A/N: Some of you may not care for the opening segment -- Linvail simply overtook my keyboard and insisted upon its inclusion, threatening a boycott of anticipated segments later on where he would be sans shirt, etc. In deference to the character, I acquiesced, so although I know it doesn't really belong here, it's here nonetheless.
A Long Shot, And Maybe In The Dark
Chapter 6.1 - The Heart is a Lonely Hunter, and Sometimes Just Plain Lonely
The thief sat quietly alone on the stone fence that separated Calantar's Way from the Royal Orchards. He and his companions had been instructed to gather any needed supplies from the Palace stores and proceed to Maylard's Point where the Princess would meet them with their Charter. She had not yet arrived and they waited, Riona and the others milling about, fidgety and anxious to get on with the next leg of their journey.
He, too, didn't like waiting. The unoccupied downtime flooded his mind with burgeoning thoughts of the events of the past several days, a whirlwind of happenings he had neither asked for, nor expected. And, although he was well-practiced at quickly assessing situations and deriving conclusions of outcome, there was still the emotional milieu he needed to wrap his head around. The low-lying gray clouds and the early morning drizzle being squeezed upon him weren't helping much with the process, either.
Occupying the position of Shadowmaster had, by necessity, dictated that the thief carefully insulate himself over the years. For the most part, he had accomplished that extremely well. Few close ties were ever cultivated, and although his eventually lofty status had engendered all manner of obsequious toadies along his path, his true friends could always be counted on one hand with fingers left over.
With so few precious friends, any long-term parting was difficult for Aran. The eloquent articulation of a fond adieu was never the problem -- he always had the right words. But, the farewell to any person with whom he shared an emotional closeness -- a special bond, a binding trust -- was always accompanied by the uneasy, niggling feeling that this goodbye could possibly be the last. Permanent, abject loss had happened before, and he knew would happen again as life was wont.
There was a time when Lewis had been the closest of those select few friends. Forced to partner-up as rogues in training, they had shared everything but their blades and their women in the early apprentice days at the Guild. More than once each had rescued the other from a precarious situation, often when it had been patently foolhardy to do so. Early on, their combined talents and skills were recognized as being greater than the sum of the parts, earning them a shared reputation for being the epitome of what a Guild team should be -- efficient, effective, and, most of all, highly profitable.
Nearly inseparable, they also spent their off-time together. The back four-top at the Coronet became their table with interlopers quickly emptying the seats when they appeared at the door. Along with Seth and Simon, fellow friends and thieves, whatever impulsive, juvenile mischief one didn't think of, one of the other three did, and like moths to a flame, their growing bad-boy reputations had mesmerized the women into their respective beds and made their colleagues green with envy of the respect accorded both their professional and personal successes. The four friends became affectionately known as the Sewer Pack, and through it all, they grew to be brothers in all but blood. Those were heady, carefree happy times.
That was before Aran had found himself staring in disbelief at the bloodied stump of a hand lain before him and asked to identify Lewis as the former owner of the severed appendage. There could be no mistake. The small singular tattoo banding the right index finger and the still-attached Captain's ring bearing his personal engraving could belong to no other.
Just as quickly and unexpectedly as his friend had entered his life a few years earlier, Aran was forced to accept that Lewis had just as inexplicably been forced from it. When Victon's assassin had confirmed the kill, the old Shadowmaster had quietly gloated and that was the last. The young thief had not been given any explanation for the secret kill order, and he knew of nothing that could have raised the ire of the old Shadowmaster -- especially something so severe as to dictate the heinous end of his friend.
Ordered by the old man to strike him from his mind and never speak his name again, Aran had silently grieved alone for the loss of his friend. Eventually, the empty hole in his heart and mind was covered over with other partners and other Guild missions, and the raw swollen sting dulled with the passage of time. But, throughout the ensuing years, he never forgot. The memory of Lewis was always close.
In the here and now, as he sat in the cool rain, it was different. He was very happy and grateful that he had found his lost friend, and this parting was both necessary and consensual. Yet, he couldn't help but question the capricious intentions of the fates to again cross and intertwine their paths, that circumstances would again draw them close only to again dictate their separation by distance and purpose. It all seemed so wantonly unkind, so unfair.
And the Princess? She was an unexpected new friend, an includible addition to his elite number. One who, under different circumstances, could have become a trusted, cherished lover. It wasn't what he had imagined in his dreams, but it would have been better than what he had, or had ever expected. Alas, this, too, wasn't going to happen. Again, pragmatic needs dictated that their lives intersect for only a brief moment in time. They had mutually fulfilled the business contract that outlined the defined needs of the other and it was time to move ahead.
He took a modicum of solace in believing it was better this way rather than indulging in the rosy what-might-have-been-if-only speculation that tempted his imagination. If nothing else, his early life experience had taught him the necessity of exorcising the no-win fanciful illusions that threatened to fritter away his time with empty dreams. It would be one less inevitable, poignant goodbye he would have to endure, he told himself. But even that stoic rationalization could not console or relieve the bittersweet melancholic pang that struck at him in the here and now.
Aran looked up and saw Lewis, the Princess and the others approaching from the city. Where had he read it? "Parting is such sweet sorrow, that I shall say good night 'till it be morrow..." One of Wigglespeare's classic plays, he remembered. There was nothing sweet about saying goodbye. Nothing sweet at all.
~~~^~~~
They all converged at the signpost by the side of Calantar's Way. Lewis, Mather, Sangmon, Oreman, and Lem had accompanied the Princess and her Royal Guards to see Aran and the group off to the next leg of their trip. He glanced up at the faded, wooden arrow. 'Starwater Landing - 5 kilometers,' it read, their next destination on the journey to Eveningstar.
"My apologies for our lateness. The Court Wizard took longer than I had anticipated," the Princess said.
"Your Highness, thank you," Riona formally bowed. "For your kindness and your help. Your generosity will not be forgotten."
"Any help I have, rendered is but a pittance compared to the aid of your rogue here. I am just happy that I can reciprocate a small part in kind," said the Princess as she pulled a large scrolled document from her tunic and handed it to Riona.
"This is your Royal Charter as previously contracted and agreed upon by Mr. Linvail and myself. All of your names appear upon it, and I have taken the liberty of having the drow in Eveningstar added to your roster, just in case you decide to include her in your travels. You might need a mage where you're going, and from what I've been told, she is very accomplished."
The Princess glanced at Aran, and through her officious demeanor, he thought he saw a faint twinkle in her amber eyes. How could she know.. He could see Lewis' fine hand implicated.
"Thank you, your Highness," Riona nodded.
"With it, you are free to travel at will within our borders, and I've also added a codicil including all of the Royal Lands. Should you be detained by any Cormyte patrols, the Purple Dragons should be cooperative and allow passage upon presentation of the document.
"Your time runes have also been modified. Considering you don't know how long you will be in the Abyss, I've had my Court Wizard put your individual hourglasses on hold, so to speak, with the suspension of the passage of the magical sand. When you all return from the Planes and eventually leave Cormyr, the sand will resume and the rune will dissipate as it normally would.
"And, last, but not least, I've arranged for Riegert, here, to accompany you on the rest of your journey. He's one of the few Helmite priests in Suzail and knows well the Helmlands and its history. He can get you to Castle Kilgrave and from there you should be able to locate the portal." Her official litany concluded, she clasped her hands and relaxed her shoulders. "I will pray for your safe and successful return."
She then turned to Aran standing nearby. "I despise goodbyes, but this is where we part ways, my friend," she said, a plaintive smile on her face. "I trust the next time you venture to Cormyr, it will be for relaxation and visitation, and not a matter of life and death."
Before he could reply, she suddenly embraced him, something he didn't expect. "Be very careful, my sweet rogue.. and return the loan I've stowed in your pack when you again see Amn. Use it.. It may save your life," she whispered and kissed him gently on the cheek.
She had surprised him more with her candid display of affection than with her cryptic revelation of an addition to his pack. "Thank you, your Highness.. I think.." he said as he put his arm around her and returned her hug.
The Princess stepped back and Mather immediately came up to him. "Thank you, Aran, for what you did for Sangmon and me. I know The Watcher will guide and protect you on your mission. I will be reminding him every day in my prayers until I hear word of your success."
"Thank you, Mather," the thief nodded and smiled at the boy. "We'll need all the help we can get." He ruffed at the boy's hair. "Finish your studies then come see me in Athkatla. I'll find you a spot in my library if you're so inclined, and if that doesn't suit you, I can introduce you to the High Priest at the Church of Helm." The thief looked over the lad's shoulder to the burly man behind him. "And, Sangmon, we can always use another good cook in the Guild kitchens."
"Thank you, sir," the boy nodded. "But, I think that after I visit my family, I'm going to take the Princess up on her offer to study here. But, if you return to Cormyr soon, I hope that we can all meet again…"
"We shall, lad," smiled the thief. "Helm willing, that is.."
Last was Lewis. "I should go with you and keep you out of trouble," he said, guilt in his voice and worry in his eyes.
"You're needed here, Lewis," said the thief and put his hand on his friend's shoulder. "This is my -- our -- commitment. I'll send word after we return, and then we can exchange stories when I come to visit in a few months' time. I promise.."
"I'm going to keep you to that promise -- the visit. Don't think you're going to escape that obligation, my friend."
"Oh, I shan't. And, who knows? You just might be planning a wedding by then.." Aran hadn't forgotten Lewis telling him of Alanna, the woman he had left behind before he had taken on the position of privateer.
"There is that, too," grinned the pirate. "Of course, there is the small matter that I must first locate her and then convince her to marry me. Just don't wait until our children are grown and have children of their own before you return."
"I shan't..," grinned the thief and the two hugged.
"Be safe, my brother," whispered Lewis. "Come back to us whole and in one piece."
"And, you," Aran replied, feeling the knot rise in his throat. "Be happy, Lewis. You deserve it."
"Your boat awaits at the landing and I have a kingdom that needs desperate attention," the Princess interrupted. "I wouldn't want all of you to emerge from the Planes and find Cormyr in tatters as a result of my negligence."
Again she turned to the thief. "And, lastly, I will expect a full recounting of your travels and adventures at a time convenient after your return." She grinned sheepishly. "For the sole purpose of sating both my curiosity and my envy that I am unable to accompany you." There was the Princess he had grown to adore.
"Your Highness.. I will personally dictate a full accounting of the mission in splendidly florid detail that you may vicariously join with us in the reading," he bowed and couldn't help but chuckle.
"Thank you for taking pity on a weary-laden monarch who already thirsts for the selfish exhilaration of adventure," she feigned an offside pout, apparently content with allowing him the last needle of the playful banter. "Now go, before I change my mind and command you to stay.."
Riona, Anomen, Valygar, Minsc and Aran bid last farewells and turned onto the road. As he began to walk away, he wanted to look back for one last glimpse. But he didn't.
~~~^~~~
As they traveled inland toward the landing, the misty rain ceased and the coastal clouds dissipated to a clear sky. Aran looked out over the sun-drenched landscape, the pastoral scene of verdant pastures sectioned into blocks dotted with grazing animals alternating to lush fields of market crops and alfalfa hay. A series of fences segregated each of the tidy squares making the fertile flatlands look like a giant chessboard from the road, the occasional farmhouses and outbuildings appearing as the remaining pieces in play.
Underfoot, the aged stones of Calantar's Way had been worn smooth from a millennium of travel to and from the Cormyrian capital. Coupled with the shade provided by the thick green canopy of the ancient tree line that banked the edges of the road, it was a pleasurable walk to the Starwater River. Nothing to irritate his leg, just a leisurely morning stroll while protected from the warm morning sun. In the distance ahead he could see the dark and foreboding outline of the harsh peaks of the Storm Horns. They gave him a unbidden chill.
As they traveled away from Suzail, the cloying smell of freshly-cut hay permeated the countryside's wet morning air. The heady scent teased at the thief's nose, and he sneezed, not once but three times in a row. After so many years of living by the sea and away from his rural homestead, he had forgotten this sensitivity suffered in his youth.
Anomen left Riona chatting with Riegert and Blackwave at the front of the group to drop back past Minsc and Valygar to walk with Aran trailing at the rear.
"Are you okay?" he asked, falling in step beside him.
The thief nodded as he dabbed at his nose with a handkerchief. "The fresh hay.." and he sneezed again. "It will go away once we're upstream and away from it."
"Ahh..," the young man nodded his understanding. They walked side by side in silence for a short distance.
"So… what happened? I mean, you and the Princess."
"What do you mean 'what happened'."
"I mean what happened," he said in a low voice. "You know…"
"You heard it all at morning meal. Lewis kidnapped me, we figured out what was really going on, and while you were cooling your heels in the Palace dungeon, we went and rescued the Princess from a secret camp on the Wyvernwater and returned her safely to Suzail. End of story."
"Didn't look like that was all of it," he sniggled. "She seemed to be.. umm… more than a little fond of you."
"What you saw was heartfelt gratitude for saving her life and nothing more," he snorted, partly from the fluids collecting in his nose and partly because he was annoyed at the young man. "But to answer your intimated question, no, I didn't bed her. Not all affection between a man and a woman is the result of a romp in the hay, Anomen." Damnable hay, he thought and sneezed again.
The young man blushed and nodded. "My apologies.. I know it's not my business."
"Damn right it's not your business," came the thief's sharp reply, dabbing at his nose then he softened. "But, I guess if our situations were reversed, I might be asking you the same." That wasn't entirely true because if the tables were turned, he would likely not care enough to inquire.
They walked on in silence, the thief wiping at his now dripping nose.
"Do you mind if I ask you a question?" Anomen asked.
"If you don't mind if I respectfully choose not to answer it," he replied. The young man nodded.
"Have you ever been in love before? I mean.. before.."
"You mean before her?"
Anomen nodded and Aran sighed.
"Love has never been a luxury I could afford, so I've avoided it. I didn't ask to fall in love with her, and if I had realized it was happening, I assure you, I would have avoided it. But I didn't see it. My duties and responsibilities don't exactly afford the security for such things as love, hearth and home. And certainly not with someone who is already happily married with children." He paused, realizing he had delivered an indulgent rant instead of answering Anomen's question. "I thought once when I was very young that I was in love, but in hindsight, it was simply adolescent lust. Part of growing up and coming of age, I suppose," he shrugged.
"Do.. do your feelings for her.. keep you from other women?"
The thief blinked and laughed. "You mean, do my current feelings keep me tied and pining to the point I reject the physical comforts offered by other women? Don't be naïve, Anomen.. Of course not… It would be foolish to allow something I can't possibly hope to have keep me from something I can have." That wasn't totally true either as he thought on it, but he couldn't admit that his own appetites had become more discerning in the recent past. His days of wild abandon had certainly diminished to a near nothing, replaced by a yearning for real intimacy.
"I.. I've never loved anyone but Riona. Not even a flirtation," confessed the young man, almost apologetically.
"So, I'm guessing no youthful, carnal indiscretions -- much less any extra-marital carnal indiscretions.."
"No opportunity for the former and no interest in the latter," Anomen sighed and slightly blushed. "The Academy was all boys, and although there were ample opportunities for experimentation, that never appealed to me. Then when I began squiring for the order, it was all work and no time for dalliances, not to mention the rules of conduct frowned on it. Then I met Riona in the time between my squiring and preparation for my test of knighthood and the rest is history."
Aran nodded, looked at Anomen and gave him a half-smile. "Then I guess one could say being a young apprentice thief definitely offers more fringe benefits than the path of a young knight-in-training."
"I wouldn't argue that," groaned the young man.
"You don't regret where you are now, do you? I mean.. where you are in your life?"
"Oh, no. No.. But I sometimes wonder if I missed out on something -- you know, that 'coming-of-age' part you spoke of. Did I?"
"What.. Miss out?"
Anomen nodded.
"You missed nothing," the thief smiled and patted his shoulder, not sure why he was now trying to reassure him when a moment ago he was ready to throttle him. Maybe in some small way the thief envied him. Although Anomen and Riona had an unconventional union, they were still together, which was far more than what he had, had ever had, or ever hoped to have.
"You were fortunate to be able to go directly to the important part, Anomen. Don't allow the dream of a fantasy blind you to the reality of what you already have." Such sighted wisdom from such a blind fool. He should take his own advice, he thought sourly then sneezed again.
~~~^~~~
The Starwater Landing was a modest dock, but as the Princess had promised, a small touring barge was moored on the far side attended by four Purple Dragon guards. A complement pole crew stood waiting on deck.
"Like anyone would dare pinch a royal boat in Cormyr," snorted Blackwave indignantly as the Guard's Lieutenant inspected their papers and allowed the captain to take possession of the Firebrand. The dwarf assumed command from the First Mate and as he barked orders to disengage the boat from her moorings, the others made a beeline for the large cabin.
"Well, that was fun," sighed Riona as she sat down in one of the elegant overstuffed chairs in the cabin. "Two days in the Palace dungeon, upgraded to one day in city jail, then capped off by morning meal with her Royal Highness, Princess Alusair, in the Royal Palace Dining Hall -- pretty typical for us, I guess."
"We've been in much worse, Ri," Valygar reminded her. "And, we also now have our Charter."
"True..," she nodded. Anomen was rummaging through the large sideboard, the others watching as he clattered his way through each compartment. "What are you looking for?" she asked.
"It's the Princess' boat. She surely keeps tasty treats on hand for emergencies, and I'm hungry," he replied. Riona groaned and shook her head.
The cabin door opened and Blackwave entered, a wide smile on his face. "Lads and lassie, I think the gods be smilin' on us. We got us a decent breeze comin' up from the Mere, so we'll be able to raise the smaller sails and speed our time up the river. The melt's pretty much done for the year, so there be no fast currents to battle, so I figure we should make Evenin'star in seven hours if the wind holds -- sooner if it gets stronger. Oh.. and let me add that fer yer cruisin' enjoyment, there be a shaded veranda outside on deck iffin' yer a mind to sit, sip a beverage, and watch the scenery go by. It be pretty country here."
Aran hardly heard a word the Captain had said as he sat at the long dining table digging through his pack. He had no clue what the Princess could have secreted there, but he was anxious to find whatever it was. Anomen sat down across from him, a plate of gooey honey treats in one hand and a cup of cloudberry juice in the other. Seeing the Helmite prayer book, the thief pulled it out, held it up and grinned at the young man. "This book saved my life more than once. Well, that and the slight deception that I perpetrated with it.." He smiled, remembering what Mather had told him. "Mather said it's missing its owner's talisman -- whatever that is."
"Ah, yes.. Forgot about that.. Anyway, you have to tell us what happened, Aran," Anomen said, his mouth half full. "From the moment you were taken from the Florangelica until this morning.. We all want to hear all of the details.."
"I will -- just not at this moment.. Right now I need to find something…" The thief's voice trailed off as he dug deeper in the leather satchel.
"Whatever are you looking for?" asked Riona as she came over and sat beside him.
"The Princess left something in my pack, but didn't say what. Only that it might save my life." He felt an unfamiliar package wrapped in thick linen tucked flush to the side and grinned. "Ahhh.. I think I found it." He gently pulled it out.
"What is it?" she asked as he carefully laid it upon the table and unwrapped the thick folds of fabric around it. A gleaming silver dagger lay in the middle of the cloth. The slender blade, a few inches longer than standard, was complemented with an ornately carved hilt gracefully topped with a pommel set with a large, dark blue-green aquamarine. He opened the small piece of parchment tucked next to it. "Keep in your boot.. No, the other one.. Affectionately, ~ A," it read.
Valygar whistled from across the room. "That has to be Alusair's dagger," he said, quickly joining them at the table. "Did she give this to you?"
"No, she said it was a loan. I am to return it to her when we get back to Amn."
"Alusair's dagger.. What's that? Is it special?" Anomen asked.
The thief shook his head. "Don't know, but it appears to be."
"May I?" Valygar asked the thief and he nodded. The ranger picked it up to inspect it. "According to legend, it protects the bearer from destructive magical attacks. She's supposedly never without it in battle."
"How do you know this?" asked Aran, baffled that the Princess would part with such a personal treasure.
"A book of lore I read some years ago. I don't recall the blade's origins, but I do recall that Alusair's mother, Filfaeril, the Queen, is a daughter of Elminster, so it could have come from him through her, or it could be a family heirloom from the Obarskyr family." He gently returned it to the bed of fabric.
"You are correct," Riegert interjected, looking over the thief's shoulder. "It does appears to be the Princess' dagger. I've personally never seen it, but tales abound throughout the Kingdom and this fits the description in the accounts I have heard -- especially the stone in the pommel."
Aran wrapped his fingers around the hilt and lifted the slender blade. Light, delicate, and warm to the touch, it softly hummed in his hand as the jewel radiated an eerie, faint glow.
"It's beautiful.." he murmured, as the others watched. "So.. protection against enemy magic, heh.. That could come in handy."
"That's an understatement -- especially for the Abyss," laughed Valygar.
"Even as a loan, it was most magnanimous of her," said Riona. "And I won't indulge my baser curiosity of asking why she would gift you so generously."
"It wasn't that way, Ri," Anomen piped up, his mouth again half-full, errant beads of honey now dotting his beard. "He saved her life, and possibly the future of Cormyr. For that alone, she should have just given it to him."
"Anomen, I appreciate you defending my virtue, but we all know I have none to defend." The men lightly chuckled.
The Bhaalspawn flushed slightly. "My apologies, Aran. I was making light of those er.. personal 'non-virtue' virtues of your reputation -- not trying to be intrusive."
"No apologies necessary, Riona. It's a relief to know that my personal repute hasn't recently suffered some unbeknownst resurrection to the good," he grinned and Anomen laughed.
"No danger of that happening," said the young man.
Aran resumed examining the runes carved into the hilt. "Does anyone know if these are arcane runes, or something of a more mystical flavor? I would hate like the hells to depend upon this for protection only to find myself a victim of something not included in these wards."
Everyone had their ideas on the etchings in the dagger's handle, but nothing definitive or useful.
"I regret Immy isn't here," lamented Riona. "She would be able to read them and tell you in an instant."
The thief reflectively nodded. 'And when I find her, so will Istona,' he thought.
~~~^~~~
"That trip almost made up for the two days in the dungeon," said Riona as they all stood on the dock at the Eveningstar landing. "So where do we find a rooms.." It was well past dark and the streets of the small community were empty and not well-lighted.
"Lewis said we should go to the Welcoming Hand Inn -- it should be only a short walk from here," Aran replied, looking around. "I think that may be it down there," and he pointed to a dimly-lighted placard hanging over the sidewalk some distance down the adjacent street.
A short walk and through the doors, the group stood at the high counter, a sturdy middle-aged woman peering intently at them over the top of her small square glasses.
"How many?" she asked.
"Four, please," said Riona. "Three doubles and a single, if possible."
"I have one left with a private bath and another three deluxe rooms with the bath at the end of the hall. Evening meal and morning meal included. The tavern is open late, but the kitchen's only open for another couple of hours, then re-opens on the 'morrow at dawn."
"Perfect," and then she turned to Aran. "We're taking the one with the bath."
"By all means," Aran chuckled. "Anomen could certainly avail himself of it to the mutual benefit of us all ."
"Precisely my point," she wrinkled her nose.
"Hey.. Not my fault if the accommodations in Suzail were.. er.. lacking," he protested then immediately hushed at his wife's sideways glance.
Riona counted out the coin to the innkeeper then turned to the others. "Let me go scrub him down and we'll meet back here in an hour. The smell of one's dinner companion shouldn't compete with what is on the plate before him.."
"You wound me, woman," Anomen feigned a hurt expression, clenching his fist to his chest.
"Not you, my darling, but I do intend to lay waste to that wretched stink that currently radiates from your person," she said, and locking her arm through his they headed toward the stairs, the others following.
"I'm going to go drop my pack and then I'm going to the bar," Aran announced, reaching his door. "That is, if anyone would care to join me. I have it on good authority that the local spirits are excellent, and I've a taste to sample them."
Valygar nodded thoughtfully. "That sounds good. Think I'll clean up a bit and join you. Say.. twenty minutes?"
"Perfect.. And, Minsc? You're welcome to join us.. Blackwave, you and Riegert, too, if you've a mind to."
"Boo must first be attended to. There is his supper and his bed I must prepare," the big ranger replied, then whispered, "Perhaps in a short while, if he soon falls asleep."
"Join us when you can, then" said the thief, thankful to not be subjected to hearing the intricacies of the care of his little pet.
"Aye, we'll join up with you in a bit," said the dwarf. "A wee bit of tidyin' up first.."
Aran closed his door behind him and surveyed the room. Not deluxe, but modest and comfortable, he thought as he dropped his pack on the bed. He opened it up and retrieved the Princess' dagger. Unfolding the linen wrappings, he picked it up and again it hummed and glowed at his touch. No time like the present, he thought as he pulled the blade from inside his right boot and re-sheathed it in his left. Just as she had instructed, he then gently slid the silver blade into the inside scabbard of his right boot. "Perfect fit," he smiled to himself.
Aran was glad to see only a few seated at the bar, the barkeep mindlessly wiping at the glass in his hand. "Whadda ya have?" he asked as the thief took a stool away from the others.
"A shot of your local whiskey," Aran grinned. "I understand it's some of the best in Faerun."
"Aye, that it 'tis," he nodded, setting the glass he had been polishing in front of the thief then pouring a generous three-fingers measure from an unmarked bottle. The dark spirits almost glowed.
"I'm looking for someone," he said, lifting the short glass to his lips and taking a sip. Lewis was right. It was probably the best whiskey the thief had ever tasted.
"Who might that be.." The barkeep didn't seem all that interested as he picked up another glass and began to wipe the water streaks from it.
"A 'she'… a drow 'she'…. and she would be a lot like your whiskey here. Dark, exquisitely smooth, and burns all the way down.." He grinned as he laid a fiver-gold on the bar. By standards anywhere, it was a generous incentive to loosen tongues. "Goes by the name Istona."
"Yup, I know her.. Only drow for miles and miles." The bartender eyed the coin greedily then started to scoop it up, but Aran was quicker and pulled the coin away from the man's grasp with a flick of his index finger. The thief's speed surprised the bartender and he blinked.
"Tell me what I want to know first. Then it's yours. Now, where can I find her."
"Sometimes she comes by here.. usually later, 'round closin' time for a glass of whiskey. Other than that, you can find her at her shop, The Spider's Web. She sells scrolls, potions, talismans.. You know… magic stuff. She wears the robes of a mage. But, some say she's really a witch, a dark one." He snorted. "Being a drow, there's no tellin' if there's a difference." The man's prejudice was showing.
"Where is this Spider's Web.."
"Just farther down the street here, a little ways toward the government house. Can't miss it. She lives above the shop, or so they say." He nodded in the opposite direction from the river.
Aran flicked the coin to the man. "Thanks," and he upturned the glass emptying the dark liquid into his mouth. The fluid fire made his eyes water. "And give me a bottle of that to go."
~~~^~~~
"Where's Aran?" Riona asked as she sat down with the others to order evening meal.
Valygar shook his head. "I came down earlier to meet him at the bar and the barkeep gave me this." He passed her a small piece of parchment.
'Will return later -- going mage hunting.. ~ AL,' it read.
"Hmm.. He must have gotten information on Istona's whereabouts," said Anomen, looking over her shoulder.
"That's what the barkeep said," Valygar confirmed. "He was asking about Istona."
"Then she must be here," Riona sighed.
~~~~^~~~~
The sign on the door said 'Closed' but when Aran reached and turned the knob, it was unlocked. He pushed it open, and hearing a tinkling bell overhead, stepped over the threshold. Typical magic shop, he thought as he quickly looked around.
"I was just getting ready to close.. What may I --" From the back doorway, the drow woman halted in mid-step and was suddenly rendered speechless.
"Istona? You haven't changed one bit," he grinned, shook his head in near-disbelief and walked toward her.
To Be Continued…….
Edited by MorningGlory, 12 April 2013 - 05:04 AM.
