Adrian: Baldur's Gate

The fortuneteller's name was Liriya Donella. Adrian had expected a man for some reason, shrugged it off. Her tent was tall and scarlet, an even deeper shade than Edwin's robes. The woman herself had white hair and pale blue eyes, the skin wrinkled with deep age. Her own robes were blue and green.

"I know why you have come," she said, staring past them.

"Do you now," said Adrian, sounding less than impressed.

"You have been sent to find the cure for a poison."

Adrian started. "Okay, I'm listening."

Viconia eyed the old woman for a moment. "She speaks truth, Adrian. She has power. I can feel it."

Adrian nodded.

"Give me your hand."

Feeling foolish, Adrian grasped the frail hand of the woman. It shook slightly.

"You are a..." she gasped, and contained herself. "Of course. That is why they want to kill you."

Adrian tightened his grip on her hand. "You know of my kind?" He had felt no power coming from the woman, no tingling in his skin, but that meant nothing. He'd never had any talent in that direction himself, aside from his fathers "gifts."

"I had never met one before now, but I'd sensed them in the city."

Adrian nodded. Then checked himself. "Wait. More than one?"

"Yes, man and woman...." the elder frowned, her distant eyes sparkling in the candlelight of the tent. "You know her, grew up with her."

Adrian's jaw dropped open in shock. "Imoen?"

"Yes."

Adrian let go of her hand and sat down abruptly. Eventually he said. "No wonder...."

After another short pause, Edwin said, "Erm, Adrian, the poison?"

"Yes, of course." Adrian shook himself and took the old woman's hand agian. "How do we cure ourselves?"

"Marek, the enchanted fool, has half the cure you need, but wants you to relase him from the geas first. Then he will tell you where to find Lothander, who has the other half of your cure."

"Will he honor the bargain?" asked Adrian.

"Yes."

"Fair enough then," said Kagain.

"The scroll that can cure him can be found in the temple of Umberlee. Once you have it, seek him in the same area where you first met him. He will find you."

"Where we met him alone, or with Lothander?" asked Xzar.

"With Lothander."

"How do we know that one won't watch Marek?" asked Tiax.

"The fool beleives the geas is watch enough."

Adrian nodded. He gave the old woman several gold coins. "Thank you."

"It was nothing, Child. Your path is full of darkness, but you are prepared for that. It is your own confidence you must beware. It will ultimately mean the difference between arising to true power, or ending up like your brother."

Adrian nodded, though he was unsure of the true power part. He just wanted money. And the things money could buy. But he knew the art of war would never leave him...he shook it off as they left the tent.

"I presume someone knows where the temple of Umberlee is?"

"Are you suggesting we take on the entire Temple?" asked Kagain.

"Not without preparation and forethought, I promise," said Adrian. Then he smiled unpleasantly. "After all, it's not like we haven't killed one of the Sea Queen's children before."

"That was one," said Edwin. "This will be many."

"I know. I made the mage tower mistake once. I won't make it again. Now, where is this temple?"

Tiax sighed. "It is by the docks...."