-Chapter Eight-

Casavir spent the rest of the day feeling embarrassed and humiliated for the way he had dealt with Lana. He stayed away from the Sunken Flagon for as long as he could but had to return at night fall. Casavir didn't want Lana to think he was avoiding her but he wanted time to think of how to tell her as much as he could. He felt he owed her an explanation but couldn't bring himself to tell her everything he wanted to say.

Finally, night fell and he could stay away no more. Casavir entered the Sunken Flagon. Lana caught his eye but only looked away when she saw him. He could see hurt and confusion across her face, but couldn't bring himself to approach her. Instead, he bowed his head and went to his room with a deep sigh. Casavir lay on his bed with his hands linked behind his head and contemplated. Why didn't you just go ahead and tell her everything?? She would understand. He was afraid he had now pushed her away and hoped a little time would allow them to both cool off. Maybe I'll talk to her after everyone has gone to bed. He made up his mind; tonight he would tell her everything.

He listened as he heard the unmistakable sounds of his companions going to their rooms. Casavir decided to wait a little longer, in case they all weren't quite settled. He did not want to be caught sneaking in the hallway. He lay quietly listening as everyone settled in for the night, lying on his back with his eyes closed when suddenly Duncan's voice pierced the stillness.

"Alarm, alarm!! Everyone, get out of bed and grab a weapon. The Flagon's under attack!"

Casavir jumped to his feet, grabbing his sword without even thinking. He paused for the briefest moment, surprised at how quickly he had grown attached to the new sword. It seemed natural for him to wield it even though he had only used it this morning and carried it strapped to his side all day. He smiled even as the sounds of battle crashed outside his door. He ran, unsheathing the gleaming sword and throwing open the door.

He plunged into the hallway and with the quickest glance, assessed the scene around him. Githyanki swarmed the hallway and all of his companions seemed to be packed amongst the enemy from what he could see. Weapons clanged, grunts of exertion were mingled with screams of pain. Casavir swung his sword, thrusting it into the stomach of the nearest Gith. He withdrew it in a fluid motion as the Githyanki collapsed. As he withdrew his blade, he quickly searched the small mass of humanoids and saw flashes of blue crackle followed by flames. He knew Lana was near and wielding her blades also. She was a master with her bow, but the quarters were tight for using it.

He fought his way forward, lunging and thrusting into any Githyanki that crossed his path. They were falling around him like dominos at his hands. Lana saw him advancing and smiled in quick acknowledgement as he surged toward her.

Finally reaching her side, they instinctively moved to fight back to back. Fighting together came naturally for them in close combat, even with his new weapon. They moved like dancers with fluid and deadly grace. Both moved in harmony as they hacked and slashed their enemies as the three flames of blue, red and yellow arched around them.

At last the battle ended. They turned and looked at each other; quickly assessing the other for injuries. A smile crossed Lana's lips when she saw that he was using his new blade. She looked pleased, but then sadness crossed her face. She looked imploringly at him, but knew this was not time or place for talking. That would have to come later. The most immediate task was to attend to their companions. Casavir healed the wounds that needed addressing but no one was seriously injured beyond what he or healing kits or potions could fix. It was always a relief when their battles ended with only minor injuries.

Finishing up with the wounds and giving his blade a good wipe, he noticed Duncan standing with Lana and Bishop. All three were gathered around a Githyanki body looking with unusual interest at it. Casavir's face clouded when he saw the ranger standing next to Lana. There was nothing good about that ranger but up until now, Bishop had only been hanging around in the Sunken Flagon. He had never previously interacted with Lana or her companions other then the occasional snide remark or to leer at the women. While Bishop's presence in the Flagon did not please Casavir, he left well enough alone as long as Bishop kept his distance. Casavir sensed evil and malice emanating from the ranger but the ranger had given Casavir no true reason to worry about his presence until now. What was he doing here now and why was Duncan with him, treating Bishop like he belonged there?

Casavir did not like seeing Bishop anywhere near Lana and felt a sense of deep foreboding. He approached the trio, stopping next to Lana, Duncan by her opposite side while shifted to kneel opposite them next to the dead Githyanki.

Bishop pulled something from the corpse's foot and held it up for the others to see. "Look, this one has a sprig of Duskwood trapped in his boot. That means they came from deep within Luskan territory and that's where they'd be returning to." Bishop stated.

Duncan's face clouded. "Luskan, that's your territory Bishop," he uttered.

The usual sneer Casavir always present on Bishop's face returned. Bishop snarled, "Yes, but it's not my problem. I'm not going into Luskan territory for some farm girl, and certainly not with any kin of yours Duncan."

Casavir shot a look at Duncan, realizing the implied direction the conversation was headed. Casavir started to object, but Lana cut in, giving Bishop a hard stare, "Shandra's life is at stake, we need your help."

Casavir again tried to protest, but Bishop replied angrily, "Is your whole family deaf, Duncan? Like I said, not my problem." Casavir was relieved, glad the ranger was a selfish prat in this situation and wouldn't be coming with them.

A look of fierce anger crossed Duncan's face. It was obvious Bishop's answer did not suffice and Duncan spat, "You'll help them Bishop, whether you like it or not." Duncan's tone was menacing. Anger crackled between Bishop and Duncan as they glared at each other.

Bishop shot, "And what makes you th…" He stopped short, his features darkening and his jaw clenching. Casavir sensed Bishop was thinking of something he didn't want to say out loud. Bishop glared at Duncan and Duncan returned his glare with equal intensity. Casavir and Lana looked back and forth between the two men, Lana with determination stamped on her face and Casavir looking disgusted and confused at the two men.

Bishop looked resigned and said, "Calling it due, are you sure?" It was not really a question but more of a flat statement.

Duncan looked determined and nodded," A woman's life is at stake, Bishop. If it's what it takes to move you to do the right thing, then so be it."

Bishop's smirk crawled further up one side of his mouth. "Fine, it will be worth it to be rid of you- and for such a small price too. You're a fool Duncan. So be it" he concluded with a surprising amount of resignation in his voice. Bishop looked to Lana and said, "Alright, pack your bags and grab your weapons. We're bound for the Luskan border. Follow my lead and don't try to clever. If the Luskans catch us, they'll use us for target practice."

Casavir again tried to utter a protest, but Lana said, "All right, let's go." They all turned to gather their gear. Casavir caught Lana's arm as she turned to gather her equipment

He paused until the others were out of ear shot, concern lining his features. "My lady, do you think this a wise course of action? That man is not to be trusted." Casavir stared at her, his gaze hard and unflinching. She turned to face him, standing in front of him.

Lana met his stare, her jaw set, grim determination in her eyes. "Casavir, we have to get Shandra back. Bishop is our only chance to find her. We will just have to be cautious and it will only be this one time. We have to." She looked imploringly at him.

Casavir thought she seemed to be asking his permission. He realized then how much Shandra's kidnapping was weighing on Lana. The small band all looked to her for leadership and now one of their own had been stolen from under their noses.

He reached up to place his hand beneath her chin and stared into her eyes. Casavir hated to see the pain and turmoil etched across her face, hated to see her have to carry this burden or add to it. She turned her face to lean into his hand, and caressed her jawline.

He sighed, "I will support you and stand behind whatever decision you think best. You have my sword always by your side for as long as you have need of me." He wanted to say more, but hoped she understood what he implied. This was not the time for declarations of emotion since they needed to be moving.

Lana smiled sadly, leaning into his hand. "I thank you Casavir. Your support means much to me. I wish to always have you by my side." Her tone implied more then the words she spoke. He caressed her cheek; her eyes looked searchingly into his. He dropped his hand to her shoulder, "We need to collect our gear. I will meet you in the main room." Casavir hated to break the moment, but they needed to get on the road. Lana's shoulders slumped as if huge weights had been lowered onto them and sighed sadly, "You are right of course. Duty calls."