Adrian: Baldur's Gate

They made it back to the city late in the afternoon on the second day following. They reported to Wheber, who gave them their gold, and gave Adrian the glowing green sword he had promised. Adrian took the dark blade Varscona, which he had gotten from Greywolf so long ago, downstairs to sell.

Kirya, Rakal and Besheridan remained behind, as the mission was over. But as they exchanged their farewells, Adrian knew they would meet again. Xzar was sad to part company with Kirya, but also resigned. They had been through this together several times already.

They returned to the Low Lantern for the night, and slept well and without dreams, save for Tiax.

Tiax's dreams had largely to do with Cyric giving him instructions about Adrian and Sarevok. Mostly Sarevok. Cyric had not yet taken Imoen seriously, which was a serious miscalculation on his part.

Imoen, for her part, was brooding. She knew that the time had come for her to get involved with Adrian's activities again. But she wasn't sure how, exacctly. Just walking up to asking to join was not the best plan. Not, at least, until Adrian needed her.

So she sat back and watched through her mirrior, waiting.

The next morning, they reported to Flaming Fist headquarters. Jessa was waiting for them.

"Where have you been?" she asked, more out of curiousity than anything else.

"On business north of the city," answered Adrian honestly, but giving no further details.

She nodded. "Scar isn't here today. But someone else is. Come with me."

They followed her up the stairs, and into a small, but well apointed room. Standing behind a wooden table was a man in full plate mail armor. He'd almost be a paladin, if not for his cold bearing.

"Greetings," said the man. "I am Duke Eltan, commander of the Flaming Fist."

Everyone save Edwin and Tiax gave him a little bow. Adrian was impressed. He had a distant, dim respect for the Grand Dukes, who had once been mercenaries like himself.

"Scar and Officer Vai have briefed me on your activities against the Iron Throne, and I am pleased. The time has come, and you are now authorized to investigate the activities of the Iron Throne directly."

Kagain smiled, and Adrian punched a fist into the air.

"We shall do it gladly, sir," said Adrian, grinning.

"Don't attack all out unless there proves to be no other way," Eltan warned. "Investigate and observe, if that is possible. Officer Vai will accompany you."

It wasn't a long trek after that to the tall, gray, forbidding tower of the Iron Throne. Second tallest building in the city, shorter only than Ramazith's wizard tower, it loomed above them like a monolith.

They began climbing the steps to enter.