Adrian: Baldur's Gate

The party made good time to Beregost, and as expected, the news had not reached here yet. The enemy probably suspected (rightly so), that Adrian and his troupe would head back to the city. But Adrian was in no hurry. The longer they took to get back, the more likely they'd be able to manage it, as the wariness of the Dukes weakened. Though no doubt Sarevok would continue to whip them up. What exactly he planned now with Reiltar dead Adrian didn't know, but a grab for power seemed likely.

But this would be no simple matter of turning themselves invisible and sneaking in the front gate. Something else would be required. He gave that some thought.

At any rate, they spent a comfortable night in Beregost.

The next morning they sat around eating breakfast, making plans. Adrian enjoyed eating a great deal. Especailly eggs. It was one of the simple pleasures in his life.

So as he gulped down three eggs and a mass of fried potatoes, he outlined his basic idea. "We'll stay away from the city for a short time, until the initial heat blows over. We cant exactly seek comissions in this environment, of course, I'm mostly thinking of strenthening our sword arms and spellcasting by fighting monsters in the wild. But I am open to any suggestions."

"Well actually..." said Edwin, and stopped.

"Yes?" Adrian raised an eyebrow.

"Just as Xzar had his superiors to report to, I have mine."

Adrian blinked. "Er, Edwin, I'm not going all the way back to Thay with you."

"Oh no, not at all," the mage reassured him. "There is a hidden base out in the wilds south of the Wood of Sharp Teeth. Several different missions for various wizards going on, actually."

"A meeting place, eh?" Adrian said.

"Essentially, yes."

"Well aim for that then. But pardon me if I don't exactly hurry there."

"Oh no, take your time," Edwin agreed. But he looked worried.

"What is with you, wizard?" Viconia asked him.

Edwin sighed. "I just worry. All of you have reason to beleive I'm just an arrogant spellcaster, but I too have my....higher obligations. Just as Xzar here does. And I'm not wishing to dissapoint them. (I am, in the end, just another rook on someone else's chess board, much as I may hate to admit it.)"

"We'll see to it," Adrian promised him. "You have my word."

Edwin nodded, but his eyes still brooded.

Viconia closed with Adrian as they got up to leave. "Lover..."

"Yes?"

"Do you wish me to leave?"

Adrian stared at her. "What?"

"Leave the party."

"Whatever for?"

Viconia glared at him. "I know you are unhappy with me."

"No, Viconia," Adrian sighed. "I am unhappy with your attempts to *control* me. Very important difference. Your performance as a party member, and in...other areas....is faultless."

Viconia stared at him. "I do not understand."

He gently reached out and stroked her cheek. "I'd like to think we have something together."

She smiled sadly, and reached up and held his hand. "I, too. But I am used to my males obeying me."

"I know that Vic," he said gently. "But I am my own man. We can still be together, can't we?"

She sighed. "It will take some getting used to."

"All surface life will for you my dear, all of it will."

She nodded and fell into rank without further discussion. He hoped she understood.

They moved out.

As it turned out, Adrian was not entirely correct. *Someone* had been watching the party in the Inn, someone from the Gate.

Fortunately for Adrian they represented a friend rather than an enemy.

The young undercover Flaming Fist agent left Feldeposts Inn shortly after Adrian, and made his way north as fast as his legs could carry him.

Officer Jessa Vai would want to get back into contact with Adrian very quickly, indeed, he knew. Things were only getting worse.