Adrian: Baldur's Gate

The next morning after breakfast on the Low Lantern (the food was not nearly as good, Adrian contemplated moving their base again), they marched back to Sorceous Sundries, and hiked up the long ivory stairway to the second floor.

Wheber Ott greeted them. "I know full well you're making progress against the Iron Throne."

Adrian nodded. "It will only be a matter of time before the Flaming Fist give us a comission to invade their stronghold, making it nice and legal." He smiled unpleasantly, and Xzar chuckled.

"Good," agreed Wheber. "But we have a more immediate problem. to the north, there have been problems. The conflict between ourselves and the Throne has become more direct. There was a Harper operation up there recently aginst someone, we're not sure who, but ever since, the Throne have dropped all pretence and started attacking our caravans en route to Waterdeep. We have, of course retaliated in kind."

Edwin frowned. "So what do you want us to do, guard the caravans all the way to Waterdeep?"

"No," Wheber said. "We have our own enforcers for that. But the Throne must have their own base of raiders hiding out somewhere near the path to strike at it, in the same way they ran the Bandit Camp."

Adrian understood. "And you want us to find it and take it out."

"Preciesly. But the Throne have learend since you destroyed that camp and the Cloakwood mine base; they have sent in reinforcements, trained warriors as well as bandits. Sounds very tough. We will give you reinforcements to your party. A trio of of Zhentarim agents. Two warriors and a mage."

"Good," Adrian nodded. "And our pay for this?"

"Aside from whatever gold and magic items you find, an additional thousand gold for each of you, and....this."

Wheber held up a long sword in one hand. It's hilt was ivory, the blade seemed to glow green. "An enchanted weapon from the frozen wastes of Vassa. The enchantment is neutral, but it is very powerful indeed."

Adrian whistled softly. "Very good. So where are these reinforcements?"

Wheber put the blade aside, and clapped his hands together, thrice. Three more Zhentarim stepped out, one by one, from behind a library shelf.

"First, Rakal." The warrior stood tall, about six feet. His head was shaved, and his eyes were ice-cold blue. He had an unusual weapon combination; a battle-axe in one hand, heavy hammer in the other. His armor was enchanted scale. He nodded to Adrian, formally. Adrian nodded back.

"Next, Besheridan." This fighter was shorter. Shoulder length black hair, cruel black eyes. His armor was normal, nonmagical scale, but it was black as night and he bore an enchanted black shield on one arm, and wielded a nasty morningstar flail in the other hand. To Adrian he seemed vaguely familiar, and then he realized it; this was the very look given to the evil fighters of Zhentil Keep given by the tomes of Candlekeep, right down to the choice of weapon and shield. A true Zhent soldier, then. Adrian was impressed.

"Last but not least, and well known to Xzar, the Necromantrix Kirya." At first, Adrian almost mistook her for a vampire. Skin so pale it was almost chalk white. Black robes, revealing and low-cut over her small frame. She was not even five feet tall. Long black hair fell to her waist. Glittering green eyes regarded the party. She smiled when she saw Xzar, and he grinned evilly back.

"They will, of course, follow your orders," said Wheber, "But heed their advice well, also. Can you be on the move today?"

"Aye, just let us restock magical supplies downstairs and we'll be on our way," said Adrian.

"Good. Have Xzar send a report in a tenday, if you've not already destroyed the camp by then."

"I certainly plan to have it finished by then, but I will not underestimate the enemy," Adrian promised. He saluted Wheber with his dark blade, and the Zhentarim returned the salute with the enchanted weapon that was their prize.

Rakal, Besheridan and Kirya fell into rank, and the party trooped downstairs.