palace... does the jail lead into the palace?" Aerie asked with a frown.
"Yes... though I admit I don't know exactly how." Farielle poured a cup of water from a clay pitcher resting on the table, taking it both hands and staring at her own reflection in the vessel before taking a sip. "I was in the jail only a few times before the undead took up residence. I would sometimes meet the Count of the city there for... for a midnight tryst. It was a halfway point, he could get to it from inside the palace, and I would not be seen by any other than him. Perhaps you think less of me for such indiscretions, what with the Countess-"
"If you can help us get inside that palace, then it makes no difference to us who you did or didn't knock boots with." Imoen winked, her impish spirit a bit of relief in such dark times for the beleaguered woman. "So I guess the question is, can you get us inside that jail?"
"No... or at least, I shouldn't be able to." she shook her head. "I gave the Count the key to the jail when I had finished sealing it. When Gromnir exiled him from the city, I assume that the General took the key for himself."
Aerie's heart sank with the realization- "You mean to say that the only one who has the key is in the castle already..."
"Yes, but here is where you may yet find hope." Farielle said with a slight smile. "I recently gave aid to a man who was delirious, half-dead. He stumbled into the Temple late at night, raving about how they were after him, that he wasn't safe. I administered what healing I could to him, but he was very weak. His life energies had been drained... he died the next morning, but before he passed out completely that night he kept warning me about the courtesans- that they weren't human. He said they were vampires... which admittedly, fit with the symptoms of his ailment."
"So... you think the vampires are from the jail? That's a little bit of a leap, dont'cha think? I mean, there could be another nest of vampires somewhere in the city, right?" Imoen shrugged.
"Not likely." Farielle shook her head. "I did some research after the man's untimely death- apparently, a group of courtesans have been plying their trade inside the Tankard Tree, but only at night. From the accounts of the barman, those who leave with them are never seen again. To prove this theory to myself, I went to the Tankard once, a week ago. I attuned the energies of the divine upon one of the courtesans while I sat in one of the booths, watching them silently. The next morning, I scryed over the whole city with the eye of the divine, looking for hints of the life energies I had attuned myself to."
"And it was in the jails, yes? Another chance to hunt vampires and the undead... heh. Minsc likes killing the undead. Boo likes it too." the ranger grinned.
"So... how are they getting out? You said you sealed the jail for both sides, right? Magic and physical?" Imoen queried.
"I fear I know little else that could be of value in your quest. I have told you all I know- I can only pray that you find a way inside, if only to deal with Il-Khan. He is a tormented man; the taint of Bhaal poisons his blood and tortures his soul. I would feel more pity for him, but he has been… very cruel. Gromnir trusts no one and has locked himself away in the palace to await the inevitable end of this siege, though I fear that he will first bring destruction to us all."
Imoen paused for a moment, then asked quietly, "What about Mellissan? What can you tell us about her? We met the woman once, very briefly..."
"She is a virtuous woman, a truly kind and compassionate lady." Farielle said firmly, her words striving to placate the suspicion she could see in Imoen's eyes. "I know what you are thinking- and yes, it could be considered her fault for what has happened here. But it was not as she intended- she brought the Bhaalspawn to Saradush to find them sanctuary within its walls. It is not her fault that Gromnir took advantage of our hospitality…she meant well. Alas, this siege has thwarted her noble efforts. When the walls fall, as they surely must, all the Bhaalspawn will be slaughtered and her efforts to save them will be for naught."
"You sound like you have lost hope." Aerie noted. "Do you not think Saradush can be saved?"
"At one point, perhaps… but no longer." she shook her head. "Gromnir has wasted too much of our resources and manpower. I pray and keep the store open for all who seek healing… but it is a losing battle this city fights."
Farielle sighed, but forced a smile as she stood, shuffling to the crates that held her dwindling supplies as she mussed about, finally finding the items she had been searching for. She handed three small vials of shimmering water to them, as well as a pair of sharp wooden stakes. "Here... tools for fighting the vampires, should you achieve entry. I hope you find what you seek... for all our sakes."
X X X X X X
"Please, sit... you must forgive my, ah, enthusiasm when Bernard spoke of someone responding to my calls for aid." Anomen forced a smile as the drow elf sat opposite him, the barman placing two drinks before them with an apology falling from his lips as he shuffled off, wiping his forehead with the dirty rag in his apron. "We have met before, though you may not remember me. I am Anomen Delryn, warrior-priest of Helm."
Solaufein studied the bearded squire's features a moment, then nodded in affirmation. He picked up his mug and sipped the alcohol inside, his face twisting at the taste- Hendak usually had better stock than this. Anomen noticed Solaufein's look of disgust, chuckling as he tasted his own, then pushed it to the side. "I suppose it should not be a surprise- the conflicts and wars erupting across Faerun have certainly disrupted trade, among other things."
"Perhaps. You said that we have met previously- once, I recall. Fighting Githyanki outside the De'Arnise lands. I am called Solaufein. Now that introductions and pleasantries are out of the way, tell me what you are searching for." Solaufein spoke, his voice even and commanding.
The squire was clearly not quite accustomed to one so direct and undiplomatic with his words- he nodded after a moment of surprise, folding his hands before him upon the table. "Very well, right to the point. I have recently received a quest from the Prelate of the Most Noble Order of the Radiant Heart. It is a dire mission, and normally not one which would be entrusted to any but a throng of the Order's most experienced warriors. However, because of the shorthanded nature of these violent days, only I was available to accomplish this task. Still, I cannot do it alone. I will need aid, and for this, I seek the hands of those I know to be righteous warriors, good and true. From our past encounter, I would guess that you might be the sort of man I seek."
"You claim to know much of my nature from that one meeting." Solaufein said, amusement creeping into his voice. "How do you know I am, as you call it, 'a righteous warrior, good and true'? Am I not a drow, creature of the Underdark? Surely most of your kinsman in the Radiant Heart would seek my death on sight."
Anomen shrugged in acquiescence, nodding without reluctance. " 'Tis true, and I am ashamed to say I thought very little of you when I first saw you fighting alongside the Bhaalspawn and his companions upon our first meeting. Still, I spent a great deal of time with them afterwards, though you had departed their company by then. They told me of your valor and nature, and I shall not be one to doubt their words. T'was only a week ago that I found myself fighting alongside them in mortal combat-"
"You were with Greywulf a week ago?!" Solaufein asked sharply, a sudden interest in this news. "Where? When did you last see them?"
"I... at the Hall of the Radiant Heart." Anomen frowned, taken by surprise at the flood of intensity to the warrior elf's words. "They were kind of enough to wait for my judgment by the Prelate before leaving to take their own matters into account. I thought highly of their compassion- I presume you are seeking them once more, judging from your reaction to this news."
Solaufein paused, unsure of how to answer Anomen's query. It was true- they had met briefly, once. Solaufein had not spent much time with the squire, but from the reactions of those he had traveled with, most specifically the paladin Keldorn, it had seemed that while Anomen's heart and loyalties may have been in the right place, he was in dire need of some maturing before they would consider spending any prolonged amount of time with him. If his statements were true, it would appear that either he had done just that, or Greywulf's taste in companions had lessened. "I am seeking them, true enough." Solaufein finally replied, choosing his words carefully. The last thing he needed right now was to be roped into some quest when Imoen and her brother were in danger. He still needed to warn them... though if Elhan and the elves had told him the truth, they were already informed of what he knew.
"Then perhaps I can help you find them." Anomen declared, a smile crossing his features, though it was his words that got Solaufein's attention. "I did travel with them for a spell, after all, and from the look on your face, whatever you seek them for is of the utmost importance. Am I correct?"
"Most certainly." Solaufein nodded, his eyes narrowing with realization. "What of your quest? Surely it cannot be put on hold so easily..."
"No. No it cannot, and here is where I fear that I must hold you to a bargain, should I lend my aid. This task that I have been given... believe me when I say that it has ramifications for all of Faerun. Yet I know in my heart that I will not find worthy allies in this place anymore than I shall complete my quest. I need those who have both the strength to do the impossible, as well as the spirit of righteousness. The Bhaalspawn and his companions were the first men and women I thought of when given this task, and by the will of the gods, I now find you, also seeking them. Truly, you cannot deny that we have been fated to meet!"
"You have a fanciful way of looking at the world, Anomen." Solaufein smirked, though Anomen's growing enthusiasm was undeterred. "Fated or not, I see your mind- you would wish me to accompany you on your mission while we search for the others... but this task of yours will come first, of course."
"Of course-" Anomen paused, holding his tongue as he tried to fight down the swell of pride and, dare he say it, arrogance that was beginning to creep into his tone again. It had been a long struggle to get where he was, and it had taken many frank discussions with both members of the Order, as well as friends and companions, to show him just how capable of unbridled hubris he truly was. So easy to slip into that once again... he exhaled, tightening the grip he held on his own excitement. "Unfortunately, yes. I must not delay any longer than necessary in my orders. If we cannot locate them, I will not hesitate to enlist others, less worthy, in this mission that I have been given. However, you have my solemn oath that if you come with me, I will do everything in my power to help you find Greywulf and his companions."
His words rang in the air between them, and Solaufein could tell simply by looking the young man in his eyes, he believed every word he said. He might as well have sworn an oath- whatever had happened between now and the time they had first met had done wonders, apparently. Still, could he stand to waste time on some errand that the Radiant Heart deemed of so little importance as to send one squire on, when some of the few people on the surface who had ever shown him kindness were in danger? As much as he hated to admit it, there had been little trace of them so far, and despite the account of the elves, quite possibly the last people to have seen them alive, there was nothing but a dead end to be found in the grove near Suldenesselar. The elves would not grant him permission to visit the grove and investigate himself, but if some strange magic had swallowed them on the spot, as Elhan had said, there was little he could track that the elven mages of the city could not.
"Well? I do not mean to pressure you, but if you would join my company, we should be off. The longer we delay, the further that those we seek might travel." Anomen spoke, trying not to fidget. He could tell that his earnest pleas were making an impression on the drow, and it was no act. He was one of the few men that Anomen deemed worthy to join this crusade, and had he found no-one better, it would have fallen to recruiting the likes of Korgan Bloodaxe, Viconia DeVir, or Helm forbid that annoying gnome Jansen once more.
"Very well." Solaufein spoke, standing from the table as Anomen scrambled to do the same, extending a gauntleted hand in fellowship. "I shall travel with you for a time- tell me now, what exactly is this quest of yours?"
X X X X X X
"Vampires, hmm? Figures. I hate vampires." Greywulf remarked as he folded his arms on the circular bar table within the Tankard Tree. They'd agreed to meet back in the bar after accomplishing their separate missions of reconnaissance, and it had gone quicker than anyone had anticipated. Not that it meant their tasks would be simple- Imoen's report on what they'd learned from Sister Farielle had made that abundantly clear. What they were about to share... well, they had their work cut out for them.
"I know what you mean." Imoen said with a scowl- if anyone had reason to hate the Nosferatu, it was definitely the thief-mage. Still, Bodhi was ancient history, and hopefully this particular encounter would prove less... unpleasant. "I took a quick wander around this place once we got back, but I didn't see any sign of them. It's still a few hours before midnight, though so maybe they're just running late tonight."
"Perhaps. Or perhaps the constant barrage of catapult fire has finally convinced them that hiding or fleeing might be the best way to continue extending their already unnatural lives." Jaheira mused.
"Boo hopes not. If they fled, then Minsc would not get a chance to smash their little undead skulls into dust. And we could not get into the castle. Both would be bad." the ranger amongst them declared, Minsc smiling kindly at a waitress as she walked past, returning the smile with a hint of desperation as she tried to ignore the catcalls and whistles directed her way by a group of Gromnir's men, drunken and armored, seated across the tavern from them.
"What did you three find out? Did they catch the man who betrayed Saradush?" Aerie asked, her eyes catching Greywulf's and drawing his attention back to the matter at hand.
"In a manner of speaking, yes. But it's never quite as simple as that..." Greywulf chuckled softly. "We got to the scene almost a full minute after the wall had been breached- and by your account, Gaelan didn't lead you inside first, you were among the second wave of soldiers to try and get inside."
"An easy opportunity for whoever unlocked the gates to do so and escape without any of us spotting him." Sarevok grunted, his dark tones echoing in the darkness surround their barely lit table.
"Except that while we might not have seen anything, the wall guard spotted two people running from the area when he was descending to help fight off the intruders." Greywulf explained with a smirk. Still, there was a sense of sarcasm to his words that could not be explained just yet- it seemed there was more to this tale than he had let on just yet. "Seems that one Mateo Geralt, upstanding guard of Saradush, was spotted chasing Kiser Jhaeri, snake-oil salesman and a merchant who, according to the words of the captain of the guard, would sell his own mother to make a profit."
"Seems pretty straight-forward to me." Imoen remarked with a shrug, but a crash echoed across the room as the waitress that had been desperately trying to avoid Gromnir's men dropped a platter in trying to avoid their jeers and gropes- Greywulf frowned as he noted a wrapped hand on one of them, as well as a number of bruises. "You have *got* to be kidding..."
"What?" Imoen asked.
"That soldier over there... he was the one man Sarevok left alive the last time he and a few of his buddies were trying something like that when we were last here. I suppose some folk never learn-"
"Minsc will handle this. Please, continue." The ranger said with a curt smile, pushing himself away from the table and striding over to where the commotion was taking place. Sarevok let himself smile tightly as he glanced at Greywulf. "Hnh. I suppose your ways of mercy have worked themselves out quite well, eh? Had I simply killed the fool-"
"Here's the thing." Greywulf spoke loudly and with a hint of irritation, cutting Sarevok off before he could continue gloating. "Mateo claims he spotted Kiser opening the gates and letting the enemy inside, like you say- but the Countess of the city owns a house overlooking that part of the wall, and claims that she saw what happened below."
"And I'm going to take a wild shot in the dark and say she claims otherwise." Imoen groaned, Greywulf nodding in response.
"Exactly. Sure it doesn't make any logical sense, but if she was an eyewitness, then her word can't be disputed quite so easily. She claims Mateo opened the gate and Kiser spotted him- he was running for his life, fearful that Mateo would kill him before he informed the authorities."
"She's lying." Sarevok stated calmly, ignoring the sound of a crash across the room as the soldier with the wounded hand bounced off the wall, breaking a table and two chairs on his way. "We got to the Captain's quarters in time to watch the hearing between Kiser, Mateo, and the Countess. Whatever hold this Kiser has on her must be strong- she was most certainly under duress, but the fool in charge would not dare question her word. Men like him are what made my ascension within Baldur's Gate possible."
"So what? We just wait for the executioner to take this Mateo's head off? Are the guards going to investigate this at all, or are we, like always, left holding that particular bag?" Imoen rolled her eyes. "I suppose it's not all that surprising. We could be out in the middle of the desert, a hundred miles from the nearest piece of anything resembling civilization, and you'd find somebody needing us to do something for them. 'Go get my boots and bottle of wine from my spare house in Beregost.' Sheesh, you remember that?"
"Yes, I remember." Greywulf laughed. "It wasn't that bad, in retrospect. There were only a few giant spiders to battle. Not that we had enough experience at the time to know the first thing about fighting a nest of those things..."
The sound of Sarevok growling elicited a sigh from Greywulf as he forced the discussion back on topic. "Unfortunately, with everything going on in Saradush right now, the guards can't take the time off of defending the walls to talk with the Countess or check Kiser's story. It's not like leaving a suspected traitor free will compromise the city again. Still, we don't *know* Kiser's guilty... we just suspect. And until we've solved this, the city's vulnerable. We need to know the real traitor is behind bars. Or dead."
"Agreed." Jaheira nodded. "It would not hurt, however, to get some idea of whether Kiser speaks the truth or not. Perhaps you should take some of us and speak with the Countess again. She was distraught enough that I doubt she will maintain a lie for long under the face of questioning."
Minsc returned to the group's table, only breathing a little heavier than before. He smiled and thumbed behind him as he spoke, "The pretty waitress will be fine, and both men have paid for the damages."
"Did that payment involve taking their money and giving it to the barkeep?" Aerie asked teasingly as he seated himself again between Aerie and Greywulf, a look of innocence on Minsc's features.
"Good timing, Minsc." Greywulf laughed, pushing the big man's arm lightly. "You, Aerie, Sarevok and I are going to pay the Countess a visit. Imoen, Jaheira... perhaps it might do us some good if you two investigated Mr. Jhaeri's dwelling before we meet him in person. I trust you'll be discreet?"
"I will keep her under control." Jaheira remarked dryly, Imoen sticking her tongue out in reply.
"Fair enough." the sorcerer smiled in satisfaction as he eyed the unconscious soldiers, their sword bent over Minsc's knee and lying on the ground beside them. "Let's get moving- these walls outside won't stand forever."