Chapter 2- New adventure
Vyatri's Pub was crowded as usual and the guests present were chatting cheerfully over drinks, music and good food. Esme, Imoen and Bont, whom two girls had only met half an hour ago, were sitting at a table in a quiet and discreet corner of the common room. Man was just finishing drinking water from a large mug and was wiping his mouth with back of his hand. Esme and Imoen exchanged glances. Both were curious about a story Bont had to tell, but refused to rush him. Finally, after taking a long deep breath of air into his lungs, Bont looked at both of them closely.
-Please forgive me. I owe you an explanation. As I mentioned before, my name is Bont. I am a wizard, even a good one. Together with my three companions, we went in search of adventures. Of course, my wife was against it but the opportunity arose and my friends and I wanted to earn some extra gold. Times are hard, you know how it is- he said and Esme nodded, and Imoen came out with a short "mmhmm".
Bont frowned and continued.
-One of the merchants who got stuck in our village for the winter needed herbs and other things. He paid well and we were not afraid of snow, frost or wolves. We found that in winter there is not much work anyway, so you have to catch whatever you get. Everything was going well, we were almost here in Trademeet when we came across a larger group unexpectedly. A strange bunch, they were mostly trolls and ogres, but armed and in large numbers.
-Trolls and ogres? - Esme was surprised - It's a bit unusual. They don't usually stick together.
Bont nodded and he hung his head down a moment later, his voice cracked slightly.
-We didn't have a chance when they attacked us. One of my comrades sacrificed himself so that I could escape. I ran without looking back. I finally got here and asked for help. I wanted to find someone to help me get home to my wife. Nobody would agree- Bont said and looked at Esme and Imoen sadly with almost desperation in his eyes. Everyone just says that there will be a new war and that nobody is going there. Please help me get home. I want to take my wife and get away from there somewhere safe. That unit that killed my comrades probably joined the troops that are gathering there. I have... I have less and less time with each passing day. I am begging you for help. Nobody else can help me. I will give you all my money.
Esme and Imoen looked at each other and then at that sad man sitting across from them. Esme bit her lower lip. These were not hers and her Sister plans to go for new dangerous adventure, and the trip with only three of them was not the easiest one, plus they could expose themselves to many dangers along the way.
-I don't know ... Bont, I don't know if only three of us ...- kensai began hesitantly. Bont nodded sadly and Imoen looked at her sister like a puppy abandoned in the rain. Esme knew that look all too well.
-Bont, we apologize for a moment. Let us discuss this with Imoen- Esme said as she dragged her sister by shoulder to the bar.
Girls stood in the corner and Imoen looked at Esme expectantly.
-So? I think we'll help this poor fellow, right?- pinkhaired girl asked, but Esme shook her head slightly.
-I don't know Immy! Of course I want to help him, he is in a terrible state, but I don't know if it's wise. There are only three of us- kensai sighed and looked at the table where Bont was sitting- Though I admit that at the very thought of leaving him to his fate, my stomach twists.
Imoen raised her eyebrows.
-So it's decided! We will help him! You'll see, everything will be fine! Compared to our other adventures, it will be like a walk on a meadow!- She exclaimed cheerfully and smiled broadly.
Esme shrugged.
-This is probably our fate, where we will not go, someone needs help. Although I admit that our little holidays also made me happy.
Imoen patted her shoulder.
-I know, but today I ate so much sweets that my teeth hurt. Maybe it will be better hihi- she said and headed to the table. Esme looked at her sister. The prospect of helping someone in need pleased her but somewhere inside she felt uneasy. Road was hard and long, it was necessary to plan the best route. Her mood improved as she saw Bont's reaction and joy from a distance when Imoen gave him the good news. Nobody ever said it would be easy, but it was definitely worth it. Esme started towards them when, unexpectedly, someone said:
-Esme of Candlekeep.
Surprised, she turned when she heard her name. But surprise was quickly replaced by Joy when she saw who called her. Dressed nicely as usual, with his beard trimmed short and neatly, he looked around at the guests gathered in the pub with his usual slight sense of superiority. He shuddered in disgust at the sight of one of the drinkers and looked at her again- As always, you are hard to find.
-Edwin Odesseiron, who would have thought- Esme said shaking her head in disbelief as she walked over to the red wizard - Good to see you.
Edwin smiled slightly. Esme knew he was not in the habit of throwing himself into anybody's arms as a greeting. So she only patted him on the shoulder, which already meant a very close relationship with the wizard. If someone else touches him or his clothes, there is a risk of severe burns from the hot fireball.
-Good to see you too. I can see that you are doing well.
-Yes, thank you. You have not changed either. What were you doing in the time we didn't see each other? You're still in one piece, so that's good - Esme joked.
Edwin snorted slightly.
-Of course I'm in one and the same intact piece that I was in when you last saw me (I am capable and extremely out of the ordinary for anything to happen to me). I was busy, as usual, a little bit of learning magic, a little bit of searching for information that would help me become more powerful.
- Typical you- summed up kensai and smiled - Why don't we sit down and talk? I think it will be much more comfortable at the table with some food and wine. Imoen is also here with me.
Esme indicated the direction with her hand and Edwin, nodding slightly, moved towards the table.
-Eddie! What are you doing here!?- Imoen exclaimed as soon as the wizard was within her sight, voice and oh horrors reach of her hands.
Pink-haired girl patted red wizard hard on both shoulders,and he immediately corrected his wrinkled robes.
-Yes, yes, seeing me usually causes joy or panic. Be glad girl that you belong to this first group (I give you my word, a little gentleness and Respect wont hurt you).
-Oh it's okay, alright? Sit down and tell me about you!- She called and Edwin sat down on chair next to her.
-Oh ... Who are you? - Edwin asked surprised, finally noticing Bont sitting quietly so far. Man straightened his head slightly, wanting to look a bit more dignified despite his deplorable state and extended his hand to Edwin in greeting.
-My name is Bont. Nice to meet you - he said.
Edwin looked scandalized at man's slightly dirty hand and, smiling crookedly, simply nodded his head in greeting.
-Ummm ... Yes ... All (definitely questionable) pleasure is mine. Edwin Odesseiron, The Red Wizard of Thay.
Esme covered her mouth with her hand, hiding a smile as she saw Edwin straighten up proudly and waited a brief moment to give man time to delight and a few words of praise. But when THE Red Wizard didn't get any of these things from a completely ignorant Bont, he sat down in his seat with an irritated grunt. Esme quickly changed the subject to distract him.
-So, Edwin, what brings you here?
Edwin looked at her a little more seriously now.
-I think we can help each other, my dear friend.
-You'll probably get more out of this than we do, huh? Imoen remarked defiantly to tease him a bit.
Wizard frowned sending her a murderous glare.
-I rarely undertake activities that are not beneficial to me (harming myself, ppffftt! ).
-That's exactly what I - mean Imoen continued to tease but Edwin ignored her teasing and turned his attention to Esme.
-I was a bit overworked (as always, magic and power require sacrifice). I know about the coming war and that your ... ahem ... that Anomen went with the other knight to investigate this matter. What if I told you that we can stop it all and he will come home much faster and in addition safe and sound?
Esme folded her arms over her chest and sat up in her chair, staring at him more intently.
-There must be a catch there for sure. It's never as easy as it sounds, Edwin. And what's in it for you? What do you want?
Esme, Imoen and even Bont were looking at red wizard curiously now. Edwin spread his arms wide.
-What do I want? Does it matter? Everyone wants something? You want peace and your knight back, Imoen candy or some other nonsense (OUCH!!! How dare you throw a cup at me !!!), and you - Edwin said, massaging his sore head and pointing to Bont - probably money and a farm full of fat pigs. And I? I want a little help and power.
Esme frowned and looked sternly at her friend.
-I need details, Odesseiron. Details! I will not agree to anything blind. I want Anomen's return, but I need to know what I'm getting into. Besides, we have already promised to help Bont- She said and pointed her hand at Young man.
-Ecchh, are you playing good Samaritan again? - wizard sighed. Everyone suddenly jumped when, unexpectedly, Bont furiously slammed his fist on the wooden table.
-I don't care what this help is about, wizard. If they don't agree, I will. I have a wife and if this damned war can be stopped somehow, I will join. My companions are dead, and this is how I can avenge them!
Edwin raised his eyebrows in surprise.
-I like your enthusiasm, although I don't want to be too much of a nanny here. I don't know if just two of us would have gone far, even despite my extraordinary talents.
Frustrated, Bont rose from his seat and Esme put her hand on his shoulder. Man looked at her with tears of rage in his eyes.
-We have to help him! I have to help him, even if it is the last thing I will do in my life. For a better and safer future for my wife ... I am begging you!
Esme sighed loudly and took a long sip of wine from her mug. This afternoon took an even more unexpected turn. Help Bont, help Edwin, stop the war and bring Anomen home sooner. Kensai knew she would agree anyway. The benefits were too great. But she knew from experience that none of these things would be simple and she scratched her neck, feeling an unpleasant nervous tingling sensation on it.
-Are you sure about this?- she ssked Bont, who nodded his head in confirmation of his willingness and words. Esme looked at Imoen, who also nodded
-Sure, we'll kill few birds with one stone- she heard from her sister. Esme looked at Edwin seriously.
- All right. Now tell us all the details.
-Ah! Wonderfully! I knew you would agree! - Edwin exclaimed happily but he twirled his finger in the air in front of Bont. - But I'm not very eager to reveal all the details to people I have just met. Even if they are destined to have a painful death very soon, because of their incompetence.
Bont frowned and pursed his lips, slightly offended by the wizard's words, but nodded understandingly.
-I see. But I will still go. Even blindly. Whatever it is. Besides, I am also a wizard and I can assure you that I can cope.
-That's a little unfair, Edwin!- Imoen cried - If we're going to get into something, we should all know what's going on! Bont is going to risk his life and I think he deserves to know.
Edwin rolled his eyes in annoyance.
-You trust people, way too fast- he said.
-Never mind- Bont replied and he focused all his attention on Edwin - I understand your point. I really do not mind. I don't need to know everything. The ultimate goal is important. That's enough for me.
He got up from his seat.
-I will now go to my room you rented for me. Talk about all details during this time.
Esme opened her Mouth to say something but Bont only smiled broadly and hurried away. Esme watched him feeling a little guilty. She quickly looked away however, and she and Imoen moved closer to hear the words spoken softly by Edwin.
-You've certainly heard of a Lich named Larloch- he started.
-The Shadow King?- Imoen said in surprise - I don't think there is anyone who would not hear about him. He is very old and powerful.
Edwin continued.
- Saying „old and powerful" is a big understatement. But in short, you can put it this way. But lets get to the point. Once a group of sixteen wizards from Thay attacked his lair. They all wanted power, riches, magical knowledge, or simply to kill Larloch.
Esme lifted the corner of her mouth.
-I can imagine how it ended.
-Yes- Edwin said - Larloch massacred them all. Or at least that's what everyone thought until recently. I searched for information, paid a lot of people, and more and more they brought me information about a man named Rayeal.
Esme and Imoen exchanged glances. Neither of them had heard of him before.
-Your friend?- Kensai asked.
-Rival- Edwin replied - During the attack on the lich's cave he was still young and stupid. He served there more as a support in case of escape and with supplies. Somehow he got out of there alive and not empty-handed.
- He stole something that belongs to Larloch ?! I don't think life is nice to him- Imoen remarked.
Kensai looked at her and mentally agreed. Everyone has heard of Larloch. Mothers and grandmothers frightened naughty children with this old creature, which had not been a human for several centuries already. There was even a nursery rhyme that children sang while they played during the long, dark evening to scare each other.
„If you naughty, if you bad
He will get you, You'll be gone.
Listen to mum, listen to dad,
When it's dark, don't stay alone.
When you see him, run you must
You can't win, it's not a game
He will turn you into dust
Shadow King is his name"
Much has been said about him, heard about him here and there, but only a handful of people saw him, and an even smaller group escaped after meeting him. The mere sound of his name and the fact that it might have something to do with their next mission did not appeal to Esme.
-Rayeal stole something - Edwin said - I only assume what it was exactly , but I know for sure where he is now.
Esme raised her eyebrows as she waited and Edwin moved closer.
-Rayeal has become powerful with this new stolen artifact. He has subjugated some of the inferior races, and it is he who is at the head of the hostile army that rules the north. You want Anomen to come home, I want this artifact.
-And you think it will be that simple? - Esme asked.
-Of course not. That's why I don't do it alone. I'm not suicidal- Edwin replied.
-I know I said before that I go into it blindly, but it sounds a bit crazy- Imoen said, shaking her head in disbelief. - What is this artifact anyway? What are we dealing with? - pink-haired girl asked.
Edwin pulled a leather notebook from behind his coat and opened it on the appropriate page. Everyone saw the notes and drawings carefully made by the wizard.
-I have studied several possibilities and adjusting them to the informations I have gathered, there is only one option- he said, and with a slender finger he pointed at the drawing of a large pendant. In the middle there was a large stone surrounded by thick ornaments, pointed sharp which resembled claws or fangs - They call this pendant The Merciless Heart. It steals and absorbs magical energy, thus increasing the life force and attributes of the wearer. Only that could made Rayeal so powerful.
Esme looked at the drawing. No wonder Larloch was in possession of such a thing, and such a powerful thing in the wrong hands could do a lot of harm, and as always, the innocent would suffer the most.
-I'm in. I'll help you, Edwin- Esme said.
-Me too! - Cried Imoen and put her arm around her sister- Like in the good old days! That all sounds crazy ... But damn it, it'll make the fun and the treasures even better!
-Excellent, that's what I wanted to hear- Edwin said happily.
Esme got up from her seat and looked at him seriously.
- We need supplies and a few extra things. Move your dressed in red butt Edwin. We are going shopping.