Adrian: Baldur's Gate

The next day full army---there was no other word for it---were gathered. Adrian's party; led by himself, consisting of Imoen, Viconia, Edwin, Xzar, Kagain, Tiax, Rakal, Besheridan, and Kirya. Then no less than twenty Zhentarim soldiers, led by the Magus Wheber Ott. Fourteen Harper Pikemen, led by Khalid and Jaheira. Thirty angry Flaming Fist, led by Officer Jessa Vai. Twenty-two pirates, led by Captain Zavrian. And finally, six Shadow Thieves.

The Thieves had been waiting for them at their hideout, which was obviously no longer secret to anyone. The Thieves were already making plans to relocate, of course.

They opened the secret passageway Angelo had used, and led the combined force down into the twisting wooden labyrinth below. It had once, long ago, been used as a training facility, but now it was haunted by undead, planted there by Sarevok no doubt.

The only real trouble, though was the pair of Skeletal Warriors about halfway through, and their sheer numbers more than handled them. Worse were the traps, and the Shadow Thieves generaled that.

So without too much bother, they passed through the labyrinth. At the end of it, they found Winski, lying dead in a pool of his own blood. Adrian shook his head in amazement; Sarevok had, esentially, just handed away a major advantage, by killing his own most powerful mage.

They stepped into the undercity proper. Adrian was impressed, and some of the Flaming Fist gasped.

It was a vast, arched dome of near-darkness. High above, in the distant ceiling, they could see a handful of the city's sewer pipes embedded.

Jessa let out a low whistle. "I knew when we were in that Labyrinth, we were going downwards all the time, but even so!"

Viconia nodded slowly. "I think this may have been a Drow city, once. But the buildings are too badly ruined to tell."

A number of undead were wandering about. But Adrian had no need to call on his clerics; his own Bhaalpowers were now sufficient. He merely closed his eyes and clenched his fists, and about ten ghouls fell into rank. The fist eyed them warily, but did not challenge battle.

Imoen shivered. Adrian was becoming more and more powerful.

They found Tamoko a few moments later.

She was surrounded by the bodies of a number of powerful enemies, including an Ogre and several capable warriors, and a mage.

"Iron Throne troopers," Adrian said, noting their insginias on their shields.

"A revenge force question for Sarevok's head," Besheridan murmured.

Tamoko had slain them all, and was not quite dead yet herself; she had bled slowly from many wounds.

"To serve my lord," she said weakly.

Adrian knelt before her. "Tamoko, I don't think I can--"

She put a weak, fading hand over his mouth. "Do what you have to. Farewell."

The hand fell from his mouth.

Adrian stood, and punched his chest twice, a Zhentarim salute. All the Zhents followed suit.

They looted all the bodies...except Tamoko's.

Sarevok's head came up as his brother entered the temple.

The brothers locked eyes, saying nothing, as Adrian's army filed in behind him.

But Sarevok had an army too. Angelo, the giant ogre Tazok, the mage Semaj...and more than a hundred Cultists of the Ressurection, with their own undead attendants.

"At last you have come, brother," Sarevok intoned. "You are worthy of our heritage. But you will die this day."