Adrian: Baldur's Gate

The next day the ship floated into a dense patch of mist, so thick Adrian felt sure it was magical. Edwin confirmed that it was, and Adrian became uneasy.

"Relax, lad," said Zavrian. "I know this mist, and it's our friend, not our enemy. So long as we keep a straight course, we'll be fine."

After about twenty minutes, they came out of the mist, and saw.....

"Dear Gods, is that your home?" Adrian breathed.

"Not just for me, but for many," Zavrian returned. I told ye we weren't your typical pirates."

Zavrian's cat leapt onto Adrian's shoulders, but he hardly noticed.

They were looking at a large island, and Adrian could see others in the distance, a complete archipegalo. And before them, on a high cliff, was a stone castle painted black and green. Other buidlings surrounded it, from vast stone towers to small houses and everything between.

"A pirate city," Adrian breathed.

"Not just a pirate city, lad," said Zavrian. "The Pirate Kingdom."

As they moved into port, a low collection of docks before the cliff face, Zavrian explained that pirates had inhabited these islands for more than two centuries. There were other pirates kingdoms to be sure--northwards there was Luskan, from whence Safana had originally come, and southwards there were several that preyed on Amn--but this was the oldest, and largest.

"Any pirate who seeks more than just to spill blood on the seas, who is more than just a simple cuthtroat, comes here eventually," said Zavrian. "We find them, recruit them."

"And you hope to recruit me the same way," Adrian realized.

"Perhaps, perhaps not. Even if not, ye'd be a good ally to us, and us to you."

"And I won't divulge your secret," Adrian promised. He turned and eyed the others of his party. All agreed, save Coran, and that was because he was too busy staring at the pirate capital in wonder.

The city was made primarily of stone, and black and green seemed to be the principal colors--the same colors Zavrian wore. Adrian let out a low whistle.

"So is this just a recruiting drive, or do you have more planned?" Adrian asked.

"We'll stay in town tonight," Zavrian answered, "Restock our supplies, and head out in the morning. I asked for your help on this cruise, and you agreed. You've also already agreed not to reveal us. Beyond that, all I ask is that you consider what we have to offer."

As they disembarked and slowly wobbled around trying to get their land legs back, Zavrian explained that, while dissidents from every race were welcome here, the warmest greetings were reserved for Half-Elves, like himself. What had once been a collection of pirate-inabited islands had been given a true national identity thirty years ago, when a Half-Elf named Varren--Zavrian's uncle--had taken over and been crowned Pirate King.

"This is the only place in the Realms where Half-Elves are not only accepted, but thrive," Zavrian said. "This is our home."

Adrian smiled a little, thinking of how that pair of sanctimonious fools Khalid and Jaheira would make of this. But that led to thoughts of Imoen, which he quickly shoved aside.

"And I'll tell ye another secret, lad," Zavrian winked. "We're expanding. We had a colony in Maztica even before Amn did. Making alliances with various local tribes--and setlling in our own people where there were no tribes--has given us a tremendous boost."

"Which enables you to have all that fine food onboard," Adrian realized.

"Amongst other things. Now come, and meet the King."

The ceremony was much less formal than Adrian would expect, but then this was not your typical kindgom. Lord Varran greeted them gravely, seated on a throne cut from solid jade, encrusted with emeralds. He looked much as Zavrian did, save the hair was black, and the eyes blue. His robes were practical, merely a finer, more embroiderd versions of Zavrian's own captain garb.

"Interesting," he said in a deep, musing voice, turning to his right. "Do you think so my dear?"

The Pirate Queen's name was Leathanya, and she was another Half-Elf. Her hair was like fire, red fading slowly to gold in a long mane down to her knees. Solen brown eyes measured them. Instead of a Queen's finery, she wore mage robes of green and blue, as she was a powerful Sorceress in her own right. Her throne was black Obsidian, encrused with topaz and sapphires. "Just so, husband," she agreed, smiling.

Both the Pirate Royals wore thin circlets of jade around their heads as crowns, with a small skull design of ivory set in the centers.

"You are welcome to stay with us, Adrian," Leathanya said. "You and all who travel with you--Safana of course already being one of us."

"Stay the night in town," said Varran. "We have fine inns here. And should you ever wish to return to our kingdom, either temporarily or to become a citizen, do not hesitate to come back."

"I will, your majesties," said Adrian, bowing to them both. All the others did as well, Edwin and Tiax being a little slow on the uptake.

Adrian eyed the others as they left the palace. "Well?"

"I admit it," said Edwin. "I am impressed."

"Tiax thinks this place will make a fine sounding board for his rule of the world," said Tiax. "Though they are far too lenient on their subjects."

"Why do you always speak of yourself as though you were another?" Viconia asked him.

"Tis appropraite for one who shall rule!" Tiax sniffed.

"All right, enough banter my friends," said Zavrian. "Enjoy the city tonight, and we return to the open sea tomorrow!"