For fans of a certain Helmite fighter/cleric this chapter is for you. In the game I always want Anomen in the group so I adjust his actions depending if I am playing a good or evil party.
Chapter 8: Sisters and sorrow
The next morning the Copper Coronet was once again open for business and the place was teeming with activity. Many of the newly released children were still living in the tavern and they scurried about adding some badly needed cheer to the room. Freshly scrubbed, well fed and dress in clean clothes they already looked as if they were putting the trauma of captivity behind them. The tavern, indeed the entire city, was abuzz with the news that the slavers secret base had been burned to the ground. Large crowds had flocked to the slums to look at the ashes of the building and delight in the slaver's loss of power and influence.
The party was in a cheerful mood as they discussed next steps over a breakfast of bread, sausage and cheese. Yoshimo had heard mention that parties in the Umar Hills and Trademeet had each placed calls for adventurers. Everyone agreed that they needed to move forward but for the morning everyone wanted to avoid taking the next step. It was just a time to relax and unwind, everyone was badly in need of some rest, distraction and good cheer. Anomen regaled Nalia with tales of his sister while Minsc looked at his newly cleaned sword. Evidently Licaror was promising to be well behaved in the future. Yoshimo quietly oiled his katana as he leaned back in his chair. Viconia sat at the table sitting with her eyes closed. In her hand she held a smooth black disc with purple around the edges and she ran her thumb across its smooth surface.
Jeral's eyes kept looking across the table to gaze upon Viconia. The distance between them gnawed at him. He wanted nothing more than to take the dark woman into his arms and hold her close. But without her permission he knew that he would end up with broken fingers and worse. Despite his diving healing abilities his fingers still occasionally hurt from where she broke them back at the Friendly Arm Inn. Viconia opened her eyes and gazed back at Jeral. "I thought it was considered impolite to stare." Jeral blushed and hastily averted his eyes.
Before Jeral could form a reply an all too familiar voice interrupted his thoughts.
"Coo. I think I be looking at a dead man and his foolish friends."
Minsc and Anomen leapt to their feet and held their weapons at the ready as they glared at Gaelan Bayle. Jeral looked up at the flustered looking thief as he stood breathless staring at the group. Gaelan was dressed as colorfully as always wearing a bright purple shirt with his ever present bright blue sash and tight black pants. His left hand fidgeted with the hilt of his long sword as he eyed Jeral. His entire body radiated tension as he struggled to affect a calm demeanor in front of the group.
"Good morning Gaelan, I trust you are not threatening us? Not when we are working to diligently to raise a significant amount of coin for your masters and when you are standing in front of us all alone."
Jeral spoke quietly but his words held a clear undercurrent of malice.
Gaelan quickly eyed Minsc and Anomen, licked his lips and slowly moved his hand away from his sword hilt. Once clear of the weapon he held his hands out to the sides, palms open to show he was not a threat.
"My apologies for my poor choice of words Jeral. I am not in any way a threat to you and your friends here. But I do bring news, and I fear it may be ill tidings."
Minsc and Anomen both sat back down although Anomen continued to glare at the thief.
"Please sit and join us for breakfast then. The blood sausage is excellent."
"Ah, no offense intended Jeral but I do not want to be seen with you any more than absolutely necessary. You are a man marked for death and I do not want to be caught up in any violence that finds you."
"Your words are wind little man. We all know Jeral has many enemies and it has been that way since he left Candlekeep. He keeps no secrets from us."
Gaelan nervously eyed Viconia and then his gaze returned to Jeral.
"Well the dark one may be right but you have still made yourself a new enemy, a powerful one."
Jeral looked bored and took another bite of his breakfast before he replied.
"Gaelan, I tire of your meandering. Just tell us what you came to tell us and be done with it."
"The slavers have marked you for death Jeral. They know it was you who burned down their base in the city last night."
Jeral shrugged his shoulders as he continued to eat his breakfast.
"I am not here to make friends. I am here to raise funds to rescue my sister."
"Aye, but understand that this may make that more difficult. The slavers have offered a huge bounty for you, Hendak and all the others. They pledge to kill or enslave everyone in the Copper Coronet."
"Should I be worried about the allegiance of your employer?"
"No. He has need of you and nothing will change that. I know not why but you do not have an enemy in us."
Anomen snorted, "How can we take the word of a thief?"
Gaelan returned the Helmite's stare with an equally fierce one of his own.
"I do not expect any of you to trust me but know that our interests align, and as long as they do we are allies of a sort. Know that they know all of your names and have marked all of you for death. All save one."
The last comment caused Jeral to put his fork down and eye the short thief attentively.
"Who?"
"The Lady Nalia de'Arnise. The bounty notice says that she is to come to no harm. It provides a detailed description of her down to the color of her mage robes. The rest of you are to die but she is to live the bounty notice was quite insistent on that last bit."
Five heads turned to gaze at the young freckled face mage. Her face reddened as she looked around helplessly.
"Is there anything you would like to tell us Nalia?"
"Jeral, I swear on my father's grave that I have nothing to do with the slavers. I have no idea why they would want to spare my life. "
"She speaks the truth Jeral. I can tell when you surfacers attempt to lie, and this one speaks the truth. It is likely that the slavers are reluctant to kill one of the noble class for that would bring undue attention to their activities."
Gaelan nodded at Viconia's comment.
"The drow speaks true Jeral. The slavers can kill the rest of you lot without any public uproar. Even the Squire would not be missed over much. Adventurers come and go around a place like this without too much fuss."
"Very well Gaelan, thank you for the information. We will stop by soon with additional funds."
"I will be waiting. Good day to you all." With a slight bow Gaelan turned and quickly strode from the tavern. The group sat in subdued silence as they all digested the news. Breakfast lay forgotten on the table. Jeral's good mood was forgotten and he sat quietly brooding over Viconia and worrying about Imoen.
A short time later a man in a faded servant's livery entered the Coronet and rapidly approached the table.
Yoshimo nudged Jeral with his leg under the table and slightly inclined his head.
"Someone else approaches."
Jeral quietly watched the man approach. He was middle aged painfully thin and his close cropped hair was more grey than black. He was attired in servant's livery although his uniform was threadbare and badly in need of a cleaning. He approached the table reluctantly and cleared his throat.
"Ahem, beg pardon sire. Anomen Delryn, son of the Lord Cor Delryn, I bring news."
Anomen stood and faced the servant, the smile left his face as he gazed at the servant for his face clearly indicated that he bore ill tidings.
"Teril, no need for such formality with me, what brings you here? It has been far too long."
"Dire news I am afraid sire. You must come home immediately."
"What is wrong?"
"Sire, you need to return home, your father will explain. I should not speak out of turn for it is not my place."
The Helmite grabbed the smaller man by his jacket and started to shake him. The servant let out a pitiful squeak as he made no move to pull away.
"Damn you Teril, what is wrong?"
Anomen's face was turning red with rage. The rest of the party could only watch the drama unfold in silence.
"Your sister, sire, it concerns your sister."
"What about Moria Teril? Tell me. I must know. Is she sick? Has she been harmed? I can pray to Helm for many cures, I am sure I can help her."
Teril shook his head slightly and looked down at the ground.
"You cannae help sire for she is dead. It pains me to even say the words but she is dead. The Lady Moria is dead. You must come home, please come home at once. Lord Cor will tell you the rest. I cannot say any more. I have already overstepped my bounds and your father will be cross with me."
Anomen released his grip on Teril and leaned back heavily on the table scattering dishes and mugs as he did so. All the color drained from his face. He slowly turned to Jeral.
"I must leave you for a time. I must return home to attend to my sister Jeral."
"Would you like some company?"
Anomen nodded slightly. "That would be welcome."
"Very well, then we will go with you."
Anomen nodded his thanks and followed Teril out of the Coronet. Jeral and the others hastily wolfed down a few last bites of their food and then raced out of the tavern after Anomen.
The Delryn estate was located in the Government District a few blocks off the main plaza. It was a large estate but it was badly in need of maintenance and repair. The grey slate roof was missing dozens of tiles and a couple shutters hung at odd angles of broken hinges. The entire home needed a coat of paint and a good cleaning. It looked shabby next to the well maintained estates to either side of it. Unlike the estates nearby there were no guards visible in front of the house.
Yoshimo leaned in close and whispered to Jeral, "Clearly the Delryn family has fallen on hard times."
Jeral nodded absently at the bounty hunter's words, "It certainly looks that way Yoshimo."
Anomen led the way inside past the shabbily attired doorman. The party entered the home and the inside of the house matched the exterior. High quality carpets and tapestries lay soiled and uncleaned. Discolored rectangles on the walls indicated where paintings had been removed and probably sold. The furnishings were a haphazard mix of valuable pieces and low quality fare. The sounds of heavy coughing drew Anomen to the sitting room off the entry foyer. Anomen strode into the room and the group quietly trailed a few steps behind the distraught Squire.
"Ahhhhhhh, the prodigal son returns. Have a drink with me boy."
"Thank you but no father, the sun is barely over the walls to the city."
"Spare me your pieties boy, I am in mourning and may drink whenever I wish."
Jeral noted that Lord Cor looked much like Anomen, just a shrunken, bitter, older version of Anomen. He still had a full head of hair although it was grey and his beard was straggly and unkempt. He wore a matching outfit of dark grey velvet that was soiled and showed signs of heavy wear. He held a crystal goblet of wine in an unsteady hand as he drunkenly ranted on about how Moria had been killed days earlier in the house and that she had already been cremated.
"Why was I not told about Moria earlier?" Anomen snapped.
"Watch your tone with me boy. I will brook no disrespect in my own home!"
Chastened Anomen reddened and mumbled a half hearted apology under is breath.
"You are not an easy man to track down boy. I sent a runner to the Order but those fools did not know where you were. That is over and done with now. Her ashes are on the shrine with your mother's. Pay your respects and then come back to me and I will give you the full tale of what happened." He dismissed Anomen with a wave and downed his goblet in a loud smacking of lips.
Anomen headed to the shrine and knelt down. He prayed and wept over his dear sister's ashes.
Moria, I am sorry I was not here more for you. Know that I am well and have met some people that adventure at my side in the service of Helm. I have also met a girl that I like, a girl a lot like you. Her name is Lady Nalia de'Arnise and I had hoped to introduce her to you some day.
Jeral and the others waited with Lord Cor in his library. He sat in a comfortable chair and drank steadily from a bottle of strong spirits. He made no effort to provide for his guests or engage in conversation.
Anomen returned to the study, his eyes were red and his voice wavered when he spoke.
"What happened father? How did my sister die?"
"She was cut down in our own home, in the kitchen. Someone came into my home and slit her throat from ear to ear. It is an outrage, I consider it a personal insult."
"Where were the guards?"
"There have been financial setbacks, certain business ventures have not worked out. It is all very complicated and I will not bore you with the details. Just know that cuts were required. I cut back on the staff, there are no more guards for there is no coin to pay them."
"But I see you have plenty for the expensive wines you drink by the barrel!"
Anomen's father lurched to his feet and roared at his son.
"Watch your tone boy! I will not brook any disrespect from you. It is bad enough you shamed me and your mother by turning your back on the family and running off to hide in the church."
Anomen's face reddened as he started to open his mouth and bellow back at his father. Nalia slid up next to Anomen and laced her fingers in his left hand. He looked down at his hand and then looked at the young mage. She just smiled and squeezed his hand. Anomen took a deep calming breath and asked for Helm to give him the strength to remain calm. In a lower voice he replied to his father.
"So my Lord, who killed her? Who killed Moria?"
Lord Cor sat back down heavily and drained another goblet of wine.
"You finally ask the right question. But isn't the answer obvious? All of the financial setbacks, all of the poor business decisions, all of the customers who have abandoned me, it all was a plot against me. It was that bastard Sarek, well more likely some cut throat in his employ for I cannot imagine that ponce getting his hands dirty. You know Sarek Farhaad is out to ruin me. He is out to destroy our family business, has been for years."
"But why Moria father? This makes no sense. Why strike down Moria? Where is the business gain in that?"
Anomen's father threw his goblet against the wall and it shattered in a thousand pieces leaving a red stain on the wall that reminded Jeral far too much of blood. He raised a shaking arm and pointed it accusingly at Anomen.
"Damn you boy! Enough with the babbling and the questions. This is a time for action and not words. Listen to me for once in your worthless life. Sarek ruined me. He ruined me and he killed your sister. He must die, this I command. These ruffians with you should do just fine, they look like heartless killers. I suspect there is wealth for all of us in the Farhaad Estate. We can have my revenge and restore my fortunes in one fell swoop."
Lord Cor gleefully rubbed his hands together as he spoke of his restored fortunes.
Wordlessly Anomen pulled his hand away from Nalia, turned on his heel, and stormed out of the estate. Jeral and the others quickly raced after him. Jeral jogged up to stand next to Anomen as he rapidly strode through he Government District.
"Anomen, where are we going?"
"The Council building, they must have some information on Moria's death. The magistrate is an honest woman and she will speak clearly on this matter."
The magistrate was a tall woman who looked Anomen in the eye. She was clad in a suit of silvered chain mail atop a dark blue dress and carried a rapier on her right hip. Her hair was black and fell down to the middle of her back. She looked like an experienced warrior and someone not to be angered.
Anomen stormed into the Council building. It soon became clear that the authorities had investigated extensively but had found no proof of who killed Moria. They had no good suspects. Based on Lord Cor's accusations they had interviewed Sarek Farhaad and he claimed no knowledge of the crime.
Anomen reddened and left the Council building with Nalia chasing after him.
"Magistrate, is there no information on the murder? Anything that might indicate who killed this poor girl or why?" Jeral inquired.
"Very little. The killer entered a locked home without breaking in and knifed the poor girl in the kitchen. It is not clear if she was the target of if she was just in the wrong place at the wrong time."
"Could it have been Sarek Farhaad or someone in his employ?"
"Anything is possible, but I consider that unlikely. The enmity between him and Cor Delryn is well known, but Sarek has already won. Between poor business decisions and his conflict with Sarek Lord Cor is almost bankrupt. His wealth is gone and his reputation is in tatters. So why stoop to murder? It does not seem likely. Please do know that if Anomen does anything rash he will be arrested. Regardless of his motives he may not harm a member of the nobility."
"Nor," she added looking at Jeral and the others, "may anyone else act on his behalf. Should anything accidentally happen to Sarek I will consider all of you the likely suspects."
Nodding his thanks Jeral left the building in pursuit of Anomen followed by Viconia, Minsc and Yoshimo. The quartet spent the remainder of the day questioning people around the Delryn estate. Finding no new information they headed back to the Copper Coronet with the setting sun. During dinner Anomen drank heavily and said little. After dinner he only drank faster.
"What God allows foul ones such as my father and Sarek to live while fair creatures such as Moira are cut down? By Helm I will have my revenge!"
Anomen's fist crashed down on the table sending mugs and plates flying. The patrons at the neighboring tables gazed curiously at the scene unfolding in front of them and a hush fell over the common room. Anomen abruptly pushed back from the table and stood up before he unsteadily weaved his way upstairs.
Jeral leaned across the table and grasped Nalia's forearm tightly.
"Nalia, you and Minsc must ensure he does not hurt himself or leave the tavern this evening. Do whatever you have to do but keep him here."
Nalia nodded grimly as she stood up from the table.
"Very well Jeral. But why me?"
"Anomen should listen to you Nalia if he will listen to any of us. You may not realized it but he is smitten with you. Should he not fall for your charm then Minsc can knock him out if he does not listen to reason. Viconia, Yoshimo and I are going to go run some errands and see if we can find some more answers."
"Very well Jeral, I will do all I can for Squire Anomen. He deserves no less from me."
"Thank you Nalia. Can I ask one more boon of you?"
"What else could you possibly need me to do Jeral? I am sure I will not have time for anything else beyond ensuring Squire Anomen does not do anything foolish."
"May I carry your magic license for the evening?"
"Jeral, as I told you previously my magic license is on file at the Council Building, my father purchased it for me when I was just a little girl. Thanks to him I am a properly licensed wizard authorized to use limited magic within the city. As one of my hirelings the rights on my license do cover your activities as well. The Cowled Wizards should know that, so you should not be bothered if you use limited spells within the city. I must go, Anomen needs me."
Blushing, Nalia nodded farewell and quickly rose from the tables to head upstairs. Carrying a plate piled high with food Minsc departed from the table and headed after Nalia.
Jeral began to make plans with Viconia and Yoshimo. After chatting for a time the three headed upstairs and returned wearing their darkest clothes. Viconia and Yoshimo wore their armor, although Viconia left her small shield and helm in her room. Jeral left his armor in his room in case he had a need for spell casting. Suitably attired the three headed out into the night.
At such a late hour the Bridge District was almost deserted. The bloody guild war ensured that few dared venture out past dark unless absolutely necessary. Even the prostitutes, everyday ruffians and bounty hunters huddled inside for safety. The target for the evening was immediately visible once they arrived in the district. The Farhaad estate was huge and was almost as wide as the great bridge that was the Bridge District's namesake. Local gossip told that the Farhaad family descended from corsairs. The first Lord Farhaad was a pirate captain centuries ago who struck it rich and decided to abandon his life on the sea and become a legitimate merchant. With sufficient wealth he bought his way into the nobility but he established the family home in the Bridge District to ensure they never forgot their seafaring roots. The current Lord Farhaad had a reputation as an aggressive businessman who would stop at nothing to close a deal.
The mansion was opulent and three stories tall. Ornate carvings of mermaids and other fanciful sea creatures adorned every exposed surface. Large double doors were flanked by four guards while a small staircase on the side of the building led to a second door on the top floor of the estate. The side stairwell was guarded by a pair of armed guards lounging in the alley. The entire estate was illuminated by ornate silver lanterns that dotted the exterior of the building.
"No killing unless absolutely necessary." Jeral hissed.
"I still fail to see the dilemma, if the killer eludes justice then kill him and all who stand with him and be done with it. One must kill all who attempt to slight family honor."
"We do not know he is guilty Viconia, I just want to talk to Sarek. No one dies unless it is unavoidable. I am not sure I trust Anomen's father."
"Very well Jaluk, if you insist."
A quick spell from Viconia and the two guards in the alley were frozen in place. Yoshimo and Jeral dragged them off to the shadows and left them securely bound and gagged but very much alive. Jeral cast a spell of invisibility on Yoshimo and waited for the inevitable Coweled Wizards to teleport in and arrest him. After determining that no arrest was forthcoming Jeral allowed himself to exhale. Unseen Yoshimo slowly worked his way up the long staircase checking for traps as he went. It was slow going but he made it to the top safely. A shrill whistle was the signal that Yoshimo had reached the top of the staircase. Viconia chanted a quick prayer and a cloud of inky blackness descended on Jeral and the drow cleric. Viconia grasped Jeral's hand and quickly led him up the stairs. Jeral's heart leapt at the simple contact and realized he was clearly taken with the Sharran.
Yoshimo picked the lock, dispelling his invisibility, and silently slid the door open after checking it for traps. Jeral slipped inside, followed by Viconia and Yoshimo. Jeral was amazed how quietly Viconia could move. Her drow heritage and great dexterity combined to make her very stealthy despite the enchanted chain mail armor she wore. She was as quiet as Yoshimo. Jeral could not quite match the other two for silent movement but his lack of armor ensured he did not make too much noise. The three quietly moved through the upper floor of the estate. The third floor was obviously the living chambers of Lord Sarek and his family. Plush carpets and elegant tapestries lined every wall and floor. Enchanted torches provide a dim smokeless light in the hallways. The trio easily avoided an inattentive roving patrol and soon found Sarek's bedchambers. Yoshimo checked the door for traps, unlocked it and silently slipped inside closely trailed by Viconia and Jeral. Sarek Farhaad was snoring loudly as the party approached. He was a large man with dark hair and an even darker beard. Yoshimo watched the door while Viconia and Jeral approached the bed.
Sarek Farhaad was having the most unusual dream. Instead of the usual dream of three or four nubile young wenches Sarek had a vivid dream of only one woman, a dark skinned beauty who pleasured him as no woman ever had. He moaned in delight and arched his back in ecstasy. The touch of cold metal snapped him out of the dream and made Sarek open his eyes wide. He looked up into the face from his dream. Smiling Sarek reached for the dark apparition. The touch of a dagger on his throat stopped him in his tracks.
Jeral leaned forward and whispered in his ear.
"Shhhhhhhhhh. Be a good boy. No sudden loud noises or movements. Lie still, we only want to talk. We will not hurt you unless you make that necessary."
"Are you here to kill me?"
Whatever else one could say about the man he had courage. He looked Jeral in the eye determined to meet his fate with dignity. His voice was quiet and clear with no sign of fear at all.
"If we wanted to kill you Lord Farhaad, well you would already be dead."
Sarek nodded in comprehension and slowly slid back on his bed.
"What do you know about the murder of Moria Delryn?"
His eyes flashed as he hissed a reply, "Nothing! Save I am disappointed that it was Moria and not Cor!"
"You are known to be business rivals. Killing the daughter could be a continuation of that business feud."
"BAH! You are an imbecile and clearly do not understand business. If you wish to kill me go ahead, for I will never cower to mere brigands. But know this first. I already had my revenge of that drunkard. I have taken his clients away and ruined his business. Watching him live in shame and poverty, while I revel in wealth and success is the best revenge of all. Besides, Moira seemed like a nice enough girl. I do not blame children for the sins of their parents. I have my own daughter so I truly mourn Moria's passing. To protect my own children from potential reprisals I have always viewed families as off limits."
Kill him! Kill him now!
The voice in Jeral's head raged as he fought against its dark influence. Shaking his head he pushed the voice from his head. Slowly, Jeral withdrew his dagger from Sarek's throat. He eyed Viconia and she inclined her head very slightly. It was clear that she believed that Sarek spoke the truth.
"I believe you Lord Farhaad. However, if I find out you lied to me I will be back, and next time you will wake up to more pain than you can ever imagine. But I digress. I apologize for this intrusion. We will be on our way. By the way, you have two guards tied up in the alley who will require assistance. And you might want to think about getting better security. These are dangerous times in the city."
"What makes you think I will let you leave thief? You have broken into my home, attacked my guards and threatened me with death. One shout will bring the guards down on your heads."
"Lord Farhaad, we have left many traps and other deadly items in your home. Once we are safely away I will have a letter delivered to you via messenger detailing where they all are. If we are not safely away then something terrible could happen to you or a loved one."
Jeral nodded once, winked, and the three silently slipped from the room. They were not noticed and were soon back at the Copper Coronet.
They had a late drink in a nearly deserted tavern to wind down after their night out.
"Jeral, I did not see you send a letter to Sarek. What about the traps?"
"Bounty Hunter you are as thick as this one. There were no traps Yoshimo. Jeral was bluffing. By the standards of the drow he is inept at the art of deception, but apparently he is quite effective at dishonesty by the admittedly low surfacer standards."
Yoshimo chuckled in amusement.
"Jeral I think a visit to the thieves' guild is in order soon. They may have work for us and it pains me to say it but I need to pay them a visit before they lose patience with my freelance activities."
"Good idea Yoshimo. We still have need of additional coin."
With that the three retired to their respective beds.
The following morning the party met for a late breakfast. Anomen and Nalia were the last to arrive at the table. Anomen looked shame faced as he approached the table.
"I wish to apologize for my actions yesterday. I have thought long and hard on this and prayed to Helm for guidance. I realize that I must have proof before I seek vengeance. I was wrong to lose my temper; I hope you can all forgive me. I, I sometimes struggle to remain on the righteous path."
"Consider it forgotten, I understand the pain of loss my friend. While I never met Moria I have suffered similar losses."
"As have I good squire." Nalia spoke those words slowly as she fought back the tears.
"Helmite, you and I may not often agree but know that we have all felt the sting of loss so we understand your pain. Whatever you decide to do about your sister know that I will be at your side." Anomen smiled weakly at Viconia and nodded his thanks.
Anomen smiled slightly and then sat down with the others. It did not escape Jeral's notice that Nalia and Anomen were seated very close together. He filed it away in his mind for future examination and resumed his meal.
"Anomen, if it makes you feel any better I believe that Sarek is innocent of any involvement in your sister's death."
"How could you possibly know that Jeral?"
"Don't ask my friend. Just know that I am quite sure that he did not kill or have your sister killed. I just know."