The Farthest Dawn: Prologue

The evening was as pleasant as any Theodoric could remember in a long time. Or perhaps it was just pleasant to be away from the city. Though he had borne the month-long celebrations and accolades with grace, the young paladin had quickly wearied of the attention. After defeating Sarevok in the undercity, he had wanted nothing more than to spend some time in temple, praying to Torm and seeking insight on his future. But the fawning of the local nobles seemed to have had no end. Eventually, Theodoric decided that it was time to return to the road. A trip to a werewolf-infested isle and a lengthy delve into Durlag’s Tower notwithstanding, the last few weeks had been relatively peaceful.

Bhaalspawn.

Even now the word left an icy feeling in Theodoric’s stomach. To know that he was the child of a foulness so great, so irredeemable, gnawed at him. The taint in his blood was the antithesis of everything he stood for, a mockery of the ideals he’d been taught and professed. He had not given into the taint, and upon its discovery he had worked twice as hard as before to maintain the path of righteousness. Theodoric told himself that he had mastered it, controlled it, locked it in an unbreakable prison within his own soul. But privately he held doubts that it would always be so.


A heavy slap on the back brought him out of his reverie. He turned to see the big grinning face of Minsc.

“Boo would like to know when we are to set up camp.”

Theodoric smiled. The hulking Rashemani’s questionable sensibilities had made for some interesting adventures. But he, er, ‘Boo’ was right about setting up camp. The sun was low in the sky, and darkness would set in within the hour.

“If no one has objections, I think it is time we stopped for the day” he announced.

“It is about time” huffed Jaheira. “I will select a suitable spot for the group.” She strode towards a small copse of trees, Khalid in tow. Theodoric and Dynahier shared a “here we go again” glance while Minsc occupied himself with throwing nuts to a nearby squirrel.
Imoen stuck her tongue out and made a face at Theodoric, obviously enjoying his consternation. He sat on a nearby rock, exhaling noisily.

Did Jaheira have any idea how irritating her voice was?


After a quick meal and drawing lots for guard duty, the group settled in for the night. Theodoric stretched out on the ground and quickly drifted off to sleep.

*

Bhaalspawn.

Something was wrong. Theodoric opened his eyes and tried to sit up. His head swam. Am I still asleep? he wondered. He shook his head, trying in vain to clear the mists from his mind. Someone was moaning – Minsc? Shapes were moving in the blurry darkness. Some of them were not his friends. Some of the shapes did not look human.

“Face me!” he shouted, staggering to his feet and bringing his sword up. One of the shapes walked – drifted? - towards him. Theodoric made one clumsy swing at the shape before falling to the ground, the fog in his mind overwhelming him.

Bhaalspawn.