Chapter 41
If someone had told Eldoth Kron six days ago that accepting Safana's idea to join the little dwarf's party will result in him fighting battles against bandits and attack dogs, uncivilized run-ins with the Flaming Fist company, an unpleasant encounter with the region's latest elven mass murderer, and finally a journey through the Upperdark in which there would be a negotiation with polite and respectful drow, he would have complimented their imagination.
The thought irked him, and he resisted the urge to scowl lest anyone watching saw that he was not truly asleep.
The ground was cold and dirty, and the faint smell of urine told him that at least one of the mercenary thugs (as crude and uncouth as their leader) had relieved themselves against the wall of the tunnel. The bard's nose wrinkled at the stench.
Is three thousand gold truly worth this? I could have made the same amount in the same time with a fraction of the tedium.
His thoughts turned to Safana again, and he silently cursed her. No doubt she had been relaxing in Beregost this past week while he was the one endangering himself.
If she should even suggest receiving a larger share of the dwarf's bounty…
He wondered yet again if her scheme to obtain the bounty on the dwarf was merely a ruse to send him away; what if she had already taken Skie down to Amn?
She wouldn't dare. Not with what I have on her.
His fingers found his lute, and he took comfort in the touch of its strings. Here was something he was certain would never betray him.
Forcing Safana out of his mind, he directed his attention towards the pair of voices to his right.
Jaheira and…what was his name? Khalid? That's right.
Eldoth suppressed a smirk as their indistinct voices became as clear and audible to him as if he were right next to them.
You do not know I can hear you. Whisper all you want, my friends. Pay no attention to the slumbering bard.
"…alright?" Khalid was asking.
"Better than expected," Jaheira answered. "It has been some time."
A short pause. "We won't b-be here m-much longer," said Khalid.
That ridiculous stammer again. Eldoth wondered how Jaheira could tolerate it. I suppose there is no accounting for taste.
"Nature's voice is distant here," Jaheira muttered. "I will be glad to leave this place."
Ah. She feels vulnerable this deep underground. Eldoth held back a sneer. In the end, they are all vulnerable.
"What d-do you think of her?" said Khalid, apparently deciding to change the subject.
Must be Imoen; there aren't any other women in the party. A pity.
There was a pause; the couple were probably looking at Imoen right now. Eldoth kept his face relaxed and his breathing steady.
"She reminds me of her father," said Jaheira.
"You don't m-mean that," Khalid admonished.
"Friendly to everyone. Generous with food. Likes the colour pink."
"She is not Winthrop, Jaheira."
Winthrop…why does that name seem familiar?
"…I hope you are right," Jaheira said. A moment passed in silence. "She has taken quite well to the necromancer."
Another pause. "Her and Dorean d-don't know the Zhentarim like we do."
A sneer threatened to reach Eldoth's lips. We can always trust Harpers and Zhents to hate each other. He frowned inwardly. Though she is right about the girl. I suppose Imoen finds him interesting, in a morbid way. He grinned to himself. Something I could use, if the need arises.
"Dorean is right," Jaheira muttered. From the volume of her voice, Eldoth deduced that she was still looking at Imoen. "We should not remain at each other's throats."
"Jaheira, Montaron said he will kill you if - "
"I know," Jaheira replied. Eldoth was immediately torn between annoyance and relief at her interrupting Khalid. "But right now, our most pressing problems do not lie with them."
After a moment's silence, Eldoth heard Khalid sigh. "The Flaming Fist."
"We are down here because they pursue us. I have seen people like their captain. Farrahd will not rest until he has finished his mission."
Not inaccurate, Eldoth relented. Benjy has a reputation for bull-headed stubbornness.
"Could we g-get word to Eltan?" Khalid asked, lowering his voice further. "He is a f-friend of the Harpers. We c-could convince him to withdraw the bounty."
Well, well, mused Eldoth. The rumours about Grand Duke Eltan's connections are true after all.
There was a brief silence from the half-elves.
"J-Jaheira?" Khalid whispered. "What do you think?"
Is she watching me?
Eldoth again made sure that his breathing was slow and steady.
"Dorean said something, in the Friendly Arm Inn," Jaheira said at last, her voice soft and pensive. "I keep thinking about it."
"Jaheira…"
"It's not that. It's…" She breathed deep. "He said that someone may have betrayed Gorion."
Ten seconds passed in silence. Eldoth strained his ears, listening for the slightest sound. Imoen's snores raked his eardrums, and his right eye-lid twitched at the sound.
"You don't think…" said Khalid.
"You are a kind, compassionate soul, Khalid," Jaheira replied. "Sometimes it clouds your vision."
Eldoth fought down a snort.
"But…what about there being no order t-to kill or c-capture us?" Khalid asked. Eldoth again rolled his closed eyes at the man's stuttering.
"…I don't know."
In the silence that followed, Eldoth realized from their snores and snuffles that while Imoen, Xzar, Garrick and Ajantis were all asleep, he could barely hear a sound from Dorean. The dwarf was likely awake and sitting quietly. The bard redoubled his efforts to feign sleep, keeping his ears primed on Khalid and Jaheira's words.
"They could have gone to Baldur's Gate with Firebead," Khalid muttered. "But instead, they c-chose to stay w-with us."
Firebead…the old mage who buys books for the Candlekeep library. So he is a Harper as well. A few people in Baldur's Gate may find that very interesting.
"Jaheira?" Khalid whispered.
Eldoth could not see what happened next, but from the sounds, he guessed that Jaheira had chosen to either embrace or kiss Khalid.
He was about to turn off his enhanced hearing to mull over what he had gleaned from their conversation (and because the thought of any woman willingly touching that meek little man irritated him) when a third hushed voice spoke from just behind the two half-elves.
"Pardon me, but are the two of you married?"
Garrick?
Eldoth risked a peek. Sure enough, the young bard was crouched behind Khalid and Jaheira, both of whom were now looking at Garrick with respective looks of puzzlement and annoyance.
"We are," Jaheira answered tersely. Garrick's shoulders quivered as he sat down cross-legged behind her and Khalid.
"Sorry if I interrupted, but I had to be certain." Eldoth felt rather than saw him smile. "Every adventure book I have ever read was about people who found love on the road. I've never travelled with a married adventuring couple before."
Eldoth rolled his shut eyes a third time. Gods, the men in this party…
Before Khalid or Jaheira could answer the nosy minstrel, a beard-muffled voice yelled, "Alright, break's over! Everybody up!"
Eldoth flinched as his enhanced hearing amplified the order, the ten syllables ringing in his ears. He contemplated killing Kagain at the first opportunity.
Perhaps later.
Pretending to blink blearily and look around, he saw Garrick's good-natured smile and heard his earnest "Another time, then!" to Khalid and Jaheira before standing and moving towards his pack and weapons.
As he stood up and gathered his belongings, Eldoth noted Ajantis and Dorean standing up together. The young Waterdhavian patted the dwarf on the shoulder before meeting the half-elves' eyes and nodding to them.
Eldoth recalled their earlier conversation, which he had also listened to.
The fool is prepared to risk his own life to protect the dwarf. Eldoth's lips curled very slightly in a barely perceptible sneer. I shouldn't be surprised; the little one fits the image of a fair damsel in need of a knight's shield-arm.
He looked at Imoen, watching as she stretched, stood, and turned to Xzar who had not stirred from Kagain's order nor the bustle of activity around him.
The wizard's eyes opened slowly as she gently shook his shoulder, and he stared at her face for five seconds before accepting her offered hand and allowing her to help him stand.
The girl really has questionable taste.
Feeling a person's gaze on him, Eldoth turned to face Khalid's scowl. No doubt the stutterer disapproved of him eyeing Imoen.
Eldoth casually glanced back, deliberately meeting Khalid's eyes, before slowly turning away in a silent declaration to ignore him.
They could be a challenge. Wouldn't be the first Harpers I have killed, but it never hurts to be careful. And if I play my cards right, Montaron or the madman would do the deed for me.
The bard slung his longbow onto his back, keeping his face relaxed as he glanced at Dorean reluctantly accepting Imoen's offer to help him put on his pack.
The little one wants peace in the party above all else, so much so that he has chosen to trust me.
A tiny smirk found Eldoth's lips as the party resumed their journey.
You poor, little fool. No one should ever trust me.
..
At Kagain's order, conversation was kept to a strict minimum and all music forbidden. Kagain threatened to brain the first minstrel who so much as strummed a single lute-string or exhaled into a flute. Eldoth wondered if the dwarf's control over his drow contacts may not be as strong as he claimed.
From his nervous repeated glances over his shoulder at the receding darkness behind them, Ajantis appeared to suspect the same. The paladin kept to one side of Dorean while Imoen took up the other, with Xzar walking a few paces behind the dwarf. Eldoth smirked at the sight.
Dorean has a knack for making people protective of him. Where is that famous dwarven pride everyone talks about? Probably where he also left his courage, dignity and right to call himself a man.
Garrick had again chosen to walk beside Eldoth. Not surprising; Eldoth was good at drawing and maintaining the attention of others. He could hardly blame the boy wanting to catch some of it.
Due to Kagain's order, Garrick refrained from speaking. Eldoth did not mind. The young minstrel was amusing at times, but more often than not his excitable and inquisitive nature grated on his nerves.
Khalid and Jaheira took up the rear. Eldoth did not chance even a glance back at them, in case something in his own expression may give away that he had listened in on their earlier discussion. Learned that the hard way.
Montaron was conspicuous by his absence, and Eldoth guessed that he was likely scouting ahead of the entire column. The old man really hasn't changed after all this time; he still always wants to be the first to draw blood.
A few hours went by in near-total absence of conversation. Eldoth fell into a habit of counting torches and support structures. Unfortunately, they were spaced at precisely equal intervals, no doubt due to Kagain having the neurotic and tedious nature of dwarves towards anything involving underground projects.
One possible way to die in the Upperdark - boredom.
Eventually, the tunnel began to slope upwards, and Eldoth's hopes lifted when the mercenaries called a halt. The half-orc Lene then informed the party that they were now beneath Beregost and that Captain Kagain was scouting the area ahead.
"He's doing the scouting himself?" Dorean asked.
"The way he stomps around everywhere, he'll alert everyone within a mile," Imoen remarked, earning an elbow jab from the dwarf.
"Kagain can be quiet when he wants to be," said Lene. She smiled at Dorean and Imoen's raised eyebrows, revealing fang-like teeth in her bottom jaw, then turned as another mercenary appeared from the front of the column.
"…what is it?" the half-orc inquired, noticing the man's expression of contemptuous disgust.
"Captain wants everyone up front now."
Lene frowned. "Tell me."
The merc looked her in the eye before replying with one word. "Rodei."
Eldoth's brow furrowed as he watched Lene's expression along with all the other mercenaries within earshot instantly change to match that of their co-worker.
"I know that name," said Garrick, his face also wrinkling in disgust. The party looked at him.
"You do?" Dorean asked, his polite tone clearly mixed with nervousness. Eldoth lowered his eye-lids at the dwarf's obvious fear.
"I don't like to speak ill of others," said Garrick, now grim and serious. "But with Rodei Vai, I'll make an exception." He paused. "He is, quite simply, the most despicable person I have ever met in Baldur's Gate."
..
The party followed the mercenaries to what appeared to be an open section of brick wall. After the mercs had gone through, Dorean, Imoen and Ajantis moved first, followed by Garrick and Eldoth.
Sunlight at last.
"Hey," said Imoen, looking around the bare and empty room. "Isn't this the…"
"Storage room of the Dented Shield headquarters," Dorean finished. "But where is everything?"
"I believe we are about to find out," Jaheira said grimly.
The first thing Eldoth noticed upon entering the spacious main lobby was that, like the storage room behind him, it was completely absent of furniture, items or decorations; even the counter and shelves were gone.
The second thing he noticed was that the mercenaries had taken positions along all four walls, surrounding Kagain, Montaron and a human who was facing both the dwarf and halfling with his back to the party.
The human was wearing heavy plate armour of similar appearance to that of Captain Farrahd, albeit even more shiny, polished and with a slight bluish hue. A white cape emblazoned with the fire-red symbol of the Flaming Fist hung from his shoulders, one side partly lifted by the jewelled sheath of a belted long-sword. Wisps of smoke hung in the air above a head of shoulder-length copper-coloured hair.
Eldoth spared a few seconds to glance around the lobby. There was not a single face among Kagain's mercenaries that was absent of dislike, disgust, anger or hatred.
Without a doubt, this man is Rodei Vai.
Rodei took a long, slow drag from a tobacco pipe, then turned to look at the party gathered behind him, revealing a face with tanned skin, square cheekbones, a firm jawline and deep-set gray eyes. He would have been handsome if not for the self-satisfied smugness that seemed to ooze not only from his expression but from everything else; his hair, armour, clothes and overall posture.
"These're the misfits you've tied yourself to, Kagain?" he drawled. "No wonder you've fallen on hard times. Four humans out of nine and the only one from this country's wearing the flag of the enemy."
A muscle twitched in Ajantis' jaw as he stepped forward. "The Order of the Radiant Heart -"
"Is based in that sewage pond called Athkatla, which is in Amn. Do you somehow not know that Amn is not very friendly with us right now, kid, or did you skip geography in school?"
"Did you skip math in yours?" Imoen retorted. "We've got five humans, not four."
"I wasn't counting you, sister. Keep your mouth shut when the men are talking."
Khalid reached for his sword and Jaheira took hold of his forearm. Rodei smirked and took another long drag from his pipe. Neither Kagain nor Montaron moved.
"Rodei," Eldoth said loudly, stepping forward. "It has been some time."
The man's gray eyes narrowed as they locked onto the approaching bard. "Eldoth," he replied. "Why am I not surprised?"
Eldoth stopped in front of Rodei, matching the latter's smirk with his own. "I could say the same about you. Tell me, how is Beatrice? She is well, I hope?"
Rodei blew a whiff of smoke into Eldoth's face. The bard neither blinked nor altered his smirk. "Very well, especially after you ran off with her money. I think she finds it a fair payment for being rid of you."
"Perhaps," Eldoth replied. "You are welcome, by the way."
Rodei's eyes narrowed to slits. "For what?"
"She is single now, is she not? You are free to pursue her again. I understand people may speak ill of such an endeavour, seeing as she is your daughter, but idle gossip would hardly stop a man like you, would it?"
Rodei's eyes flashed as he smiled a dangerous smile. Eldoth smiled back, then turned around and strolled back to the party, noting with pride that even Jaheira's seemingly default contemptuous look for him appeared to have lessened. Rodei, my friend, you will always be a boon to me.
"You might want to think about who you're siding with, Eldoth," Rodei called. "You know who I have on mine?"
"Someone who wants you gone for at least a few days, no doubt," Eldoth smoothly drawled back. He grinned at the sounds of guffawing from the Dented Shield mercenaries.
"Commander Eltan. You may have heard of him," Rodei declared, smugness quickly returning to his every pore. "He's been talking of putting together warrants and bounties on every single person who is aiding the thieving little groundling you've got with you." He looked around, his lips curled and teeth bared in a vicious smirk as his eyes swept over the Dented Shield mercenaries. "Individual bounties," he said slowly, accentuating every syllable.
A cold and clammy feeling rose in Eldoth's gut. As always, he kept his face straight.
Safana's scheme is becoming more bothersome by the minute.
Rodei puffed out his chest, luxuriating in the silence that had fallen in the wake of his words, and flicked ash from his pipe onto the floor.
Eldoth glanced at Kagain and Montaron; both of them had yet to move a muscle, and their expressions were completely devoid of emotion.
"It's probably because of Entar Silvershield," Rodei prattled on. "There's someone else you people may have heard of; another one of my many friends. Old Entar is a little upset about his son Gunnhallur's disappearance; he wants every Flaming Fist, soldier and bounty hunter looking for the groundling responsible. He even doubled the bounty. That would make it six thousand, I think."
From the corner of his eye, Eldoth saw Imoen and Ajantis draw closer to Dorean. Xzar had his head tilted and appeared to be studying Rodei's throat.
Rodei turned to Kagain. "Nice job guarding his other son, by the way. Died in a bandit raid along with a dozen of your men? I don't think you're cut out to lead a company, my friend. You should go back to digging, or whatever it is your kind are supposedly good at."
A half-dozen mercenaries including a snarling Maija began to move toward him, their hands reaching for their weapons. They stopped when Kagain raised an arm, still silent and stone-faced.
How many fights has this man provoked? Eldoth mused. I should speak up lest it happen here. "Rodei," he said, his voice bored and weary. "Could you please stop posturing and tell us why you are here? As wonderful as your company has been, I am certain you have many other important matters to attend to. We would all hate to keep you from them."
Rodei's smug smile widened, and he took his time to take another drag from his tobacco pipe before speaking. "The Grand Dukes themselves have sent me to aid Benjy in capturing a certain little groundling and his group of friends. Who happen to include Zhent agents." He paused, smirking over his shoulder at Montaron. "I hear there's an order to kill those two on sight. Don't understand it myself. The Zhentarim are a rather pathetic lot to me. After all, they live in Moonsea."
Rodei's smirk turned into a sneer as he met Montaron's eyes. Eldoth's former partner remained completely still, face blank and eyes cold.
What does his current partner think of this? Eldoth glanced at Xzar and frowned. The mad wizard was now picking hairs from Ajantis' armour, the squire apparently not noticing due to his attention being focused on Rodei, and did not appear to be paying attention to the obnoxious officer's words.
"Do you intend to accomplish this alone and surrounded by all of us?" said Jaheira. Rodei turned his sneer onto her.
"There's another problem you ought to work on, Kagain; make the ladies with you learn to know their place and keep their mouths shut."
Ajantis lunged forward and Garrick, Dorean and Xzar all grabbed hold of him, the wizard frowning in annoyance as he attempted to collect more of the paladin's hair. The hostility only seemed to bolster Rodei's smugness. "Youth. Always need to prove how big and brave they are."
Eldoth raised an eyebrow as he ran his eyes over the man's obviously modified and needlessly shiny armour as well as his jewelled scabbard, tailored cape and carefully combed hair.
"Ya got a message for me," Kagain said, finally breaking his silence. Ajantis stopped struggling.
"I do," Rodei replied, turning slowly to the dwarf. "If you want to hear it."
Eldoth winced and then sighed. He watched as Kagain, without taking his eyes off Rodei, slowly remove a coin pouch from his belt and toss it to the latter. Rodei caught it in one hand and then took his time opening and counting the money. Eldoth glanced to his right and left, noting that Khalid and Ajantis were both still being held back by the other party members.
After nearly a minute, Rodei closed the pouch, tied it to his own belt and finally looked back to Kagain. "You expecting something?"
Kagain's bearded and emotionless face stared up at Rodei's clean-shaven, smug-filled one. After ten seconds, the Flaming Fist captain sneered and turned away from him.
"Eltan and Entar are not happy with you, Kagain," he drawled, pacing a short distance back and forth, his left hand resting on his sword pommel, and swaggering with every step. "Not happy at all. Entar's second son dead under your protection, and now you're harbouring the one who killed his first son." He took another drag of his pipe and lifted his chin, blowing smoke towards the ceiling. "I was able to calm them down, tell them you couldn't expect much from a groundling." Rodei shrugged, his mailed feet clanking against the wooden floor. "I got through to them; if not for me, you and these thugs you call a merc company would all be swinging from ropes around your necks by now. You ought to be grateful."
Kagain's eyes narrowed to slits, his blue irises glinting in the dimly-lit lobby.
"Furthermore," Rodei went on. "I convinced them to make you an offer; you hand over the little groundling, and all will be forgiven. You'll get back your things, your furniture, your copper-earning contracts…I even got them to throw in the bounty." He leered at the party before turning away to resume his pacing. "And out of concern for our friendship, Kagain, I added a gift of my own." He stopped in front of Kagain. "Ten thousand gold."
Eldoth immediately looked around the lobby at the Dented Shield mercenaries; heads and eyes were now turning towards the party.
Khalid and Ajantis moved in front of Dorean, the squire's hands clenched at his sides while the half-elf rested his left hand almost casually on the pommel of his sword. Rodei spared a second to smirk at them before turning back to Kagain.
"You going to take it or not?" he drawled, blowing more tobacco smoke over Kagain's head. "I have better things to do than to stand here all day."
A long moment passed.
Kagain then lifted his head, looking up at Rodei. "A full pardon," he said softly.
Rodei nodded slowly, his smug smile widening from ear to ear. As more Dented Shield eyes looked their way, Eldoth, Garrick, Imoen and Jaheira all slowly moved away from each other to form a line. Eldoth stole a glance at Dorean, noting the rise and fall of the little dwarf's back from his low, heavy breathing.
Kagain did not look at the party. His gaze remained fixed on Rodei. To the dwarf's right, Montaron remained perfectly still, having not moved a muscle since Eldoth first saw him standing in the lobby.
Five seconds passed.
"Sergeant," said Kagain.
Rodei's brow furrowed. He turned slowly and presented his face just in time for Lene's ham-sized fist to smash his nose. His head rocked back as he staggered, blood spattering his immaculately polished armour.
"You bitch - !" he snarled, drawing his sword. Lene's hand grasped the handle of her massive scimitar, and she froze when Kagain stepped between them.
"Hope ya got my answer loud an' clear, Rodei," the dwarf said calmly, turning to face the furious officer who was now glaring with venomous hate at Lene.
"You let that filthy orc put her hands on me?"
"Yeah, an' it pains me greatly," Kagain replied. "I'll have ta make it up ta her."
Rodei's bloodied face turned red with fury as the laughter of the Dented Shields filled the lobby. "You know what you've done, you fat little freak?"
"Aye," said Kagain, his blue eyes hardening. "I know exactly what I've done." He stepped towards Rodei, ignoring the man's sword. "Run back to ya masters an' ya tell 'em this; I don't go back on my word. An' I don't forget or forgive." He paused, letting the words linger. "You tell 'em that. An' tell Eltan that he'll be seein' me real soon."
Rodei stared down past his broken and bloody nose at Kagain. His mail-clad body then quaked as he laughed at the dwarf. "You are going to war with the Flaming Fist? You and this rabble?"
"Ya people started this, Rodei. I'm gonna finish it," Kagain growled. "Thanks for the message. Now get out of my place."
Rodei glared hatefully at him for a moment before stalking towards the double doors. He slowed as he passed Lene.
"You'll pay, green-skin."
Violently shoving open the doors, Rodei stepped out into the sunlight, his white cape billowing behind him. The doors then swung back and slammed shut, the sound echoing loudly throughout the bare lobby.
Eldoth tilted his head, noting the looks of trepidation on the faces of more than a few of Kagain's mercenaries.
"We should get back underground," said Montaron, finally showing signs of life. "Get outta Beregost an' to Nashkel now." Kagain looked at him but said nothing.
"The Flaming Fist will be watching the roads south," said Ajantis. "And we have not the supplies for a journey through the wilderness." He paused. "I will go into town and -"
"No," said Xzar, squeezing Ajantis' shoulders. The squire flinched and leaned away at his touch. "You will be seen and arrested and executed on false charges."
"Well, I am going," said Eldoth, stepping forward and turning to face both the party and Kagain. "My lady awaits me in Beregost. I will not leave without her."
"Good," said Montaron. "Ye can stay here, then." Eldoth's head snapped towards him, and the former partners glared daggers at each other.
Something drew Eldoth's eye, and he looked away and blinked at Khalid putting down his sword and shield, then removing his sheath and sword-belt and placing them on the floor as well.
"Khalid?" said Imoen. The Calishite paused in the midst of removing his armour. He looked at her and Dorean standing side-by-side, their eyes wide with mixed worry and curiosity. He then turned away, and Eldoth's brow furrowed as he watched Khalid hand his armour to Jaheira, whose expression was just as unreadable as his, before going over to Kagain.
"Back exit," Khalid said shortly.
Kagain looked up at him with narrowed eyes, and was silent for only a few seconds. "Through there," he replied, jerking his head toward the doorway leading to the interior of the building. "Third on the right."
Khalid turned, looked again at Dorean and Imoen, then nodded solemnly to Jaheira before moving quickly towards the doorway, ignoring the collective gaze of everyone in the lobby.
A long pause followed in his wake, with more than a few suspicious or quizzical looks aimed at Jaheira.
"I will go alone to fetch my lady if need be," Eldoth said slowly, breaking the silence. "If the rest of you intend to leave in the meantime, I want to know how I could contact you again. I do not wish for us to end our partnership in this manner."
"Does your lady not have her own escort?" said Ajantis.
"No. She does not," Eldoth replied, grimacing at the paladin. "I cannot explain it now -"
"An' why not?" Montaron snapped.
"Because, I have been sworn to secrecy," Eldoth snapped back, noting the curiosity and suspicion in the party and Kagain's eyes. "I ask again – how will I contact you?"
"The Fist catch and detain ya, they'll get our location outta ya," Kagain growled.
"They will not catch me," Eldoth replied confidently. Kagain snorted and glared, but said nothing. Eldoth looked back to the party and then blinked when Dorean stepped forward.
"Dorean, what are you…?" asked Imoen.
"I owe him, remember?" the dwarf replied. "And it's my fault that -"
With a loud, guttural snarl, Kagain stomped forward and smacked him across the temple. Eldoth winced as he watched Dorean reel backwards into Ajantis' arms.
"Is ya soddin' brain cut, nugget?" Kagain growled. "Ya wanna go out there where they've got ya face plastered on every wall an' noticeboard?! Sodding bloody moron!"
Imoen and Jaheira both took steps toward him, and Garrick hurried forward to stand between them and the mercenary leader.
"I'll go with Eldoth," the minstrel announced. "I know a few spells for long-range communication." He looked around at the party, blinking at Jaheira's frown and Imoen's raised eyebrows. "I have a tendency to get separated from my companions in towns and cities," he added sheepishly. "I just need someone's hair."
The party looked at each other. Xzar then stepped forward and extended his palm, presenting strands of long, dark hair.
"Is that mine?" Ajantis asked as Garrick took them with a nod and smile to Xzar. Kagain looked from Xzar to the two bards for a moment.
"We don't hear from ya in six hours, we're leavin' ya behind." He glared again at Dorean. "An' if I see a single Fist anywhere nearby when ya show up, I'll personally gut the both'a ya myself."
"That's reasonable," said Garrick, his voice betraying not even a hint of sarcasm. He turned to Eldoth, ignoring Kagain's glare. "You ready, partner?"
Partner? Eldoth's eyebrow rose further, but he nevertheless accepted Garrick's offered handshake.
"Splendid," Garrick declared. He turned back to the party. "We're off, then. Best not to waste any time. I'll contact you as soon as we are outside Beregost."
With that, the minstrel turned back to Eldoth, placed an arm around the latter's shoulders and spun him around.
Eldoth allowed himself to be led towards the same doorway that Khalid had earlier gone through. He glanced at Garrick's eager, excited face before looking over his shoulder and giving the party and mercenaries an exasperated roll of his eyes just before they disappeared from sight.
..
"I told you he is crazy," said Xzar, breaking the silence. Everyone looked at him.
"Will they be alright?" said Dorean, looking at the now-empty doorway.
"How about ya worry about yaself instead, idiot?" Kagain snapped. "In case ya forgotten, you're the one the Fist are after." He waved to his men to fall in behind him and then stomped towards the party. "Outta the way!"
The party stood aside, glaring after Kagain as he led his men into the storage room and through the secret door leading back into the Upperdark.
"Start with the lungs," Xzar muttered loudly over the footfalls of the passing mercenaries, earning looks from them and the party. "Use a small fire. Heat the water slowly. Every breath will be agony. His self-healing will slow the bleeding, so he will last at least-"
"Xzar," said Imoen.
"Hm?" the wizard blinked at her, ignoring the looks from the other party members.
"Stop reciting creepy recipes."
Xzar paused. He then pouted and stamped his foot, but immediately wilted when Imoen's eyes dropped to half-lids. He looked down at his feet, now meek and silent.
"That man offered him everything," Dorean said quietly as the last mercenary disappeared into the shadows beyond the secret door in the empty storage room. "And he still wouldn't give me up."
"I doubt it was out of compassion," said Ajantis. "More likely he refuses to bow to the Flaming Fist in front of his men. We can expect further demands of payment from him as well." He hesitated when Dorean lowered his head, and placed a hand on the dwarf's shoulder. "I admire your willingness to risk your life by going with Eldoth, but -"
"It was foolish and thoughtless," Jaheira said coldly, gathering up Khalid's equipment. "He and Garrick will be safer without you."
"I gotta say, little brother," said Imoen, looking down at Dorean. "Jaheira's got a point." She frowned at her roommate. "You're usually a lot smarter than that."
Moving behind him, Imoen gave the dwarf a gentle push. He allowed himself to be guided with the rest of the party towards the storage room.
Feeling Xzar and Montaron's eyes on him, Dorean kept his gaze fixed straight ahead as he followed Jaheira and Ajantis back into the Upperdark.
..
Eldoth stopped in the middle of the alleyway. He lifted his head and closed his eyes, sparing a moment to bask in the afternoon sun.
It felt good to be back in Beregost, even if the town was pitiful in size and opportunities compared to Baldur's Gate.
Lowering his head, Eldoth opened his eyes and saw Garrick several paces ahead, lurking at corners and making obviously suspicious left-to-right head-turns to check their surroundings.
The excitable fool will surely draw attention if I do not rein him in.
"Calm yourself," said Eldoth, walking over and prodding Garrick in the back.
"Sorry," Garrick replied. "What happened back there made me nervous."
Eldoth raised an eyebrow, but held back a comment. Walking past Garrick, he led the man through the alleyway's exit.
"Still, I am glad to be back on the surface," Garrick prattled on. "It might have been quiet, but the Upperdark is…not a pleasant place."
Ah, thought Eldoth. A coward, then. So that's at least one reason why he volunteered to accompany me.
Upon exiting the empty side-street into a main street, Eldoth, his vision still recovering from the long hours spent underground, blinked at the numerous glints of sunlight on metal.
A group of no less than fifteen Flaming Fist mercenaries marched by. Their eyes moved over Eldoth and Garrick, a few narrowing in suspicion while others (mostly female, though a few male ones as well) noted them with a different interest Eldoth was far too used to.
The bard felt a twinge of annoyance that at least half of the 'interested' gazes were directed at Garrick instead of him. He glanced to his side and resisted the urge to roll his eyes when he saw the young fop waving at the patrol.
"Come on," said Eldoth. "Feldepost's is not far." He walked away, not looking to see if Garrick would follow.
Whereas before Eldoth left with the caravan the town's armed populace was mostly militia, now the Flaming Fist seemed to have arrived in force in Beregost.
The bardic duo passed by three more fifteen-man patrols, one of which stopped to question a merchant who looked anything but pleased when the line of potential customers in front of his stall began to melt away.
Eldoth imagined Khalid being stopped and attempting unsuccessfully to stutter his way out of being questioned by the Flaming Fist. A smirk rose to his lips.
"The town is under lockdown," Garrick breathed, falling into step beside Eldoth. He then appeared to spot something and jogged towards a nearby notice board, his crossbow bouncing against his back. Eldoth strolled over, watching Garrick stop in front of the now-familiar sketch of Dorean's face.
"They've doubled it," Garrick muttered as Eldoth reached his side. "Six thousand gold."
Again? Is Entar truly so obsessed with capturing that dwarf? Eldoth frowned as he read the notice; it appeared to be a near-exact copy of the one Xzar had given to Dorean after the latter's escape from the Friendly Arm Inn. "It's not the only reward that has been doubled." He pointed at the face-sketches of Xzar and Montaron, below which the number one thousand now lay instead of five hundred.
Rodei was not bluffing. Between the heavy Flaming Fist presence and the ever-increasing bounty… Eldoth's thoughts went for the umpteenth time to Safana's scheme. Why did I ever agree to it?
"You two," a loud, sharp voice behind them barked. Eldoth calmly looked over his shoulder while Garrick, in contrast, jumped and spun around.
Four men stood before them, Flaming Fist badges displayed on the chests of their studded gambesons. Eldoth's half-lidded eyes moved over them, noting short-swords and bows in absence of swords, spears or shields, before resting on the foremost of the group. "Officer," he greeted.
"State your business here in Beregost," the man ordered.
"We are here to seek our fortune, as minstrels and as mercenaries."
The officer's eyes narrowed. "From which direction did you travel?"
"North, sir, from Baldur's Gate," Eldoth replied smoothly.
"By horse? Alone?"
"We left the Friendly Arm after your fellow officers arrived with a caravan bearing news that the bandits between there and the town had been scattered. Thank you very much, by the way," Eldoth added, drawing a contemptuous glare from one of the mercs.
"You're both mercenaries?" asked the officer, his scepticism obvious.
"More minstrels than mercenaries, to be honest," Garrick replied sheepishly. "Though I am not inexperienced with the sword or bow," he added. The glaring mercenary snorted in response. Garrick frowned at him.
"Is this true?" Eldoth asked, jerking his thumb at the bounty notice behind them. "Eight thousand gold for only three men?" He grinned. "Quite a bounty, gentlemen."
"And you fancy-shorts think you'll be the ones to get it?" the glaring one retorted.
Bait him.
Eldoth shrugged. "Who knows? We may succeed where you failed. No offense."
"We lost seven men to those Zhent ba -"
"Corporal," the officer said tersely.
"Sir," came the sullen reply.
The officer glared down his subordinate for a few seconds before turning back to the bardic duo.
"There is a strict curfew in place. Anyone found outside after nightfall will be arrested. Remember that." The officer turned and marched away, the other three following him. He stopped after six paces and turned back to Eldoth and Garrick. "Free advice; stick to minstrel-work. Leave the bounty-hunting to the professionals." He turned away again and marched off with his men.
The corporal paused to leer at Eldoth, who smiled in response and waited until he turned away before slipping a tiny poison dart the size of his little finger from its hidden sheath in his shirt-sleeve and flicking it into the man's neck. The corporal made an irritated grunt, raised a hand and smacked the back of his neck, mistaking the pricking sensation for a mosquito.
Eldoth turned back to Garrick. The younger bard was watching the retreating patrol. Along with the nearby townsfolk, he appeared not to have noticed anything.
"Getting doubts about joining up with us?" Eldoth asked, keeping his voice low and friendly as he led his fellow bard away from the notice board and down the street. "Not that I would blame you."
Garrick looked at the ground with shuttered eyes for a moment. "I have some doubts, yes. But I still have a debt to pay." He smiled. "And I wouldn't miss it for anything."
Eldoth slowed, furrowing his brow at the younger minstrel. "You wouldn't?"
Garrick shook his head. He looked up as they entered the town square, his gaze alighting on the stone monument in its centre. "The past seven days have been more exciting for me than anything in the last three months." His smile widened, exposing rows of teeth that Eldoth noted with annoyance were nearly as clean as his own despite neither of them having had a decent bath in the past three days. "Caravan battles, run-ins with the law, close encounters with violent rangers…that's enough to fill half a book, don't you think? And it's only the beginning!" He looked at Eldoth. "What about you? Aren't you excited?"
Eldoth's eyebrow rose. He smiled and looked away. "Perhaps. But for now, I merely wish to be reunited with my lady."
"Who is she?" asked Garrick. "Is she beautiful?"
Eldoth chuckled. "I am afraid I cannot answer to either; at her request, I have promised not to reveal anything of her without her permission."
Garrick's eyes widened in excited curiosity once more. "Is she concealing her noble status, or her real identity?"
Eldoth deliberately frowned, making sure Garrick noticed it. "You have quite an imagination, Garrick."
"I'm just fascinated by interesting people."
Eldoth raised an eyebrow at him. "Do you find me interesting?"
"Oh, certainly," Garrick answered, lowering his voice. "You are a Zhent and former partner of Montaron."
For a half-second, Eldoth's eye-lids lowered. Seemingly failing to notice, Garrick continued talking.
"Also, you are a fellow bard. Though I am confident I am the better musician."
"Really?" said Eldoth, amusement dripping from the two spoken syllables. "We should compare songs one day."
Reaching the front gate of Feldepost's Inn, the two bards began to follow the path leading to the entrance, ignoring a nearby Flaming Fist patrol.
"Come to I think of it," said Garrick. "I may have heard of Nindil Jalbuck. He was rumoured to have been an information broker."
"I have heard the same," Eldoth replied, keeping his voice calm.
"Odd that he would be close to where you and Montaron chose to fight." Garrick froned in thought. "Also, you barely spoke of yourself in that story."
"There is not much to speak of me in it. I merely played a supporting role."
Garrick blinked at him before evidently turning his attention to the inn. Eldoth allowed the younger bard to enter first.
I need to be cautious. He may be naïve, but he is also the curious sort who prods for details.
Eldoth then recalled Dorean volunteering to join him in retrieving Skie.
It seems he is no exception to the dwarvish value of repaying one's debts. A smirk rose to his lips. A more gullible dwarf I have yet to meet. With this many fools in the party, I might have more playing cards than I expected. Still… He thought of Montaron. It may be prudent to get rid of him first.
..
The common room had more-or-less the same clientele it had when Eldoth last left Beregost, with a few changes; there was now a more subdued tone to the atmosphere, likely due to the two mail-clad Flaming Fist officers who were sitting at the bar and speaking to the innkeeper's wife. Like the merchant from earlier, she seemed unhappy with their presence and questions.
No sign of Safana or Skie. They must both be in their room. Eldoth paused, and his eyes narrowed. If they're not, I will find them both and -
"It seems Mister Feldepost had a terrible accident the night before we left Beregost," Garrick said, his voice hushed. "He hasn't been seen since."
Eldoth frowned, glancing at the two officers. "Never mind Feldepost for now," he muttered back. "Find a table. I'll head upstairs and bring my lady here."
"Why can't I go with you?"
"Manners make the gentleman, Garrick. You are a friend whom I am introducing to a noble-born woman. It will help our story if the officers get suspicious."
Garrick pouted, but then glanced at the Flaming Fist officers at the bar; one of them had turned his head and was now scrutinizing the bardic duo. "Alright," he relented. "Don't take too long. I don't like being left alone here."
Coward. "Have a drink and relax, my friend. I will return shortly."
Patting Garrick on the shoulder, Eldoth strode briskly towards the stairs, climbing them to the third floor.
Two more Flaming Fist mercenaries stood in the corridor. Unlike the officers in the common room, they were dressed in splint-mail armour and neither wore nor carried helmets, hinting at lower rank or status.
The mercs appeared to be questioning an old, portly man in the doorway of one of the floor's many rooms, and were holding out an opened scroll towards him. The tenant reluctantly took it, and Eldoth caught a glimpse of its contents as he passed.
Another bounty notice. Are they really handing those out to everyone?
One of the mercenaries turned to look at Eldoth. The bard gave him an unsmiling, half-lidded frown, displaying open contempt for their disturbing others. The mercenary's lip curled in a derisive sneer. With his chin lifted and his nose in the air, Eldoth strolled past without a backward glance.
The door to his destination opened before he had gotten within five paces of it.
"Eldoth!"
The bard did not stagger even slightly as Skie ran to and wrapped her arms around him.
"Skie," he said, pouring warm relief into the single spoken syllable.
"You're back. Oh, you are back," the girl breathed. She lifted her head to look up at him, and Eldoth did not hesitate. He kissed her, matching genuine passion with artificial.
Let her break the kiss first.
Skie did, her eyes shining up at him as she returned Eldoth's smile with one of her own, clearly believing it to be for her rather than for himself. "I was so worried…"
"Let's go inside," Eldoth said softly. She nodded fervently and took his hand in hers. He allowed her to lead him into the room, watching with eyes half-lidded in bemusement as she briefly turned her back to him to close and lock the door.
"Are you alright?" Skie asked, turning back to him and placing her hands on his chest. "Do you need to rest or eat…?"
"A hot meal would be welcome, but not now," Eldoth replied. He placed his hands on her shoulders. "I am glad you are well," he said, then added in hushed seriousness, "Has anyone seen you? Did you leave the room at all?"
"No, not even once," Skie answered. She moved her hands to rub Eldoth's forearms. "Safana's been so helpful; she brought me meals and books while you were away. She also brought news and notice papers. When I heard that the caravan had been attacked…" She hesitated, then buried her face in Eldoth's chest again. The bard reached up and stroked her hair, his other hand wrapping around her torso and holding her close.
So easy to ensnare.
"I told you not to worry for Eldoth, little sister," a familiar voice spoke from behind the bard. "He is perfectly capable of looking after himself."
"Safana," said Eldoth, not turning around. "Good to know you are safe as well."
"As safe as we can be, given the circumstances," Safana replied, walking over as Skie broke the hug while maintaining her grip on Eldoth's forearms. "There are far more of Duke Eltan's men in the town now. I was questioned three times this morning."
Eldoth frowned as he turned to her. "Did they knock on this door?"
"They did," Safana answered. She folded her arms and leaned slightly to one side, accentuating a hip. Eldoth blinked but otherwise managed to keep his eyes on her face. "I answered while Skie stayed out of sight. It was easy enough not to arouse their suspicions." She smirked. "Men are so easy to distract, aren't they, little sister?"
Skie frowned and resumed rubbing Eldoth's forearms. "Stop calling me that, Safana," she grumbled.
"We have not drawn unwelcome attention," Safana said, ignoring her. "But I hope we do not remain in Beregost for much longer."
"Me too," Skie concurred. "I have had enough of this room."
"We can leave today," Eldoth said firmly. Skie's head shot up, her eyes wide. "But first I need to warn you; I did not come here alone. One of my current travelling companions is waiting downstairs."
Skie's eyes widened further as her whole body tensed. "Is it…one of his people?"
"Yes," Eldoth replied solemnly. "I have integrated myself into his party."
Skie looked at him for a long moment before slowly releasing his arms and stepping away. She crossed the room and stopped in front of the bedside table, looking down at a scroll which Eldoth recognized as yet another bounty notice.
"Did…" she hesitated and took a deep breath, placing a hand on the notice. "Did you learn anything? Is he the one who…?"
"I do not know yet, my dear. He claims he is falsely accused. His party seem to believe him." Eldoth paused. "They are being protected by a dozen Dented Shield mercenaries. They are also cautious; at least two of them already distrust me."
Skie's reaction was exactly what he expected; she looked up at him, her expression pale, then hurried over and embraced him again. "I shouldn't have put you in danger, Eldoth."
No. You shouldn't, Eldoth thought, his mood turning black. He wanted to turn around and glare at Safana. Instead, he stroked Skie's hair a second time. "Do not blame yourself, Skie. It isn't your fault."
"No, it is!" Skie cried into his chest. "I-I should never have done that! I regretted it as soon as you left!" She broke the hug, wiping at her face.
Eldoth opened his mouth to soothe her further and stopped when she looked up at him, her tear-streaked face suddenly fierce and grim.
"The person downstairs," she said, dead-serious. "Tell me about him."
Eldoth looked at Safana. The woman's eyes were focused on Skie, wide and blinking with surprise. He wondered if his own expression was similar.
He turned back to Skie, whose face was still set in tight-jawed determination, and started to ponder if Safana was not the only one whose wild ideas he needed to worry about.
..
When Eldoth and Skie entered the common room, it took Eldoth a moment to locate Garrick; he had selected a table in the back, as far as possible from the mercenaries, and was now cradling a pint of ale in his hands while his eyes darted around with near-obvious nervousness.
Eldoth felt tempted to go over, grab Garrick's pint and smash it in his face. Instead, he took Skie by the arm and led her toward the table.
Not that I'll have any problem finding the party myself, but if this idiot turns out to not be able to, I'll make sure he dies slowly.
Garrick perked up upon spotting Eldoth and rose to his feet.
"My lady," said Eldoth. "This is Garrick, formerly of the Dale Wind Troubadours."
Garrick bowed. "A pleasure, my lady."
Skie inclined her head, but otherwise remained silent. Garrick blinked, then hurriedly stood to one side. "Oh, where are my manners? Please, have a seat." The young minstrel watched with strained patience as Eldoth and Skie ordered their meals. When the barmaid moved away, Skie leaned back in her seat to look at Garrick, her eyes filled with obvious wariness.
"Eldoth has told me that you are trustworthy," she said at last, her voice low and calm. "I hope you do not prove him wrong." She held Garrick's gaze for a long moment. "I am Skie of Baldur's Gate; daughter to Piergeiron the Paladinson."
Slowly, almost comically, Garrick's eyes widened to the size of saucers.
"My mother is a Baldurian noblewoman. She met Lord Piergeiron a few years after his wife Maethiira died." Skie paused, her eyes fixed on Garrick's. "You'll forgive me for not revealing her name. She is married to another man, and I have no wish to besmirch her reputation."
"Of…of course, my lady," Garrick stammered. Eldoth fought down a smirk.
She is playing the part better than I anticipated. He made a mental note to thank Safana for coaching the girl, even if the details of her false identity and background were mostly of his own concoction.
"Aleena Paladinstar seeks my life," Skie said, maintaining her cool and calm demeanor. "Eldoth pledged to protect me. We arrived in Beregost with little coin, and he joined the caravan escort in other to sustain our funds. I understand the Flaming Fist stole the contract for that caravan." She paused. "Eldoth tells me that Captain Kagain, the leader of the Dented Shields, is a man of his word; that if he agrees to escort me to Amn, he will not betray me to Aleena, though he will likely charge me a steep price. However, he also said that he cannot say the same about the party accompanying the Dented Shields. Your party. One of whom is accused of thievery, murder and the disappearance of a Baldurian nobleman."
Garrick's eyes flicked to Eldoth's. The latter shrugged, resisting the urge to glance at Skie. Feeling the anger bubbling in the young woman seated beside him, Eldoth gently eased a hand onto the small of her back. Careful, now. Don't give the game away.
"My lady," Garrick said hesitantly. "Thank you for your trust in me." He paused, then leaned forward and spoke a conspiratorial whisper. "You are correct. The three men currently being hunted by the Flaming Fist are among my companions. For now, our destination is south, to Nashkel. If you wish to join us, we can protect you, at least until we reach the town."
"And why, pray tell, would we wish to join you?" a voice spoke from behind Garrick. The bard jumped and then flinched as Safana glided onto the chair beside him.
"It seems to me," she said. "That Skie and Eldoth would only be in further danger if they were to travel with wanted criminals."
Garrick hesitated, leaning away from her, then straightened and frowned. "And who might you be?"
"Safana has pledged to protect me as well," said Skie. "She and Eldoth have taken good care of me since I was forced to leave Baldur's Gate, at great personal risk to themselves."
Garrick raised an eyebrow. "Forgive me, my lady, but you have made me curious as to why."
"Your questions shall be answered in good time," Safana replied. "But now is not that time." Her eyes flicked to the two Flaming Fist officers sitting at the bar. "I suggest you hold onto them until we have left Beregost." She laid her finger on the lip of Garrick's ale-mug. "In the meantime, what would you say to buying me a drink?"
Garrick looked down at Safana's finger, then at her face. After a moment, he raised his arm to hail a nearby barmaid.
Eldoth smirked before glancing at Skie; the girl's eyes were still fixed on Garrick, who luckily was currently distracted with his attempts to politely persuade Safana to relinquish her hold on his drink. He gave Skie's back a light squeeze. She looked up at him, and he winked at her.
Good work, Skie.
She was still for a moment, then released a quiet breath as she spotted a barmaid with a full serving tray approaching their table. Eldoth watched with detached amusement as Skie scowled at the barmaid eyeing her lover.
Turning her attention to the served dishes, Safana finally gave Garrick back his pint, and the young bard appeared simultaneously relieved and put-out at her diverted attention.
Perhaps I should not credit Skie's performance so much, thought Eldoth. This one may be even easier to fool than she. Safana should be able to at least distract some of the men in the party. From what I have seen of them, they will be wet clay in her hands. He paused, and for a half-second, his eyes narrowed as he glanced at the former pirate. I may need to be careful of that.
Safana's eyes met his, and her lips rose very slightly in a barely-noticeable smile. It took Eldoth a moment to realize that his gaze was lingering on them, and he quietly looked away.
..
At Safana's whispered instruction, Garrick refrained from asking further questions, instead joining her, Skie and Eldoth in concentrating on their meals and occasionally exchanging brief and pointless banter to stave off suspicion from any onlookers (of which there were quite a number thanks to both Eldoth and Safana) When their plates were near-empty, Safana offered to return the room key. She sauntered to the counter, the eyes of many male patrons including Garrick's following her. The two Flaming Fist officers had not left the bar, and their subordinates from upstairs had apparently yet to finish bothering the tenants.
We should leave before they tire of their drinks and decide to question the common room.
Nodding to Skie, Eldoth rose and led both her and Garrick to the exit.
As they reached the front gate outside, a familiar figure standing under a nearby alcove crossed the street and stopped in front of them.
"Khalid?" said Garrick. "Where have you been?"
The half-elf said nothing. His face was emotionless; uncannily similar to Montaron's usual expression. His eyes slid to Skie, who took a small, involuntary backward step onto Eldoth's foot.
"Khalid?" Garrick said again. "Are you alright?"
Eldoth frowned and opened his mouth to speak when the sound of numerous running armoured feet drew his gaze. A combined three patrols of Flaming Fist totalling nearly fifty in number appeared from the north. Townsfolk hurried out of their path as they thundered down the street past the inn.
His frown deepening, Eldoth looked past them and saw black plumes of smoke rising above the rooftops.
Is that coming from the Jovial Juggler?
"...Khalid," Garrick said a third time, slow and apprehensive. "What did you do?"
The half-elf gave no reply. His eyes looked past them, and Eldoth could not help but look over his own shoulder.
Safana stood at the doorway to the front entrance, apparently having just exited the inn. Her gaze was locked onto Khalid's, her face not quite blank yet displaying something Eldoth could not read. The bard's eyes narrowed. What is -?
"We should go," the Harper said, his voice quiet and emotionless.