Adrian: Baldur's Gate

Kagain returned to the Elfsong at the same moment that Adrian was coming back throught the door himself, having bought three healing potions at the nearest temple, and downing one of them from the concussion he had suffered at the bar.

Kagain told his story quietly but with a fierce intensity. Adrian nodded slowly, and thought a moment. "They won't come for us yet, but soon," he said. "We will remain on guard." He slapped Kagain on the shoulder. "You made the right choice."

"Of course I did," grumped Kagain. "You think I'd fall for a ploy like that?" But he was pleased just the same.

Adrian took the other two potions upstairs for Viconia and Tiax.

The next day, they settled down around the largest table in the Elfsong, and Adrian relayed the news Kagain had brought to the others.

"Though I cringe to say it," said Edwin, "Perhaps we should ask our friends at the Fist for aid. This is a new stage of the game the Throne have instigated, and we need to put all our pawns into play."

"You just want to see Jessa," Viconia accused, grinning.

"Partly," Edwin conceeded with a thin smile. "But we may indeed need help with this."

"Jessa is a good ally," said Adrian, "But the legal eagles would be no help to us with this. If they were, the Throne would be no threat in the first place. Remember, they needed our help with the Seven Suns. Their hands are tied by proceedure. No, if we need help with this, it will be Xzar's employers we'll turn to. But as yet, we won't even do that. We'll see what shape the threat takes, first. Then we'll get help if we need it. But if it's a straight fight, we won't need any help."

"I'm not so sure that's what they're planning," said Kagian.

Adrian nodded. "Aye, and I'm mindful of that. All we can do for now is be on our guard."

"Tiax thinks they will try to be sneaky. But none are sneakier than the Black Sun."

"Yes, thank you Tiax," Adrian said wearily.

"So what now?" Viconia asked. "You are not the sort to sit quietly until they come at us."

"No indeed," Adrian agreed. "In the meantime we seek further comissions. Xzar, what groups besides your masters would be interested in our skills? Who do they subcontract out to?"

Xzar thought a moment, then grinned. "The Shadow Thieves."

"They come from Amn," he said, as they walked northwards. "They partly rule there."

"Then can we trust them?" Adrian asked.

"Trust is not an issue. There is no trust, but both we and they know there is no reason for betrayal. It was through them that we first learned that someone was accusing the Zhentarim for this iron crisis." Xzar grinned unpleasantly. "They've helped us before, and we them. I daresay they'll have business for us."

Adrian grunted.

Xzar led them to a ramshackle, run down block of houses north of Sorcerous Sundries. Opening the door of one of the houses, he led them in.

A thief raised a knife threateningly, but Xzar made an odd gesture with his left hand, and the thief relaxed. "Wha's the Black Network want?"

"The organization itself wants nothing," said Xzar. "These are some of their own mercenaries, of which I am the Zhentarim envoy. They would be happy to assist your employers for the right price."

The thief thought a moment. "Wait 'ere." He dissapeared into the darkness.

"I grow wary of your friends, Zhentarim," said Edwin.

"They are not friends, Thayvian. They are useful allies. As we are to eachother. Now be silent."

Edwin opened his mouth to argue, but Xzar shoved his face forward, mad eyes gleaming. "Youre in my territory now," he hissed. "You will learn to curb that tounge."

The wizards faced off, fingers twitching...until a black sword thunked into the ground between them, making them start back.

"Both of you serve me," Adrian said in a dangerous voice. "And both of you will bend to my will. Remember who is the power here and from whence that power derives."

Both mages dropped their eyes and muttered.

"Better. Now, that said, Xzar has the right of it at the moment. He has better knowledge of the city's criminal organizations than any of us here. But be assured, if he proves false, that I will deal with it. Now curb your wizard's egos, both of you."

Adrian pulled his sword out of the ground. Edwin sketched a bow, Xzar gave Adrian the same gesture he had the thief; the Zhentarim sign.

"All right then."

It was a few more minutes of silence before the thief returned. "Come on in."

They stepped into a better lit central room. Standing before them was a thief dressed all in black, and a mage in bright red robes. But he was no Red Wizard.

"A mage of Halruaa," Edwin said. He sounded angry and impressed at the same time.

"Indeed," that one said. "You can be helpful to me."