Chapter 32 - The Coronation – Day 106
Getting very close to the home stretch! Not many more chapters left. Then on to Baldur's Gate II!
Bondari – Thanks for the comments as always. Alatosi is just someone I made up to fit into the story. Alatos is the name of the leader of the thieves' guild in Baldur's Gate. In the game I tend to refuse the quest and end up killing all of them so I needed to make a change for the story. So I took his name, added an 'I' and Alatosi was born.
Jeral woke to the smell of roasted boar wafting through the house. Stretching out his aching shoulders Jeral slowly picked himself off the floor, inhaled deeply and slowly made his way downstairs. Jeral smiled as he watched Minsc and Alatosi arm wrestling in front of the others. Yeslick and Niklos were pointing and clapping while Imoen and Dynaheir quietly sat in the corner chatting as Imoen attempted to master the hand motions for some simple incantations. After a few short moments Minsc forcefully slammed Alatosi's arm down on the table. Alatosi smiled and patted Minsc on the shoulder and kissed the top of his shaved head as Niklos reluctantly handed a small handful of coins to the beaming dwarf.
"Well done. I usually am more than a match for any man so I must congratulate you. I rarely lose in any contest of strength or martial skill no matter how large my opponent." Alatosi shook out her arm and flexed her hand open and closed as she recovered from the competition. Minsc blushed and smiled down into his mug of ale. Endar strolled out of the kitchen holding a platter of steaming meat. He placed it down on the table and then brought out trays of fresh bread and cheese. He clapped his hands together happily as everyone sat down and started eating heartily.
"Please enjoy lunch, the boar turned out exceptionally tender. Afterwards relax for a while and then you must each make ready for the coronation. Remember, guests may not wear armor to the palace. Each attendee may bring a single blade but nothing more. If you look the part the guards will not check you for hidden weapons so you may bring extra blades should you wish. Your carriage will be here at the appropriate time and will take you directly to the Duchal Palace."
Imoen looked up with a mouth full of boar, "Wait, you said our carriage. You are not going with us?" Endar nodded slightly and clasped his hands behind his back.
"Unfortunately not my dear girl for I have issues of my own that require my undivided attention. While you are at the coronation preventing Sarevok from rising to the position of Grand Duke I will be visiting a few of the leaders of my former guild to express my displeasure with their recent actions against me." Looking at the angry glare Imoen was sending his way the thief hastily continued speaking.
"Do not look at me with such scorn and disappointment young one, for I have selfless motivations as well as my admittedly selfish ones. I will also ensure that your noble Ajantis stays alive until the Order can arrange for his release. Alatosi will escort the carriage and Niklos will attend the coronation with you. We have a few hours so make yourself comfortable until then."
Jeral dressed slowly and deliberately as he pondered the evening that lay ahead. The heavily enchanted short sword he pulled off the assassin in the Undercellar lay on the table in front of him next to his own enchanted blade. As he straightened out his jacket he strapped his short sword on his left hip and hid the newly acquired one in a scabbard in the small of his back. The bulk of his vest and jacket should shield the presence of the blade from all but the most persistent searchers. As Jeral made his way downstairs he looked fondly at his companions as they readied for the coronation. Minsc was dressed in a long blue overcoat over a sky blue shirt and dark green pants. Since a great sword was inappropriate for a coronation at the palace Minsc wore the heavily enchanted long sword normally carried by Ajantis on his left hip. On Minsc the sword almost looked like a toy. Despite the fine attire Minsc seemed strangely out of place without his armor and great sword and he fidgeted nervously with the collar of his shirt. Dynaheir and Yeslick were attired in fine robes of blue and brown respectively while Imoen was wearing one of her new outfits from Madame Clarisse.
Endar strolled into the house on and gazed around appreciatively as he eyed the well attired house guests. Unlike everyone else Endar was dressed for fighting. The master thief was wearing his armor and blades were visible on his legs and at his belt.
"Well everyone just looks lovely. Your carriage is ready. Niklos and Alatosi are outside waiting for you to join them. Please give my best to Sarevok and send him to the afterlife. I wish us both good hunting this evening and I pray we shall see one another again soon." Jeral and Imoen both embraced Endar warmly as they left the room and climbed into the waiting carriage. Jeral wondered if he would see the master thief again and wondered if any of them would survive the night.
The carriage made good time as crowds parted quickly for the quartet of horses pulling the ornate carriage thundering through the streets. The drawn curtains on the carriage ensured that the guards did not take any notice of the wanted party members as they made their way through the city. Alatosi rode atop the carriage with the driver, both attired as servants in the red and gold livery of the Grand Dukes. Jeral knew without having to ask that her blades were tucked in the footwells of the carriage in case she encountered any resistance on the way to the coronation.
Jeral sat quietly walking himself through various incantations to ensure they were ready in his mind in case he needed to use them at the coronation. Minsc continued to fidget with the tight collar on his dress shirt while Yeslick and Dynaheir sat quietly. Imoen practiced pulling throwing knives out of her sleeves and sliding them back in as she snuggled in close to Niklos. Niklos sat quietly slowly banging his head on the side of the carriage and looking unhappy.
"Niklos, why so gloomy?"
"I am just worried for my father Jeral. He should not be going out alone for he has many enemies within the guild."
"Sweetie, I would be worried more about us than Endar. We are walking into the palace despite having every soldier in the city out for our blood, we have no idea how to expose Sarevok, and our fighters left their armor behind."
"Technically Imoen everyone's armor is in my bag of holding but everything else you said is correct. Niklos you must have faith in your father's judgment and skill. I am sure that he will be fine. In fact I suspect that his odds of surviving tonight are better than ours."
"I hope you are right Jeral, I just cannot stop worrying."
Jeral leaned across the carriage and patted Niklos on the leg. The remainder of the ride passed in an uncomfortable silence as each wondered what lay ahead for them at the palace. The carriage lurched to a stop and the door was pulled open. Alatosi placed steps beneath the carriage opening and held out a hand as Imoen and then Dynaheir stepped down. As the men clambered down out of the carriage Alatosi walked up to the squad of halberd wearing guards that blocked entry to the palace and handed them the invitation for their review. The senior guard studied it intently and then handed it back to the weapons master.
"Present this to the steward inside and he will announce the party of Slythe and Krysten." Alatosi nodded, retrieved the invitation, and led the way into the palace.
Jeral watched as Alatosi slumped her shoulders inwards and walked with her head bowed, for all outward appearances just another humble servant doing the bidding for their master. A slight bulge in her robes was the only indication that anything was unusual about the servant for she carried her blades hidden beneath her robes, having transferred them from the carriage to her person. Imoen and Niklos led the way playing the role of the master assassins while Dynaheir, Minsc and Yeslick followed closely behind. Jeral lingered in the back and was the last one to enter the palace. He watched the guards closely to ensure that they did not notice anything amiss.
Alatosi led the way down the entry hall of the Duchal Palace through a long row of well dressed soldiers. Despite the celebratory nature of the event the Grand Dukes were clearly concerned about their security. The rich carpet muffled their footsteps as they strode down the hall. Jeral looked down at the carpet and realized that it detailed the history of Baldurain the legendary hero and founder of Baldur's Gate. Jeral stopped behind Yeslick as the party paused in front of a pair of large double doors that stood twice as tall as any man. A pair of servants pulled on a pair of large silver handles and the doors silently swung open. They revealed a large room full of richly attired nobles drinking and eating and carrying on as if they did not have a care in the world.
A heavyset man lumbered forward sweating profusely through his elaborate mass of blue and green silks. He mopped sweat off his brow with a large yellow kerchief and tucked it into the neck of his shirt. "Welcome to the Duchal Palace and the coronation of our savior Lord Sarevok. Please hand me your invitation so I may properly introduce you to the leading families of Baldur's Gate."
Alatosi handed over the invitation as Imoen and Niklos held hands and did their best to make themselves look like a renowned pair of master assassins.
"My Lords and Ladies allow me to present Master Slythe and Mistress Krysten and their associates." All eyes turned to watch as Imoen and Niklos strode into the coronation room. Over five score finely dressed members of the nobility milled about in the room while a score of elite guardsmen stood ready on the perimeter of the room. They walked directly to a servant carrying a serving tray of wine and Niklos grandly handed a glass to his wife and then took a second for himself. After a few moments of silence the noise level in the room returned and the group found themselves lost in the commotion of the celebration. They milled around on the edges of the crowd searching for Sarevok while attempting to blend in.
After little more than an hour trumpets sounded from hidden alcoves in the balcony and the room fell silent. All save the guards turned to look at small door inlaid with silver in the center of the northern wall. The door silently swung open and three richly attired nobles strode regally into the room. Jeral recognized each of them by sight. Lady Janneth led the way into the coronation room. Lady Janneth was an extremely attractive woman on indeterminate age dressed in sky blue mage robes inlaid with pearls and electrum thread. The badge that indicated she was one of the ruling Grand Dukes of the city was prominently displayed on the left breast of her robes. Lady Janneth carried an ebony staff in her left hand that radiated power that was apparent even to the casual observer. Rumor had it that she had some elven blood in her veins and that likely explained her still youthful appearance after three decades as a Grand Duke. Lady Janneth was known as one of the greatest wizards in the realm – equal in skill to Gorion – and managed to amass a significant fortune during her time as an adventurer. Local gossip stated that she had arrived in Baldur's Gate with an incredible amount of treasure and magical items from an unknown location. Her wealth, beauty, sharp mind, and magical abilities soon elevated her to prominence within the city and she was chosen for the ruling council less than a year after arriving in the city. As the longest serving surviving member of the council she now served as the senior Grand Duke and as such her voice would outweigh any other on the council.
The second of the Grand Dukes strode into the hall close on the heels of the half elven mage. Lord Belt was a fighter renown throughout the land for his skill as a swordsman. Lord Belt was no longer a young man but carried himself as a man decades younger with the solid build of a warrior. His handsome face was framed with a thick black beard that was just starting to show the first flecks of grey. Dressed all in white Belt wore his badge on a thick silver chain around his neck. Jeral sucked in his breath as he took in the weapon that sat on his right hip. The Duke carried the legendary sword of Baldurain and Jeral could only imagine what Lord Belt had done to gain possession of such a blade. The heavy enchantments on the blade were apparent across the room to Jeral. Each of the surviving Grand Dukes was an extremely powerful individual in their own right and clearly was comfortable serving in the role of ruler and defender of Baldur's Gate. Jeral was tremendously impressed by the pair of them.
The second man to enter the room stood in sharp contrast with Lord Belt and towered over him. Sarevok could not look more different than the aged fighter in front of him. Where Belt was bearded and wore his hair down to his shoulders Sarevok was clean shaven and his hair neatly shorn and perfectly groomed. Where Belt was dressed all in white Sarevok wore only black. Belt was not a small man by any measure and was solidly built; however he looked like a child compared to the massive man who followed him into the room. Despite the prohibition on armor Sarevok was clad in a fine suit of black chain mesh that rested comfortably under his tunic. A two handed sword hung diagonally on his back with the hilt of the blade sticking out over his right shoulder. Sarevok looked every inch a prospective Grand Duke and he surveyed the room with a broad grin on his handsome face. The smile faltered for an instant when he spotted Jeral but the cloud passed quickly over his face and the regal bearing returned.
The trio entered the coronation room and a servant quickly approached and handed each of them a jeweled goblet of wine. Belt raised his glass in a toast and announced proudly, "Lords and ladies, as you know we have two leadership openings in the city since the untimely deaths of Dukes Silvershield and Eltan. Lady Janneth and I have discussed the issue extensively. In troubled times such as these we require a Grand Duke who can provide strong leadership, one who has demonstrated a commitment to the safety of our city."
Lady Janneth continued the praise as she spoke in a high clear voice, "During the iron crisis we faced a real threat of having inadequate stocks of untainted ore to keep the Flaming Fist properly armed and equipped. As you all know the Fist is the shield that protects this lovely city from the dangers of the realm. The Iron Throne provided the city all the pure iron ore we needed and did so at no cost. This ensured that we were always prepared to stand firm against any threat. We thank you and the Iron Throne again for your generosity Lord Sarevok."
Sarevok nodded at the praise and drained his glass, a knowing smirk plastered on his handsome face.
Lady Janneth continued, "As the leader of the most prominent merchant house Lord Sarevok has the confidence of the business community and also counts the leader of the Flaming Fist as a close personal friend." All eyes turned to the far corner of the room where Captain Angelo raised a glass of wine in reply. Lady Janneth nodded back and continued, "After consultation with many of the leading families in the city we have come to the conclusion that Sarevok Anchev should become the next Grand Duke of Baldur's Gate."
Lady Janneth removed a badge of office from her robes and held it up over her head for all in attendance to view.
The hall erupted in applause and Jeral scanned the room warily. Surprisingly despite the roar of approval many in the room were not applauding. The score of guards in the room stood impassively as the wave of adulation washed over them. Jeral noted that his companions also all stood by watching the others applaud. Jeral also noticed a few dozen noblemen and women not applauding. Compounding their unusual lack of enthusiasm for the proceedings the same handful of nobles were slowly making their way forward to surround Lord Belt and Lady Janneth. As he focused on the stand out nobles something about them struck Jeral as odd. Something was not right. A heavy hand tugged on the sleeve of Jeral's jacket and he turned to see Minsc leaning in close to whisper in his ear.
"Boo says that some of the nobles are not really nobles. Minsc does not understand but Boo said Minsc had to tell you right away before it is too late."
Jeral nodded silently in reply and slowly moved towards the closest noble that was not applauding. Jeral slid behind the elderly looking gentleman clad in opulent robes of orange silk that were tied with a broad crimson sash. Something about the man struck Jeral as wrong but he could not determine why he felt the way he did. The man did not notice Jeral at all and continued sliding his way towards the Grand Dukes. The elderly man had closed to within arms reach of Lady Janneth's back. He raised a shaking hand covered in age spots and Jeral watched in horror as the fingers began to lengthen and start to resemble claws more than fingers. Regaining his senses Jeral drew his short sword and stabbed it into the small of the old man's back severing his spine and slicing through intestines and his stomach. The man howled like a wounded beast and a hush fell over the room as he collapsed to the floor. Jeral withdrew his blade and stared at it silently. Black blood coated the blade and dripped off onto the marble floor of the coronation room.
Lady Janneth whirled around to face the threat, made eye contact with Jeral and started muttering the words to a spell.
"My Lady! You and Lord Belt are under attack from shapeshifters. Many of these nobles are not what they seem. I am not your enemy."
Jeral raised his blade for her inspection and displayed the black blood to the powerful enchantress. Lady Janneth raised an eyebrow, ceased casting the spell she was preparing and forcefully slammed her staff onto the floor. The ebony staff shattered the marble of the floor and a wave of white light swept over the room forcing Jeral to shield his eyes from the brightness.
As Jeral struggled to regain his sight he heard a number of women start to scream and dozens of glasses shattering as they struck the floor. Lady Janneth's enchanted staff had forced the strangely behaving nobles to reveal their true forms. Approximately a score of dopplegangers had surrounded the pair of Grand Dukes.
"To me lads, protect Lady Janneth and kill these filthy creatures." Jeral watched in awe as Lord Belt drew the sword of Baldurain and beheaded one of the doppelgangers standing in front of him. The sword flashed and a stream of black blood drenched his white tunic as the beast fell at his feet. Lady Janneth muttered a word of power and her entire being turned gray and took on the consistency of stone. Jeral drew his second blade and attacked a second doppelganger as he heard Minsc and Yeslick uttering war cries as they waded into the fray.
The coronation room was a scene of utter chaos. Nobles and servants alike were struggling to exit the room while the guards were forcing their way into the center of the mob attempting to reach the Grand Dukes. Lord Belt and Lady Janneth were standing back to back and tearing into the creatures attacking them. Lord Belt was drenched in black doppelganger blood but splashes of crimson blood were also visible on his tunic. Throwing knives, darts and spells flew through the air as Imoen, Niklos and Dynaheir did their best to cut down on the number of doppelgangers attacking the leaders of Baldur's Gate.
Jeral slashed into a third creature as he continued to work his way through the melee towards Lady Janneth. A trio of doppelgangers was tearing at her and chips of stone flew from her robes. After taking a handful of blows her enchantments failed and she transformed back into her normal appearance. A clawed hand reached out and struck her across the face tearing long gashes across his cheek and jaw. With a cry of pain she dropped her staff and fell to the ground. Jeral lunged forward and slashed one of the creatures across the back. It wheeled to face Jeral while the other two closed to finish off the stricken Grand Duke. The creature attacked Jeral with a ferocity that immediately put him on the defensive as he ducked and twisted to avoid the razor sharp claws that lunged for him.
Jeral watched in horror as one of the creatures lifted Lady Janneth off the ground and pulled a claw back in preparation for administering a killing blow. As the creature's hand moved forward it was sliced cleanly off at the wrist from a razor sharp katana and Lady Janneth tumbled to the ground. Alatosi forced her way through the remnants of the crowd and stood guard over Lady Janneth. Her servant's livery was torn to shreds and her armor showed a handful of small wounds but she stood as fierce as any warrior goddess as she stood facing the pair of doppelgangers with black blood dripping off her blades. Robbed of their prize the two doppelgangers howled in frustration and attacked the weapons master in unison. Refusing to yield an inch of ground she absorbed a few slashes to her arms and shoulders but in return both creatures fell to the ground dead having sustained vicious blows from her blades.
Jeral was so captivated by the fight to save Lady Janneth that he completely forgot about his own peril. He was a step slow and one of the creature's claws tore into his right shoulder. Crying out from the intense pain Jeral dropped his sword as he lost all feeling in his hand. With his offhand he stabbed out but that feeble blow was easily turned aside. Jeral continued to backpedal away from the creature until the beast started to jerk and spasm uncontrollably. It dropped to its knees and slowly toppled forward. As it struck the ground Jeral noticed the quartet of darts and pair of throwing knives imbedded in its back. Looking up he made eye contact with Niklos and Imoen and nodded his thanks.
Jeral watched as the last creature was dispatched by Minsc. As the creature fell to the floor a stunned silence fell over the room. The dozen surviving guards stood around uncertain of what to do. Dynaheir clapped her hands to get their attention and ordered a pair of them to fetch the palace healers and an additional score of guardsmen. Yeslick knelt down and started using his divine gifts to heal the most grievous of the Grand Dukes wounds. Jeral gritted his teeth and used his own healing abilities to close the wound on his shoulder while Minsc and Alatosi stood guard over the Grand Dukes.
As Jeral surveyed the coronation room he was appalled by the carnage. Bodies were everywhere. In addition to the score of doppelgangers strewn across the floor there were near an equal number of servants and nobles. Some were cut down by guards fighting their way to protect their leaders while others showed the claw wounds from the shape shifters. The white marble floor was slick with a sickening tapestry of red and black blood that pooled into small lakes on the floor. The rich aroma of the blood assaulted Jeral's senses and he inhaled deeply. The sweet earth smelly of the human blood mixed with the bitter scent of the doppelganger blood to make an intoxicating aroma.
'Blood is power, embrace it. Welcome it.' Jeral opened his eyes with a start and looked around the room looking for the owner of the haunting voice. Jeral realized that no one was anywhere close to him. The voice he heard had come from somewhere within. Jeral forced the dark thoughts from his head and continued to survey the room.
The fat servant who had announced them to the audience in the hall lay face down in a corner. Something or someone had removed his head from his body. As Jeral completed his scan of the room he was startled to see a trio of people standing impassively in the far corner of the room. Sarevok leaned casually against the wall with his arms crossed as he languidly surveyed the scene in front of him. Captain Angelo and an elderly wizard in blood red robes stood next to him. The trio had clearly remained above the fray and all looked untouched by the madness around them.
Jeral picked up his second enchanted blade off the floor and headed towards Sarevok. As Jeral approached Sarevok did not move from his languid position, he merely looked at Jeral with disdain. Captain Angelo drew his sword at Jeral's approach and the wizard was clearly ready with an incantation should it prove necessary. Jeral stopped a few paces from Sarevok and glared up at the large man. Sarevok chuckled and the poor attempt at intimidation.
"My my my. If it isn't Gorion's whelp and his criminal friends." Sarevok regally snapped his fingers to draw the attention of the closest guardsmen. "You two. This lot are the criminals wanted for the depredations up and down the Sword Coast and the attack in the square. Arrest them. If they resist then kill them."
Jeral took a deep breath, sheathed his blades, and motioned for his companions to do the same. A handful of guards uncertainly looked to one another. Captain Angelo shouted at them to listen to the newest Grand Duke and they reluctantly lowered their halberds and pointed them at Jeral and his companions.
"Hold there men. Lower your weapons." Duke Belt's deep voice echoed throughout the room. Jeral watched in awe as the Grand Duke hauled himself to his feet and leaned heavily on Yeslick as he clasped the sword of Baldurain in his right hand. "Whatever their alleged crimes their actions today have earned them my gratitude."
"And mine as well." Lady Janneth leaned heavily on Alatosi as she chugged a healing draught. Despite her wounds her voice was clear and strong. You have saved our lives and done the city a great service."
"Surely you jest; I am the savior of Baldur's Gate, not this rabble."
"And yet you elected to remain out of this fray." Lady Janneth's voice was tight with disappointment.
"And our recently promoted Captain of the Flaming Fist also elected to remain out of the fray as well. Curious." Lord Belt spoke through clenched teeth as his knuckles went white around the pommel of his sword. Reinforcements finally arrived as guardsmen streamed into the room. Wordlessly the newly arrived soldiers formed up into tight ranks surrounding the pair of Grand Dukes. A pair of clerics followed the soldiers into the room and quickly started chanting invocations to their Gods to complete the healing Yeslick had started. A soft light covered the Dukes as their remaining wounds closed under the ministrations of the clerics. Once the Dukes were healed the clerics moved onto to tend to the wounded lying about the coronation room.
Lord Belt slowly made his way to stand next to Jeral. Wearily he sheathed his sword and looked closely at Sarevok and then at Jeral. "Despite all the obvious differences there is something similar about the two of you, but I am not sure what it is. Regardless, I can make decisions about things that I have seen today with my own eyes. Jeral, I thank you and your companions for your assistance today. You and your companions are no longer considered fugitives wanted by the Flaming Fist."
Pivoting he faced Captain Angelo and extended his arm to poke at the man's chest.
"Captain Angelo. Due to cowardice in the face of a threat to the Grand Dukes your services in the Flaming Fist are no longer required. You are no longer welcome in the city. You have 12 hours to collect your things and be gone. Furthermore, if I find out that you had anything to do with the deaths of either Duke Eltan or Captain Scar I will have your head on a spike." Angelo started to depart the room when he was stopped by Sarevok placing a heavy hand on his shoulder. Angelo nodded up at Sarevok and remained in place as he quietly sheathed his sword.
"How very interesting. Here we thought Captain Angelo was our man but all this time he served another."
"You wound me Lady Janneth, Captain Angelo serves this city, as do I. That is why you made me the newest Grand Duke in the city."
"You speak in error Sarevok. We had not completed the ceremony when we were attacked. This badge will never be yours." Lady Janneth dropped the badge on the ground and gently touched it with the end of her staff. The staff flashed once and the badge melted into a molten pool of gold on the floor. Sarevok's eyes flashed in anger as he watched the badge melt into the floor but he quickly resumed his impassive haughty visage. Smiling he crossed his arms across his massive chest and leaned against the wall.
"Sarevok, what is your game here? This does not make any sense. Were you allied with these shapeshifters?"
"I was not. I merely was not prepared to intervene in a timely manner. I was confident that you and Lord Belt had sufficient abilities to deal with any threat."
"Awwwww, is widdle Sarevok scared of the mean ole shapeshifters?" Imoen's jibe delivered in her most annoying possible tone caused Sarevok's eyes to flash in anger and he pushed himself off the wall and took a step towards her.
Imoen assumed a defensive crouch and blades appeared on both of her hands. "I am not scared of you tall dark and ugly. Take another step and I will put a throwing knife where it will do the most good." Imoen twisted a throwing knife in her hand to ensure Sarevok could see it.
Sarevok took a deep breath and smiled broadly at the girl. "You are a mewing little nothing. A pink haired sack of meat. When the time comes I will ensure that you die slowly."
Lord Belt stepped in front of Sarevok and looked up at the large warrior. "Sarevok, you will remove yourself from the palace before you say something that you may have cause to regret. Guards, escort Sarevok and his companions out."
"My fine Dukes, I would suggest you ask your guest to remain for a few more moments. I may be able to shed some light on the issue and I believe that I have answers to your questions here."
Every eye in the coronation room turned to see Endar Sai come limping in. The master thief looked very much the worse for wear. His armor was torn in a number of places and the left side of his face was covered in burns. His left leg was not functioning properly and he limped badly as he shuffled into the room. All of his throwing knives were gone and a sole blade remained at his hip.
Lady Janneth eyed the thief warily and commanded, "Who are you to enter the palace after I ordered it sealed?"
Before Endar could form a reply Lord Belt stepped forward and shook hands with the thief.
"It is good to see you old friend. You look terrible."
"Belt, you know this ruffian?"
Smiling Belt turned and faced Lady Janneth. "My apologies my dear Lady Janneth. Endar Sai is one of the leaders of the Thieves' Guild here in Baldur's Gate and an old adventuring companion of mine."
Endar bowed formally towards Lady Janneth and smiled broadly. It is a pleasure to meet you my dear. I apologize for my bedraggled appearance but I have been quite busy this evening." He flipped a red leather bound book towards Lady Janneth. Take a gander at that my Lady while I tell these fine folks how I spent my evening.
Smiling he pivoted on a heel and faced Sarevok. "I was planning to take back my guild this evening but for some reason I was struck by a selfless streak and decided to visit the Iron Throne. Your business has fallen on hard times; everyone in the building says you have ruined them and squandered the wealth of the merchant house. Even more interesting than that I ran into your consort the chubby woman with blond hair. She is not a very nice woman, not in the least. She decided that I needed to die. Obviously she failed. I live while she died. She had some very interesting things in her possession, very interesting."
Sarevok shifted uncomfortably and he stared daggers at Endar as he clenched and unclenched his hands in rage.
Lady Janneth was leafing through the book while she listened to Endar's story. "Pray continue master Endar."
"Such manners from a Grand Duke; you make me blush my dear Lady. As I was saying after I killed Cythandria I ran into another of Sarevok's admirers outside of the building. You are a good looking fellow so I should not be surprised you have woman stashed everywhere. She told me that Sarevok has been a very bad boy and that he was trying to stir up a war between Baldur's Gate and Amn. She also said some very odd things about Bhaal and Sarevok's plan here to revive the long dead God of murder. She was quite fond of you. Lovely little thing named Tamoko. She was a much more appealing woman than the other one."
"You said was." Sarevok's voice was like ice as it echoed through the room.
"Yes, the Kozakuran woman was so broken up about your leaving her that she could not find a reason to live. So she attempted to kill me and like your blond wench she failed."
"Tamoko is dead?"
"I sincerely hope so. Otherwise I am losing my touch. Although she did put up quite the fight. Some of these scars may not heal properly."
"Tamoko is dead?"
Sarevok's voice was barely more than a whisper and Jeral could see the large man fighting back tears as he started shaking. Everyone started slowly backing away from the head of the Iron Throne as a wave of energy seemed to pulse outward from his body. The hairs on the back of Jeral's neck stood up and Jeral could feel Sarevok losing control.
"TAMOKO IS DEAD!"
Sarevok roared and drew his massive two handed blade faster than Jeral thought possible. A pair of guards stepped forward and one massive swing of Sarevok's blade sliced the men in half. Their legs fell backwards while their torsos fell forward. Angelo drew his bastard sword and leapt forward to engage a number of the guardsmen. The elite guardsmen were no match for the pair of fighters and were quickly falling under the assault. Jeral leapt forward, drew his short swords and slashed viciously at Sarevok. Sarevok laughed as he parried Jeral's first blow. Twisting sideways the large man elbowed Jeral in the face, shattering his nose as the blow connected. Jeral staggered backwards holding his blades out in front of him for protection. Sarevok took a massive overhead swing and Jeral barely managed to link his blades above his head to parry the blow. The force of the blow drove him to one knee. Sarevok followed up with a boot to the chest that cracked ribs and landed Jeral on his backside.
Jeral scrambled backwards as he struggled to breath and looked to stay out of reach of Sarevok's blade. Sarevok was quickly distracted from attacking Jeral as Minsc and Alatosi moved forward to engage the large warrior. The two warriors attacked Sarevok savagely but he easily managed to parry each of their attacks, his one blade moving quickly enough to match their three. Despite the odds Sarevok managed to inflict numerous small wounds on the large ranger and the weapons master.
"Enough!" Lady Janneth slammed her staff into the floor and a wave of blue light engulfed the room knocking all save Sarevok off their feet. All eyes were on the mage as she leveled a jeweled hand at Sarevok. "You are no true son of Reiltar. You are one of the Bhaal children from the prophecies of Alundo. This diary – your diary – gives truth and rips away your tapestry of deceit. It is time for you to die." Lady Janneth murmured a quick incantation and a beam of black light shot from her finger. Before it could strike Sarevok he disappeared from the coronation room along with Angelo and the elderly wizard.
Lady Janneth let out a stream of curses that made even Imoen blush as she stormed over to stand next to Jeral. Staring down at Jeral she commanded, "I will be able to divine his location by sunrise. When I do you and your friends will hunt him down and kill him. You will be richly rewarded for this." Jeral pulled himself to his feet and nodded at the Grand Duke. "We shall do as you ask Lady Janneth.
Lord Belt walked over and grasped Jeral by the forearm. "Whatever we can do to prepare you for your quest on the morrow do not hesitate to ask."
"You are too kind my Lord. We will require food, chambers for the night, access to healers and some limited supplies."
"Very well, I will have my men see to it immediately."
"Is there anything else you and your companions require?"
"There is one more thing Lord Belt. We require the return of our companion Ajantis from the Flaming fist jail."