Chapter 4: Mage Secured
Jaheira was sitting beside Khalid's prone form, panic rising within her chest as she watched her husband struggle to breathe. She would have to wait a few more hours before she could cast another healing spell. The thought of not being able to save Khalid filled her with dread.
Charmane was standing watch at the cave entrance, Edwin was engrossed in his studies, while Imoen paced back and forth, her hands fidgeting with nervous energy.
A few hours went by before Khalid began to stir, his eyelids fluttering open as he took in a deep, shuddering breath.
"Thank the gods," Jaheira whispered, relief evident in her voice.
Charmane let out a breath she didn't know she'd been holding, her shoulders slumping with relief.
But for now, she knew that she had to focus on the task at hand. They were close to the captive witch and the weight of the mission was bearing down on her. She took a deep breath, squaring her shoulders with determination.
"We can't waste any more time," she said, her voice firm. "We need to keep moving."
As the group made their way back to the bridge, Charmane decided to scout ahead. As she crept along the barren soil, Charmane spotted a group of gnolls at the foot of the bridge. They had discovered the lifeless bodies of the ogrillions and were on alert.
She was relieved to see that they were armed with simpler tools compared to the roast-loving gnoll they had battled the other day. More importantly, none appeared to be carrying ranged weapons, which was lucky as her party was currently on lower ground. Not surprisingly, the gnolls were easily dispatched and served only to increase the weight of their bags.
Charmane and her companions approached the gnoll fortress with caution, their eyes fixed on the gruesome path before them. The skulls of fallen enemies were mounted on spikes, serving as a warning to any who dared to challenge the gnolls. As they drew closer, they saw an archway crudely made of wood, adorned with tattered red cloth that fluttered in the wind. In the centre of the archway hung the skull of a monstrous creature, its empty eye sockets staring down at them ominously. Charmane couldn't quite make out the symbol on the cloth, but she knew it was meant to intimidate.
The group went up wide stairs that looked as if they had been carved into the cliff face centuries ago, their surfaces worn down by the elements and the footsteps of countless travelers. The stones were rough and uneven, some jutting out at odd angles, and others worn smooth from years of use.
As the party reached the landing of the stairs, the first drops of rain started to fall, quickly turning into a downpour. The sound of the rain hitting the stones and metal of their armor drowned out any other noise. The smell of wet earth and fur overpowered their senses. Charmane couldn't help but feel relieved. The rain would hide her scent, making it easier for her to scout or launch a surprise attack.
The party made their way onto a landing, which was once paved with cobbled stones, now obscured by a thick layer of dirt and mud. To their right, they could hear faint sounds of bickering and barking from the remnant of a doorway, up a flight of stairs. Ahead of them lay a large empty pit, its walls lined with logs crudely fashioned into a staircase. Suspended over the pit was an ominous-looking plank, blood splattered all around it. It was clear that the gnolls used it as a means of torture and execution. Further along the pit lay another set of stairs that led to an empty room.
Charmane climbed the stairs to their right, crouching low and pressing her body against the rough stone of the cliff face. She saw four gnolls standing guard at the doorway and managed to slip past them unnoticed. As she passed another empty pit, she warily eyed a much larger group of gnolls who were arguing over how to eat their captive. Charmane's heart pounded in her chest as she crept past them, until she caught sight of what appeared to be a woman in the darkness of the second pit. Satisfied, she stealthily made her way back to her party, thankful that she had managed the excursion without raising an alarm.
"We can't fight them head-on, there are far too many of them." Charmane said as she rejoined her group at the bottom of the stairs. "We need a plan."
The gnoll, known as Korg, had been on guard duty for what felt like an eternity. His fur was matted from the rain, his paws were sore, and his stomach rumbled with hunger. He just wanted to finish his shift and head back to the warmth of his den. He complained about the rain to his three friends, who were equally miserable.
As they huddled together, Korg suddenly heard loud clanging coming from the stairs below. The pack lifted their heads in unison, ears perked up, and sniffed the air. The rain made it impossible to tell what it was.
Korg and his packmates bared their teeth as they made their way to the doorway. There at the bottom of the stairs stood a skinny human with pointy ears. At the sight of the intruder, Korg let out a piercing howl, alerting the entire pack. Without hesitation, they charged down the stairs, eager to attack.
But Khalid was quick on his feet. He turned and ran, darting towards the second staircase. The gnolls pursued him, snarling and barking, their claws clacking on the wet stone. Khalid could almost feel their hot breath on his heels as he sprinted up the steps.
As he neared the top, Khalid spun around, his shield out and sword at the ready. As the gnolls closed in, Jaheira emerged from the shadows, her spear gleaming in the dim light. At least twenty gnolls were trying to push their way up the narrow staircase. Husband and wife fought side by side, exploiting the choke point to pick off the gnolls one by one. Imoen rained arrows down from further up the stairs, while Edwin's well-placed color spray blinded several gnolls in one go, causing some to stumble and fall off.
As the chaos of battle raged on the staircase, a shadow moved along the walls, unnoticed by the gnolls. With fluid grace, it picked off straggling gnolls one by one. The gnolls were too busy focusing on Khalid and Jaheira to notice the silent assassin slipping behind them. The gnolls never knew what hit them, and by the time they realized they were under attack from a third direction, it was too late. Charname had already taken out half of their number.
"Uh-oh…" Charname muttered as the largest and most vicious-looking gnoll turned his attention on her. It swung its halberd, slashing inches from her nose. She dodged left and right then tried to get in close, but the creature's halberd was too long, and its strength was overwhelming. She danced around the hulking beast but felt herself tiring. Just when she thought she couldn't go on any longer, she heard a voice from above.
"Stay still, woman!" Edwin shouted, his arms shaking with the strain of restrained magical energy. "You're ruining my shot!"
In an instant, a barrage of magic missiles streaked down from above, striking the gnoll in the chest and knocking it off balance. Charmane gratefully took advantage of the momentary distraction, darting in to land a series of blows. The gnoll howled with rage, its halberd whistling through the air as it tried to strike back.
She darted around the gnoll, dodging most of its clumsy swings and landing blows wherever she could. With each strike, she felt a surge of satisfaction, a rush of adrenaline that kept her going.
Edwin continued to rain down magic missiles, his face set in a fierce scowl. "Die, you filthy animal!" he shouted, his voice rising above the din of battle. "Die!"
As the last one on the staircase fell, Jaheira and Khalid rushed to Charmane's defence. The rogue was sporting a massive gash along her arm and one was bleeding profusely. The gnoll chieftain, however, was lying dead at her feet, courtesy of Edwin's surprisingly long barrage of magic missiles. The party breathed a collective sigh of relief. They had won, and other than Charmane, the party was mostly in good shape.
After downing a healing potion, Charmane led the group to the witch. In the light of their torches, Charmane caught sight of a tall, imposing woman. Her ebony skin glistened in the dim light of the torches, and her dark hair was tangled and damp from the rain. The witch wore purple robes that were once elegant, but now were caked in mud. Despite her dishevelled appearance, there was a regal air about her that demanded respect.
As Charmane walked down the makeshift stairs, the woman looked up in relief. "Thine assistance is most appreciated," the witch Dynaheir said, regarding them with dark piercing eyes, "'Twas a dastardly fate thou hast saved me from."
Edwin's face contorted with frustration. "Why do you stay the killing blow?! Kill her!" he demanded.
The captive witch stood calmly before them. "I see bravery was not all that motivates thee," she said, her eyes scanning the group. "I take it I am rescued from one death to die by another then? How can the cause be just? I urge caution; the likes of him are best kept at polearm's length."
"Listen not to the witch's lies! We had a deal!" Edwin spat, his hand shaking with anger.
"Put aside his paranoid goals; I make a far better friend than enemy," Dynaheir interjected, her voice steady and persuasive.
"Hmm, this woman is no threat to me nor does she carry anything of value. What's in it for me, Edwin?" Charmane asked. "Isn't it time you told me what this so-called reward beyond my meagre understanding is?"
"I'll not barter with you insipid apes," Edwin sneered. "You will find out once the deed is done!"
"How about you state your case, then? Why should I kill her?" Charmane pressed.
"My grievance with her is beyond you!" Edwin declared, his eyes blazing.
Charmane rolled her eyes, turning to Dynaheir. "How about you? Tell me why I should let you live?"
"My rescue, if that is what this is, was timely and appreciated. I have naught to offer thee but mine own skills. Wouldst thou accept the company of one practiced in the magical arts? I could do with an escort as well, at least until I locate my bodyguard, Minsc." Dynaheir replied, calmly.
Charmane arched an eyebrow. "Another mage? Hmm, how do I know I can trust you?"
"I am not thy enemy," Dynaheir retorted. "I am Dynaheir of Rasheman. Whilst this wizard is a knave from Thay. He doth crave my death merely for mine affiliation. He doth not know even the purpose of my mission. He shall betray thee at the first opportunity."
"Heed not the words of this treacherous witch!" Edwin exclaimed.
Charmane scoffed. "But you, Edwin, make it no secret that you wish to overthrow me."
"Do you take me for a fool?" Edwin spat back. "I've witnessed your accomplishments. Betraying you would be madness (for now)."
Charmane almost burst out laughing, feeling tempted to side with the Red Wizard simply because he amused her.
She sauntered towards him, a mischievous glint in her eye as she spoke. "Just so you know, I, er, 'inspected' your possessions, my dear wizard," she said, the corners of her lips tugging upwards. "I couldn't tell what my reward was. Unless, of course…" She raised a hand towards Edwin's neck, her fingers curling around a sizable, gold-encrusted ruby. "It's this pretty necklace of yours?"
Edwin batted her hand away, angrily. "I intended to offer a year of service," he said through gritted teeth. "But as expected, you fail to see past shiny baubles!"
"A year of service?" Charmane's grin grew, a flicker of satisfaction dancing in her eyes. She hadn't realized it before, but the idea of having the sarcastic wizard by her side had been tugging at her subconscious. "I can already think of a way to make use of you." she said slyly, dropping her voice. "How about this? Charm her."
"What!?" Edwin exclaimed, looking disgusted.
"I meant the spell, monkey-brain." Charmane hissed. "I'll kill her if she's treacherous as you say."
Edwin's anger gave way to surprise. "Devious," he said, slowly, his voice low and velvety. "I like it." The sound sent an odd shiver down Charmane's spine, a sensation not altogether unpleasant.
Edwin wasted no time and finished chanting before Dynaheir could react. "What is your intention in coming to this place? Speak."
"I am Dynaheir, a witch of Rashemen," she said monotonously. "My comrade Minsc and I have been sent by the Wychlaran to determine whether the prophecies of Alaundo are true. We search for the spawn of Bhaal."
Charmane's eyes narrowed as the witch revealed her Eastern accent and a vernacular curiously bereft of grandiose speech. A sense of unease settled in her stomach as she realized that Edwin's claims might hold some truth. Jaheira, who had been resting against the walls of the pit, now eyed the witch suspiciously, as well.
"Interesting…" Charmane replied, after a pause "Her quest seems harmless enough. She isn't as she seems but don't we all wear a mask to the world?"
"Get to the point!" Edwin demanded, impatiently. "How does this concern Thay?"
Just as Dynaheir opened her mouth to reply, a flash of fury replaced her previously placid countenance. "Thou treacherous and foul varlets!" Dynaheir spat, her voice ringing with righteous anger. "Thou hast violated my mind with thy vile magic! Thy actions shall not go unpunished!" Magic crackled in the witch's palms as she readied a hex.
"Don't move." Charmane warned, flitting directly behind the witch, a dagger held to her throat. "You may resent my decision, but that spell was the only reason you are now alive. So let's keep it that way, shall we?"
"Good." Charmane continued after a moment, as the witch lifted her arms in submission. "Both you and Edwin have much to hide and much to offer." Charmane said, thoughtfully. "It would be interesting to have you two by my side. For a time."
"Fool! You know not what you ask!" Edwin exclaimed, his voice laced with disbelief. "Bah!" He muttered, audible enough for Charmane to hear. "There are far too many monkeys to attack now! Prudence, Edwin."
"I will accompany you, Charmane, until I locate my guardian," Dynaheir replied. "I doth not trust thee nor this Red Wizard. Yet thou hast proven thyself to be rational in thy decisions, though I cannot say that I doth approve of thy methods."
Edwin's face twisted in frustration as he spoke, "If you insist on delaying her demise, then so be it. I shall stay on to ensure she does not spread her treacherous falsehoods." His voice dropped to a mutter as he said, "There will be opportunities for her disposal. The fool will be easily manipulated."
"Just so we're clear," Charmane said firmly, ignoring the sulky wizard. "I lead. You follow. Don't let your personal battles get in the way."
"What a surprise," Edwin continued muttering behind her. "The monkey grows a backbone at the most inopportune moment."