Hello, my readers! In this chapter, there is a nice turn of events for one of our adventurers and a secret (inspired by Laufey’s beautiful “Edwin Romance Mod”) is revealed. I hope you’ll like it. Please R&R *smile*
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…And I can feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord
Well I've been waiting for this moment for all my life, oh Lord…(Phil Collins, “In the air tonight”)
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CHAPTER 28
The sight of Athkatla’s Slums was incredibly welcome to the young Painbearer, who immediately guided her friends to the Copper Coronet, the place she’d come to consider as a home of sorts in the last weeks. Hendak greeted them with his usual warmth, treating them to a hearty lunch and he was happy to know that they had the money to pay for Imoen’s rescue at last.
After a nice bath and some rest, the party gathered around their table and Jaheira spoke up first. "Now that we have all of this money, I think we can afford the best equipment available. Don’t you agree, child?". Margaret Dawn nodded, "Yes and I suggest for you to go to the Adventurer’s Mart: there is a woman there, Deidre if I recall correctly, who sells enchanted armour and weapons".
The Half-Elf narrowed her eyes suspiciously, "And where will you be in the meantime?". "I will be at Cromwell’s shop, I want him to make a suit of armour out of those Red Dragon scales we collected. I’ll go alone and that is not up for discussion!", Meg quickly added, "It’s a personal matter". "And may I ask what are the reasons which make this matter so personal?". "Sure you can ask. And the answer is that they are some very personal reasons".
The druidess frowned, a bit worried about that unusual evasiveness, but at last she nodded with a sigh, "So be it, then. But be careful, child: there are more than just thieves and thugs in this city". "I know. See you later", the Ilmatari left and went straight to the smith’s shop in the Docks District, her heart pounding in anticipation.
She knew that the others would never understand what she was about to do, or the reasons why she needed to do it, so she preferred to take care of this matter by herself, away from their questions, their worries, their judgement.
Why do you care about their judgement, little Goddess? , the Slayer asked her, You are so much more than all of them, you are the daughter of a God! Those puny mortals have no right whatsoever to question either your actions or your motives.
She snorted and rolled her eyes, Shut up, I’m not in the mood for your useless attempts at corrupting me. Why don’t you find yourself a nice hobby, something else than pestering me? You could try, I don’t know, writing poetry, taking long walks in...Well, whatever place you’re in, or maybe painting. I hate poetry, it’s too disgustingly flowery for my tastes. And I don’t know how to paint.
Oh, come on, it’s not like someone expects you to be the new Raffaello Sanzio, or Michelangelo Buonarroti! Just take a damn canvas and put some paint on it: it’s so easy that even a brainless simian could do it! The beast seemed to chuckle, A brainless simian, is it? I think that Red Wizard of yours is starting to seriously ruin your speech, Daughter of Murder.
Leave me alone and don’t you dare speak of Edwin, or any of my other friends! Or what, little Goddess? Or I will...Uhm...I will..., she tried hard to think of something, anything she could do to harm the Slayer, but nothing came to her mind and at last she huffed, Well, just don’t speak of them again, you overgrown arsefaced lobster, she concluded, tuning off its voice as she opened the door to the shop.
Cromwell was stunned at seeing the scales, "Red Dragon scales? By the Soul Forger, lass, you’re a constant source of delightful surprises! Do you want me to make armour out of these too?". She nodded and passed him a piece of parchment, "Yes, one of them is for me and here are the measures for the second one".
The Dwarf read the parchment and scratched his head, puzzled, "Are you sure they are right, lass? If you still travel with the same companions, this armour will be too big even for the guy with the hamster. Maybe there’s a mistake somewhere...". Meg pressed her lips in a thin line and her eyes flashed golden for the briefest of moments, "Those measures are absolutely perfect!", she snapped angrily, "Can you make the armour or not?".
He blinked, surprised at her reaction, "Well, sure I can. I was merely asking, no need to get upset, I didn’t mean to offend. The price is still the same as the last time, five thousand gold coins each and since there’s two of them to make, you’ll have to help me and my assistant with the making".
"Good. One more thing", the young woman took an Emerald and an Amber out of her left pocket, "I want you to encase the Amber in the breastplate of the smaller one and the Emerald in that of the larger one, right in the centre of it. Can you?". "Sure, no problem about that". "Let’s get to work, then".
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The other party members were meanwhile leaving the Adventurer’s Mart, happy and satisfied with their last purchases: they all had enchanted boots which protected from electricity, fire and cold; Anomen wore the Gloves of Dexterity; Edwin kept on admiring his new Robe of Vecna; the Sensate Amulet glittered around Aerie’s neck;
Jaheira looked regal in her Vhailor’s Helm and Plate of Balduran; Minsc carried the Shield of Balduran in his pack and they had also bought an extra pair of enchanted boots, the Belt of Fire Giant Strenght and the Aeger’s Hide armour for Imoen, even asking Ribald to enchant the leather to change its colour into a bright pink.
A messenger of the Order approached them, his eyes turning to the squire, "Excuse me, sir, are you squire Anomen Delryn?". The Helmite nodded, "Yes, I am he, why?". "Sir Ryan sent me to tell you that the time for your Test has come, sir". He felt his heart leap in his throat, "It’s time...Really?". "Yes, sir. Sir Ryan said that you must come to the Order headquarters before sunset". "Tell him I’ll come as soon as I can, I...There’s something I must do first". "Okay", the boy shrugged and left to deliver the message.
Anomen turned to his companions, "Sorry, you can’t come with me to the headquarters, but I’ll see you later, at the Coronet", he quickly said, then he nearly ran away, to the Docks, where he knew he would find Meg. He didn’t know whether he was worthy of passing his Test, he didn’t know what he would do if he failed it, but one thing he knew with absolute certainty: whatever happened, he wanted to have her by his side as he faced the Judgement.
He met her as she was leaving Cromwell’s shop, her face was still a bit red after so much time spent in the oppressive heat of the forge, "Meg!", he called, nearly breathless after his run. The Ilmatari smiled at seeing him approaching, "Ah, Anomen, what’s up?". "It’s time, Meg: I must submit myself to Torm’s Judgement".
"Your Test for knighthood, right? Let’s go, then", she hesitated, "That is, if you don’t mind me coming along...". "Not at all, that’s why I came looking for you", he admitted, then blushed, "Uh, I mean, I would be honoured to have you with me as I face my Test". "I’d love to. Shall we?". "With pleasure, my lady", he offered her his arm and she gladly took it.
When they reached the Order headquarters, Anomen was immediately sent to the crowded Great Hall to kneel before the Prelate, who stood with the statue of Torm right behind himself, while Margaret Dawn found herself a quiet corner from where she could see and hear everything without disturbing the ceremony.
Prelate Wessalen’s voice resounded in the silent Hall, "Anomen Delryn, son of Cor and Moirala, are you here before me to serve Justice? Are you here in front of me to serve everything that is right?". The Helmite nodded, "Prelate, here I am. I offer my life in the service of Justice and righteousness", he said, his voice trembling slightly with emotion.
"Anomen Delryn, are you ready to face Torm’s Judgement? Your actions and those of the people you travel with are to be judged today". "Prelate, I am ready. I place openly before you my past and my actions". Wessalen nodded, "May the spirit of Torm fill this Hall! May the judgement be clear. Welcome to this Hall, squire Anomen.
Before we proceed, is there anything you want to say?". "I...", the young man cleared his throat, his mouth was suddenly dry, while his palms were unusually sweaty, "I only want to say that I have been dreaming of this moment for all my life and becoming a knight is the fulfilment of that dream".
All of a sudden, a “presence”, both kind and stern, filled the room: the spirit of the Loyal Fury Himself, evaluating the hopeful squire. It seemed to turn its attention to the left side of the room for a brief instant, right where a certain Bhaalspawn was assisting at the ceremony, but it quickly turned back to its scrutiny and after a long moment, it disappeared, leaving behind a sense of approval in the young man.
The Prelate smiled, "Anomen Delryn, you have been found worthy. I hereby declare you sir Anomen, knight of the Order. Rise and speak your oath". Anomen rose slowly, his legs shaking a bit and his lips curved in a joyful smile, "Before all of these witnesses, I swear to be faithful to the Order as long as I live. I offer my last breath to the service of Goodness. I swear that I will never falter under Helm’s banner".
"Go then, sir Anomern and serve the cause of Goodness. You will serve under the command of sir Ryan Trawl". He bowed and while the knights left the Hall to go back to their duties, he walked to his leader, "My lady, now I must speak with sir Ryan. It won’t take long, but...". The Painbearer smiled warmly, "I understand, don’t worry. I’ll wait for you at the entrance", she reassured him, then left the headquarters and leaned her back on the outer wall right beside the door, humming quietly to herself as she waited for him.
After nearly half an hour, Anomen joined her and his face was the very picture of happiness, "It’s truly a glorious day! I have spoken to sir Ryan: he said that the Order wants me to be the commander of an expedition in the South, I will be at the head of a battalion of knights!", he said, his voice full of enthusiasm and excitement, "And they are also considering assigning me a squire to train! This and I will have my personal quarters into the Order building!
I can hardly believe this, you know? My dream has finally come true...And it’s also thanks to you, Meg". She shook her head, "I have no merit in this victory of yours, Anomen...No, sir Anomen now: you were already working hard to prove yourself to the Order before we even met". "Yes, but my doubts, my anger and my fears were pushing me towards the darkness, I can see it now and without your support, I don’t know if I would have had enough strength to stay true to my path.
Sir Ryan said that I am allowed to keep on travelling with you for as long as you have need of me and I am very grateful for the chance to remain at your side. You...", he hesitantly took her hands in his, "You are like the Moon, Meg, a pure white light that shines brightly even through the deepest darkness and I don’t want to be without this light ever again".
She felt her breath catch in her throat as she lost herself in his deep grey-blue eyes, "Anomen, I...", her words were cut off by a loud thunder and right after that, a heavy rain started to fall. "I suggest we go back to the inn, my lady, lest you catch a cold", he said with a smile. "Let’s go then, my lord", she smiled back and they ran back to the Slums side by side.
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Anomen’s knighthood was celebrated by his companions with a nice party, including a big cream and chocolate cake made by the best baker in Athkatla and a copious amount of wine, or honeyed milk in his and Margaret Dawn’s case. The two of them were the only part members not to drink alcohol, even if for different reasons: for her, it was because of a vow made to Ilmater when she was seven; for him, it was because of the sheer terror at the prospect of becoming like his father.
After three hours of celebrating, nearly all of the adventurers decided to retire, but Edwin refused to leave the table and insisted he had to talk to the Ilmatari in private, so the young knight left to help Minsc and Yoshimo to their rooms.
As soon as they were alone, she asked, "So, what’s up?". The Red Wizard sat right next to her, "Look, your knight was right: I was hiding something from you. But don’t get mad at me". "I could never get mad at you, Edwin". "Promise?". "Promise. Now out with it".
"Do you remember when we first met?". "Sure, you were waiting next to the southern bridge in Naskel". "And I told you I had been ordered to keep the Rashemi witch under suvva...Surrev...", he slurred, "(Stupid long word!) To keep an eye on the witch". "I remember. Since you didn’t mean her harm, I allowed you to join us, despite Minsc’s misgivings about your presence".
"Well, it was a lie: I had to keep an eye on you, not on her", he admitted and withdrew as if fearing an incoming blow. The young woman blinked, surprised, "So you...You knew. Even before we met, you knew about my blood". Edwin nodded, lowering his eyes in shame, "Yes, I knew. And I was supposed to convince you to swear alla...Aggi...Loyalty to Thay in whatever way was necessary, or to kill you to make sure you wouldn’t help Rashemen". "But you didn’t...Sweet Ilmater, that’s why they’re hunting you!".
He made a helpless gesture, "I couldn’t harm you! You were always happy to listen to me, you wanted to learn from me, you helped me whenever I needed it and you were nice to me, even defending me when those mean simians asked you to kick me out of the party! You made me feel welcome, you...You were my friend.
So I left and sent the other Red Wizards on a false lead. But now they are very, very angry and disappointed with me and surely so is my teacher", he shot her an uncertain look, "Are you mad at me too?". "Oh, Edwin...", she smiled fondly and hugged him, kissing his cheek, "No, of course I’m not. You’re my best friend and I love you, you know it, right?".
"Yes, I know (But it’s good to hear it)". "Look, it’s late and you’re drunk as a fish, so I suggest for you to go to sleep, okay? And don’t worry about the Red Wizards and your teacher: we’ll find a way to make it all right, I promise". "Okay. Thank you, Meg". "You’re welcome.
Now come, I’ll help you to your room", Meg led him upstairs, where she put him to bed without bothering to undress him, only taking his boots off before tucking him under the blankets, "Sleep well, my friend". The only answer she got was a soft snoring, so she closed the door with a chuckle and went downstairs.
When she reached the common room, though, she found herself alone and bored and without thinking, she went to knock on the door to Anomen’s room. The young man smiled at seeing her, "Ah, my lady, what can I do for you?". "Well...", the Ilmatari hesitated, suddenly feeling very, very, very stupid for knocking on his door without even knowing why, "I...I was wondering if...If you may be interested in a game of chess", she finally said, Ugh, this must be the most ridiculous excuse ever!, she thought.
Thankfully, he didn’t notice her embarrassment and nodded, "I would love to: it’s one of my favourite games", he said and she beamed. "Great! I’ve always loved that game too, Sarry and I used to play it whenever he came at Candlekeep, you know? Come, I can’t wait to begin!", she eagerly took his hand and led him downstairs.
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Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino: real name Raffaello Santi (born in Urbino in March 28 or April 6, 1483 – died in Rome in April 6, 1520), he was an Italian painter and architect of the High Renaissance. Together with Michelangelo Buonarroti and Leonardo da Vinci, he forms the traditional trinity of great masters of that period. His most famous works are the frescoes in four rooms of the Palazzo Vaticano in Rome (the rooms are called “Stanza della Segnatura”, “Stanza di Eliodoro”, “Stanza dell’Incendio di Borgo” and “Stanza di Costantino”), painted between 1508 and 1517 and the paint “Trasfigurazione”, painted between 1518 and 1520.
Michelangelo Buonarroti: full name Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni (born in Caprese in 6 March 1475 – died in Rome in 18 February 1564), he was an Italian sculptor, painter, architect and poet of the High Renaissance. Considered to be the greatest living artist during his lifetime, he has since been described as one of the greatest artists of all times. His most famous works are the sculptures “Pietà” (Pity, created between 1498 and 1499 and housed in the Basilica di San Pietro in Vaticano), “David” (created between 1501 and 1504, housed in the Galleria dell'Accademia in Florence) and “Mosè” (Moses, created in 1515, housed in San Pietro in Vincoli, in Rome) and the frescoes of the Cappella Sistina (in Rome), painted between 1508 and 1512.
