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.

18. Always listen to Nalia

Falling well off the pace here as I hoped to get out a chapter a week. Funny how life has a way of getting in the way at times.

Chapter 18: Always listen to Nalia

Hendak stood in one of the private dining rooms at the Copper Coronet, hands on hips, eying the numerous piles of equipment and treasure scattered about the floor. A pair of his guards stood watch inside the room while another pair stood outside the door. Even inside his own establishment Hendak was not taking any chances with so much valuable equipment and treasure piled in one place. Even with the slaver's organization crushed there were still many in the city who would kill for even one handful of the treasure arrayed in front of him.

"I knew that the slave masters would be well equipped Jeral but this is more than I could ever have imagined." Shaking his head in wonder Hendak smiled as he continued, "It took us most of the past two days to identify all the enchanted items and get all of the gems and jewelry appraised. You lot are about to become incredibly wealthy."

Jeral allowed himself to smile as he eyed the scarred former gladiator and proprietor of the Copper Coronet. "Aye, it is quite an impressive collection of treasure and equipment. I am very glad you arrived when you did Hendak; else we would have had to leave much of it behind. We were in bad shape and few of us had the strength to move, let alone carry a massive amount of found treasure and equipment through the streets. I am doubly glad that you allowed all of us to rest and recover for the past two days for we badly needed that as well."

A snort from the other side of the room caused Jeral and Hendak to both turn. Viconia leaned against the door frame and smirked at the two men. She was clad in a long dark purple tunic over black silken pants. She looked well rested and incredibly alluring. "You are mistaken Jeral. There was one amongst us who did not lie about like a bed slave for the past two days. I have already restocked on potions and had all of my equipment cleaned and repaired."

Jeral held his hands out in mock surrender and bowed deeply as he eyed the drow cleric. "I stand corrected Viconia; somehow you managed to recover from your injuries more rapidly than the rest of us."

She shrugged her shoulders and tried to look indifferent but Jeral could see the pleased look on her face despite her efforts to hide it.

"I am drow, therefore I should recover more quickly. Besides, someone had to watch Hendak and his staff to ensure none of our hard won treasure walked away."

If Viconia's words bothered Hendak his face gave away no response. He merely smiled at the implied insult and returned his gaze to Jeral.

"I have taken the liberty to invite Ribald over to take a look at your equipment. He can take much of this off your hands for a very fair price. He should be here presently. I also sent Yoshimo out to someone who could repair his damaged armor."

"You have our thanks Hendak," Jeral nodded gratefully at the heavily scarred ex-gladiator, "how can we repay you for your kindness?"

Hendak strode across the room and gripped Jeral fiercely by the shoulders. "Never forget that you and your companions gave me my life back. You gave all of us our lives back when you freed us from those cages in the back. Then, if that was not enough, you helped me claim this fine establishment as my own. I can now provide for all of my people and many others in this city who need some help. You have given me much and I will be forever in your debt. Besides," he said as he released his grip and winked at Jeral, "we cleaned out the slave lord's building after you left."

"You did what?" Jeral asked unbelievingly.

"You heard me. As you know I arranged for a pair of carriages to escort you and the others back to the Coronet since you were in a bad way. I took a quick look around their estate and realized that they lived in absolute luxury. I already planned to get a couple carts and a few strong backs to carry the items you found and claimed from the slavers. I merely aimed higher. I rounded up a dozen carts and every able bodied employee I could spare and sent them to the slaver's estate. We managed to get in and out before anyone in the city could organize and stop us. All of the slaver's equipment and their valuables are rightly yours. However, I stand to make a pretty amount of coin selling their clothes, furnishings and artwork to various parties in the town. Everyone here in the Coronet will share in the wealth, so there are a lot of happy faces around here. Pity you had to destroy that table in the ball room, for that was quite the centerpiece and would have classed this place up considerably. No matter, for this is a great day Jeral, a great day!" Hendak departed the room to await the arrival of Ribald.

Jeral shook his head and smiled as he walked over to stand next to Viconia. "So where is everyone else?"

"As Hendak said, Yoshimo is at the tailor. Anomen, Minsc, and young Nalia are picking up the illithium substitute and meeting Sir Sarles at the Temple of Helm."

"Anomen went along with that? What happened to his whole indignation over cheating Sir Sarles?"

Viconia smiled and ran her fingers sensuously through her silky white hair as she stretched and rolled her shoulders from side to side. "Nalia told him that they were using the replacement alloy and that she would brook no argument from him."

"I cannot believe it. He was ready to come to blows with me when we last discussed this issue a few days ago."

"I know. It is very interesting." Viconia slapped Jeral lightly on the face as she smiled at him. "I think that one of the Lady Nalia's ancestors must have been at least part drow, for she is learning how to command her male. I knew there was potential in that one." Viconia turned abruptly and sauntered out of the room. Jeral crooked his head to the side and smiled as he watched her leave. After she departed Jeral started to sort through the treasures on the floor to determine what was of use to the party and what they would sell to Ribald upon his arrival.

Jeral waded through the piles on the floor and picked out a few items that he did not intend to sell to Ribald. There were a good number of invisibility potions that would go to Yoshimo, while the potions of extra healing would be handed out to all. Most of the other equipment would not fit anyone in the party. There were two sets of enchanted full plate but both were for someone even larger than Minsc. The woman's leather armor was heavily enchanted but Viconia preferred her mail of the dead. The enchanted helms likewise were for larger heads so they would go to Ribald. There were a handful of high quality enchanted weapons but most would be sold. No one in the group wanted the two handed sword, short sword, mace or battle axe. All of those enchanted weapons would fetch a good price, as would the large enchanted shield. Jeral came to the pair of katanas wielded by the grey haired blade master. One was lightly enchanted and would get sold to Ribald. The second katana, that was a different story entirely. That blade was heavily enchanted and had numerous powers. That weapon they would keep. Jeral picked up the katana and slung it over his shoulder for safekeeping.

Jeral heard commotion in the common room and quickly exited the ad hoc treasure room. He watched as Nalia strode into the tavern followed by Minsc and Anomen. The trio all were smiles as they strode in and walked right up to the bar.

"Bernard, three shots of your finest whiskey my good man! We are celebrating." Nalia slapped her hands on the bar in a rapid fire beat as Bernard poured and served the drinks. Nalia took a glass and handed it to Minsc, then she handed a second to Anomen, and took the third for herself. Raising her glass in the air she clinked glassed with Minsc and Anomen.

"Here is to patrons of the arts, long may they prosper!" Laughing she tilted the glass to her lips and swallowed down the whiskey. Jeral watched as her face reddened from the alcohol as she shuddered slightly and gleefully slammed her glass down on the bar. Minsc and Anomen completed their shots and returned their glasses to the bar an instant after Nalia did.

Beaming she smacked her lips loudly, slapped the bar and shouted, "Again please!"

"My pleasure Lady Nalia, but isn't this a wee bit early for whiskey?"

"Normally I would agree with you Bernard but this is a time for celebration so pour the drinks!" Shaking his head and smiling Bernard again refilled all three shot glasses. Nalia handed glasses to Minsc and Anomen and quickly claimed hers. She raised her glass in the air and shouted, "Here is to seeing the backside of that pompous windbag Sir Sarles. May he never return to the city of coin!"

Anomen and Minsc both cheered heartily in response to Nalia's toast and the trio drained their glasses once again. Overcome with curiosity Jeral walked over. Nalia watched him approach and raced over to embrace him in a hug. "Jeral this is a great day. The temple is pleased and that fop is on his way out of town. It could not be a better day."

Under Anomen's jealous glare Jeral quickly stepped out of Nalia embrace. "I take it your morning went well Lady Nalia?"

"It went perfectly! I could not have planned it any better had I tried." Nalia spun around in circles waving her hands in the air until she started to get dizzy. Suitably chastened she tottered back to the bar, leaned against Minsc for support, and took a deep breath. "Jeral I cannot explain to you how exciting this morning was. We picked up the illithium ore substitute….."

"And had to pay double what she originally told us!" Anomen piped in indignantly.

Nalia waved a hand impatiently at the Helmite. "Shush Anomen, I am telling the story." Taking a deep breath to compose herself she continued. "As I was saying we picked up the ore. It looked like a big heavy pile of shiny silver metal all melted together. We did have to pay double, as other temples were interested in the same solution, but we got their first so it all worked out. Anomen and Minsc carried the massive slab of metal to the Temple of Helm. We put it down in front of the temple and waited for Sir Sarles to arrive. Well he finally showed up and within moments he realized that he was not looking at real illithium."

"How could he possibly tell the difference?"

Nalia looked at Jeral for a moment before she responded, "Since that was a relevant question I will not shush you. But please do not interrupt again. Apparently, real illithium never shows anything. It never will tarnish, or fade or get dirty or greasy. Well the illithium substitute started out flawless but by the time we arrived at the temple there were hand prints on it as well as a few scratches from where the boys dropped it." Minsc and Anomen looked away in embarrassment as Nalia completed her sentence.

Jeral did not want to be shushed by Nalia so he waited patiently for her to continue and after a moment she did.

"Where was I? Oh yes, so Sir Sarles realized we tried to trick him and he was not happy, not happy at all. He noisily departed in a huff and swore to leave the city, never to return."

Jeral closed his eyes as he patiently waited for Nalia to continue. "So Sir Sarles left with his tights in a bind. The little git made quite a scene. Guardian Telwyn witnessed the entire interaction and was quite cross as us for attempting to use dishonest methods to further the aims of the temple."

Beaming Nalia looked up and walked over to stand next to Anomen. "Before I could even apologize and take the blame for the dishonesty High Watcher Oisig came outside to see what the commotion was about."

Jeral recognized that name instantly. High Watcher Oisig was the senior priest in the Temple of Helm and was one of Helm's chosen few in the realm. It was said that he spoke to his deity on a regular basis and he was the most powerful and influential cleric in all of Athkatla. If they fell afoul of the High Watcher then their time in the city would become difficult indeed.

"So the High Watcher comes outside, Anomen drops to a knee to pay his respects, and I get ready to speak before Guardian Telwyn could inform him of our dishonesty. But Lady Luck was with us on this morn. As Telwyn and I both started to speak Oisig raised a hand for silence. Needless to say we stopped speaking. He stood staring at the ore for some time as he walked around it again and again. After what felt like forever the High Watcher broke into a broad smile and patted Telwyn on the back. 'Well done Telwyn,' he said 'this is exactly what I had in mind. It shows the gleam and the shine must be nurtured and cared for lest they fade. We shall call this piece Eternal Vigilance. Place it somewhere prominent.' He then said hello to us, commanded Anomen to rise, and strode back into the temple."

"So despite my misgivings at our course of action the day was a success. We have gained favor of the temple, despite our less than honorable approach. My reputation with the temple is thankfully intact."

"See Anomen, it all worked out after all."

Anomen shook his head wonderingly. "Helm does indeed work in mysterious ways; I cannot believe that we managed to retain the favor of the church. We did try and cheat Sir Sarles after all."

Nalia patted Anomen's armored forearm possessively.

"He was a prat Anomen, the church is better off without him."

Nalia wrapped her arms around Anomen's left arm and leaned in close to the squire. "The lesson here Squire Anomen is to follow where I lead. For when you do good things happen to you. So always follow my lead." Nalia released her grip and slowly walked across the room to stand at the base of the stairs leading to the bedrooms on the second floor. She turned back and smiled at Anomen with a look of anticipation on her face. A look of confusion crossed his face as he looked from Jeral to Minsc and back again. Jeral took the bottle from the counter, poured a single shot, and handed it to Anomen.

"Squire Anomen, drink this and then walk across the room to Lady Nalia. I believe she has decided that you are going to move your courting to a new level upstairs."

Anomen's face blanched as the understanding sank in. His hand shook as he slowly raised the glass to his lips and drank the whiskey. The glass left his hand and dropped to the floor as he slowly walked across the room. Nalia took Anomen by the hand and slowly led him upstairs.

"Well done Nalia, very well done," Jeral mumbled to himself as he poured himself a shot of whiskey.

"Jeral, does whiskey make you tired?" asked Minsc.

"No. Not usually Minsc," Jeral replied.

"It does not make Minsc tired either."

"So then why did you ask?"

Looking confused Minsc tilted his head to the side as he spoke, "Boo says Nalia and Anomen are going to bed, so they must be sleepy from the whiskey." Jeral struggled to drink his shot of whiskey without laughing. Once he regained control he patted Minsc on an armored shoulder and nodded, "That has to be it Minsc. Let us invite Viconia to join us for lunch before we drink anything else."

After the trio enjoyed a pleasant lunch Ribald and his staff finally arrived to view the treasures taken from the slaver's compound. After a few hours of fierce haggling between Viconia and Ribald the party was the richer by several tens of thousands of gold pieces. Viconia, Minsc and Jeral returned to the bar in the common room to celebrate their newfound wealth. Before they could drink to their good fortune Yoshimo hailed them from the door. He came striding into the room wearing his newly cleaned and repaired armor. Yoshimo was all smiles as he stood before the trio and turned around slowly.

"That Master Salumon is a wizard with a needle and thread. He also sends his best wishes to our Squire Anomen." Yoshimo looked around the bar for an instant and started walking towards Jeral before he continued, "Where is our noble Squire?" Before Jeral could think up an appropriate reply Minsc spoke in a loud booming voice, "Anomen and Nalia were sleepy so they went to bed." Yoshimo raised an eyebrow as he looked questioningly at Jeral who could only shrug helplessly in response. Looking to change the subject Jeral unslung the katana from his back and handed it to Yoshimo.

"I think this blade will serve you well Yoshimo."

Yoshimo's face paled and he held his hands up pushing the scabbard and blade away from his body. "Jeral, do you know what this blade is? I cannot take this, I am not worthy." Jeral looked confused as he eyed Yoshimo, "I know that this blade is incredibly powerful. I also know that you wield a lightly enchanted katana and could benefit from wielding a more powerful blade. You are the most deserving of such a weapon." Yoshimo lowered his head as he spoke reverently. "Jeral, you cannot possibly understand but I am not worthy."

Looking to find an explanation for Yoshimo's reluctance Jeral quickly asked a question to stall or time. "What is the history of this blade Yoshimo?"

"Legends from my homeland of Kozakura tell of a mighty blade that was forged by the God of War….."

"You mean the Lord Chan Cheng?" Jeral interrupted.

"How can you possibly know that Jeral? Few beyond our shores know of our Gods."

Jeral shrugged his shoulders and smiled, "Benefits of growing up in one of the greatest libraries in the realm. Please continue."

"Yes, of course. So the Lord Chan Chang took some of his very divine essence and placed it inside the blade. Legend says he forged the blade during a mighty storm and captured the lightning from the storm inside the blade ensuring that the blade had a mix of natural and divine power within it. He named the blade 'Celestial Fury' and gave it to a great swordsman who was one of his most fervent disciples."

"How did it end up so far from your homeland?"

Yoshimo shrugged, "I do not know, I doubt anyone does. My father told me the blade passed from owner to owner over countless lifetimes, always in the hands of a mighty blade master. At some point it was lost to history…and yet here it is again."

"Well the blade is keeping the tradition alive for the grey haired blade master who last wielded this blade was a man named Koshi. He was better with a blade than any I have seen. I think he would have even given Hendak a run for his money."

"You defeated him Jeral; you deserve this blade by rights."

Jeral shook his head doggedly and pressed the scabbard into Yoshimo's chest.

"Get your facts straight. Minsc killed him not me."

"And Minsc does not want such a tiny blade. That is more suited to Boo than to Minsc. Yoshimo should fight with the blade to administer a sneaky boot of goodness!" Minsc slammed a meaty hand down on the bar and took another shot of whisky.

"Very well then, if not Minsc than you Jeral, you lead us and deserve the blade." Jeral stepped forward and pressed the scabbard into Yoshimo's chest.

"You saved my life Yoshimo. If you had not intervened Koshi would have killed me. I was defenseless. Take the blade, you earned it, you are worthy of it."

"Jeral, I wield my father's katana. It would dishonor him to wield anything else."

Jeral smiled and placed the scabbard in Yoshimo's hands. "Yoshimo, you father would be thrilled to see his son wield a blade of legend. It will do your family proud."

Yoshimo swallowed and blinked rapidly as he nodded once – very slightly - and closed his hands reverently around the offered scabbard.

That night everyone rested easy at the Copper Coronet. Hendak and the other freed slaves were lavish in their gratitude and praise. Many of the serving staff were attired in finery liberated from the deceased slavers. Jeral and his companions could not pay for anything that night. Nalia and Anomen sat side by side at the table when they finally joined everyone for dinner. Anomen looked slightly dazed and embarrassed while Nalia looked radiant and happy. Nalia leaned forward and patted Jeral excitedly on the forearm.

"Isn't it wonderful Jeral, even after we each take a personal share we still have over 20,000 in gold in the rescue fund. We can now free your sister! We should see Gaelan Bayle as soon as we can on the morrow and pay the remainder of the fee so they will take us to your sister."

Jeral nodded glumly and drained his ale. "Nalia, I wish you were right but I fear that we are not yet ready, not even close."

"What do you mean Jeral?"

"Eventually we will have to face both the Cowled Wizards and the mage Irenicus. I am afraid to say it but the fact is that we are clearly not yet ready to face either. We need to be able to bring Imoen back alive and I need to be able to kill Irenicus."

"Nalia is right, a lady is in danger and by Helm we must fly to her rescue."

"Anomen I agree with the sentiment, I really do. It pains and shames me every moment that Imoen is imprisoned, but trust me on this one. You were not there. You did not see him; you did not feel his power. This Irenicus is a monster. We need to get stronger to survive, much stronger. If we face him now, we all die. If we get stronger he dies and we will live."

"I have yet to meet this male Irenicus, Jaluk, but gaining power to make a battle easier is the way of drow. You may make some sense yet."

Jeral looked pleadingly at Anomen and Nalia. "Anomen, Nalia, I know you mean well but I know the enemy, as does Minsc. He is powerful beyond our measure right now. I need to be able to face and kill an incredibly powerful mage. If any travel with me they must also prepare for such a challenge."

"Boo agrees with Jeral. We must wait, but also hurry." Everyone looked at Minsc, stunned at the bit of wisdom, and the conversation ended.

After a few moments Jeral broke the silence.

"Tomorrow we can return to the sewers and search for that eyeless cult on behalf of Anomen's temple." Anomen nodded his thanks and the others just dreaded returning to the sewers. Everyone ate and drank in a contemplative silence as they pondered Jeral's words and prayed that Imoen would hold out until they managed to rescue her. It was well into the early hours of the morning before Jeral closed his eyes and drifted to sleep.

"Nothing starts a day like a fun trip into the sewers, don't you agree?" Jeral asked Viconia cheerfully as he and Minsc slid the heavy iron sewer grate open in the alley next to the Temple of Helm.

"Absolutely not male. Wading in human filth is not how I like to begin a day, particularly when we run errands for fool worshippers of the surfacer Gods."

"Helm does not brook foolish worshippers drow." Anomen softened his tone as he continued, "Although I must agree that I do not like the idea of wading back into the sewers any more than you do. It takes forever to scrub everything out of my armored boots and the hose underneath will never come clean."

The others followed silently as Jeral slipped back into the sewers beneath the streets of the Temple District. The past few days in the city were dry so the water levels in the sewer were low. While the shallower water spared their legs from wading through filth, the lack of rain meant that the stench in the sewer was near overwhelming as the waste had not been diluted. Before any of them could gripe yet again about the smell the sounds of combat echoed through the tunnels. Yoshimo and Jeral led the way as the group quickly moved towards the sounds of combat. As the party rounded the corner they saw an aged fighter clad in a full suit of golden plate mail locked in combat with a dozen zombies. He fought with a gleaming two handed sword, moved with the skill of a seasoned warrior and attacked with sure precise strikes. Despite his advanced years the paladin was clearly a capable warrior as he easily dispatched the zombies before the party could reach him.

Hearing the approach of the party the plate clad warrior stood tall and placed his two handed sword out in front of himself, where he slowly lowered the tip of the blade to the ground. Breathing heavily and leaning on the hilt for support he squinted and examined the party with a critical eye.

Jeral took a moment to assess the man in front of him. The warrior was clearly more than twice Jeral's age. He was slightly taller than Anomen and of a similar muscular build from countless hours in the training yard. He also had a short grey goatee covering his strong chin. His handsome face was heavily tanned and weather beaten showing the wear of countless campaigns. As Jeral looked closer at the ornate plate mail armor he noticed that the symbol for Torm was engraved on the center of the man's chest plate. He had to be the paladin mentioned by the Temple of Helm.

Anomen stepped forward and lowered his head in a shallow bow as the paladin removed his open faced helm. His hair was grey and cropped short in a style favored by the nobility in Athkatla.

"Greetings Sir Keldorn, it is good to see you. We have been tasked to aid you in investigating the cult within the sewers."

Keldorn nodded briefly in response and then looked over the group. He immediately locked eyes with Viconia, gripped his blade firmly, and stiffened as he glared at her with open disdain.

"Halt and go no further. I sense the taint of evil amongst your midst." Keldorn's voice was deep and almost melodious; it was a natural voice of command.

Smiling Minsc stepped in front of Keldorn and held out his hamster to greet the paladin. "That is just the pretty dark one. She is not bad. Boo likes her and Boo is very wise. Or do you mean Yoshimo? He is not evil, he is just very sneaky. Or do you mean Jeral the Bhaalspawn? We have many taints of evil even though we all fight for goodness."

Viconia strode forward and placed herself next to Minsc. "I do not need any male to speak on my behalf Minsc. The large addled one is Minsc grey hair. I am Viconia formerly of the House De'Vir and I am indeed drow and proudly so. I am also no longer a follower of Lloth. I worship the Goddess Shar and I am also loyal to Jeral, for now."

"Had to add the last bit didn't you?" Jeral jibed. "And I am Jeral the Bhaalspawn but I like to think that I am a likeable enough fellow despite that."

"Well as the squire said I am Sir Keldorn Firecam, a paladin in the service of Torm and a Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Radiant Heart."

"I see you have Squire Anomen with you. Therefore, I must assume your goals are somewhat noble. Perhaps if the rest of you all introduced yourselves properly I could make a more thorough judgment?"

Jeral nodded and sheathed his blades. "As I said, I am Jeral of Candlekeep, I seek the release of my sister who was unjustly captured by the Cowled Wizards. This is the ranger Minsc and his animal companion Boo. You know squire Anomen, that is the Lady Nalia De'Arnise, Viconia of the House DeVir, and Yoshimo."

"The rescue of one's sister is indeed a noble quest, however I doubt you will find your sister in the sewers beneath Akhkatla."

"We are down here for the same reason you are. We are looking for a not so secret eyeless cult on behest of the Temple of Helm. The church suggested that we find you and work together."

Keldorn scratched his head and nodded thoughtfully, "well there is indeed safety in numbers, and I did not get to be my age without allies. Very well I accept," Keldorn paused to slide his helm back onto his head before raising an armored arm and pointing directly at Jeral, "although keep the foul drow away from me."

"Relax wrinkled one, your stench is sufficient to keep me well away from you, even improved as it is by the scent of the human excrement that coats your armored boots."

Keldorn bit back a retort and stalked off down the tunnel. Shaking his head Jeral followed with the others in tow to look for this suspicious cult. After wending their way through a trapped room that filled with gas and undead mist creatures the party finally found the entrance to the secret cult's hidden lair.

"Why did you have me dragged away from speaking to that evil priest? How dare you! I am a Knight of the Order of the Most Radiant Heart! How dare you put your hands on me!" Keldorn was furious. His red face radiated heat from under his open faced helm.

Jeral pulled the paladin to the side and spoke in a loud whisper. "Keldorn I do apologize but look at you. Your entire person screams 'Paladin.' Viconia, Yoshimo and I look the least reputable of all of us so it made sense for us to speak with this cult leader Gaal. You and Anomen would never pass as potential cult members for you are both too well known in this city. We cannot fight the entire cult, we would be slaughtered. I should have thought of it earlier but I did not realize that until the very last minute so that was why I asked Minsc and Nalia to lead the two of you away."

Shaking his head the aged Paladin slowly calmed down and Jeral was relieved to see the color leave his face.

"Despite my age and experience I am sometimes slow to see wisdom. I see that you speak the truth young one. I must admit that I am ill suited to deception, and I forget that deception can serve a beneficial purpose from time to time. I do apologize for my outburst. Let us go and retrieve the half of this supposed holy rod so you three can prove worthy to join their numbers. "

Using a key provided by Gaal the party entered a crypt that held a large ornately carved coffin on a raised dias. The evil emanating from the coffin was palpable and the group hurried through the room after having a brief conversation with a former cultist named Sasser. The blind former cultist told of fleeing the cult and now blind and defenseless had elected to make his home in the dark and depressing crypt.

After disarming a lightning trap and defeating a few shadows the group descended into the lower dungeons. The lower level was pitch black and the floors were covered in dust. Clearly no living thing had walked these steps in some time.

After Nalia and Jeral conjured a quartet of mage lights the group slowly moved forward down a long corridor. The corridor ended in a large underground cavern with a small structure in the middle. It appeared to be a small temple in the middle of the chamber. The structure apparently bridged over a large chasm that split the room in half. Yoshimo and Nalia scouted ahead of the rest, at the end of the mage light. They disarmed a trap, answered a couple of riddles, and then crossed a bridge that suddenly appeared upon completion of the second riddle.

Hovering on the other side of the cavern were three large round creatures that appeared to float in mid air. Yoshimo and Nalia faded back out of their sight to return to the group and discuss the situation.

"They look like beholders only smaller," Nalia whispered.

"I believe they are called gauths if I recall what my master taught me many seasons ago."

"Well names are helpful Yoshimo, but knowledge of their weaknesses would be nicer."

Smiling Yoshimo looked over at Jeral.

"Come now Jeral, I am fortunate to even remember the names. That was a very long time ago, I had just discovered the ladies and I was not really paying attention to my studies. If I recall correctly he did say they are quite nasty creatures. But how bad can they be? For we are seven, with the aged paladin, while they are just three. What more do we need to know?" Shaking his head Jeral followed the thief as they all moved to attack.

Well that did not go well, Jeral thought to himself as he shakily got to his feet. He looked around at the scene of carnage all around him. Gauths, shadows and party members lay strewn haphazardly in a rough circle around him. Yoshimo was in the back of the battle lying on the ground with his new katana on the ground beside his body. He was quite dead with a large series of scorch marks on the center of his torso. He had led the charge against the three gauths and was felled by three energy blasts from the creatures. His sacrifice had allowed the remainder of the party to close with the creatures. Once the party had closed with the floating eye monsters they were able to quickly fell the creatures, but not before both Viconia and Nalia were seriously wounded.

If the gauths had not been bad enough they were not alone in the cavern. As the final gauth fell to a combined assault from the great swords of Minsc and Keldorn a half dozen shadow creatures materialized and sprang upon the group. They drained and mauled Keldorn and Jeral before they were blasted out of existence by a holy incantation from Anomen. Jeral watched Anomen as he slowly walked amongst the wounded healing the party as best he could with the spells he had available. Once complete he strode over and stood in front of Jeral.

"Jeral, I fear that we can go no further. Despite my efforts Viconia and Nalia are still wounded, you and Sir Keldorn are drained, and Yoshimo is dead. I can not sure if I can even raise him for Helm has yet to grant me that gift. Viconia or I can probably raise him with the rod of resurrection but that will leave him weak. We must find a safe place to rest, heal and regain our strength."

Jeral scanned his companions and saw that all save Minsc were exhausted and badly in need of rest or healing. "You are correct Anomen, let us make our way back to the upper level." With Minsc in the lead carrying Yoshimo over his shoulder, and Anomen in the rear, the party slowly made their way back to the crypt on the upper level. Once there Sasser assured them that the crypt was a safe, albeit extremely unsettling, place to rest.

Anomen knelt over the body of Yoshimo, pointed the rod and Yoshimo and uttered the command to the rod. A blue light descended over Yoshimo and he sat up with a pained cry. Anomen restrained him and laid him gently on the ground. Taking a minor healing potion he poured it down Yoshimo's throat. Yoshimo smiled and thanked the cleric. Turning to his side he looked over at Jeral, "it looks like we both should have paid more attention to our studies for they were clearly more of a challenge than I anticipated." As he completed the sentence his eyes rolled back in his head and he passed out.

The party rested in place for a full day. During that time Jeral and Keldorn were restored and everyone had the time to fully rest and recuperate from their wounds. For a second time the party descended into the lower crypts. They returned to the site of their prior battle without incident. They picked their way through the corpses and continued deeper into the crypt. After numerous winding hallways the narrow tunnel opened up into a large underground cavern. The cavern was lit by glowing lichens that grew on the walls and ceiling of the cavern, bathing it in a dull yellow light. On the far side of the cavern there was a large temple and a network of stone walkways that crisscrossed over an underground lake. The entire cavern felt cold, sadness and loss seemed to almost echo through the space.

"I know all the current deities in the realm and that temple is not dedicated to any one that I recognize," Anomen intoned.

"It is not of any I have witnessed in the underdark," Viconia added.

"I sense no evil in this place, just emptiness." With that comment Keldorn slowly led the way towards the temple.

Jeral knew he remembered the temple's holy symbol from his readings at Candlekeep and he racked his brains to remember what it was as he followed the others. As the party negotiated the stone walkways they started to see people appear out of small caves on the far side of the cavern behind the temple. The party readied their weapons and slowed their pace. Jeral counted the people that appeared out of the caves and stopped when he reached one hundred. "This could get real interesting. We may want to think about this."

Keldorn pressed a reassuring mail gauntlet on Jeral's shoulder. "Stay your weapons. I sense no evil from any of them. Torm's sight would inform me if evil were in front of us."

"Boo says they are not evil. They are just extremely weary and ready to depart."

"Ready to depart? What does Boo mean by that?" Jeral could not believe that he was asking a hamster a question.

"Boo has nothing more to say but Minsc is sure Boo is right. Boo is always right and Boo is much smarter than Minsc. Boo is smarter even that Dynaheir was, although Minsc could not say that where she could hear it." The mention of Dynaheir caused the large ranger to hang his head and fight back tears as he walked forward.

The party reached the entrance to the temple and paused as they were surrounded by the residents of the cavern. They all wore dark robes, faded with time until their original color was impossible to determine. Their faces were pale from decades without sun and were gaunt from lack of food, all in all, a thoroughly unhealthy lot. One, taller than the rest, stepped forward to stand in front of Keldorn.

"Greetings," he intoned dully.

Incredulous Viconia could not back bite a sharp retort. "A group of armed adventurers appears in your dank hole, amongst that group there is a spectacular female example of the true elven race, the drow, and all you can say is hello? Unbelievable." Nalia, Anomen and Keldorn all turned to stare at the drow with stunned looks on their faces. Jeral and Yoshimo both tried to hide their grins while Minsc just stood blank faced as he eyed the crowd growing around them.

Stay tuned for more action against the eyeless cult.

I do not know about you but Gauths are one of my least favorite monsters to fight. The first time I ran into them at this exact point in the game they tore my group apart. Once you get close to them they are easy to kill but the energy beams at a distance are just brutal.