Hi everyone,
Thanks to baggiebaggie02 for the follow and bookmark!
For the next series of chapters, I'm - in equal measure - impatient and terrified to get your impressions. Each time, I've tried new things, experimented with certain ideas. In terms of writing, it's been a blast, and I hope it will be the same from a reading perspective.
This chapter mostly focuses on action/combat.
Music recommendation: on Vivi's Radio Backup Channel - Rare VGM, Cutscene (Before the Raid on Emerald Grove) - Baldur's Gate 3 (OST).
I wish you all a good reading.
Nymuë opened her eyes, her heart pounding and her body sweating. The first rays were beginning to show, signalling the arrival of dawn. The young woman was relieved to recognise the thick canvases of her tent and, beyond, the marks of their camp. No meteor, no Astral Plane... and no Elyon.
She emerged from her shelter, her mind still clouded by this strange vision. Her confusion increased when she saw her three companions already on their feet, Astarion looking at her strangely. "You talk in your sleep," he said. "Nightmares?"
"Vivid ones?" Shadowheart added.
The priestess's features were tensed and Lae'zel was scowling. Only the rogue seemed relatively relaxed. "You too... " the dark elf guessed.
"G'lyck. We all dreamed last night."
Nymuë raised her hand to her forehead. Her fever was gone and she felt fit. Her parasite also seemed to be resting. Was she to believe that this nocturnal visitor, this mysterious guardian... had really appeared?
"I was hoping my imagination had got the better of me," the half-elf continued, "but obviously it hadn't. This... dream companion wanted me to use the tadpole... use its power. She told me that she was connected to the artefact... But I don't know what to think."
"To the artefact?" Nymuë repeated.
"According to her, it was thanks to it that she was protecting us. And look where we are this morning: no more shaking, nausea, nothing."
"Is this… 'saviour' had a special appearance for you too?"
None of her companions replied. Lae'zel's eyebrows were so furrowed that they formed a straight line across her forehead.
"On my side, it was someone I knew," the dark elf confessed. "Once."
"I couldn't tell if that stranger was familiar or not," the priestess murmured. "Not with my actual memory."
Neither Astarion nor the githyanki bothered to develop. Instead, Lae'zel said: "Ignore this dream. Every word, every promise... It is ghaik's deception. These parasites are a threat to be destroyed, not an opportunity to be exploited."
"Oh, what a kill-joy," the rogue hissed. "This vision is a good thing. Now we can finally see what these tadpoles can do for us."
"I wouldn't be so confident," Shadowheart tempered. "This entity... it's protecting us from our tadpole, but would also like us to embrace it? Perhaps we truly have a secret protector... or we're walking into a trap."
"A battle is won by the sword, not by parasitic trickeries! Avert your eyes from this creature and do not avail yourself of this new power, no matter how alluring."
Nymuë saw them waiting for her verdict: it started to become a habit. Her instinct was telling her not to trust this stranger hiding behind the face of a loved one. Another part of her though, - tiny, but tenacious - wanted to see Elyon again. Wanted to feel the exhilaration of illithid gifts once more. But that person wasn't Elyon, and that power wasn't the answer.
"I agree with Lae'zel," she whispered. "I think we should have as little to do with our tadpole as possible. And whoever this dream companion is, it surely has some hidden agendas."
Her comrades agreed, with the exception of Astarion whose displeasure was palpable. This battle was far from won...
Movements told them that the Grove was also beginning to wake up. The adventurers hurried to stow their belongings and don their armour. They had a greater threat to face for the moment.
The Burrow was empty; most of the tieflings had taken refuge in the cellars, with orders to follow the underground river in case of escape. As for the druids, Halsin had gathered them in the caves, ready to begin their incantations. "The birds will thrust their claws into the archers' eyes," he had promised. "Bears and boars will charge their troops. The wind will chase away the arrows, and the roots will entangle the warriors. We'll buy you time until you slay Minthara."
Since goblins were hardly great strategists, there was a good chance that their unit would collapse once eliminated their leader. As the companions headed for the gate, Shadowheart stopped them. She traced a golden rune in the air, and Nymuë felt a gentle tap on her shoulder, followed by a feeling of serenity. "It won't block a mortal blow," the priestess warned, "but this blessing may save your life."
The dark elf expressed her gratitude. They would need all the help they could get today, especially from the divines. When they reached the gate, only a handful of soldiers accompanied Zevlor. A trifle, compared to the number of goblins.
"You're here," the tiefling chief said. "Halsin and the others have started their hymns, and our scouts have spotted our enemies in the woods. They'll arrive at any moment."
He stared at them for a long time, looking determined: "We threw them back once. If you're with us, perhaps we can do it again."
"What is your strategy?" Lae'zel asked.
"We need to thin the goblins number quickly, as long as the druids' incantations protect us. The gate is fortified and the ground above is trapped, but that will only hold them back for a few moments. Your role is to get rid of Minthara; we'll blow the horn to drawn them in, and pray our fire arrow strike true."
"A challenge that everyone will witness," Shadowheart commented. "She'll find it hard to resist."
"Precisely. She expects to find us weak and desesperate... And she's not wrong. But she'll find you waiting too."
The adventurers looked around them: some semblance of ramparts had been built in front of the archers'posts. Despite this, the rocks around the gate were still easy to climb and represented a gap in their defences. They had to keep and eye on these openings, while holding the goblins away from the main entrance.
"Lae'zel," Nymuë said, "I want you near the western entrance, ready to slaughter anyone who tries to clamber. Shadowheart, near the eastern breach; the stones are smoother, you should be able to create a rockfall. Astarion, at the archer's post: take oils and aim for the explosive traps. I'll do the same with my magic. It's time to levitate some bombs."
She was surprised to see her companions complied immediately. They seemed almost... confident. Shouldn't they rather be furious with her? The odds were clearly not in their favour... And she was the one who had provoked this situation. Nevertheless, they moved diligently towards their posts, drawing their weapons. Nymuë approached the warhorn, and blew a loud blast.
It only took a few minutes for the first cries to reach them. The goblin horde was moving as one. The dark elf quickly counted 10, 20... more than thirty creatures. And there weren't even a dozen of them.
The ground shook with a roar more powerful than the others. A troll emerged from the undergrowth, gigantic and almost as tall as the gate. A refugee fell to his knees: "It's over, Zevlor," he whispered. "Over. Our weapons are dull. Our armour, holed. We don't stand a chance."
"Enough!" the veteran cried. "You won't die today. All of you, listen to me!"
The tieflings turned towards him, the same fear on their faces. They had fled the Hells and had met death on the way. The only refuge they had found had threatened to turn against them. They weren't warriors, not even survivors. And they were tired.
"I know that you are all afraid... But I also know that you have been fighting your whole lives. We have never been handed the easy choices, or the gentle paths. And this is no different. These creatures would take our lives, our children... our future. And we must resist!"
A splinter of ice worked its ways into the adventurer's minds. "A pretty speech," Minthara's voice scoffed. "It almost brings a tear to my eye. Last chance, True Soul. Slit his throat, and open that gate. The Absolute wants all of them dead."
The drow general was nowhere to be seen. Her warning, on the other hand, suggested that she had an excellent view of the scene. Nymuë clenched her fists: "This Grove is under our protection," she hissed. "Your goddess has no claim to these people."
"These are the words of a traitor! And a liar. You have never set foot in Menzoberranzan; the Absolute has never touched you with Her light. You are a disgrace to the race of dark elves, sister. I'll dissect you."
Her laugh echoed everywhere: in their ears, under their feet, nearby and yet miles away. Nymuë tried to locate her, but just as suddenly, Minthara cut off their connection.
"The plan doesn't change," she told her comrades. "She just wants to scare us."
"T'chk. She doesn't know you," Lae'zel growled in response.
The musician had no time to react to what looked dangerously like a compliment: three goblins were already rushing towards the entrance. On their back were barrels of explosive powder.
"They're aiming for the gate," Zevlor yelled. "Stop them!"
Nymuë grabbed the nearest bombs. She detached her dagger from its chains, wrapped them around the explosives and threw the projectile. The detonation eliminated the goblins just as a flaming arrow hit a second barrel.
"I'll take the last one," Astarion said mentally. "Take care of the troll!"
The monster cut through the clouds caused by the explosions, fangs exposed and sledgehammer brandished. Nymuë concentrated on its weapon: "Urere", she incanted.
The mace burst into flames, causing the creature to let out a roar of pain. It was a good plan... until the troll throws it in her direction. "Get down!" she screamed.
She saw the flames approaching at full speed, but a violent wind blew the weapon back to its owner. Screams echoed across the battlefield as vines as strong as ropes wrapped around the troll's legs. Out of the forest, a swarm of birds, bears, and wild boars fell on the enemy soldiers.
"Halsin!" Zevlor cried with relief. "It's time... But where is Minthara?"
The drow was still nowhere to be found. Even the rear of the enemy ranks consisted entirely of goblins. Something was wrong.
A shout snapped Nymuë out of her worries, just as Lae'zel jumped on the troll's head: "For Vlaakith!" she yelled.
She stuck her sword between the monster's eyes. It groaned, then collapsed, taking the warrior with it.
"What a fool!" The githyanki had clung to the battlements, a perfect target for enemy archers! The musician rushed towards her. As she grabbed her hand, a goblin bent his bow in their direction.
"Flagra!" Shadowheart's voice sounded.
A burst of light crashed down at the soldier's feet, sending him straight into a bear's mouth. Nymuë pulled her comrade to safety. Reluctantly, Lae'zel nodded to the priestess. "Have you lost your mind?" the dark elf cried. "Think this is a good time for heroics? You could have..."
The tumult around her came to an abrupt end. The crows fell to the ground and the wind stopped blowing. The animals facing the goblins groaned in pain.
Below them, where the druids' lair was, Nymuë heard screams.
"Impossible," she murmured. "How..."
"A diversion," Lae'zel spat. "She sent the bulk of her troops to the gate, while she infiltrated the caverns. She must have found another entrance."
"Or it was pointed out to her," Astarion corrected from his cover.
"Kagha." The druidess must have known the protection spells of the Grove... And Minthara would have no hesitation in sacrificing her arsenal to get her enemies from within. "The very knife on their throats", she had said...
If Halsin and his acolytes died, she would have free access to the tieflings refugees. Dozens of people, frightened and unarmed...
"I'm going," Nymuë declared.
"That's what she hopes!" Shadowheart objected.
"I know. But we cannot abandon this front, otherwise the goblins will invade us no matter what. You must stay here to kill the last ones. If I provoke her, she'll answer the call."
"What do you propose then darling, a noble sacrifice?" the high elf hissed. "Don't be stupid. You won't last two seconds against that drow."
"The druids will be with me. I just need to buy you a little time. And, after all..."
She looked at her companions in turn: "... I'm a drow, too."
The adventurers' eyes fell on the battlefield. A tiefling lay near the warhorn, an arrow in his neck. Another had been seized by a lasso, and had fallen from his shelter; the goblins' blades had silenced his cries. The western flank, abandoned by Lae'zel during her spectacular leap, saw the first soldiers reach its summit. Their attackers had been reduced to around fifteen, but Zevlor and his men couldn't hold them off alone.
"Come back alive," Shadowheart whispered in a trembling voice.
Nymuë nodded, then rolled out of her cover. Pushing up on her legs, she rushed towards the caves, running as if the Hells were after her. "Let's hope I'm not too late," she thought. "Please let them be alive!"
She saw no sign of Minthara near the cellars. She crossed the Grove, pushed open the heavy stone door... and stood speechless. Around twenty druids lived in the sanctuary; half of them had already died. The few survivors put up a tough fight against three hobgoblins, their Familiars at their side.
Minthara seemed oblivious to the carnage. Armed with a mace and a shield, she was fighting a gigantic bear that was none other than Halsin. Near her, Kagha silently watched the battle.
The archdruid was wounded in the front leg, and the general was gradually gaining ground. Her smile was ecstatic, each blow leaving a new gash.
"Minthara!" Nymuë cried.
Her fellow turned her red eyes in her direction: "It's time for the darkness to take you, iblith," she provoked.
Then, she shifted to Kagha, who gasped: "Vermin! Prove to me that I was right to leave you alive. Face your master!"
"You… you said you would only attack Halsin and the outsiders..."
"You wanted a purified Grove: here it is. Now deal with your fellows or end up like them!"
Hesitantly, the former first druid drew her rapier. Minthara struck the bear with a powerful blow, causing it to growl in pain. The general took the opportunity to move aside, before pouncing on Nymuë.
Time seemed to stand still; moved by an instinct more powerful than herself, the musician leapt to the side. The general's shield shattered the rock as it anchored itself in the doorway.
"Thank you, Shadowheart," the young woman thought, looking at the gaping hole where her head should have been. It had come very close. Minthara abandoned her protection and grabbed her mace with both hands. Nymuë avoided the first attack with a pirouette, then the second. The third, however, hit her in the stomach.
She fell to the ground, gasping for breath, her tongue testing blood. The general approached to deliver the coup de grâce. She raised her weapon; Nymuë, in return, threw her chains with all her might. The bindings wrapped around the handle and she pulled. Her opponent's arm flexed, but did not bend; with horror, the musician felt herself sliding in her direction.
She threw her dagger behind Minthara, and dived between her legs. Grabbing her weapon again, she tightened her grip around the mace. The general struck back but, hobbled, her movement wasn't wide enough. The two women mutually stared, each forcing her hold on the other.
A shock outside the caves startled the combatants; for a moment, cries of joy rose above the chaos: "They're retreating!" Zevlor's voice screamed. "The goblins are running away!"
This announcement gave the druids renewed energy. One of the hobgoblins fell under the fangs of a wolf, while another convulsed in a cloud of poison. The duel between Kagha and Halsin raged on. The last hobgoblin lined up alongside the first druidesse, pinning the animal down.
The archdruid staggered. Its heavy legs were cornered by a chasm, unable to escape this double assault. Kagha stared at the hobgoblin as it approached her mentor. Her eyes wandered over the caves that had once been her home, the bodies of those she had considered her brothers. They stopped on the corpse of her viper Tee-la, cut in two. With a howl of fury, she threw herself at the warrior. The hobgoblin stirred and shook himself, but to no avail. It forgot the precipice at its feet; the ground collapsed.
Halsin roared, but its claws only caught the void. The last soldier took Kagha with it... into the shadows she had so dearly hoped to join.
The other druids turned to Minthara. "Felony," she spat. "Wretched traitor to your blood..."
"You have lost," Nymuë replied. "Give up."
The general's eyes went from her face to her medallion, which had slipped off her armour. She let out a sardonic laugh. "Oh, Lolth would be so proud of you, sister."
She pulled sharply on her mace, freeing it from its chains. "I'll send you to greet her," she hissed. "Then I'll tear out your heart and offer it to the Absolute..."
"Not until I pierce yours, demon," a voice roared behind them.
The general raised her head, but Zevlor's sword was quicker. The tiefling chief looked at her with cold resolve:
"For the fallen," he whispered.
Nymuë saw Minthara crumble to her knees, as if in prayer. Her last words had been for her goddess... And she had not answered.
"Nymuë!" Shadowheart cried.
The musician felt strong hands lift her up, and she found herself face to face with Lae'zel. The gith warrior grunted, pleased to see her standing on her own two legs. The priestess immediately began to incantat healing formulas as she felt her wounds.
"We don't seem to be rid of you yet," someone murmured to her left.
Half-hidden by the stone door, Astarion was watching her. Nymuë's heart sank as she realised that none of her companions were hurt. They were fine; they had won. Her eyes fell on Minthara's frozen face.
"Not today," she blew.
END NOTES
In my current Dark Urge run, I'm taking advantage of the changes made by Patch 6 to save the tieflings, but still have Minthara on my team by knocking her out.
It was important to me that this face-to-face with Minthara didn't give Nymuë the upper hand: between a paladin and a bard, the balance in close combat seemed too unequal. And I don't like overpowered characters: the protagonists are what they are, with their strengths and weaknesses.
As for Kagha's betrayal, I allowed myself a small change in the story. I enjoyed giving her some kind of redemption.
Next week, a certain tiefling celebration...
Thank you for reading!