Chapter 40 Everything Goes According to Plan (but Whose Plan?)
Usual Disclaimers: The characters in this story are owned by a good many people and not me, except for a bear and paladin-lovin' ranger and an occasional NPC. Slight liberties taken with the OC.
Also the information on Realmsian astrology was obtained from the following site:
http:/realmshelps(dot)dandello(dot)net/index(dot)shtml
Nevalle followed Lord Nasher as he climbed into the darkened coach so they could enjoy a private farewell. He set his great helm on the thickly-cushioned bench and sat down beside him, nodding at a basket of food. "Have they given you everything you will need for the journey back?"
Nasher smiled at him. "Don't fret about my comfort. The seats are well cushioned and Vale's put an enchantment on the horses' shoes and the coach so that it will get us to Neverwinter by tomorrow morning at the latest." He took Nevalle's face in his hands gazing into his hazel eyes and smiled regretfully. "It is so very difficult to leave you again, my love, but duty calls us both." He leaned forward and gave him a soft kiss.
Nevalle returned the kiss and slipped his arms around him, hampered from drawing him into a tight embrace by their armor. "If Aldanon isn't able to find something by the time the enemy regroups...and with what Leather and that cook said about seeing Luskans lurking about..."
Nasher combed his fingers through his golden hair. "Yes, I spoke with the girl who identified the assassin, and she described the tattoo to us in detail. It does match a known assassin guild. The Luskans are testing our defenses or looking to exploit us while we're occupied with the King of Shadows. It could also be they're here to assess the threat to Luskan, if the Hosttower has finally realized there is indeed a threat. Unfortunately we don't have the troops to spare to run them down, and they know that. As far as Aldanon's progress goes, if he can't decipher that damned tome by the time the enemy regroups...there's no shame in abandoning this Keep and falling back to make a final stand in Neverwinter, though I doubt Lady Farlong will agree."
Nevalle replied sadly, "Indeed, I became convinced during the battle that she's quite resolved to becoming a martyr. If Aldanon is unsuccessful, I wouldn't put it past her to march off on her own to confront the King of Shadows in the field, alone if need be, but I'm sure with my handsome cousin by her side. I don't hold out much hope now for that wedding I've been planning for months for them."
Nasher gave him another soft kiss, and then a more passionate one followed before he drew back to gaze into his eyes. "I want you to know, Gilles, that I truly regret that I can't give you the wedding of your dreams. You certainly deserve it, my darling. I'm sorry that you must content yourself with living vicariously through your cousins." He gave him a final kiss and sat back against the seat. "We must part for now. Guard yourself and your handsome cousins if you can, and take care of our fair boy. He is so very naive."
Nevalle chuckled as he put his helm under his arm. "Indeed he is, but so very fair. I would feel better if he was accompanying you rather than remaining here. But have no fear, I'll watch over him and observe the campsite rule—leave him in better condition than I found him."
He opened the door and stepped outside, making way for Sir Darmon and some of the Greycloaks that had come with him to squeeze inside, leaving their horses at the Keep. They needed everyone who could raise a sword to defend Neverwinter if the Keep fell or if Captain Farlong failed. Nevalle watched them depart. The driver strapped himself into his seat and put on a remarkable helm that was enchanted so that its visor was as transparent as glass, giving him protection from insects and debris. Nasher rapped on the wall, and the driver flicked the reins and spoke the command word that sent the coach flying down the road.
Dee and Casavir made a circuit of the Keep, examining the repairs that were underway during this lull in the fighting. Along the way while examining the wall they caught Qara staring down at the destruction her spells had caused with a wild, triumphant look on her face. She resumed her normal bland-as-pudding expression when she realized they were watching her and walked past them down the stairs without a word. They made a circuit of the wall then went down the stairs to the inner gate. Grobnar was standing on a box that was fastened to the construct's back and was undertaking the repair of the gate aided by Khulmar Ironfist, who perched along with Jacoby at the top of ladders. Dee heard the dwarf mutter about shoddy design if the mechanism could have been so easily sabotaged, and Jacoby agreed and promised they would figure out how to make it unbreakable. Grobnar promised the gate would be operational by morning.
They walked solemnly through the temple of Tyr along the line of cots filled with the wounded 'Cloaks, lizardmen, and Ironfists, trying to stay out of the healers' way. Maisie Jalboun, followed by one of the twins, swept by carrying a basket of fresh bandages. Dee didn't recognize her at first as she had traded her usual tight, low-cut frock for a plain, no-nonsense natural linen robe and apron and had her long curly blond hair wrapped around her head in another length of linen which kept it out of her face. Dee guessed she had borrowed the robe from one of the Tyrran acolytes. Still, Dee mused wryly how such plain garb only served to enhance her feminine curves.
None of the clerics had any healing spells left, so Brother Ivarr himself tended the most seriously wounded so Zhjaeve and Elanee could rest. They joined him in praying for a Greycloak who he feared wouldn't last the day, entreating Tyr to extend His grace to her. Dee added a prayer to Kelemvor to spare her if it wasn't her time. Nevalle found them there and waited until the prayer was finished. "Has it been two hours already?" Dee looked from him to Casavir incredulously.
He answered, giving her a bemused grin, "It has been more than two hours. I'll send word if the enemy regroups, but from my experience, they won't recover from this battle for days."
Dee put her hand on his shoulder and smirked at him. "Sure. Isn't that what we thought last eve after we returned from the bridges? Very well, Gilles, but after we get some sleep we're coming to relieve you and Kana."
He shook his head determinedly. "No need, Sand gave me one of his potions, so I sent Kana to bed, and she's relieving me in the morning. Lord Nasher wants you rested and ready to depart at a moment's notice."
She was about to argue, but Casavir linked his arm through hers. "Come, my wife. It appears you have been bested. I've seen this look in my cousin's eye on the playing field, and I can assure you this is not a battle you will win."
The fatigue didn't hit her until they reached their room, once they were free from the demands of duty. They closed the door and fell into one another's arms. She murmured against his chest, "I am very tired, but I don't think I can sleep. This is the weirdest sensation, as if I'm completely exhausted but wide awake at the same time."
Casavir kissed her forehead and reluctantly broke away to unfasten his weapon belt, and she followed suit. "Indeed, I think there was something in that potion Sand brought to us that gave us energy as well as soothing our pain. White lotus perhaps." Casavir kissed her softly again before he began removing his armor. "Yet sleep we must, my love. Lord Nasher is right. We're of no use to anyone if we're too tired to take the battle to the enemy when the time comes, and that goes for all of our company."
Their staff had been busy in their absence, once they were allowed back from the escape tunnel. The tub was ready, and a tray of simple food—a tureen of venison stew and a small loaf of yesterday's bread along with a few fresh apples—had been left for their return. Dee shook her head. "'Tis almost like nothin' happened! They all deserve bonus pay."
Casavir chuckled. "Taking care of their Captain like this probably helps them feel that their lives will soon return to some measure of normalcy."
Dee looked over at the hideous rug in front of the fireplace, devoid of bear. "I want to call Cillian back, but the poor love needs his rest too." She removed her armor then sat cross-legged on the floor and took a minute to focus on reforming the sword while Casavir removed his clothing. She ran her hand along the flat of the blade once she finished and whispered, "You and I are going to have to figure out our boundaries with one another, but not when I'm feelin' so tired."
Casavir looked up as he finished undressing and stepped into the tub. "Hmm?" He flushed when he realized she was addressing the sword and not him. In the back of his mind it occurred to him that he should be alarmed that his bride was talking to an inanimate object, but he wasn't surprised she could now sense an intelligent presence within the sword.
They washed quickly in the lukewarm water to remove the sweat and blood and wrapped in towels, ate quickly and mechanically, just enough to satisfy their hunger. They spoke little, both replaying the events of the past day in their minds. He longed to get her to talk about Bishop's betrayal, but he couldn't think of how to broach the subject without reopening the wound. Yet he knew that sometimes wounds must be opened to prevent them from festering. He offered a silent prayer to Tyr for wisdom for himself and comfort for his wife. She knew as well that Casavir was the last person in the world who would ever say "I told you so," but she suspected he was probably thinking it anyway. Who wouldn't? Finally, finishing with a long quaff of water and seeing that she wasn't eating any longer either, he stood and offered her his hand. "Come, let us try to get some sleep."
He pointed out slender blue bottles sitting on their bedside table as he took her hand and they walked to the bed. "It looks as if Zhjaeve stopped by and left us some of her sleeping elixir." He picked up a bottle and offered the other to her as he sat on the edge of the bed. She sat beside him and smiled wanly and tapped her bottle against his. "Cheers. Sweet dreams, husband."
They removed the stoppers and quaffed it down. He set his bottle down on the table and stretched out on the far side of the bed lying on his side. She looked at the bottle before she put it down and shook her head. "Why is it Zhjaeve's potions taste better than Sand's? It can't be as simple as a spoonful of sugar." She stretched out on the bed and gave him a kiss then turned on her side facing away from him. He slipped his arm around her waist, and she put her hand over his and pressed against him, embracing like old friends as they waited for sleep to overtake them. But they had underestimated the strength of Sand's potion, and sleep came slowly, especially for Dee.
It was in this quiet time in their darkened room when she was freed of duty and the distraction of conversation with Casavir that Bishop's words came back to haunt her. She replayed his confession over and over in her mind. Why was his treachery so obvious to everyone but her? How he must hate her to have taken such an extreme form of revenge. But he knew she loved her Keep and her people, so it was the perfect way to hurt her. How could he have hidden his hatred for so long? How long had he been plotting with Black Garius? She had been stunned by his betrayal, but the numbness began to wear off, and first one then a flood of hot tears ran down her face. She tried to hold them back and cried silently so she wouldn't disturb Casavir, but he had been lying there quietly fighting sleep while he sensed she was still awake, waiting in the chance she would want to talk.
He tightened his hold around her, slipping his other arm around her and turning her to face him. She buried her face in his chest as he stroked her back and kissed the top of her head. "Come on, my love. Let it out." When her shuddering sobs subsided, he turned and reached into the drawer and removed a soft cloth and lovingly dried her tears. He hadn't been at all surprised by Bishop's betrayal, though he had told himself all along that his suspicions were provoked by jealousy. Even now as she nestled into his chest his thoughts were tinged with jealousy because she still had some feelings for Bishop. But that was petty, and he silently chided himself as he caressed her back. He was certain of her love for him, and he had always believed it was to her credit that she could remain on good terms with her former lover.
He couldn't tell how long they lay together like that, but finally she gazed into his eyes and poured her heart out to him. He caressed her cheek as they lay side by side and listened to all her doubts about herself and what this said about her judgment, and her guilt that the Keep was nearly brought down because she wouldn't listen. She told him she could see now how arrogant she had been thinking she could change Bishop. But even now in her heart, she wanted to justify his betrayal.
"I keep goin' over his words, Cas. He was angry, and I could see the pain in his eyes. But then again, I think he really was in pain, like it hurt him to talk to me. He kept tellin' me to get back on the wall if I wanted to live. I truly think he was tryin' to warn me. That's why he got my attention. Otherwise, why not just escape while he could once his dirty deed was done?" She hadn't told him about her conversation with Bishop in the War Room before Casavir arrived when he asked her to leave with him, but she did so now. "Why not escape then? He could have had several hours head start."
He suppressed a sigh and doubted if she would ever see the ranger for the villain he was. But some of her words made sense once they got past his moral outrage and righteous indignation, and he had to admit there was a sort of truth in them. "Indeed, why not escape? Unless he wanted to wound you by boasting about his treachery, perhaps? Or perhaps he felt guilty and wanted you at least to escape death, and that's why he urged you to seek the safety of the wall. In fact, that's why he probably asked you to escape with him, unless...but there is also the possibility he wanted to trick you so he could take you to Black Garius, my love. Not that I think he honestly believed you would take him up on his offer."
He didn't want to believe anything but the worst of Bishop, but he had to admit there was a possibility that he had been coerced. He took a deep breath and added, "There are spells which Garius could have used to control Bishop, the most common being a geas, for example. Sand would be the one to ask, or Aldanon. If it would ease your mind, we could discuss it with either or both of them tomorrow. Not that I think it wise to divert Aldanon from the tome for long, especially if Sand thinks he's on the verge of a breakthrough."
She chuckled sardonically. "Well we couldn't have that, could we, though I have a feeling I know exactly when he'll have his breakthrough. Just in time for my birthday." He grunted in response, which was his way of avoiding a subject or agreeing to disagree. For all his wife's good qualities, he thought one fault was that she was overly superstitious about signs and omens in the stars.
She reminded him when a few months after they came to the Keep Neeshka had discovered an explorer and astrologer from Mulhorand traveling with a merchant company which had stopped there on its way north. He was making his living as he traveled by telling fortunes and drawing up charts based on the subject's sun sign and moon sign. He explained that the science was ancient, originating in the long-dead Imaskar empire. Sand had muttered as he swished off to the bar, "Actually, the sun elves developed that when humans were still living in caves and painting the walls with their feces."
Neeshka was eager to have her chart cast and immediately handed over five gold crowns. She only knew the day she had been abandoned as a newly-born babe at the temple orphanage, but the priests assumed she had been born that day based on her condition. Despite the vague information she had, he was able to create a chart that showed that she was born under the sun sign of the Star with Selûne in her new phase under the sign of the Raven. He explained that those whose sun fell under the sign of the Star were said to be courageous, energetic, impetuous and determined to make their own way in the world, self-reliant and adventurous risk-takers. And those born while Selûne fell under the sign of the Raven were also self-sufficient, lively, impetuous and outspoken." She giggled as she looked over the chart. "Doubly impetuous and loves taking risks. Sounds exactly like me!"
Shandra declared that the whole thing was nonsense, noting that he had described general qualities that anyone could have discerned after a brief acquaintance. Neeshka pressed Dee and Shandra to have their charts cast too. Shandra muttered that she could just toss her five gold crowns down the privy and make a wish too and walked off to get another ale from Sal, but Dee agreed. She told herself it was more from a desire to repay him for the pleasure of hearing his stories of the exotic places he had visited in his travels while he worked, places she still hoped to see some day, though she admitted she was curious to see what it revealed about her too. As it happened, she knew her approximate time of birth, as Rheta had assisted Shayla and Daeghun in delivering her after two days of labor, and had told her she was born at dawn, just as Lathander's first light painted the sky.
After consulting an almanac and finding the correct adjustment for time for the Sword Coast, he drew lines and circles with a compass on a scroll then announced, "Interesting, Captain. You were born under the Sign of the Wheel, with a waning Selûne under the sign of the Stone." He explained, "Those born under the Sign of the Wheel are said to be determined, self-motivated, enthusiastic and responsible, natural leaders who remain calm in a crisis and are not easily swayed by opposition. Although serious-minded, they are cheerful, optimistic and tenacious."
Neeshka giggled. "That sounds just like you too, Dee."
Shandra muttered as she sat at the next table with Sand, "Yeah, no one could guess that someone who was a squire and made the Captain of a keep before she reached one and twenty was a natural leader." Neeshka smacked her across her backside with her tail and stuck her tongue out at her.
He ignored Shandra as Dee muttered an apology and continued, "On the other hand, those born with Selûne under the sign of the Stone have much the same qualities—tenacious and fearless, proud and independent, they have great strength of character and rarely compromise. They thrive on challenge and have an innate belief in their own destiny." She repeated, "An innate belief in their own destiny" as he consulted another book. He murmured "destiny" too and tapped his lip with his index finger as if he was debating about continuing, but it was his opinion that his clients deserved the full truth. "I'm looking at the planets here, the day you were born. The position of this planet is considered to be in an angry aspect to your waning moon." He could tell that went right over her head, so he explained. "It's a good thing you thrive on a challenge, because you'll face many critical challenges before your life becomes relatively calm. In fact, you're going through a phase of two years which is critical as that planet returns to do battle with Selune."
Though she was subdued after listening to his report, she ordered a chart for Casavir as well despite his objection, being of a similar mind as Shandra though not so outspoken (or rude) about it. The man smiled at him inscrutably. "There is an old saying in my homeland, sir paladin-'Even the gods look to the stars.'" Casavir grunted and reluctantly yielded what he knew of the time and place of his birth as Dee counted out five more crowns. He could not have been persuaded for anyone but her, but he was rewarded with her brilliant smile as he pushed her coins back to her and took out his own coin pouch.
When the man finished, he smiled broadly as he showed them the chart. "I should have guessed this, sir. Your sun is under the sign of the Eagle, while Selûne was in her glory under the sign of the Spear. You, sir, are a born warrior, determined, resilient, organized, a strategist who is not deterred by setbacks, someone who believes in the power of patience and persistence. You are loyal to a fault, but reserved in showing affection."
"That is him exactly. You're really good!" Neeshka laughed and pointed at Casavir with her tail, who flushed and tried to ignore her.
He smiled and continued, "Those born with Selûne under the sign of the Spear are said to be practical, capable and steadfast in adversity, cautious, logical and efficient. You are like a master chess player, able to think ten moves ahead, but you prefer to assist rather than lead, except in battle. When you form relationships, you are supportive and protective. I suppose that mitigates your reluctance to show affection." Casavir cleared his throat as this was getting uncomfortably close to the truth, he took his chart and excused himself and thanked him for his time, though told himself he still agreed with Shandra that it was all rubbish.
Dee reminded him of that evening months ago. "I rolled up my chart and put it in the bottom of my trunk and haven't thought about it much since that night. But he was right about both of us, Cas. I should have paid him to look over Bishop's chart too. Mayhap we could have seen his betrayal comin' and done something to stop it."
Casavir knew very well the ranger would have responded to such a request with the most vile obscenities, but he kept his opinion to himself. "I don't imagine there would have been a sign in the stars to warn us that he wasn't to be trusted, my love. Even if he had the blackest of omens in his chart, it still comes down to his free will. Otherwise, we're nothing but puppets. The sad thing is I suspect Bishop's betrayal was motivated by fear and a lack of faith—in you, in the gods, in destiny." He frowned in thought. "There's something Gilles told me that we decided to keep from you as you had more than enough to worry about."
She lay back with her arms folded behind her head and met his eyes. "What was it?"
He flushed with shame for not revealing it until now, as if she were a child that needed to be coddled. "Torio Claven told Lord Nasher's spymaster when she was being interrogated that she thought one of your companions had dealings with Black Garius. But she did not know who it was, as Lorne had been the contact, and she wasn't even sure it was one of our company. I admit I suspected Bishop immediately when Gilles told me. It makes sense that Bishop would have sought an alliance with the Luskans if he feared he might be implicated in the slaughter of Ember." It also occurred to Casavir that was a likely explanation for Bishop staying with them when he had no interest in their mission or anything else binding him to them. "And if Garius cast a geas on him as I suspect, from what I know of the spell, it's indefinite as long as the caster doesn't violate the terms. Again, Sand would be able to tell you more than I."
She sat up and drew her knees to her chest and wrapped her arms around them. "It's my fault, Cas. I put that idea in his head before the trial."
He replied adamantly. "Don't even think that, my love. We were all aware of the danger of being charged as your accomplices. In fact, Neeshka brought it up to me a few days before the trial. It was the first time she ever sought me out for a private conversation, despite claiming I was making her break out in hives. I was honored that she valued my opinion enough to tolerate the discomfort. She was fearful, but she didn't betray you despite her fear. She confessed she thought of running away, yet she didn't. She told me she couldn't believe that Lord Nasher would find you guilty and she thought that he was wise enough to see the truth. However, I believe Bishop wasn't willing to take that chance."
"Or he knew how treacherous the Luskans were and couldn't believe that truth would win out. And what's going to become of him now?" She scooted to the side of the bed then turned to look at him as she stood. "Would you pray for him with me?"
He stood up to join her but pulled the sheet off the bed to cover his nakedness. "I would do that much for him, my love." He wrapped the sheet around them and they stood before Casavir's image of Tyr, joining hands as he led her in a heartfelt prayer for Bishop, that he would find a way out of any pact with Black Garius, and that Tyr's justice would be swift and merciful, for there was no escape from the god's justice.
When he finished, they lingered for a few minutes before the image in quiet meditation. She yawned and he yawned in response, finally feeling the effects of Zhjaeve's potion. They both chuckled, and she looked up at him and smiled tiredly. "Come, husband. We really should get to bed before we fall asleep standing here."
He smiled sweetly and took her hand and led her to their bed where they resumed their favorite sleeping position, with his arm holding her securely. He kissed the top of her head and whispered, "I pray that you have sweet dreams too, my love." She murmured something he didn't make out in reply, succumbing to the potion and drifting off to sleep.
They slept longer than they intended and awoke before dawn still feeling slightly groggy from the potion. They still made it to the audience hall in time to relieve Nevalle and Light-of-Heavens, who had taken the night duty. Nevalle, looking bleary-eyed and uncharacteristically disheveled, mumbled "Good night," and walked off stiffly for his room, where Leather was waiting with a promised back rub after he finished his shift at the temple. Light-of-Heavens' face was as serene as ever though she must have been exhausted too. By the time Kana arrived an hour later she was surprised to find they had already gone through the reports and requisitions of the past few days and had finished the day's duty rosters.
Hiram the cook poked his head in and cleared his throat. "Begging your pardon, Captain, but breakfast is near ready. I took the liberty of bringin' breakfast for your companions in the War Room. Master Jerro suggested it so you could go over the battle while you ate. I think he sent word to them through the pages."
Dee's stomach rumbled, and Casavir smirked at her. "Doesn't sound like you need to be asked twice." She grimaced in response, putting her hand over her stomach. "I'll meet you there, love." He watched her with concern as she walked quickly towards the privies until she passed from his sight. He was worried about her facing another attack of nerves, but this would all be over soon, one way or another. It occurred to him as he walked to the War Room that if not for Tyr's grace he would likely be sick with nerves as well.
He took Hiram aside as soon as they entered the room. He looked around conspiratorially and observed that Neeshka hadn't arrived yet, nor had Sand. In fact, the only ones present so far were Khelgar, Grobnar, Zhjaeve and Ammon Jerro. He leaned down and whispered, "Tomorrow is my lady's birthday."
He craned his neck and grinned up at Casavir. "Aye, my lord, so it is. I've already got a cake planned. Somethin' light with the last of the fresh berries so it won't be too heavy on her seething stomach. I was thinkin' of makin' it today in case...well, if you have to leave before then."
Casavir smiled. "Great minds think alike. I was thinking of having a small surprise party for my wife tonight at supper."
Hiram winked at him and whispered, "Say no more, my lord. My lips are sealed. I won't speak a word of it...not a word." He winked again as Neeshka walked in with Dee and Cillian right behind her and slipped out through the service door.
The others arrived (except for Qara) by the time bowls of oatmeal had been ladled out and passed around by Casavir along with a platter of sausages and another of fresh fruit. The last to arrive besides Qara was Elanee, who was escorted to the door by Daeghun. They stood talking softly in elven for a few minutes until Dee called out, "Father, will you join us?"
"I'm afraid I have some scouting to do, daughter." He nodded at Dee then smiled at Elanee again, who blushed in response. She watched him until he slipped away down the back stairs so he could go out the escape tunnel, where Wolf was waiting to show him the way to the last place he had seen the Luskans.
Dee listened and picked at her oatmeal as Sand gave his report on Aldanon's status. "He has an interesting theory, but he says he has to complete more research. Luckily the tomes he needs are available in your library, and he has plenty of research assistants to do the menial work. It's almost as if it's going according to plan, though I don't know whose plan." Dee raised an eyebrow at Casavir and mouthed, "See?"
Qara finally joined them as they finished their debriefing, just in time to hear Dee recount her conversation with Bishop before he and Karnwyr teleported away. Qara smirked as Dee finished with, "Lord Nasher has charged him with high treason. He will hang for sure if he's captured." Qara wasn't surprised, and she was only a little miffed that he hadn't taken her with him. When it came right down to it, she thought he was a coward and a fool, unlike her. She looked forward to the next battle and for the excuse to demonstrate her powers. The pity was, once they destroyed the King of Shadows, she wouldn't have a challenge unless she found new allies who appreciated her talent, unlike these fools. She considered the possibilities as she poured herself a cup of coffee.
Grobnar observed Qara, correctly guessing he was the only one that had noticed how much time she had spent with Bishop at the inn and deciding she was another one who bore watching. He was about to share the incident concerning the construct's password with the others, but thought better of it. The Captain looked thoroughly disheartened by the betrayal. It put him in mind of the story of the woman who took in a half-frozen snake only to have it bite her once she brought it back from the brink of death. The revelation of the nature of the snake she had harbored in her bosom was enough of a lesson. He didn't feel the need to rub salt in the wound. Besides, he had already changed the password last evening before going to bed, as he had planned all along.
Neeshka did decide to reveal her own suspicions about Bishop. "Well I was sure he was up to something. But I could never prove it. I tried to follow him, but he's good at ditching a tail, I'll give him that. That alone made me even more suspicious, but without proof...I could go through his room now, though it's probably not worth the effort." She shrugged helplessly then added, "But Cill—I think he was trying to find him too. Once when I lost Bishop in the lower levels I came upon Cill sniffing the air and looking for someone, and I knew you weren't down there." Cillian didn't understand anything but did understand the sound his bonded called him by, so he knew they were talking about him. He chuffed and lay his head on Dee's lap.
Sand sat in contemplation with his delicate fingers steepled under his chin. "That puts me in mind of something Aldanon was nattering on about a few days ago. We were looking for a particular book for me to take back to my chambers for research, and he remarked that the books that the Captain's scout, the one with the dog, had borrowed had never been returned. Would you believe he had half a mind to refuse to allow me to take the book I was seeking until they were. Me? I assumed he was lost in the past, remembering some other person at some other time, and I suggested he take a nap. I couldn't imagine Bishop wanting to read up on magical theory or using a book for anything but to tear out the pages for privy rags for that matter. Frankly, I was surprised he could read, but it would give credence to Casavir's theory. I could ask Aldanon if he remembers if Bishop was seeking any information about a geas spell; however, there's still the matter of his being close enough to Black Garius for the spell to be cast."
Casavir added grudgingly, "A good lawyer could make that a legitimate defense at the trial. It could be argued in that case, I suppose, that he betrayed Dee, not Neverwinter."
Sand continued while the others ate quietly. "If we're assuming he was the traitor feeding Black Garius information about our defense for the trial, it could be argued indeed that he had never intended to commit treason against Neverwinter...It's a capital offense, after all, and I can't imagine him risking his own neck out of spite to you, dear girl. On the other hand, since he now has been forced to perform an act that can lead to his death, it's very possible he's broken the geas. However, he may not be aware of that yet. It's difficult to say without knowing the exact wording of the spell."
They adjourned, going their own ways until supper. Dee and Casavir made another visit by the hospital then joined in the solemn prayers at the burial ceremony, with Dee earnestly chanting the invocation to the god of the dead from a book of common prayer since there was no priest of Kelemvor at the Keep. Once relieved of this grim duty, she asked Casavir for some time alone to commune with Cillian. "Of course, my love. I was about to ask if you minded if I went to walk the grounds, but I'll come to get you for supper." They kissed and he went off on his 'walk' to tell the others about his surprise party.
She wanted to run off into the wilds for some time alone with her bear, but there was no time for her own needs now. The risk would be foolish too, she knew. Instead she and Cillian went to her chamber. She chuckled dryly at the raucous snoring coming from the next chamber where Nevalle and the festhall boy were sleeping soundly. She dug through her scroll case until she found one for the silence spell and cast it on the fireplace and sighed with relief. "That's better, now I can hear myself think." Cillian chuffed in agreement.
She sat cross-legged on the floor looking into the bear's soft chocolate eyes, grimacing at the missing fur and scars from the battle that hadn't healed yet. "It was selfish of me to call you back so soon, my love, but I missed you so, and I don't know how much time we'll have before..." She tried to keep her thoughts simple and not use words or concepts he couldn't understand as she communicated Bishop's betrayal. But she only learned that Cillian, like Neeshka, didn't trust the wolf-walker because he was afraid he wanted to hurt his bonded again. What set off his suspicions was Bishop going down through the dark places and leaving through the tunnel, but without Karnwyr. Cillian seemed to be grieved that he hadn't let her know.
"It's alright, love. I understand." She kissed the top of his head and leaned against him as he lay down on his rug, ruffling his fur for a few minutes.
She sat up and drew the Sword of Gith and ran her hand along the blade as it lay across her lap. "Casavir should be here, for safety's sake, but I have to do this while I can." She closed her eyes and reached out to the sword through the shard lodged in her chest. After a while she could sense an alien presence in her mind, one that she now realized she had felt for the past two years since she retrieved the shard for Daeghun. She told it, "I want to end the twisted existence of the King of Shadows as much as you do. I have felt, and can feel you urging me on. Mayhap this battle never was my will at all, but rather yours. But there's a reason why we two were joined. We're stronger together; it's time for us to finish together what Ammon Jerro started when he found you in the lower planes. But I have to be in charge, alright?"
She was relieved that it didn't answer, though she could sense it humming contentedly. "Now that that's settled..." She sheathed the sword and decided to organize her pack and her bag of holding, taking out what she thought she might need then locking it away in her desk drawer again along with letters to be delivered to her companions, Daeghun, and Judge Oleff in the event of her death. She finished by leaving a note on her elven chain mail that she wanted it to go to Daeghun then put on her leather brigandine in its place.
Casavir came to collect her right on schedule and escorted her and Cillian to the War Room. She was surprised to see Nevalle, Daeghun, Bevil and Katriona there as well and looked up at Casavir in puzzlement. Neeshka squealed, "Surprise!" as soon as she saw her, and she hopped up and down then ran over to give her a hug. Casavir hugged her too and said softly, "Happy birthday, my love." On cue, Hiram carried in a large cake festooned with berries with a single candle in the middle being assisted by Wolf and several of his crew, who were hoping to be rewarded with a piece of cake. She blew out the candle, and they ate supper then Casavir cut the cake while she served and passed it around.
Ammon Jerro for once didn't have a lecture to deliver about how they didn't have time for such frivolous pursuits and had to focus on the battle ahead. She opened her gifts—a new dwarven smithing hammer from Khelgar, a book on the planes from Ammon Jerro, a silver filigree hand mirror from Nevalle, a high-quality set of lock picks from Neeshka, a new silver Harper pin from Grobnar, Volo's latest travel guide from Sand, a herbal skin balm made by Elanee, and a set of arrows from her foster father fletched with her colors. Casavir gave her a new cotton shirt and a lacy blue nightgown (he murmured that it matched her eyes) but stopped her before she took it too far out of the box, flushing as he whispered, "There's some new small clothes too. Umm, please wait to look at them until we're alone."
After she had opened all the gifts and everyone had eaten their cake, Dee stood and addressed her companions. "Thank you all, I really was surprised! As for now, we should go back to our chambers and make sure we're ready to leave at a moment's notice and that we have no unfinished business. Then we deserve an evening to ourselves. Until tomorrow."
She nudged Casavir to look at Daeghun walk away with Elanee with his hand resting lightly on her arm. "He's takin' it slowly."
Casavir chuckled. "Slow for us, perhaps, but perhaps for an elf it's a whirlwind courtship." He grew serious as they reached the landing. "I have made my preparations, and I assume you have too."
They entered their room following Cillian, and she put her gifts down on the desk. "I'm as ready as I'm gonna be, love. Since we have the evening free...let it be for us." She took his present and stepped behind the screen where she held up the nightgown, marveling at the delicate Sembian lace and embroidery. She undressed then looked through the new small clothes. One day she hoped to ask him where he got his taste for ruffles and lace. "Cas! These must have cost a fortune! And how did you manage to shop without my knowing?"
He smiled pleased with himself for getting something past her observant eyes as he sat on the edge of the bed removing his boots. "I sent a letter to your favorite shop with my requests with Gilles on one of his visits to Neverwinter. He assured me the better shops have their regular customers' measurements on file."
She chose a set of small clothes that she was sure would drive him wild and said seductively, "I'm should model these for you to make sure they fit, and then you can help me take them off." She closed her eyes and whispered, "We may die tomorrow, but we're gonna live a lifetime of lovin' tonight."
Casavir looked over as he pulled his shirt over his head and tossed it on the floor then unfastened his trewes. "Did you say something, my love?"
She stepped out from behind the screen and walked slowly towards him then turned around to give him the full view and said huskily, "I was just thinkin' aloud of all the things I plan to do to you tonight. 'Tis my birthday, after all."
He swallowed hard he watched her sway towards him and moved to the middle of the bed. "Indeed? I must confess I had thoughts along those lines as well. I agree, let this night be for us."
Sometime the next morning after breakfast but before highsun, Sand burst into the audience chamber. Casavir startled and reached for his war hammer, but Dee looked up calmly as Sand said excitedly, "Come quickly! Aldanon finally thinks he figured it out. I sent a guard for the others. We must get there before he forgets it!" He turned with a swish of his robes and jogged to the library.
Dee stood and stretched slowly. She was surprised she felt eerily calm, and for once the nausea wasn't threatening to overwhelm her either. Casavir had immediately started for the library but stopped and turned back as he realized she wasn't at his side. Cillian also paused in mid stride and looked back at her as Casavir asked, "Is something wrong, my love?"
She chuckled lightly. "No, but there's need to rush. We'll get there when we're supposed to get there, according to plan. See, I told you it would be today." She took his arm and led him to the library, hoping that would be the first of her victories this day.