Cards Reshuffled

I may have no mother of my own to growl at potential romantic partners and make sure they treat me with respect, but at least I was fortunate enough to have a volunteer for the job. And I love her for caring, annoying as that suspiciousness can be at times.

Excerpt from ‘Ruminations Of A Master Bard’

Jaheira was concerned. This was not an unusual occurrence; sometimes she felt that it was her natural state of being. Or at least that it had become so, after she had found herself the protector of Zaerini and Imoen. Her – and Khalid of course. Those girls…trying to keep them safe would tax the patience of anybody. Khalid was always able to smile about it though. When they had managed to drive me up the wall he would make a joke so I could not help but laugh, and then things did not feel so bad. I wonder if I will ever be able to laugh again? Khalid, I miss you so much. With every beat of my heart, with every breath I take, I am missing you. Part of me died along with you.

Warrior. Druid. Harper. Those parts still remained. But no longer a wife. Jaheira shook her head angrily, feeling her golden-brown hair whip about her face. No! I am still the wife of Khalid, and I always will be, whatever happens. In my heart, I still am. And I can still be of use to the girls, I know I can. I will be strong for their sake, and for my husband. And I will take my vengeance.

Vengeance. The word was a sweet one. She visualized herself summoning a vast mass of strangling vines to rip the concealing mask off the one who had murdered her love, the one who had stolen the light from her world. Vines rending his body slowly to pieces, choking the life out of him. It felt good. But not good enough. I would kill him with my own bare hands, if possible. Or with my teeth. She knew how to shapechange, a power that had served her well enough in the past. As a beast, she could get what she craved. To feel his flesh tear between my teeth, to taste his blood running down my throat…yes. That is what I desire, and I will have it if I can. But the children must come first.

Imoen worried her the most at the moment of course. Jaheira had visited Amn and Athkatla before, she knew of the power the Cowled Wizards held, and how dangerous it was to challenge them. Yet it must be done. As far as she knew, nobody who had been taken by the wizards had ever returned, and nobody knew where their prisoners were kept. She could not even be certain that the child was still alive. But I have to hope. Have to try. I was forced to…to leave Khalid down there. I will not leave Imoen. I just hope she has the sense not to provoke her captors. She is a kind girl, but she takes after Zaerini in that regard.

Zaerini. Now there was another problem. The bard had seemed to bounce back well and good after her almost-breakdown after they had escaped the dank underworld nightmare of Irenicus’ dungeon. A little too well perhaps. She still does not recall even half of what that monster did to her. And when she starts to remember I fear for her sanity. Jaheira had seen some of the scars that still remained on the other half-elf’s body, but she was convinced that the scars in her soul ran far deeper. Yet another reason to kill Irenicus, slowly and painfully. He will pay for hurting the children in that way. Sometimes Zaerini seemed entirely her old self, but Jaheira feared for the younger woman all the same, knowing that there had to be darkness lurking beneath the energetic surface. And that wizard certainly will not make things any better.

Jaheira tapped her foot irritably as she gave Edwin a look out of the corner of her eye. The adventurers were standing inside a luxurious bedroom dominated by an enormous bed that looked like you might drown in it and which was decorated with hideous golden grapes. The second most remarkable piece of furniture in the room was a large Iron Maiden standing in one corner. Presumably it had been placed there so that Mae’Var could supply himself with a bit of instant torture if he ever woke up in the middle of the night. Jaheira had heard of writers keeping pen and paper on their nightstand for similar purposes. Mae’Var’s nightstand held a pair of thumbscrews. Along one wall there was an iron safe, which Edwin was currently unlocking, looking very pleased with himself.

Perhaps he can help us, but I would rather we were rid of him. He is nothing but trouble, and will cause nothing but pain.

Zaerini might have chosen to disregard it for now, but Jaheira remembered how devastated the bard had been after Edwin left. At first she had searched frenetically for him, hardly sleeping, hardly eating, almost running herself into the ground. Then, when she had been forced to realize that she wouldn’t find him, she had fallen into an apathetic state, not speaking at all. I was certain she would die from a broken heart. And I am not about to forgive him for that. Most importantly I will never allow him to do the same again. I will kill him before I let him hurt her like that again.

The druid noticed that Anomen, too, didn’t seem all that happy about the addition of the Red Wizard to their group. The natural suspicion against a member of an evil organization – or something else? It hadn’t escaped her that the young cleric seemed to be paying a great deal of attention to Zaerini, even if the bard appeared to be oblivious of it so far. He may be less of a danger to her than Edwin is, but I am not sure he is suitable all the same. A Helmite and a would-be knight both, and he is so very rigid and unforgiving. No, I am sure she can do better.

“Aha!” Edwin said, proudly displaying a thick bundle of papers. “Here we are. The masterful espionage skills of Edwin Odesseiron triumph once again, as my cunning reaches new heights. (If this doesn’t impress her, I don’t know what will.)”

“Using a key to open a door?” Jan said, smirking a little. “Very impressive I’m sure, Oh Great Red One. You must teach me how to do that sometime, it sounds a fascinating skill.”

“I meant the finding of the proper documents, you annoying little monkey,” Edwin said in a haughty voice. Then he handed Zaerini the paper. “I believe these are what you were looking for,” he said. “These documents are proof that Mae’Var has conspired with the Night Masks guild to have Renal Bloodscalp assassinated. Now all you need to do is show them to Renal, and then the matter will be well in hand. (I wish I could have things well in hand as well. Particularly her enchanting little…)”

“Thanks, Eddie!” Zaerini said, winking at the wizard in a way that caused him to cough violently. “Are you sure you haven’t got a burglar or two in the family? You sure seem to be enjoying yourself, and you seem very knowledgeable about the inner workings of a Thieves Guild.”

“Ah…no,” Edwin said, looking a little flustered. “Only wizards, as far as I know. I…have picked up the odd bit of information here and there though.”

“So it seems. Well, let’s go see Renal then. I’m sure he’ll be very interested to learn this.”

As it turned out, Renal Bloodscalp was pleased indeed. When the adventurers returned to him he was reclining on a sort of couch, idly stroking the white cat Mr Fluffy who was sitting on his stomach, looking rather bored. “Ah, Zaerini!” Bloodscalp said, sounding pleased. “I was just counting some loot from a delightful outing we had not long ago and I thought of you. Mask help me if I didn't smile just a little! You won't make that smile disappear, will you? You've brought news, perhaps? You've brought some evidence of Mae'Var's foulness? And presumably you also have some reason for bringing his pet wizard into this place?”

“Have a care how you speak of me, thief,” Edwin said in a haughty voice. “Edwin Odesseiron is no man’s pet. I go where I please, with whom I please, and if your limited mind has problems understanding that, there is a Fireball with your name on it, waiting to teach you differently.”

“Not now, Edwin!” Zaerini hissed, grasping the wizard tightly by the arm. “Please excuse him,” she told Bloodscalp with a winning smile. “It’s been a long day. Anyway, we do have the proof you require. It seems Mae’Var has been making overtures to the Night Knives. ” With that, she handed the thief the documents, which he read through quickly, his expression never changing.

For a few moments the only sound in the room was Mr Fluffy’s contented purring. Then Renal Bloodscalp suddenly smiled. “Yes,” he said. “This is more than enough to condemn Mae’Var completely. Well done.” He paused, rubbing his cat behind one furry white ear. “Only one part of our deal remains, and then you will have your reward.”

“And that is?” Zaerini warily asked.

“Why, to eliminate Mae’Var of course! I would like you to do it as soon as possible.” He smiled again, the smile of a hungry shark. “Believe me, you have my full authority in this matter.”

More assassination, Jaheira thought, not feeling pleased at all. We walk down dark roads these days, and not ones of my choosing. But I cannot…must not interfere at this point. There are killers hiding in the shadows all around us, and if Bloodscalp should give the word, we will stand no chance.

Zaerini shrugged, and when next she spoke she was mimicking Bloodscalp’s lazy, drawling tones. “I can’t say I liked Mae’Var all that much,” she said. “Torture isn’t really a practice I approve of. Quite the opposite, actually. And once Mae’Var discovers those documents are missing he will know to suspect Edwin, and pose a very real threat, so that’s another good reason. So yes, Mae’Var will die.” There was a sudden flash of fire in her golden eyes. “And afterwards, I will expect you to be grateful. Very grateful.”

“Of course,” Renal Bloodscalp impassively said. “Afterwards.”

Out in the street again, Zaerini turned to her companions. “I don’t think we should go see Mae’Var at once,” she said. “Much as I hate to lose the element of surprise, it’s been a long day, and we’re all tired. We need rest. I suggest we go back to the Copper Coronet for the night, and then come back here tomorrow.”

There were no protests. Jaheira suddenly noticed that she was tired, and judging by the pale and drawn faces around her, she wasn’t the only one. It has been a long day. All that business with Mae’Var, and breaking into the temple of Talos, and then Rayic Gethras…and Aerie. I still cannot believe that she managed to fool us all like that. The druid felt a brief surge of anger as she thought of the Avariel. I do not know what game she was playing, but I will not allow her to harm us further. She will pay dearly for her deceit.

A thought occurred to her then, one that brought a brief smile to her face. Of course! The Harpers! It has been long since I was here, but I am certain they still have agents within the city. If they do, I should seek them out as soon as possible. They will likely know if the Loviatar priesthood is involved in some particular scheme here, or if this was just some random mischief. Perhaps they will know something about the other happenings in the city as well, like this ‘guild war’ we have been hearing so much about. Perhaps they might even know of Irenicus. I cannot believe I did not think of it before, but I suppose the recent ordeals must have clouded my mind. I should start with finding Belgrade, as soon as I have the time.

The druid smiled fondly as she thought of her Harper friend. Belgrade had been little more than an eager boy when last she had seen him, but now he would be…what? In his forties, perhaps? Humans aged so swiftly. Those were happy days. Dangerous and fraught with peril, but happy. It will be good to see Belgrade again, too long have my duties kept me from doing so. I wonder if he is less awkward than I remember him?

“Lady Jaheira?” Jaheira blinked as she was torn from her reverie and looked into Anomen’s anxious face. Another boy, one who fancies himself a hero, no less.

“Yes?” she asked.

“I was wondering…” The squire was speaking in a low voice, and he looked behind him, to where Zaerini was walking, chatting quietly with Edwin. Something the wizard said made the redhead laugh a little, though she then proceeded to punch him lightly in the arm. “I was wondering,” Anomen said, “what you know of this…this wizard. Surely he cannot be trusted? And how well does the Lady Zaerini know him?”

“We have traveled with him before,” Jaheira cautiously said. “At one time I thought he could be trusted. Now, I do not know. He disappeared for no apparent reason.” She paused before continuing, not sure how much it would be prudent to say. Angry as I am with Edwin, I have no wish to become Anomen’s romantic agent either. Let them settle that on their own. “As for Zaerini, I suggest you talk to her yourself, if you wish to know more about what she thinks.”

Anomen nodded. “I shall do so,” he said. “It was discourteous of me to pry, and I apologize.” He bit his lip briefly. “I am merely worried for her, that is all.” Then his voice took on a more eager note. “Yes, I shall speak with her. I had intended to do so anyway, it is prudent to get to know your companions better, and I wished to tell her of some of my past campaigns with the Order.” The blushed a little. “To insure her of my skill in battle, you see.”

“I see,” Jaheira said in a neutral voice. So very young. Let us hope there will be no broken hearts.

“Yes, I believe she will be most interested, and…” Anomen suddenly broke off. “What was that?”

Jaheira paused to listen. Now she could hear it too, a sound like hissing laughter, in the deep shadows of an intersecting alley. And there were eyes, deep red eyes glowing in the darkness. She felt a deep chill in the air, and a sudden smell, a damp and old smell as from an opened tomb. Then, before she could ready her weapon, the thing in the shadows was gone, as if it had never been there. She shivered as cold tendrils of drifting mist glided past her, and tried to listen for further sounds, but there were none. “I do not know,” she said. “But I do not like it.” I do not like it at all.