Happy 4th of July to all! Sorry it has been a while between chapters. I am going to finish this story eventually but definitely not as quickly as planned.
Chapter 23: Who said life was fair?
Jeral woke to the sound of an insistent tapping on the door. He sat up with a start, momentarily disconcerted by the unusual surroundings. Calming, he realized that he was still in Renal's bedroom. His equipment was folded neatly on the table beside Renal's bed where he had left it. Apparently for all their openness they still did believe in secrets for when Soreal and Renal left to brief the guild leader last night Jeral was pointedly directed to stay behind. Too tired to argue Jeral had claimed Renal's bed, passed out and spent the night dreaming of blood, mangled bodies, and vampires. While Jeral was still getting his bearings the door slowly opened and Soreal stepped in carrying a tray with two steaming mugs of coffee, a loaf of warm bread and a small bowl of honey.
"It looks as if we have survived the night. It is just before sunrise. It is time to get you and your companions prepared to move to the Copper Coronet."
Smiling Soreal walked into the room and placed the tray on Renal's bedside table and raised a hand to forestall any comment from Jeral, "And before you ask, Nalia is still at the Roenall Estate. We have men watching the building, if they attempt to move her we shall know."
Soreal had changed into a new set of grey leathers, and had replaced her lost throwing knives. The dark circles under her eyes indicated that she was awake most of the night and she was still unnaturally pale from her encounter under the Sea's Bounty the night before.
Jeral stood, stretched and helped himself to a mug of coffee. The coffee was black, strong and very hot. As Jeral cautiously sipped the coffee he eyed Soreal appraisingly, although she was likely more than twice his age she was an extremely attractive woman, even injured and exhausted. She was also incredibly deadly with her throwing knives and her short rapier.
"It is not polite to stare at a lady Jeral," she chided mockingly as Jeral snapped out of his reverie. "As an example of proper behavior I am not staring at you standing there in nothing but your trousers am I?" Turning serious she continued, "I suspect you may have a few questions."
"Aye, you could say that," Jeral replied coolly as he pulled on his shirt and tucked it into his pants. Soreal spread some honey on a piece of bread and handed it to Jeral. She then took a second piece for herself and ate hungrily.
"Well since I am about to ask a favor of you and your friends I will provide the answers that I can."
Jeral chewed on his toast for a minute before he spoke, "Well let's start with the vampires in the basement of the Sea's Bounty. You tagged along with us because of that correct?"
Soreal nodded once, "Yes." Soreal strode over to Renal's desk and sat down on the edge. "As you know our guild is at war with an unknown enemy. What you likely do not know is that we are losing and that we are taking significant losses. We managed to gather some information that indicated something was afoot at the tavern. We sent people in to investigate and they never were heard from again. They just disappeared."
"So you used us," Jeral said bitterly.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk, such childish emotions do not serve you well Jeral." Soreal chided gently. "Our interests aligned, there was no reason to tell you of our suspicions, and you were going there anyway. Besides," she added grimly, "I faced the danger just as you and the others did."
Jeral realized she was right, "Fair enough then. So what happened in the basement?"
Soreal shuddered and looked at the floor. "I will not speak of it here, perhaps once outside in the bright sunlight. Suffice it to say it was something I will never forget. But as I said last night vampires were there in strength. It appears that our adversary has allied with a coven of the undead. That would explain our losses and also how many of the bodies are never found. They are draining them and then serving the carcasses as meat to their lesser undead servants." Soreal hopped off the desk and drained her mug of coffee, "It is time to meet the others outside and I need to feel the sun on my face." Jeral hastily threw on his jacket and boots, grabbed his sword belt, and trotted after Soreal as he buckled it in place.
Once out front of the guild Jeral was delighted to see Minsc and Yoshimo. The pair were standing with the dozen women they had freed the night before. The girls all looked much better having benefited from a good meal, a bath, some clean clothes and the prospect of a life of their own choosing.
Standing unobtrusively around the group were a dozen thieves; apparently Renal was taking no chances with their safety. "I trust Renal is to thank for our escort," Jeral noted brightly.
"Actually the guild master himself commanded it," Soreal replied. Jeral turned to see Kretor striding out the door into the morning sun. Kretor nodded politely at Jeral and then walked up to stand next to his mother, his face a mask of concern.
"It is not too late for me to arrange a carriage for you mother."
Soreal shook her head tiredly, "I can walk to the Coronet Kretor. I am fine."
"You are not fine," Kretor hissed, his face reddening, "that creature dra…"
"Enough!" Soreal snapped at her son and he closed his mouth sullenly. "I said I am fine, persist and you will not be allowed to accompany us."
Kretor straightened up and defiantly locked eyes with his mother, "I am here at the personal command of the guild master," he stated proudly, "and you cannot overrule him."
Soreal started at her son for a long moment and arched one eyebrow regally, "Can't I?" She asked quietly. "Do you really want to press your luck?"
Dropping his head in defeat Kretor shook his head sullenly and mumbled, "No mother. My apologies, I am just worried about you. I will not speak of it again."
Soreal patted Kretor affectionately on the forearm and then whistled shrilly. At her command the group started off, the escorting thieves formed a loose perimeter around the group, eyes ever alert for danger. Kretor walked next to Minsc and started chatting with one of the prettier girls in the group. Soreal walked slowly and she and Jeral soon found themselves at the back of the group.
"So how did your meeting with the guild master go?" Jeral inquired politely.
Soreal inhaled deeply and raised her face to the sky. Before replying she motioned the trailing thieves in the escort to move ahead. Once the pair were safely out of hearing she spoke quietly.
"Our way forward is clear; he is preparing the guild for war, there is no other choice. He is recruiting clerics and has started purchasing equipment to face the undead." She smiled crookedly as she eyed Jeral, "This would be much easier if we were a temple or the order for they are well suited to fight such creatures." Shrugging her shoulders she continued, "Nothing to be done about that I suppose, we shall have to manage as best we can."
"Soreal, why are you not a member of the guild leadership?" Jeral asked. "You are extremely well respected by the guild members and you are as skilled with a weapon as anyone I have seen in a long time. You are a natural leader; everyone in the guild seems to look up to you."
She looked down at her feet for a long moment and the pair walked in silence. Finally she replied, "There was a time when I wanted exactly that. I wanted to be the leader of the guild. There has never been a female leader of any of the guilds in the known realms; I was determined to be the first. Renal, the guild master and I all started in the guild about the same time. Out of a large number of candidates the three of us showed far more promise than any of the others. And if I am honest, I showed more promise than the other two. Renal can defeat a lock better than I can but otherwise there is nothing that either can do better than me. I bested each of them in many tests including numerous duels. As we started rising up the ranks all three of us showed promise but for a time there were whispers that I could someday make history and become guild master."
Jeral listed quietly as the two walked through the city streets, he knew she was telling the tale at her own pace so he just waited. After a few long moments she continued, "But that was not to be my path, the fates destined me to walk another path." She continued to walk along in silence and Jeral could finally not stand it anymore.
"So what happened to change your path?"
Soreal nodded her head in Kretor's direction, "He happened." She said simply.
"Why would a child make any difference?" Jeral asked.
Soreal threw back her head and laughed, but it was a laugh heavy with sadness. "Spoken like a man Jeral. You cannot possibly understand, when you are a parent you may understand somewhat, but even then you will be ignorant for you can never be a mother. No man can ever understand the path women have to walk."
"So please help me understand."
"Very well, you have earned that at least. As I said, I was a young promising member of the guild. I had wealth, I had the life I dreamed of, and I was a true beauty. I cannot tell you how many times I batted my eyes or laid a delicate hand on a man's arm to get my way. Men always underestimated me…to their detriment. There was a great festival one summer many years ago, royalty from as far away as Baldur's Gate came to visit and participate in the festivities. On a dare, Renal, the guild master and I snuck into the most exclusive of the parties in the city. We figured we would eat and drink our fill, steal whatever we could and be home by dawn. Things did not go quite as planned, at least for me. I saw one of the nobles from Baldur's Gate and was smitten. I was very young and he was very handsome. He was surrounded by a dozen girls hanging on his every word. He spotted me across the ballroom and rudely abandoned all of those perfumed ladies and strode across the floor. He bowed deeply, kissed my hand, and pulled me wordlessly onto the dance floor."
She smiled wistfully at the memory before continuing, "We danced the night away and then spent the next few days locked in his room. It was all very romantic and out passion was…intense. Renal tracked me down and dragged me out of bed after a few days; the guild sent us on an urgent mission. I did not have time to find a herbalist or a healer to ensure I was not with child. I was always so careful about that but this time I was not. The mission went bad and took longer than planned. We ended up stranded for a couple months in the mountains and were fortunate to have survived. While there I started to feel the life growing inside me. Once I felt that I knew I wanted to be a mother."
"So you became with child unexpectedly, I still do not see the problem."
"The problem Jeral," she answered with a bit of frustration on her voice, "is that the guild had no patience for a member who was too fat to climb through windows, or too slow to escape when the guards were called. The leadership of the guild made the choice plain to me; lose the child growing inside me or depart the guild."
"That does not seem fair," Jeral stated quietly.
Soreal snorted in disgust and tossed her hair in a rare display of emotion, "Who ever said life was fair? Of course it is not fair. But that is often the way of the world, particularly for women. Only a child or a fool thinks that life is fair. I choose the child growing inside me. I left the guild and set myself up as a merchant; with my connections and willingness to work in areas of questionable legality I was very successful. I had enough to provide for my child and make a life for us. I assumed that was how I would live out my days. But eventually there was a leadership change in the guild and one of my old friends became guild master and Renal one of his top lieutenants. The two of them invited me back in the guild as the organization's fence and supply officer. So in the end I did manage to have the life I always wanted with the guild, more or less."
"But you could have been the guild master; even now you likely could stake your claim."
Soreal smiled thinly as she shook her head, "I made my decision; I do not desire a leadership position in the guild. I lack the stomach for it, and," she added ominously, "should certain members of the guild see me as a threat to their positions then Kretor's life would be at risk. In many ways his life ensures my satisfaction with the status quo."
"Did you know Mae'Var had him?"
Smiling Soreal looked at Jeral and nodded knowingly, "Oh yes, I heard almost as soon as he was taken. I was insistent that the guild act…extremely insistent. In fact they hired you and your friends in an effort to placate me; for I had threatened to gain the services of the order to bring Mae'Var down. They did not want to risk such unwanted attention to their operations so they complied with my demand. So even though I lack a leadership position in the guild I do have significant influence. I have pushed to get more women into the guild and they have done extremely well. The guild is stronger for their presence, and the women all do look for me for support and guidance."
As the pair rounded a corner the Copper Coronet finally came into view. Smiling Jeral quickened his pace as he entered the tavern. Hendak was standing with Bernard as they entered. Once Jeral explained the situation Hendak started barking orders and the dozen girls were soon sitting down at tables piled high with food as older women sat down with them to offer a comforting ear. Hendak and the former gladiators would ensure the women could make a new life of their choosing. Hendak guided Jeral to a table on the other side of the room and pulled out a chair for him.
"Sit Jeral, I will let Viconia and Anomen know that you have returned." As Hendak turned to walk away Jeral grabbed his sleeve, "Hendak, wait. Is Anomen…..?" The question hung in the air, unfinished for Jeral was afraid of the answer.
Hendak smiled broadly and peeled Jeral's hand off his sleeve. "Squire Anomen is fine, bruised and sore, but fine. Sit, have some breakfast, I will go and fetch them both for you." Hendak started to head upstairs but then paused and looked back at Jeral, " By the way your armor is back in your room, better than it was before," he then turned and headed upstairs as Jeral and Soreal sat down at the table.
Jeral and Soreal made small talk until Soreal stiffened, Jeral turned his head and watched as Anomen and Viconia approached the table. Anomen moved slowly towards the table and looked in need of a good night's sleep. Smiling wanly he slid into a chair and smiled at Jeral and Soreal. Viconia silently slid into the chair between Anomen and Soreal. Anomen nodded tiredly and slid a ring across the table to Jeral.
"I believe that this belongs to you." Jeral took the ring from Anomen's hand and slid it onto his finger.
"How are you feeling?" Jeral asked quietly.
"Well enough, Viconia saved my life and has mended all of my injuries." Smiling fondly at the drow he continued, "I am once again in your debt Viconia." Viconia waved the complement away and took a drink of her tea. "Another day of rest and you will be your pious prattling self once again." Viconia turned and looked intently at Soreal. She leaned forward and grasped Soreal's face firmly and quickly twisted it side to side.
"What happened to you?" Viconia demanded.
"I was actually coming here to see you, I need your assistance."
"Say no more, follow me." Viconia released her hold on the woman's face, rose to her feet and strode off to the stairs closely followed by Soreal. Anomen watched the women leave and then turned his gaze back at Jeral, "Where is Nalia? Is she safe?" He asked as he intently locked eyes with Jeral.
Jeral nodded and smiled at Anomen, "She is still at the Roenall Estate." Anomen lurched unsteadily to his feet and clenched his fists tightly together, "We must rescue her immediately! I will not allow her to remain in danger a moment longer!"
"Sit down Anomen, you can barely stand. Let me tell you how we spent last night and you will find the tale is worth your time." Reluctantly Anomen settled in his chair, crossed his arms across his broad chest and scowled at Jeral. "Very well, speak and I will listen. But speak quickly for I am not a patient man, particularly when it concerns Nalia's safety."
"Fair enough," Jeral replied. "Here is the short version. Last night after we saved your life we attacked the Roenall guards who beat you and captured Nalia. They hang out at a tavern called the Sea's Bounty. In the process we discovered that the tavern was owned by Isaea and it was a very nasty place. By the time we were done our enemies were dead or had fled and we burned the place to the ground."
Anomen smiled and pounded a fist on the table. "Helm be praised Jeral." His brow creased in thought, "While I am delighted to learn that you have struck a blow against the man that attacked me and took Nalia I fail to see how that helps us free her."
Jeral pulled out the ledger from his jacket pocket and tossed it onto the table. The small green book thudded onto the table. Anomen looked at it and raised an eyebrow at Jeral. "What should I do with this?"
Smiling Jeral leaned back in his chair and stretched, "According to a lovely pirate fellow we met named Barg this ledger will be more than enough to incriminate Isaea." Anomen started leafing through the ledger while muttering, "Names, dates, slaves, black lotus, diamonds…this is more than enough. Incredible"
Beaming Anomen leapt to his feet and scooped up the book eagerly. "I will take this to the Order. After reading this they will direct the Magistrate to release Nalia from the Roenall estate. Nalia will be back in my arms very soon!" As Anomen turned to depart Jeral grabbed his arm tightly. "Anomen, you are in no shape to move about alone, you cannot even wear your armor yet. Isaea could have more men waiting for you. It is not safe to travel unescorted."
"Then grab your armor and accompany me."
Jeral shook his head. "I am a Bhaalspawn Anomen. You know the Order is concerned about my very existence. I fear that any of us would weaken your case. Please allow Hendak to assign you an escort. Someone of your stature traveling with guards will not weaken your case as my attendance would. "
Anomen nodded quietly and shook his arm free from Jeral. "Your idea has merit; I will wait a few moments for Hendak's men, but please have them hurry." Jeral quickly tracked down Hendak and he dispatched a quartet of tough looking gladiators to accompany Anomen. The five of them departed and Jeral ordered a large breakfast. After enjoying his second cup of coffee Minsc strode down the stairs and joined Jeral at the table. He clapped his hands together loudly and called for breakfast and coffee for Minsc. Once the food arrived Minsc tucked into a platter of sausages and started babbling through a mouth full of food.
"Hendak says the ladies will all be safe, and free to make a new life for themselves. This is a great day." Minsc looked around as he lifted another sausage to his mouth. "Where are Squire Anomen and Viconia?"
"Viconia is upstairs with Soreal; I think she required healing after the encounter in the tavern last night. Anomen is on his way to the Order to see if he can get Nalia' freed from the Roenall Estate."
"You did not let Anomen go out alone did you Jeral?" Minsc asked through a mouthful of sausages.
Jeral shook his head, "Fear not Minsc. Hendak provided him an escort. Squire Anomen should be safe enough during the day, even without us." Minsc nodded as he stabbed another sausage with his fork, "You are very wise Jeral." Minsc looked around and the returned his gaze to Jeral, "So what should we do today?"
Smiling Jeral stood up and clapped the big man on the shoulder. "How bout some sparring after breakfast? I need the practice."
Minsc paused for a moment and then nodded in agreement. The pair hastily finished their breakfast and then retired upstairs to put on their armor and prepare themselves.
Suitably armed and armored the pair strode out to the center of the sand floor of the arena in the Copper Coronet.
"Ok Minsc, let's see what you've got."
Jeral held out his two heavily padded swords and faced off against Minsc and his equally padded warblade Licaror. Clad head to toe in finely made plate mail and an open faced horned helm Minsc was a fearsome sight, a massive tower of metal encased rage.
"Minsc does not want to hurt Jeral, are you sure this is a good idea?"
Smiling Jeral shook his head, "Do not worry about hurting me, Viconia is upstairs so she can fix any damage you do."
Mince did not look convinced but he assumed a high guard position, his great sword held high ready to strike. Jeral lunged forward and swung both swords low at Minsc's left leg. Minsc deftly lifted his left leg and both swords swung harmlessly under his foot.
That ranger moves really well for a plate clad big man. Jeral thought. Minsc quickly stepped forward and swung out with Licaror. Jeral quickly went on the defensive parrying blow after blow as Minsc slowly pushed him back across the arena floor.
Gritting his teeth Jeral rolled under a strike from Minsc and leapt to his feet at the ranger's side. As he prepared to strike at the big man the ranger lashed out with a plate clad elbow, striking Jeral violently in the temple. Jeral staggered back and struggled to clear his head as the pain radiated out from his skull bringing tears to his eyes. Jeral's vision cleared in time to see a massive overhand strike coming towards him. Jeral just managed to cross his blades over his head in time to block Licaror. The force of the blow drove Jeral to a knee and almost jarred the blades from his hands.
He is stronger than I am, has greater reach and is almost as quick with his blade. How can I beat someone like this? Shaking his head Jeral lurched to his feet and redoubled his attack stabbing and slashing with both swords. Minsc continued to parry his strikes with minimal effort. Smiling Jeral came to a conclusion, well if I cannot win fairly then I just have to cheat. Smiling Jeral dropped the short sword in his left hand to the sand and started tracing some patterns with his fingers while backpedaling from the advancing ranger. Minsc was steadily advancing and readying to strike Jeral on his unprotected left side.
"I am so pleased to see that Jeral is smiling, Misc was worried that he was hurting you."
"I am doing just fine Minsc; in fact I still think I can win!"
Jeral leapt forward and flung out his left hand with his fingers spread, magic coursed through him and a spray of colored beams launched out and shot straight into the big ranger's eyes.
Minsc grunted and shook his head to clear his vision, and that was all the distraction Jeral needed. He gripped the Blade of Roses in a two handed grip and slashed out savagely on the ranger's left arm. The padded blade smashed into the plate mail, Minsc grunted in pain and his sword slipped from his hands. A look of rage came over the ranger's face but it was quickly replaced by a broad grim and he started to applaud.
"Well done Jeral, you used tricky magic to beat Minsc."
Patting the ranger on the shoulder Jeral smiled back. "Minsc despite all my improvements with my blades the only chance I have against a warrior such as you is if I cheat. Please know I admire your skills and value your friendship. Someday I hope to be able to beat you fairly, but in the meantime let me buy you and Boo a drink." The two sweaty warriors headed back into the Copper Coronet common room and settled into an unoccupied table in the corner. Bernard strolled over with a pitcher or water and another of a dark ale. Jeral poured them each cups of water as well as mugs of dark ale. Jeral drained his water down and smacked his lips happily as he raised in empty glass in salute.
"Minsc, you are one of the greatest swordsmen I have ever seen. You are a credit to Rasheman."
Minsc shook his head and looked down into his tankard of ale.
"Minsc has failed his test, failed his witch, and failed his people. I have shamed my people and may never return home." Jeral watched transfixed as the ranger's entire body shuddered from silent sobs. Boo sat on the table on his hind legs and squeaked softly. Jeral could swear that the little rodent was trying to reassure Minsc.
Minsc lifted his head and looked at Jeral with red bloodshot eyes. "The traditions are clear, I can never return home for I lost my witch and failed my test. Nothing can ever change that. You and Imoen and Viconia are my tribe now." Minsc drained his ale and gently picked up Boo and placed him on his shoulder. Minsc clenched his jaw and looked fiercely at Jeral, "Minsc will fight and die at your side, for you are a force for goodness. I will fight with you and kill this mage Irenicus and free Imoen, for she is a witch who needs a protector." Minsc scratched his chin thoughtfully and inhaled deeply. Wrinkling his nose he muttered to himself, "Minsc must bathe." Minsc turned away and quickly strode upstairs.
Jeral watched him go as he sipped his ale. Irenicus had to die and pay for his crimes, not just for Jeral's sake but for Minsc and Imoen as well. Jeral slowly removed the rags from his blades and slid them both into their scabbards. Viconia and Soreal slid into chairs on the other side of the table. Soreal looked much better, the color was back in her face and she looked years younger than she had earlier in the day. Viconia, on the other hand, looked exhausted and leaned heavily on her elbows as she eyed Jeral tiredly.
"Soreal you are looking much better." Soreal blushed and looked fondly at Viconia. "I am whole and healthy again thanks to Viconia. She is a gifted healer and I am deeply in her debt."
Viconia nodded tiredly, "I am always pleased to heal a strong female. You are fortunate to survive; most surfacers would have died from such a draining."
Soreal nodded grimly and her hand dropped to the hilt of her rapier, "I am harder to kill than I look. We will have to be very carefully before we face their ilk again." Looking to change the subject Soreal looked around and asked, "Where is Anomen?"
"He went to present the ledger we found to the leadership of the Order. He expects them to go with him to the magistrate and that they will order Nalia's release."
"The Order will not help him, he will be sadly disappointed." Viconia shook her head tiredly as she fingered the glass of wine that Bernard placed in front of her.
"How can you say that Viconia? With all of the evidence against Isaea, how can they not act?"
Viconia inhaled deeply and paused before speaking, "Jeral, I am not a surfacer but I understand the Order. They believe that their precious rules are inviolable. They want to be a force of good but their slavish adherence to their beliefs is their downfall."
"You speak in riddles Viconia, that makes no sense."
"It makes perfect sense to those who listen Jeral. Look at me, I am a perfect example. I am drow, the drow are evil and a threat to the surface realms, therefore I am a threat to the surface realms."
"But we both know that is not the case, it is more complicated than that."
"Exactly!" Viconia smacked her palm on the table forcefully and then returned to toying with her drink. "Life is complicated. Things are not always as cut and dried as we would wish. Good and evil are simple in theory and far more complex in practice. Life is far more grey than we would like at times but it is the life we have."
"So life is complex, I fail to see how that hinders the Order."
Viconia locked eyes with Soreal and shook her head before returning her tired gaze to Jeral. "Look around you. Think how Anomen has changed. He now consorts with thieves, drow and Bhallspawn. I am sure the Order frowns on all three associations. He bedded Nalia and took her maidenhead even though her chastity was promised to Isaea."
Jeral started at the last comment and shook his head, "Are you sure? What does that matter anyway? They are both adults."
Soreal spoke before Viconia could respond, "Jeral, that is a significant transgression. If it becomes known that Anomen bedded Nalia then he could be put to death for interfering with an arranged marriage."
Jeral shook his head doggedly, "I cannot believe that matters, Anomen is a long serving Squire within the Order, they will support him, they have to."
Viconia took a sip of her wine and spoke quietly, "Do you remember the words I spoke to Keldorn in the sewers when he tried to kill me?"
Jeral nodded, "Yes, that you faced his kind ages ago and that you had killed a paladin of the Order before."
"Well that was the truth, I was young, around Soreal's age and I was given the honor of leading my first patrol. A score plus drow had fled our city and were making their way to the surface. They were all commoners, just farmers and herders, no one of note. They had renounced Lloth and turned their back on our ways. Needless to say we could not allow that to go unpunished. So I was given command of a dozen male warriors and my older sister accompanied us an observer. My command was to hunt them down and bring them back for sacrifice to Lloth."
She sipped at her wine before continuing, "They had a two day head start on us but their trail was easy to follow. They included infants in their number so the trail of food and soiled clothes was apparent to even the least observant. They managed to make the surface and set up camp in the woods not far from the caves, as is they were afraid to truly leave their home."
Viconia took another sip of wine and savored it, "Before we could attack a patrol from the Order found them. A score mounted knights and squires rode into the camp and put the drow to the sword."
"Unfortunate but hardly surprising Viconia," she held up a hand to silence any further interruptions.
"A handful of drow surrendered, a spineless male and two females both with babes at their breast. The armored men quickly surrounded the survivors and dismounted. The leader of the patrol was a paladin of Torm. He was young and strong and very handsome for a surfacer. He dismounted and stared at the drow for a long while. The male dropped to his knees and begged for mercy. The paladin ran him through and watched as he bled to death on the forest floor."
Viconia paused and started into her wine glass for long moments before she continued, "The knight ordered his men to build a massive bonfire. Once the fire was roaring he commanded his men to toss the corpses on the fire. Once that was done his men pulled the babies from the women and held them at knife point. Despite the language barrier the message was clear. If the women resisted their children would die."
"Resist what?" Jeral whispered, even though the knot in his stomach told him he already knew the answer.
"Rape." Viconia answered simply. The knights took turns with the women who allowed themselves to be violated for the love they held for their children. Once the knights finished they let their squires have a turn. They treated the women like dogs; they spit on them and beat them as they raped them. Once all the men were done they held the women down and made them watch as their fed their infants to the flames. As the women screamed in anguish the knight and his second in command slit their throats and added their bodies to the pyre. And that was not even the worse part."
"What could be worse?" Jeral asked, his voice a strained whisper.
"Once they had finished slaughtering my people they dropped to their knees in prayer. After thanking their Gods they congratulated one another on their great victory over the evil drow. As I watched from the shadows anger filled within me, anger I had never felt before. I cast a spell that snuffed out the fire and cloaked the woods in darkness. As the darkness fell we attacked. Despite the surprise the men of the Order fought well. They formed pairs and fought back to back as best they could while calling upon their Gods to dispel the darkness."
She smirked as she took another sip of wine, "Their Gods must have been displeased for the darkness did not lift. The fighting was fierce and soon only the leader of their party remained. I stood, alive and unwounded, as did three of my men. My sister and the rest lay dead of dying. I lifted the spell and as light returned to the clearing the knight saw that he was one against four. The fool challenged me to single comment. I declined of course and the four of us quickly overwhelmed him. We did not kill him; instead we took his back as our prize. I was given the honor of cutting out his heart on the altar within the Temple of Lloth and I took great pleasure in doing exactly that. He was alive when I cut out his heart and I wanted him to pay for what he had done to my people."
Viconia raised her glass and rose to her feet. "I must sleep, but remember this well Jeral, life is complicated, be wary of those who seek to make it seem simple for they will lead you down a dangerous path. Keldorn is no better than his predecessor. I was willing to judge Keldorn on his actions as an individual. He was unwilling to do the same. To him the rules say drow are evil and must be killed, he was unwilling to see otherwise. The rules in this case say Isaea is a member of the nobility and that Nalia is a woman who cannot control her own destiny. Anomen will get no help from the Order this day. We will have to find another way to win Nalia's release. I must rest but once I recover my strength I will aid Anomen in releasing Nalia. I will not allow a women such as her to be held by such a pathetic male."
Viconia turned and slowly made her way upstairs. Soreal and Jeral sat quietly as they sipped their drinks and waited for Anomen to return.