About Blood 49: Travelling North

49: Travelling North

In Feldepost’s inn a lot of people were gathered. Most of them older farmers. Still in good shape but grey in their hair. They stood around a table where sir Bjornin was sitting, scowling at his ale and talking about his meeting with officer Vai. There was a general murmuring of discontent among the people.

“Bah, our ‘protectors’ Just sitting on their arses while people are getting killed.” A farmer said. “I say we should’ve just strung them up!”

“No.” The paladin said. “One corrupt officer of the Fist does not we should take justice in our own hands. If these lands are to become civilized we must avoid frontier justice whenever we can! But rest assured, this will NOT end here!”

There was a grudging sound of the inn calming down. Then the door opened. Feldepost was in the doorway, pale and out of breath. He opened his mouth. “M... m... murder!”

Everyone rose from their chairs, except the crippled paladin. Two dozen voices asked for an explanation at the same time.

“I... I followed sir Tranzig and the other mage. I... I was worried... T... the... murderer... he has returned and he killed him! The other mage was with him!”

Screams of shock rang through the inn. The paladin frowned; “What happened. Calm down and tell us exactly what happened.”

“I... I used a dog to follow their trace. When I found them, they had just finished abusing sir Tranzig! There was... the mage dressed in red, the long haired murderer, the halfling and the skinny mage and even... even a DROW!”

Now the people in the inn began to look scared, but the paladin signalled them to be quiet. “What happened then?”

Feldepost swallowed, clearly still in a state of panic. “T... they said they were going to the bandit camp... and... and the halfling told the killer to kill Tranzig. And... oh gods, poor sir Tranzig. The woman was right. He was in danger! He strove to stop the bandits and they killed him for it!” The innkeeper was near tears.

The paladin scowled. “I KNEW it! Worry not master Feldepost. You have done all that could have been expected. Now, Officer Vai will have no choice but to act!”

“Officer Vai? Bah, those Flaming Fist are just good enough to stay in the inn and hide! I say we take care of this ourselves! We’ll find those people and hang them from the nearest tree!” One of the farmers called out, getting cries from the other people in the inn as well.

The paladin raised his hand. “Please good people! Officer Vai might be corrupt, but that does not mean all Fist are! Confronted with this evidence they’ll surely move out to capture them or kill them if they resist. Perhaps they can be a key to ending the banditry! Besides, you are not trained to fight, nor to track them down”

The farmers frowned and began discussing. Then the door oepend and another person entered with a sour face. “Feldepost. I thought I heard you enter. What did you do with my dog? It hasn’t returned yet! If you got her killed you’re paying for her!” Tevan said.

Feldepost’s eyes widened as he saw the dog-trainer. “Tevan! You could help us! Your dogs could track him and kill him!”

The man blinked. “Wow... I came here to get gold or my dog, Feldepost. What are you talking about?”

Feldepost bit his bottom lip. “Those murderers! They killed the man I went after! You must help us hunt them down! I’ll give the money!”

“Wait! Stop! I cannot tolerate such...” The old paladings words were drowned out by the farmers calling out in awakened anger.

The dog-trainer raised his eyebrows. “Feldepost, I’m impressed. When did you grow a set of balls?” He gave an unpleasant laugh. “Tell you what? You let me join your little hunt for two legged prey and I’ll do it for free. “ He rubbed his chin. “Been a long while since I got to see my girls tear up a human.”

Feldepost gave the man a look of revulsion but nodded. “I... am too tired though... I need... rest.” His face was a bit pale.

“Look, I forbid this! We should go speak to Officer Vai in front of the other Fist and she’ll have no choice but to...” The paladin was once again interrupted, by Tevan this time.

“Yeah, yeah... you go run to the Fist. In the meantime, I’m gonna get some of the dogs ready. The people of you who’ve got some guts, meet me with your weapons at the east edge of town. Not that I think you’ll need them that badly. My pets can take down an ogre!”

The farmers didn’t need more encouragement. Within seconds they had rushed out of the inn yelling about their plans, totally ignoring the cripple sir Bjornings calls to cease. Feldepost himself went to his room to sleep, closing the bar, as all his customers were gone. After minutes, Bjornin and Tevan were alone. The ill-shaven man grinned at the paladin.

“You... I shall not allow you to drive these good people in a frenzy for your perverted pleasures!” The paladin said.

“Thought so, old man. Which is why... I’m gonna do THIS!” His hand lashed out and grabbed the paladings crutch, causing the paladin to have to lean on a nearby chair.

“What? How DARE you?”

Tevan grinned. “Heh, I might get in trouble for this later, but I really want to do a little manhunting. You just sit here and finish these ales paladin!” WIth that the man leisurely walked out of the inn, followed by the insults of the cripple and now immobile paladin, closing the door behind him.

Bjornin sat there for a moment. “Helm! That villain!” He leaned against the heavy chair. “I can’t... do anything can I?” His hand idly went to the symbol of Helm hanging from his neck at the height of his hard, looking at the eye in the hand, as fi asking advice then snarled again.

“Sometimes it is truly unsatisfying being a paladin.” He sighed and grabbed the chair, dragging it a few centimetres further, using it as an improvised crutch.

...

Officer was sitting behind her a table in the Jovial Jester. The same one where he had sat yesterday. The people there were much better disposed towards her decision regarding the two half-elves, further demonstrating how torn the town was.

Half an hour after the scene in the inn at the western side of town, the paladin arrived there, being helped on his way by a woman that walked by. Leaning heavily on her the paladin looked at Officer Vai non-comitally. “I need to speak to you.”

The middle-aged woman gave the paladin a harsh stare. “Unless apologies are involved, I do not think we have much to discuss, sir Bjornin.”

The paladin scowled. “I shall apoligize when I feel I have unjustly accused you. I merely wish to tell you that your protegé has passed by. And has killed a man while he was here. Apparently, he is indeed travelling with a drow now, and is with the bandits plaguing the roads.”

“What?” The woman rose from her chair.

“Feldepost has seen it. However, despite my efforts, the people there formed a lynch mob.”

“Tempus’ Hammer!” The Fist cursed. “Tyon, Larta! Assemble twenty Fist! We’re going after them!” She girded on her sword. “And someone get him a new crutch.” She nodded at the paladin. “And thank you for telling me this.”

Bjornin gave her a scowl. “Don’t thank me. I do not do this for you. I will still do my utmost to see you stripped from your rank!”

The woman rolled her eyes. “You do that! I’m going to stop those idiot farmers, and get some answers!” WIthout a further word, she rushed out.

..

The sun was quickly approaching the horizon, but still illuminated the land quite nicely. It had been a nice day, and Imoen and her companions had made good progress. Everyone had been in a good mood the whole day, chatting amiably and telling stories about their pleasant stay in the High Hedge the night before. Around noon, Minsc and Khalid had held some friendly contests. Khalid had bested Minsc and Imoen in archery, earning him the bald ranger’s enthusiast praises, but the Calishite’s dexterity had not been enough to defeat the huge Rashemite’s strength in a sparring contest, where a blow to the side forced him to yield.

Minsc had then challenged the still hurting half-elf to a wrestling match, getting a wide stare of horror in return. That stare had become even more terrorized when Jaheira had taken up the gauntlet, calmly facing off against the giant. He had bitten his nails during the whole fight, almost relieved when Jaheira, despite almost getting Minsc in a hold a few times, reluctantly admitted defeat. Imoen had cheered during the whole fight, encouraging Jaheira, and had grudgingly paid her coppers to Dynaheir and teasingly reproaching Jaheira that she had made her lose the bet.

Now, the five adventurers had arrived at the Friendly Arm Inn, tired but happy. Jaheira quickly arranged their rooms. As they entered Khalid and Jaheira’s room, Imoen’s mood seemed to drop though, and she started to fidget with her fingers.

“We had best prepare for the possibility to stay here for some days. Who knows how long before Talek arrives here?” Jaheira said.

“Art thou sure he is not in danger? His companies are of a foul sort, thou hath said, and there are many perils on the road in these days.” Dynaheir said.

The druid nodded. “You are right. Let us wait for three days. If Talek has not arrived by then, we shall look for him.”

“That will not be necessary I think.” Someone spoke from the door of the room they were all in. Everyone quickly turned around, grabbing for weapons or spell components. In the doorways stood an old man wearing red mage robes and a red, pointy hat.

Imoen gasped. “That’s the old man we ran in on the way to the Friendly Arm!”

“Aye girl, I see thou hath already tasted of the adventurer’s life. One can see it on thy face.” The old man said with a smile.

Jaheira frowned. “Be that as it may, might I ask for the reason for your interruption? This is a private room.” Her voice was sharp.

The man smiled. “Forgive me, Jaheira.” The druid’s frown deepened as her name was called. “I came to give thee tidings of thy charge.”

Minsc and Dynaheir kept vigilant. Jaheira kept her hands tightly on her quarterstaff, preparing another harsh question, while Khalid’s eyes widened, as if he was considering a shocking possibility. “Y… you…. You c… couldn’t be…?” He began.

Jaheira turned around. “Do you know this man Khalid?”

“He recognizes me from description, I would wager.” The old man said. “My name is Elminster.”

The reactions differed. Khalid gasped and opened and closed his mouth without making a sound. Jaheira’s face became paler and tightened, lowering her weapon instantly, though she kept a suspcious stare. Imoen cried out in surprise and began giving the old man openly curious looks. As for the Rashemani, Minsc just blinked and stared in confusion while Dynaheir kept herself back, arching one eyebrow as her eyes remained on Elminster.

The druid spoke next. “I... I see...” She said. “I would ask for evidence but... I somehow doubt many would dare to claim being you... I assume you have...” The wizard made a discreet gesture, showing something. Jaheira nodded and swallowed. “Very well, may I ask...”

Imoen interrupted her, now that the mystery of the old man was solved, his words began to reach her. “Wait... you said you have news of Talek? Where is he? Is he safe? Is he...?” She looked at Dynaheir. “Is he... not... being too stupid?”

Elminster sighed. “He... is safe for the short term, as far as my knowledge reaches. But on the longer term, he is in great danger.”

“Obviously. There are still assassins after him. Even more probably, now that we have intervened in their plans.” Jaheira nodded.

Elminster shook his head. “That might be, but it was not what my words spoke of.” He sighed. “Khalid, Jaheira. Now that Gorion is dead, his task appears to have fallen to you. Know that this task is of great importance. Should thou succeed, Faerûn might know a great change for the better. I ask thee to do thy utmost to keep Talek safe from enemies within and without.”

Khalid swallowed nervously. “W... we’ll do our b... best... for his s...sake, but why is he s... so important to g... get your attention?”

Elminster shook his head. “That, I cannot tell thee. In time, it shall be revealed to you though, I am certain.”

Jaheira frowned. “I intended do look after the foolish boy to the full extent of my skills before I even met him. However, it would simplify our task if you would entrust us with all the information.”

“Tis no matter of trust Jaheira. But that secret is no for me to tell. Now, I must bid thee farewell. I shall be watching thee as well as Talek.” He turned to leave.

“Wait!” Imoen called after him. “You can’t just leave! If you know what’s wrong with Talek, tell me! Please! I’ve GOT to help him! I HAVE to know!”

Elminster froze. “I can’t. I am truly sorry. If I thought there was any way, any way at all that I could tell thee, I would. But you shall find out... in time I hope.”

“But... you’re Elminster!” Imoen said.

The old man turned his head. “And for that reason, I cannot tell thee. Be well Imoen. My thoughts are with thee, much as I would prefer to do more.” With that the mage walked away, fading as he did so.

Imoen looked at the now empty hallway, worry and frustration on her face. “What... what’s harming Talek? I have to know.” She said to herself. “How can I keep the orc-brain from getting hurt if I don’t know what I’m up against.” She sighed.

Jaheira took her shoulder. “I am certain we WILL find out, Imoen. I do not know either what is wrong or why he is so important, but we shall find out. Just trust us for now.” She sighed, seeing that Imoen was distressed. “Look, have a bit of a rest. Perhaps Talek will arrive later today, and you want to be in shape for your talk with him, right?”

Imoen nodded. “Yes... yes... We’ll... we’ll fix things then.” Imoen nodded vehemently, wandering off to her own room.

Khalid sighed. “Poor girl. And poor Talek. It looks like t... they’re caught up in something big.” He looked at Jaheira. “And so are we.”

Jaheira frowned. “I do not know what ‘big thing’ it is, but I intend to find out and deal with it.”

“A commendable intention.” rang out Dynaheir’s voice. “And one I share. I have heard of Elminster, and while their methods might be sometimes questionable, I do consider the Harpers a beneficial force overall.”

Khalid grinned. “R... really?” He nervously scratched the back of his head.

The Wychlaran nodded. “On that note, I am interested why the leader of the Harpers speaks to thee as a superior in an organization.” The smile on her face showed she knew the answer. Khalid and Jaheira exchanged glances, Jaheira wincing a bit and Khalid blushing somewhat.

Khalid started. “Y... yes we’re H... Harpers b... but I hope you’ll...”

Dynaheir raised a hand. “Worry not. I am not offended. Organizations such as thine depend on subfertuge, and thous knowest me for a scant few days. I merely hope thou shall disprove the less savoury tales of their actions.”

Jaheira and Khalid nodded, obviously glad to hear Dynaheir’s words.

Minsc frowned. “Minsc doesn’t understand. Old bearded wizard and half-elf fellow buttkickers are bards?”

Three sighs followed.

...

Talek whistled a merry tune as they walked towards the Friendly Arm Inn, the setting sun at his left hand. He looked at the halfling walking beside him. “Hey Montaron. Why do you keep looking behind you.”

Montaron scowled. “Got a BAD feeling! Should have checked the forest! That dog was well fed, it belonged to someone! Damn it! I hate those blasted forests!”

“Getting paranoid, halfling?” Viconia said mockingly “I thought YOU would be able to have a man tortured and killed without seeing ghosts everywhere.”

Montaron gave the drow a dark look. “I’m CAREFUL, cleric. In the Gate, I wouldn’t be worried, but outhere, I feel like a fish that’s horseriding.” He scowled. “Let’s just go to the Friendly Arm, go see yer friend, exchange pleasantries with the Ha... half-elves and go look for those bandits. Last time I felt like this, I had to dodge Fists for hours!”

Talek laughed, putting his hand on his sword. “Ah, you worry too much, Montaron. I'm sure everything is fine!"