Despair

by JCL1371

After killing Sarevok and defeating the Iron Throne things had to settle down. Imoen got married, and she and Jeral both looked forward to well deserved peace and happiness. Apparently Irenicus had other ideas. Set in the Baldur's Gate II game this is a follow on to 'Disappointment' and tells the story of Jeral the bard and his companions.

11. A Helmite and a Sharran go for a walk

Chapter 11: A Helmite and a Sharran go for a walk

After the prior night's raucous celebration morning came far too early for most. Individually, each made their way downstairs for a late breakfast. Jeral, Minsc, Nalia and Yoshimo all staggered into the common room, each looking worse than the one who preceded them. Only Viconia and Anomen looked none the worse for wear, as both came downstairs dressed for a day's work fully armed and armored. Even Boo looked out of sorts as he dozed on the table in front of a clearly hungover Minsc. Bernard brought over a handful of mugs of steaming coffee. As the group looked at him quizzically he smiled reassuringly, showing a mouth full of yellowed teeth and the remains of his own breakfast.

"This is the strongest coffee I have; it should give you a boost and help you start your day properly. It looked like quite the celebration last night, I hope this helps."

Jeral weakly nodded his thanks and took a sip from his mug. The coffee was thick as honey and burned going down. Renewed energy surged through his body and his headache faded to the back of his mind. However it only lingered there for a moment before it roared right back to where it started. Jeral belched and struggled to keep down his dinner from the night before.

"I think I am going to take a day and recover a bit. My apologies all, please excuse me."

Jeral weakly got to his feet, picked up his mug, and unsteadily headed back upstairs. Yoshimo and Nalia soon followed him, each looking even worse than Jeral did. Minsc did not get up from the table; instead he laid his head down on the table and was soon fast asleep, his snores ruffling Boo's fur with each massive rumbling breath.

Anomen and Viconia eyed one another across the table as they broke their fast and drank their coffee. After finishing his meal Anomen rose to his feet and extended his arm to Viconia.

"Since it appears that we are the only two who did not over indulge last night will you join me for a walk on this fine morning?"

Viconia rolled her eyes at the formal request but bit back any sarcastic response. Nodding once she rose to her feet and pulled the hood of her cloak over her head, leaving her face covered in deep shadow.

"Very well, I have learned not to wander the streets on my own. Do lead on Helmite."

Anomen led the way outdoors into the bright morning sun. He removed his helmet and breathed deeply in the morning air. He strapped his helmet to a thong on his belt and strode slowly through the streets. He and Viconia walked in companionable silence for some time until Viconia noticed where they were heading.

"Helmite, why are we heading to the Bridge District?"

"I am just out for a walk to get some exercise. I must maintain my stamina for long field marches with the Order so a day on my feet is suitable practice. This direction seems as suitable as any."

"So the fact that Sarek Farhaad and his family have their estate in the district is of no concern to you?"

Anomen scowled as he eyed Viconia darkly.

"Are you a witch? How can you possibly know what is on my mind?"

Viconia laughed delightedly at the Helmite's accusation. Her laugh reminded him of his sister when they used to play in the fountain as children. Something about the laugh just spoke to pure joy.

Viconia quickly recovered her composure and walked closer to Anomen. Standing right next to him she spoke quietly as they walked side by side.

"Understand this male, your type are generally easy to understand. Men are usually focused on their pride or their desires. Once someone understands that, determining their actions is child's play itself. You can no more hide your secrets from me than a tree can hide from the sun."

"So you are telling me that you understand my pride and desires? How can someone from your world understand anything of mine?"

"Of course I can see your pride and desires Anomen. Despite what you would believe my world was not that much different from this one. All people, all living beings, have something that drives them; once you take the time to determine what that is everything else falls into place. You are easier to read than most, for you wear your emotions near the surface. You also have no taste for obfuscation for you are an honest man."

"Of course, I have always spoken the truth and that will never change."

"That is well and good, but sometimes you give your enemies too much to use against you."

"I will not lie, I am not like you." Anomen retorted sharply.

"And more is the pity; however I am not asking you to lie so do not get defensive with me. I am telling you that by keeping a better reign on your emotions you can improve your odds of getting whatever it is that you most desire. Silence can often be as effective as a lie and it would not go against your principles or your precious Order."

Anomen walked on in silence and Viconia sensed that she was getting through to the Squire.

"You are a devout follower of Helm, are you not?"

"You know that I am."

"Does your Watcher God reveal all to you?"

"Of course not, he reveals only what he feels I am worthy to know."

"Or perhaps, he wants his followers to learn for themselves. The time will come where silence will serve you as well as a lie serves me. Just consider my words."

Looking to change the subject Anomen shook his head and asked the question that had bothered him since the start of their conversation.

"Viconia, what is it I most desire? Please do tell me." Anomen asked through a voice heavy with skepticism.

"You want three things male. You want revenge, honor, and love."

Anomen did not respond to Viconia so she continued.

"The thirst for revenge is obvious. You rightly mourn for your sister's loss and yearn to avenge her. That is understandable, we drow understand revenge very well. You believe that Sarek had a role in your sister's death so you would welcome the chance to kill him. The blood price must be paid; someone must die for your sister's death."

"He cannot get away with it, he cannot." Anomen clenched his fists tightly and his handsome face flashed red with anger.

"Calm yourself Helmite. As we have already told you Sarek did not play a role in your sister's death. You must believe me. I looked into the man's eyes and saw no deception there. I have yet to meet a surfacer who can lie to me."

Anomen stopped walking and turned to stare at Viconia.

"When did you see Sarek?"

"The night Nalia and Minsc kept you company Jeral, Yoshimo, and I paid him a visit. We waited until very late in the evening, incapacitated his guards, broke into his home, and stole into his bed chamber. I interrogated him with a knife to his throat and he said he had nothing to do with your sister's death. He spoke the truth. No matter how much you want to believe otherwise know that he is innocent of that crime."

Anomen stepped back a step and gawked at Viconia in astonishment. "You did what?"

"You heard me Helmite. Sarek did not do it; no one in his employ did either. But know this, when we find out who murdered your sister I will aid you in your quest for revenge. I do not tolerate violence against females. Consider me an ally when the time comes to repay that debt in blood. We may disagree on many things but not on the need for revenge."

Anomen swallowed once, nodded his appreciation and continued walking down the street.

"So that is my thirst for revenge?"

"Correct."

"So my desire for honor must be my desire for Knighthood by the Order."

"Correct again. Although I cannot imagine why that matters so much to you. You are already one of Helm's chosen. From what I know of your Watcher God he does not bestow his gifts lightly; that seems like more of an accomplishment than any membership in an Order such as that of the Radiant Heart."

"Just know that is does. I would not speak of it more."

"Fair enough, it is your life to live."

"I must admit that you are very perceptive my lady, however I fear you are mistaken on the last one. With my sister gone there is no one left for me to love. I am very much alone in the world and I have no interest in the vapid young ladies that frequent the social circles in Athkatla. I care nothing for fashion and gossip and the other trivialities that fill a young woman's head."

Viconia chuckled deep in her throat and looked up at Anomen. She looked deeply in his eyes and stared for a long moment. Smiling, she broke eye contact and started walking again. Anomen hurried to keep up.

"You really believe that Helmite? Can you be so blind to the wishes of your own heart?"

"I do believe that my lady, for it is the truth."

"Well I can tell that you are falling in love, I see all the signs. Fortunately for you it seems like the lady in question reciprocates your affections."

Anomen furrowed his brow for a second before his eyes opened wide in realization.

"You mean Lady Nalia don't you?"

"Of course I do fool. I see how you look at her. We all see how you look at her. You are both of noble birth, both have suffered loss, both are adrift without family in this world. You are extremely well matched."

"Even if I feel that way about her…."

"You do." Viconia interrupted.

"Even if I feel that way about her it does not matter, for I am sure she would never care for one such as me."

"Are you really that much of a fool Anomen? Insecurity does not suit you. You males are so blind. I see how she looks at you, she lights up when you enter the room. It is only a matter of time before the two of you are together. From what I have seen you are a healthy male specimen and she has noticed the same."

Anomen did not reply but a slight smile was on his face for the remainder of their walk through the district. He slowed down and allowed Viconia to guide them as they continued their stroll. By midmorning they had reached the large wooden arches the indicated the entrance to the Bridge District.

The Bridge District looked much more prosperous and inviting during daylight. Unfortunately, there was a dark side as well even on a bright morning. A dozen soldiers stood at the entrance to the district interviewing people before they could enter. According to their militia lieutenant, a tall man named Agesfield, a series of bloody murders had occurred recently. Each morning there were new victims discovered. The victims were killed at some point during the night and their skin removed for some assuredly vile reason. Anomen wanted to investigate immediately. Viconia was reluctant until the lieutenant mentioned a reward.

Anomen stated that they would be honored to investigate and they set out to search for answers. After a few awkward conversations with merchants and people on the street Anomen was forced to step back and allow Viconia to take the lead. Viconia started to walk amongst the crowds and Anomen marveled as he watched her. She used a mix of bribes, flattery, and intimidation to get people to talk. He watched as she instinctively knew what approach worked on each individual. She flattered the vein, bribed the greedy, and threatened the craven.

"She is quite an impressive woman, isn't she? She can talk her way into or out of anything, trust me for I know of what I speak."

Anomen jumped at the voice to his left and whirled to face the potential threat.

Kretor smiled and took a step back as he held his hands up away from his sides. The young thief was clad in dark brown studded leathers and a matching cloak than hung to mid thigh. He wore polished black boots that came to his knees and wore dark green breeches tucked into his boots. He wore a short sword strapped to his left thigh. Anomen could not help steal a glance at the young man's crippled right hand. Kretor dropped his hands to his sides as he stared up at the larger man.

"My apologies for the shock, good Squire Anomen. I can never resist the opportunity to approach someone unnoticed. With this poor excuse for a right hand I can no longer climb walls or crack safes but I can still move very well."

Anomen scowled briefly before he started to chuckle. He lowered his shield and returned his flail to the hook on his belt.

"You have me quite the start Kretor. Please do not do that to me again for I nearly soiled myself."

"Jokes? I did not expect such a warm reception from you. Seems out of character for a noble squire of the Order when dealing with the likes of me."

Anomen sighed deeply as he eyed the young guild member.

"I know I did not make a good impression when I met your mother, forgive me. I am learning that things are often not as clear cut as they initially appear. While I cannot approve of your profession, or most of your kind, I can appreciate that you and your mother are not without some redeeming qualities."

"You speak with great wisdom Squire Anomen, my mother will be so pleased to know she has redeeming qualities, as am I."

"Mock as you wish, just know I do hope I am learning to see complexity in the world where I did not expect to see it. What brings you out today?"

"The same thing as you I suspect. The guild sent me to investigate the murders here to determine if they are the work of the rival guild that threatens us."

"From what Jeral told me the rival guild leaves no trace of their victims behind. This seems very different for these victims are skinned and their corpses are left behind as a very visible symbol to terrorize others."

"Well regardless of the differences Renal sent me to look into it so here I am. Until I can get more skilled with my left hand I am of limited use so I am happy to have a role to play. Those who cannot earn their keep are cast out so I need to make myself useful in any way possible."

Viconia shook hands with a heavyset man in the crowd and quickly started to walk deeper into the Bridge District. Anomen and Kretor hastened to follow. The pair had reached an unspoken agreement that they would investigate together.

The men watched as Viconia started speaking to streetwalkers loitering in the shadows of the seedier buildings. At this hour of the morning most were still recovering from their efforts the night before. After speaking with a half dozen women, and handing out some gold, Viconia returned to Anomen and Kretor.

If she was surprised to see Kretor there she gave no indication.

"There was apparently a witness to the most recent murder. We are looking for a streetwalker who goes by the name of Rose."

"I know the lass, our mothers were friends years ago. She lives with her mum in a room above the potion master's shop. They are at the far end of the district, follow me."

Kretor set a brisk pace as he strode through the crowds. Despite his short stature he moved quickly and Anomen found himself striding rapidly to keep pace. After a brisk walk the trio arrived at the potion master's shop. The potion master was an elderly gnome and his store was stocked with hundreds of different potions in flasks of different sizes and shapes. Liquids of different colors and viscosity were everywhere as they eyed the impressive looking shop.

"The stairs to the apartments are in the alley. I will pop up and see if Rose is around. You two see if anything strikes your fancy, for these are the best potions in the city. I will be right back."

Kretor quickly walked around the side of the building while the pair entered the shop. Once inside they heard gentle knocking on an upstairs door as Kretor looked for Rose.

"Can I help you two find anything?"

Viconia and Anomen looked down to see a wizened old gnome beaming up at them. He was dressed in colorful purple robes and wore a bandolier of wicked looking darts around his chest. The darts perched precariously on his massive stomach. Unlike most gnomes the one standing before them was clean shaven, save for a large white handlebar mustache that drooped down to the middle of his chest.

Viconia threw her hood back around her shoulders and glared down at the gnome. He gasped and took a step back as he clutched for one of the darts on his bandolier. Anomen quickly stepped forward and placed himself between the pair. Dropping to a knee he looked the gnome in the eye.

"Master gnome, I am Squire Anomen Delryn of the Most Noble Order of the Radiant Heart and I swear to Helm that Viconia is not a danger to you. She is an outcast from her people."

Looking into the eyes of the earnest young Helmite the gnome relaxed and dropped his hands from his bandolier. Looking from Anomen to Viconia the gnome stroked his mustache absently as he eyed the pair curiously.

"My apologies good drow. I have heard tales of your people and how they have massacred my kind in the underdark. For a moment it was as if the tales from my childhood had come to life in my very own shop. Gave me a bit of a start it did."

"If you knew me in my old life you would be wise to fear me gnome, for we hunted your kin down for our amusement. However, I have left that life behind, so I have no quarrel with you or any of your ilk. In fact, I see a few potions here that strike my fancy. I have recently come into a sizeable amount of coin and am willing to part with much of it this morning."

The gnome smiled at the sight of a potential customer and twisted the ends of his mustache around his fingers.

"Well we cannot do business as strangers, for that would be uncivilized. I am Stenerud Jansen the greatest potions master in Athkatla. It is a pleasure to meet you both. If I do not have the potion you require I can likely brew it for a suitable fee."

"Excellent master gnome. Let us do business."

Anomen paced around the store waiting for Kretor to return. He tried to tune out the sounds of Viconia and Stenerud bickering by the counter. Apparently the pair both lived to haggle because it sounded like they were arguing over minute differences in cost with a passion that seemed better suited for more weighty issues. While the pair threatened each other regularly they never quite came to blows and their transactions were finally completed.

Viconia strode over to Anomen and clapped him genially on the shoulder. As she pulled her hand back she smiled wryly.

"Remind me not to do that again. Plate mail is not something I wish to hit again, even in celebration."

"What are we celebrating Viconia?"

"That gnome apparently is in awe of your precious Order. Even though it is obvious I have nothing to do with a group of paladins and do gooders he gave me the same discount he provides to them. I was able to get a potions case, some strong healing droughts, and a few nastier as well for an exceptional price. All in all this has been a most productive trip, regardless of the outcome of our investigations."

Viconia led the way outside and the pair milled around until Kretor trotted back down the stairs on the side of the building. Wordlessly he headed back towards the middle of the district. Viconia and Anomen flanked the short man as he walked quickly to the tanner's shop. The tanner's shop was a decrepit looking building on the very edge of the bridge. The door opened on the side of the bridge so anyone leaving the shop had a spectacular view of the water. The door to the shop was closed and the sign was not hanging from the post next to the door.

"It looks like the tanner is closed this morning."

Kretor looked at the Helmite and dropped to a knee. He withdrew his lock picks and started working on the door. He struggled and dropped his tools twice as he worked to pick the lock using his undamaged left hand.

"What are you doing?" Anomen hissed, "Are you trying to bring the watch down on our heads?"

Anomen envisioned his expulsion from the Order as he looked around warily for the guards. Fortunately no one came to the far edge of the bridge so Kretor was afforded the time to work on the lock without interruption.

With a quick cry of success Kretor pocketed his tools, stood up, and opened the door to the tanner's shop. Before he could enter Anomen laid a heavy gauntlet on his shoulder and roughly turned him around.

"Before you take another step you must tell us what we are doing, and why? I will not break the law unless there is an exceptionally good reason."

Kretor roughly brushed Anomen's hand off his shoulder and rounded on the Helmite. Viconia smoothly slid between the two men and shook her head.

"Be calm males. Anomen, fighting with Kretor will not get us anywhere, let me handle this. Kretor, the Helmite is right. You do owe us an explanation before we can break into the tanner's shop. Something Rose said led us here, so what did she say?"

"She said she saw him. She said she saw everything."

"Speak clearly male, and quickly."

Kretor took a deep breath and looked from Viconia to Anomen and back again.

"Very well. Rose was very busy yesterday. Lots of men with money to spend. She stayed out later than planned with one last customer. She was leaning up against a wall while the customer did what he paid to do and she saw the tanner slit a man's throat. After the body hit the ground the tanner quickly skinned him on the far side of the bridge. She was too terrified to cry out but she saw everything. Enough people know that she was a witness that her life is likely in danger. I am going into his shop to put a stop to his crimes."

"Did she tell the authorities?"

Viconia and Kretor both shot Anomen withering looks.

"Helmite do not be a simpleton. There is no justice for women like Rose. The authorities would not believe anything she said and if they did it would just put her life at even greater risk."

Kretor gaped open mouthed at Viconia, "That is exactly what Rose said she wanted to tell the authorities but the other girls told her no one would believe her."

Viconia smirked and hefted her war hammer. Kretor drew his short sword with his left hand and led the way into the tanner's shop. Anomen reluctantly readied the Flail of Ages and trailed the pair into the shop.

The stench was overwhelming as they entered the shop. The shop was poorly illuminated from a grimy lantern hanging from a hook on the far side of the room. Hides of a dozen different types on animals were stacked high around the room, others hung from the wall or lay on stretching racks. Dried blood, fur and skinning knives lay strewn across the room. A ladder led to a small loft above the chamber. The shop was quiet and lifeless; there was no sign of the tanner. All in all it looked perfectly ordinary - disgusting and foul - but perfectly ordinary.

"Perhaps he is away right now."

"I do not think so Anomen. If the tanner is the murderer then he was up very late last night. I cannot imagine he would be out and about so early in the day. Remain still while I take a look around."

Kretor sheathed his blade and started slowly looking around the room. He carefully scanned the floor, walls, and ceiling as he did so. In one corner of the room Kretor dropped into a crouch and carefully scanned the floor for a few long moments. He lay down flat on the floor and ran his hands over the grimy floor. Smiling he hopped to his feet and wiped his hands on a white sheepskin on the wall. Trails of dark brown remained when he pulled his hands away.

"There is a trapdoor over here, incredibly well made. In all my years I have never seen anything this good. I almost missed it."

"Can you open it?"

"Course I can open it Anomen. I still got one good hand."

Kretor ran a slim blade around the edges of the door and gently tapped on it. After a few moments he found a small depression and pressed down on it. With a click the entire section of floor rose a couple inches. Kretor wedged his fingers under one side and slowly swung the heavy trap door open as he rose to his feet.

THWAAAAACK!

A large crossbow bolt shot out from the darkness below and buried into the center of Kretor's chest. With a moan the thief fell back onto the floor and lay still. Viconia raced to his side and dropped her hammer and small shield to the ground as she sat down beside him. She held the back of her hand to Kretor's nose for a moment.

"He lives, but just. Come here Helmite, for we will need to do this together if we hope to save his life."

"What about whomever is down there?"

"They will wait, put something heavy on the trap door and come here."

Anomen pushed a heavy pile of furs over the trap door as Viconia chanted a quick incantation. Blue energy washed out of her hands into Kretor.

"That should hold him until we remove the quarrel. Sit him up."

Anomen gently pulled Kretor into a sitting position as Viconia examined the wound.

"I can see the head of the quarrel. It went all the way through. Push it in deeper so I can break off the bolt head."

Anomen quickly complied and the quarrel wetly slid deeper into Kretor's chest. Viconia snapped the head off the quarrel and tossed it across the room.

"Slowly withdraw the bolt."

Anomen slowly started pulling the bolt back out of Kretor's chest. Viconia started chanting as the bolt withdrew from his back and watched as the wound closed in front of her. Once the bolt was all the way out Viconia held Kretor upright while Anomen closed the wound in the front of his chest. Once the entrance and exit wounds were closed they laid him back down on the floor and cast a few more incantations to heal his internal injuries.

The pair rose to their feet as they watched Kretor's chest rise and fall slowly as the color returned to his face. After a few moments he opened his eyes and sat up slowly, rubbing his chest as he did so. Anomen extended a hand and helped him to his feet.

"I thought I was done for."

"You were moments from death; fortunately for you two exceptional healers happened to be in the same room as you when you triggered the trap."

Kretor shook his head grimly.

"That was no trap. I checked and there were no wires or pressure plates anywhere around the door. Anomen, you have my thanks. Viconia, this is twice you have saved my life. I pray I can return the favor at some point."

Viconia picked up her hammer and shield and eyed her companions.

"There is no chance of surprise at this point. Let us make ready and see what awaits us below.

Anomen removed his helmet from his belt and placed it firmly on his head. He then quickly pushed the pile of furs off the trap door and stood ready. Kretor reached down to open the trap door again. As he slowly pulled it open Anomen slid his shield in front of the lightly armored thief.

KLANG!

A crossbow bolt shot out of the darkness and noisily struck Anomen's shield. It did not penetrate the heavy oaken shield and bounced harmlessly to the side.

Anomen muttered a quick incantation and the room was immediately bathed in a while cleansing light.

"For Helm!"

Anomen bellowed loudly and dropped through the open trapdoor into the unknown.

"Halt fiend!"

Anomen bellowed again and then Viconia and Kretor heard a loud crash as metal tore into armor, flesh and bone. They heard the sound of Anomen's flail hitting the floor an instant before he did.

Feeling an unexpected rage building in her chest Viconia pushed Kretor to the side, tightened the grip on her war hammer and dropped through the trap door. As she landed she dropped to a knee and took in the scene in front of her. Anomen was lying prone on the ground with a greasy looking man standing over him with a skinning knife. Anomen's left leg was caught in a massive metal bear trap and blood poured from the rents in his armor. The greasy man was struggling to remove the strap from Anomen's helmet so he could remove it from his head.

Unwilling to spare the time for a proper swing Viconia punched out with her war hammer and caught the tanner a glancing blow in the shoulder. The knife dropped out if his hand and he nimbly rolled away. As he rose to his feet he sneered and pulled a pair of knives out of his heavy leather blood stained apron.

Viconia rose to her feet and stepped over Anomen, placing herself between the fallen Helmite and the tanner. She assumed a defensive stance and twirled her war hammer menacingly.

The tanner licked his lips in expectation.

"I have never worked with skin like yours before, never, never. I think it would make a lovely set of under things for me. Would you like to be that close to me and my naughty bits forever my dear?"

Viconia scowled and started towards the man as he skipped backwards away from her. Viconia paused mid-stride as she noticed that the tanner was stepping gingerly and in a clearly rehearsed pattern. Sensing danger Viconia stopped moving and watched the man carefully.

Unnoticed, Kretor dropped through the trapdoor and landed on the floor next to Anomen. The instant he landed he flung a knife at the tanner. It struck him in the stomach but barely penetrated his heavy leather apron.

"Fools, you will not distract me from my work. Follow if you dare!"

Pulling Kretor's blade from his stomach he dropped it to the ground and disappeared through yet another trap door and he descended to a lower, yet unseen level.

"Be still Kretor, this room is definitely heavily trapped."

Kretor nodded, dropped to the ground, and carefully scanned the room for a few moments while Viconia and Anomen tended to the Helmite's wounds. Once he completed his scan he started scuttling around the room pocking and prodding various spots on the floor. Viconia forced the bear trap open and Amomen pulled his mangled leg out of the trap. Working together the pair removed the metal greave from his lower leg and pulled the shards of metal out of his flesh. The trap had chewed deeply into his leg and the shin bone was visibly shattered.

Viconia cast a few minor healing spells that staunched the bleeding and eased the pain. Once stabilized, Anomen exhausted his own powers reassembling his shin and healing the torn muscles and flesh. When the pair was complete Amomen's lower leg was whole again. But it was a patchwork of pale pink flesh and tan healthy skin. Anomen unsteadily rose to his feet and favored the leg as he took a tentative step.

"I can walk but I will need assistance less I lose my balance."

Kretor crossed the room and handed Anomen a fine staff made of highly polished cedar.

"Must have come from one of his victims, I cannot imagine this one using something like this. It is safe to walk around the room now. There are 5 more of those bear traps hidden around the room. Nasty stuff those, looks like powerful enchantments caused them to look like part of the floor."

Anomen strapped his shield to his back, hung his flail on his belt and grasped the staff with both hands. He managed a few tentative steps without losing his balance and pronounced himself ready to proceed.

"Hold male. Before we proceed let us search this room more thoroughly."

"But the tanner will escape."

"He has a sufficient lead that he is likely gone already. Let us see if we can find anything useful."

The trio paused to take in the room for the first time. It was a small windowless room below the tanner shop. The room looked like a combination of a living chamber and secret workspace. A small bed was in the far corner next to a stand up bureau. A work table was on the opposite wall from the bed. Piles of dried skin and hair were strewn around the table and the entire piece of furniture was encrusted with dried blood.

Kretor and Viconia slowly made their way around the room picking through the bureau and the bed. She found a handful of potions and scrolls and placed them in her bag for later examination. Kretor knelt down and looked under the bed. Slowly, carefully, he pulled a tunic made out from under one of the beds. It looked almost like a night shirt made of patches of many different fabrics, although the patches were not fabrics at all. With a second glance it was clear that the tunic was made out of patches of skin from dozens of different people. Blood and tissue still clung to spots on the tunic where the tanner had not finished his work.

Kretor held it at arm's length and appeared to pale a bit at the horror in front of him.

"I have seen many dark things in my travels. More than I had ever hoped, but this is a new darkness." His voice was shaky as she struggled to regain his composure.

Overcome by the evil displayed before his eyes Anomen limped off to vomit in the corner while Viconia closely inspected the tunic. She ran her hands over the tunic and examined the stitching closely.

"I am impressed, this is fine work. Dark magics can make enchanted armor from human skin that is worn by the darkest of mages and assassins. This has yet to be enchanted but the craftsmanship is excellent. With a proper necromancer this could be a very powerful suit of armor."

"Vile creature, how dare you say such blasphemy!" Anomen roared as he wiped vomit from his face.

"Wipe the vomit from your beard Helmite. I am merely stating that tremendous skill is involved here. That does not mean I approve or disapprove."

Stunned and shamed into silence Anomen limped across the room to stand before the trap door heading down. He removed his shield from his back and held it out as Kretor carefully opened the trap door.

Bright light flooded up from the opening as did the smell of damp rotting wood. The party could hear water lapping against the structure below.

"Well hurry up please; I would like to finish you off before too much longer. My lunch awaits."

The voice was high pitched and spoke common with a heavy foreign accent that clipped the end of each individual word.

Viconia started to rummage through her potions pouch as she smiled at Kretor and Anomen.

Whispering, she pulled a large flask of a bubbling yellow fluid from her pouch. It was one of the potions she purchased from Stenerud that morning.

"Make ready. When I give the signal we will attack."

She hurled the flask down through the opening, it shattered against something below and the trio rocked back as a massive fireball roared through the chamber under their feet. A wave of flames roared up through the trap door scorching the ceiling.

Chuckling, Viconia adjusted her war hammer and small shield and dropped through the trap door.

Kretor drew his short sword and quickly followed her through the trap door.

Anomen was not as quick as the other two. He secured his shield to his back and then gingerly made his way down the ladder into the chamber below. As he reached the end of the ladder he quickly took in the chaotic scene around him.

Viconia's potion had clearly thrown a well planned ambush into chaos. Anomen stood on the side of a large square wooden platform. Bridge pilings were evenly spaced across the platform and all sides were open to the river. The tanner was on the far side of the room hurriedly getting into a boat. The trio watched helplessly as he started to paddle off into the darkness.

A mage stood in the center of the room flanked by two ghouls and two assassins clad in black leathers. He was struggling to put the fire out on one sleeve as he swore violently at Viconia. The ghouls whimpered and the scorch marks on their flesh showed they suffered badly from the flames.

The mage shouted at the intruders, all pretence of good humor gone.

"Fools! No one can be allowed to interfere with what this man, this gifted artisan, is doing. You cannot be allowed to live!"

The undead creatures shambled forward while the assassins drew matched pairs of fighting knives and sprinted to flank the group.

Viconia raced forward across the platform and nimbly avoided the clumsy attacks of the ghouls as she charged the mage.

She reached the mage just as he was preparing a spell. He screamed in a strikingly high pitched voice as Viconia's war hammer caved in the side of his head and he dropped to the floor dead.

"Look behind you drow!"

Anomen's shouted warning reached her ears only an instant before the assassin's blades sliced into her.

The drow pivoted, dropped to a knee and raised her shield all in one fluid motion. Her attacker's blades glanced off the shield and she rolled to the side to find space to regain her feet.

The second assassin had reached Kretor and was slowly pushing the man backwards. He was parrying the attacks fiercely but he was fighting with his off hand and was not yet proficient with it. His attacker managed to get inside his guard and land a few minor blows but Kretor was preventing the man from doing and significant damage.

With the death of their master, the ghouls stood in the middle of the room looking confused for an instant before they started shambling towards Kretor. Solely focused on defending against his duel wielding opponent Kretor was unknowingly backing himself into the waiting pair of ghouls.

Anomen dropped his staff, grasped the holy symbol on his necklace and started chanting. As he called for Helm's favor, his words slowly gained in volume and intensity as he repeated them time and time again. His entire being started to glow, dimly at first and then increasingly bright. Soon white cleansing light flooded the platform as it radiated out from Anomen's body. The ghouls howled in pain as they started to dissolve under the harsh glare of Helm's channeled power. With a final chanted verse the ghouls burst into flame and were reduced to small piles of ash within seconds.

Anomen sagged back against the ladder as the divine power left his body. His leg ached as he sucked in air greedily and struggled to remain upright. The light faded from the room until only the flickering torchlight remained.

The assassin facing Kretor paused as he watched the ghouls burst into flame. With the mage and the undead beasts down their odds looked much worse. Shouting to his companion he pivoted on his heel and dove off the side of the platform. He started to swim away with strong confident strokes. The man facing Viconia quickly joined his companions.

The trio watched the swim away as they caught their breath. They all realized that they were lucky to be alive for attacking a more numerous enemy on ground of their own choosing rarely ended well. After a cursory search of the platform yielded up an odd short bow without a bow string the party departed in search of the militia Lieutenant.

Lieutenant Aegisfield was surprised that the murderer had been located so quickly.

"Praise Torm. We have been searching for the murderer for some time. How did you know it was him? I have interviewed the tanner Rejiek numerous times and never had reason to suspect him of anything. He is an upstanding citizen and a leading merchant in the city."

Kretor faced the officer and shook his shoulders. "We found an eye witness to the most recent attack."

"You must mean the streetwalker named Rose. Those rumors reached my ears as well. I was unable to find the woman but I could not consider the word of filth like that of any use."

Viconia quietly tossed the skin tunic at the Lieutenant. He caught it, realized what it was and quickly dropped it on the ground. Furiously wiping his hands on his clothes he unsteadily asked,

"Is that what I think it is?"

"Yes it is. We found this in the home of your upstanding citizen. It looks like much of the missing skin to me." Viconia dryly replied.

"That piece of filth led us to him, she risked her life to tell us the truth. You will find all the evidence you need in his shop, although this skin should be more than enough."

The Lieutenant recovered his composure quickly.

"I must thank you for your efforts. I have been working on this case for weeks and made little progress while you three have identified and confronted the monster in less than a day. I will notify my superiors as to your assistance, they will be most grateful. Here is a small reward. We are in your debt. We will search for the tanner everywhere for he must be found and brought to justice. "

"We are always on the side of Justice," Anomen replied as he took the offered pouch of coin.

"Happy to help." Kretor added.

Viconia rolled her eyes at both statements but managed to remain silent as she took in the scene before her from beneath the hood of her cloak.