Chapter 3: A Helmite and a Sharran walk into a bar
After watching Jeral depart Anomen sat down heavily at the table and called for another ale from a passing serving maid. He quickly emptied his mug and called for another, and then another still. He was on his fifth mug of ale before he realized that he had best watch his drinking lest he lose control. It would not do for the Order to learn that he was part of a drunken brawl in an establishment such as the Copper Coronet. Embarrassed about his near loss of control he pushed his half empty mug out of arms reach and muttered to himself, "I am not my father. Drink has no hold over me."
"I have not known Helmites to talk to themselves, is this a common behavior amongst you pious surfacers?"
Anomen whirled around; scowling and ready to strike at whoever had the temerity to interrupt his solitude. He stared up into the face of Viconia and the rage quickly passed. The drow was clad in a loose dressing gown of black silk edged with purple satin. Her damp hair hung loosely around her shoulders and she had a green towel wrapped around her neck. The white of her hair contrasted sharply with the darkness of her skin and dressing gown. Without armor or weapons she looked far less menacing and evil than Anomen expected.
Regaining his wits, and remembering his manners, Anomen unsteadily lurched to his feet and held out his chair.
Bowing slightly Anomen motioned to his seat.
"My lady, this is no place for a woman alone, let alone a woman in her dressing gown. Please join me and allow me to serve as your escort in this den of vileness."
Smiling at his discomfort Viconia purred at the unsteady Helmite, "I assure you I am quite safe here Squire. I managed to flee the underdark and survive on the surface after Lloth cast me out. Handling a tavern common room full of drunken males in my night clothes is child's play. Should I wish it I suspect I could become the proprietor of this establishment by morning."
"Regardless my lady I must insist you allow me to escort you. Chivalry demands no less. Please be seated and join me."
Smirking Viconia smoothly slid into the proffered seat and regally commanded a serving maid to quickly bring a decanter of the best red wine. Anomen politely requested a glass of iced milk and took a seat across the table from Viconia. Terrified of the dark elf the serving maid raced directly to the bar bypassing all of her other customers.
"Iced milk is a drink for a child male."
Anomen smiled tightly as he warily eyed the drow across the table.
"I have much to think about and more ale will not make that any easier."
"What is there to think about? You males are generally such simple creatures. You lack the subtlety and layers of complexity of the stronger sex. Is it a woman that vexes you so?"
Anomen shook his head vigorously, "No. Not a woman. Well, yes it is a woman. At least she may be part of it. I am sorry that must not make any sense to you."
Their drinks arrived at the table and the pair paused while they each took a deep pull of their respective drinks. Viconia sighed contentedly.
"This is a very good wine, far better than I expected from an establishment such as this."
Viconia slowly twirled her wine around in her goblet as she eyed the Helmite.
"Squire Anomen, allow me to make a guess about some of your concerns."
"As you wish my lady."
"I suspect that I am part of your problem. I am drow and everyone knows we are an evil, murderous race that is lacking in any redeeming qualities. I might pull you from your righteous path and cause the Order to deem you unworthy of knighthood."
Anomen opened up his mouth to speak but Viconia quickly waved him to silence.
"Let me continue male. Last spring Jeral, Minsc, Imoen, your Squire Ajantis and a mage called Dynaheir saved my life. I was lost and alone in the woods and I was pursued by a mercenary who wanted to kill me simply because I am drow. I was not causing anyone any harm; I was merely looking to make a quiet life for myself and survive."
"I had no idea that was how you met Ajantis and the others."
"Yes, yes it was all very dramatic. They rescued me and in turn I joined their foolish little group and loyally fought by their side. I even saved a few of them from death using my clerical arts. Together we defeated a major concentration of bandits that were the scourge of the Sword Coast."
Viconia smiled tightly.
"You could even say I was one of the heroes who saved the day. Very unlike a drow wouldn't you say?"
"I am not sure what to say my lady."
"Well I do young Helmite. Listen to me and listen well."
Viconia downed her glass and poured herself another.
"The last time I encountered one of your ilk he refused to travel with me. He believed that I was the personification of evil and would be his downfall. Jeral and Minsc had to stop him from killing me on sight. Undeterred, Ajantis worked to isolate me from the group at every turn. He caused such a scene that I elected to depart the group to avoid violence."
Anomen smirked knowingly and leaned towards Viconia resting his elbows on the table.
"I know much of this tale. You did not depart,you fled; else Squire Ajantis would have killed you. His skill with a blade is well known throughout the Order. He has bested many a squire in a duel on the tourney field. I am one of the few who could stand before him."
Viconia's eyes flared and she angrily smashed her wine glass to the floor. The glass shattered into pieces but in the din of the common room no one paid any notice. Sneering she stared daggers at the Helmite as she rose to her feet. Placing both hands on the table she leaned forward and locked eyes with the young Helmite.
"You foolish male. You underestimate me; and you do so at your own peril. I have seen over five score of your winters. I am young by the standards of my people but I am ancient by the standard of yours. I have fought, and killed, countless humans. I have tortured countless more. Your Squire Ajantis would have died by my hand easily."
"My lady please sit down, I do not mean to offend you. I just honestly cannot imagine that you are in any way the equal in combat to one such as Ajantis."
Viconia slid back into her chair and regained her composure as she eyed the Helmite and she smoothed out her dressing gown on her lap. Viconia snapped her fingers and the serving maid quickly brought her a new glass.
"So I presume that I am not an equal in combat to you either."
"I cannot hind behind false modesty my lady, the dictates of chivalry will not allow it. I doubt you are a match for me in the martial arts. I have bested dozens of squires on the tourney field. I have fought against, and killed, hill giants and orcs when on campaigns with the Order. My abilities are well known throughout the Order and throughout the city. I am viewed as one of the most promising of all the Squires."
Viconia eyed Anomen critically for a few minutes as the pair sipped their drinks in contemplative silence.
Viconia nodded knowingly, "You are indeed large and strong for a male of your race. You are comfortable in your armor and well trained in battle. During my rescue I watched you closely, combat and the uncertainly of battle is no stranger to you. Yet rest assured, if we ever fight you will lose. You see me and foolishly only see a woman a head shorter than you and almost one half your weight. Yet do not assume that any of that will matter should you elect to cross me. I am drow, therefore I will lie and cheat and do whatever is necessary to survive. If I decide you are a threat to me I may slit your throat in your sleep. I will not challenge you to fair combat. Real life does not resemble the tournament field in any way. If you intend to survive in this world you had best learn that, and quickly. I assure you that there are many things in this world that are far worse than me."
Anomen blanched and coughed up a mouthful of milk.
"Know this Helmite and listen well for drow rarely admit mistakes. I, Viconia last of house DeVir, made a mistake last spring when I walked away from Jeral and the others. I decided that your Ajantis was too young and foolish to have to die at such a tender age. For my weakness I lost the protection of the others and the only true companionship I have known since arriving on the surface. I will not make that mistake again."
Viconia paused to grab a clean rag from a passing serving maid and hand it to Anomen.
"It is really very simple to understand even if it shames me to even speak the words. I cannot survive on the surface without allies. Despite all my powers and skills I have found myself captive at the hands of unwashed human males on multiple occasions. Today I was almost burned alive for the simple crime of existing. Traveling with Jeral and Minsc is the only way I can survive. And rest assured, I will do anything that is necessary to survive. Anything."
Viconia slowly rose to her feet and smoothed out her dressing gown. Softening her face she gazed down at the Helmite and spoke in a soft soothing voice.
"I have no interest in fighting with you Squire Anomen. I will fight loyally by Jeral's side for as long as he will have me. I know something of loss, that is part of what brought me to the attention of Shar. The Lady of Loss felt my pain and understood that I was a willing disciple of hers. She has graced me with gifts so I may repay those who have inflicted pain on me and those dear to me. I am no enemy of yours unless you choose to make me one. I have no issues with you or your Watcher God so long as you judge me on my actions and not on my race."
Anomen nodded softly as he eyed the drow cleric.
Viconia walked around the table and gently patted Anomen on the shoulder.
"Make no mistake Helmite, I was fond of Imoen and Dynaheir and will seek retribution against this Irenicus for the indignities he leveled upon those two. I cannot, I will not, allow a mere male to inflict pain on females of worth such as those. For that I will have my vengeance and woe to any who stand in my way."
Anomen quickly rose to his feet and nodded politely at the drow as he gazed down on her.
"You are not what I expected from one of your kind. You have given me much to think and pray about. Good night my lady. Sleep well."
Viconia strode to the stairs and headed upstairs to her room. Anomen remained up far longer sitting alone at a table and thinking about many things.
The following morning the party gathered early for breakfast. Anomen spoke little and seemed lost in thought but Jeral took his presence as a positive sign and left it alone. After a hearty meal Yoshimo entered the kitchen and purchased loaves of bread, sausages, and a large wheel of cheese for their trip. After packing those in their bags and filling their water skins the party set off for the city gates and their scheduled rendezvous with Nalia.
After a brisk 20 minute walk the party neared the approaches to the city gate.
Yoshimo slid up next to Jeral and spoke in a quiet voice. "Jeral, we are being watched."
"Thank you Yoshimo, I noticed that myself."
From a narrow alley just behind the party a half dozen people moved out of the shadows. A thin woman with a badly pockmarked face and clad in disheveled mage robes stepped to the fore in front of five heavily armed and armored men. Smiling she opened her arms wide and spoke in a high pitched voice.
"Morning all. Aren't you such a fine looking lot. Isn't it a lovely day for an early morning stroll? I certainly think so, it is always lovely to walk the streets before they get crowded with people. In case it was not clear to you this is the part where we will be taking all of your coin and gems. Right now if you please, can't have any soldiers coming upon us, that would be inconvenient. Since we are not heartless we will let you keep your equipment, and your lives."
Viconia laughed as she looked over the prospective brigands and pulled her hood back from her face. Her voice was laced with disgust as she spoke to the mage.
"Human dogs, you need to rethink this and quickly, Jeral and his friends are not easy prey. Run away and wait for some helpless old women, small children, or perhaps a blind man."
A few of the brigands took a step backwards at sight of the drow but their leader was unmoved.
The mage nodded her head slowly, "Very well," she clapped her hands and commanded, "At em lads!"
The woman waved her hands and suddenly was accompanied by another 4 exact images of herself. Minsc and Anomen charged into the armored thugs while Yoshimo started firing arrows at the female mage as quickly as he could. Jeral drew his long sword and dagger and strode towards the mage. Viconia stepped back from the fray and started calling to Shar. Once she completed her spell two of the thugs were held frozen in place. Jeral managed to reach the mage and started to cut his way through her mirror images. Between Jeral, Yoshimo and Viconia the mage soon fell to their combined attack. The three turned and started to assist Minsc and Anomen. Together the five made short work of the three remaining bandits.
Viconia picked up a short sword from the ground and used it to slit the throats of the two bandits immobilized from her hold person spell. Other than a few small wounds Minsc and Anomen were none the worse from wear. Anomen cast a few minor healing spells and he and Minsc were soon returned to full health. Yoshimo and Viconia quickly sorted through the gear on the bandits and made a pile of valuable equipment that merited further examination.
Yoshimo beamed as he stood up after collecting the valuable equipment. "Jeral, these were exceedingly well equipped brigands. They have been extremely successful in previous attempts."
Viconia smirked as she walked through the carnage, "They did not have success on this morn did they? Pathetic fools."
Jeral walked through the pile of equipment and examined the items closely. He narrowed his eyes and could see the presence of enchantments on many of the items.
"You are absolutely correct Yoshimo; we have a set of enchanted plate armor there, a set of well made regular plate armor here, an enchanted mace, a trio of enchanted short swords, a few scrolls and some coin. How long would it take to detour to the promenade to identify all the items and sell what we cannot use at the Adventurer's Mart?"
"It should not be a great delay."
"We had best hurry then, please lead on Yoshimo."
"Very well Jeral, just remember you may want to put your hand in your pocket."
Smiling, Jeral slipped the platinum ring off his finger and placed it in his coin purse.
Yoshimo quickly led the way to the Adventurer's Mart. Ribald verified Jeral's assessment that the plate was lightly enchanted as was the mace, and the three short swords. The party sold two of the short swords while Jeral retained the most heavily enchanted one as the weapon for his off hand. Minsc took the enchanted plate and Anomen the enchanted mace. Anomen also traded in his well polished splint mail for a new set of high quality plate mail. Jeral had a smile on his face as he left the shop.
Hang on Imoen. I have allies again, Viconia is back with me and we just made 1000 gold after expenses. I will raise the funds I need soon enough.
The group hurried to the City Gates; there they met a messenger telling anyone who would listen about the problems in the affluent merchant city of Trademeet. Jeral asked for more information, noted the location on his map, and determined that they would visit the High Merchant at some time in the future.
"A merchant city is a great place to raise coin. We will have to investigate at some point when we can."
Minsc spotted Nalia and a few hired hands holding the reins on five war horses right next to the city gates. She was pacing nervously, and tapping her foot impatiently. Jeral was no expert but he clearly recognized that Nalia had spent considerable money to get some of the fastest horses in Athkatla. The creatures were magnificent, and all clearly well fed and immaculately groomed.
"There you are," she cried, "I have been waiting positively ages for you to arrive."
Nalia was clad in pale green mage robes and a traveling cloak. A short bow and quiver were strapped to the bulging saddlebags of her horse.
"Nalia, I apologize for the delay. We had a brief run in with some common street thugs. They had very bad judgment but very good equipment. Despite the delay we are ready to leave right now."
"Excellent. I am sorry for my lack of manners Jeral. I am just eager to go home and help my father. Err, Jeral, not to be rude but who is she?"
Nalia was staring at Viconia with unconcealed curiosity.
Viconia had taken off her helm and was running her fingers through her long white hair.
"Viconia, didn't I ask you to keep the helmet on until we were out of the city?"
"I am drow Jeral; I will not hide my head in shame to spare weak willed surfacers from some discomfort."
Viconia strode up to Nalia and brazenly eyed the women up and down.
"Who are you young mageling? I am Viconia of the House DeVir and I know nobility when I see it, even if it is that poor excuse of nobility of the surfacer."
"Greetings, I am Lady Nalia of the House de'Arnise. I have retained Jeral and his companions to aid me in saving my home." Despite her obvious discomfort at meeting the drow her breeding ensured she kept a dispassionate face and maintained a proper courteous tone.
"There must be a shortage of good adventurers here if you had to retain this rabble."
"Nalia, please pardon Viconia's behavior. She has a, well, she has a unique sense of humor."
"Jeral, she is a dark elf. I have heard of them and the evil acts that they commit. Can she be trusted?"
"This dark elf can speak for herself noble child. Jeral has saved my life twice. I have traveled with Jeral and Minsc before and I am loyal to those I call my allies, and extremely lethal to those I deem as enemies. If Jeral says he will aid you they I will as well."
"Minsc and Boo have fought with the dark pretty one as well little Nalia. Viconia is a hero of goodness like Minsc."
"Do not be a fool large one, I am drow. Not a hero of goodness."
"Minsc and Boo know you are a dark warrior for goodness Viconia."
Jeral cleared his throat.
"I believe that it is past time for us to leave. We will be one horse short but I am sure we can double up two of the smaller riders.
"Nalia, I will ride with you. As a woman from a noble house you will assuredly have less of the human stench than these lowly males. You at least have the look of one who bathes with some regularity."
Nalia nodded dumbly and smoothly mounted her horse. Viconia nimbly hopped astride Nalia's horse and the six rode through the city gates. After a short period of time they were out of sight of the city and riding briskly through the countryside.
Viconia scowled and pulled her hood more tightly around her head. She has never become completely comfortable with life on the surface, and sunny days like today were her least favorite. At least Nalia was quiet, clean and well groomed. That made the ride somewhat tolerable. The morning passed quickly. After stopping for a brief lunch by the side of the road the party continued on.
Jeral smiled and enjoyed the fresh air. He has spent months in that dank dungeon and had not seen sunlight in some time. He slid his cloak all the way off his head and tried to get some sun on his pale skin. The air was drier this far south but the sun warmed his skin and lifted his spirits.
Jeral was almost happy. He was free from his cage, Viconia was by his side again, and it was a beautiful day. While she still owed him an explanation she was back and that was enough. He knew he would see Imoen again and that Irenicus would pay with his life. That certainty gave him the hope that he had missed for so long, that hope he had allowed to almost disappear while he was in captivity.
He spurred his horse to a gallop and shot ahead of the others. The horse under him was a powerful warhorse that was accustomed to carrying a heavily armored knight. Jeral was as average size man, and lightly armored as he was in a chain mail tunic he was no burden at all to the magnificent creature. Jeral leaned forward in the saddle and the horse responded with an even greater burst of speed.
Jeral galloped around a bend in the road and came upon a half dozen men standing over a bloody man sprawled on the ground. Clad in ill matched armor they looked like common brigands or perhaps deserters from the army. Jeral sharply reined his horse in and the beast whinnied in protest. The sound of the horse drew the attention of the men on the road and the largest of the group shouted a warning.
"No witnesses boys lest we want to be hunted by the law! Besides, we can make a pretty bit o' coin on that horse."
Two of the men picked up heavy crossbows and started to load bolts onto them, while the other four drew long swords and moved to block the road.
Well this is not good.
Jeral knew his companions were only a few minutes behind him.
"But a lot can happen in a few minutes," he muttered.
Unwilling to flee Jeral realized that his best hope was to intimidate his attackers and ride them down. Jeral let out a dwarven battle cry that he had learned from the dwarven cleric Yeslick and spurred his horse towards the men. The horse responded instantly to his command and leapt forward into a full gallop.
"By Durlag's Beard!"
He drew his swords and rode down on the brigands. He bobbed wildly as he rode, trying to stay in the saddle and command the horse with only his legs as he charged down on the threat.
The bowmen knelt down in the road and fired a pair of crossbow bolts at Jeral.
THWACK
The first one whizzed by his head narrowly missing him.
THRUMP.
The second bolt did not miss. It easily sliced through Jeral's chain mail and tore into his left shoulder. The pain was searing and the force of the blow knocked Jeral back in his saddle. He flailed his arms wildly to try and retain his balance. Failing, he dropped both his blades and rolled backwards out of the saddle. Despite Jeral's considerable dexterity he landed heavily on his back, slamming the back of his head onto the packed dirt road.
Gorion had found him in the Candlekeep library.
"Jeral, the Watchers tell me that you are skipping your riding lessons."
"Father I hate the Watchers. They train men to be mindless slaves."
"Child you are being dramatic, they train men to be Watchers and soldiers. That does not make them mindless."
"Father, I am too smart to be just a soldier, you told me that. You told me to know when to fight and when not to fight. I have already finished the basic riding lessons. I just do not want to learn mounted combat. Jousting seems foolish to me. Why would I ride straight at a man who wants to strike me with a lance?"
Chuckling Gorion could only shake his head.
"Well I must concede that point child. However, mounted combat is an important skill for any adventurer. You learn how to ride and fight while mounted. You even learn how to properly fall off your horse."
"I will take my chances father; I really do not want to continue the lessons and I doubt I need to be taught how to fall. I assume the ground does most of the work."
Shaking his head Gorion let the matter pass and walked away. However Gorion could not resist one last comment, "Very well child, you are old enough to make this decision. Although, I suspect you will regret this decision at some point in the future. When you do please remember my words."
The memory flashed through his mind in an instant as his head slammed into the hard ground.
"Incredible. As usual Gorion was right, even from beyond the grave," he muttered.
Jeral touched the back of his head and was relieved when his hand came back dry. At least his skull was intact.
Shaking his head ruefully Jeral quickly looked for his attackers and spied his blades lying in the dirt some distance away. All six of the brigands were charging and would be upon him in seconds. He quickly drew the enchanted dagger from his boot and called upon his Bhaal taint to increase his strength and agility. Power and rage coursed through his veins as he ducked under the first strike and stabbed the man viciously in the stomach. His enchanted dagger easily slid through his leather armor and dug deep into his stomach. Staggering backwards the man fell to his knees as Jeral withdrew the blade. Jeral could not spare him another glance and rolled away from the next few men as they flailed wildly at him with their swords.
Jeral knew that he could not hope to defeat the remaining five men in the fight while he was only armed with a dagger. The brigands did not look dangerous or competent enough to kill him quickly. So the question was how much additional damage he would take before his friends arrived.
Jeral started backpedaling.
"Gentlemen, can't we all just get along?"
"Sure, we can get along with your corpse."
Jeral realized that a few of these men might like his dead body more than anyone should.
"GO FOR THE EYES BOO!"
Jeral heard the big ranger's voice boom over the din of combat. Risking a look back, Jeral saw Minsc and Anomen charging down on Jeral and his attackers. Enviously he realized that they were each extremely proficient with mounted combat. Minsc held the Sword of Chaos in one arm as he rode down on the bandits. Anomen looked as if he was taken out of a book on knightly combat as he rode down a bandit. He carried his shield high on his left while his mace swung out on the right. Yoshimo was riding behind the two plate clad warriors and had his short bow drawn and was firing arrows from horseback with impressive accuracy.
Great, all three of them are better riders in mounted combat that I am, Jeral mused. Gorion would never let me hear the end of this.
Jeral turned to face his attackers and saw the looks of fear cross their faces as his companions rode them down. Anomen crushed the skull of one with a swing of his mace. Minsc cut another down with his great sword while another two carried arrow wounds from Yoshimo's bow. Once Jeral picked up his swords the battle was quickly ended.
Nalia and Viconia rode up and Viconia hopped down off her horse. Without preamble she walked up to Jeral. Placing her left hand on his shoulder she grasped the crossbow bolt with her right and pushed the bolt deeper into Jeral's shoulder until the barbed head punched through his back. Jeral swore aloud as pain shot through him and blood gushed from the newly opened wound. Viconia calmly snapped off the bolt head and then pulled the shaft from Jeral's body. She disdainfully tossed both pieces to the ground and then chanted a minor healing spell that closed the wound on the front of his shoulder. A second spell caused the wound on the back of the shoulder to close up. In seconds Jeral's wounds were closed leaving two patches of fresh pink skin behind. In a few hours Jeral's skin would not show any sign of the wound at all.
With a smirk Viconia turned and walked away from Jeral. Jeral turned towards Minsc and Anomen.
"My thanks gentlemen; I was in a spot of trouble there."
"Boo says that the man on the ground is in more trouble than Jeral."
Anomen quickly dismounted and walked up to the man on the ground.
"Bah, this man is probably drunk. Still duty requires that I provide aid if I can."
He bent down to examine the man and stiffened almost instantly.
"I was in error. This man has been beaten and poisoned. I should be able to cure him magically."
Anomen cast a spell and frowned, "that is odd, it did not work."
"Out of my way Helmite. Let me show you how a talented healer works. Drow are experts at poison in ways you surfacers cannot hope to comprehend."
Viconia strode up and elbowed Anomen out of the way. Squatting down in front of the poisoned man she chanted briefly and laid her hands on his chest. Pausing she repeated the incantation again. After the second casting she slowly dusted off her hands and rose to her feet.
"Curious. Very curious. I cannot heal this man. There must be some powerful enchantments behind this poison to resist my magic."
Smirking Anomen merely nodded having the good sense to remain quiet.
The bloody man struggled to sit up and speak.
Chest heaving from the effort he croaked, "I thank you for your help. Those men poisoned me and were going to leave me for dead. If you can take me to my friends they can save my life."
Anomen helped the man sit up and offered him a sip of water.
"Who are you and where are your friends?"
"My name is Renfeld. I am a merchant and I reside in the city of coin, in a large estate in the Docks District."
"Jeral, we cannot let this man die."
"I know that Anomen. Nalia what say you? We are here at your command."
"I must save my family and home, but I cannot allow myself to stand idly by while someone dies. Can we separate and have someone take him back?
"My lady I fear a smaller group will be victim to brigands on the road. Regardless of the direction we must travel together."
Nalia kicked the ground in frustration but nodded at the Helmite.
"We will all take him then. If we ride through the night we can help him and still be at my lands with little loss of time. I can purchase fresh horses from the stables where I purchased these mounts."
Anomen nodded and helped the man onto his horse.
"Very well my lady, we will take this man to his friends and then make all haste to the de'Arnise lands."
They returned to Athkalta and dropped Renfeld off with his colleagues at the docks. Jeral recognized the large estate as a Harper base. His time with Khalid and Jaheria had taught him how to locate the subtle identifiers. Jeral walked up to one of the guards at the door and spoke quietly.
"One of those who harp is in need. Her name is Jaheira and she is in the Mithrest Inn in the promenade."
The guard assured Jeral that he would send people to provide Jaheira assistance and support. Pleased with the thought of Jaheira receiving help Jeral departed with the others.
After riding through the night on their new horses they reached Nalia's family lands by the end of the second day.
They dismounted as the keep came into view and slowly led their horses forward. Jeral took in the de'Arnise keep. It was a well made, heavily fortified structure surrounded by rich well tended lands.
"Your father clearly knows his fortifications, and his lands seem extremely prosperous."
"He used to be an adventurer and settled down once he met my mother, he believed in protecting his family and his people. This keep has been in our family for generations."
Jeral stopped walking and pointed towards the keep.
"Nalia, unless your father is a monster I suspect all those bodies on pikes are new additions."
She took in the double row of bodies skewered on long polls in front of the raised drawbridge. Nalia chocked back a sob as she recognized the broken bodies of guardsmen and servants from the castle. Many were missing limbs while others looked half eaten.
"The keep must have fallen; otherwise this never would have happened. We must head to the palisade."
"The what?"
Viconia was not fully fluent in common and was unfamiliar with Nalia's last statement.
"The palisade, it is a secondary fortification on the edge of the woods just over a rise from the keep. Any survivors from the keep would be there. Father had it built a few years ago in preparation for this type of situation."
"Your father sounds as wise as any Knights of the Order. Please lead on Lady Nalia."
The party followed Nalia and Anomen and hurriedly headed to the palisade.
The palisade was a rough hewn defensive structure at the edge of the woods. No more than three dozen men at arms in the livery of the House de'Arnise milled around inside. Most wandered aimlessly and Jeral was surprised by the clear lack of discipline. Many of the men bore wounds of battle. Nalia walked amongst the men looking for her father or for any of the officers of the guard. She approached an older, grey haired soldier who had his left arm held in a bloody sling.
"Lieutenant Arat, where is my father?"
The wounded soldier dropped to one knee and bowed his head. Nalia told him to rise and provide a report on the situation.
"Lady Nalia, I am relieved to see that you are safe. We were all worried that you were lost. Where to begin? As you know we were suddenly beset by trolls and Yuan ti. Your father's ancestors built the keep well; we were holding them off and inflicting great damage on their ranks with flame arrows and hot oil. Suddenly, others creatures dug into the dungeon and attacked us from within. Attacked on both sides we had no chance and were quickly overwhelmed."
"And what of my father? Where is the Lord de'Arnise?"
"Your father, Captain Glacius, and some of his elite guard were leading a delaying action to allow the rest of us time to escape. Last I saw your father he was trying to assemble the great flail. Glacius also named me Captain of the Guard until he returned. Of course, we are at your orders Lady Nalia."
"Can we not attack and retake the keep?"
"My lady, we are too few in numbers to overwhelm the defenders inside the keep. If you can have the drawbridge lowered we can likely muster the strength to launch a limited counterattack. However, we will need assistance if we are to take back your home."
Nalia nodded gravely, her face lined with worry.
"Very well. Captain Arat, this is Jeral. He and his companions are here to assist us is reclaiming our home. We will take the secret entrance into the castle. Await our signal and we will open the drawbridge."
Jeral stepped forward, "Captain Arat, any idea on numbers?"
"We think there are about thirty trolls remaining, plus a half dozen of those snake men and then some odd digging type creatures."
"Jeral, we will need fire or acid to kill the trolls."
"Very true Viconia. Captain Arat do you have any fire or acid arrows?"
"We have plenty of fire arrows; feel free to have your archers fill their quivers with them."
Yoshimo and Nalia filled their quivers with fire arrows from the barrel Captain Arat indicated.
"Nalia, we must rest for at least a few hours before we enter the keep. We have been riding hard for almost 2 days. We need to rest to ensure we are fresh when we face your enemies."
"Jeral, we must go now."
"Nalia, if we enter tired and unprepared we will die. I know you want to race in but we must rest and prepare. You know I am right."
Sighing heavily Nalia nodded her agreement. "You are right Jeral. Captain Arat, wake us in 6 hours. Have food prepared for when we wake."
Anomen and Viconia went through the camp and tended to the wounded soldiers as best they could before they slept. Everyone else just lay down in the hay and fell quickly asleep.
Jeral was dreaming, he was back in Candlekeep. Imoen was showing him all the people who had died because of him. Gorion, Khalid, Dynaheir, Niklos, Sarevok. Jeral realized that it was the image of Imoen but it was not her voice.
Who are you, you are not Imoen?
The image of Imoen was replaced by that of his former captor, Irenicus.
Each night you rest uneasy. You will accept the gifts offered you. Follow if only to protect the ones you love.