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Chapter 18


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#1 Guest_Jover_*

Posted 03 April 2003 - 06:21 AM

Chapter 18

“I tell ye again, we should be at Pimlico’s claimin’ our bleedin’ reward.” Korgan complained.

“And I told you we’ll do it tomorrow.” Jover said tiredly. “It’s getting dark, we’re all hurt, tired, and in no shape for any more trouble.”

“But there’ll be nay problem between here an’ the bloody estate.” Korgan grumbled.

“Do you honestly expect us to believe that assessment?” Jaheira asked. “After you said there would only be a few undead in that tomb you lead us to.”

“Now listen ye bloody…” Korgan began, only to be interrupted when a female voice called Jover by name.

Turning towards the voice Jover found himself being hugged by a young woman with red hair. “Nalia!” Jover said with surprise, stepping back from the young noble only to see her father approaching as well. “And Lord De’Arnise, I didn’t think to see you both again so soon. What brings you to the city?”

“Good news, hopefully.” Lord De’Arnise said, as he shook Jover’s hand. “After the attack on my home, I sent word to Magistrate Lanulin asking her to investigate some possible leads here in Athkatla. Now she has summoned me to meet with her tomorrow afternoon. Gods willing she will have found out who was responsible and have brought them to justice. But enough about my problems, I see you have all had hard day yourselves.”

“Yes, we were just heading over to the circus to see if Aerie’s uncle Quayle can take us in for the night.” Jover said.

“No insult to your uncle’s hospitality dear girl.” Lord De’Arnise said with a nod to Aerie. “But I would be more than pleased to pay for everyone’s lodging for the night.”

“I appreciate the offer, but we couldn’t take advantage that way.” Jover said.

“Nonsense lad.” Lord De’Arnise said, “I insist that all of you be my guests at the Mithrest inn.”

“The Mithrest.” Korgan repeated. “If ye think I’ll be staying with a bunch o' pampered nobles, ye be out o’ yer bloody mind.”

“Lord De’Arnise allow me to introduce Korgan Bloodaxe.” Jover said gesturing at the dwarf. “The reason we should stay elsewhere.”

“Well now, if the good dwarf is afraid to dine with high society…” Lord De’Arnise began.

“Afraid! This dwarf be nay afraid of anythin’! Hells! I’ll lead the bleedin’ way!” Korgan said, as he stomped off towards the inn.

“Nicely done.” Jover said quietly as he fell into step alongside Lord De’Arnise.

“Nothing to it lad.” Lord De’Arnise said clapping Jover on the back. “Now come along my friends the Mithrest awaits.”

***

As dusk settled across the city, two men carried their unconscious prisoner though the deepening shadows of the Government District. Moving carefully to the side of the prison building, the older of the two pushed back the sleeves of his priestly robes and traced a mystic symbol in the air, causing a hidden door to appear.

“Take her inside my brother.” the priest, said directing the other man.

“You found her!” said a younger man, also dressed priest’s robes, who was waiting inside.

“Did you doubt me my brother?” The older priest asked sternly.

“No of course not.” The young priest said quickly.

“Good, now bind and gag the Drow tightly my brothers lest she use her foul powers against us if she awakes.”

The man who had helped to carry the prisoner hesitated. “Awakes! You said the Drow would burn! Why must we wait?!”

“Because it is the will of Beshaba.” the older priest said, reasserting his powers to control the man. “Go over there and sleep my brother, and come the morning you shall see the Drow die.”

“How long are you going to hold that one under your sway.” the younger priest asked.

“Until brother Belmin accepts the will of Beshaba as his own true faith.” the old priest said, “Now tell me have the arrangements been made?”

“Yes brother.” the young priest nodded. “The burning stake has been prepared and the prison guards that will be on duty outside are all followers of the faith.”

“Ah Beshaba shall be pleased, tomorrow..” the old priest’s voice trailed off he heard the rattle of chains
and turned to look upon his prisoner.

Consciousness had retuned to the Drow as a blinding pain in her head. She quickly tried to begin a prayer of healing and discovered she was gagged, which led to the realization that she was chained. Anger flared within her, and forcing the pain away she thrashed about with all her strength, testing the chains that bound her only to find no weakness. Ceasing her struggles the woman turned to look upon at her captors, fixing them with a cold murderous stare that caused the younger priest to take an involuntarily step backward.

“Glare all ye wish foul creature for your life ends tomorrow.” the old priest said “And now that you are awake you shall die with this knowledge. Your evil existence shall be used to expose and destroy a greater threat to the future glory of Beshaba.”

“Are you certain the Bhaalspawn will be there?” the young priest asked as he worriedly watched the Drow.

“The vision Beshaba sent me has foretold it all my brother.” the old priest said with a fanatical smile. “Tomorrow will be glorious day for our goddess! A most glorious day!”

***

“Now that.. was a good meal.” Jover said with a smile, as he pushed away his empty plate.

“Aye and this be a decent ale.” Korgan said, finishing his tankard.

“Nalia is.. is everything all right?” Aerie asked, with concern. “You.. You didn’t eat very much.”

“I’m fine Aerie.” Nalia said, “I just keep thinking of the less fortunate people who are going hungry tonight.”

“Come now my daughter.” Lord De’Arnise said, “You know it simply is not possible to help everyone.”

“True words.” Minsc said, solemnly, “Sometimes you cannot even save the people you should.”

“Hey Minsc, you better be careful with what kind of talk.” Jover said, “You’ll get Boo all upset.”

“You are right.” the ranger replied without emotion. “Minsc is just tired and not thinking clearly.”

“This is hardly a surprise considering the injury you sustained today.” Jaheira said. “You should be upstairs
resting so your body can properly heal.”

Minsc nodded and started to stand, but then glanced at Aerie and remained sitting. “Minsc will stay until his witch is ready to go.”

“I’ll guard Aerie for you big man.” Jover said with a smile, “That is if our resident mage doesn’t mind.”

“I.. I don’t mind at all.” Aerie said with a small smile. “G.. go ahead and rest Minsc, I.. I’ll be fine here with Jover.”

“If our witch is certain.” Minsc said, as he rose to leave. “Come Boo, it is time for good rangers and hamsters to sleep.”

“If your offer to keep watch can include my Nalia, I believe I shall be turning in as well.” Lord De’Arnise said, as stood and kissed Nalia on top of her head. “Don’t stay up too late my daughter.”

“Father!” Nalia said, rolling her eyes with embarrassment.

“I’ll keep an eye on both of them.” Jover assured, “Two lovely ladies are as easy to watch as one, and twice the fun.”

“Your charm has all the subtly of a battering ram.” Jaheira said with a snort.

“Forgive me Jaheira, I clearly misspoke.” Jover said flashing a wicked grin at the druid. “After all there are three beautiful women here to feast my eyes upon.”

“Yer makin’ me bloody ill with all this pansy talk, I be going to sit at the bar.” Korgan said as he took his tankard and left.

“Come on Aerie.” Nalia said, taking the surprised elf by the arm and heading towards the other side of the room where a bard was preparing to play. “Let’s go sit closer to the entertainment.”

Left alone at the table with Jaheira, Jover took a drink from his mug as he stared at the druid with mischief in his eyes.

“Out with it Jover, what are you grinning about now?” Jaheira asked.

“Oh.. nothing important.” Jover said casually. “I just find the fact the you would lecture someone about charm… amusing.”

Jaheira bit back her first response and took a sip of her ale before speaking. “I would gladly give you the argument you seemingly desire, but I fear we have a greater concern at the moment.”

“What are you talking about?” Jover asked seriously, all thoughts of fun gone from his mind.

“The injury Minsc received today, it could have been prevented.” Jaheira said, “He blindly turned his back on a dangerous enemy.”

“Minsc wouldn’t be that careless.” Jover said

“Not even if he thought his witch was in danger?” Jaheira asked

Jover’s eyes lost their focus momentarily as he thought back over the fight that took place in the Graveyard District. “When Aerie screamed to warn me?” he asked with questioning look at Jaheira.

“Exactly.” Jaheira said with a brief nod. “I saw it happen, but could do nothing at the time.”

“Damn.” Jover swore softly, “I should have been expecting that.”

“No leader can be prepared for everything, nor can you be expected see the entire battlefield.” Jaheira said.

“It’s my responsibility to do just that.” Jover said, “I’ll talk with both of them, and since Aerie is with Nalia I’ll start with Minsc.”

“I believe it would best if I spoke with Minsc.” Jaheira said, as she stood.

“Why?” Jover asked.

“Because you have to remain here, and keep watch on the ‘two lovely ladies’.” Jaheira said smugly, as she left.

“I walked right into that one.” Jover muttered, chuckling to himself as he watched the druid walk away.

***

“I heard some rumors earlier today when we arrived in town.” Nalia said, “Did you and the others really stop the slavers that were operating in the Slums.”

“S.. some of them, but J.. Jaheira says we shouldn’t think that all of them are gone.” Aerie said, “We did manage t.. to free all the families being held at the Copper Cornet and s.. save their children.”

“I wish I could have been there for that.” Nalia said, longingly. “If only father had allowed me to travel with you.”

“Y.. you should ask him again, or even b.. better let Jover ask him.” Aerie said, with a look back at the fighter. “I.. I know he could convince him.”

“I’ve seen Jover do some amazing things, but no one can change my Father’s mind.” Nalia said.

“It’s worth a t.. try.” Aerie said determinedly. “T.. traveling with Jover has been wonderful for me.”

“It must be the way you keep looking at him.” Nalia said with a smile.

“I.. I’m not.” Aerie stammered, suddenly staring at the table.

“Were to.” Nalia said still smiling, “Not that I blame you, Jover is kind of cute.. in a scruffy looking sort of way.”

“He is not scruffy looking! He’s handsome!” Aerie said without stuttering, then after realizing what she said the elf blushed furiously.

“I knew you liked him!” Nalia whispered excitedly to the embarrassed elf. “Why are sitting here with me? Go back over there and flirt with him.”

“I.. I couldn’t do that, I wouldn’t know w.. what to say.” Aerie said. “B.. besides Jaheira is sitting w.. with him.”

“Jaheira? Are the two of them.. involved?” Nalia asked, looking back at the others. “I thought I heard that her husband just recently died.”

“No, I.. I mean yes, he d.. did.” Aerie said, nervously. “And no, I.. I don’t believe they are, J.. Jaheira finds fault with everything that Jover d.. does. He couldn’t…”

“Look, she’s going upstairs.” Nalia interrupted, pointing out the departing druid. “Get over there and talk with him.”

“No!” Aerie whispered fiercely. “I.. I can’t.”

“Yes you can, and I’ll help.” Nalia said as she stood and pulled the reluctant Avariel to her feet.

***

“I wanted to make sure that your injury was not troubling you.” Jaheira said, after entering Minsc’s room to find the ranger sitting on the edge of his bed and gently petting his hamster companion.

“No, Minsc is well enough.” the ranger said.

“I find that hard to believe.” Jaheira said, as she took a chair and sat to face Minsc. “Because it troubles me greatly.”

“Minsc does not understand.” the ranger said with a puzzled look.

“Yes you do.” Jaheira said, “I saw what took place during today’s battle Minsc, your worry over Aerie’s safety caused you to be hurt and endangered us all.”

Minsc nodded, lowering his head in shame. “Minsc failed again.. as he failed Dynaheir.”

“You did not fail Dynaheir, she was taken away from you by that bastard of a mage Irenicus! Just as my Khalid was!” Jaheira said vehemently, before pausing to regain control of her emotions and then continuing in a gentler tone. “Minsc I understand your feelings, you think if you had fought harder or differently Dynaheir would be alive today.”

“She would.” Minsc said sadly. “If only Minsc..”

“You do not know that.” Jaheira interrupted. “Just as I do not know if my Khalid could have lived if had we left Jover’s company after Baldur’s Gate, or never agreed to Gorion’s request. Granted it would not have been Irenicus, but still fate is... cruel sometimes.”

“You.. you think about such things?” Minsc asked.

“Of course, after such a loss these questions are natural, but ultimately pointless and lead only to misery.” Jaheira said.

“Minsc thought that having new witch would make the bad feeling go away.” the ranger said. “Now all he can think of is not losing Aerie.”

“Perhaps asking Aerie to be your witch was a mistake.” Jaheira said, softly. “You could ask her to free you from your pledge.”

“No!” Minsc said loudly, “Minsc has sworn to protect Aerie and he shall… somehow.”

“That will not be an easy task.” Jaheira said, “The child does not have Dynaheir’s experience to draw upon.”

“Minsc knows that Aerie is different.” Minsc said, “Fair Dynaheir was strong and sharp like a steel sword, a warrior’s witch. Where pretty Aerie is gentle and soft like a beautiful snowfall in Rasheman.”

“I.. do not know about that.” Jaheira said slowly, surprised by the tone she thought heard in Minsc’s words. “But to honor Dynaheir’s memory and safeguard Aerie you must first protect yourself. Letting other thoughts cloud your mind during battle are a danger to everyone.”

Minsc looked at Jaheira thoughtfully for several moments until Boo squeaked softly. “Boo says that your words are wise.” the ranger said, “Minsc will try to do as you say.”

“I’m glad that there is at least one creature willing to listen to my wisdom.” Jaheira said with an amused tone as she stood to leave. “Now both of you get some rest.”

***

“I thought you two wanted to hear the music.” Jover said, as Nalia and Aerie approached.

“Aerie was telling me about what you did in the slums and I thought why listen to a bard sing about a life of adventure when you can hear it directly from a hero who lives it.” Nalia said, as she pushed Aerie into the chair closest to Jover and took one on the other side for herself. “Right Aerie?”

“S.. sure.” Aerie said meekly.

“Come on, you’ve both had a taste of battle and death.” Jover said, with a pointed look at Nalia “You know it isn’t about fame and glory like the songs and stories make it out to be.”

“I know, but Father always said it’s important to remember the good times as well as the bad.” Nalia said, “Besides the kind of tales I enjoy aren’t about glory, I like the ones about friendship and romance.. have you had many?”

“Friends or romances?” Jover asked, with a playful smile.

“Both.” Nalia said boldly.

“I’ve made several good friends during my travels, including the two of you.” Jover said, “Only one romance though, and that ended badly.”

“Only one?” Nalia said teasingly.

“What can I say? I grew up in a library run by monks.” Jover said with a shrug. “Other than Imoen, who is like a sister to me, the only girls my age were the daughters of visiting scholars. And most of them were too wrapped up in their nobility to even speak with an orphan like me.”

“Well that was their mistake.” Nalia said, as she patted Jover’s hand. “Don’t you think so Aerie?”

“Oh, umm.. yes.. yes it was.” Aerie said duplicating Nalia’s gesture, then allowing her hand to rest on Jover’s afterward.

Jover looked carefully at the two young women sitting beside him, their odd behavior had the fighter wondering if they had drank something stronger than ale. Nalia’s expression was barely contained excitement, while Aerie was smiling shyly at him as she held his hand.

“After all you’re a well known hero now, and strong too.” Nalia continued, reaching to give Jover’s arm a quick squeeze.

Aerie, having quickly learned to follow Nalia’s lead, began to stroke Jover’s arm using both hands to feel his muscles. Jover smiled to himself as he realized what was taking place and decided to end it before things got out of hand. After faking a yawn and stretching to free himself of Aerie’s hands the fighter quickly stood.

“Sorry to cut the evening short ladies, but it’s been a long day.” Jover said, offering a hand to each of the young mages. “May I escort you to your room?”

“How gallant of you good sir.” Nalia said with mock seriousness as she stood and looped her arm around Jover’s. “And to think that Jaheira doubted his charm.”

“Y.. yes indeed.” Aerie echoed gamely, as she did the same with Jover’s other arm.

As they neared the bar Korgan turned around on his barstool to watch them pass. “Two at the same time long limb? Ye must have some Dwarven blood in ye.” Korgan said with a leering grin, before draining another tankard.

“You’d be surprised who my blood comes from Korgan, although I bet you and my sire would be great friends.” Jover said over his shoulder enjoying the insult he delivered to the ignorant dwarf.

As they walked up the narrow stairway the young women were forced to release Jover’s arms and follow as he led the way. The fighter could hear quiet whispers and sense the motions of an intense conversation taking place behind his back. Unsure what to expect next, Jover opened the door to the room that the two women were to share and stepped back. “Here you are, good night ladies.”

“Goodnight Jover, I had fun talking with you.” Nalia said giving the fighter a quick hug. “I hope we run into each other again sometime.”

“I’d like that to.” Jover said, as Nalia went inside leaving him alone in the hall with Aerie, who was looking down and nervously scuffing the toe of her boot against the floor.

“Better get in there.” Jover said lightly, as he waited for the elf to attempt to hug him as Nalia did. “Unless you’re planning to sleep out here in the hall.”

“I... I just wanted to say g..g..goodnight.” Aerie said, briefly looking up at Jover and then quickly down again.

“I think you just did.” Jover said smiling at the elf, who only gave the smallest of nods and remained standing as she was.

I better end this or we’ll be here all night. Jover thought with amusement, as he stepped forward and wrapped his arms around the motionless elf in a gentle friendly hug. “Good night Aerie, sleep well.”

Turning to leave Jover had only taken two steps when Aerie softly called his name. With a sigh the fighter turned back once more, only to be startled as the petite elf quickly stepped close and reached up to give him a short kiss on the lips. The Avariel then dashed into her room and shut the door, leaving the stunned fighter standing all alone in the hallway. Which is how Jaheira found him moments later when she stepped from Minsc’s room.

“What is wrong with you?” the druid asked, “You look as though you just fought a basilisk and lost.”

“Something like that.” Jover said, trying to make sense of what happened. “Lets go back downstairs, I need another drink.”

“So, did you manage to speak with Aerie?” Jaheira asked as they reached the inn’s main room.

“Sort of, but not about Minsc.” Jover replied.

“Then what did you…” Jaheira began only to be interrupted by Korgan.

“Back already long limb?” Korgan mocked as he saw Jover. “Yer nay any part Dwarf then, an' your sire must hav' been a bloody rabbit.”

“Ignore him.” Jover said, as he walked angrily past the dwarf.

“Why? What is that filthy dwarf talking about?” Jaheira asked as she hurried to keep up with Jover.

“Forget it, we’re just trading insults.” Jover said as he sat down at a table and ordered fresh drinks. “Tell me about your talk with the big man, how did it go?”

“As well as any conversation with Minsc can be expected to go.” Jaheira said, “For what it is worth he said that Boo agreed with my advice.”

“Well if Boo thought it was good we’ve got nothing to worry about, at least not with Minsc.” Jover said.

“I would not go so far as to say that.” Jaheira said.

“What now?” Jover asked, dreading the answer.

“It is possible that I am mistaken.” Jaheira said, “But I believe Minsc might be developing feelings for Aerie… romantic feelings.”

Jover took a long slow look at the druid. “Jaheira, with your sense of humor I can never be certain, so please tell me that was a joke.”

“There is no humor in Minsc becoming involved with that immature girl.” Jaheira said, seriously. “Neither of them are ready for such a relationship.”

“That ‘immature girl’ just made a very awkward romantic advance on me.” Jover said, barely believing it himself.

“Now it is you who must be joking.” Jaheira said in amazement, “That child? What did she do? And how did she know how to do it?”

“Nalia was helping her, and I thought they were just trying to tease me, at least I did up until the moment Aerie kissed me.” Jover said, shaking his head. “I don’t think either of them have a clue how dangerous that could be with the wrong man.”

“I shall go enlighten them then.” Jaheira said tersely as she started to stand.

“No.” Jover said taking hold of the druid’s wrist and urging her to sit down. “Nalia isn’t our responsibility, she’s her father’s problem. As for Aerie..”

“Do not tell me that you are interested in her.” Jaheira said, challengingly.

“Be serious Jaheira.” Jover said, “Aerie’s just a good friend and I don’t want to hurt her, not unless it’s absolutely necessary.”

“It will only be worse later if you allow this… infatuation to continue.” Jaheira warned.

“I know.. I know.” Jover said, “But this has to be done delicately or she’ll go running back to the circus for sure.”

“Are you certain that would be a bad thing?” Jaheira asked, “If she is so ill prepared to face life as to throw herself at the first man who is kind to her, returning to the circus and her uncle may be the best possible thing for her.””

“No it’s not, Aerie has tried her best with everything we’ve faced and done it pretty well. It’s not her fault she spent her growing years locked in a slaver’s cage.” Jover said with certainty, before taking a long drink and pausing to consider his options.

“Well?” Jaheira asked, after waiting impatiently for as long as she was able to. “What do you intend to do about her.. feelings?”

“You know...” Jover said, as an idea began to form. “Maybe with a little help on our part Minsc could be the man for Aerie.”

“Silvanus help me, this man has lost what little sense he possessed.” Jaheira said, staring at the fighter. “Do we not have enough to do without playing matchmaker for a completely inappropriate couple. To say nothing of the fact that this child has set her sights on you.”

“Discouraging Aerie will be the easy part.” Jover said, leaning back in his chair and beginning to smile. “I know just what to do.”

***




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