Chapter 15: Moving On - Day 26
A departure at sunrise found the party walking slowly north back towards Beregost.
Ajantis led the way as he proudly strode up the road with his head held high.
Dyanheir and Imoen trailed some way behind the paladin as Imoen quizzed Dynaheir with questions about magic while skipping merrily along. Minsc was nowhere to be seen as he and Boo were deep in the woods communing with nature while patrolling the flanks. Jeral brought up the rear of the group, enjoying the sun on his face as he cradled his long bow in the crook of his arm. The sound of a voice ahead snapped Jeral out of his reverie.
Two men stood astride the road. One was a tall bearded man wearing splint mail, a horned helm, and holding a halberd. He stood mere paces away from Ajantis while a second man in splint mail stood a dozen paces back twirling a dart in his fingers. The man with the halberd placed it in the guard position and addressed Ajantis.
"Hey there fella, this is not your lucky day. "You've had the misfortune of meeting the fastest draw in the west. See than man over yonder? His name is Zal and he is the fastest dart thrower that ever walked the Sword Coast. He is so fast you amd your three friends there have no chance. So why don't you do the wise thing and hand ole Vax and Zal all of your gold. We will also take that fancy green armor of your hands as well. No need to die today. Consider this a tax on traveling this road and nothing more."
Jeral could only shake his head in bemusement.
What kind of idiots take on twice their number in a stand up fight? Some people never will make sense to me.
Ajantis slowly drew his enchanted sword and tightened the grip on his shield. "I am Ajantis Ilvarstarr of the Most Noble Order of the Radiant Heart. I command you to surrender and you shall not be harmed."
"Vax?"
"Yes Zal?"
"If you can take the one in the pretty green armor I can handle the other three."
"Sounds good, let us begin." Vax took a half step back and launched a fierce overhand attack with his halberd; Ajantis blocked it with his shield and lashed out with his sword. Vax nimbly jumped out of harms way as the strike swung harmlessly in front of the bandit.
Dynaheir was preparing to cast a spell while Imeon prepared to fire an arrow. Faster than Jeral believed possible Dynaheir and Imoen were both down. Dynaheir was cluching her leg as a dart was protruding from her thigh. Imoen had taken one dart in her stomach and a second in her neck. Jeral shot an arrow at the dart thrower and was pleased to see it strike the man in the side. Grunting in pain he turned his attention to Jeral and the bard found himself wincing in pain as three darts struck his chest in rapid succession. Their narrow points easily penetrated through the overlapping chain rings of his armor. Only the padded undertunic prevented the darts from penetrating to a lethal depth.
This guy just does not miss. Jeral fired a second arrow at Zal and watched it narrowly miss his unprotected head. Smiling Zal readied a second barrage and Jeral knew he could not survive three more strikes.
I cannot believe a dart throwing moron will be the end of me.
Jeral stared at his attacker and prepared to dodge any incoming missiles.
"GO FOR THE EYES BOO!"
With a roar Minsc charged from the woods mere steps from the dart thrower. Zal quickly recovered from his surprise, spun quickly and launched three darts at the large ranger. Two glanced off his splint mail while the third dug into his shoulder under the shoulder plate. Minsc did not feel the strike and struck with his two handed sword. Minsc buried his sword in the man's shoulder; crushing his collarbone and ribs as he tore into his body. Minsc had to work the sword back and forth to pull it from the man's torso as Zal slowly collapsed to the ground in a bloody heap. Whirling around Minsc advanced on the bandit still dueling Ajantis. Caught between the two strong fighters the second bandit was soon dispatched. Jeral walked over to Dynaheir and Imoen. He handed each a potion of healing and they were soon back on their feet, shaken but none the worse for wear.
Jeral pulled the darts from his chest and watched the blood slowly trickle out from the shallow wounds. He closed his eyes and focused on the small wounds and he could feel them closing up. Stunned he opened his eyes to realize that he had somehow managed to heal himself. Glancing around to ensure that no one had noticed Jeral calmly went to loot the corpses of the bandits.
"These guys definitely had some previous victims," said Jeral as he hoisted two coin purses laden with gold and small gems. He kept looking and came across two potion bottles. He unstopped each and sniffed them. "Perfect," he exclaimed, "these healing potions replace the two we just used." He continued searching and pulled off a pair of well made leather gauntlets from the corpse of the dart thrower. He rolled them over in his hands and eyed them intently.
"That explains it!
Holding up the bracers he addressed the others.
"These bracers are why that guy was so good, these are bracers of archery. These heavily enchanted bracers make anyone an expert with any type of ranged weapon. Legend says the wood elves user to equip entire armies with gauntlets like these."
Looking around the party his eyes settled on Imoen.
"Well sis, you are I are the only archers around, want them?"
"No way, I have enough brown in my outfit from this studded leather armor, those do not fit my sense of style." Shaking his head and chuckling quietly Jeral strapped the bracers on his forearms.
"Hmmmm, nothing feels different, let's try and see how they work." Jeral quickly dropped to one knee and fired off three arrows at a distant tree as rapidly as he could. Smiling he noticed that all three stuck within inches of one another.
"Impressively done archer; Helm shines his light on you this day."
"Not sure if it was Helm Ajantis, but I thank you for the kind words. Let us be off and continue onwards to Beregost."
By the late afternoon the group reached the town of Beregost. Agreeing that there was no time to waste the party headed straight for The Feldepost Inn. They entered the Feldepost Inn and discovered that the common room was crowded with few open seats to be found. Everyone seemed to be waiting for something.
Jeral stopped a passing serving girl and asked why the Inn was so crowded. "It is crowded every night now for the people cannot get enough of Garrick the brave."
Fighting back a smile Jeral continued, "Any who my dear, is Garrick the brave."
"Why sir, he is only the bravest and handsomest hero of the Sword Coast, his exploits are legendary."
"Well I cannot wait to meet this hero." Jeral thanked the woman for her time and went to head deeper into the inn. His progress was stopped by a meaty hand pressed into his chest.
"Hey you there, we do not need any more of your type in here, it is bad enough we have to listen to that one armed idiot Garrick."
"Heh, you tell em Marl." Jeral looked up into the face of a tall and broad middle aged man. He and his companion both were clearly farmers judging from their tan skin and broad shoulders. Taking a deep breath Jeral forced his face into a smile.
"Good evening gentlemen. I fear you may have confused me for someone else. I am just here to enjoy dinner with my friends. Please let me pass." Jeral squeezed the man's wrist and slowly forced the arm off his chest with enough pressure to discourage any further foolishness. Nodding silently he moved to walk past Marl.
"Do not ignore me you bastard, I will kill you for what you did to me boy." More confused than ever, Jeral turned around to ask a question only to see a meaty fist heading towards his face. Thinking quickly Jeral ducked his head slightly taking the blow full on his forehead. Marl's hand struck Jeral's forehead and Jeral heard an audible crack as numerous bones shattered from the strike. Bending over in pain Marl clutched the wounded hand to his stomach.
Shaking his head to clear the cobwebs away Jeral could not help but smirk at the injured man. "See here my good man, I may not know farming; but I do know about combat and about the human body. The forehead is one of the strongest bones in the body while the hand is full of fragile teeny little bones. That hand of yours is pretty well smashed up now. I suggest you quit while you are behind and head home."
Marl looked up, red faced and quivering.
"I am gonna kill you pretty boy." Screaming in rage he lunged at Jeral. Motioning the others to stay back Jeral quickly sidestepped the angry farmer and kicked out at his right knee as he lumbered past. The knee buckled from the strike and Marl went down hard again.
"Stay down sir, I have no wish to hurt you."
"Hey Marl, maybe he is right, let me take you home and get you fixed up."
"Stow it Durkin, I ain't done with this pretty boy yet." Sighing is resignation Jeral readied for another charge.
Marl stood up and slowly pulled a long dagger from the sheath on his belt. Durkin gasped when he saw the blade. "Marl, put the blade down, you can't win this fight."
Tears streaming down his face Marl advanced on Jeral. Jeral backed slowly away until his back hit the bar.
"No where else to go pretty boy, fight me or die." Jeral focused on the blade and prepared to counter any move from the irate farmer.
Marl lurched forward and slashed out wildly with a huge backhanded horizontal swing. Jeral slid to his left and struck out at Marl's right arm. His blow jarred Marl's arm and caused him to drop the knife. Jeral slid behind Marl and wrapped his right arm around Marl's neck. Using his left arm to secure the hold Jeral started bearing down, determined to choke the large man into unconsciousness.
WHAM!
WHAM!
WHAM!
Jeral fought back tears as Marl started ramming the back of his head into Jeral's face. Jeral's nose broke with an audible crack and his top lip split wide open. Jeral inhaled a mouthful of blood and felt a shiver of ecstasy through his body. Jeral's face twisted into a sneer and his eyes flashed with an anger that was not there seconds before.
"No more mister nice guy pal. I am done playing. It is time you learn not to mess with your betters!" Jeral leaned back, lifting the large man off the ground; as he pulled harder and harder on Marl's neck. After a few seconds Marl stopped ramming his head back. After a few more seconds Marl stopped struggling all together. Jeral closed his eyes, gritted his teeth, and tightened his grip even more.
"Uh, Jeral, he is out cold. You can let him go." Imoen moved forward to grab Jeral's wrist. He did not respond to her touch. He just turned slightly to the side so he could better lift up Marl over his hip. After a few more seconds Marl's neck broke with an audible snap.
Breathing heavily, Jeral released his grip and watched as Marl's corpse fell to the floor. The common room was deathly quiet as all eyes were on Jeral and the body at his feet. Jeral stared at the corpse at his feet while licking his bloody lip.
"You bastard! Murderer! You killed Marl."
Slowly and deliberately Jeral bent down and picked up Marl's knife. Testing the point with his thumb he muttered, "This is a good blade." He pointed the blade directly at Durkin. "If you say one more word to me you son of a whore, I will let you join your stupid friend in the afterlife. This was self defense, not murder. No go before I change my mind." Durkin nodded and backed quickly out of the bar. Jeral walked up to the bar and tossed a gold piece on the bar. "Sorry for the mess, this should cover any damages." Nodding the bartender quickly picked up the coin." He tossed a second gold piece on the bar, "ale for me, as well as whatever my friends are drinking." Within seconds a tall mug of ale slid into Jeral's hand. He took a deep drink and drained the mug. Stifling a belch he thanked the bartender for the ale. Tossing a third gold piece on the bar Jeral stared intently at the bartender. "This coin is for you friend; all I need to know is which room belongs to a visiting mage named Tranzig."
"R-r-r-r-oom 9 upstairs milord." Nodding his thanks Jeral strode upstairs. Looking back over his shoulder he said "get us a table, I cannot wait to see Garrick again." Without a backward glance Jeral strode upstairs. Pausing outside of room number nine Jeral considered how best to approach the situation. A number of schemes ran through his mind. Shaking his head he settled on the direct approach. He placed the wand of lightning bolts in his left hand and a throwing knife in his right. Taking a deep breath he rocked back and kicked hard against the door handle. The door lock ripped away from the splintering door frame and the door swung wide open. Jeral saw a small greasy looking man in soiled green mage robes sitting at a desk with a handful of documents laid out in front of him. As the door smashed open he quickly started to rise to his feet and turn around. Wasting no time, Jeral hurled the knife at the startled wizard and it buried itself in the man's side as he rose to turn and face Jeral. The wizard moaned and fell heavily to the floor coughing up blood.
"Who are you? What do you want?"
He muttered through blood frothed lips.
"My name matters not. Just know that Mulahey sends his regards."
A look of recognition flashed across Tranzig's face. "That fool dares rise about his station! Tazok will hear about this. Whatever he is paying you I will double it! No, I will triple it! Please stay thy hand!" Jeral kept the wand pointed at the seated mage while he rifled through the letters on the desk.
"Hmmmmm, so your bandit friends move around Larswood and Peldvale, that is all I need to know."
"Wait, spare me. Here is my ring of protection and the wand on the desk is a wand of magic missiles. Both are quite rare and are now yours."
"What else?"
"That is all I have."
"What? No gold, no gems? How do you pay for your room, your travels?"
"Very well, there is a small pouch of gems and coins under the bed."
"Thanks, Jeral reached down and jerked the knife out of the wounded mage. With the knife removed from the wound the blood flowed freely and the mage slowly bled out in front of the bard's impassive eyes."
"Jeral looked under the bed and did not see any pouch, kicking the corpse in anger Jeral picked up the letters, ring and wand and left the room.
Returning to the common room downstairs Jeral was not surprised to see that his friends now had the table right in front of the stage. Smiling Jeral stopped at the bar and handed over 5 more gold pieces.
"For the clean up in room 9. My apologies." Quivering in fear the bartender could only nod, his multiple chins jiggling in the firelight. Jeral walked over to rejoin his four companions. They were all openly staring at him. Jeral picked up the mug of ale in front of him and drained it on one long swig. Wiping his face Ajantis gasped and leaned forward with a start." Jeral, your face is healed. When last we saw you, your nose was badly broken and your upper lip was split in two. They are now unblemished. Jeral reached up and felt his face, the paladin was right. Forcing a smile on his face Jeral lied smoothly, "just chugged a healing potion on my way upstairs, I did not want to scare away Tranzig." Looking to change the subject Jeral tossed the mage's letters onto the table. He also handed the ring and wand to Dynaheir. This ring offers some limited protection and combat and the wand fires magic missiles. Both weapons best belong in your capable hands. Smiling slightly Dynaheir accepted the enchanted items and examined them closely before placing the ring on her finger and the wand in her spell component pouch.
The group all ordered dinner and drinks and quietly sat back awaiting Garrick. Dinner arrived and the group dug into hearty bowls of steaming stew served with hunks of black bread and a sharp white cheese. While the group ate two attractive young women slowly approached the stage. Both women were dressed in matching dresses made of a very sheer red fabric. The dresses were slit high on both legs and cut low in the front leaving little to the imagination. The woman on the left had short red hair and sat down in front of a small drum. She picked up a pair of drum sticks and twirled them around above her head. The second woman had a mass of curly black hair that cascaded down to the small of her back. As she reached the stage she lovingly picked up a harp and started absently strumming the strings.
The audience quickly fell silent and a mood of anticipation hung in the air. The drummer started a slow rhythmic drumming while the harpist started playing faster and faster. The raven haired beauty then announced in a strong clear voice, "Ladies and gentlefolk, you are in for a treat this evening. For tonight you will meet one of the true heroes of our age; a man who not only worked to save the realms but lived to tell the tale. Though grievously injured vanquishing evil, he survived and he is here with us tonight. I give you….
GARRICK THE BRAVE!"
The audience erupted in applause as Garrick strode to the stage. He was wearing a tunic of the brightest blue with black velvet breeches and knee high boots with silver buckles. He looked strong and healthy as he strode to the stage. Jeral could not help but notice the Garrick now wore his sword on his right hip and the long sleeve of his right arm was pinned shut over the stump of his wrist.
With a flourish and a deep bow Garrick started to sing in tune to the music provided by his two lovely assistants. Garrick started with a number of popular drinking songs that had the bar clapping and laughing along with his tune. After those songs he paused and took a deep draught off the mug that was off to the side of the stage. Smiling broadly, Garrick motioned to the drummer and suddenly the music slowed abruptly and became much slower and more solemn. It now resembled a funeral dirge. Winking at Dynaheir, Garrick took a deep breath and started to sing in slow mournful notes.
There once was a young man with a taste for adventure
Thirsting to live life far from home
There once was a young man with a taste for adventure
Far and wide he was ready to roam
One day while in town just living my life
I met some friends who offered me a change
They took me away for an adventure of a lifetime
For a opportunity such as that far would I range
We headed South to solve the iron crisis plaguing this land
Hoping to make a difference we strode towards danger
Along the way our plans did change
Westward we headed to rescue a stranger
Garrick paused and winked again at Dynaheir before continuing.
Seven we were as we headed West
Led by paladin and ranger, great warriors each
We continued on into the setting sun
Searching for a damsel who was just out of reach
Tracking our foe, a powerful tribe of gnolls
At the end of a long march a haunted fortress loomed
The damsel was there awaiting our aid
We all prayed she was not already doomed
Crossing a bridge we moved to attack
Slaying many a foe we moved ever ahead
No chance of retreat, we would never fall back
Only two options; succeed or lay down dead
After many a skirmish the end was in sight
The mighty gnoll chieftain and a dozen of his best
Minsc and Ajantis lead the way
Followed along by all of the rest
The battle was fierce, much blood was shed
We cut through many a gnoll and success neared
When the chieftain stuck a mighty blow
Minsc and Ajantis fell, possibly dead I feared
Drawing my sword I leapt into the fray
I attacked the great gnoll to protect this land
Driving my sword deeply into his hide
Roaring and slashing he stuck off my hand
With the delivery of the last line women throughout the common room wailed and cried in despair.
Wounded and bleeding my end looked near
But my mighty companions pulled me back from the light
As they killed the gnoll and staunched my blood
I knew I would live to see another night
As I cradled my wound and thought about the choices I made
I have no regrets about the course of my life
The damsel was rescued, the day was saved
No more adventure for me, just music…..and someday a wife.
The last line was answered by a number of women screaming Garrick's name from various locations in the inn. Imoen elbowed Jeral and sniggered, "looks like lefty is doing just fine without us." Laughing Jeral could not help but agree. Garrick wrapped up his performance to a thunderous applause and his two musicians walked through the room collecting coins from the grateful patrons.
Sweaty and flushed with success, Garrick pulled over a chair and sat down with his former adventuring companions. "So did you like it?"
"Boo says you should have mentioned him, but otherwise it was a very good song."
"Helm smiles on you good bard for penning such a noble tale"
"While I do not see myself as a damsel I did appreciate the rescue none the less."
Imoen just smiled and hugged Garrick while Jeral simply added, 'well done good bard. Well done." The party stayed up late into the night catching up with Garrick and filling him in on the events down in the mines and about the attack upon their return to Nashkel. Garrick listened intently and promised to create another song.
Day 27
Jeral slowly trudged downstairs stretching out his tired muscles as he went. He had splurged on the best room in the house and had enjoyed the soft sheets and comfortable bed. For once no dreams interrupted his rest and he would have remained in bed had not hunger pulled him from his rest. Looking around the near empty common room Jeral did not see anyone he recognized. The inn staff were preparing for people coming in for the noon time meal. Jeral helped himself to a stool by the bar, ordered some bread and cheese with some watery wine, and pulled out a deck of cards. He started working on his card tricks, dealing off the bottom of the deck and other slights on hand while he waited for his food.
Jeral was so engrossed in his cards that he did not notice Ajantis and Imoen approaching his table. A purple clad sleeve reached across his face and grabbed a cube of cheese of his plate.
"Morning sleepyhead. I wondered if you would ever get up. Rest of us have been up for hours."
"Sorry, I guess I really needed my sleep. It felt good to sleep in a soft clean bed for once. I feel like a new man."
"Well we have been busy while you were snoring away, at least Ajantis and I have been busy." The last comment caused Jeral to eye the two of them closely.
"Ok, you have my attention, what is going on?"
Ajantis nodded severely and started filling Jeral in on their morning activities. "The Lady Imoen came across me this morning while I was sparring with Minsc. After I completed my sparring, and cleaned up, the lady and I spent some time exploring Beregost. There are two specific items of note. First, we met a flaming fist officer who will pay a substantial bounty for each bandit we kill. Apparently the flaming fist company here is unable to return to Baldur's Gate due to the bandit threat."
"So how can the five of us succeed where a company of flaming fist mercenaries cannot?" Ajantis shrugged his shoulders and continued, "Additionally, we visited the temple of Beregost. They are offering a substantial reward for anyone who can deal with the wayward cleric Bassilus. Apparently he is somewhere to the southwest of Beregost and is killed a number of innocent town folks. They will pay the ransom for his death or capture. I feel we must purge the town of that evil before we continue on our quest to the North."
"If everyone else agrees Ajantis I see no reason why we cannot aid the town before we continue to pursue the bandits."