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Chapter 25 - Valygar


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#1 Guest_Clovis_*

Posted 28 July 2005 - 03:39 AM

Day 2 in Imnesvale

Theodoric began readying himself shortly after first light, preparing for the search for Valygar. Though the village supply wagons would not arrive until later in the day, there was much to do. Predictably, Jaheira had already risen and was awaiting him. They sat at a table in the inn’s common room, planning their strategy.

“So you believe we should start in the wooded area northeast of the village?”

“I do, Jaheira. Tolgerias -” - Theodoric said the name with distaste - “Tolgerias said that the Corthalas have a small holding of land in that area. It seems the best place to start.”

“I agree” nodded Jaheira, pausing to take a sip of water. “When do you wish to embark?”

“As soon as we can buy some supplies from the merchants. We could probably make do with what we have for a day or so, but we might end up having to chase after this Valygar. I think we’d best be well-equipped in that case.”

“In the meantime perhaps we should distribute the magical equipment we have recovered” the druid advised.

“I suppose we should at that. You’re sure you don’t want the scimitar?”

Jaheira shook her head. “It would not be proper. The symbol of Mielikki is etched upon it. Nature quite plainly intended for a ranger to wield it.”

“Well, Minsc will have the backup sword he wanted, then. I think I should keep the sunblade from the temple tombs, for now. I was going to give Yoshimo the Aeger hide armor. Which just leaves the elfin chain.”

“I would suggest giving that to the child” Jaheira said. “It will protect her without interfering with her spell casting.”

“A good idea” Theodoric said. He paused, considering his next words.

“Jaheira…I’ve been thinking.”

Theodoric inwardly cringed as soon as he spoke the words, realizing he’d left himself wide open for all manner of pithy comebacks to that one. But Jaheira merely waited patiently for him to finish.


“I was wondering if you might aid Aerie in her development?”

Jaheira raised an eyebrow. “You wish me to mentor the child? In what way?”

“I thought you could help Aerie adjust to life on the road – giving her the benefit of your experience, so to speak.”

Jaheira thought for a moment, then nodded. “Very well, I shall try to help the child get her bearings.” With a faint smile, she added “I did not think my words reached you yesterday.”

Theodoric chuckled lightly. “I have faith in Aerie, Jaheira. But I also have learned to trust in your wisdom. We have asked much of her in a short period of time. Perhaps a bit of guidance is in order.”


*


The others rose a short time later and joined Theodoric and Jaheira in the common room. Over a quick breakfast, they finalized their plans. Yoshimo was quite happy to trade his battered leather armor in for the enchanted hide. It fit perfectly, though the wiry, matted fur gave him a rather wild appearance. Minsc was also pleased to have another enchanted sword, and he swore that he would honor the fallen Merella by kicking many butts with it. Aerie paled a little when Theodoric explained Jaheira would be her teacher from now on, but mustered a smile and tried to sound happy.

“Come child” Jaheira said. “We have some free time before the caravans arrive. Get your staff and meet me out front. I will teach you a bit about fighting.”

“O-okay, Jaheira” Aerie said, thinking she would in fact rather do just about anything else at that moment.


*


The first wagons began to arrive in the village later in the morning. That surprised Theodoric, who had not expected them for several hours yet. The wagon masters had left Trademeet during the night, stopping just long enough to rest their horses and load up their goods before heading back. The supply situation in the village must have been even worse than they had thought. Theodoric felt a pang of guilt realizing how much they villagers had gone without by honoring them with a celebration.


“Ahh” smiled Minister Lloyd. “At last, our shops will be open for business again.” Theodoric noted the Minister was eyeing the tavern’s goods with a thirsty eye.

“Yes, and we shall be departing forthwith ourselves” Theodoric said. “Thank you again, mayor, for all of your generosity.”

“It was well worth it for those who rid us of Umar” Lloyd replied. “Though I must say I wish you were staying a bit longer. We are safe, thanks to you. But we have lost our ranger, and I fear what should happen if any more trouble were to come our way.”


*


A few miles west of Imnesvale


Neracer grumbled in the back of a rather rickety and altogether uncomfortable cart.

“I *would* try to buy a horse on the one day when there wasn’t one to spare in all of Trademeet” he groused, cursing his luck. In fact, he had been fortunate even to find a spot on this last group of supplies heading for Imnesvale. The other wagons had already departed by the time he had made his decision to join Theodoric. It was only because this one had wheel trouble that he was able to hitch a ride.

I wonder if the paladin’s offer still stands? That was one of many thoughts whirling in his head. Collectively they left him wondering if he was making the right decision. He told himself he had. The young warrior’s invitation was genuine, and they did seem to have a need for his services.


But it’s not Theodoric, or any of the rest of the others, that’s worrying me, is it?

Neracer sighed, pondering his thoughts. He was still pondering them when the cart lurched violently to one side and dumped Neracer onto the dirt road.


“Aw, hell” grumped the driver. “We done lost that wheel again.”


This isn’t going to be my day



*


Approaching the forested area NE of Imnesvale/i]


The ground to the northeast of the village was a bit flatter than the hilly areas they’d been traveling the last few days. But not by much. Just ahead was the forest’s edge. It was thick, old growth forest, with plenty of underbrush, rises and gullies about.

“He certainly isn’t making it easy for us, is he?” Yoshimo grinned.

“I suppose not, Yoshimo” Theodoric replied, wiping sweat from his brow. “Not that I would have expected a fugitive to have pick a more accessible hideout.

Minsc glanced about, a wary look on his face. He tightened his grip on his sword.

“Is something wrong, Minsc?”

“Eh, Boo has a question, Theodoric.”

“What’s that?”

“Boo wants to know, did you ever have the feeling you were being watched?”


*


Imnesvale


“Well hello there, mage” drawled Wilbert the Innkeeper. “I didn’t expect to see you again so soon. Hey, what happened to you?”


A very dusty Neracer brushed himself off for the third time in as many minutes. After falling off the broken cart, he’d hoofed the last few miles on foot and was not particularly in the mood for small talk.


“Nevermind that” he said, as pleasantly as he could. “The other adventurers, are they still about?”

“Naw, they left about a half hour ago.”

Dammit. “Which way did they go?”


“I think they were a’heading toward the forest north of here. Or maybe it was further south. Or maybe…”

Wonderful. “Nevermind. Just tell me where I can buy a horse, okay?”



*


Theodoric checked his map for the third time. It had been difficult going in the forest. The rough ground and trees slowed their progress, and Minsc had insisted the party stop every few minutes so he could check this gully or that clump of bushes. Still, Theodoric was fairly sure that they were nearing Corthala land.

“I think just beyond this next hill we should find a clearing” he said. “With any luck, we will find –”


At that moment, there was the tiniest rustle of leaves.


Minsc yelled out a warning and grabbed for his sword.


“Hold it!” cried an unfriendly voice.

A half dozen men, rangers by the looks of them, stepped from their hiding places in the forest. The wore leather and cloth dyed to blend in with the forest, and several of them had small branches and leaves affixed to their leather jacks. Each of them had a drawn longbow trained on one of the adventurers.

“Don’t. Move.” hissed one of the men, a lanky blonde with a piercing gaze. “Throw down your weapons. NOW.”


Theodoric could see by the look in the man’s eyes he was deadly serious. But he also saw that these men were not bandits, else they would have attacked without warning. He sheathed his sword and raised a hand.


“We mean no trouble” he said. “We are here – ”


“I know what you’re here for!” the other man shouted. “You’ll not do the Cowled Wizards dirty work today!” He raised the bow a bit higher.


“That’s enough, Ailell” growled a low voice behind him.


From the shadows of the forest stepped a dark, sinewy man. His hair was pulled back in tight braids and his dark eyes smoldered with intensity.


“Valygar Corthala” Theodoric said aloud.


“The same” the man said. “And you are the paladin that seeks to make me a prize for the Cowled Wizards.” After a long moment, he added “And the saviors of the village to the south, I have heard.”

“We did fight Umar’s evil” Theodoric acknowledged. “You know a great deal of us, Valygar.”


“It’s why we are talking now, Theodoric.” Valygar said coldly.


“Perhaps we can come to a peaceful solution, then.” Theodoric answered, hoping that bloodshed could indeed be avoided.

“I am willing to parlay” Valygar replied evenly. “Though I promise nothing.”

Theodoric gestured for the others to lower their weapons and unbuckled his own sword belt.

“I accept your offer, Valygar Corthala.”



*


Neracer spied the scene from a nearby rise, lying in a cluster of bushes. He was relieved that he’d guessed the right direction, though he was at a loss what to do next.

Going back for help would take too long. Not that there’s anyone in the village who could help out. I wish I’d had time to rest and study my spells. I only have a couple of magics left. Though I might be able to…

Neracer noticed, too late, a pair of rangers standing on either side of him.

This is really just not my day.



*


Valygar and another ranger led Theodoric to a small cabin not far from where they’d been ambushed. The ranger stood guard while the two men entered.

Valygar offered Theodoric a seat at the small table and then took one at the other end. He lay his katana across his lap, resting his fingers on the hilt should he need to use it quickly. He fixed Theodoric with a brooding gaze.


“Tell me” he began. “Why does a paladin hunt me for the Cowled Wizards?”

Theodoric recounted his tale since escaping Irenicus, explaining his dealing with Tolgerias and his quest to rescue Imoen. When he was finished, Valygar nodded gravely.

“As I suspected, Tolgerias has kept you in the dark about the true reasons behind his actions. Did you really think he was concerned about those I killed in self-defense?”

“I have had many doubts” Theodoric admitted. “That is why I sought to deliver you not to him but to the magistrate for a fair hearing.”

Valygar chuckled bitterly. “Fair hearing? There is no such thing in Athkatla. Not when the Cowled Wizards are involved. And not for a Corthala.”

“What *does* he want with you then, Valygar?” Theodoric asked.

Valygar’s eyes narrowed. “Do you know anything of the Corthala family history, Theodoric?”

“A bit. There have been many wizards in your family, correct?”

Valygar’s face darkened with anger. “That’s right. My family’s history is tainted with generations of ancestors involving themselves in foul *magic*. One of those ancestors is still alive, and in possession of a thing of great power, a sphere that allows one to travel across the planes at will.”


Theodoric had never heard of such a thing, but imagined the value of such a device to the Cowled Wizards. It was dawning on him just how badly he’d been duped by Tolgerias, for all his efforts to the contrary.

“Why do they pursue you, Valygar? Could they not just take the sphere for themselves?”


Valygar smiled wryly. “The Cowled Ones know of the planar sphere’s existence, but not how to find it. It entered the plane a few days ago. They sensed it, as did I. But they cannot scry its exact location. And they know eventually I must go to the sphere, or it will come for me.”

Valygar suddenly looked very weary. “I am doubly damned, Theodoric. For not only am I pursued by the Cowled Wizards and their agents, but I am hunted by my own blood.”

Valygar stood and stared hard into space.

“An age ago, Lavok Corthala first commanded the sphere. He was – is – a necromancer of great power. Perhaps the most powerful mage my family has ever known, with a reputation for cruelty to match. He was both feared and hated by my ancestors even before he built the sphere. Afterwards -”

Valygar exhaled noisily and shook his head.

“They tried to slay him, five centuries ago, and take the sphere from him. They failed, but the damage had been done. Lavok swore a vendetta on all Corthalas, promising that he would wipe our lineage from the Realms. Members of every generation of Corthalas since has met an ill fate. Some simply disappear, while others are found murdered in the foulest ways.”


“And now Lavok has come again.”


Valygar nodded grimly. “He has. I thought I could evade the Cowled Ones for a time, but there is no escaping Lavok. I am the last of my line, Theodoric. The others have all been taken, or met their end as a result of their own involvement with magic. Once I am dead, Lavok will have had his revenge.”


500 years is a long time, even for a necromancer Theodoric thought. But if Umar was able to survive that long…



*


“Oof, watch where you point that thing!”

Neracer walked into the clearing where the other adventurers stood, flanked by the two rangers who had captured him. The beefy, redheaded ranger behind him gave him an occasional prod with the butt end of his two-handed axe to keep him moving.


“That’s enough, Olaf” the second ranger said, directing Neracer to join the others.

Neracer glared at Olaf. “Mighty big axe you’ve got there. Overcompensating for some other shortcoming, are we?”

Olaf glared back and gave Neracer a not-so-gentle push forward. The illusionist stumbled over to the group.

“Hi, everyone” Neracer said, sparing a parting glare for Olaf. “Did you miss me?”


*

“So” Valygar said, his eyes narrowing and his voice becoming cool. “Now that you know all, what will you do, Theodoric?”


Theodoric met his eye. “Frankly, I don’t know. I am duty-bound to fulfill my oath, Valygar. And yet, from what you have told me, I do not believe that you will find justice if you return.”

“I will not go back willingly” Valygar said, a hint of menace creeping into his voice.


“Nor would I wish to force you to” Theodoric said, shaking his head in frustration. “I am convinced you acted in self-defense.” We should be on the same side here.”


Valygar stared at him for a long moment. Finally, he spoke.

“Perhaps there is a way we can be.”



*



“Once again I demand to know much longer you intend to keep us here!”

The ranger Valygar had left in charge earlier was wilting before the endless harangue coming from the half-elven druid. She scarcely came up to his chin, but she loomed as large as an ogre to the flustered ranger. He looked to his fellow rangers, who simply looked back at him helplessly, while making sure to avoid eye contact with Jaheira.

“We have put up with this nonsense quite long enough!” she shouted, wagging a finger in his face. “I insist that you go to your leader and tell him to –”

At that moment, Valygar and Theodoric emerged from the cabin.

Valygar spoke to the assembled rangers. “These people are going to be my guests for a time.”

The rangers exchanged worried looks.

“It’s alright” he said. “Theodoric and I have come to an arrangement.”

The rangers still looked dubious, but did as Valygar asked. Ailell looked relieved to be getting away from Jaheira. Olaf gave Neracer a sidelong glance before heading for the forest along with the other rangers.


“See ya later, big guy” jibed Neracer. “Remember, it’s left foot, then right foot, then left foot again.”


“He wasn’t here before” Valygar frowned.

“No, he wasn’t” Theodoric agreed. “Don’t take this the wrong way, Neracer, but what are you doing here?”

“Ah, I have had a…change of heart…regarding your offer. A rather long story, actually.”

“I’ll bet.” Theodoric replied. [i]And I don’t suppose you’re going to say anything more about it than that, are you?



“So” Jaheira interrupted, relieved that Theodoric was unhurt. “So what is this arrangement you spoke of?”


“We are to be allies, for a time” Valygar said plainly.

*

The party rested for a few hours at Valygar’s cabin, enjoying the sparse, but not uncomfortable accommodations. Introductions were made while Valygar recounted his tale of the planar sphere for the group’s benefit.

“How far is the sphere, Valygar?” Theodoric asked.

“A few days ride” the ranger responded, declining to elaborate further. The mistrust in his voiced was muted, but unmistakable.

“We’ll need to purchase mounts in the village before departing” Jaheira observed.

“This…sphere” Neracer asked. “What do you know about it?”

“Little enough” Valygar said, his voice cool. He had not been pleased to learn that Neracer was a mage. “I know only what has been passed down in the family histories. It is supposed to be enormous, and a fortress as much as anything else.”

Yoshimo didn’t like the sound of that. From the expressions of his fellow adventurers, he knew he wasn’t alone.




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