Adrian: Baldur's Gate

The party made their way northwards, hugging the coast. Adrian had considered attempting to re-enter the city by mass invisiblity, but discarded the idea almost at once; Sarevok, and those servants of the law he had conned or bribed into serving him, would have priests looking for invisible approaches.

Xzar had pointed out the Zhentarim would be prepared for their coming, due to his reports. They could get them into the city safely.

Adrian had accepted this, but wanted to almost immediately contact Imoen; he would need her help. He would need the help of any and all who had ever aided him, from Officer Vai to those damnable Harpers.

But as it turned out, they needed not even use such methods. For their allies had anticipated their need.

They had camped by the coast, north of Candlekeep but south of the Cloakwood. The sun had set and the last of the blood-red suset had faded from the sky. The waves were crashing against the cliffs.

Viconia had the watch; she hissed. "A ship is coming to shore."

The party roused themselves and readied their weapons.

"Calm yourself, Xzar," said the voice of Besheridan from the darkness. "You're amongst friends."

"Hail Adrian," came Zavrian's voice, hoarse and whispering. "We've anticipated your coming."

Adrian snapped his head around and stared at Tiax.

"They are who they say they are," breathed the Gnome, a rare smile filling his face.

A rowboat made it's way to the cliffs in the darkness. It was difficult, clambering down into the boat--Xzar and Tiax fell into the water and had to swim back to the boat--but at last it was done.

When they were all aboard, Adrian clasped hands with Zavrian.

"It's all come to a head, my friend," said the pirate. The Zhents have told us your secret."

Adrian froze a moment, then nodded slowly.

"Yer brother is making a grab for power. But that's not all. He's continuin to stir up this War fever against Amn. He wants the war, for it's own sake."

Adrian stared. He was no altruist or peacemonger, but a full scale war would destroy any market for mercenaries, unless he wanted to serve Sarevok or the Amnians. His mouth tightened. Was his brother mad? What did he hope to accomplish?

His mouth twisted. Whatever, he would have to face him, like some damned hero. But with more caution and foreplanning.

"One way or another," Adrian said, "It will be war. A war between the Gate and Amn...or a war between the Children of Bhaal."