Chapter 23 - Heroes of Imnesvale

Deciding that sleep would have to wait for another time, the party gathered up its gear and wearily began trudging towards Imnesvale. Theodoric let Jaheira lead the way, while he and Minsc carried Mazzy Fentan on an improvised stretcher.

“We could be in Imnesvale by early afternoon” Jaheira announced to the party, as she surveyed the land before them. “It will take some hard marching, however. The sun will not be up for another three or four hours, and our progress will be difficult until that time.” The subsequent groans and mutterings indicated the rest of the party had been thinking along those lines, but would have preferred not to be reminded of it.

Neracer made a gesture and hummed a brief ditty. A globe of pinkish light appeared over his head. It cast a soft pastel light a few feet in every direction.

“I thought a little light might be in order” he explained to the druid. “For those of us who can’t see in the dark. Don’t worry, it shouldn’t bother that weird night sight thing you elves do.”

“Good idea” Theodoric admitted. Though why does the light have to be so…pink?


*


The party made its way southward for several hours, saying very little except for the occasional grumble or two. Fatigue weighed them down, but not so much as the terrible dreams most of them had had earlier. Minsc and Theodoric had a faraway look in their eyes as they trudged along. Aerie and Neracer’s looks were more haunted. Jaheira, who had not slept with the others, perceived the level of agitation each of them had. She frowned inwardly, concerned about the dreams they’d had. Or one of them, anyway.

What was in your mind, Theodoric? She wondered to herself. Where were you in that nightmare?

The paladin and she had had been anything but fast friends when they first joined together. She had known of his heritage, of course. But her difficulties stemmed from his stubbornness, and his insistence on crusading for every cause in sight, with no thought to the overall balance of things.

Jaheira smiled faintly. No doubt the young paladin was equally exasperated with her own stubbornness, and her strict adherence to maintaining the greater balance. But for all their differences, they had become comrades. They’d faced many battles, accomplished much as a party.

The smile faded. That had all been before Irenicus had captured them. Before they’d lost their freedom…and so much more.

Jaheira shook her head, forcing away the images of that place. She could not dispel her concerns about Theodoric, however.

You have changed since that place, somehow. These dreams you are having, the single-minded fury you show at times. You had to try to destroy the demon’s bridge, you had to risk yourself to rescue the trapped djinii in Irenicus’ dungeon. You are driven by something. But what?

Jaheira broke herself out of her reverie when she saw the first glimmers of sunrise. She recognized the area they were in and signaled the party to halt.

“The stream I spoke of earlier is near here. I believe this would be a good time to stop for a time. We can replenish our water supply and clean up before heading on.”

For the exhausted adventurers, any chance to stop and rest for a bit was welcome. They camped in a meadow near the stream, taking a few minutes to fill their skins and breakfast on the last few crumbs in their ration packs.


“You and Aerie can bathe first” Theodoric said to Jaheira, nibbling on a sliver of saltmeat. “The rest of us will wait our turn.”

Jaheira had often found the paladin’s sense of chivalry a bit on the superfluous side. But she now found it comforting, in light of her recent thoughts. “Appreciated, but not necessary” she replied. There is a bend in the stream beyond that copse of trees over there. Aerie and I will bathe here and the rest of you can bathe there.”

Theodoric took a whiff of himself and decided that was probably a good idea.


*

Jaheira stripped off her armor and gear before wading into the shallow stream. She was scrubbing herself with a lump of brownish soap when she noticed that Aerie was still standing on the bank, looking about nervously.

“Are you sure we’re alone out here, Jaheira? I mean, no one can see us, right?”

“Don’t be silly, girl. There is nobody here except for the squirrels. And I hardly think they are concerned about our presence.”

“oh-okay, Jaheira, if you say so.”

Aerie knelt by the bank of the tiny stream and timidly placed a hand in the water. She wiped her face with a bit of it.

Jaheira gave her a piercing look. “*What* are you doing, child?”

“I’m cleaning up, like you said.”

“*Sigh*. Child, we do not get many opportunities to bathe while in the field. Though it may not seem like it, this is a luxury. And you will never get clean that way.”

Jaheira went over to her pack and withdrew another lump of soap. She handed it to Aerie, who turned it over in her hands. It was slightly abrasive, but also had a pleasant, woodsy scent. The druid had made it herself, back in Athkatla.

“Hang your robes on the tree over there, so they can air out. You have a change of undergarments?”

Aerie nodded.

“Good. Now get a move on, girl. We will be heading out within the hour.”

Aerie swallowed hard but did as she was told. She took off her robes and equipment and stepped into the water.

Jaheira had nearly finished scrubbing herself clean by the time Aerie had started. She opened her mouth to say something but stopped in mid-breath.

Aerie was looking down at the water, shame-faced. A tear ran down the side of her cheek. She tried to cover herself with her arms and hunched inward while she washed herself. Jaheira could see the source of the elf’s discomfort was not modesty, however.

From Aerie’s long, graceful back protruded two ugly stumps of twisted flesh and bone. They were covered in whitish scar tissue and occasionally moved when Aerie twisted a certain way. Jaheira realized that these were what was left of the Avariel’s wings. It was also immediately obvious that they had been removed in a manner no surgeon would have laid claim to.

She looked at the elf with sympathy, though she thought better of saying anything. Instead, Jaheira finished her bath and then attended to wiping down her armor, giving Aerie some small measure of privacy.


*


“Son of a BITCH, that’s cold!”

Neracer wrapped his arms around himself and shivered as withdrew his big toe from the stream.

“It’s not that bad” Yoshimo said, splashing several handfuls of water on his face and chest.

“Sez you!” the illusionist grumped, backing away from the stream.

“Well, either way, you need a bath as much as the rest of us” Theodoric said. “No offense intended.”

“None taken” replied the illusionist. He then made a couple of gestures and made a whooshing noise with his mouth. The dirt and blood on his robes vanished and his skin looked pink and scrubbed. He made a snicking noise and the stubbly beard on his face was shaved clean. Without the whiskers, the plump illusionist’s face had a distinctly boyish quality to it.

“Ah, cantrips” he sighed as he sat down on a nearby rock.


I wonder if Imoen knows how to do that? Theodoric wondered, instantly regretting the thought.

After all the hell they had gone through facing Umar, they were only the tiniest bit closer to getting the “rescue fee” for Imoen. The gems in the shadow dragon’s horde were mostly ornamental stone. Collectively, they’d probably bring a couple hundred gold coins. Out of that they had to replace expended supplies, and stock up for the hunt for Valygar. The Ioun Stone was considerably more valuable, but they dare not sell that. Neracer and Aerie had determined this one was a healing device of some sort. Healing was something no adventurer could ever have too much of. That only left the dragon hide, which, while valuable, would be difficult to sell at most markets. Theodoric agreed to allow Neracer to search out a buyer for it at Trademeet.

Theodoric sighed as he pulled off his tunic. The many scars on his body were in plain view of the other men. None said anything, though he could feel eyes on him. Irenicus had been quite thorough in his experiments. Theodoric found he was starting to remember how he got some of them…


*


Spirits were a bit higher in the group as they continued onwards to Imnesvale. They were still tired, and in need of rest, but the sun was warming the land pleasantly and they began to make good time. By noon they were in sight of several familiar hilltops.


“Imnesvale is just beyond that third ridge” Jaheira said, pointing it out to the others.

“So it is” Theodoric replied, taking a drink from one of his skins. “With any luck, we’ll be able to buy some supplies and head out again by nightfall.”


“We’re not going to stay and rest in the village?” Aerie asked incredulously. “I mean, for a few days, at least?”

Theodoric shook his head. “We have to find Valygar as soon as possible, Aerie. After we reach Imnesvale, we’ll have time to stock up on supplies, rest, and perhaps take in a meal. But we will need to head back out once we are prepared.”

“Oh” the elf said quietly. “I see.”


*


Aerie was unusually quiet the rest of the way, keeping to herself when Theodoric decided to stop for a brief rest. The rest of the party was too tired or pre-occupied with caring for Mazzy to take much notice.

“How is she?” Neracer asked Jaheira for the tenth time since this morning.

“She is fine for the time being, as I have said” Jaheira said, a bit irritated but not harsh in her tone. “My healing spells can sustain her body’s needs temporarily. How far is Trademeet from Imnesvale?”

“It took us under a day, using a wagon and keeping to the main trails.”

“Then there should be no problem. I will administer some healing on her before you depart.”

Neracer nodded and wandered off, lost in thought. Jaheira looked up to see Theodoric walking over to her.

“Yoshimo is taking my place with Mazzy” he said. “I will lead us the rest of the way.”

“As you would have it” Jaheira said, nodding. “I would prefer to keep watch on the halfling as well.”

She stood and dusted herself off. The paladin had an inquisitive look on his face.

“What is it?” she asked. “Do you have something you wish to discuss?”

“I do” he said. He glanced over at Neracer, who was gazing out across the hills. “What do you make of him, Jaheira?” he said softly.

The druid had expected – hoped? – the paladin was ready to discuss his troubles with her, to confide in her about what plagued him so. As it was, she kept her face neutral and her mind focused on the topic at hand.

“You are thinking of asking him to join us?”

“I am.”

Jaheira nodded and exhaled briefly. “He is skilled.”

“But?”

“But he is difficult to read. Surely you have the same sense of him?”

Theodoric grinned tiredly. “I do, my friend. I don’t think he has ill designs on any of us, but-”

“But you aren’t sure he’s trustworthy.”

“No. Still, as you say, he is talented. And we could always use another mage.”

Jaheira nodded. She had had thoughts along that line as well. She was formulating an argument of her own about that issue, but decided it would be best to wait until they reached Imnesvale before bringing it up.

“I have no objections to his presence” she said finally. “Another experienced adventurer would be welcome.”

Theodoric caught the emphasis Jaheira had placed on the word ‘experienced’ but let it go. He nodded to her and walked over to the illusionist, who was still gazing at the horizon.


*


Theodoric cleared his throat as he approached Neracer, trying to get his attention as politely as possible. The mage turned to him and smiled. There was a strange look in his eyes, a sort of knowing look that suggested he was expecting Theodoric’s next words.

“Do you need something, Theodoric?” he asked.

“I would speak with you about a matter” Theodoric replied.

“Of course.” Neracer sat on a large rock and offered Theodoric a seat nearby.

“You fought well back in the temple” Theodoric began.

“Well, it seemed the least I could do for the folks that saved my life” Neracer said modestly.


“I was wondering – have you any plans once you return to Trademeet?”

Neracer stared at the ground. “Beyond getting Mazzy to Waukeen’s temple, I have not.’


“In that case, would you consider traveling with me for a time? I could use one such as you on my quest.”

Neracer paused, then looked at Theodoric and gave him a sad smile. “I am honored by your offer, truly.”

“But?”

“But I am retired, Theodoric” Neracer said with a weariness far beyond his years. He patted his potbelly. “You can see I have not adventured in a long time. I only accompanied Mazzy’s group this one time because she asked for my help as a friend. I have a comfortable life back in Trademeet, and I am at the point in life where I enjoy my creature comforts more than the ‘thrill’ of risking my life every waking moment.”

“You did not seem to be thinking much of comfort when you rescued your companion” Theodoric noted.

“Well, you might say I was, ah, motivated. The Tale of Wodemark and all that.”

“Wiedemar” Theodoric corrected.

“Er, right, Wiedemar. At any rate, I do appreciate the offer, but I must decline it.”

“I understand” Theodoric said, though with a hint of disappointment in his voice. He felt that the illusionist had motivations other than simple ‘retirement’. Neracer was no more than ten years older than Theodoric, still in the prime of life. But the mage had made his decision, and that was that. “I wish you well when we part ways, and I will pray for your friend’s speedy recovery” Theodoric said kindly.

“That would mean much to Mazzy” the illusionist replied with an unusual seriousness and sincerity. “Mazzy holds the ideals of a paladin’s life in high regard.”


*


Imnesvale stood invitingly before them as the party descended the final hill into the village outskirts. A group of children spotted them first, and ran to tell their parents. By the time the adventurers reached the town square, most of the village had turned out to meet them.

“You return!” cried Minister Lloyd. “Have you news? Have you uncovered the source of our problem?!?”


“We have, Minister” Theodoric proclaimed. He would have preferred to meet with him privately, but knew he could not leave the assembled villagers without an explanation.

“The source of your troubles was none other than the terror that plagued this land ages ago, Minister.” Murmurs rippled through the crowd. “The terror that has plagued you was none other than Umar herself.”


Gasps and hushed cries rippled through the crowd of assembled villagers. Near the back of the crowd the innkeeper Wilbert whooped for joy. “I told ya, I told all of ya!” he said, grinning from ear to ear.


The weary adventurers were bombarded with questions, some of them about Umar, a few of them about the ranger Merella, many about their missing friends and family. Minister Lloyd moved quickly to calm the crowd long enough to get the adventurers into the relative privacy of his home.


“Thank you” the paladin said, siding on the proffered bench.


“Think nothing of it” replied Minister Lloyd, offering each of them a glass of brandy. The oft-besotted mayor refrained this time. His expression was serious and frank as he sat down with the adventurers. He asked them to explain at length what had transpired. Theodoric told the tale of their encounters, with Neracer filling in bits from his own party’s experience. When they had finished, the mayor was shaking his head from side to side.


“I thank you for your help, truly” he began. “Of all the evils that could have plagued us, never would I have expected Umar herself. Her legend is the basis for countless ghost stories and children’s frights. And yet, the worst of those tales pale compared to what you have told me here. I do not know how I will tell the village of their loved ones’ fates. To die in such a way….” Minister Lloyd spent several moments contemplating the horror of it all. At last, he rose.


“Our village is not a wealthy one” he said, addressing the assembled adventurers. “But neither are we stingy or ungrateful. I believe I have a suitable reward for your efforts.”

Minister Lloyd went over to a large chest and unlocked it with a key on his belt. From it he withdrew a bulky-looking pile of fur. When he held it up, the adventurers could see it was in fact the hide of some large animal, tailored into a suit of armor. Despite the unkempt appearance of the coarse, bristly fur, none could miss the exquisite workmanship on the piece.

“This is the armor I wore in my own adventuring days” Lloyd said, pausing for a moment. “It is made from the hide of a creature that once terrorized the Sword Coast, a monstrous bear called the Aeger.”

“I know that story!” exclaimed Theodoric. “The Aeger ravaged many villages, before it was hunted down by several hundred vigilantes.”

“The same” Lloyd continued. “The armor retains some of the properties of that terrible creature. It is as strong as chain, and will give the wearer some protection from the various elements.”


Theodoric bowed to the mayor. “A most generous gift, Minister.”


“It is a favor to me as well” he replied. “My son has visions of adventuring in his head. I would keep him away from that life as long as possible.”


“Did the ranger Merella have any kin we might return her possessions to?” Jaheira asked.

“None that I am aware of” Lloyd replied. “Best you take her gear as well. You will likely need far more than any of us.”


“We thank you, Minister” Theodoric said with genuine gratitude. “If there is nothing else, we will purchase supplies and be on our way.”

“Oh no, I wouldn’t think of it!” cried the Minister. “You simply must stay as our guests for a few days.”

“I would not want to be a burden, Minister.”

“It’s no burden” the minister replied cheerfully, now pouring himself a rather stiff glass of brandy. “Besides, it will be at least a day or two before we have any supplies to sell you. The overcrowding in our village has depleted our own stores and we will have to go to Trademeet for more.”

Neracer raised an eyebrow. “Trademeet? When do your wagons depart?”

“They we will be leaving within the hour” replied the mayor.

“Then that is when I will depart” the mage said. “My companion is in need of the services of the temples.”

Lloyd nodded, becoming serious once again. “Of course. You will not be returning then?”

“No” the illusionist said.


*


Though he was reluctant to stay in the village, Theodoric acquiesced to the mayor’s insistence that the adventurers enjoy Imnesvale’s hospitality for a while. A feast was planned for that evening, the grateful villagers giving up some of their remaining goods to honor their heroes that had saved them. Wilbert, the innkeeper, had been particularly generous. Having been proven right about Umar made him quite the celebrity. He insisted the adventurers take his best rooms for the duration of their stay. The rooms were surprisingly comfortable and well appointed. Even Theodoric admitted this to himself before dropping off into a sound slumber.


*


Atop a large hill overlooking Imnesvale, a dark-skinned man frowned and drummed his fingers on the hilt of his katana. One of the villagers, who in fact was also a young ranger, stood next to him.


“Are you sure this is the same group?” asked the young man.

“They match the descriptions my contacts in Athkatla gave me” the other man said in a low, grim voice. “The leader is the one that met with Tolgerias.”

“What will you do, then?”

“I’m not sure. I would not have expected mere mercenaries to come to the aid of the village, at least when there was no profit in it. Yet they do hunt me for the Cowled Ones. I must think on this for a time.”

“Should I rally the others?’

Valygar Corthala stared at the village and his frown deepened. “Yes, I think you’d better.”



*


Jaheira breathed in the cool night air. The celebration inside Wilbert’s inn was still going strong, despite it being well after midnight. The mayor had gone on for an embarrassing length of time in praising them, each toast to be followed by a libation, of course. She’d managed to demure, but Theodoric had had no choice but to imbibe along, as a sign of graciousness.

I must remember to pray for an extra healing spell tomorrow she thought.


The door to the inn swung open and a gnome, one of the village merchants, staggered out.


“A fine night ishn’t it!” he bellowed.


“One well-suited for quiet contemplation” she said, mildly but with clear intent.


The gnome looked at her slyly, then spoke softly. “Galvarey was right. You are a sharp-tounged one.”

The gnome had taken out a small scroll and placed it in her hands before Jaheira’s jaw had finished dropping. The gnome, now again playing the drunkard, staggered back inside the inn.

Jaheira unfurled the scroll and read it without emotion. She tucked it away, glancing back towards the inn.

“So it begins” she said wistfully.

Overhead, the stars twinkled peacefully. Jaheira gazed at them for a long time, wishing she could share their mood.