Adrian: Baldur's Gate

The trip to Beregost was uneventful, which they were all greatful for. With the possible exception of Coran, all of them had been pushing for far too long without rest. Even Adrian, determined to find the golden-eyed killer, appreciated the need of a respite. He'd been going nonstop since Gorion's death, himself. Viconia had been on the run even longer.

So they spent an extra day in Beregost after collecting the bounty for the Wyverns, resting in the Burning Wizard, as before, going out on the town, getting drunk in the Tavern at night.

Adrian had half-expected Coran to leave when the Wyvern bounty was dispensed with, but he'd stayed. Adrian supposed he knew why; he wanted Safana. She was still sleeping with Adrian, but it was rapidly apparent that her interest in him waas waning, and that once he'd helped her with her mission, whatever it was, that she would leave. Likely taking Coran with her. Nor did he mind, really.

Adrian had had some sensual experience in Candlekeep, but not much; most of the girls were frightened of him, and he and Imoen had never even considered one another for some reason. So before Safana, his couplings had been few. The thrill of initially having her as his woman had long since worn off, and he knew full well she was just using him for her own ends.

And Viconia had made her own intentions clear. Adrian was fascinated by her, more and more with each day.

The next day they headed north, towards the Firendly Arm, and ultimately the city. They passed Yeslick going the other way; he nodded but did not speak.

They marched onwards, the Firendly Arm in sight as the sun began to set behind it.

"I will want to speak to your superirous in the city as soon as possible, Xzar."

Xzar nodded. "And they will be anxious to speak to you, I assure you, Adrian. I shall lead you to them directly."

"So what's the plan?" asked Kagain.

"First, we meet with Xzar's masters," said Adrian. "Then we find Eldoth and help him, and then Safana shall have her wish."

Safana smiled, but there was not much humor or sensuality in it.

Reiltar looked at Sarevok. "We've lost the mines."

Sarevok stared back unafraid, golden eyes boring into Reiltar's normal brown ones. "I knew that before you did yourself."

Reiltar sighed. His damn fool "son" had no idea what it took to run the day-to-day affairs of the Throne. He never had, even as a boy. And it was too late to discipline him any further. The Brat would never be worthy of him.

"Yes, I'm sure you did, through your special Sight," Reiltar sneered. "You have any suggestions?"

Sarevok shrugged. "We have plenty of iron stockpiled as it is, our economic advantage simply won't last as long as it would have. By then it will be too late, and we will effectively rule the Coast."

"The Zhentarim won't like that," said Reiltar, smiling thinly.

"I will deal with them, when the time comes. You know that...father."

Reiltar made a boorish noise, and Sarevok clenched his fists.

"Nevertheless, what of Adrian and his toughs?"

"Brute force, it must be said, has failed," Sarevok admitted. "So has magic."

In the corner, Winski and Semaj lowered their eyes. Davaeorn had been next in power below them in the Throne's ranking mages. Now he was dead. A fitting punishment, or he would be suffering the same torture as Tazok now endured. Nothing fatal, though; they would still need Tazok. Both Reiltar's plan and the REAL plan demanded that.

"So perhaps more subtlety can be employed. I've in mind a couple of your assasins from the Throne, I'm sure you know the ones."

Reiltar smiled. "Oh yes...trouble is they won't be in town for some time yet."

"By all indications, Adrian will have his own explorations and reconnaisance to do. I rather think he's working with the Zhentarim as well, by now."

"Annoying but ultimately innefectual rivals," said Semaj.

"Don't underestimate them," said Winski.

"Silence, the pair of you!" Reiltar barked. Then he regained control. "Yes....well, I'll get the poison pair for you," he said, nodding to Sarevok. Then he strode out.

After a pause, Semaj said "He's outlived his usefulness."

"But eliminating him now would raise suspicions," pointed out Winksi.

"That is so," Sarevok agreed. "But should Adrian survive the city, I have plans for both him and my dear...guardian."

Imoen was by now becoming a much more powerful mage. The Harpers were impressed with her progress.

"There's no doubt she's one of the Children," whispered Jaheira.

Khalid nodded. "Soon we must tell her the truth, and w-what we need h-her for."