A Cappella Part 312 - The Outside

AC312-The Outside

All the times that I've cried
All this wasted, it's all inside
And I feel all this pain
Stuffed it down, it's back again
And I lie here in bed
All alone, I can't mend
But I feel tomorrow will be OK

But I'm on the outside
And I'm looking in
I can see through you
See your true colors
'Cause inside you're ugly
You're ugly like me
I can see through you
See to the real you

“Outside” Staind

 

“All I am saying is that it is not too late to change your mind.”

Sarevok sighed. “Brother, we have traveled this ground many times. My decision stands.”

Imoen said nervously, “But we’re almost to the gates of the city. Sarevok, when they find out who you are... they might kill you on the spot.”

“Then they kill me. Do not look at me in that manner. I am not suicidal, but I do not wish the rest of you to endanger yourselves on my behalf.”

“Sarevok is correct,” Jaheira said. “We have discussed this repeatedly. This is the only course to be taken unless he wishes a life of being pursued.”

“Which I do not. My friends, I appreciate your concern, but you must accept that I am guilty of the crimes to my name. I do not want to spend the rest of my days wondering if I will be seized and dragged here in manacles.”

Jarran moved his horse up to the side of Sarevok’s stallion. In a low voice he said, “What if they sentence you to death? What do you want me to do with Tamoko’s body?”

Sarevok gave the bard an expressionless stare. “What you must. Be sure that her spirit is at rest. I owe her that much.”

“I don’t like this,” Imoen said, her voice trembling. “We don’t want to lose you. We already lost… too much.”

Valygar said quietly, “Some things must be faced.”

They rode in silence as Baldur’s Gate drew nearer. As they approached the gatehouse on the wide bridge, a guardsman stepped out. “Halt. You must pay the entrance tax before you can enter the city. Please state your names and your point of origin.”

Jarran walked his horse forward and said, “I am Jarran of Candlekeep and these are my companions.”

“You are a resident of Candlekeep?”

Another guard came onto the bridge. “You fool, don’t you see who that is?”

“What do you… Oh! But… we still have to follow the procedure.”

“Are you mad?”

“Rules are rules.”

The second guard rolled his eyes and said, “Very well. Names?”

“This is my wife, Jaheira. They are Lord and Lady Corthala of Amn. And he…”

A stranger’s voice rang out. “Is obviously the new acolyte I have been expecting.”

A tall man in glittering armor strode out of the gatehouse. He came to the side of Sarevok’s horse and said, “I am glad to see that you have arrived safely. Thank you, Jarran, for escorting him here.”

The first guard eyed Sarevok and said, “Isn’t he a bit old for a temple acolyte?”

“Faith comes at any age. Now stand aside. These people are guests of the temple of Helm, and I am sure they are tired and hungry.”

The two guards looked at each other then moved out of the way. Once the group had passed through the gate into the city, they dismounted and followed the priest.

He beamed at them. “Forgive my abrupt approach, but I felt it best to get our acolyte here into the temple as quickly as possible. I am Gramnoct, High Watcher of Baldur’s Gate.”

Sarevok frowned. “How did you know I was coming?”

“I received a message.”

“From… from Helm?”

The priest’s lips twitched slightly. “In a manner of speaking. Oisig of Athkatla sent word to watch for you. I had a paladin posted several hours southward to alert me when you drew near.”

“Oh. I thought perhaps… Oisig contacted you?”

“Yes. It was quite a surprise, but he explained your, ah, transformation.” In a lower voice Gramnoct said, “I also know that you are now one of Helm’s own. I do not know precisely what path led you to the Watcher, but I welcome you to The Watchful Shield, the temple here in Baldur’s Gate. You will have sanctuary within our church.”

The group followed the High Watcher through familiar streets. Sarevok kept his eyes downcast, his unruly hair spilling down over his forehead. While the party did nothing to draw attention to themselves, it was not long before whispers and stares followed them through the streets.

Imoen said anxiously, “I don’t like this, Jar. Do you think they recognize him?”

Jaheira said, “More likely they recognize us, child. Jarran’s face was well known before we left the city.”

“Yes, a bit too well known,” Jarran said grimly. “That’s why we left, remember?”

Valygar nodded. “And they will have heard a fresh round of tales. I’m sure the news of the battles in Tethyr has made its way here.”

Despite the interest from strangers, the group made it to the temple with no difficulty. Gramnoct said, “The quarters here are a bit plain. If the rest of you would prefer, you may lodge at an inn. We will ensure that your friend comes to no harm.”

Jarran shook his head. “I doubt we would get much rest at an inn. At the very least, we would be hounded for stories, and we are too tired for that.”

“Then we will do our best to be good hosts. After baths and dinner, we will discuss the situation here in the city.”

After cleaning away the road dust and relaxing for a time, Gramnoct came to collect the companions. “I will not inflict the dining hall on you,” he said with a smile, “as it tends to be a bit noisy. We will dine in the meeting room with some of the senior priests and paladins.”

While they ate, Jarran and the others were keenly aware of the interest of the Helmites that shared their table. Gramnoct seemed oblivious to the glances and whispered comments of his fellows. “I wonder, Jarran, have you had much news of the city since your departure?”

“I’m afraid not. After the, ah, fight in the old Bhaal temple, we didn’t stay long. Things were rather uncomfortable.”

“Ah yes, I understand. I am sure you would to know that Duke Eltan made a full recovery after you rescued him.”

“I’m glad to hear it. And Duke Silvershield?”

“I am sorry to say that his body was too damaged. The assassins were thorough.” His gaze flitted towards Sarevok, as did those of the other Helmites.

Sarevok looked up at those words, his eyes narrowing, but he remained silent. Imoen said nervously, “So, um, how are things going in the city since we left? Nice and quiet, I hope?”

Gramnoct smiled politely, though his eyes did not waver. “Reasonably so. We were spared the turmoil that plagued Tethyr. I can only assume that any Bhaalspawn still in Baldur’s Gate either left, went into hiding, or were killed. But things have been peaceful since Duke Eltan returned to leadership over the Flaming Fist. The guards were also happy to see Scar return to his side as second-in-command.”

Sarevok looked puzzled and said, “Scar? I thought he was killed.”

“He was, but fortunately it was possible to raise him. Eltan thought he was a valuable servant to the city, so Scar is once more in his old post, since Angelo no longer fills it.”

Sarevok managed a small twisted smile. “Angelo is too busy filling a grave, as I am sure my other followers are.”

“Forgive us, but when speaking of past events, your part in them is unavoidable.”

“I cannot change the actions of my previous life, but I have no desire to dwell on them. I spent a year in the Abyss doing exactly that.”

Gramnoct turned the conversation to other topics, much to the companions’ relief. When the meal was finished, the High Watcher said, “Sarevok, might I have a moment in private?”

Jarran frowned and said, “Is there something wrong?”

“No, no, please, do not distress yourselves. I wish to speak to him for, shall we say, religious reasons. Sarevok, please?” He gestured towards a door.

The former Bhaalspawn shrugged and said, “Very well.” He followed the High Watcher into a large chapel.

Gramnoct seated himself on one of the benches and motioned for Sarevok to do the same. “I felt it would be easier to discuss this just between the two of us. Oisig told me that you now worship Helm?”

Sarevok’s hand slowly rubbed a spot on his chest as he said, “I can see merit in him.”

“And that you were brought to your faith by Watcher Anomen?”

“Yes. Anomen and I were… very close friends. He taught me a great deal about Helm, and about myself.”

“Then all the admirable things that I have heard about Anomen must be true, for I confess that I never expected to have you in my church. And I will also admit that I am puzzled. Why return to Baldur’s Gate? Why risk almost certain death? I have contacted the churches of the Triad, and they will join with us to ensure that you receive a fair trial, but our sanctuary does not extend to defying the law’s judgment.”

Sarevok was silent for a long moment. Slowly he said, “Duty. I have a duty to put the soul of someone dear to me to rest, and her body lies here. And a duty to face my past deeds and pay for them as best I can. I died and suffered for them, but one death may not be enough to satisfy all the evil that I have to my name.”

“And in this new life of yours? Oisig gave me some of the details of your resurrection, but obviously he could not tell me all. Do you have new crimes to atone for?”

“I do not believe so. It took time for me to shed my old ways, but Jarran and the others were always nearby. They would not have allowed me to do any evil deeds even if I had wished to commit them.”

“Then I will do all that I can to help you. Helm has placed his mark on you, and I cannot…” Gramnoct stopped and turned his head. “What is that commotion?”

One of the doors to the chapel burst open. A group of Flaming Fist guards charged into the room, followed by Sarevok’s companions. Another door opened and a stream of priests and paladins made their way towards the guards.

The leader of the Fist strode forward. He pointed at Sarevok and said, “You! I recognize you, Anchev! You may not have glowing eyes and a bald head any longer, but there is no disguising yourself.”

Sarevok stood and said gravely, “I am Sarevok Anchev. And you are?”

“As if you care! Very well, my name is Sorrel. I barely kept my head when Angelo filled the Fist with his mercenaries and arranged ‘accidents’ for the loyal guards. I managed to warn Jarran about him, and tell him that Duke Eltan was ill. I lost many friends to your butchery.”

“I am sorry for their deaths.”

“You’ll be more than sorry. You’ll be dead along with them!” Sorrel drew his sword and moved towards Sarevok.

Gramnoct stepped in front of his new charge and said sternly, “You will not slay a man under my protection.”

“What is the Butcher doing hiding in Helm’s temple? Why haven’t you turned him over to the Fist?”

“Precisely because of this! Tempers are still too high for him to be sure of fair treatment.”

“Fair? You dare say fair when talking about this man? How many people did he murder? How many still suffer because of what he did? Every salary day I give money to my best friend’s widow and children. How many orphans cry at night and curse his name?”

“Sarevok has come to Baldur’s Gate to surrender himself. It is my duty to see that he is given a just and lawful trial, not summary justice at the point of a sword.”

“He deserves to die, and I will not let him foul the air by drawing breath another moment!”

The Fist guards pulled their swords from their scabbards, and the paladins did the same. Imoen said, “Everyone needs to calm down, or by Mystra I’ll send you all to sleep!”

The warriors of both groups ignored her. Another group of armed men and women marched into the room, all bearing the holy symbols of Ilmater, Torm and Tyr. Without a word they quickly formed a line in front of Sarevok, creating a wall of shields.

Sorrel snarled, “Have you all gone mad? Paladins defending Sarevok Anchev? Can’t you feel his evil?”

A voice from behind rang out. “Stand down, Sorrel.”

“Commander Scar?”

A grim-faced man came into the room, another group of Fist marching behind him. “I said stand down. All of you.”

Sorrel’s men looked at each other, then reluctantly sheathed their swords. Sorrel did not, his knuckles whitening on his weapon’s hilt. “Scar, he had you killed. Surely you want to see him dead as much as I do?”

“What I want is not the question here. We are the Fist, Sorrel. We do not march into temples and slaughter people at will.”

“But… Talsi…”

“Killing Anchev will not bring your friend back from the dead. Put away your sword, Sorrel.”

A jumble of expressions crossed the guardman’s face. Then it twisted with rage. “No! No! He will not escape death again!” He whirled and threw his sword like a javelin, the blade passing between the heads of two startled paladins. It caught Sarevok in the shoulder, and he grunted in pain.

Several of the Fist seized Sorrel and bound him. He screamed, “Finish it! For the Gate’s sake, finish him!” They dragged him out of the room as he raved and shrieked.

Scar nodded towards the other guards to leave the room as Gramnoct healed Sarevok’s wound. When that was done, the High Watcher turned to the group of paladins and said, “I am grateful for your help. How did you arrive so quickly?”

A paladin bearing Tyr’s symbol stepped forward. “Your messenger met us on the street, for we had already left our temples to come here. When your earlier plea told us that Sarevok Anchev was in your church, we knew that there was sure to be trouble. We intended to supply our aid, but had no idea it would be needed so soon.”

Jarran approached Scar. “It is good to see you again.”

“I would say the same, but… you brought an unwelcome visitor to my city. I would be lying if I said that I didn’t share at least some of Sorrel’s feelings. The fiend should be put down like a rabid dog.”

“Scar, I’m the one who did exactly that, remember? But he is free of the Bhaal taint now, and he is a good man.”

“I find that hard to believe.”

Both men were startled to hear Sarevok’s voice directly behind them. “Then do not believe it.”

Scar turned to face the man who had for mere minutes been a Grand Duke. “Why are you here? To twist a knife in the hearts of everyone who is just beginning to put their lives back together? To remind the Dukes that you once ordered their deaths, as you ordered mine?”

“As you told your man, my death will not undo a single murder, or right a single wrong. But I am here, Commander, to offer what I can. If one life was not enough, then I will give my second as well.”

“Since when is the Butcher noble and self-sacrificing? If I did not know your face so well, I would suspect an imposter.”

Sarevok gave him a thin smile. “I am sure you will hear the answers to your questions at my trial. I thank you for ensuring that I have one.”

Scar frowned, then turned to go. He paused for a moment and said, “There will be Fist guarding the temple. Do not try to leave.” He strode out of the chapel.

Imoen sank down onto a bench. “Oh, I don’t like this. What if they come back?”

“They will not, good lady,” Gramnoct said gently. “Scar has them in hand now. The hour is late, and I suggest that we all get some sleep.”

The paladins took up stations around the temple and the companions went to their rooms. Gramnoct was restless, and made one last tour of his temple to make sure that all was well.

He slipped into a small side chapel, barely lit by dim candles. The High Watcher was startled to see someone kneeling near the altar. Not wanting to disturb a soul at prayer, he quietly left the way he came.

As he pulled the door shut, Gramnoct heard Sarevok’s voice say, “Please, Helm… soon?”

“Then they kill me. Do not look at me in that manner. I am not suicidal, but I do not wish the rest of you to endanger yourselves on my behalf.”

“Sarevok is correct,” Jaheira said. “We have discussed this repeatedly. This is the only course to be taken unless he wishes a life of being pursued.”

“Which I do not. My friends, I appreciate your concern, but you must accept that I am guilty of the crimes to my name. I do not want to spend the rest of my days wondering if I will be seized and dragged here in manacles.”

I like that your Sarevok took the time to think of such things.

Another guard came onto the bridge. “You fool, don’t you see who that is?”

It's the knights who say Ni!

“What do you… Oh! But… we still have to follow the procedure.”

“Are you mad?”

“Rules are rules.”

Mmm, bureaucracy.

He beamed at them. “Forgive my abrupt approach, but I felt it best to get our acolyte here into the temple as quickly as possible. I am Gramnoct, High Watcher of Baldur’s Gate.”

Clearly a smart one.

Sarevok frowned. “How did you know I was coming?”

“I received a message.”

“From… from Helm?”

“I’m glad to hear it. And Duke Silvershield?”

“I am sorry to say that his body was too damaged. The assassins were thorough.” His gaze flitted towards Sarevok, as did those of the other Helmites.

I severely dislike the resurrection spell. Sure, it's handy when you need it, but how do you justify everyone who is not resurrected?

Sarevok looked puzzled and said, “Scar? I thought he was killed.”

“He was, but fortunately it was possible to raise him. Eltan thought he was a valuable servant to the city, so Scar is once more in his old post, since Angelo no longer fills it.”

I like Scar

“Fair? You dare say fair when talking about this man? How many people did he murder? How many still suffer because of what he did? Every salary day I give money to my best friend’s widow and children. How many orphans cry at night and curse his name?”

It's a very good thing that he didn't have to announce his name at the gates

Sorrel snarled, “Have you all gone mad? Paladins defending Sarevok Anchev? Can’t you feel his evil?”

Well, if anyone can feel it, it should be them, right?

“Commander Scar?”

A grim-faced man came into the room, another group of Fist marching behind him. “I said stand down. All of you.”

Sorrel’s men looked at each other, then reluctantly sheathed their swords. Sorrel did not, his knuckles whitening on his weapon’s hilt. “Scar, he had you killed. Surely you want to see him dead as much as I do?”

“What I want is not the question here. We are the Fist, Sorrel. We do not march into temples and slaughter people at will.”

You write a very good Scar

As he pulled the door shut, Gramnoct heard Sarevok’s voice say, “Please, Helm… soon?”

Poor guy.

Very nice chapter!

“Which I do not. My friends, I appreciate your concern, but you must accept that I am guilty of the crimes to my name. I do not want to spend the rest of my days wondering if I will be seized and dragged here in manacles.”

...expecting Flaming Fist soldiers to jump out from behind vegetable stalls or leap on him from merchant caravans. Very tiresome. Just the sort of thing to put a man off his lunch. Seriously, though, it's very brave of Sarevok. Pretty suicidal-sounding to me, but brave too.

“He was, but fortunately it was possible to raise him. Eltan thought he was a valuable servant to the city, so Scar is once more in his old post, since Angelo no longer fills it.”

Aw, good. I liked Scar. Glad he's back.

Sarevok managed a small twisted smile. “Angelo is too busy filling a grave, as I am sure my other followers are.”

Good line. Very Sarevok-ish. 'Twisted' applying to the line as well as the smile, I think.

“Fair? You dare say fair when talking about this man? How many people did he murder? How many still suffer because of what he did? Every salary day I give money to my best friend’s widow and children. How many orphans cry at night and curse his name?”

True. *sighs* I doubt many residents of Baldur's Gate will find the argument that Sarevok has already suffered the the death sentence for his crimes terribly convincing.

As he pulled the door shut, Gramnoct heard Sarevok’s voice say, “Please, Helm… soon?”

Aw. I could read that in two ways. Either he's hoping his trial comes soon or (hope not) he's hoping his death comes soon for a chance to be with Anomen again.

“Then they kill me. Do not look at me in that manner. I am not suicidal, but I do not wish the rest of you to endanger yourselves on my behalf.”

“Sarevok is correct,” Jaheira said. “We have discussed this repeatedly. This is the only course to be taken unless he wishes a life of being pursued.”

“Which I do not. My friends, I appreciate your concern, but you must accept that I am guilty of the crimes to my name. I do not want to spend the rest of my days wondering if I will be seized and dragged here in manacles.”

I like that your Sarevok took the time to think of such things.

He wants to get his past behind him, one way or another. And he doesn't want to have to watch for bounty hunters for the rest of his life.

Another guard came onto the bridge. “You fool, don’t you see who that is?”

It's the knights who say Ni!

*groan*

“What do you… Oh! But… we still have to follow the procedure.”

“Are you mad?”

“Rules are rules.”

Mmm, bureaucracy.

He beamed at them. “Forgive my abrupt approach, but I felt it best to get our acolyte here into the temple as quickly as possible. I am Gramnoct, High Watcher of Baldur’s Gate.”

Clearly a smart one.

Well, smart enough to know what sort of reaction "Hi, I'm Sarevok Anchev" was likely to get.

Sarevok frowned. “How did you know I was coming?”

“I received a message.”

“From… from Helm?”

Well, after the company he's been keeping lately, it doesn't seem so unusual.

“I’m glad to hear it. And Duke Silvershield?”

“I am sorry to say that his body was too damaged. The assassins were thorough.” His gaze flitted towards Sarevok, as did those of the other Helmites.

I severely dislike the resurrection spell. Sure, it's handy when you need it, but how do you justify everyone who is not resurrected?

Simple supply and demand. There just aren't that many high-level priests around. Even a city the size of Baldur's Gate will only have a handful of priests capable of casting the spell once a day. So like any scarce resource, it can only be used on a limited basis.

Of course, 3.5E has really cut things down by making 5,000gp worth of diamonds the material component for a Raise Dead spell.

Sarevok looked puzzled and said, “Scar? I thought he was killed.”

“He was, but fortunately it was possible to raise him. Eltan thought he was a valuable servant to the city, so Scar is once more in his old post, since Angelo no longer fills it.”

I like Scar

I did too. I was very cheesed off when I found out he'd been killed in the game.

“Fair? You dare say fair when talking about this man? How many people did he murder? How many still suffer because of what he did? Every salary day I give money to my best friend’s widow and children. How many orphans cry at night and curse his name?”

It's a very good thing that he didn't have to announce his name at the gates

You bet.

Sorrel snarled, “Have you all gone mad? Paladins defending Sarevok Anchev? Can’t you feel his evil?”

Well, if anyone can feel it, it should be them, right?

Though to be honest, even if they could they would react the same, especially the Tyrrans. Bringing someone to a fair trial would be their highest priority.

“What I want is not the question here. We are the Fist, Sorrel. We do not march into temples and slaughter people at will.”

You write a very good Scar

Thankee.

As he pulled the door shut, Gramnoct heard Sarevok’s voice say, “Please, Helm… soon?”

Poor guy.

Very nice chapter!

Thank you!

“Which I do not. My friends, I appreciate your concern, but you must accept that I am guilty of the crimes to my name. I do not want to spend the rest of my days wondering if I will be seized and dragged here in manacles.”

...expecting Flaming Fist soldiers to jump out from behind vegetable stalls or leap on him from merchant caravans. Very tiresome. Just the sort of thing to put a man off his lunch. Seriously, though, it's very brave of Sarevok. Pretty suicidal-sounding to me, but brave too.

Actually, the Fist wouldn't be who he would have to watch out for. It would be men like Yoshimo - bounty hunters who go after the big stakes.

“He was, but fortunately it was possible to raise him. Eltan thought he was a valuable servant to the city, so Scar is once more in his old post, since Angelo no longer fills it.”

Aw, good. I liked Scar. Glad he's back.

He was too good a character to leave dead.

Sarevok managed a small twisted smile. “Angelo is too busy filling a grave, as I am sure my other followers are.”

Good line. Very Sarevok-ish. 'Twisted' applying to the line as well as the smile, I think.

I thought so.

“Fair? You dare say fair when talking about this man? How many people did he murder? How many still suffer because of what he did? Every salary day I give money to my best friend’s widow and children. How many orphans cry at night and curse his name?”

True. *sighs* I doubt many residents of Baldur's Gate will find the argument that Sarevok has already suffered the the death sentence for his crimes terribly convincing.

It certainly will be an emotional issue for them.

As he pulled the door shut, Gramnoct heard Sarevok’s voice say, “Please, Helm… soon?”

Aw. I could read that in two ways. Either he's hoping his trial comes soon or (hope not) he's hoping his death comes soon for a chance to be with Anomen again.

Only Sarevok knows for sure...

Thanks for commenting!