Chapter 5: Toeing the Fine Line
With the fortress cleared, the party took shelter from the rain at one of the nearby caves and settled down for the night. Edwin had been staring daggers at Dynaheir the entire time. Noticing this, Imoen couldn't help but wonder aloud. "Say, Char, why did we invite those two to travel with us, again?"
Charmane, who had been busy cooking, took a moment to collect her thoughts before speaking. "We definitely need a mage, that's clear enough," she began. "But which one?" she mused, her voice steady and measured. "I think it would be foolish of me to dismiss either one without giving them a fair chance. Besides," she added with a mischievous glint in her eye, "it's always more entertaining to have oil and water in the same pot."
Imoen let out a soft chuckle. "You and your love for drama, Charmane. Just be careful, alright? You don't want the pot boiling over and making a big old mess." She leaned against her pack, shaking her head in amusement. "But I guess it does make things more interesting."
Edwin, who was busy preparing spells for the coming day, sighed and muttered to himself, "Why must I suffer such indignities? Traveling with witless peasants, no less."
Charmane grinned mischievously. "Oh, Edwin, you flatter us with your delightful presence," she said with a grin, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "But don't worry, we'll make sure to keep the witless peasant quotient high to balance out your brilliance."
Edwin rolled his eyes. "You have the subtlety of a charging ogre."
Charmane shrugged. "And you have the charisma of a slime-covered troll. But we make it work, don't we?"
Imoen chimed in, "Yeah, you two are like a match made in hell."
Khalid interjected, "I'm not sure that's a c-compliment, Imoen."
Jaheira added, "Let us not be distracted by petty squabbles. Our path ahead is long and arduous, and we have much to prepare."
Dynaheir cleared her throat. "If I may interject, I do not appreciate being referred to as 'oil' in this supposed pot."
Charmane grinned. "Don't worry, Dynaheir. We'll make sure you have a chance to prove yourself as 'water'."
Edwin sniffed indignantly, "As if I would allow myself to be a mere ingredient in your twisted culinary concoction."
"Oh, but Edwin, you're the spice that keeps things interesting." Charmane winked.
Imoen grinned. "And Charmane's the one who stirs the pot just right."
"Jests aside," Charmane said, her tone now serious. "How many spells can you cast per day, Edwin?"
Edwin huffed. "As if I would divulge such information to a pack of baboons," he muttered to himself, loud enough for the group to hear. "These simians could never understand the intricacies of my magical prowess, let alone appreciate it."
Charmane rolled her eyes, turned her attention to Dynaheir. "And how about you, Dynaheir? How many can you cast?"
Dynaheir hesitated for a moment before responding. "I am currently able to prepare three 1st-level spells and two 2nd-level spells."
"Ha!" Edwin scoffed, "Inferior numbers. I cast more spells before breakfast than the witch can cast all day."
Dynaheir bristled at the insult. "I was held captive in a gnoll den for weeks. 'Twas hardly the place to hone thine magical prowess."
"Always an excuse for incompetence," Edwin sneered. "Circumstance can never hinder a true master." He turned back to his spellbook, dismissing Dynaheir's words.
Charmane sat cross-legged on the ground, surrounded by magical scrolls she had collected during her journeys. As she perused through them, her mind drifted back to her childhood.
She remembered how she used to sneak into Gorion's laboratory, marvelling at the shelves filled with books and arcane objects. He always knew she was there, but he pretended not to notice, allowing her to explore the laboratory as she pleased. Instead, he would recite snippets of magic, pretending he was simply talking to himself. Charmane would listen intently, her eyes wide with wonder as Gorion explained its intricacies.
One time, when Gorion had explained the process of learning a new spell from a scroll, he had activated a scroll and showed her how to copy the magic within onto his own spellbook. She had watched in awe as the scroll disappeared, releasing its arcane energy into the air. It was a magical moment, one that she would never forget.
Charmane smiled as she recalled another lesson. "A rogue must be able to decipher secret messages," he had said, "and what is magical script but the ultimate secret message?" With a twinkle in his eye, he had convinced her to learn how to read it. She had struggled at first, her young mind not quite able to grasp the complexities of the magical language, but with Gorion's patient guidance, she had eventually succeeded.
Now, as she watched the letters on the scrolls rearrange themselves into common tongue, she realised just how invaluable Gorion's teachings had been. She was able to tell exactly which spells she had and which ones would be most useful for the group's next adventure. With this knowledge, she could strategically assign spells to Edwin and Dynaheir, ensuring that their magic had maximum effectiveness in combat. It was a great advantage for her as a leader, and she couldn't help but feel grateful for Gorion's patient teachings. Yet, at the same time, a tinge of sadness filled her heart as she thought of the man who had given her so much.
Edwin was sat in a secluded corner of the cave, his spellbook resting comfortably in his lap. He allowed his gaze to lazily drift towards Charmane. When they first met he had dismissed the woman as a mere thief, but now he suspected there was more to her than met the eye. Of course, Edwin was familiar with the practice of fusing magic with assassination, but the woman's peculiar ability to heal on touch left him baffled. What dark deal had she struck to acquire such power? He had not thought her capable.
As he observed her with detached interest, Edwin felt a jolt of surprise when he realized that the rogue was not just looking at the scrolls before her, but comprehending the arcane text within. The idea of her mastering the mystical arts was preposterous, akin to a baboon attempting to conduct a symphony. Nevertheless, he could not help entertaining the thought. She would make an adequate apprentice, he supposed. It was a pity she was wasting her potential, mediocre though it may be, on simple thievery and backstabbing.
But Edwin quickly dismissed the notion. He was Edwin Odesseiron, the greatest thaumaturge to grace Faerun, he had no time to waste on underdeveloped primates like Charmane. Of course, if anyone could transform a monkey into a mage, it would be him. With a disdainful snort, he turned his attention back to his spellbook, dismissing all thoughts of rogues and apprentices as unworthy of his extraordinary intellect.
As Charmane emerged from the cave, her eyes scanned the horizon. The sun was rising in the distance, casting a warm glow across the landscape. Once she reached the bridge leading off the barren island, she surveyed the surroundings with a sense of unease. She couldn't quite put her finger on it, but something felt off. As her group joined her, they all seemed to sense it too.
That's when it hit her. The bridge they had crossed the day before was now an impassable mess. It was still hanging on, but just barely. Thick ropes woven tightly together to form a sturdy foundation now had clear cuts as if someone had slashed them with a dagger. Charmane sheepishly realized that it was most likely her own doing. All her slashing, stabbing, and acrobatics during the fight with the ogrillions, coupled with the heavy rain, had weakened the bridge.
Charmane looked down at the frothy sea below, churning and roiling as if taunting her with its treacherous depths. "Looks like we'll have to find another way out of here," she said, turning to her companions.
Edwin let out an exasperated sigh. "I suppose I could expect no less of a baboon set loose on a precarious structure," he muttered. "Clearly, she lacks the capacity to grasp the consequences of her actions."
"Oh, and your brilliant plan worked spectacularly, didn't it?" Charmane retorted.
Imoen giggled as she interrupted the bickering duo. "Now, now, can you two stop flirting and focus on finding us a new way across," she said with a sly grin. "Come on, let's get a move on before something decides to make us its breakfast."
Edwin let out a long-suffering sigh. "I cannot fathom why I must continually endure the presence of such halfwits."
Charmane smirked. "And yet here you are, day after day, putting up with me. Perhaps you secretly enjoy my company?"
Edwin scowled. "Do not delude yourself, woman. I merely tolerate you for the sake of my grand designs."
"Oh, for the love of all that's good and holy, will you two stop arguing already?" Imoen said impatiently, "We have more pressing matters at hand!"
Charmane turned to Imoen, sheepishly. "Right, of course, let's keep moving."
Edwin, still scowling, muttered under his breath as he fell into step behind the others.
The group pressed forward, climbing the narrow and barren path that wound along the east side of the gnoll stronghold. The wind picked up, sending swirls of dust and sand dancing across the landscape. The sun beat down on them with merciless intensity, casting harsh shadows that stretched out across the terrain.
As they trekked further, the rocky terrain began to give way to a lush and verdant landscape. A soft carpet of green grass and wildflowers greeted their feet with each step, while trees of all shapes and sizes dotted the area, offering welcome respite from the scorching sun.
To their right, the once-turbulent waters of the river had calmed, now gently flowing over rocks, creating a soothing melody that seemed to wash away the fatigue of their journey. Two bridges came into view, one closer to them, and another further north. Both would take them back to Nashkel village.
The landscape ahead rose gradually, but not steeply enough to daunt the party's spirits. No longer in a rush to complete an imminent mission, the party took the time to appreciate the natural beauty that surrounded them and explore the area.
They were walking along the river when they suddenly heard a vicious snarl. As the group tried to process the sight of a polar bear charging towards them in the middle of a grassy meadow, they quickly sprang into action. Khalid and Jaheira took the lead, brandishing their shields as they stepped forward to meet the bear head-on.
Charmane quickly assessed the situation and decided that it was best for her to keep her distance, opting to use her throwing knives to try and weaken the bear before it got too close. She aimed carefully, letting the knives fly one after the other, but the majority bounced off the beast's thick hide.
Dynaheir circled around, and with palms outstretched, released a cone of fire that scorched the animal, causing it to roar in anger. It swiped at the flames with its massive paws but was unable to avoid the burning heat.
Not to be outdone, Edwin conjured an acid-covered arrow, which unerringly pierced and weakened the raging bear.
Charmane seized the opportunity to join the melee. "One," she mouthed as she darted forward, daggers drawn, aiming for the bear's weak spots. As she closed in, the beast swung at her with its massive paw, but she managed to dodge the attack and drove her daggers deep into its side.
The bear let out a deafening roar of pain and rage, but Charmane held on tight, refusing to let go. The bear stumbled and fell to the ground. The rest of the party quickly moved in and finished it off.
Jaheira looked down at the fallen polar bear and sighed. "Such a magnificent creature, to be killed in the middle of this meadow. One can only wonder what drove it to wander so far from its natural habitat."
Not long after, they spotted a group of ogrillions.
"Time for some carnage!" the nearest one shouted, clearly not in the mood for parley.
Khalid and Jaheira quickly moved to intercept the ogrillions, Imoen notched an arrow, while Charmane surreptitiously melded into the shadows.
Edwin followed the half-elves and positioned himself to their right. No longer hampered by an unstable bridge, the wizard smiled wickedly as he began to weave the words of the incantation, feeling the raw energy of the spell coursing through his veins. Palms outstretched, he unleashed a cone of pure flame, watching with satisfaction as it engulfed their enemies in a searing blaze and immediately followed up with a set of magic missiles.
Charmane, taking advantage of the chaos left by Edwin's spell, darted out from the shadows with her dagger in hand. The ogrillion was caught off guard, unable to react in time as the blade plunged through its skin like a hot knife through butter. The rogue felt the satisfying resistance of flesh and bone as she scored a critical hit, leaving the monster to collapse in agony. "Three," she mouthed, as she quickly withdrew her blade, ready to strike again.
"Duck!" Dynaheir shouted as she too followed up with a cone of fire of her own. In no time at all, the battle-hardened group finished off the ogrillions and continued their journey, with Edwin looking a little less irritable than before.
As the group approached the northern bridge, a distant voice caught their attention. They turned to see a figure standing atop a rise to the northwest, her shining plate mail armour reflecting the sunlight. Her golden hair cascaded down her back, and a stern expression was etched upon her features. The paladin's voice carried on the wind, beckoning them towards her.
"Ah, travellers, this wilderness is too expansive to keep clear of monsters all on my own. Many gibberlings pass through this very spot day and night. Will you stay here and help fend them off?"
"Ugh," Edwin muttered in disgust. "It seems we've stumbled upon a noble paladin in shining armour. I wonder how many innocent people she's killed in the name of her precious ideals." He sneered and crossed his arms, his arrogance oozing from every pore.
Charmane stood there for a moment, observing the paladin as she spoke. She understood that gibberlings could be a nuisance to travellers, but killing living things unless necessary for survival, self-defence, or profit did not sit well with her.
"For once, Edwin, we're in agreement," Charmane replied.
Charmane stepped forward. "Sorry, but I have no interest in killing creatures unprovoked. I'll pass."
The paladin's expression darkened. "You stand against ridding this land of evil? Then you are no better than the monsters you let roam free."
"Think twice before drawing your sword," Charmane warned, her voice cool and measured. "We have no quarrel with you, and no interest in shedding blood needlessly."
The paladin did not falter. "As a member of the Most Noble Order of the Radiant Heart, it is my sworn duty to clear the wilderness of rogues such as you. Raise your weapons, and let us do battle!"
Edwin's eyes lit up with glee. "Killing a paladin?" He couldn't help but let out a wicked laugh. "Oh, you've outdone yourself this time, Charmane" he said, turning to the rogue with a grin.
Charmane gestured to the rest of the party, signalling that this gruesome encounter would be best left to her and the unscrupulous mage.
The paladin charged towards the party, her sword drawn, and her shield raised. Charmane dashed towards her, daggers at the ready, but the paladin was quick to parry her attacks.
The paladin swung her sword towards Charmane, who dodged and rolled out of the way, narrowly avoiding the attack.
Edwin's voice reverberated low and deep as he chanted. Magic missiles shot forth from his fingertips, unerringly hitting their target. The paladin grunted in pain but did not falter. He followed this up with an acid laced arrow but it harmlessly lodged in the paladin's plate armour. The paladin swung her sword towards Charmane, who was too focused on her attack to notice.
But Edwin was quick to react. He flicked his wrist, causing the ground beneath the paladin's feet to become slick and slippery. The paladin lost her footing and stumbled, giving Charmane, whose agility kept her from suffering the same fate, the opening she needed to deliver the finishing blow.
"Six," Charmane muttered to herself as the paladin fell to the ground, her armour clanging against the rocks.
Edwin was positively beaming.
As they were crossing the bridge to the east, a panicked merchant came running up to them. "Oh, thank goodness someone came by," he said, breathing heavily. "There's a bear on the other side, a little way south, and it's coming this way! Please hold it off—I'll give you anything!"
He wore a finely tailored tunic made of silk, adorned with intricate embroidery and gold trim. His breeches were made of wool, dyed a deep blue, and his leather boots were polished to a high shine. A wide-brimmed hat sat upon his head, decorated with a feather plume. He carried a leather satchel, likely filled with valuable wares, and his belt was adorned with a jewelled buckle. His appearance conveyed both his wealth and his importance, even in a state of panic.
Jaheira narrowed her eyes as she noticed the white fur cloak draped over his shoulders. "You do not happen to be in the trade for polar bears? Do you?"
As Jaheira spoke, the panicked merchant's eyes darted between the group. His face flushed red, and he nervously tugged at the hem of his silk tunic. "Uh, no, no, of course not. I, uh, acquired this cloak from a reputable fur trader in the south. I assure you, I'm not involved in any illegal activities."
"Let me handle this." Jaheira said firmly. Charmane nodded, looking excited at the prospect of causing some mischief.
The druid approached the merchant and raised her staff menacingly. Before the man could even plead for his life, she swung the staff, hit him squarely on the head and knocked him out cold.
"Well done!" Charmane exclaimed, admiring the usually stern woman's new approach to problem-solving.
As the merchant lay unconscious on the bridge, Charmane sprang into action, rifling through his satchel and pockets. She found a good amount of coin and some expensive-looking white, fur-lined boots. She grinned mischievously and began stripping the man of his luxurious clothing, leaving him naked on the bridge. Personally, she did not see much harm in exploiting animals for profit, otherwise, the naked merchant before her would have lost more than just his dignity that day.