Chapter 17

Chapter 17

Inside the burial chamber, the battle started badly for the companions. As they opened the first door all of other the doors in the room swung open, revealing a host of assorted undead creatures. From the first few rooms small skeletons and larger sword wielding skeletal warriors charged the companions. Out of the others came a pair of fast elusive shadow creatures and several slower moving mummies that dragged their tattered burial wrappings behind them.

Aerie quickly began to pray, calling upon the power of her God to repel the undead. The Avariel easily held the lesser skeletons a safe distance, but the other more powerful creatures were unaffected. The closest attackers, three large skeletal warriors, came straight at the companions. Trusting Jaheira to watch over the praying cleric, Jover led Minsc and Korgan in a charge to meet these monsters.

Being overmatched in height by his opponent, as he usually was, Korgan relied on one of his favorite tactics. After blocking several attacks, the dwarf ducked under the skeleton’s sword and with one swing of his axe took away the skeletal warrior’s legs. The undead monster fell to the floor and found itself looking up at Korgan, as the dwarf slowly raised his axe.

After summoning some help to aid in the fight Jaheira was forced to defend herself and Aerie. The shadow creatures, having quickly traveled length of the room, flew past the other fighters and went directly for the druid and cleric. Jaheira’s staff was a blur as she fended off both shadows at once, driving the undead monsters back for a moment.

Minsc, who usually thrived in battle, was instead struggling to meet the blows of his opponent. The joy he normally felt when bringing justice to evil creatures had been replaced with worry and doubt. 'My witch I must protect my witch.' kept repeating in his thoughts. The ranger still felt that he had failed Dynaheir and now the thought of losing Aerie was more frightening than any enemy had ever been.

The skeletal warrior Jover faced was wielding a two handed blade that kept the fighter from getting close enough to attack. As he blocked and moved, waiting for an opening, Jover was not at all surprised when two large brown bears appeared beside him and began to maul the skeleton. Knowing that the bears could finish this undead monster, Jover quickly disengaged and looked to the druid who had summoned them.

Jaheira was still locked in battle with both of the shadow creatures, but could not match their speed. As she struck one shadow the other attacked from behind, knocking the druid to her knees. Seeing this, Jover had started to run to her aid when mystical energy, seemingly from the ceiling, rained down upon the shadow creatures destroying one and wounding the other. Turning towards the only possible source for that event, Jover saw Aerie’s look of pride turn to a scream of warning when she looked back at him.

Bringing his sword up as he spun around, Jover cut the mummy that had been about to attack him in half. The ancient creature exploded in a cloud of dust and decay blinding the fighter. Coughing as he yelled for everyone to retreat, Jover tried to clear his sight unsure where the other mummies were.

Hearing Aerie’s panicked scream was too much for Minsc. Ignoring his own welfare the huge ranger turned to go and protect his witch, only to be struck down himself. The skeletal warrior’s sword cleaved through the ranger’s plate armor and cut deep into his side. Falling to the floor in agony, Minsc asked Boo to take care of his friends if he did not survive then passed out.

After enjoying the slow dismemberment of his first opponent. Korgan had just started to look for something new to attack when the dozen lesser skeletons, now free of Aerie’s clerical powers, surged forward. Quickly surrounded by these undead monsters, Korgan called on his berserker’s rage in a desperate attempt to survive.

Aerie, being the only person not under attack, found herself facing an impossible decision. All her friends and Korgan were in grave danger, which should she help first? Seeing Minsc fall answered that question and with a quick prayer that the others could save themselves the Avariel ran towards Minsc, casting ‘magic missiles’ at the skeletal warrior as she went.

Jaheira heard Jover’s call for retreat, but had to finish the last shadow creature before daring to look. After one last blow of her staff, the druid turned to see Jover blindly swinging at the mummies. Starting forward, Jaheira barely managed to take a step before falling, the strength draining touch of the shadows had weakened her too much. Unable to stand, she instead focused her druidic power on one of the torches near the door. The flame quickly grew and began cascading to the floor where it formed into the size and shape of a large man.

Standing atop a large pile made from the bones of his enemies, Korgan unleashed a loud victory cry as he sliced the skull from the final skeleton. Then, bleeding from the many wounds he had received and exhausted by the ‘rage’ Korgan slumped forward, having to lean on his axe to keep standing.

Jover felt the burning heat of something large as it passed close by him. Staggering backward, the fighter reached into his belt pouch and pulled out one of the two flasks he always carried. After pouring the healing liquid over his eyes, the fighter watched in amazement as the fire elemental incinerated the remaining mummies with no trouble at all.

As the last of the undead went down in flames, Jover began to check on his friends, going first to Minsc. Knelling down next to the big man, Jover was relived when Aerie smiled and said that Minsc would soon be well.

Continuing on across the room towards Jaheira, Jover paused briefly to offer Korgan the other flask he carried. “Keep yer damned healing potions long limb.” Korgan said, still leaning against his axe. “This dwarf nay be mindin’ a few new scars.”

“Who said anything about healing.” Jover said, grinning as he shoved the flask into the dwarf’s hand.

As the fighter walked away, Korgan slowly opened the flask and sniffed its contents. A smile appeared on the dwarf’s face and he quickly took a drink, savoring the taste of good whiskey. Korgan gave a loud belch and then called after Jover. “Now this be more like it long limb, there may be hope fer ye yet.”

“Sit down.” Jaheira ordered, after Jover finally reached her side. “Everyone is well enough for the moment, but you look dreadful.”

“Flatterer.” Jover said, smiling as he dusted away some of the filth that covered him before sitting. “I bet you say that to all the men you nearly get killed with.”

“I see that you are feeling less.. troubled.” Jaheira said, pleased for once to see Jover’s humor returning.

“Yes, now that this damn job’s all most done.” Jover said coughing slightly, as he stretched out to lie on the stone floor and closed his eyes. “Plus, I think we managed to do something good here after all.”

“I agree, that creatures such as these even exist is an affront to all of nature.” Jaheira said, “And for so many undead to be in one place could not bode well for the citizens above.”

“Well they won’t be troubling anyone now, and soon we’ll be out of here having a good dinner back at the inn. ” Jover said sounding very happy, before coughing loudly for several moments.

As he relaxed once more, Jover felt Jaheira lean over to look closely at him. “You are diseased.” the druid said.

“No, I’m just resting.” Jover said deadpan, opening one eye to see Jaheira’s reaction.

“By Silvanus, I should have enjoyed your depression more while it lasted.” Jaheira said shaking her head. “Now be quiet, so I can cure whatever infection those mummies have given you.”

“Take care of yourself first.” Jover said, sitting up to brush away Jaheira’s hand and look pointedly at a wound the shadows creatures had left on the druid’s cheek.

“Hmpf! You may be our leader in most matters, but in healing I decide who is first.” Jaheira said as she again touched Jover, and closing her eyes began a ‘cure disease’ prayer. As she did this, the druid felt a gentle touch on her face along with the unusual sensation of being healed by a power other than her own. Quickly finishing her prayer Jaheira’s green eyes snapped open, her hand going to her newly healed cheek.

“You were saying.” Jover said, grinning widely as he lowered his hand from Jaheira’s face.

***

The cloaked woman soon overheard the whispers passing through the crowds of the Promenade and quickly headed for the district exit. However, with the hood and veil she wore obscuring her vision she did not see a man, who had also heard the rumors, lurking behind a fountain. As the woman passed by, this man lifted the heavy club he held tightly in his hand and struck the woman from behind.

“Citizen! What are you doing?!” an Amnish guard yelled, running up to the man and now unconscious woman. “Leave that woman alone!”

“This is no woman!” the man hissed, as he ripped the woman’s hood away. “See! The worst of all the vile elven races!” turning to call out to the gathering crowd the man began to yell. “LOOK HERE EVERYONE, THE FACE OF TRUE EVIL WALKS AMONG US!! A DROW ELF!!”

“A Drow!” the guard said in surprise, stepping forward he readied his weapon to strike. “Stand aside citizen!”

“NO!” the man screamed, overpowering the guard and taking his sword. “MY SON AND DAUGHTER DIED AT THE HANDS OF THIS EVIL RACE! HER FATE IS MINE!!” Most of the crowd, already frightened by the revelation a of a Drow in their midst, ran in panic to get away from the sword wielding madman, but one man, who wore the robes of a priest, did not. Seeing the priest approach the man quickly pointed his sword at him.

“Peace my brother.. I intend you no harm.” the priest said, subtly using his powers to influence the man. “I wish only to aid you.. for this be not the proper way to end such a foul menace”

“It’s not?” The man said, unsure why he felt the sudden need to trust this stranger.

“No my brother.” The priest said, “To truly destroy an evil Drow they must be cleansed.. by fire.”

“Fire.” the man said blankly, letting his sword fall to the ground.

“Yes my brother, let this Drow feel true justice!” the priest said, “The burning justice of Beshaba.”

“Yes! YES!” the man, now completely under the priest’s spell, said excitedly. “She shall burn!”

“Yes she will my brother.” the priest said, as he and the man lifted the Drow to carry her off. “All shall be as the Maid Of Misrule has commanded.”

***

After Minsc had been healed enough to walk, the companions soon found the book of Kaza hidden within one of the rooms. With the object of their quest now in hand they headed back into the tunnels that led to the surface. Already moving slowly because of their fatigue and remaining injuries, the group came to a complete stop when they rounded a corner to find a most unusual elven woman waiting for them.

The fact that she was female was something this woman obviously enjoyed showing off. She was standing carefully posed and lit by torchlight that made the sheer robe she wore even more transparent. Seeing that the companions had indeed noticed her, the woman shifted slightly, allowing her robe to fall open in front to reveal small leather undergarments and a great deal of bare skin.

‘I haven’t seen an outfit like that since Safana ran off.’ Jover thought, amused by the memory.

“Don’t look Boo!” Minsc said as he quickly covered the little hamster with his big hand. “There are some things even brave hamsters should not see.”

Feeling Jaheira and Aerie stiffen as they watched him study the woman, Jover decided he had better say something. “You have to be Valen’ s mistress.” he said, amusement still clear in his voice. “I was wondering when you would show up.”

“I.. had other matters to attend to.” the woman said, surprised at the human’s tone “And you were told to come for our meeting only at night.”

“I’m not very good at following orders.” Jover said, smiling as he heard Jaheira snort behind his back. “Ask anyone.”

“I know of your.. reputation Jover, and your abilities.” the woman said, “You however, are a newcomer to this city and have much to learn. Let us begin with my name, I am Bodhi and I greet you warmly.”

“I got yer warm greetin’ right here.” Korgan mocked, as he lifted the whiskey flask to his lips and drained it. “Though ye be needin’ to lay down to properly receive it.”

Anger flared Bodhi’s eyes as she met the dwarf’s gaze, when she looked away Korgan stood frozen in place like a statue.

“That’s a handy talent you have there.” Jover said, adding this ability to the list of what he knew about Bodhi.

Regaining control of her anger, Bodhi quickly turned her attention back to Jover. “As you see, I have no tolerance for such.. crude advances, your friend will be returned to normal shortly.”

“That dwarf is no friend of ours.” Jaheira said, moving to stand beside Jover.

“He wouldn’t appreciate being normal either, better leave him like he was.” Jover said, nudging Jaheira who rolled her eyes.

“IF you are done.” Bodhi said growing irritated, “I shall continue.. no doubt you have had concerns about those you work for. If you have not, then you should for they are Shadow Thieves.”

“Of course they are.” Jover said, as if he had known that all along. “And you are the leader of their rivals in the current guild war.”

“You.. surprise me Jover.” Bodhi said, momentarily taken aback. “It appears you are more.. well informed than I was led to believe.”

Jover simply smiled, pleased that Yoshimo’s advice had been correct. “Your messenger Valen said you had an offer for me, let’s hear it.”

“Yes.. I would offer an alternative to your current affiliation.” Bodhi said, “I shall help you find your friend for...say... half of what the Shadow Thieves are asking?”

“That is most generous of you Bodhi.” Jover said, knowing there was more to come. “Perhaps a bit too generous, what’s in it for you?”

“A great deal of things.. you already know the first, that I intend to break the Shadow Thieves hold on this city, I want you to be my weapon against them.” Bodhi said, seductively. “In reward for this, I will not only help you find Imoen, but Irenicus as well. I happen to have an interest in that mage myself.”

“Care to explain the last part.. about Irenicus?” Jover asked, suspiciously.

“No, not until you are working for me.” Bodhi answered firmly. “Now, I tire of talking and will not wait any longer, choose your allegiance Jover, the masters you serve.. or the Mistress that will let you destroy them.”

“Just a moment.” Jover said turning towards his companions. “Anyone think this is a good idea?“

Minsc and Aerie shook their head negatively with Jaheira adding her opinion. “Do you even have to ask?” Jaheira said, sternly “No, do not deal with this creature Jover. If you do, I will not be a party to it, this is all I will say on the matter.”

“I was just trying to be polite Jaheira, I know how much you hate being left out of the decisions.” Jover said with a grin, before turning back to face Bodhi. “The answer is no.”

“That you would let this.. cattle, decide your fate is unfortunate.” Bodhi said, with contempt. “You have made an enemy here today Jover, and in time I will see that you regret your decision.”

“Bold words for some underdressed harlot that will not face us now.” Jaheira said, stepping in front of Jover. “Jover has been underestimated by far better enemies than you and survived, I think it is you who will rue the day of conflict if it comes”

Bodhi turned to stare directly at Jaheira. “When our inevitable day does come.. I will be certain to remember you.. half-elf.” With those final words Bodhi made a signal with her hand and the tunnel was plunged into total darkness.

Cursing, Jover quickly relit his torch to find that he and his friends were once more alone in the tunnels.

As they waited for Korgan to recover Jover moved to stand beside Jaheira. “Thanks, for what you said to Bodhi.. about me.” Jover said, quietly. “I think that was the first unqualified compliment you ever gave me.”

“Yes.. well.. I was angry.” Jaheira said awkwardly with a small brief smile. “You should not get used to hearing such words though.”

“I won’t.” Jover promised smiling in return before looking away and trying to make sense of his emotions. The fighter was uncomfortable with how much those simple words of praise had meant to him and even more disturbed by how much he would like to hear their kind again.

***