Many of these characters aren't mine, but I, too, wish some of them were.

x x x

Parts Unknown - - -

- - - Sand

The flashing of planar energies was painful as I fled for the gate. I was sure that it probably drew some energy from the plane of shadow, but its pulsing made me think it was also drawing from another plane. I saw Elanee leap and Grobnar almost fly through it. Khelgar had been carrying an unconscious Zjhaeve as they went through next. I had been a little surprised to see the tiefling delay a moment, looking back at the Commander, who was cursing at the paladin to "Keep moving, you idiot!"

His face, on occasions like that, was always entertaining.

With a small smirk, Neeshka went through just before me. I could hear them just behind me as I stepped through.

A bone numbing wave of flame and cold passed through me as I left the Mere. I regretted that I could not have studied the gate, and hoped it was safe. But it was far safer than the rocks we'd had to weave through to get to the gate.

I ceased those thoughts, when I appeared in a dim place, in mid-air. I was off balance when I landed, with a painful snap in my forearm to add to my other injuries. I was in a dusty chamber, and sneezed as I carefully stood up. I didn't see or smell anything else in the room, whether living or unliving.

I probed the pain in my lower left arm as I scanned the room. The room seemed to be used for storage, holding trunks, wardrobes, and perhaps armor manikins in a large cluster. There was dust on every surface, a dreadful job at housekeeping. It was a large space, though a human might have thought the sloped ceiling was a little low. An attic of some kind. The manikins were not all huge, so probably not a place where armor was only for burly men and half-orcs. The temperature wasn't either cold or stifling, so I had not gone extremely far, nor further into the north. The construction looked typical for human areas, so I might be within travel distance of home, either one now.

I took a moment to think on that. When had my shop by the docks become less than that? I had lived there for decades now, but I had somehow become fond of the children, even with their bickering.

But these threads of thought only took an instant as I probed my lower arm and found the break. It was a simple one, which had not broken the skin. I wrapped it, to protect it at least, with a strap from my bag of holding. I wasn't adept enough at bandaging to think I could set it one handed, and I was out of healing potions.

I regretted that I lacked even the company of even the idiot Grobnar, as at least he could be trusted to help if I gave instruction in very small words. How he'd mastered so many instruments was beyond me.

Checking, I was singed, frozen, tired, wounded, dirty, and nearly out of spells. And alas, my robes were now fit only for the dustbin. The handful of spells I had left in memory or on scroll, might, just might, kill some orcs.

My next decision should be whether to rest here, so I can study my spells, or leave, hoping I can find someone willing to heal me. I couldn't even summon my familiar anymore today to scout the building for me.

The dust made me start to sneeze again. I stopped it, but my ears popped. That decided me, perhaps I could find an inn, or Tymora willing, a temple I could trust. Then I could decide my course of action.

Taking out a square of clean linen, I washed as much as I could, and used a cantrip to clean my clothing, even if I could not mend it. There was no reason to appear uncivilized, even after a battle. After sipping a little of the fine vintage from my bag, I felt ready to leave.

I really wished some of the others had appeared here, it was so odd we hadn't appeared together after passing through that gate. Did I have a gate-key they lacked, or was I the one to lack one? I should have saved up for a crystal ball, but they had been dear since the wailing death, and it never seemed to be a rush.

Traveling alone was an unfamiliar experience again. Working for the city, I often had guards. The Commander was as good at intercepting threats as Casavir, and kept us all together.

I could not say I regretted our 'losses' in that battle. That idiot girl was as dangerous as a blast globe, and about as bright. A waste of what talent she had. And Jerro, him I did not trust. He was intelligent and cunning and I was afraid of what he would do after we had served his purpose. He was too fond of blood magic and infernals, and he had been with us far too long, to have not gotten holds on most, if not all of us. I know I'd been afraid my use of a road-name would not be enough of a protection from him. Now, Bishop had been a rare surprise, killing Jerro. He would have been offended if I had thanked him, which would have made it all the better. Even more of a surprise, was when he turned on the shadow general Garius, and I wondered what was that arrow that he used. Maybe the Commander would know, It had looked like he was still using the same equipment she'd upgraded at times. And then he left, depriving Casavir of the chance to kill him. So, for all his vitriol, he may have balanced much of what he did at the Keep.

But the paladin was barely restrained by the Commander, though we needed him badly against the King. It was always the snake and mongoose act with them, despite her deliberate neutrality. Pah, no patience or sense, either of them.

I walked around the attic, and found only one door and two screened vents, almost completely closed. A small, cool draft came in the one. The door didn't seem to have a lock, so I merely opened it and stepped through.

What I stepped into, appeared to be a simple bedroom, even if good sized. Bedroom suite, work area, drawing board, and sitting area, all it lacked was a window. Even as I scanned the room, the other door opened, and a young woman, of the People was in the doorway, looking surprised.

I bowed, and said politely, "Greetings, young lady. I regret that I have appeared unannounced. May I ask for the hospitality of your house?"

She blinked in befuddlement an instant, but recovered quickly, and said, "I can not offer the hospitality of the house, but I would be pleased to be of what assistance a visitor could hope."

Hmm, not a member of the household, but not indentured. I should be safe.

"I would ask, really, of only two things. Direction to healing, and where am I?"

"Elder," she said with a curtsy, "you are presently in the upper floor of the Establishment of Drissui Yorphe in Waterdeep. As for healing, I would know which temple you would prefer before offering direction."

"Is it not obvious?" gesturing at my damaged robes and injuries, "I follow Mystra."

With a slight smile, she said, "Of course, I should have realized."

But then she switched to an older etiquette form and said, "I would be pleased to offer my guidance, if you gave tales of your travels in trade."

I suspected I was smiling, though I had not willed it, and said, "Then we have a bargain. But be warned, that form is centuries older than I, as well."

"Please follow, then," she returned serenely.

So I followed her down three flights of stairs and through a large building out onto the streets. It seemed this Yorphe was a designer of fine and court clothing, so we were in the better part of the city.

I hadn't been to Waterdeep for at least a decade. Once we traveled some distance, I knew where we were, and that we were approaching the temple.

When we reached the entrance, I bowed and said, "I thank you for your guidance, I will return with my payment one evening when I am released." I did not know how much of a payment there would be in the temple.

She returned the courtesy, and said, "You are welcome. You will need to ask for Ehlah Zilophnae."

Turning, she left in a different direction. Watching her a moment, still smiling, I realized again that I was exhausted, and turned to enter the temple.

Inside, I could feel the hum of active magic surrounding me warmly. Ah, Lady Mystra.

An acolyte took one look at me and escorted me towards more private chambers for healing. I was taken to a work room where a human male was engaged in preparing reagents for alchemy.

To the youngster he said, "Thank you child, you can go back now."

"Is the city under attack, my son?" he asked me.

Switching back to the common tongue, was almost jarring, even after such a short time away.

"No, Elder. I have been traveling." The irony of calling him elder was quite amusing, but other possible honorifics in the temple would have been worse.

Firmly, he ordered, "Then sit down, I'm Etiron. I'm surprised you are on your feet."

As I sat, I realized how much I'd needed to.

First, the broken arm, he well understood my priority. It was pleasant to be with those who didn't need explanations. Then he healed my other injuries without negotiations. I was surprised at how many spells it took, and dismayed at the lack of bargaining.

I was going to owe a great deal.

He interrupted my thoughts, asking, "Are you aware you have been contaminated by a flood of shadow energy?"

"I would have thought as much, as we just finished destroying something claiming to be the king of shadows."

"We? Are you the only survivor?" he asked, curious.

"I do not believe so, but the gate took them elsewhere. What is the price for your healing?" I hoped the price would not be too steep, but I was already past the point of most bargaining.

"For the healing? A brief time tutoring on uses of arcane spells for some and a period of lecture for some loremasters in training. We will provide shelter while you do."

"Agreed." That price was quite acceptable, I would have to negotiate later for some healing potions.

"An acolyte can lead you to a guest room, so get some sleep. Even you need it now."

I found an acolyte in the main worship space, who led me to a guest space, where I fell into the deepest sleep I had had in years.

I woke, and selected spells more useful in a city. I was hoping to keep a low profile, here, as I had once had in Neverwinter. This city was too notorious for it's mages and politics for me to wish to be caught up. Although I was hoping to acquire some new spells while I was here as well.

Satisfied that I was again prepared, I also considered the need for new robes. Perhaps the temple steward or curator may have some.

When I left the guest apartment, I found an aasimar acolyte seated in the hall, reading.

She stood, saying, "Father Etiran has placed me as your guide for now. You have a lecture this afternoon, do you have any tasks you wish assistance with?"

Generous. How much was I going to owe for this?

The curator was quite willing to trade, and I got a new robe with some enchantments, as well as healing potions. The prices weren't too bad, no war was here as recently.

"Child, take me to whomever can be hired for divinations. Thank you."

Again I found myself in Etiran's lab.

My amusement was fast disappearing. "Am I to be your pet, in my time here?"

"A bit of the shadow magic yet clings, so yes, you will be seeing only those experienced or protected while it does," he said calmly. "What would you like to request?"

Damn, there goes more of my cash reserves, if I had to remain here a time.

"I was hoping to hire a divination about the fate of my party."

His price was only a little steep. But all living when I left them, still lived. At this rate I would be out of funds soon, so I returned to my suite and recorded lists of things to research and a few spells I hoped to acquire, one in particular.

A knock at the door, announced the return of my guide. Presenting a luncheon tray, she said, "They will be awaiting you in an hour, I will return."

Its a good thing I wasn't that social, by the way I was being avoided.

I was then led to a small chamber with five people awaiting me. Most had holy symbols for Mystra, and two of the five wore the servicable, sturdy clothing of travelers, or adventurers.

And so the interrogation began, ranging widely, but covering even my suppositions about the Shadow King. The more elder two often checked what I said, separating what I knew from direct experience, from research. This would be continued tomorrow afternoon. But I had found it more stimulating than draining, and returned to my chambers, and summoned Jaral for company.

The next morning, the breakfast tray preceded a trip to the seminar room. This time there was a larger group, with more Mystran priests, though the two travelers from yesterday were in this group as well. One half-human and the other human, they hadn't seemed to know each other yesterday, but they were much more friendly today.

Ah, youth. And spring was near. Who would select the pace? No matter, it was usually an amusing show.

This lecture was much more straightforward. We had only gotten through the first two groups of spells, their use and misuse, when the group began to stir and break up. The younger ones chattering as they left. My guide arrived with another luncheon tray, and yesterday's lore class returned.

After dinner in my chambers, there was another knock at the door. It was Etiran, and I bowed him in.

"To what do I owe the honor of this visit? I asked with a touch of sarcasm.

"Peace, peace. I am here to help, to check your... shadow," he said with a small smile.

"As long as I do not have to wait four more tendays," I said with more bite than I'd intended.

He cast a true seeing and examined me. His smile afterwards, said it all.

Etiran said, "Welcome to Waterdeep. As long as you continue your lectures you are welcome to stay. You are also welcome to make use of the library as long as you make a contribution to it."

Ah, how they benefit, fresh knowledge. "Thank you. I would be glad to."

By the next morning, I had composed a note to Ehlah, and found someone from the temple's lay staff to deliver it.

The morning seminar had fewer, and I could tell when each had gone beyond their own experience and lost interest. The two adventurers had progressed beyond flirting, but they were both experienced in the spells covered today. The female was better at synthesis, of unusual applications. The young man was a bit more interested in good timing.

I skipped the evening meal, and went visiting shops. I needed to get an idea of prices, and what I might get for items I was willing to sell. I did buy a few potions and another robe, but nothing else today. When I returned to the temple, I found a message from Ehlah, setting a meeting at a tea-shop.

The next day, the seminars went as before. The adventurers were a little late, and smirking. Otherwise, it was as before, but now I was getting some ideas from both groups as well. One idea was for combining scrying and a message spell for communication as a charged item. Another was combining a ceremony with banishing the undead. Of course you would need two priests to try that, and I'd heard of few groups like that. But the new magic item sounded promising.

That evening, I went to the tea shop.

Ehlah was in a booth with a privacy curtain and a full tea service. She smiled when she'd saw my arrival.

"Good evening. I am here to redeem my pledge." I was amused, though I kept my face controlled.

She nodded, and began to pour the tea. "I am glad you have been released, at last. You are well?"

It was pleasant to speak again in the Speech, even if only minor pleasantries. I'd missed it. The tea was pleasant as well.

After a time, she said, "I would like to hear more from your journeys, Sand."

"What would you hear? Stories of far places? Stories of magic and combat? Stories of heroes? Or stories of pain and tragedy?" I had all those stories, and some were of all of those.

She thought a moment, and said, "Tales of new places. Of sights, and markets, and wonders to be seen. Places fair and wondrous, and why you found them so."

Hmm, I'd expected heroes and tragedy from such a quiet woman. Warning her that some of this may be dated, I began to tell her of places I'd been. The tea pot had been refreshed, she had asked interesting questions about the types of people in each place. It was a pleasant time.

I realized it was late, as the shop had emptied of humans.

Ehlah said, "Thank you for your tales. Your bargain is complete."

"Perhaps then, it is your turn. Why are you hidden in the attics, like some awkward uncle?" I called for more tea.

We talked a good bit longer, until it was getting close to dawn. With many apologies and hints of something warmer, she left to fulfill her contract, with the morning light's arrival. Nothing grand, just an extended apprenticeship for clothing in high style. She was nearing the end of it, though, and growing weary of the imbalanced relationship. I could sympathize with that, given my intermittent relationship with the city of Neverwinter.

Freshening up before the morning seminar, my day in the temple was again of the routine I'd established, though now I was welcomed in the dining hall. That evening, I went out to sell a few items, taking it in cash for my coming shopping expedition. My bed was unusually welcoming.

The next morning, Jaral told me that someone had left a message for me. I read it before lunch, and it was a formal invitation for dinner with Ehlah. Jaral had volunteered to deliver a reply, all snide and smug at my anticipation. I thanked him for his graciousness dryly, and agreed. The afternoon seminar was now becoming more of a study group, researching topics of joint interest. Only four remained. But once we were done for the day, I refreshed myself before leaving.

The restaurant chosen was nearly exclusively of the People, and very fine. Our conversation was more personal, and became slower and no less pleasing. I left a floral gift on her pillow when I had to get back to the temple for the morning seminar.

That evening I returned to my neglected shopping and purchased a number of useful scrolls to add to my spellbook in one shop. And restocked potions at an alchemist. I was studying the magic rings and amulets at a jeweler, and wondering how long I would be 'teaching' lore and spells. There was only a total of five students in both classes, and all but one now was Mystran. I considered stopping to the establishment of Drissui to order more robes, but I wasn't sure if that would be politic. I was getting oddly restless, and more worried about my younger companions. I selected another magicked robe, but almost as an afterthought to my concerns.

Returning to my chambers, I discovered why Jaral had been smug all evening. I had a visitor, sewing contentedly, and then we tested the nimbleness of our fingers again.

I woke to knocking, warning that I was late to the class. Dressing quickly, I saw a long embroidered ribbon hanging from the headboard. Smiling when I arrived, I found the two seniors were not as warm as before, at least to each other. It looked like the male Mystran had committed a major faux pas of some kind, and was aware of it. The lesser students were listening to my lecture with absorption, though I didn't quite hold the elders' attention. It was worse in the afternoon group, as the lesser students were visibly snickering, despite no real overt reason that I had seen.

That did not end well for them, as he ordered them out, his voice crackling with authority and ill consequence. The research then resumed, even though neither of them spoke much to each other, only to me. I could tell we were making progress in the research, though it looked like the result would require the infusion of both arcane and divine power.

The next morning, only the Mystran was in seminar, saying that the classes were being ended. I could stay further, if I could finish the research on the new item and shared it. I agreed, as I quite liked this application of a minor spell. So then the research and debate resumed, though it went slower with just the two of us, she had been the more creative thinker. But no word had been said about her that day, by anyone. I was hoping we could make a prototype tomorrow, but we would each need a scrying device.

That afternoon, I visited more shops, looking for a single spell for sale, and a scrying device. I did not find the scroll, and hoped I could live with the limitations on the crystal ball I found. In the evening I returned to the library and was up all night and into the next day. We were close. We had two prototypes, one that each of us had enchanted. His scrying was going to be by spell, and mine had that distance limitation.

We exchanged the material components and went to differing parts of the temple for the test. I broke his component, and soon felt that I was being observed, while in an empty room. Soon enough, I heard a whispering in the air, and almost a compulsion to do the scrying. Once I did, I saw him looking bored and drumming his fingers in impatience, in what looked to be the laundry. Excellent, it worked, the scrying was much easier and clearer than I would have expected. As I watched, he got bored and began to drift off.

Not my favored form of entertainment, so I began to write up notes of the spells and effects involved. With a smile, I made a second copy for the library, before going into reverie. In a bed, of all places, instead of a laundry.

The next morning we discussed our results, and he said I was free to go. I'd been wondering how long he was going to continue the facade that Etiran was in charge. I asked him of where I could buy scrolls, and was given a list, most of which I'd already found. In a few hours, I found the one I was looking for, and with great regret, a gift.

I recorded the spell in the afternoon, feeling impatient as I did so.

And then prepared for another dinner. I waited a time for her to finish her duties, and she grew solemn when she looked closely at me. We went again to the tea shop.

"I have now been released from my bargain with the temple," I said regretfully.

She returned, with a slight smile, "And you must return home."

"Yes. I am... worried about them, as foolish as some of them are." It was strangely hard to admit even that.

"Your friends, you mean?" she asked with a smirk.

I could only smile with her, and gave her my gift, saying, "I wish it could have been longer, perhaps another year, we can..."

"I would enjoy it. But my time with Drissui will end, and I will start my own establishment with the skills I have mastered."

I understood, she will not be in that attic for much longer. There was no rush, we didn't have to hurry as the humans did. All in the fullness of time.

With one almost scandalous embrace in a tea shop, I slowly left her to her tea.

x x x

The next morning, I had my new spell memorized, and cast it with Jaral in my arms. Once more, I was in the familiar library at the Keep.

There were a few faces missing in the hall, including that one unsavory merchant that the Commander had regretfully allowed in. Kana was not directing the Keep, it seemed Katriona was doing it now. Her surprise at seeing me come from the library was all that I could have wished.

What I did not see coming was Neeshka, who apparently thought I needed to be tackled to make my day complete.

"My dear girl, you have already checked my possessions how many times now? It would be less painful to me, for you to ask, and I will let you paw through them."

"Hells, I was afraid I was the only one to survive. Ivarr keeps avoiding me," she admitted.

Quietly I said, "If you will let me stand, I will tell you what little I know."

She was off me before I even finished the sentence, and Katriona was hiding a smile.

I raised my brows at her, challenging her to think anything of it. The tiefling was as much a creature of impulse as Qara had been, but better hearted, and smarter, more competent, and... well there was no other commonality beyond impulsiveness.

"Well, a Mystran priest confirmed about a tenday ago that all of us through the gate were still living. I'm sure they will try to return here or Neverwinter as soon as they can. We can search for any stragglers, if necessary. But if they are coming from different directions, we should stay at their destination, until there are more of us."

She made a face at that, and Katriona also did not seem pleased.

Katriona said, "I'm sure the city would like a report on the end of the King of Shadows. And might be tempted to reassign command after any long period of absence."

"I see," I said dryly.

I did, it seemed they did not want to have another commander, a testament to the loyalty the Commander had built, despite her frequent frustration. A report directly to Nevalle would probably help slow political problems, but neither the tiefling or I would be accepted as a suitable deputy. I could only hope Casavir, Khelgar, or, of course, the Commander, would return soon.

Catching the Greycloak's eye, I said, "I will assist in any way to ease the continuance. Later today, I will visit the city and hire some public divinations."

Her relief was palpable.

Neeshka said, puzzled, "Today?"

I was smirking, myself, "Yesterday, in Waterdeep, I acquired the spell Teleport. Such a lovely spell."

Wryly, she admitted, "That sounds like more fun than I had, I appeared in a tight spot in Luskan."

She agreed to keep watch for the others here at the Keep, I would wait in Neverwinter.

A few days after my return, an exuberant Grobnar walked into my shop, with another gnome in disguise. An oddity in itself.

The bard probably would have tackled me if he could have, but he was close. I hoped surely Khelgar and Casavir could resist that impulse.

He was a changed gnome, not surprising, when the other scolded even me in an ancient elven dialect. He had been much further away than either Neeshka or I, and could have taken months to get back, so it looked like we were going to have a long wait for everyone to return.