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30. An Inevitable Meeting


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#1 Guest_Kulyok_*

Posted 07 June 2005 - 12:39 PM

"Nashkel! We've made it back!" Imoen pointed at the tall broach of the Temple of Helm close to horizon. The setting sun allowed them to see the shapes of city's buildings and a local river, though they couldn't make out peoples' figures, yet.
"It is nice to roam the wilderness, but it is nice to return, too. I could do with a bath," Jaheira admitted.
Khalid put his arms around his wife, and she momentarily rested her head against his shoulder. "You are b-beautiful always, Jaheira."
She snorted. "The animals are unfettered by civilization, but we are. And the stench drives me mad. You could do with a bath as well, my husband."
"And I could do with our reward," Ala peered at the faintly visible town as they walked along the fields, with small farmhouses popping up on both sides. "Hope the mayor has not forgotten us."
The mayor greeted them with a hearty smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "You have returned! It would seem I was right to trust you. The town thanks you wholeheartedly, and is pleased to give you the proper reward. Please accept nine hundred gold for your efforts. It is a small fortune by anyone's standards. Thank you again." He proceeded to the door and opened it for them.
"Small fortune?" Ala was coming for the mayor, fury in her face. She gripped him by his shirt and opened her backpack. "See this? This is a winter wolf pelt. The storekeeper in the next building offered us five hundred for this one, and we have two of them. Now, do you really consider that killing two small beasts in the wilderness equals being ambushed, kidnapped, tortured, betrayed, forced to kill two dungeons full of kobolds and use a very dangerous scroll to keep your town safe? Please, think again."
"I-I have nothing else to offer you, k-kind sirs," the mayor stammered. "The town c-c-citizens are s-starving, and the provisions are scarce, with the iron s-shortage and all."
Ala released her grip and looked at her companions with unspoken question in her gaze. Jaheira stepped forward. "I do not like it, child. But he is the authority of this town, and we can't do anything about it. If you harm him, the garrison will tear you to pieces. Besides, we have done a right thing by liberating the mine, regardless of the amount of his gratitude."
"But we are heroes!" Imoen exclaimed in a shrill voice. "Why does it have to be like that? Can't we all be friends?"
The mayor squirmed uncomfortably. "Tell you what, as you're the Heroes of Nashkel now, I could, er, ask the local storekeeper to give you a small discount, and I could give you a letter to Taerom Fuiruim in Beregost, too."
The adventurers exchanged looks, remembering their night adventure at Thunderhammer smithy. Heartened by their silence, Ghastkill continued. "Our city is in need of some bounty hunters, as well. Consult Oublek to find out which ones are currently unclaimed. I am sure he can give you a fair price, with these missing emeralds and our guard's captain business."
At the words 'bounty hunters' Imoen started to giggle nervously. "Did I say something wrong?"
Ala smirked. "No. Well, not quite. You're one mean cheater, Ghastkill, but I think your letters will satisfy."
After the mayor sealed the last letter and presented them to the half-elf, the adventurers turned to leave. At they reached the door, however, Berrum's voice held them back. "Maybe you'd like a little ceremony? Dancing, fireworks, the feast in your honor, that sort of thing?"
Ala slowly turned and looked into his eyes. "Thank you, mayor, but I would not like to burden your funds, with the iron shortage and all." Then she left, Khalid and Jaheira behind her. Imoen lingered behind to shot the mayor what she thought was a contemptuous look, and followed suit.
Oublek proved to be a plump, bold man with a wheezy voice. He approached Khalid immediately. "No, say not another word," he began breathlessly. "I would not think of making you wait but a moment for your just reward. When council told me that they had procured Greywolf to rid the woods of the bandit Tonquin, I knew we could expect swift justice. I would not have predicted success this quickly, but who else could it be striding into town looking... as you do. Please accept this meager sum of two hundred gold pieces, as well as the heartfelt thanks of all of Nashkel."
"B-but I'm not the Greywolf," Khalid protested. "Keep your money, it's not mine to take."
"You are not Greywolf the bounty hunter? Oh sweet Helm, I almost gave gold to a complete stranger!? The Captain best not hear of this; he'd have my hide. Thanks be for your honesty, stranger, there are those who would not have done as such."
Khalid shrugged. "Of c-course. Could you tell us what bounties are currently unclaimed?"
The man became much more businesslike. "Our captain of the guard is still on the loose. Keep your blade ready if you get anywhere near him. Very dangerous, he is. Killed his wife and kids, and some of his fellow soldiers, as well, before he disappeared. There is also a bit of foolishness with a local artist named Prism. Stole a couple of emeralds, he did. We seek their return, though Prism's fate is of little concern. Three hundred on each of these ones, but if you'll claim them within a tenday, I'll double the sum."
"Bounties. I liked the reward he was offering," Ala said pensively, as they exited Oublek's office.
"'Tis unseemly work," Jaheira observed. "Still, the man who have killed his children and wife must be brought to justice. He committed most foul and unnatural crime."
"And we need better equipment to destroy the bandits, if we're up to it," Ala agreed. "I would like to increase our numbers, too. Four is a small party, and I doubt Xan will be back soon, if at all. We shall need another experienced mage."
Right on cue, a haughty, accented voice addressed them. "Go no further! I require the services of your group. (Yes, they will do nicely.)" A tall young man imperiously beckoned them to come closer. He was wearing blood-red mage robes with a hood, and the amount of jewelry on his hands and face was astounding. Ala snorted. I wonder why nobody robbed him blind yet.
"Huh?" Ala asked. "Who are you?"
"I am Edwin Odesseiron. You simians can refer to me as 'Sir', if you prefer a less... syllable intensive workout."
Imoen inhaled sharply behind her back. Ala could see what impressed her friend. Odesseiron! She knew the surname well, for Gorion taught both girls the history and affairs of Thay, as well as of other regions. The man in front of them was a kin to the Tharchion of Surthay, an important political figure. However far he was from home, he was not to be underestimated.
"And what would you need from us?" the girl inquired politely.
"I would have you kill a witch, the witch Dynaheir." The mage snapped his well-manicured fingers impatiently. Why do mages care about their appearance so? "She is treacherous, but with your participation I foresee no difficulty. Will you assist?"
"A murder?" Jaheira stepped in, hands on her hips.
"Jae, that's what we do!" Ala snapped. "I'm an rogue, remember? Killing a witch is not exactly the same as killing a helpless maiden!" She turned back to Edwin. "Pray continue. I would know the price you offer before I take the job."
The mage waved his hand dismissively. "The prize I offer would surely be beyond measure in your meager understanding. Either take the job or not!"
A Red Wizard. They place great value in contracts and given words. Ala took a deep breath. "We will. It sounds but a simple task."
"Of course you will, it is as expected. (I will lead them to her and she cannot hope to prevail.) I will travel with you until the deed be done. I last heard of her traveling to the west of Nashkel, close to the gnoll stronghold located there."
"Are you out of your mind?" Jaheira whispered furiously, drawing the girl aside. "What he suggests is monstrous!"
"What's wrong, Jae? He wants our help in eliminating a rival, what's so monstrous in that? I do not like the prospect of a Red Wizard traveling with us, not after Montaron and Xzar. But we cannot positively say 'no, we do not want to take you' to a Tharchion's kin, can we? Anyway, it's got a good side: this way we'll have a competent mage with us, so we can claim the bounties without missing a beat!" The rogue smirked. Then she grew serious as she noticed Jaheira's expression. "All right, if it turns out that something's wrong, we can always prevent him from killing this Dynaheir."
Jaheira stared at her, then nodded. "You'd better, child."
It grew dark, and adventurers made their way to the tavern, anticipating a hot dinner and a bath. But next to the barracks they were delayed once again. A delighted roar reached their ears, and they turned to see a large bald man, who was pointing a hamster at them.
"Where goes the stench of evil, there goes the cleansing wind of Minsc and Boo! Stand and deliver, that my hamster might have a better look at ye!"
Ala rolled her eyes, and out of the corner of her eye she could see Edwin Odesseiron do the same. She felt a surge of sympathy towards the wizard. "Who are you?" she asked wearily. Will this day never end? I want a bath!
The man scratched his head with a free hand and put the hamster back on his shoulder. "Greetings, we are Minsc and Boo. We have traveled far to explore this land, but now my charge Dynaheir has been taken from us. 'Twas gnolls, Boo said, and once we have tracked them I will beat sense into their heads until they release her! Accompany us, and bards will sing the deeds of Minsc and Boo... and friends. Oh, and Boo says that Evil Wizard can accompany us anyway, because Dynaheir told us to keep an eye on him."
"What? The insolence!" Edwin protested. "I shall not... (But it is a delicious irony, the feeble witch's protector is to assist me in her ultimate demise!) Oh, very well. Take him with us, if you insist."
Ala and Jaheira exchanged looks. "I suppose we need both of them in the party," Jaheira said pointedly.
"For once, I couldn't agree with you more, Jae," Ala's eyes narrowed. "I can't wait to learn the whole story about this witch."




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