Disappointment

by JCL1371

This is the tale of Jeral of Candlekeep, a bard who struggles to meet the expectations of others as he enters out into the world beyond the castle walls.

31. Chapter 31: The Rescue

Getting real close to the end of the story. Hopefully I will stay on schedule and finish by the end of the month. Fingers crossed. JCL1371

Chapter 31 – The Rescue – Day 100

The Maiden's Blade glided smoothly up to the dock and gently bumped into the pier. Her sailors nimbly leapt onto the dock and secured the galley fast to the pilings. Niklos led Imoen and Jeral on deck and smiled broadly as he eyed all the activity that surrounded them. The piers were crowded with fishing vessels' bringing in their catch for sale in the markets. People were everywhere, and the docks were a hive of activity as ships loaded and unloaded cargo in the late morning sunshine. Their ship was merely one of dozens that were in the process of entering or departing the small docks area of Baldur's Gate. The few guards and customs officials were overwhelmed by the press of people coming and going.

"You see my friends, had we tried to enter late last night when we arrived we would have aroused intense suspicion. By waiting til late morning we glide in just one ship amongst dozens. Sometimes one can hide best in plain sight. Given all the ships here the customs inspectors and soldiers will not even get to our ship for hours. I have dispatched the captain to pay our toll at the Harbor Master's building."

Niklos snapped his fingers and half a dozen sailors quickly formed a circle around the trio and they walked down the gangplank onto the pier. Within minutes they were lost in the crowds of the city and the sailors quickly departed, leaving the three to make their way to report to Endar Sai. Niklos walked briskly and led the way from one alley to another, always ensuring that they minimized their time on the heavily patrolled main streets of the city. The trio walked for what felt like hours before Jeral finally started to lose his patience.

"Niklos, you do know where we are going don't you?"

"Jeral is right sweetie, we have been walking for ages and I am getting hungry."

Niklos smiled brightly at Imoen and slowed his pace.

"My apologies Imoen. And my apologies to you too Jeral. I needed to ensure that we were not watched before I dare meet with Endar Sai."

Niklos stopped in front of a building and motioned the pair to the door. Jeral eyed the building critically. It was a tavern that showed the signs of recent repair. The front windows were all new and the paint on the wooden window frames did not quite match the more weathered paint of the shutters and the surrounding building. The door to the tavern was also new and was made of heavy iron reinforced oak. Swinging above the door was a crude illustration of a man on fire and the words 'The Burning Bandit' were carved above the illustration and painted in silver.

Imoen grabbed Niklos by the arm and roughly spun him around.

Poking him in the chest she angrily growled at him, "I know this tavern. A girl never forgets a place where an ogre threw her through a window. This is the Blushing Mermaid! What is going on here?"

Jeral lowered his hand to the hilt of his long sword and took a step back from Niklos. "Do we have a problem here Niklos?"

Niklos held his arms out to his sides and kept his hands unclenched. "I assure you, this is where I was told to bring you. Please come inside and all will be explained." Jeral and Imoen shared a look and decided that they could trust him a bit further. Imoen stepped back and pulled out a throwing knife. "Lead the way Niklos. Just know that if this is a trap you will die before they can get to us."

Niklos swallowed nervously as he eyed the pink haired woman before him. "I assure you this is no trap. And I much prefer it when you call me sweetie."

"Well if this is not a trap and you buy me lunch then maybe we can get back on friendlier terms."

Niklos pushed open the heavy oaken door and led the way indoors. The common room was well lit and comfortably appointed with a dozen round tables, all with a quartet of comfortable chairs. The bar was polished to a shine and the dozen bar stools all looked brand new. A half dozen women bustled about straightening tables and bringing bags of produce into the kitchen. The only unusual feature of the place was the total absence of customers. At mid day the tavern should be crowded with patrons looking for a meal or their first drink of the day.

"Well what do you think of my latest venture?"

Jeral and Imoen whirled around to face the voice and watched as Endar Sai languidly walked down the stairs into the common room. Clad in a sky blue tunic, silver vest and dark green pants he looked every inch a prosperous businessman.

"You own the Blushing Mermaid?"

"My dear Imoen, after your unfortunate experience here I had a long chat with the owner and he decided that my gold was more appealing than that of the Iron Throne."

"So he sold you the tavern?"

A small smile flickered across the master thief's face before he returned to his normal impassive gaze.

"There was something about the owner having reluctance to sell. But we managed to get past that. Suffice it to say money changed hands and I now own this fine establishment. I have even spent some funds upgrading this place to better suit my needs. While we are not yet open to the public we do have an excellent cook and lunch will be served in a few minutes."

Endar walked over to his son and embraced him in a brief hug before he led them to the table furthest from the front door. Endar held out a chair for Imoen. Once she was seated Endar sat in the seat facing the front door and motioned the other two to their respective chairs. A pair of the serving maids dropped off plates of fresh bread, fruit and cheese while a third dropped off mugs of ale. Endar took a deep drink of his beer and then signed contentedly.

"The ale maker knows his craft, this is excellent." Endar eyed Imoen and Jeral and smiled broadly at the pair.

"Relax, you are quite safe here. I have men watching all the doors and have paid off the local watch commanders. We will not be bothered here. Eat, drink, and I will let you know where things stand."

"Again we thank you for your kindness."

Endar waved a hand dismissively. "Jeral, think nothing of it. The disruption you and your friends have caused the Iron Throne is more than enough payment for me."

"We have so much to tell you father."

"I find that unlikely Niklos. I am well aware of everything that happened at Candlekeep."

He then looked pointedly at Imoen and arched an eyebrow.

"I am also aware of everything that happened upon my ship you naughty girl. Your antics even made sailors blush." Imoen's face reddened as she looked down hastily and drained her mug of ale.

"Where is Sarevok?"

"It pains me to admit Jeral but I do not yet know where he is. I am currently making inquiries. Of more immediate concern is that everyone is looking for you two. You and your sister are wanted for crimes against the realm. Soldiers, bounty hunters and average citizens are looking for you everywhere. There is a reward of 3,000 pieces of gold on each of your heads, dead or alive."

"Well Endar, it seems we will once again need to impose on your hospitality and ask for your assistance. For we have much to do."

"Yes, yes, yes I know what you need to do Jeral. You need to rescue your friends before they are executed and then confront and defeat Sarevok."

"That is exactly what Imoen and I need to do."

"And you shall have the assistance of the thieves' guild. For now rest and remain calm. Your friends will not be here for days and the new leader of the Iron Throne has gone missing." Endar clapped Jeral on the shoulder and rose from the table.

"What are we supposed to do until you know more?"

"My dear girl, you and Jeral will have to stay here. If you are found on the street all is lost. Remain here, you will be quite comfortable. I have adequate rooms upstairs and the basement is now a weapons training room. Niklos and I will gather the information needed on your friends and see what we can find out about Sarevok as well."

"Niklos can't stay?"

"I am sorry my dear girl but Niklos has his duties with the guild to attend to. I am sure he will make himself available when he can. In the meantime if you need anything ask Vanessa as she is my new innkeeper. Come Niklos."

Endar strode out of the tavern with a reluctant looking Niklos following close behind.

Day 102

"Endar, this training room is very impressive."

"Well we needed a new training space so this worked out quite nicely. Now you said you wish to learn to fight with two weapons?"

"Yes."

"Well I warn you it is very difficult skill to learn and even more challenging to master. If you do not commit to extensive practice and study then you will not succeed. However if you can master dual wielding you will become a match for almost any swordsman."

"Understood."

"Let's start you off with short swords. Once you learn the basics of dual wielding from using those you can mix and match blades to suit your preference."

Endar pointed to a weapons rack full of wooded practice weapons and Jeral picked up a pair of wooden short swords. Endar picked up a pair of curved wooden fighting knives that looked like mirror copies of his real blades.

Jeral hefted the blades in his hands and grunted, "These are heavier than I expected."

"We line the interior of the blades with lead. It strengthens the wood blade and also aids in strength training. If you learn to fight well with these you will be even faster when you use real weapons."

Endar stood with his legs shoulder width apart and slowly moved through some basic attack moves. He watched as Jeral copied his actions step for step.

"Very good Jeral. These are the basics forms you will use to fight; attacking with each hand, parrying with each hand and the two weapon parry. Master these steps and we can build from there. Keep working on the forms until they are second nature. As they start to feel natural you can increase the speed."

Endar placed his blades on the weapons rack and headed for the stairs. Jeral stopped in mid swing and started at the master thief. "Where are you going? I thought you were going to train me."

Endar paused halfway up the stairs and turned back briefly.

"My dear fellow, I am training you, but I also have a guild that requires my attention and issues with the Iron Throne that still are unresolved. Work these forms today. Tomorrow I will have the weapons master provide you with some sparring partners. If you get good enough I will spar with you myself, but let us not be too hasty with that. I will see you again at dinner this evening. Fare the well."

Day 105

Despite his earlier promises Endar was not at dinner as promised. Nor did he appear on the following day, or the day after that. While Jeral was worried Imoen was frantic for she had not see Endar's son Niklos for days and feared the worst. The siblings badgered Vanessa for updates and any news but she was unable to provide any insight. By the third day she too started to worry. Jeral and Imoen agreed that they would depart at first light the following day if they did not see Niklos or Endar before then.

While Imoen paced the tavern frantically and tossed knives into targets in the common room Jeral channeled his anxiety and frustration more productively spending long hours each day in the basement sparring room. After three long days of practice Jeral was starting to feel comfortable fighting with matched blades. Alatosi, the guild weapons master was working closely with Jeral to improve his skills. The first day she provided him with a wooden dummy as an opponent. The next day he sparred with some of the more junior thieves and a few of the mercenaries the guild retained as muscle. Pleased with his progress Alatosi had promised to spar with him personally.

Jeral picked up his training blades and tuned to face Alatosi. She was not attractive in a traditional sense but there was something Jeral found very appealing about her. She was slightly taller than Jeral and thicker across the torso. Her sharply angular face was framed by short white hair and a thin metal band encircled her head. Her heavily muscled arms were covered with an intricate tattoo of small green leaves that ran from her shoulders to the middle of each arm. She wore a dark brown leather vest that was covered with iron rings over a thin white tunic with the sleeves rolled up to her shoulders. Her legs were covered by matching leather pants, instead of iron rings the pants were covered by intricate patterns in silver thread. Jeral looked at her and imagined that she was more suited to living amongst the elves as a warrior. The thought of Alatosi with pointed ears brought a smile to Jeral's face.

"I am glad you are feeling so confident Jeral, I would hate to see that you were afraid of me."

Alatosi twirled a katana and short sword in an intricate pattern in front of Jeral.

Showing bravado he did not feel Jeral puffed up his chest and held his training blades at a high guard position. "I was just admiring your tattoos. You look like an overgrown elf."

"Such cheek, I think I will make you eat those words little man."

Alatosi held up her blades in a quick salute that Jeral returned. Once the weapons master dropped the salute she lunged forward with the katana. Jeral threw himself backwards and the blade missed by a finger's breath. Not allowing Jeral a chance to recover Alatosi followed up with an overhand slash with the short sword held in her left hand. Jeral crossed his blades over his head to block the attack. His arms trembled from the force of the blow. Just after her short sword was parried she snapped the katana back forward. Jeral quickly stepped back and dropped his left arm. His short sword met the katana and drove it into the ground. Sending that his opponent was off balance Jeral dropped his shoulder and drove it forward. He struck Alatosi with a solid blow and she merely grunted and retaliated by slamming a pommel hilt into his shoulder.

Jeral backpedaled and rotated his arm to ensure he still had use of it after her strike. He was pleased to see that his shoulder block had caused her some discomfort for the large woman had to pause and catch her breath. Smiling wolfishly she advanced on Jeral.

"I do love a challenge. Apparently there is more to you than meets the eye."

Jeral had an instant to notice that she had a lovely smile and a perfect set of white teeth before he was parrying blow after blow as she moved forward across the room. Her arms were a blur as she rained down blow after blow on him. Jeral was please to see that he could block each of her attacks but her speed and aggression ensured that he could not find an opportunity to counter attack. Jeral continued to backpedal away from her attacks and she pressed them with a relentless aggression. Jeral's arms started to tire and sweat poured down his face as the pair continued to battle.

"Well if nothing else you have learned a proper defense, that is a start."

Alatosi's words sounded almost like a complement; however Jeral did not have the time to feel flattered since he was struggling to stay upright under her unrelenting assault. Sensing Jeral's weariness the weapons master redoubled her assault and Jeral was forced to abandon any hope of attack in order to prevent her attacks from striking home. She would attack high, Jeral would parry, she would attack low and Jeral would either parry or step back. Jeral could not find a way through her defense.

"Jeral! Stop loafing around. We have word from Endar."

Imoen had to shout to be heard over the clatter from the wooden blades. Jeral automatically looked over to the stairs and saw Imoen standing next to a very distressed looking Niklos. Jeral turned back just in time to see Alatosi sweeping both blades down at Jeral's knees. With no time to parry the blow Jeral jumped in an effort to avoid the blades. Mid swing his opponent adjusted her swing and swept upwards. Her blades caught Jeral in the lower legs and she followed through lifting her practice blades to the ceiling. Her quick upward swing launched Jeral's legs up towards the ceiling and his back slammed into the floor. Alatosi planted a massive foot in the center of Jeral's chest and a wooden katana rested gently against Jeral's throat.

Back aching, chest heaving Jeral looked up into the smiling gaze of the weapons master.

"This is where you yield Jeral."

Smiling Jeral could only shake his head slowly and agree as he loudly yielded to the better swordsman. Alatosi lifted Jeral to his feet and placed all four practice blades on the weapons rack. Imoen quickly walked over to stand next to Jeral and the smirk on her face spoke volumes.

"I see you got beat by a girl."

"Yup."

"You okay with that?"

Jeral smiled and kissed Imoen on the forehead.

"I hate losing I really do. But when I do my best and lose to someone who is simply better there is no honor lost. I am content. Besides, it serves as motivation to keep me training."

"If you keep practicing you can be a great swordsman Jeral. I am very impressed how quickly you have picked up dual wielding. Most take months before they can even master the basics. You are a natural, your instincts are good and your reflexes are excellent."

"Maybe so but you still beat me pretty easily."

"I would be a poor weapons master for the guild if I let myself get beat by a beginner. Even such a talented one as you. "

Niklos walked down the stairs and cleared his throat loudly. "I bring dire news from my father."

"What news?"

Niklos, waved away the question.

"Not now we must move quickly. Please clean up, then gather up all of your equipment and arm yourself. We leave the tavern within the hour. I will explain as we go."

Within the hour Jeral and Imoen were back down in the tavern common room and ready to depart. Niklos and Alatosi were huddled close together at a table deep in conversation. Alatosi had also cleaned up and armed herself. She was wearing a long silver chainmail tunic that left her arms bare. A pair of heavy metal bracers covered her forearms. A short sword was tied down on her left thigh and an ornate katana rested in a scabbard on her left hip. The packs on the table indicated that both were soon leaving and may not return for some time.

"Ok Niklos we are here. What is the news? Out with it."

"Jeral, you and Imoen have to trust me. There is little time and we must leave now."

Jeral grabbed Niklos roughly by the arm and pulled him in close. "My patience is wearing thin Niklos. Start talking." Jeral heard the sound of a blade drawn from its scabbard behind him. A warning glance from Niklos and the blade returned to its scabbard.

"Very well Jeral. The scheduled execution of your companions was moved up. Your friends are to be killed at midnight tonight in the square in front of the Elfsong Tavern. They are scheduled to cross the bridge into the city in less than six hours."

Imoen clapped her hands excitedly and pried Jeral's hands off Niklos.

"That is perfect, that is right next to your guild headquarters, that will make things so much easier."

"How do you know where we keep our headquarters?"

"Please, I know what a thief looks like. The whole time we stayed at the Elfsong I saw them coming and going. I believe it is the old yarn how it takes one to know one. You may fool the locals but not me."

"Well it matters not for the guild is not going to help us."

"What?" Jeral and Imoen exclaimed in unison.

"I fear we have underestimated the Iron Throne. Sarevok has wasted no time on consolidation his power and weakening his enemies throughout the city. In the past three days dozens of guild members have been killed or imprisoned. Even worse than that it appears that many were paid to betray their fellow guild members and turn their support to the Iron Throne. The guild leadership has decided to retreat from the fray and salvage what they can. They will no longer cross the Iron Throne. You will get no more support from the guild."

"Has Endar turned on us?"

Niklos pulled himself upright and shot a look of pure contempt at Jeral.

"My father has sacrificed everything for you. He has left the guild over this. To him it is a simple matter on honor and he will not rest until the Iron Throne and Sarevok are destroyed."

Niklos looked down and the floor and continued softly.

"Everything my father worked so hard to build is gone. Almost all of his friends and apprentice thieves have forsaken him. I am all he has left."

"No Niklos. He also has me. I will stand beside you and your father. I owe him my life."

"My thanks Alatosi. My father knew that you would say that and he gladly will accept your support. We must leave now. I am sure the guild has notified the Flaming Fist of your location, we are no longer safe here."

The four quickly shouldered their equipment, pulled their cloaks tight around their faces and walked out into the late afternoon sun. Niklos moved quickly and led the small group through the streets. He steered the group safely away from the heavy patrols on the main streets and Jeral recognized familiar landmarks as the group neared the Elfsong Tavern. The main gate out of the city was opened and traffic was heavy as travelers hurried to enter the city before dark. Niklos passed the tavern and crossed through the great square where soldiers were laying out four large wooden stumps that would serve as blocks for the headman's ax.

As Jeral eyed the soldiers in the square he vowed to himself to free his companions no matter the risk. Niklos steered the foursome to a small house hard up against the outer wall of the castle. As he approached the house he threw back his cloak and loudly announced, "Woman, I am home. Fetch me some ale!" He banged the door open and strode in like he was a long lost traveler returning home. Jeral and Imoen followed closely on his heels and Alatosi entered last, closing the door after she entered. The house was small and furnished with cheap second hand furnishings. Despite the clear lack of wealth the home was spotless, neatly organized and the smell of chicken soup wafted through the air. They were in the home of someone with modest means but a definite sense of pride.

"Well look who is here, how lovely. And just in time for dinner." Endar Sai strolled out of the kitchen wearing a floral apron over his clothes.

"You seem very chipper for one who has lost everything. Where are the people who live here?"

"Yeah and nice apron."

"Ahhhhh Jeral and Imoen so glad we are together yet again. I have suffered some significant reverses in the past few days but all is not lost. I can yet have my revenge and restore my position. In some ways this is a relief for the situation with the guild has shown me who stands with me and who does not. It will make it much easier when the time of reckoning arrives. But enough about me let us eat and make plans to save your friends for time is short. Rest assured the owners of this house are alive and well. They have come into some newfound wealth and have been encouraged to visit Beregost for at least a month. "

Endar ushered the four to a small table and soon everyone was sitting in front of a bowl of steaming chicken soup. Plates of black bread, sliced apples and cheese and mugs of strong dark ale completed the meal. Jeral just sat and stared as the other four ate heartily. Alatosi noticed his lack of appetite and stopped eating. She leaned over and rested a large hand gently on his forearm.

"Jeral, there is one thing I have learned over the years. Before heading into danger it makes sense to eat and drink heartily for one may not get a chance to do so again."

"She is right Jeral. We will eat, then we will plan, then we will save your friends, kill Sarevok, destroy the Iron Throne and restore my place in the guild or die trying."

With that cheerful bouncing around in his mind Jeral ate heartily. Jeral realized that he was famished after the sparring session and he had seconds of everything. As he was sopping up the last remnants of the soup with a slice of bread Endar stood up and removed his apron.

"We have only one chance to rescue your friends. The Watchers will hand over the prisoners at the eastern foot of the Great Bridge. The prisoners will dismount from the wagon and two squads of soldiers will take custody of them. They will be searched for weapons and contraband and then marched across the bridge."

"I will not raise a hand against the Watchers under any circumstances, they are family."

"Well that is just as well for the bridge will be closed to non military traffic before they arrive so we cannot get to that end of the bridge. So once the soldiers escorting the prisoners arrive at the square they will hand them over to Captain Angelo and three score guardsmen."

"What is Angelo doing commanding the Fist anyway? What happened to Duke Eltan and Captain Scar?"

"Ahhhh well that is an unsettling tale Imoen. The Duke took ill suddenly and died in the Fist headquarters. He was a strong man who was never sick so his illness was unusual and likely a deliberate murder. Before he died he publicly named Captain Scar as Commander of the Flaming Fist."

"So how is Angelo in charge then?"

"Ah well that is a sad story. The night after he was named commander Captain Scar was murdered along with his entire family. Witnesses say a thin man and a fat woman entered into the home and killed everyone inside."

"I find it hard to believe that Scar was foolish enough to go about without guards."

"Well Jeral it seems Scar was trusting of the wrong officers. A Lieutenant Rollis led his guard detail and the soldiers were ordered away from their post minutes before the assassins arrived. Lieutenant Rollis is now the newly promoted Captain Rollis under Angelo."

"I liked Scar despite everything. And killing someone's family is beyond the pale. Rollis has to die."

"Imoen, I like your spirit. And as fortune would have it you may have the chance to personally sent him into the afterlife. Captain Rollis is commanding the prisoner escort into the city. Should you be willing to play a part in this rescue attempt we will ensure that he dies first at your hand."

Imoen grinned coldly and nodded her head once and she rubbed her hands together in anticipation. Niklos and Alatosi quickly cleared the table and Niklos unrolled a map of the courtyard and surrounding buildings and laid it flat on the table.

"Now here is what I suggest we do."

The next few hours passed in a blur as the group planned and prepared for the upcoming rescue. A single sharp rap on the door was the signal to send them all on their way. One of Endar's few remaining sources had alerted the group to the movement of the prisoners across the bridge. The group scattered to their assigned positions and awaited the arrival of the prisoners. Jeral crouched in deep shadows on the roof of the Elfsong tavern. His position on the western side of the square afforded him an excellent view of the soldiers forming up for the execution. On the far side of the square was the gate through which the prisoners would enter the city. Jeral had dressed in his darkest clothes and his chain mail armor was safely stowed away in Gorion's bag of holding. The armor would have made the climb to the rooftop more difficult. If all went well Jeral would not have to fight anyone up close and if he needed to run he would move all the more quickly without his armor.

Jeral watched as the soldiers in the square suddenly stiffened and formed into ranks. Jeral watched with clenched fists as Captain Angelo strode into the square followed by a tall man wearing clothes of the most expensive cut. Jeral instantly recognized Sarevok from their encounter in the Candlekeep Library. The pair of men were laughing and carrying on like they were best friends. Jeral picked up a flame arrow and drew it back to his ear as he sighted in on Sarevok. The man loomed large in his sight as he aimed in at the center of his chest. Jeral's fingers tingled with the knowledge that once he loosed the arrow Sarevok would die. Reluctantly, slowly, Jeral let the string loosen and he pulled the arrow from the bow as he crouched back down on the roof. He needed to stick with the plan. He could do nothing until Imoen gave the signal. Rescuing their companions had to come first, revenge would have to wait.

Jeral eyed the crowd searching for his sister. His eye settled on a woman of the night sauntering through the square in an outfit that left very little to the imagination. Wisps of sheer silk clung here and there leaving the woman nearly naked in the street. Dozens of soldiers and citizens stopped to gawk as the women brazenly exposed her wares. The harlot was holding onto the arm of a foppish looking man who stumbled along clearly very drunk. With a start Jeral realized that the harlot was Imoen in disguise and that meant that the drunk was Niklos. The pair giggled and stumbled their way to the gates just as the prisoner detail was coming into view. Jeral caught sight of the red headed Captain Rollis as he led the detail into the square.

Jeral realized that he could aid his sister without giving away the ambush. Jeral laid his bow down on the rooftop and dug into his scroll case. Quickly conjuring a small ball of light Jeral found the scroll he needed. He calmed himself and quickly read the enchanted runes off the scroll. As the words left his mouth they pulled the magic from the page and slowly drifted across the square as a translucent cloud. The scroll, its magic exhausted, crumbled to dust in his fingers as the spell floated across the square and landed on top of the squad of guards surrounding Captain Angelo and Sarevok. Jeral hastily picked up his bow and readied an enchanted flame arrow as he watched Imoen approach her target. The couple paused a few steps away from Captain Rollis and embraced passionately.

As the pair broke their embrace Jeral saw a blur of movement and a glint of metal. Suddenly Captain Rollis dropped to his knees and fell facedown into the square. Even from the distance Jeral could see the gout of blood from his neck as it pumped out onto the ground. Imoen dropped to a knee and a soldier in the front rank dropped with a pair of daggers embedded in his chest. Niklos hurled dart after dart into the first ranks of soldiers and soon a half dozen were wounded and lying on the ground. The other guards responded quickly. Four drew swords and raced for Imoen and Niklos while the other ten closed ranks around their prisoners. Niklos and Imoen clasped hands and started racing north to flee the square as quickly as possible.

Jeral saw motion in the center of the square. Captain Angelo had realized that an attempted prisoner rescue was underway and started shouting orders. He dispatched one squad to reinforce the prisoner escort and sent a second after the fleeing pair of assassins. While a handful of guards responded with alacrity most stood there looking blankly at one another. A few had even dropped their weapons and were removing their clothes. Jeral smiled as he watched Angelo start ineffectually beating his men with the flat of his sword. Thanks to Jeral's spell of confusion the prisoner detail would not get many reinforcements any time soon.

Jeral smiled as he aimed his bow squarely at Sarevok's chest. As this range he could not miss and the arrow would likely provide a mortal wound to the man's unarmored torso. Sighing in disappointment Jeral adjusted his aim and let fly. The minute the arrow left his bow the enchantment kicked in and a line of fire arched across the sky as the arrow flew across the square and struck into the back of a drover's cart parked on the far side of the square. Endar had assured Jeral that the cart would be there and that it would serve as a sufficient distraction and he was not disappointed. The arrow struck home and the cart instantly exploded in a massive ball of fire. A shock wave rolled across the square knocking many off their feet. The blast knocked down all the soldiers in the area and Jeral watched in satisfaction as Imoen and Niklos raced safely out of sight.

The sound of blades clashing drew Jeral's eye back to the gates and Jeral watched transfixed as Endar and Alatosi carved their way through the prisoner detail. Jeral flinched as a crossbow bolt struck the roof next to his foot. That arrow of fire had pointed out his position to everyone who was in the square. Jeral quickly trotted to the south side of the roof and jumped down to the ground. He quickly made his way to the southwest corner of the building and poked his head around the corner. Endar was cutting the prisoners free as Alatosi battled the last three guardsmen. Endar grabbed Dynaheir by the hand and the pair started sprinting south out of the square and towards Jeral. Minsc raced after his witch with the dwarf Yeslick close on his heels.

Jeral launched an arrow into one of the guards battling Alatosi and he fell with the arrow buried in his side. The remaining guard turned to flee and was quickly disemboweled by a vicious katana thrust. Jeral watched as Alatosi grasped Ajantis roughly by the forearm and pulled. The Paladin dug in his heels and shook her arm away. Jeral watched as she pointed and screamed and the paladin stubbornly crossed his arms and sat down in the square. A dozen soldiers were racing towards Alatosi with their weapons drawn. The weapon master eyed the approaching guards, screamed in frustration, and then set off at a dead run after Endar and the others. A couple well placed arrows from Jeral discouraged any further pursuit and the group fled into the night minus one paladin.

Endar led them to a small house a few blocks away from the Seven Suns merchant consortium. As he held the door open the others quickly entered. Endar closed and bolted the door and unshuttered a lantern on the table. Jeral quickly noticed that heavy curtains on all of the windows would ensure that no light was visible from the street. Dynaheir walked up and embraced Jeral, kissing him on each cheek. Minsc followed up by picking him up in a crushing bear hug and kissing him wetly on the forehead.

"We knew you would not forsake us Jeral. I am pleased to see you again."

"Minsc and Boo are pleased as well! That was a most butt kicking rescue."

"I be glad to see you too laddie. I am in your debt yet again. And that of the lass Imoen."

"Jeral where is Imoen?"

"Do not fear my lady Dynaheir. Imoen and my son have made their escape and they are now shopping."

Dynaheir fixed Endar with a withering gaze, "Shopping? At a time like this?"

"Yes."

"And why are they shopping in the middle of the night while the entire Flaming fist searches for them?"

"That is easy, tomorrow evening we will infiltrate the palace and kill Sarevok before they confirm him as the newest Grand Duke of Baldur's Gate."

"Endar I could have killed him this evening."

"Jeral, if you kill the man you create a hero. He must be publicly exposed as an enemy of the city before he dies else we will never clear our names."

"Where is Ajantis? He was with us on the bridge. You were the closest to him."

Dynaheir's quiet words silenced all other conversation as she fixed her gaze on the large weapons master.

Alatosi dropped her head and spoke barely above a whisper.

"He did not wish to be rescued. He remained behind, and said that he would not break the law no matter the reason."

Jeral went to bed cursing the inflexible morality of a paladin. His dreams were of Alatosi dressed in the revealing outfit that Imoen wore during the rescue. Jeral had not found himself attracted to anyone since Viconia and was surprised at himself for his current feelings. He forced them from his mind as he felt into an exhausted sleep.

Day 106

"Well it is just as well that Imoen is not here. She would hate getting into the sewers again."

"I have heard the tale of Imoen's last time in the sewer Jeral. I am not overly fond of this environment either. However Endar said that we need to get an invitation to the coronation. And the only one we have heard about is with a pair of assassins in the Undercellars. Rumor has it they this is the pair who killed Scar and his family. The invitation to the coronation was part of their reward for a job well done."

Alatosi led the way through the sewers as Dynaheir created a handful of small globes of light to float in the tunnel and light their way. Dynaheir, Minsc, and Yeslick had reclaimed all of their equipment from the bag of holding and looked exactly as Jeral remembered them. Alatosi led the group through a seemingly endless warren of tunnels that all looked the same. As the party moved forward Jeral thought he occasionally heard faint splashes in the distance but the party continued to move forward unmolested.

"Pardon the question but what is this Undercellar and why is it located in the sewers?"

Alatosi never broke stride as she answered Dynaheir.

"The founders of the city understood that man had a darker nature. The Undercellar was constructed in an effort to contain some baser elements of society in a way that limited their negative impact on the town."

Jeral asked, "what does that mean?"

"Jeral, our escort speaks plain enough. The Undercellar is where one goes when searching for Black Lotus, or companionship or even darker desires."

"The mage speaks true. Most entrances to the Undercellar are from the large merchant houses and the thieves' guild. We will attempt to enter through a little known entrance accessible from the sewer."

Eventually the group reached a large circular iron door mounted at the end of a tunnel.

Alatosi looked from one party member to the next as she laid a hand on the door.

"There may be guards down here. If we can avoid fighting them so much the better. We are looking for a pair of assassins named Slythe and Krystin for they have the invitation we need."

Alatosi wrenched open the iron portal and swung it open slowly. The door opened on well oiled hinges and a wave of noise and black lotus smoke assaulted the group. Alatosi led them into the Undercellar and paused to allow everyone to follow. The Undercellar was a large underground market place. A wide central hallway passed by dozens of alcoves on each side, each lit by a smoky torch or battered lantern. Scantily clad men and women lined every alcove on the left side. The alcoves on the right bore signs indicating they were black lotus dens, slave fighting pits and other dark attractions. Jeral recoiled in horror as he saw a man selling human skulls from a table near where they were standing.

Jeral was relieved to see the guards at the end of the hall looked at him with complete and utter indifference. Apparently the Flaming Fist held limited sway here for these guards wore the livery of various merchant houses.

A crossbow bolt shot out from the darkness and struck Dynaheir in the stomach. With a cry she collapsed to the ground and curled into a little ball. Yeslick threw down his war hammer and knelt by her side to render aid. A second bolt shot out from the darkness and struck Minsc in the chest. The bolt deflected harmlessly off his plate mail. Minsc drew his greatsword from the scabbard on his back and bellowed out a challenge to the unseen opponent.

"No one harms the witch Dynaheir and survives. Come and face the wrath of Minsc and Boo!"

A hush fell over the Undercellar as people quickly backed away from the main corridor into whatever alcove was closest to their location. Jeral knocked an arrow and scanned the hallway and Alatosi moved forward to stand next to Minsc as she drew her blades.

"Well well well. What have we here? It is Jeral and his merry band. This is too delicious. Here we were just discussion how to find you so we could kill you and now here you are. This is going to be a most profitable week for us."

A small, lean man strode towards the pair of warriors. He was thin and clad in a suit of well made black studded leather armor. His left hand wielded a wicked looking short sword while he clutched a buckler in his left. He had long greasy black hair that hung loose to his shoulders and sported a short pointed beard. He gazed and Minsc and Alatosi and smiled.

"Two against one, how sporting."

The small man leapt forward to engage Minsc and the weapons master. As he charged forward a pair of ogres appeared in front of Minsc and Alatosi. Momentarily startled the pair recovered quickly and engaged their new foes. The small man nimbly slipped between the ogres and stabbed out at Minsc. Sparks flew where his blade encountered plate mail but his repeated attacks quickly found the weak points in the man's armor. Time and time again the blade slipped through the chain mail protecting his joints and Minsc started bleeding from numerous small wounds. Forced to focus on the ogre Minsc could not defend himself from the small man's nimble attacks.

Alatosi dispatched one of the ogres with a katana thrust to the torso and quickly engaged the nimble man in black. He smoothly turned to face the large woman and turned aside each of her attacks with either a parry or a quick imposition of his buckler, all the while never losing the smile plastered on his face.

As they dueled a second pair of ogres winked into existence and Minsc was soon hard pressed against a trio of the beasts as Alatosi had reached a stalemate with her opponent. Jeral realized that he had to locate and kill the mage aiding the nimble assassin.

"Dynaheir, can you send your lights down the hallway a bit?"

Jeral did not look back for a reply but was rewarded with a quartet of lights unsteadily floating down the corridor. Jeral was relieved to see that Dynaheir still lived although the wobble of the globes indicated Dynaheir was struggling to concentrate on the simple incantation. As the lights floated down the corridor they revealed a large heavy set woman in purple mage robes in the center of the hallway. She was working on a new incantation and completely absorbed in her spell casting. She never even noticed the arrow until it penetrated deep in her chest. With a cry of pain she fell to the floor and lay still.

Hearing her cry the small assassin turned and gave a cry of anguish. Rounding on Jeral his face contorted into a mask of rage. "You killed my wife; your death will not be pleasant!"

"Please, I saved your life. A beast that size would crush one so puny as you."

Jeral's taunts made him even angrier and he hurled himself at the bard. Jeral dropped his longbow and quickly drew his long sword as he struggled to parry attack after attack. The man was so intent on killing Jeral that he never saw the katana blow that took his head and ended his life. Alatosi looted the corpses and came up with an ornate invitation in a blue envelope while Jeral picked up the assassin's short sword and examined it closely. The corner of the envelope was covered with blood but was otherwise intact. Alatosi waved it at the others.

"This is what we came for. We need to get back to the safe house and dress to impress for we have a coronation to attend."