The Merciless Heart
This story has been sitting in my head for a very long time. Now, after a few adjustments and corrections, the time has come for it to be somewhere else than in my head. A story I invented based on the amazing game Baldur's Gate 2 and my favorite character Esme the kensai warrior. The action takes place after the events of the Throne of Bhaal. Hope you like it.
P. S forgive me any mistakes, English is my second language
Warning: Blood and injury, graphic violence and strong language.
Chapter 1- The One who needs rescue
"The past can't hurt you anymore, not unless you let it."
Alan Moore, V for Vendetta
Hour and a half had passed and he was still searching. Elsewhere or under different circumstances he would start to worry. The world was, after all, a terrifying and dangerous place, especially for a young child. But despite all the dangers and horrors lurking around every corner of the world Gorion remained calm. After all they were behind high walls in an almost hermetic Candlekeep. Nothing ever happened here, no one ever came here except for merchants, and the nearest village or tavern was far too far away for a small child to escape. Especially when it was such a harsh winter outside like this year, plus currently there was a strong blizzard. Even Gorion himself got bored of studying his thick books about magic during long cold days. The after-dinner training was about to begin and without getting too nervous Gorion slowly and carefully looked around each room, listening to see if he could pick up any sound. However, when the next room turned out to be empty wizard frowned. The last room he hadn't checked yet was his. It served as his bedroom and office and he repeated it so many times not to enter it without permission. Locking the door with the key, as you can see, was not enough and now a bit nervous he pressed the handle. The door opened with a soft creak and Gorion looked around. Everything was like the last time he was here, bed was made, desk and everything arranged on it carefully and a fire was burning merrily in the fireplace. But the presence of uninvited guests was revealed by the open door and Gorion studied all corners carefully. Finally his eyes fell on the large trunk where he kept his belongings. Gorion was a little angry expecting in what condition all his belongings are going to be now. Carefully but efficiently he lifted the heavy wooden lid of the trunk. His expression softened as he saw two sleeping girls. This time they could be proud of themselves, they hid really well and hide and seek lasted much longer than usual. Huddled together in a very tight and dark trunk, they fell asleep waiting to be found. Gorion shook his head slightly and gently lifted first girl. Little one frowned, but she did not wake up and wizard laid her on his bed. Then he pulled out the second girl and placed her next to the first and looked at them with a mixture of anger and affection. Both Esme and Imoen were still just children, but he hated breaking the rules he had made. Entering his room without permission was one of those rules. Gorion had repeatedly rebuked girls who seemed to forget all arrangements and rules. He sighed and looked at his belongings in the trunk: everything was in disarray, clothes crumpled, scrolls and papers wrinkled. Wizard gritted his teeth with nerves and knelt by the trunk, slowly pulling out all things to put them back together. He had to put all his clothes and blankets back together, he tried to straighten spell scrolls as best he could, but some of them had never regained their former shape. Some of the scrolls were very old, they had a really high value in both gold and sentimental. Frustrated, Gorion mentally wondered what the best punishment would be for such a violation of his privacy. Something like that could not be ignored. Irritated, he pulled out more items as his gaze fell on a thick bundle of letters bound with a red ribbon. A pile of letters he had forgotten existed long ago. Gorion swallowed hard, his throat suddenly felt dry and with a slightly trembling hand he took the letters out of the trunk. He untied the red ribbon that held his correspondence together and pulled out one letter by one from envelopes to look at them. Each of them had a lovely, energetic handwriting. Words were made into loving and joyful confessions, full of hopes for the future and plans. With each subsequent letter joy and excitement were replaced by a slight fear and uncertainty which intensified more and more. Gorion ran his finger over the letters he had received before he disappeared to the world behind the thick walls of Candlekeep. Letters which still remained unopened and which, to this day, he had not dared to unseal and read. No point in tormenting and brooding over painful memories, he thought and looked fondly at the bed on which girls were still sleeping. Gorion looked away and looked at the letters again. He gripped them tighter and stood up, quickly walking to the fireplace on the other side of the room, intending to throw the letters into the fire.
"That night when I agreed to take care of this child, everything changed. My old life and desires ceased to matter. It's time to bury them once and for all "
-Papa? - soft voice snapped him out of his thoughts. Little Esme was sitting on the bed rubbing her sleepy eyes. Slowly she left comfortable bed and walked over to him, cuddling with her small body. Gorion smiled slightly and stroked little girl's head. He was not her father, but rather a mentor and protector, but he did not forbid her to call himself "Papa". If that was what this little creature needed, in her until recently horrible life, he could do at least that much for her.
-What is that?- She asked pointing with her little finger at the letters he was holding.
-Nothing, my child- he replied looking at her, seeing how she was carefully watching him with her wise for a young age eyes.
-Something important?- She asked.
"No" he wanted to say but thought for a moment. He never talked to anyone about it. Maybe he could do that much and finally tell aloud about this love he had abandoned. Love that was lost to his other commitments and sense of duty. Love he abandoned without a word of explanation. Woman he once thought of as his future wife deserved at least enough to say goodbye to memory of her. One quick movement of the hand was enough and the yellowed letters landed in the fireplace. When the last page of parchment finally lost its uneven fight with fire and turned irreversibly to ash, Gorion, looking away from the fireplace, spoke again.
-It used to be very important to me. Maybe even the most important things in the world at some point- he slowly explained to little Esme and smiled- Now it's just a memory, but one of my favorites. The most beautiful and the saddest at the same time.
Little Esme asked no more questions, she hugged him tighter and they stared at the fire for a few moments.
-Esme, wake up Imoen. It's time for your training.
-But Papa ...- girl protested.
-No but- he said shortly in his customary sharp tone and Esme reluctantly, with a sad face walked towards the bed. Gorion knew he had to be strict and demanding. He had to teach those girls everything they needed to know and how to defend themselves. It was his job. A role that he voluntarily assigned to himself. He couldn't be too indulgent and soft. He had already sacrificed too much.
~ * ~
Long-awaited golden glow of dawn finally appeared on the horizon. Robert smiled to himself and stretched. His evening watch at one of the gates of Athkatla was nearing its end. Two of his companions set the mechanism in motion with an effort, and the heavy gate lifted slowly upwards. Robert wrapped his cloak tighter around him and carefully started down the stone steps, wet from the morning dew. His substitutes will come in any minute and he will be able to finally go to the inn for a tasty and warm breakfast served as usual by his beautiful Bernadette. A few more weeks, and when the hot summer finally comes, they'll get married and move in together. So far, unfortunately, it was still a long way to that happy day. Snow had just melted and early spring was still cold and weather capricious. Roads had just become passable again and the traffic was just beginning and there was to be more work every day. Even today, despite the very early hour, a large crowd has gathered at the city gates. Mentally Robert was glad that the group was leaving the city rather than coming to it. Then he would have to check them all and his work would have dragged on for another hour or two. But not today. Happily he could finally go eat something warm and have a cup of hot, strong coffee. Robert reached bottom of the stairs and looked at faces of those present as he continued walking.
"Damn self-righteous knights" he thought, looking at all knights gathered in addition to the merchants. Maybe they were doing a lot of good, but he wasn't a fan of them somehow. As for Robert, they were a bit proud and they idealized everything, including themselves.
Apparently, somewhere in the North East, hostile armies were gathering and knights were to check it and, if necessary, evacuate nearby villages. Robert watched one of the higher-ranking knights, perhaps even their leader say goodbye to his beloved. She even had a nice body, but for him personaly she was a bit too thin. Robert definitely preferred women with more rounded shapes. Like his lovely Bernadette. In addition, clothes showed that this girl was probably some kind of adventurer, which was not in his taste at all. Is honest work of a waitress not enough and you had to stick your neck out in the pursuit of gold and fame? Girl had tears in her eyes and handed to the knight some goodbye gift, a pendant or something like this. Robert had seen so many sloppy and tearful goodbyes that he just rolled his eyes and continued on to finally report his night shift. He stood with the other guards waiting for his substitutes, who ( "damn them") were late as always and watched people leave the city. Knights in equal ranks began marching out on foot, those of higher rank mounted their horses and also moved from the spot shouting comands. Robert watched how knight is being said goodbye by the girl, turning his horse one last time to be able to look at her and leaving the city. Sad girl waved to him, but to Robert's surprise, she did not go down the street but headed towards the caravan of merchants preparing to leave the city. One of the merchants shouted something at her but she shook her head. Unexpectedly, a pink-haired girl ran out from around the corner. She ran to the last wagon and panting heavily, raised her hand in an apologetic gesture. Her friend said nothing but took a seat on the wagon and pink-haired girl hurriedly threw her bags and sat down next to her friend. Caravan moved slowly from its place at last and Robert watched the last of the wagons disappear in the distance. He yawned widely and rubbed his tired eyes. He noticed a sudden flash of bright light in the alley. Someone has teleported again somewhere. "As if using your own damn legs was completely out of style," he began to think critically of wizards when new guards finally appeared in the alley to take his place. Let others fight and seek adventures, he is going to eat breakfast and then sleep well. He had a quiet life and he liked it as hell as it was.
~*~
-So? What does the letter say?- Esme heard Imoen's words but didn't answer, wanting to read the letter she had just received from the messenger. Her eyes quickly followed words and sentences inked on the paper. As usual, there were no unnecessary words or courtesy, just a nice greeting, a quick explanation and a willingness to meet again at the earliest opportunity. As usual, Jaheira included what should have been in the message without any unnecessary content.
-So?! - Imoen reminded again.
Esme read the last line and looked up at her impatient sister.
-Jay won't come- Esme explained and handed the pinkhaired girl the letter so she could see it herself. Imoen looked disappointed at her and began reading immediately. Jaheira was supposed to meet them at Trademeet, but the still impassable roads in the mountains where she had spent the winter stopped her and it looked as though her plans would change.
-That sucks! - Imoen said finally tearing her eyes away from the letter and looking at Esme with a grimace of dissatisfaction - Now what?
Esme shrugged.
-I think we'll just go back to Athkatla a week earlier than intended. We have already bought everything we needed.
Imoen's mood darkened visibly and Esme's mood had deteriorated a bit as well. Winter behind the city walls was boring and time passed very slowly. Both sisters enjoyed the prospect of going to Trademeet with the arrival of spring to meet Jaheira. By the way, the trip was to serve for Esme as a distraction from cloudy thoughts and worrying about Anomen, who for the first time since they met left for longer. Kensai tried not to worry too much and to focus on the positive side. She and Anomen would finally get married at the end of the summer, and while shopping at Trademeet, Esme and Imoen would buy or order most of the things they needed from merchants. Despite the tedious viewing of materials, fabrics and walking from stand to stand girls had a great time enjoying the peace and a nice change of surroundings. Early return to Athkatla ruined their little holiday.
-And it was so nice!- Imoen said sadly.
Esme looked at her and tapped her hand on the wooden table where they were sitting.
-We stay!- She said firmly.
-What?
-We stay. Jaheira won't come, too bad. That doesn't mean we can't stay as planned! We bought everything we planned but maybe we will like something else? And if we don't buy anything interesting, we'll just laze around and relax. We deserved a little vacation - after voicing her thoughts, Esme was enjoying the change of plans even more. She did not want to go back to Athkatla, where there was always something to be done. Besides, she didn't want to go back there too soon if Anomen wasn't there, and a bit of sweet laziness in Imoen's company sounded just wonderful.
-I have to admit, this is one of your best ideas so far, sis!- Cried Imoen in a much happier tone- What do we do after lunch then?
-We'll discuss the delivery details for all our stuff and then we will just go and see what we want to do- Esme said thinking aloud.
Imoen clapped her hands together. Excited like a little girl.
-So what are we waiting for ?! I saw pink candies at one stand!- She said getting up quickly from the table and Esme, laughing, followed her almost running.
Sun was already setting and Esme and Imoen were still strolling slowly between the stalls. Tired, they finally sat down by the fountain eating the sweets they had bought.
-Sthe lhootks fvherhy mhutch hlike khyou- Imoen muttered, her mouth full.
- Emm. I don't understand a word, Immy. Swallow what's in your mouth first!
-I say she looks very much like you! They did a good job - Imoen said clearer, finally swallowing a bite and pointed to the sculpture by the fountain representing Esme.
-That's true! It could be soooo much worse!- Kensai agreed and looked at the statue, she shook her head, laughing out loud. Then she got up and stood taking the same heroic pose as the statue.
-And now? Do I look like a real Heroine of Trademeet? A brave warrior who knows no fear?- Esme asked barely holding back her laugh while Imoen chuckled almost lying on the stone bench. Seeing her sister so amused kensai decided to continue. She put her hand to her forehead in a dramatic gesture and said in a theatrically sad voice:
-Acchhh, cruel fate! Once invincible heroine of Trademeet, and maybe even the whole Faerun! Now her statue is left to unfair fate! Left so the pigeons can take a sh...
-It's you, isn't it ?! This is statue of you‼?
Esme heard suddenly and froze. She didn't even turn around, she just knew that words were meant for her. It was like that every time she and Imoen started their stupid things. Both girls got carried away and laughed their best and each time something went wrong and Esme made a fool of herself and Imoen laughed to tears. Kensai looked out of the corner of her eye at Imoen, who hadn't even pretended not to laugh and tears were streaming down her now red face.
"Another show! We invite! No tickets needed, free admission!" Esme thought and turned away ashamed. There was an awkward, embarrassed smile on her face, but it vanished as soon as she saw a man standing in front of her now. Young, about a few years younger than her and Imoen, tousled, dirty and in torn clothes, he looked at both of them with brown eyes full of hope.
-It's you, isn't it? One of Trademeet's heros?- He asked or rather stated in a certain tone and looked her straight in the eyes, waiting for the answer.
Esme nodded slightly.
-Uummmm ... Yes. Yes it's me- she replied and man immediately threw himself on his knees, crying, grabbing her with both of his dirty hands.
-I beg you! You have to help me!- He shouted.
Surprised Esme looked first at him, then at the equally surprised Imoen and then at man again.
-I … - she began awkwardly - I can't help you if I don't know what's going on. Please stand up and let's talk somewhere more convenient than the very center of the main square. And maybe at the beginning you can tell me your name?
Kensai smiled warmly and man nodded quickly. He got up from his knees, dusted his pants and tried to look a little more dignified despite his deplorable condition.
-You're right. We should talk somewhere more discreet, I shouldn't be doing a stage in public. But I'm desperate and ... Please forgive me. My name is Bont and I just want to go home.