Chapter 28: Chest Thumping Contest
Charmane couldn't resist the allure of the rumours surrounding the treasures hidden in Firewine Bridge. The temptation was so great, she was willing to accept a slight delay in reaching Tazok's mine to explore this potentially lucrative opportunity.
So after a restful night, the party returned east to resume their exploration of the Wood of Sharp Teeth with the intent to meander their way southwards to the aforementioned bridge.
As the party made their way past Larswood forest, a sudden commotion erupted from above. Small nets dropped from the treetops, momentarily ensnaring the group. Before they could fully react, agile creatures with green skin and cat-like eyes descended upon them, armed with javelins and swords.
Despite the tasloi's efforts, the party's well-armed members suffered only minor scratches from the attacks. Realizing their disadvantage, the pesky creatures quickly retreated, but not before Imoen and Khalid picked them off with their bows.
"I advise caution, Charmane," Jaheira's voice carried a hint of unease. "Tasloi use spider eaters as mounts and dwell close to spider colonies for their feeding. And that means..." She hesitated, her voice trembling slightly. "Giant spiders."
"The mighty druid trembles at the thought of spiders," Edwin mocked, his eyes full of malicious glee, "One would think you'd be used to frolicking with such vermin. Alas, it seems even the wilderness is too wild for you, druid. How utterly pitiful."
"Wouldst thou embrace a demon, oh mighty demonologist?" Jaheira shot back, her tone filled with disdain.
A smug grin crossed Edwin's face, "If it is a succubus, why ever not?" he replied, his words carrying a hint of suggestive mockery.
Jaheira looked disgusted, "You are no less repulsive than the eight-legged monstrosities, Edwin." she replied, scornfully.
"I am certain that those who understand my obvious qualities are by far more numerous than those who'd call you attractive - nay, remotely pleasant, wench." Edwin countered.
"Hey, can we jus' focus on the road?" Imoen interjected, "I don't wanna be caught off guard by giant creepy crawlies, ya know?"
Not long after, the party came across an elf who claimed to be a wandering priest. Strangely, he wore tattered leather in a manner more befitting a rogue than a cleric. He seemed as if he hadn't bathed in days, and the unkempt dreadlocks on his head spoke more of poor hygiene than a fashion choice.
"A tasloi has stolen my scroll of wisdom, wanderer," the elf lamented. "And fled eastward towards the ettercap's lair. The poor tasloi is probably quite dead by now but the ettercaps, of course, will not recognize the scroll's value. If you could retrieve it for me, I promise to brighten your karma."
"Sure, if it crosses our path, I'll retrieve it for you," Charmane replied, suppressing the urge to wrinkle her nose.
As they continued walking, Jaheira spoke up, "That confirms it. Ettercaps always live in close proximity to giant spiders. We must be vigilant for traps. Ettercaps, like spiders, ensnare their prey in webs, except you will not see them coming until it's too late."
Charmane decided to scout the area in stealth, hoping her elementary knowledge in trap detection would help her avoid becoming spider snack. However, as she moved, her attention was drawn to the remnants of an ancient Chondath temple. The structure was in ruins, with the ancient pillars broken and worn. Yet, what intrigued Charmane was not the ruin itself but the figures on it. Four wizards, dressed in robes identical to Edwin's, stood on the platform. One of them bent before an intricate brass bowl mounted on a pedestal.
Charmane's magic-augmented stealth allowed her to sneak close enough to the mages to feel their warmth. The foremost mage conversed in an unfamiliar tongue, addressing a mysterious figure whose silhouette danced in the water's reflection within the bowl. Charmane considered her options. Edwin would likely not be pleased if she attacked the Thayans and last thing she needed was to gain powerful artefacts with no wizard to use them.
"They are my colleagues, yes." Edwin replied with a shrug, as Charmane explained what she had witnessed. "What about it?"
Charmane's voice took on a calculating tone as she spoke, "The thought of er… acquiring their possessions may have crossed my mind." She said lightly, glancing at Edwin, her eyes searching for his reaction.
Edwin narrowed his eyes, "Acquiring? Would that be theft or murder?" he asked, with a subtle edge to his tone.
Charmane met his gaze, her lips curling into a sly smile. "Theft…" she corrected, "Is a strong word, Edwin. Let's call it an opportunity, shall we? A chance to procure valuable resources that could aid us in our endeavours."
Edwin's lips curved into a wry smile. "Tell me, Charmane, would you recruit a man who would steal from you?"
Charmane's eyes narrowed, a glimmer of realisation crossing her face. She shook her head firmly.
Edwin leaned closer, his tone filled with challenge. "Then we find ourselves in a paradox, my dear. If I were willing to steal from my associates, what guarantees would you have that I would not do the same to you?"
Charmane let out an exaggerated sigh. "It seems you were right," Charmane said finally, "Loyalty can be a double-edged sword." she said, her expression a mixture of frustration and amusement. "The one time I need you to be as unscrupulous as you boast, you show this peculiar loyalty to your countrymen."
"You misunderstand me, my dear," Edwin quickly corrected. "It is merely a… professional necessity. Part of the job if you will. (They resent my genius as it is, as if I need more complications. They must suspect nothing!)"
Charmane reached into her pack and pulled out a magical scroll and an ornate ring. "Consider these a reward for your er… professionalism." she said, extending them towards Edwin. "I couldn't resist," she admitted, with a sheepish smile on her face
"Pfft!" Edwin's visage momentarily cracked as he struggled to suppress a laugh, his hand instinctively covering his mouth. His attempt to maintain a serious façade resulted in an awkward mixture of a stifled chuckle and an exaggerated cough. "I should have known." he said, clearing his throat. "I cannot blame you for succumbing to temptation, Charmane. After all, you owe no allegiance to Thay." he said, accepting the items. "I suppose I can turn a blind eye this one time." he said, giving her a sidelong glance, "Consider it a reward for your… audacity." he added.
Meanwhile, Neera watched the banter with envy burning within her, "Why…?" she blurted out, unable to contain her frustration any longer.
Imoen turned towards Neera, her curiosity piqued. "Ya say somethin'?" she inquired, sensing Neera's agitation.
Neera's confusion spilled out as she sought an explanation. "Why does she shower the Thayan with... with everything? It's not fair!" she vented.
Imoen took a moment to ponder the situation, her tone thoughtful. "Well, he's the party's wizard. It's natural he gets all the wizard bits. Don't see nothin' wrong with that," Imoen began, only to realize the implications of her words. "I mean... you're one too… I know…" she stumbled, unsure how to continue.
"He's a creep! And… and Red Wizards are evil." Neera protested, her frustration bubbling to the surface.
Imoen pursed her lips thoughtfully, her eyes darting between Edwin and Charmane, "I dunno, Neera. Edwin's tagged along and helped us do some good deeds. And Charmane, well, she's done some bad things herself. Hard to draw the line, really." Imoen mused.
Neera couldn't hold back her exasperation. "But why him and not me?" she questioned, her voice filled with longing. "Look at me," she gestured with her rotten arm, "just because I cast one little spell she didn't approve of!"
Imoen chose her words carefully, "It's hard to say, Neera. Some things just click between people, I reckon," she replied politely, refraining from pointing out Neera's flaws, her attitude towards the "little" spell the very reason Neera was still stuck in her current form.
As the party proceeded past the ancient Chondathan ruins, one of the red robed mages called out to them. "Good day, travellers." he began, his tone nasal and dripping with condescension. "Mmm, Edwin," he remarked, noticing his colleague. "I did not expect to see you so soon. I hope your... business has been attended to. If it hasn't, then you should deal with it soon. I think that Zulkir Nevron would be most disappointed if he were to hear that you failed. That is all that really needs to be said. Good day again, and goodbye." the man concluded, and walked away, supposedly done with their mysterious communications.
"Delightful bunch, you Red Wizards." Charmane commented, wryly.
"Delightful indeed," Edwin sneered, "Just be grateful that you have the privilege of my company. I highly doubt you would emerge unscathed before your obvious superiors," he remarked condescendingly.
"Oh? Is that a challenge, wizard?" Charmane asked, twirling her dagger playfully.
Edwin's lips curled into a malicious smile as he met Charmane's gaze. "Consider it a friendly warning, my dear. Engaging in a contest with a Red Wizard would be akin to a squirrel challenging a slumbering dragon," he retorted, his voice dripping with arrogance. "But if you insist on testing your luck, I won't stop you. Just don't come crying to me when you're left in a smouldering heap."
"Alright then, let's put that to the test that, shall we?" A wicked grin spread across Charmane's face as she uttered her next words. "I challenge you, Edwin," she said, her dagger pointed at him, "To a duel."
Edwin's confident façade faltered, "Well, I-I... uh... that is...," he stammered, momentarily caught off guard by Charmane's challenge. His expression darkened, "Blasted chimps and their primitive chest thumping contests." he muttered to himself, "Let's just get this over with." he replied, a hint of uncertainty in his voice as he eyed the razor sharp tip of Charmane's dagger. "Prepare to be bested by my magical might!"
Jaheira swiftly interrupted, "This is neither the time nor the place!" she said, her voice filled with exasperation.
"I'll wager 10 gold on Charmane," Viconia cut in, her tone tinged with amusement.
"I bet he won't last two minutes," Imoen added, her laughter evident in her voice.
"Hmm, I think a mage should last at least three minutes," Neera mused, joining in the wager.
"Well, s-s-someone should..." Khalid began, his voice hesitant. "I suppose I'll bet on Edwin."
Jaheira sighed, casting a disapproving glance at Khalid, clearly unimpressed.
Charmane stood a few paces from the Red Wizard, her keen eyes taking in the surroundings— the ancient Chondathan ruins stood to her left, dense trees to her right. Between them, a broken pillar and scattered stones created an obstacle course that prevented a straight run to her opponent. Her party members stood on the platform of the ruined temple, a mix of excitement and tension in the air. One of them held a small hourglass.
"Shall we?" Charmane's voice oozed confidence, a cocky smile playing on her lips.
Edwin, uncharacteristically silent, nodded tersely, trying but failing to conceal the hint of nervousness in his eyes.
"Aaaaand go!" Imoen's shouted.
Edwin wasted no time, swiftly retreating to put as much distance as possible between himself and the agile rogue. His hands moved with practiced precision, and arcane words flowed from his mouth as he began his incantation. His eyes darted back and forth, trying to anticipate the rogues movements.
Charmane, moved swiftly and silently towards the mage, but before she could reach him, a sudden shower of glitter erupted around her. Instinctively, Charmane rolled to the side, shielding her eyes with her arm to avoid temporary blindness. But before she could recover, a volley of magic missiles homed in on her, nearly knocking her off her feet.
A little worse for wear, Charmane glared back at Edwin, who was now smirking, his plan taking shape. He lifted his arm, pointing directly at Charmane. His voice, normally music to her ears, now sent alarm bells ringing as she realised the danger. Frantically, the rogue dashed for cover.
Edwin sneered, as the fireball streaked towards the rogue, who was now covered head to toe in glitter. Charmane had ran behind a tree hoping to escape the blast, but little did she know that Edwin, with his vast intellect had predicted her movements. With a smug sense of satisfaction, he watched as his fireball shot past the tree and exploded right behind it.
A second passed, then two, and time seemed to stand still. Cold sweat trickled down Edwin's temple as he held his breath. His heart raced within his chest as he surveyed the aftermath of his fiery assault. The air hung heavy with anticipation, the crackling energy of magic still lingering. His mind swirled with a torrent of anxious thoughts, each one more unsettling than the last.
Did he unleash a blast so devastating that Charmane now lay motionless, battered and broken? A flicker of guilt momentarily crossed Edwin's face, his eyes darting toward the spot where the explosion had occurred. Dread gnawed at him as he imagined the consequences of his actions, wondering if he had gone too far.
But then, a nagging doubt crept into his mind. Could it be that she had evaded his attack with her nimbleness? Was she lurking in the shadows, waiting for the perfect moment to strike back? The mere thought sent shivers down Edwin's spine, his hands tightening around his shortsword.
"No," he whispered under his breath, desperately trying to dispel his own fears. "Impossible. She's covered in glitter... Unless-"
In that fateful moment, the world seemed to blur around Edwin as the jolt of pain surged through the back of his neck. His body stiffened, and for a split second, the air itself held its breath in suspense. In the next heartbeat, Charmane's form materialized behind him as he felt his arm wrenched mercilessly behind his back. The pain was excruciating, shooting through his nerves like bolts of lightning. His knees buckled beneath him as Charmane delivered a swift and precise kick to the back of his legs, sending him tumbling to the ground.
Before Edwin could even comprehend what had transpired, the cold touch of steel against his throat brought him back to the present reality: the edge of Charmane's dagger was pressed firmly against his skin.
Charmane's eyes danced with mischief and triumph as she stood over the defeated Edwin, her dagger poised at his throat. Her voice dripped with amusement and a hint of suggestive playfulness as she delivered her gloating remark, "See, Edwin," Charmane purred, her voice low and suggestive, "I can have you on your knees any time I want."
"Woohoo!" Imoen's voice interrupted, brimming with mirth and excitement. Her eyes sparkled with glee as she celebrated her friend's victory. "How long did that take?"
"One minute and forty seconds." Neera supplied, looking slight disappointed as she inspected the hourglass.
Imoen's elation soared to new heights as she jubilantly punched the air in triumph. "Yeah!"
Khalid couldn't help but offer words of comfort to the only other man in the party. "Good try, Edwin," he said, sympathetically
As the party gathered and tended to the duelists' wounds, Jaheira's voice pierced through the air, filled with a mixture of disapproval and amusement. "I had hoped for more maturity from both of you," she admonished. Her eyes flickered with a glimmer of amusement as she continued, "But I must confess, I did thoroughly enjoy watching you put the wizard in his place."
Viconia chimed in, her eyes gleaming with approval, "Your subjugation of the arrogant wael was nothing short of impressive, abbil. It reminded me of the breaking in of new pleasure slaves back in my homeland."
Charmane who had been drinking, almost choked, tears streaming down her face as she and the party erupted into laughter. Edwin's face turned a violent shade of red, a mixture of embarrassment and frustration etched across his face. He was seething from the humiliation, his mutterings audible but completely incoherent.