Chapter 20

"Mister Gorion, sir?"

Gorion looked up from what felt like his two hundredth sheet of parchment since he first arrived in Candlekeep. "Yes?"

There was a pause from beyond the doorway. "There's someone here to see you. Said he knows you, sir."

Gorion went very still. On the other side of the room, Dorean slowly lowered his book, eyes fixed on the door as he carefully eased himself off the bed.

"Did he give his name?"

"Ah, no, no he did not, sir. I didn't think to ask-"

"That's alright, lass," said another voice. "Appreciate the help. Here's a little somethin' fer yer trouble." There was an audible clink of coin. "I'll just let meself in now."

Dorean looked Gorion. The wizard's eyes had widened slightly, and his lips were drawn into a thin grimace. He did not rise or indeed move at all from behind the desk, not even when the door opened to reveal Winthrop on the other side.

"'Mornin'," he said, striding casually into the room. "Oh, din't see ye there," he added, turning to Dorean. "Nice ta meet ye. Name's Winthrop."

The little dwarf stared at the outstretched hand, then up at Winthrop's smiling, brown-haired, heavily-bearded face before looking at Gorion.

"Wait outside, Dorean," said the wizard, his tone brooking no argument. He did not take his eyes off of Winthrop.

Dorean hesitated, then grabbed his book and moved past Winthrop to the open door, closing it behind him.

"'Dorean', huh? Nice name," said Winthrop, turning to face Gorion. His tone and demeanour were light-hearted and pleasant, seemingly oblivious to the wizard's grim, unfriendly stare. "I guess ye're wonderin' how I found ye here..."

"You guessed wrong."

"Ah. Well, that's good, then. Guess ye're used to it by now, huh?" Winthrop waited for a reply, then continued unperturbed when he did not receive one. "I'm lookin' fer a place ta stay. Jus' fer a day or two."

Several seconds passed in silence. "Why not use your other contacts?" asked Gorion, his voice flat and neutral, betraying no emotion.

Winthrop stretched one arm around his broad shoulder to scratch the back of his head. "Ain't sure they all aren't already compromised, to be honest." He waited for Gorion to speak and again received no answer. "Look, it's just fer a few days. That's all I'm askin'."

Still Gorion did not speak or move. He remained still, back straight and hands resting idly on his desk.

After a few seconds, Winthrop casually looked around the room, his eyes resting on the pile of books next to Dorean's bed.

"Lad's been readin' quite a bit." He picked up one of the books, turning it over in his large hands and smirking slightly at the image on the front cover depicting an old, heavily bearded dwarf sitting on a large stone throne. "He been doin' much of anythin' else?"

Gorion did not answer. The fingers of his right hand twitched slightly. Winthrop met his gaze for a moment and then smiled. With a surprising speed for a man of his size, he then turned and opened the door, revealing Dorean standing just behind it.

"Do ye like archery, kid?"

Dorean could only blink up at Winthrop, clutching his book to his small chest.

"I love it, personally. There a range 'round here?"

"...yeah," replied the little dwarf.

"Goody gumdrops. Could ye take me there?"

Dorean blinked a few more times, glanced at Gorion, then nodded once. He turned around slowly and uncertainly, looking over his shoulder at Winthrop as he led the man away from the room towards the stairs.

Gorion hesitated for a single second before rising from behind his desk to follow them.

..

There were no guards posted at the entrance to the Candlekeep training grounds, and it was only when they were halfway across the yard that people began to notice them. Stares, pointed fingers and whispers followed, many of them directed at the tiny dwarf leading the other two strangers. Some of the Watchers even deigned to look busy by pretending to examine their weapons and armour, apparently having mistaken the bearded trio for yet another of Ulraunt's surprise inspections.

"Bit smaller than I thought it'd be," Winthrop commented when they reached the archery range. He then walked over to three Watchers who were practice-shooting, giving a friendly wave as they lowered their bows and turned to face him. "Mornin' to ye all. Up an' at 'em already?"

The Watchers looked at each other uncertainly before turning back to Winthrop. "Ah, yes..." said one of them, glancing at the approaching Gorion and Dorean. "Urm, should you be in here? No offense, but Keeper Ulraunt said we are not to let civilians in here."

"Oh, it's nothin' ta worry about. We jus' wanted ta see fer ourselves the quality of Candlekeep's security forces, don't we, Gorion?"

As one, the Watchers and Dorean all looked at the wizard, who briefly exchanged a look with Winthrop. "Let me worry about Ulraunt," he said evenly.

The three Watchers all breathed a sigh of relief. "Much appreciated, Mister Gorion."

"Keeper's not an easy man ta work with, is he?" said Winthrop with a grin. The Watchers again exchanged looks. One of them scratched the back of his head.

"He's a good man, won't say nothing 'gainst him. But..."

"But?..." Winthrop encouraged.

"He can be a bit...y'know."

"Ah. Aye, I know what ye mean," said Winthrop, nodding emphatically. "Had me share of employers like that too."

The Watchers visibly relaxed, and soon were chatting and exchanging small-talk with Winthrop as though he were an old friend. Dorean and Gorion idly stood by. The wizard looked down to see the dwarf staring up at him, questions written all over his small face. Gorion glanced at the nearby men and shook his head slightly before looking back to Winthrop and the Watchers.

"So, ye friends of Dorean too?" asked Winthrop, waving an arm in the dwarf's direction.

"Uh...well...this is the first time we've met 'im, actually."

Winthrop raised his eyebrows at Gorion. "You haven't shown him 'round yet? The boy's been 'ere a week already!"

Gorion stared coldly at Winthrop, then blinked and looked down at Dorean, who at the curious stares of the Watchers had moved closer beside him.

"I understand ye've been busy, Gorion, but ya can't put off showin' the boy around the place," Winthrop admonished, placing his hands on his hips. "Well, better late than never. Gents, this here's Dorean, whom me friend Gorion adopted what with havin' a heart roughly twice the size o' the world." He then leaned forward and added in a whisper, "Go easy on 'im, lads. He's an orphan."

The Watchers hesitated, then stepped forward to introduce themselves to the little dwarf. Dorean nodded to each in turn while staying next to Gorion. Upon being asked where he was from, he silently lowered his gaze to the ground.

"That's some fine shootin', if I may say so," said Winthrop, tactfully changing the subject. "You gents mind if I take a few o' me own?"

It only took a few seconds for the Watchers to nod in agreement, and soon they were complimenting Winthrop after he had made three perfect shots in a row.

"Takes me back, this does. Gorion, would ye like a go? Nothin' like testin' yer aim ta while away the mornin'."

"Some other time, perhaps," said Gorion, with a smile that did not reach his eyes. Winthrop smiled back, then looked down at Dorean who was still standing very close beside the wizard.

"What about ye, Dorean? Here's yer chance to be better than yer old man at somethin'."

Dorean stared up at the short-bow held out in Winthrop's hand. He then slowly stepped forward and reached out with both hands to take the weapon.

An awkward minute later, it was made clear to everyone present that Dorean would have great difficulty nocking the bow, never mind firing it; his small, short arms could barely stretch the bow-string. Winthrop stroked his beard before turning to one of the Watchers.

"How 'bout that crossbow'a yers?"

The man looked down at the weapon clutched in his hand and then at the little dwarf. An unspoken agreement filtered between the humans; the crossbow's length exceeded Dorean's height.

Winthrop paused, then opened his mouth to speak and stopped when he saw Dorean frown and lift his arms again, this time towards the crossbow.

The Watcher exchanged looks with his two companions before stepping forward and hesitantly placing the weapon in Dorean's arms. The instant he relinquished his hold on it, the dwarf nearly keeled over at the weight, but quickly regained his balance, leaning the business end of the crossbow on the ground.

"Now, don't be afraid of it, lad," said Winthrop gently, dropping to one knee next to Dorean.

"...I'm not."

Standing slightly behind and to the side, Gorion noted Dorean's calm, almost detached expression, and was abruptly reminded of a bone dagger being brandished in his face. He watched in silence as Winthrop instructed the dwarf in prepping and loading the crossbow.

"Now, lad, put it to yer shoulder, and point it at the centre o' that," said Winthrop, pointing at the large, round wooden target with several circles painted on in different colours.

"Steady yer grip...now yer breathing...now, just when ye're ready ta fire, there's two words ye should always keep in mind..."

..

"...Front sight," the dwarf whispered.

His finger depressed the trigger, and the bolt flew straight and true, striking the target dead centre.

Silence filled the archery range for a few seconds before being broken by an enthusiastic whoop from Imoen.

"That's my little brother!" she cheered, raising a fist towards the sky. Beside her, Xzar blinked and tilted his head at Imoen applauding her roommate.

Khalid, who had been standing close behind Dorean, gave him a warm smile. The dwarf nodded in response, though his returning smile faded slightly when he noticed Montaron staring at him with slightly narrowed eyes. He looked away and immediately regretted it when he made eye contact with Jaheira, who was standing next to Kagain with her arms folded over her chest. The woman had apparently been watching his marksmanship display just as intently as the halfling.

"Under three minutes," she said, her voice flat. "Impressive."

The mercenary's jaw and beard moved from side to side as he silently contemplated the younger dwarf in front of him. After a moment, he grunted and spat off to the side.

"Ya turn now, girl."

Nodding to Kagain, Imoen strode to her chosen spot, giving Dorean's hair a brief tousle as she passed. She readied her bow and quiver, faced her target, took a long, deep breath, and promptly began.

She fired smoothly and steadily, her arms moving as though of their own accord to nock, aim and loose the arrows and her feet remained perfectly still throughout.

A smirk formed on her face upon hitting the target's centre for the fifth consecutive time, and it got wider and wider with each successful shot. When she had loosed her tenth and final arrow, Imoen then turned to Kagain, grinning from ear to ear. The mercenary stared up at her, his hands resting on his wide hips. His gaze shifted from Imoen to Dorean. After a few seconds, he gave a loud 'humph.'

"Alright. Seems ya may not be completely hopeless."

Imoen continued to grin at him as though he had placed their archery skills on the level of Shevarash. Kagain glowered at her irritably.

"Gotta talk ta one'a my guys."

He headed towards the exit, shoving aside the people in his way.

Dorean looked around and immediately cursed himself; he had been preoccupied with watching Imoen, and had failed to notice that they had attracted a small audience. One in particular caught his eye; a young man dressed in a manner befitting a minstrel.

"A fine display!" the man said suddenly, startling Dorean out of his examination.

Imoen blinked uncomprehendingly for one second before her expression brightened and she turned to face her new fan. "Oh, shucks, that weren't nothin'. Think I might've almost missed the last one."

"Please don't sell yourself short," said the man, stepping forward. "I have rarely seen such skill with the bow, and I have seen many! Least of all from one so young!"

"I'm not that young," pouted Imoen. The man blinked and then gave a quick bow.

"Ah, apologies, my lady. Please forgive my impertinence. Ah, and to you as well, sir dwarf," he added, giving a second bow to Dorean. "For forgetting to compliment your skill as well."

"I...thank you, sir," Dorean replied, cautiously inclining his head. "I believe you have us at a disadvantage..."

"Oh, where are my manners? I am Garrick, travelling minstrel to Silke Rosena." He paused to look around the group, and his smile deflated slightly at their lack of reactions. "Surely you have heard of her? She is the most skilled musician and actor on the Sword Coast!"

Nobody answered him. Dorean and Imoen both blinked at Garrick while Khalid and Jaheira exchanged looks and shrugs. Xzar, on the other hand, tilted his head even further to examine Garrick, one of his eyebrows disappearing into his long, shaggy hair. Montaron, as usual, remained silent and expressionless.

"Huh," said Garrick. "Well, 'tis said that true talent is never recognized until long after it has passed us by."

"You are rather well-armed for a minstrel," said Jaheira, her eyes roving over Garrick's sword and crossbow.

"Well, one cannot be too careful in these parts," he replied, rubbing the back of his head. "Not that I am speaking ill of this great land," he quickly added. "Lovely place, the Sword Coast." There was a brief awkward silence. "I suppose I should tell you why I approached you all so boldly..."

"Ye suppose correct," said Montaron. Khalid glared at him.

"Miss Rosena and I are travelling to Baldur's Gate. She is to perform at the Ducal Palace this month. However, she has become...reluctant to leave Beregost, at least not without acquiring a few bodyguards first."

So you came here looking for capable muscle? Dorean thought.

"Your partner is right to be cautious," said Jaheira. "The roads have become increasingly dangerous of late."

"So, you're lookin' to hire us?" asked Imoen.

"I might," replied Garrick. "In fact, after seeing your skills with my own two eyes, I believe you may be the best people to protect Mistress Rosena."

Imoen blinked and then turned excitedly to Dorean. "Hired bodyguards. Us."

Dorean held up a hand to silence her. "Mister Garrick..."

"Just Garrick, if you please."

"Forgive me for asking, but why not go to the Flaming Fist instead?"

"To tell you the truth, I did. But alas, they refused my plea to ensure protection for Mistress Rosena. Understandably so," he added with a sigh. "The safety of the townsfolk takes precedence over the entertainment of the city's nobles. That's what the officer told me."

"So you decided to hire complete strangers?" said Jaheira. "That is a very good way to get yourself robbed or swindled."

"Well, you aren't robbers or swindlers, are you?"

"Not all of us," replied Jaheira, glancing pointedly at the Zhents. Montaron raised an eyebrow while Xzar frowned indignantly.

"Oh. Well, that's good enough for me, then," said Garrick. "In fact-"

He stopped at the sound of clinking chain-mail and turned around to face a returning Kagain.

"Who's the fancy-boy?" Kagain said rudely, glaring up at Garrick.

"Ah, pleased to meet you, sir dwarf. My name's-"

"I don't care what ya name is. Whatta ya doin' here?"

"Urm...I was, er..."

"Had ta deal with one stutterin' moron today already. Spit it out."

"My mistress and I wish to hire your services as bodyguards, from here to Baldur's Gate," Garrick said speedily.

Kagain paused, then crossed his arms over his large chest. "An' how much is this mistress'a yours willin' ta pay?" he asked, noticeably stretching his accent. "I don't work fer free."

"Three hundred gold, and if we run into any trouble, there will be an extra hundred if you disperse it."

Kagain grunted. "Where an' when?"

"We are staying at the Burning Wizard. You may come by anytime, though sooner would be preferable to later." Garrick paused to take a breath. "If you like, I could escort you there now."

"Got some things ta take care of first. Tell ya missy we'll be there later, today."

Garrick hesitated, then nodded. "Excellent. I shall inform her of the news."

"Uh-huh. Now git."

Seeing Kagain's expression, Garrick wisely kept silent and nodded, gave the others a quick bow, and scurried out of the archery range.

"I do not remember you being appointed to make decisions for the entire group without our consent," said Jaheira coldly.

"An' I don't give a gibberling's ass what ya do or do not remember," replied Kagain. "Ya don't want the job, then don't take it. One less person ta split the fee with."

"So where were you?" said Dorean quickly, cutting off Jaheira's retort and earning a frown from her.

"Gettin' the boys together. We're gonna meet with 'em later today."

Dorean hesitated. "I don't think it would be a good idea for me to attend this meeting," he said slowly.

Kagain eyed him coldly. "My guys are solid, nugget. I say ya off-limits, ya off-limits. An' ya will be workin' with 'em anyway, so ya might as well meet 'em sooner rather 'an later."

"And you will give your word that no harm will come to us at the hands of your men?" said Jaheira.

Kagain looked her straight in the eye. "Ya have my word."

They stared each other down for a long moment. Jaheira then slowly nodded. "Very well. Where is this meeting?"

"The Red Sheaf Inn. Could be a while 'fore the boys are ready. I'd say an hour or two."

"D-does it usually take this long to m-muster your men?" asked Khalid.

"The Dented Shields company usually consists of around twenty to thirty-five men," said Xzar. He paused and then lifted his brow in thought. "Although that number may have been significantly reduced as of yesterday, so... "

"Ya oughta learn ta keep ya trap shut, wizard," Kagain muttered in a low growl. "An to answer ya question, soldier-boy, yes, it does usually take that long. Are we done with all the soddin' questions?"

"Just one more," said Dorean, glancing at the spot where Garrick had walked out of sight. "The job the minstrel offered. Think it's a set-up?"

Kagain blinked and cocked his head at Dorean. "Mm. Maybe, maybe not. Them music-people are all liars anyway."

"Even the dwarven ones?" asked Imoen.

Kagain paused. "Especially tha dwarven ones."

"I've never met a dwarf bard," said Imoen idly. "He could sing, though," she added, pointing at Dorean and earning an exasperated look from the latter.

"Well, thank you for that," said Kagain, his voice dripping sarcasm. "I'll keep it in mind next time I wanna have a reason ta sew me ears shut."

"The minstrel," said Dorean quickly upon seeing Imoen's scowl. "What do you think?"

Kagain paused again to look at the young dwarf. "Ain't the trusting type, are ya?" He nodded. "Fine, if ya that shaken up by the fancy-pants, I'll have some'a my boys at the Wizard, make sure it's safe."

Not if you're in on it.

Keeping his expression straight-faced, Dorean bowed his head to Kagain. "Thank you. I appreciate it."

Kagain's beard bristled as he gave another annoyed grunt. "Don't want yer appreciation. Jus' make sure ya pull your weight."

"I will, Kagain. You have my word."

Kagain glared at Dorean for a moment before giving a huff and looking away at the archery targets at the end of the range. Dorean looked at Khalid, who simply shrugged his shoulders.

"Hey, nugget," Kagain said abruptly. "Think ya can shoot just as straight in half ya time from before?"

"...no," replied Dorean, catching on quickly. "But I can try."

Kagain grinned. "Heh. Alright, let's see it."

Not satisfied with our last display, is he? Can't blame him for wanting to be sure about us, though.

Dorean took his spot and then blinked at Imoen taking the one next to him. He looked up at her grinning face, then smiled and nodded.

"Hey, how about a wager?" he said, turning to Kagain. "Me against her."

Kagain paused, silently contemplating the younger dwarf and pink-clad girl.

"I'll take it," said Montaron, easing himself from the wall. "Ten gold on her." He inclined his head at Imoen, who blinked in surprise and then smiled at the halfling. He ignored her, looking to Kagain instead. "Interested?"

The mercenary glanced coldly at Montaron, then slowly shook his head and moved away.

Doesn't like to gamble, perhaps? thought Dorean. Or just not with Montaron?

"You're on," said Khalid suddenly, stepping forward towards Montaron. "T-ten on Dorean."

Five heads turned to face the Calishite, all but one with surprised expressions; Xzar, the sole exception, narrowed his eyes and stroked his chin. Montaron hesitated, then gave a crooked smile and nodded before turning to Imoen. "Ye payin' me back if ye lose."

Imoen hesitated for a moment before her smile returned in full force. "Remember when I said that he's better than me?" She inclined her head at Dorean. "I lied."

Montaron raised an eyebrow, then resumed leaning against the wall.

Nodding and smiling to both Dorean and Imoen, Khalid then placed his hands on his hips. Noticing Jaheira's questioning look from the corner of his eye, he quietly returned her gaze before turning back to the ensuing competition.

"Best out of twenty, then?" asked Imoen.

"You're on," replied Dorean.

"Three, two..." Imoen paused deliberately, but Dorean, out of past experience, did not fall for it. "...one."

They both reached for their quivers, readied their weapons, and fired almost at the exact same time.

..

By the time Dorean and Imoen had got to fifteen out of twenty, a small crowd had formed around the party. Glad that he had kept his hood up, Dorean noted bemusedly that most of them were cheering for Imoen.

Montaron and Khalid, now being far from the only people to have staked money on the outcome, were nonetheless the most invested. Both of them stood behind their respective chosen winner, silently urging them towards victory.

As he reached for his twentieth and final crossbow bolt, Dorean realized that he was in the lead. From the corner of his eye, he saw Montaron standing a few paces behind Imoen, arms folded and eyes narrowed in concentration.

In that half-second, Dorean made his decision. His final bolt missed the red circle of the target, landing a few inches to the side.

Lowering her bow, Imoen took a deep breath and staggered backwards a few steps, then turned to receive the whoops and cheers of the crowd with a low bow and a tired yet triumphant grin.

Khalid gave Dorean a reassuring pat on the shoulder before turning to a smirking Montaron and coolly handing over his wager. He smiled and shook his head when Dorean reached into his own coin pouch, then returned to his usual place beside Jaheira, who frowned at her husband for a moment before looking back to the two competitors.

"Ha...HA!" said Imoen, still catching her breath. "That puts us at even, little brother!"

"Got sweat in my eye on that last one," Dorean grumbled.

"Still counts as my win!"

"I didn't think the Candlekeep Watchers knew how to shoot," said Kagain, eyeing the now-dispersing crowd and stepping forward in front of Dorean and Imoen. "They the ones taught ya to use those?" He gestured at their weapons. Dorean and Imoen looked at each other.

"Well...yeah, they did," said Imoen. "Though my da taught us mainly."

"That would be your father, Winthrop?" said Jaheira, her words sounding more like a statement than a question. For a fraction of a second, Dorean noticed her eyes flick to Kagain, examining the mercenary's reaction to the name, before returning her gaze to Imoen.

"Yep," said Imoen. "He said we can't always rely on other people to keep us safe, that we needed to know how to defend ourselves."

"...I see," replied Jaheira.

Behind her, Xzar gazed at the back of Jaheira's head. He then walked past her and Khalid, and Imoen blinked as the wizard took her bow from her hands.

Taking the spot next to her own, Xzar paused, then looked down at Imoen. She blinked, looked around at the others, then silently removed and handed over her quiver.

With a brief, strange smile that apparently was supposed to convey gratitude, Xzar then fumbled and dropped the quiver, hastily picked it up again, and leaned it upright against the wooden post between himself and Imoen.

He removed an arrow and clumsily nocked it to her bow, then loosed. It landed on the ground less than halfway to the target.

There was silence for several seconds. Then it was broken by a loud, raucous laugh slightly muffled by a thick beard.

Glaring at Kagain, Xzar straightened in indignant fashion, nocked another arrow, drew back the string further than before, and fired a shot that missed the wooden target completely, sailing past it at a good ten paces. Several of the onlookers immediately burst out laughing as well, joining in Kagain's mirth.

Dorean, Imoen, Khalid and Jaheira all exchanged perplexed looks before simultaneously staring at Montaron. The halfling returned their stares nonchalantly, then silently went to lean against the nearby wall.

With a frustrated growl, Xzar snatched up another arrow, nocked it to Imoen's bow, closed his left eye, aimed carefully for five seconds, and fired. The arrow struck the very edge of the target and spiralled up into the air before landing on the ground.

"Hey, Montaron!" guffawed Kagain. "Why din't ya tell me this guy was such a lousy shot!?"

"His aim is atrocious," Khalid muttered softly to Jaheira.

Xzar was still for a moment. Then, moving only his hand, he slowly took another arrow from the quiver.

"Imoen," he said softly, just loud enough for only her to hear.

"Yes?"

"Have you ever shot a living being before?"

She hesitated, her eyes moving to the bow in his hand. "No."

Xzar hummed softly. "Well, I have. And I can tell you that it is quite different from this. For example; you were taking too long to aim." He casually nocked and loosed another arrow that somehow managed to hit the adjacent target, inciting even more laughter from Kagain and the crowd. Imoen cocked her head at Xzar, puzzled by the impromtu lesson.

"It is highly unlikely, after all, that the person you are attempting to hit would stay still."

Imoen blinked at him for a moment, glanced at the onlookers having a laugh at Xzar's expense, then nodded. "Dorean and I used to practice dodging arrows."

Xzar smiled. "Then you'd understand something else; the person might be wearing armour. So, as troublesome as it might be, you would have to learn to aim for the head. Or, if he is wearing a helmet..."

He nocked another arrow, then turned around and aimed it at Kagain.

"...his face."

The laughter from the locals died in an instant. A few immediately hurried for the exit. Kagain, however, continued to chuckle for a few more seconds before going quiet.

Imoen, Khalid and Jaheira froze, the latter two with their hands on their weapons.

"You have to aim low, see," said Xzar. "For he may attempt to deflect it with the helm by ducking his head." The bow moved, and the arrow tip pointed to Kagain's heavily-bearded jaw. "Like so."

The next five seconds seemed to linger for an eternity. Then the silence was broken by a short, mirthless snort from Kagain.

"That's funny, Xzar. Real funny." He paused. "Now put it down."

In response, Xzar slowly began to pull back further on the bow-string.

"Joke's over, Xzar," said Kagain, louder this time. "I mean it. Put it down."

"Oh, I will," replied Xzar, his eyes and smile widening. "Right after I shoot you in the mouth."

"Montaron," Kagain snarled. "Tell ya partner ta put that bow away before I make him regret it."

The halfling did not answer him, nor did he move from his perch against the wall. Instead, he surveyed the scene in front of him with an all-too-convincing expression of callous indifference.

"Hey, you gonna shoot that dwarf or what?" one of the locals hollered. His eyes flicking to the individual, Dorean tilted his hooded head; some of the expressions in the small crowd appeared almost eager.

Kagain's not a popular man in this town.

Kagain let out a deep, guttural growl at the heckle, but otherwise did not answer.

"Montaron," he said, his voice growing louder with each syllable. "If ya don't want my guys comin' after ya an' yer partner, tell 'im to put. The bow. Down."

Kagain may as well have been speaking to thin air; Montaron gave no sign that he had heard him.

Imoen's head darted urgently back from forth, from one companion to the other. Her eyes met Dorean's, and he quietly nodded in acknowledgement of her plea.

"You were never nice to me, Kagain," Xzar crooned, his bright green eyes now wide and staring into Kagain's blue. The mercenary bared his teeth in response. His right hand rested on one of the throwing axes on his chest.

"So ya gonna shoot me?" He growled lowly. "Huh, is that what ya gonna do? Then shoot me, ya crazy mutt! Go ahead!"

His lips peeling back to expose pearly-white teeth, Xzar stretched the string as taut as it could go, lingered for a moment to take in Kagain's expression, then loosed.

After a few seconds, he blinked and looked downward.

The arrow was still in place, albeit released from the bowstring. Dorean stood below it, holding firmly onto the shaft just behind the arrowhead.

Xzar stared. Dorean calmly returned his gaze, then casually removed the arrow from the bow. In the silence that followed, he walked over to Imoen's quiver, dropped the arrow into it, then looked up at the numerous stares directed his way. He then turned to face Kagain and smiled.
"Had you going there, didn't we?" He jerked a thumb at Xzar. "He's been doing it a lot. You should have seen their faces when he pulled it on them," he pointed to Khalid and Jaheira.

After several more seconds, the silence was broken by awkward and nervous laughter from the remaining local onlookers. Kagain paused, his flashing eyes moving from Xzar to Dorean and Imoen, then slowly turned his head to face them.

"Ya lot better get outta here before I lose my temper."

The locals ceased their laughing again, this time gravitating toward the exit. When the last of them was out of sight, Kagain turned his gaze back to the wizard, dwarf and girl in front of him. His beard twitched as he worked his jaw, and it was a few moments before he finally spoke.

"...really funny. Ha sodding ha."

His bright, blue-eyed glare lingered briefly on Xzar. Kagain then turned to Khalid and Jaheira.

"Red Sheaf. Half-hour. Ya not there, ya can forget about me helpin' ya."

Leaving his last glower for Dorean, Kagain then turned and stalked away, the clinking of his chainmail following in his wake.

"...Xzar," Imoen said slowly, remaining in her seated position on the ground. "Were you really going to shoot him?"
Xzar paused with lifted his head slightly in contemplation.

"Yes."

"Because he wasn't nice to you?"

"...yes."

"Oh," said Imoen. "That's not a very good reason."

Xzar blinked, then frowned down at her. "You were not there. He was not nice to me at all. Downright terrible, in fact."

"That doesn't mean you should kill him, should it?"

"Yes, it does!" Xzar retorted, waving Imoen's bow around in his right hand. "And I would have killed him, if your meddling brother hadn't interfered!" He pointed with his other hand at Dorean, who carefully stepped away out of the man's reach.

"Well, it's a good thing he did!" replied Imoen, frowning up at Xzar. "You could have killed Kagain!"

"That was the point!" Xzar cried, his voice now shrill. "And why does thou protest!? You didn't like him either!"

"I don't kill people just because I don't like them, Xzar!"

Xzar reeled back as though stunned, then stared down at Imoen, his flailing arms falling to his sides. "You don't?"

"No, I don't! Ulraunt was always mean and grouchy to me and Dorean, but I've never once tried to hurt him!"

"Thaatt's not entirely true," said Dorean.

"Shut it," said Imoen, pointing at the dwarf without looking at him. Dorean wisely obeyed. The pink-clad girl continued to return Xzar's frown.

"...you truly mean it," Xzar whispered. After a moment, the wizard shook his head. "No...no. This is...this is wrong."

"What is?" asked Imoen, placing her hands on her hips. "Am I wrong?"

"Yes. Yes, you are. EVERYTHING!" Xzar abruptly screamed the last word, causing everyone but Montaron to flinch. "Everything is wrong! You, all of you, you, it, it is wrong, you are wrong, every..." He breathed rapidly, his chest rising and falling. He then straightened so suddenly that everyone save Montaron flinched again, with Khalid's hand drawing his sword a few inches from its scabbard.

"I need to be alone."

Xzar held out the bow. The moment Imoen took it, he spun on his heel and marched for the exit. The party watched him out of sight, remaining silent for a long moment after he had left.

"I agree with the dwarf on one thing," said Jaheira to Montaron. "Your partner is crazy."

"Tell me somethin' I don't know," the halfling replied, not looking at her.

Dorean looked up and felt a chill run down his spine. Montaron was staring straight at him, with a barely perceptible ghost of a smile on his face.