About Blood 45: Return to Beregost

45: Return to Beregost

Jaheira and Khalid asked a child about the whereabouts of the leader of the Flaming Fist and where told to go to the Jovial Juggler. The two half-elves headed straight for the inn, trying to avoid getting too much attention. A few people recognised them though, whispering amongst each other and shooting them angry, suspicious and occasionally awed looks. When they entered the Juggler at least a dozen Fist, helmets in their hand turned towards them. In the middle of them sat a woman in the Flaming Fist uniform without a helmet. She shot them a glance but continued giving orders to another Fist in front of her.

Jaheira moved to walk up to the woman but Khalid cautiously grabbed her shoulder and stopped her, so that they kept a respectable distance from the woman.

After a few moments the Fist in front of the table departed, and another one softly spoke while pointing at the two new-comers. The woman nodded and beckoned them closer. The woman was middle-aged, somewhere in her forties with her brown, short hair full of grey streaks. Her face had some wrinkles that suggested a harsh life and a pronounced jaw and nose that, while making her face unsuitable for invoking lust, radiated authority. She didn’t look unfriendly, though there was sternness behind the smile.

“Ah, I was hoping I’d meet you. Please sit down. Master Khalid, Mistress Jaheira.” She nodded her head in greeting. “I am Officer Vai. Leader of the Flaming Fist detachment stationed here.”

Khalid’s eyes widened in surprise, Jaheira merely curtly answered the nod and took a chair. “We’ve just arrived. We heard that you were here so we came to talk to you.” She said.

“I’m glad you did. There are a lot of questions, and I’m hoping you have answers.” She looked at the door. “Where is the girl by the way? I was told she and a tall, bald ranger were with you.”

Now Jaheira did raise her eyebrows. “You seem to know a lot about us, Officer Vai.”

The woman shrugged. “The news from the south is hard to miss. The mines cleansed and the culprit found. I put one and one together, as have many others.”

Khalid spoke up. “Is there any n…news from the others?”

“Yes, they arrived shortly after you left. With a DROW among them apparently. You know anything about that?” The officer asked calmly.

“A... a drow? Oh Silvanus have mercy! Knowing Talek it is too much to hope he had found a redeemed one. What is next, a troll? A mindflayer?” Jaheira burst out.

“I’ll… take that as a ‘no.’ What I know is that he and his companions collected a bounty for some gems.” Jaheira’s face twitched slightly but she shrugged. “There was also a fight where another person was killed, but apparently, that was an assassin. Afterwards the group went to the local carnival, but from there on, there are only rumours. Some say he saved some children, some say he killed two local wizards and the village idiot, some say he went to the local prostitutes and…” The woman frowned in confusion. “There’s a persistent rumour that he tried to purchase a dress.”

Jaheira and Khalid now both looked at her with wide eyes.

“As I said, just rumours. Now, if you don’t mind, I had hoped to receive some information from you. More particularly regarding the corpses you left during your last visit.” The officer said, her tone growing slightly sharper.

Khalid suddenly looked very uncomfortable but Jaheira calmly met the older woman’s gaze. “There are valid explanations for those. We just thought it would be prudent to let matters cool down. Especially considering the importance of our mission.”

“Mhmmm…” The mercenary nodded. “Then I would like to hear those explanations. Except the farmer and the dwarf, there were no witnesses, so I’d like to hear what happened. Those two, I consider self-defence, especially since the dwarf seemed to be after a bounty placed on the head of the young man… Talek. That leaves a dead bard, three dead servants from Feldepost’s Inn and five dead young men.”

Jaheira nodded and calmly gave the story as Imoen had told her, focussing on the innocent parts. Officer Vai nodded. “Hmmm… I am inclined to believe you. I’ve received an anonymous witness, and that suggests you speak the truth about the five. As for the bard. The gems you speak off were indeed reported stolen, though I notice you didn’t leave them behind.”

“W… we were kind of in a rush.” Khalid said apologetically.

“Yes, I see. Under different circumstances, I might have held you while I got to the bottom of this, but considering your efforts in Nashkel, and the current situation I do not intend to take any action against you. As for your companion, I will keep an eye out for him, especially since he travels with a drow. There will probably be complaints at headquarters, but Captain Scar will understand. As for you, I would ask you something.”

“Ask us… something? We do have things to do. Among others making contact with Talek as fast as possible.”

“Considering you seem to have an interest in the iron crisis, I suspect you might get around to it anyway. It is, after all, likely that whoever is behind the mines of Nashkel has a hand in the bandit-raids. But the offer isn’t limited to you, and you don’t need to start right away. We need someone to help us clean these roads of the bandits. My men look for them, but whoever leads these bandits is smarter than your common brigand. Either they don’t find anyone, or they don’t return at all. What we need are some adventurers to reduce their numbers. Or find their camp.” Officer Vai explained.

Jaheira nodded thoughtfully. “We might indeed do that. They seem to be the next step in the trace to find the culprits behind all of this.”

Officer Vai smiled. “I’d love to hear who’s behind it. Give them a kick where it hurts from me if you find them. In any case, just to encourage you a bit, there’s fifty gold pieces for every lousy bandit scalp you get me.”

Khalid paled, and Jaheira’s face tightened somewhat. “We are NOT manhunters.”

Officer Vai raised her hands. “I know, I know. Consider it an investment from the Grand Dukes. Tempus knows we need people willing and able to fight nowadays.”

Just then there was rumour from the door of the inn. It seemed like various townsmen were arguing. A second later a grey-haired man limped inside, leaning heavily on his crutch. It was the paladin that had tried to stop the party a few days ago.

‘Greetings, Milady, sirs…” He greeted the Flaming Fists. He glared at Jaheira and Khalid. His speech sounded slightly odd, probably because of the wooden teeth he had placed to replace the ones Talek had shattered.

“I am talking to these people, sir Bjornin. If you could come back at a later time?” The officer said calmly, while making a gesture at Khalid and Jaheira to keep out of the discussion.

“These people are the reason I’m here. The news that they arrived has spread, and he families of the victims asked me to be witness to what steps you will undertake to ensure that justice will be done. If you don’t mind.” The paladin asked politely

The woman nodded. “Not at all. I have already resolved that. These people will walk freely, and the rest of their group will be placed under guard when they arrive in this town.”

There was a twitch on the man’s weathered face. “I don’t understand how this is ‘justice.’ There is no question that their companions killed those people here, and that they were an accessory to the act!”

The officer’s face remained impassive. “That’s true. But I have reasons to believe that in all of these cases, self-defence applied.”

“WHAT?” The paladin exclaimed. “Self defence? One of their victims had an old crossbow wound in the groin when he was killed! Three of them were unarmed!”

“The thieves were killed under the assumption that they were mages. As for that first one, I have reasons to assume that he was a rapist, and gathered his friends to kill those who had stopped him and let him live. I’m not about to jail the people that have put an end to the disease that plagues the iron because they didn’t want to get ambushed AGAIN!” Officer Vai answered immediately, her voice getting sharper.

“What evidence do you have? Their word? You besmirch someone’s name with such a vile crime based on the word of people that fled the village in the night?” The paladin asked, his voice also hardening.

“Their story matches with the story of an anonymous witness. That, and they may be helpful in solving the rest of the iron crisis. But…”

The paladin interrupted her. “An anonymous witness?” His face was going red now, but his voice was soft. “You’re telling me that when I go outside and the family of the dead here ask what will be done, I’ll have to tell them that their killers will walk free, because of an ANONYMOUS WITNESS?” He yelled the last two words.

Officer Vai rose from her seat. “You tell them what pleases you, sir Bjornin! I am merely EXPLAINING my decision, not defending it! I am NOT accountable to you OR the crying mother’s who should have raised their kids better! These people go free, and I will have the others under guard, and that is my FINAL word. Any complaints you have, take it up with Scar... once the Gate lets people in again. Now if there’s nothing else, I HAVE things to do!”

There was an undertone of mirth in the sounds from the Flaming Fists nearby. Jaheira had her eyebrows raised and looked at Officer Vai with approval, while Khalid had a desperate grin on his face as he looked from the crippled man to the hard faced woman.

The paladin looked around with an expression of revulsion on his face, his hand tight on his crutch. “I have one question, mercenary… How much did they pay you?” His voice was soft but clearly audible to everyone in the tavern.

There was the sound of about a dozen men gasping sharply, too amazed to be angry. Even Officer Vai was dumbfounded, her mouth hanging open for a moment. Then her face became white as a board as she spoke in a low, menacing voice. “Garolan, Seto. Escort sir Bjornin to his room. And you, sir Bjornin. Be warned that if I see you interfering in my work again, cripple paladin or not, I will have you chained, put in the jail for a fortnight and sent to the Order’s headquarters! Now get out of my SIGHT!”

The paladin took the threat in stride, turning around and stiffly limping away in front of the two scowling Fists. As he left, Officer Vai sat down and coughed. “My apologies for that. I lost my composure for a second there.” The expression on her face showed that she wasn’t really sorry. “Now, I wouldn’t advise staying in town. A lot of people admire you for what you’ve done down south, but there’s plenty of people who’d do their best to make your stay here unenjoyable, and I’ll have enough complaints at my table as it is.”

Jaheira nodded. “We have a place to spend the night. We leave as soon as our companions return from their business.”

The older woman smiled faintly. “Good. One more thing. If you acquire clues as to who’s behind all this, in the Gate you can trust Commander Scar. Now if you’ll excuse me...” She ended the conversation.

Jaheira and Khalid rose to leave, when Khalid, who had been ill at ease the whole time spoke up. “Euh… Officer Vai… I… I have s… something t… tell you.”

…

Feldepost’s inn was a beehive of whispering, muttering and occasionally loudly arguing. The news of the half-elves’ return had sparked discussions everywhere, and it seemed they were rather heated. Had it been a less dignified establishment, it would have been the prelude to a bar brawl. Now people were just slamming their hands to the table.

Then the door opened and everyone went still. Minsc’s large frame blocked out all the sunlight that could pierce the clouds, and the hilt almost hit the doorframe. The ranger entered and smiled cheerfully at the worried patrons, then stepped aside. Dynaheir walked in with a grateful nod to Minsc and walked towards the bar.

She had washed in a stream and wore a new, adequate but inexpensive mage robe. But despite her mundane attire she glided through the common room as if she were a noble arriving at a ball. Not as much as a mug of ale was lifted as her and Minsc’s steps echoed through the silent room. Dynaheir kept her eyes on the innkeeper, chin lift up slightly, acting as if the awed attention was the most normal thing in the world. Minsc for his part was still giving all the people warm smiles.

“Master Feldepost, I presume?” She spoke as she reached the counter.

Feldepost himself quickly gathered a mop and started cleaning the spotless surface. “That’d be me, my Lady. W… what occasion brings us the honour?”

Dynaheir opened her mouth to say something when Minsc’s voice cut in. “Dynaheir! Boo is hungry. Do you think we could get some nuts for him?”

For a brief moment, exasperation broke through Dynaheir’s serene demeanour, but she quickly regained her calm. “Dost thou perhaps have any nourishment for my companion’s… animal?” She didn’t look behind her at the hamster Minsc had produced.

Feldepost looked amazed. “Euh... I have no nuts but… I have some cheese if that would be alright?” He took a plate with cheese.

“Oooh yes. But not too much. Cheese goes straight to Boo’s hips. And he has no squeaky wheel to work it off!”

As Feldepost cut some pieces of cheese and handed the plate to Minsc, Dynaheir elegantly sat on the chair near the innkeeper. “I thank thee. How much do I owe thee for the cheese?”

“Oh, no no no… My Lady. It’s just a bit of cheese, I wouldn’t dream of taking money for it.” The innkeeper raised his hands.

The wychlaran inclined her head. “I thank thee for thy charitability. Couldst thou perchance advise me a wine? Nothing too strong, for I have matters to attend to, but my throat is parched.”

“Of course, my lady.” The man hurried to choose a bottle of wine, uncorked it, filled a goblet after inspecting it critically and presented it to her.

Dynaheir accepted with a smile in thanks and took a slow sip, closing her eyes. “Hmmm… I commend thee, master Feldepost. My homelands know no wine or grape, but even a lay such as I can recognize the quality of this wine.” She spoke in a clear voice, so the whole tavern could hear, and Feldepost seemed to swell with pride.

Then Dynaheir leaned forward a bit. “I would ask thee something, good innkeeper. I’ve heard from friends that there is a Tranzig enjoying thy hospitality. Dost thou see a possibility that I might speak to him?”

Wrinkles crossed the portly man’s face in regret. “I’m sorry, my Lady. He left a few days ago. But he said he’ll be back. Perhaps you could take a room?”

Dynaheir shook her head with regret. “I am in haste, and cannot tarry overlong. Did he leave perhaps a message? Tis very important. Lives may be at stake.” She clenched the goblet ever so tightly.

Feldepost paled slightly. “N… no. He didn’t leave any messages. Mostly received them.” He now also leaned closer to Dynaheir and spoke in a soft voice. “My Lady. Is Master Tranzig in danger? He seemed worried when he left.”

Dynaheir looked away. “I cannot say. I hoped to find information of him here. This worries me.”

“Master Tranzig never told me anything, My Lady but…” He looked around. “Is he… involved in something? He seemed occupied.” He breathed deeply. “My Lady. If Mater Tranzig was researching the bandits that plague us, I wish to help.”

Dynaheir’s eyes widened slightly in surprise, and she was stunned for a very brief moment. Then she whispered to the innkeeper. “Thou must be careful. A word spoken too loud can easily reach a villain’s ear. Thou art not involved. Twould be wrong of me to implicate you in such potentially dangerous matters.”

The innkeeper let his chest swell. “I would not have future generations say a Feldepost shirked his duty. I may not be a fighter, but if I can help…”

Dynaheir’s face held a thoughtful expression.

“Normally I would never resort to implicating innocent bystanders, but the circumstances urge me to take thy offer. Very well… It is my hope and wager that Tranzig might have information that could end the menace that imperils those that travel these roads. I had hoped he could be here to tell me, but alas. Mayhaps however, he left something in his room. He would not ask thee to pass the message for fear of thy safety. I am not certain, but tis my best chance. I must search his room.”

Feldepost’s brow furrowed. “Searching his room? Euh… well… that is…”

“I understand the bond of trust between an innkeeper and his guest is one sanctified by the rules of hospitality and business both, but tis a matter of life and death. For every day these bandits roam these lands, merchants fall and iron becomes scarce.”

Feldepost nodded gravely. “You are right, my lady. I’ll bring you to his room right now. These are desperate times.” The man seemed to almost enjoy the seriousness of the situation. Telling one of his employees to mind the bar, he escorted Dynaheir and Minsc to a room and unlocked the door for him.

Dynaheir put her hands on his shoulders. “I thank thee. I would advise thee to return to the common room. If thou gainst the knowledge I hope to find within, the danger threatening Tranzig and me might find its way to thee and thine.”

“But I have to…”

“Our enemies have cunning diviners in their service. If thou art in the room with me, they might find out. If thou were to come to harm, I would not forgive myself. I swear to thee I shan’t remove anything from his room without thy permission.” Dynaheir said earnestly.

With some hesitation, and a glint of fear in his eyes, the innkeeper nodded again and left Dynaheir.

Quickly she walked in. “Minsc… search for any documents. Tis a longshot, but mayhaps this Tranzig was fool enough to leave behind hints as to where the trail leads.”

Dynaheir inspected the writing table and the drawers, but it was Minsc who found what they were looking for under some of Tranzig’s clothes. Dynaheir inspected the parchment, nodded, than carefully placed it back where they found it, making it look like the place was only superficially searched. Then, after locking the door and thanking the innkeeper, the two of them left the inn and the town, heading for the place they agreed to meet the two half-elves.

When they arrived, they heard Jaheira’s angry voice. “What in Silavnus’ name were you THINKING telling her about that Fist? You could have endangered all of us!”

“I f… felt like I s... should tell her. I know t… that the man himself w… was to blame, b… but I t… though Officer Vai at least d… deserved to know what happened to him. And she s… seemed like a reasonable p… person.” Khalid answered.

“She was! And she knew that young fool so she understood! But for all you knew she could be extremely protective of other Flaming Fists! We could have both been on our way to Baldur’s Gate for sentencing now!” Jaheira exclaimed.

Khalid didn’t say anything. Jaheira spoke again, calmer now. “I understand that you feel the need to find closure for that matter, and that you dislike having crimes on your conscience, but… really…”

There were a few moments of silence and Dynaheir decided to strategically step on a branch and enter the clearing. Khalid looked downcast but sure of himself. Jaheira only had a few traces of irritation on her face.

“Ah, Dynaheir.” Jaheira greeted her, acting as if the discussion hasn’t taken place. “Have you been able to retrieve any information?”

Dynaheir nodded. “Aye, I have.” She smiled. “Two places and a name. Larswood and Peldvale is where the main body of bandits roams. Sadly it seems they travel, so finding them might be a challenge for Minsc to overcome.”

Jaheira nodded. “It’s vague, but we have a lead to follow. And the name?”

“The man who commanded Tranzig to spread the notes to assassinate thy former companion Talek. The same as thou hath told me commanded the half-orc Mulahey.”

“Tazok.” Jaheira and Khalid said at the same time.