Despair
Prologue
Greetings all! I am a huge fan of the Baldur's Gate series of games and have really enjoyed reading all the fan fiction over the years. In fact I enjoyed some of them so much that I wanted to give it a try. In all the times I have played the Baldur's Gate series I have enjoyed playing bards and thieves most of all. So when it came to write a tale it came down to picking one of those options for the protagonist. The more I thought of it the more writing about a bard made more sense particularly since playing a bard allows for Yoshimo to fit more naturally into the story. Raised by one of the greatest wizards in the realm it felt natural that Jeral, despite his true parentage, could only fail to measure up to his father. Raised in a library fortress the paths of ranger and druid made no sense. And as a child of Bhaal service as a cleric or paladin seemed impossible. So I wrote 'Disappointment' which encapsulated Baldur's Gate. If you have not read it please take a look.
I somehow managed to finish it and plan to do two things moving forward. First, I want to clean up some parts of 'Disappointment' and second I want to continue the story through Baldur's Gate II.
So this is my tale of Jeral the bard. I hope you like it. This should be a little darker and more intense than the first story since let's face it, Sarevok was bad but Irenicus is waaaaaaaaay worse. And like all other fan fiction, Jeral is mine as is the occasional NPC that does not exist in the game. Everything else belongs to the fine folks at BioWare.
On with the show.
Bondari, thanks for the continued comments on the first story. Yeah Imoen definitely has a tough road ahead of her.
Chapter 1: Caged
Jeral drew his matched blades and faced Sarevok in front of the destroyed temple. The massive warrior, a fellow Bhaal spawn, drew his heavily enchanted two handed sword and bellowed at Jeral as he attacked. Sarevok slashed at Jeral and the bard nimbly stepped aside. Sarevok lunged again and Jeral easily twisted away from the blow. Time and time again Sarevok attacked and Jeral nimbly stepped aside. Jeral had never felt faster or more prepared for a fight. As the battle wore on Jeral managed to counterattack and find weak points in Sarevok's armor. His blades cut deeply time and time again. Sarevok howled in pain and frustration and he ineffectually struck back at Jeral. Jeral was seconds from avenging Gorion's death, seconds from embracing his destiny, seconds from out dueling his nemesis and watching Sarevok die.
Of course that was not what happened; not even close to what happened that fateful day. Jeral's fantasies yielded to his true memories of the action as he continued to dream. Jeral did face off with Sarevok and found himself badly outmatched. Sarevok was stronger, more heavily armed and armored, and was a much better swordsman. Jeral did indeed fight Sarevok in the caverns under Baldur's Gate. He fought Sarevok and lost, badly. Sarevok nearly cut Jeral in half during the bard's desperate counterattack. Jeral lay on the ground helpless and bleeding to death before Imoen surprised Sarevok and killed him with a vicious attack that nearly decapitated the large man. If it were not for Imoen's quick thinking and skill with her knives Jeral would have been the corpse dissolving into ash instead of the leader of the Iron Throne. Saved by his sister, how very embarrassing. Even in Jeral's dreams he could not make himself the hero. In his present condition Jeral liked his dreams even when they did not end as he wished, for reality was so much worse. So very much worse.
"Ah, the child of Bhaal has awoken. It is time for more experiments."
Every time the man arrived at Jeral's cage he spoke those same words in a deep chilling voice. With those words came the pain; nothing but pain. Jeral's captor called them 'experiments' but to Jeral they were just the sadistic games of a twisted madman. There was pain by fire, pain by ice, pain by lightning and pain by acid. Pain by magics he could not even begin to comprehend. Far worse than the magical tortures were the horrors of a much more mundane nature.
It was the knives that made him tremble most of all. Simple, non-enchanted, razor sharp blades could reduce him to a quivering mass of jelly. How many times had Jeral cried for mercy as the man threatened to cut an eye out, or worse, cut his manhood off? The floor of his cell was red with dried blood encrusted on the floor. His blood. The madman would cut and cut and cut until Jeral passed out from the pain. Jeral awoke each time, his wounds healed but always the pain remained. Even the scars quickly faded and then disappeared each time Jeral lay unconscious on the floor of his cage.
Unbidden Jeral's mind drifted back to his capture and his dear friends. Somehow Jeral was captured with all of his traveling companions, plucked from their well guarded snowy encampment, captured with contemptuous ease. Initially each of the others was caged close by. Imoen his sister, the pink haired girl who had saved Jeral's life when she nearly decapitated Sarevok. Dynaheir, the powerful mage who was Imoen's mentor, a master of fire magic, and a trusted traveling companion since Jeral and Minsc had rescued her from death at the hands of a pack of gnolls. Minsc, the large ranger who was Dynaheir's protector and keeper of the miniature giant space hamster Boo. Niklos, the son of Endar Sai the leader of the thieves' guild in Baldur's Gate, and Imoen's husband, rounded out the five that were captured.
During the first few weeks after their capture Jeral tried to keep everyone's spirits up by shouting encouragement to his companions and recounting tales from all the books he read back in the great library that was Candlekeep. In an effort clearly designed to shake the nerves of Jeral and Minsc the people they cared about most in the world were removed from the main chamber. The day Imoen and Dynaheir were dragged from their cells was a dark one for Minsc and Jeral. Niklos was removed a few days later leaving Minsc and Jeral and the only two caged in the large chamber. Moving forward Jeral and Minsc had to endure their own individual torments but they also worried about their loved ones and not knowing how they were ensured that everyone feared the worst. Worrying for the others caused worse pain than worrying about one's self. After a few weeks Minsc was pulled from his cell. When he returned he was locked in his cell and additional chains were added to his cell. Clearly whomever had taken Minsc out of his cell had no plans to ever let him out again.
Jeral eventually lost all track of time, day and night had no meaning anymore. He remembered that their capture occurred during the first weeks of winter but had no idea of what season they were in now for he had lost all track of time while in captivity. The chamber that was their prison was always dimly lit by magical means and what meals they did receive appeared to come at random times to prevent them from settling into a pattern. No two meals were identical; each was a foul looking gruel of indeterminate ingredients but they never tasted the same. One meal was bland and the next was so spicy as to burn on the way in and on the way out. Each meal smelled horrible and tasted worse, but it was preferable to starvation, although not by much. Jeral forced himself to eat every last morsel to try and keep his strength up. Despite eating everything he could Jeral felt the constant gnaw of hunger and watched as his already taut frame grew ever thinner.
Never before had Jeral wanted to die, but he was slipping deeper and deeper into despair and hopelessness. His spirit, normally so strong and unyielding, was becoming weaker and weaker. Even the voice that was often in his head had gone strangely silent. That voice was not always welcome but how he desperately wished it was there now. How he wished for a flash of the rage and strength that had come to him in many a time of need in the recent past.
Jeral had been caged long enough to lose weight and all color in his skin. His tan was gone, replaced by an unnatural pallor; and his clothes had been reduced to rags that hung off his emaciated frame. He knew his spirit was close to breaking as well. He feared that he would die in this cage. Jeral knew that once he lost all hope he was already dead and his actual death would soon follow. Hope remained, but only just.
The noise woke Jeral and he sat up with a start as he looked around, wildly fearing that his torture was about to resume. Hunched against a wall of his cage he shut his eyes as bright mushrooms of light and fire exploded at the far side of the room. Jeral could vaguely make out cloaked humanoid shaped figures; figures that were quickly blasted out of existence by an intense magical fire. The screams of the dying terrified Jeral and reminded him of his own screams. He clapped his hands over his ears to block out the noise and closed his eyes as tightly as he could.
"Something is happening," Jeral muttered to himself.
It could not be a rescue could it? If so who was coming to save the day?
With a start Jeral felt a jolt of energy run through his body as hope swelled within him. Regardless of what was coming next Jeral would face it head on with dignity and courage.
Jeral stood up in his cage and started stretching out his sore and hunger ravaged limbs. He had stopped taking care of his physical fitness recently and now realized that was an error. His foster father Gorion always said, 'Hope is not dead until the person is dead.' Jeral was determined to be ready should he have a chance of escape and he started fantasizing about killing his captor as he worked to loosen up and prepare for whatever was about to happen.
As he stretched and paced in his cell Jeral felt an almost forgotten heat return to his body. As a Bhaal child Jeral carried the blood of the Lord of Murder in his veins. Usually Jeral was ashamed of his parentage and worried that the darkness would pull him off the path Gorion had laid out for him. But in this moment Jeral embraced it. He was determined to survive and escape his cell and visit his retribution upon his captors. He clenched and unclenched his fists as he felt the heat of rage start to course through his veins.
Across the room a door slowly slid open with a groan as poorly oiled hinges squealed in protest. Jeral saw a hooded form try and fail to smoothly glide from shadow to shadow as it moved across the room. He recognized the movements immediately as those of his sister Imoen. She never did learn to move quietly, Jeral mused as he watched her approach. Imoen was an exceptional thief where traps and locks were concerned; however as a scout or a burglar she was absolute rubbish for she lacked the patience and discipline required of a scout. Her fondness for ridiculous impractical footwear and loud colors did not help the situation either. All that was forgotten as he watched Imoen approach. The hooded figure Jeral took as Imoen was heading right for him. The figure stepped right up to his cage. The hood slid back to reveal….
Jeral awoke to a hand slapping him across the face, hard. Swatting the hand away Jeral angrily sat up.
"Imoen? Is that you? Can it be? I was so worried? And stop hitting me!"
The two siblings entwined into a tear filled embrace. After a few minutes Jeral composed himself enough to disengage from his sister's grasp. Looking at Imoen he paused to take her all in. She looked terrible. She had lost weight and her hair and clothes were dirty and disheveled. With no access to dyes to color her hair Imoen's hair was a mass of faded pink that yielded to light brown roots. Imoen's face was clean and unmarked. Whatever tortures Imoen had to endure did not leave a mark on her. Jeral knew more than to hope that Imoen had escaped without torture in such a place; particularly when he looked her in the eye. Imoen never lacked for an exuberant gleam in her eyes. Yet now Imoen gazed back at Jeral with eyes that showed only pain and despair. Despite the pain Imoen managed to retain some portion of her sense of humor.
"Well if nothing else we are out of the snow," Imoen quipped.
Jeral started to laugh uncontrollably despite himself. Regardless of the horrors Imoen had clearly endured she had not lost at least some of her fire and exuberance. Brother and sister together again. Suddenly anything felt possible.
Smiling Jeral stood and helped Imoen to her feet as he wiped a tear from his eye.
"With the two of us reunited I am sure we are in for better things ahead."
"Good because I have to get out of here, big brother. We have to get out of here."
"Agreed. Not that I am complaining Imoen but how did you get free?"
"I was passed out in my cage and awoke to a sudden loud noise. There was fighting and explosions everywhere. It looks like someone is attacking this place. One of our captor's golems was destroyed and fell onto my cage. He bent the bars when he fell, and I was able to wiggle free. There is a room over there with some equipment. I think he probably sold most of our stuff but it should help us have a fighting chance to get out of here."
"A chance is all I need. Minsc is nearby as well and there is definitely safety in numbers."
"Well we need everyone we can get to help us get out of here. He captured us easily enough and we are weaker now without our caravan guards and all of our equipment."
"True sis, I still am not sure how that happened. No matter, we are free of our cages and will soon be free of this terrible place. Freedom and revenge are what I will have!"
"I don't want revenge Jeral, I just want to find Niklos and get away from here."
"Don't sorry sis, we will find your husband and get all of us out of here."
Smiling Jeral realized that his little voice was back in his head. He realized that he had missed it.
'Child, you must gain power or you and your friends will never be safe.'
Nodding grimly Jeral realized that was exactly what he must do.
'And power shall get you revenge.'
The siblings quickly walked towards the cage that held Minsc. It was the same size as all the other cages Jeral had seen but it had been reinforced with additional bars and chains. Minsc sat cross legged in the middle of the cage in an apparent trance. Jeral and Imoen watched the big man in silence for a moment. His massive frame looked shrunken as hunger had taken its toll. In addition, his usually clean shaven face and head were covered by a tangled mass of wild brown hair and a massive unkept beard. His purple facial tattoo was barely visible under the unkempt mop of hair. Suddenly a small rodent sat up atop Minsc's head. It was barely visible over all the bushy hair.
"Boo!" The siblings exclaimed in unison.
Squeaking happily, Boo bobbed up and down and then disappeared into the folds of the ranger's tunic. With a yelp Minsc opened his eyes and looked around wildly.
"Why has Boo bitten Minsc?" he cried. Realizing that he was not alone Minsc looked up. His eyes went from fearful to thrilled.
"Jeral and Imoen! Joy of Joys! Minsc and Boo are no longer alone for the siblings are with us! You are free! Free me and we will be on our way to administer the boots of justice to the behinds of evil!"
"Where is Dynaheir?" Imoen inquired.
Not waiting for an answer Jeral looked at the cage.
"Minsc, this cage has been welded shut; I am unsure how to open it."
"Minsc has failed his witch." Minsc wailed, fell to his knees, and broke down sobbing. His tears fell wetly to the floor as he wailed in pain.
"What do you mean Minsc?" Imoen asked.
"The bad man, he killed Dynaheir and made Minsc watch. He called her irrelevant to his experiments and cut her head off without any hesitation. After that he locked Minsc in this cage and said Minsc would never get out. Minsc has failed on his dijema. He has failed his witch. He can never return to Rashemon."
With that Minsc dropped his head down and resumed his sobbing.
Jeral looked down at the large ranger and placed his hands on his hips.
"Minsc, your tears show you are week. You were not worthy of a witch such as Dynaheir."
Jeral snapped at the crying man in a voice dripping with disdain and scorn.
Minsc snapped up his head and anger gleamed in his eyes.
"Come Imoen, let us leave this weakling. I am sure that Boo will be the next to die in front of Minsc. If he cannot protect his witch what hope does he have to protect that little rat."
"NOOOOOO! No one harms Boo and he is not a rat! He is a miniature giant space hamster!"
"Whatever you say weakling. He dies next. Imoen we should leave. This one is worthless to us."
With a roar Minsc leapt to his feet and grabbed the bars of his cage. He screamed ferociously, gritted his teeth and veins sprouted on his forehead as he shook and shook the bars. Spittle and foam shot from the ranger's mouth as he rattled his cage to and fro. Amazingly, rivets began to pop, chains began to stretch and bars began to bend. With one final roar Minsc literally tore his cage apart. Throwing the metal remnants of the cage aside he lunged for Jeral. He grabbed Jeral around the neck and lifted him off the ground with one great arm. Jeral tried to speak but could not. Jeral pounded on the arm holding him as he struggled for air. Imoen was hanging on Minsc's back screaming for him to let go but the enraged giant did not hear her cries. Boo trotted along Minsc's forearm and then perched himself atop Jeral's head. Sitting up, he squeaked once and then a second time. Minsc blinked once, twice, and dropped Jeral to the floor where the bard lay gasping for air.
Shaking his head Minsc boomed, "OOOOhhhhhhhhh you are a smart one, making Minsc angry so he could break free. Minsc did not understand but Boo explained it to Minsc. Jeral is so smart."
Slowly picking himself off the ground, and rubbing his sore neck, Jeral grinned crookedly. "I don't feel so smart right now. By the way big fella, how did you manage to keep Boo with you?"
"Minsc is so large and Boo is so small and wiggly so it was easy to keep Boo hidden from all who searched Minsc."
"Ewwwwww, I do not even want to think about that."
Imoen wrinkled her nose in disgust.
Laughing Jeral added, "I suspect Boo was none too pleased by that either."
Smiling the group followed Imoen's lead and headed towards the supply room where Imoen had located some equipment earlier. As they rounded a corner they noticed another cage sitting alone in an alcove. As they approached the next cage they noticed someone curled up in a ball in the cage. The person did not move at the sound of their approach. Imoen quickly picked the lock with a piece of wire she found on the floor and swung open the cell door. The hinges screamed in protest; clearly this cell was last opened months ago. The sound of the door opening caused the body on the floor to tense. The person on the floor leapt to their feet and quickly assumed a fighting stance.
Jeral instantly recognized the person before him as the half elven druid Jaheira who they traveled with briefly in Nashkel. She leapt towards Jeral with her hands curled into fists.
"You! You are the reason we are here."
Jaheira swung wildly at Jeral and the bard bobbed his head from side to side easily evading the woman's wild blows. Minsc quickly stepped in and wrapped the woman in a bear hug. Jaheira struggled wildly against Minsc but was not match for the large man's strength.
Imoen stepped forward and yelled at Jaheira.
"Calm down Jaheira. We have a chance to get out of here if we keep our heads."
Jaheira took a few deep breaths and stopped squirming in the ranger's arms. Sensing the danger had passed Minsc released his grip and stepped back from the woman. Dusting herself off they recognized the haughty bearing of Jaheira return immediately as she regained control of her emotions. Even in captivity she had lost none of her abrasiveness or aristocratic manner. The last time Jeral was in Jaheira's presence the meeting did not end well. Her husband was felled by a throwing axe from an assassin. The axe was meant for Jeral but he managed to evade the blow, Khalid was not so fortunate and the axe nearly split open the Harper's chest. Jaheira took the body back to the Harpers and apparently managed to have Khalid returned to life.
"Hurry child, we must get free. Once again you are the cause for our pain and suffering. Khalid and I were taken from Tethyr and interrogated extensively. Our captor was interested in learning all about you and your abilities. I can only assume he used that knowledge to help plan for your capture. I am concerned that our captor may return and I have not seen Khalid for some time."
"I am sure he is hiding under a bed somewhere."
"Jeral, I do not appreciate your ill timed jesting. Khalid has courage enough for ten men, as you well know."
"Forgive the jest; you know I hold your husband in deep regard. We both know I like him far more than you. He was always kind to me and he taught me the basics of sword fighting. I am forever in his debt. Let us find your husband and free ourselves from this place. After that we can never see one another again."
Jaheira snorted her agreement and followed the other three into the equipment room. They entered the room and froze when faced with a large golem made entirely of stone. The massive creature slowly turned to face the quartet.
"The prisoners must return to their cages" it rumbled in a deep gravelly voice.
"No."
Imoen added emphasis to her answer by sticking her tongue out.
"The prisoners must return to their cages."
"Well he is not squashing us so I guess we can safely ignore him for now."
Jeral started searching the room and the others soon followed suit. In a locked and trapped wall panel Imoen located a lightly enchanted dagger. She quickly handed the blade to Jeral and wiped her hands on her pants after she did so. In a chest and on a table they located arms and equipment suitable for all of them. The items were well made but not enchanted in the least. Minsc strapped on a suit of splint mail and picked up a large two handed sword and an open faced helmet. The armor was straining to contain his massive frame even at his reduced size.
Jeral chuckled despite the gravity of their situation at the sight of the ranger trying to get comfortable in the overly tight armor.
"Don't fret Minsc. Once we are out of this place we will all get proper equipment."
Jaheira grabbed a suit of chain mail armor and a quarterstaff. She twirled the staff around a few times to get comfortable with it and then nodded grimly. Jeral had the option of the only two remaining sets of armor and tried on a suit of studded leather. The armor fit well enough even though it would offer less protection than the chain mail armor he preferred. He belted a long sword around his waist, strapped a short sword on his leg, and tucked the enchanted dagger into his belt.
"Jeral, can you cast spells in that armor?"
"Unfortunately not Imoen. Although in this case it really does not matter since I do not have any spells memorized. And as you always like to remind me I do not know that many spells anyway. Scrolls and wands tend to work best for me. Let's face it. Since you took up magic you have already outclassed me in that regard. You are well on your way to becoming a great mage."
Imoen smiled shyly at the compliment and picked up a sling and a small pouch of sling bullets from the table.
After equipping themselves as best they could with the equipment on hand the four slowly, carefully, started to move through the prison complex. They faced numerous bands of goblins that apparently served as roving patrols in the facility. Normally goblins would be easily dispatched but in their weakened, poorly equipped, condition they were quite the challenge. Fortunately they were able to stumble across some healing potions and scrolls that added to their capability. They ended up criss crossing the complex numerous times running what Jeral could only call 'errands for treasure.' They had fought a band of deep gnomes, recovered the dryad's acorns, freed a djini in exchange for Serevok's massive two handed sword, and had thoroughly searched both of the bedrooms that belonged to their captor.
Irenicus.
Irenicus.
Irenicus.
The devil now had a name according to the captive dryads. Through the course of their travels they now were slightly better equipped. Minsc wore the mighty helm of Baldurain and wielded Sarevok's enchanted two handed sword. Someone had apparently stolen the blade from the throne room of the Duchal Palace where the Grand Dukes had placed it on display. With Sarevok dead some of the enchantments died with him but it was still a fearsome weapon in the hands of the large ranger. Jaheira wore enchanted chain mail, a normal helm and wielded a lightly enchanted quarterstaff. Imoen now carried a lightly enchanted sling and wore enchanted bracers to afford her some protection. Her spell casting ability was far greater than Jeral remembered it prior to their capture. Jeral was equipped as before except he had picked up a slightly enchanted long sword to replace the non magical weapon he previously wielded.
After they had completely searched the first level of the facility they realized that they needed to step through a magical portal to leave the level. After preparing for a battle they stepped through the portal. After a few seconds they found themselves in a room that looked much like the one they just left. As the party regained their bearings they saw a man approach. He was dark skinned with Kur Turan features and long black hair tied back in a ponytail. He wore well fitted leather armor and carried a short bow. An ornate katana was slung low off his belt. Smiling, Jeral stepped forward and inquired on who the stranger was. Despite the odd surroundings and situation of their meeting Jeral instantly liked the stranger and felt he could depend on him.
"I am the Yoshimo."
"Great. So 'the Yoshimo' what are you doing here? And do you know where here is?"
The Kur Turan looked down and blushed.
"I am ashamed to admit I am a prisoner here, much as you are from the looks of things. I escaped when fighting erupted near my cage and I am trying to find a way out."
"Where are we?"
"That good sir, I do not know. I was captured in Athkatla, over a week ago, but do not know where we are now. I merely went to sleep in my room and awoke here. "
"Well the city of coin gives us an idea where me might be, and that is more information than we had previously. Well met sir. I am Jeral, this is my sister Imoen, the Lady Jaheira and Minsc." After hearing a squeak of indignation he hastily added, "and that is Boo." Yoshimo bowed to each in turn and even gave a small bow to Boo.
"I know something of this level as I was not blindfolded when I was brought in earlier this evening. Whatever they did to me wore off earlier that they expected. The room beyond is guarded by numerous small winged creatures that spit flame. There are four cages that create the creatures. I think if the cages are destroyed then the creatures will be as well."
Groaning Imoen moaned, "I am getting to hate Mephits."
"There is a room beyond that which is heavily trapped but that was all I was able to see. May I join with you and fight our way to freedom?"
"Very well Yoshimo. Join us and let us all find a way out of here. Minsc, you and Jaheira keep the Mephits busy. Imoen, Yoshimo and I will attack the cages to keep their numbers down. Any suggestions?"
Smiling Imoen quickly murmured a few words and three hobgoblin swordsmen appeared.
"Like you said brother, safety in numbers."
The hobgoblins were instructed to support Minsc and Jaheira. Imoen opened the door and the newly expanded group charged into the room, weapons at the ready. It was exactly as Yoshimo described. There were four cages along the right side of the room and a mephit popped out of the closest one just as they entered the room to join the four already in the room. Minsc bellowed and waded into the mephitis. His great sword sliced one in half on the first blow. Jeral ran towards the far side of the room while Yoshimo attacked the cage closest to the door. Jeral hacked at the far cage with his long sword until he finally broke the cage and it collapsed in upon itself. He turned to attack the next portal and faced a mephit that was emerging from the portal. Before he could strike the creature opened its mouth, a jet of light hit him, and all went dark.
Splash!
Jeral awoke sputtering as Minsc dumped a full skin of water over his head. They had found food and water in the bedroom belonging to the mage Irenicus and after gorging themselves they had brought the remaining supplies along.
"What happened?"
Jeral looked around and saw the corpses of dead mephits everywhere. Jaheira was busy using her limited healing spells to close numerous small wounds on Yoshimo.
"Bad thingies made Jeral sleepy with bright lights."
Slowly getting to his feet Jeral clapped Minsc on the shoulder, "Thanks friend, I always know you are there for me."
Beaming Minsc started to wipe the gore off his sword with a rag as Jeral started to look around the room. They were in a large room with a stone table in its center. On the table was the rotting corpse of a man who had been split open and emptied out. Now that the rush of battle had faded the stench of the corpse was clearly noticeable to Jeral and the others.
Jaheira walked over to the table to examine the corpse.
"Well he has been dead for some time. Most clearly dissected after death. Pour soul."
The cold tone in her voice stopped and was replaced by a muffled cry of anguish. Jeral had never heard Jaheira so upset or clearly out of sorts.
Jeheira staggered away from the table clutching her hands against her face.
"No it cannot be! Where are the mirrors? This must be an illusion. This cannot be Khalid, my husband, my love, my life. This cannot be."
Jeral stood next to her and tried to gently place a hand on her shoulder. His hand was roughtly slapped away.
"Do not dare touch me foul Hell spawn! It is due to your unholy bloodline that a good man lies dead. Why should a good man die while an abomination such as you shall live? Where is the justice? Where is the balance in that? I will speak no more of this. Silvanius, guide my life and grant Khalid eternal peace until I can join him."
She then bowed her head and remained motionless for some time. She finally raised her head and faced the party.
She took a deep breath and spoke in a voice barely above a whisper, "Let us be off, we still are in danger here. I will mourn when there is the time."
Imoen clasped her hands in front of her stomach and looked down at the floor as she spoke in a voice that barely qualified as a whisper. "Jaheira I, I, I…"
"Out with it child. Stop stammering like an imbecile."
Imoen nodded and inhaled deeply before she spoke in a low steady voice. "I was with Khalid when he died. He was cut open while still alive."
"What nonsense is this? If you were with him why is he dead and you are not?"
"Our captor, the mage known as Irenicus, he said that in order for me to reach my full potential I needed to understand pain, understand suffering. He kept saying that I was too cheerful to maximize my powers and that he had to expose me to true darkness."
"What powers Imoen? What are you talking about?"
"I have no idea Jeral. I can just repeat what I heard day after day. Irenicus never touched me. He just made me watch as he tortured and killed dozens, maybe hundreds. Day after day nothing but death; and in each case he used knives, my knives. My blades became his instruments of death. It is my fault so many died. My fault."
Imoen fell to her knees and buried her face in her hands as her body was wracked with sobs. Jeral knelt down and pulled her into a close embrace.
"Sshhhhhhh, it's ok Imoen. We will be free of this place soon. We can put this all behind us. Do not blame yourself. You did not kill anyone."
Imoen looked up sharply and pushed Jeral away.
"That is where you are wrong. I have blood on my hands, Khalid's blood. I… I…I killed Khalid."
Jaheira stepped forward and roughly pulled Imoen to her feet.
"What did you just say child? YOU killed my husband? Explain yourself and do it quickly!"
Imoen sagged in Jaheira's grasp, "Khalid was lying there on the table. Irenicus had sliced him wide open. He was liberally pouring healing libations down his throat to keep him from dying too quickly. Khalid locked eyes with me and begged for me to put him out of his misery. He begged me for death."
"So what did you do child. Please tell me."
All of the anger was gone from the Harper's voice as she clung to Imoen.
"Nothing. At least I did nothing at first."
"Why child? Why would you let my love suffer so? How could you be so creul?"
"Irenicus told me that the first time I looked away or interfered with any of the torture he would kill Niklos."
"And who is Niklos?"
"He is, or he was, my husband." Imoen fought back a sob as she thought of Niklos.
"Pray go on child."
"So Khalid lay there in agonizing pain, begging me for release, begging for death. I wept and told Khalid that he would soon feel no more pain. I begged Irenicus to put him out of his misery but he laughed at me and said that pity was a fatal weakness. He took his blade and sliced out Khalid's tongue so he could no longer beg for my aid."
Jaheira choked back a sob and Jeral watched as the blood drained from her face as Imoen continued her tale.
"Something in me finally snapped. Despite the consequences I had to grant him relief, I owed him that much. I grabbed up one of my blades from the table and plunged it directly into Khalid's heart. He smiled up at me as he died. I pulled the blade out and slashed it at Irenicus. He merely looked at me and I was suddenly held in place by a powerful incantation. He shook his head as if he was disappointed by my stubbornness. He commanded his golem to fetch Niklos and the monstrosity tore him limb from limb in front of my eyes."
A silence hung over the room as Jeral watched the two women mourn their lost loves. Imoen pulled herself to her feet and straightened her clothes as she composed herself. Wiping her face she smiled weakly at Jeral.
"After that Irenicus locked me away and I was forgotten about. Every time I close my eyes I relive their deaths. I see their suffering, and the blood. So much blood. I swore to myself that I would never shed an opponent's blood again. From here on out I will focus on my magical gifts and when forced to defend myself I will fight only with staff and sling. For my own sanity I can do no less."
In silence the party continued through the level. After fighting through a wave of pesky goblins and mephitis they entered the trapped room of which Yoshimo had spoken. Lacking most of the necessary wands to disarm the powerful traps the party could not cross the room so they entered the first hallway to their right. After a few hundred meters the hallway entered into the sewers of a major city. The heavily barred door had been blasted aside from the sewers granting someone, or something, entry into the complex.
"Looks like this is where the intruders came in. We owe them a debt of gratitude to someone for unknowingly aiding in our escape."
Jaheira silenced any additional conversation with a rage filled glare at Jeral. Once they entered the sewers they were confronted by three opponents. They were men wearing dark clothes and wielding small knives and bows. The party quickly dispatched them after they refused an offer of parley. Jeral noticed that one of the passages sloped upwards and Mince firmly stated that Boo could smell fresh air. The five trudged slowly upwards. Their excitement of potential escape was tempered by the loss and the pain they had all endured. Minsc thought of Dynaheir and fought back tears. After what seemed like walking for miles they finally saw sunlight ahead.
Throwing caution to the wind Imoen let out a squeal of delight and took off at a dead run for the sun.
"Free, free, we are free!" she cried and she sprinted towards the bright daylight. Minsc took off at a loping gait to follow Imoen. Yoshimo picked up his pace to keep the big ranger in sight. Jeral and Jaheira were left alone in the heavy shadow. They slowly walked along in silence.
"Jaheira, words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss."
"That is correct Bhaalspawn, so speak no more."
"Wait a minute, Khalid was my friend."
"Well he was my husband and you killed him! His blood is on your hands for were it not for our relationship with you he would still be alive."
Before Jeral could reply angrily he heard a tremendous explosion up ahead followed by Minsc bellowing "go for the eyes Boo!" Jeral took off at a dead run heading for the commotion. Jaheira merely trotted along as before. She was without hope and seemed indifferent to her fate and that of the others. Jeral reached the scene of the commotion and skidded to a stop in a pile of rubble.
Minsc, Yoshimo and Imoen were standing stock still; they were watching a battle unfold before them. In truth it was less a battle and more a slaughter. A well muscled mage was standing in a circle of rubble and was dispatching dozens of dark clad assassins with little more than a wave of his hands. The muscular mage must be Irenicus, Jeral mused. Wave after wave of magic flew. Some of the assassins were burned, others disintegrated, others turned to stone but all were killed easily. Jeral realized his friends were not held in place by a spell but were overcome by fear and awe. Almost before it began the mage had dispatched all his enemies. He looked over at Jeral and company almost disdainfully.
Seeing Imoen he paused, "So child, do you like this lovely sunny day? The sun is good for your skin; it will bring some color back to those pallid cheeks. Although in good light your hair looks even more garish than I realized. Once I get you back to my lab we may have to find you a more suitable hair color before we renew my lessons with you."
With a blood curdling scream Imoen leapt down into the rubble.
"No one speaks ill of my hair fiend!"
She extended a hand and four balls of light, leapt out and struck the wizard in the side.
They stunned the mage but did no visible damage.
"Silly girl, you just do not understand the gifts you have been given. Very well, let me continue the lessons now, no need to wait."
With that he waved his hands and a bolt of energy lanced into her leg. She cried out in pain as acid began to eat away at her tattered clothes and the smell of dissolving flesh filled the air.
Enraged Imoen started to cast again, Jeral detachedly realized that Imoen had really improved her spell casting. Dynaheir had taught her a few spells in Baldur's Gate after the defeat of Sarevok but she had become much more accomplished in a short period of time. Before she could finish her spell, a half dozen grey robed mages teleported into view.
One held out his hands and haughtily spoke in a rich deep voice, "This disturbance is over. This is an unsanctioned use of magical energy, all involved will be held."
Jeral watched as Irenicus started casting spells against the grey robed mages. It was a slaughter. In short order he has killed the six opposing him. More grey robed mages started to teleport in. Irenicus boasted that their magics were pathetic. One mage stammered out "our numbers are many, you will be overwhelmed," just before he was blasted out of existence.
Wave after wave of robed figures teleported in; after the fourth of fifth wave Irenicus held up his hands in surrender.
"Enough!" he bellowed.
"You bore me magelings. You may take me in but you will take the girl as well."
"What? Me? No! I didn't do anything wrong." Imoen wailed in fear as a purple haze settled over both her and Irenicus. The wizards were in no mood to argue with the powerful wizard who had unexpectly surrendered. Before anyone could react, Irenicus and Imoen, along with the grey robed wizards, winked out of sight.
"NOOOOOOOOO!" Minsc fell to his knees and started to wail. "Minsc has failed little Imoen, she was to be his new witch. Minsc must not lose another witch!"
Jeral patted Minsc on the back as he spoke.
"Come on big man, we will get her back. We need to find out where she is and then go get her. Your witch will return to your protection soon enough."
Yoshimo cleared his throat and spoke in a low voice. Jeral found his voice to be very soothing as he listened to the man.
"Jeral you sister has been taken by the Cowled Wizards. They are a powerful force in the city of coin."
"So are we in Athkatla in the nation of Amn, Yoshimo?"
"That is correct Jeral. This is the merchant district, the so called Waukeen's Promenade."
Jeral noticed that Jaheira had finally reached the end of the tunnel and stared dumbly ahead. He grabbed her gently by the arm.
Jeral looked around and took in his surroundings. He looked skyward and noted that it was mid morning. Jeral was unsure of the season but the heat was already equivalent to that of Baldur's gate in the summer.
"Yoshimo, you are familiar with this city are you not?"
Yoshimo smirked and nodded his head slightly.
"Intimately familiar."
"Are there lodgings nearby?"
"Yes there are two inns mere steps away. The Mitherest Inn and the Den of Seven Vales. My preferred lodgings are in the slums, more interesting clientele. The Copper Coronet is definitely an interesting establishment and worth a visit."
"Right now we need peace and quiet Yoshimo, let us try the Mitherest Inn and save the excitement for another day."
Yoshimo took the lead as the group walked up a few tiers on the Promenade and entered the Mitherest Inn. Merchants and servants alike gave them curious looks as they walked into the inn. It was clear to Jeral that they were woefully underdressed for such a luxurious tavern.
"Yoshimo, please secure us three luxurious rooms. We need to recover our wits quickly and the extra finery may help. I saw a store nearby called the Adventurer's Mart, would you mind selling a few of the extra items we have picked up along the way while the rest of us recover a bit?"
"Of course. I will see what I can pick up as well."
Yoshimo passed out keys to the rooms for the group and then smiled as he departed the tavern.
As he headed out Jeral watched the dark man glide across the floor. Finding Yoshimo was a stroke of luck; he seemed well skilled and very level headed. And that last comment verified that he was a light fingered man. With Imoen gone they had need of a thief and they always needed a good scout. It looked like Yoshimo could handle both of those duties with ease. He asked one of the serving girls to show Jaheira to her room and see her to bed.