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Episode 4. The Cousins


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#1 Guest_Domi_*

Posted 18 May 2003 - 01:54 AM

Episode 4. The Cousins

House Gallant? I know none about it…
Jarlaxle Baenre (personal communication)


Jarlaxle was the only living being who can make himself comfortable in Zaknafein’s room. He sat at ease on a narrow stone bench, which served as Zaknafein’s bed, and watched Zaknafein going thru his belongings. The fighter was nervous.

-Do not double-guess, Zak. – Jarlaxle’s voice was suddenly warm.
-I am not. It bothers me though that House Gallant sponsors me into the Academy. This female was not Gallant. I sensed more power in her than whole House Gallant can offer.-

-If she is of such a high standing and it was indeed her, who is behind your promotion from street fighter to a student of Academy, it’s only natural that she is acting thru a middlemen.- Jarlaxle tried to give Zaknafein a piece of information just big enough to calm him, but not sufficient to reveal Malice’s designs.

-House Gallant has a powerful ally we do not know about? Possible. I shall look into that.- Zaknafein finally pulled tight the strings of his bag and was ready to leave the catacombs.

–Jarlaxle, fare thee well… what’s that?- Jarlaxle produced a long package from somewhere and casually tossed it to Zaknafein. –You will need something better than your sorry blade to get thru Academy alive…- started Jarlaxle, but he did not finish his thought, for his companion was not listening. With trembling fingers, Zaknafein unwrapped an oily rug and stood for a moment in reverent silence. Two mithril blades were flowing from the adamantine hilts adorned with single dark-blue gem each. Simplicity of the décor did not deceive Zaknafein for a second. He slowly lifted one of the swords. As his palm closed around the hilt, he felt the strength of the enchantment flowing from the sword and few thrusts convinced him in an unbelievable balance of the weapon. It was perfection. Only one smith in the whole of Underdark was capable of producing this pair - Sorncor of Chez Nazad. Zaknafein turned to Jarlaxle.
–Where these are coming from? – Jarlaxle shifted, gave a cautious look around and finally said: “Consider it a gift from House Baerne.”

Zaknafein nodded, applauding in his thoughts to Jarlaxle’s impeccable performance. Well, almost impeccable. The swords would certainly befit treasury of House Baerne, and Jarlaxle was known to “borrow” stuff from time to time from his relatives. However, Zaknafein doubted that the First House would have swords custom made to match his old pair. Whoever that female was, she was out to buy him and she was not sparing expense. Sorncor of Chez Nazad was never a cheap one, and in the past couple of centuries, he was taking orders rarely, charging astronomical prices. Zaknafein sighed and flashed a disarming smile at Jarlaxle:
- Well, give my thanks to your dear mother…- with that Zaknafein of House Gallant left the catacombs. Jarlaxle sat for a moment wondering how Zaknafein was so blind. House Gallant had no known allies, but it had one ancient enemy. Moreover, the identity of that enemy was no secret. Rare case in Menzoberranzan where an ally is a secret foe.

********************************************************

Matron Darryfae Gallant was furious that she missed her chance to prove herself the only one having a birthright to call herself a Matron of House N'a'shezbaernon. She was already dreaming about taking over Do’Urden’s, but puny weapon master died. Alverdeen Do’Urden came to sell Malice. Matron Gallant had no reason to doubt Alverdeen’s insecurities – with the speed males went thru Malice’s quarters the only surprising thing was that he did not come sooner – and she was delighted at his revelations. Alverdeen practically placed House Do’Urden in her palms.

But the fool have not known that Malice placed a curse on him. Alverdeen, the priceless witness, who could prove Malice’s non-noble background had collapsed and died at the very foot of Matron Darryfae Gallant. She had summoned every priestess of her household and they spend long wasteful hours trying to bring Alverdeen back to life. No chance. Malice, blasted Malice Do’Urden had been too strong for Darryfae to compete with. Her magic also blocked contact with Alverdeen’s spirit. Now Darryfae had information but was deprived of possibility to use it. Exhausted and enraged she still lay in the House Gallants home temple, but her calls to Lloth grew almost inaudible. Her eldest daughter stick her head inside, scared to face Matron, but bearing news, which she had to deliver.

Malice herself came calling. It was the first case in history that a Do’Urden stepped thru House Gallant’s doors unharmed. Matron Darryfae slowly raised and walked towards the exit. She used what strength was left to keep up appearance of a powerful female. Hatred of Matron Malice somewhat revitalized Darryfae and reassured her. She paused for a split second to kick Alverdeen’s body and ordered her daughter to get rid of it.
Matrons Gallant and Do’Urden had never been so close to each other before. Darryfae looked her opponent over. Malice could have been a model for a statue of Lloth herself. The beauty, grace and youth of Matron Do’Urden gave a new edge to the older Matron’s displeasure.

-My humble house is honored by your visit my…- she paused and then finally continued venomously: -cousin…- Malice face stayed serene. She might have been young, but no novice to this game. Actually, she was winning already, since Gallant just told her all she needed to know. Alverdeen served his purpose just fine. Jarlaxle made a fine work planting the idea to desert Do’Urden’s for Gallant in his mind. Everything was well. Malice smiled and replied with matching venom, but showing an appropriate degree of fear, as if she believed that Gallant had a weapon against her:

-My dear cousin, it grieves me also that limitations of station does not permit closer friendship between sister houses like ours.- she paused, letting Darryfae to absorb the shocking statement. – I am here to personally ensure you that House Do’Urden is ready to forget the old misunderstandings… As a sign of good will I return Danor N'a'shezbaernon’s insignia to her successors.- Malice made a sign and one of her escort put forward a small chest. Malice threw the cover open and displayed the powerful relic. It was Darryfae’s turn now. The wicked Matron wanted nothing from Malice but her station, nevertheless the relic hold an irresistible appeal to Matron of House Gallant. House Gallant was aiming higher than it means and all of Menzoberranzan knew that Gallant were on the verge of bankruptcy. Many sacred items rescued by Ad’delveig had changed hands to feed the progress of House Gallant in the city’s hierarchy.

Besides, promises are made to be broken. Darryfae did not believe for a moment that Malice wanted an alliance. She was just trying to buy her silence. Without a witness, Darryfae could not legitimately topple Malice, but she could let rumors out, harming Malice’s support within Do’Urden and may be inspiring Phedra to some actions against Malice. Darryfae saw clearly, that Malice wanted to avoid it. Menzoberranzan only pretended to forget that she ascended to Matron’s position over the older Do’Urden’s daughter. Darryfae weighted minor taunts against Malice versus blackmailing her. The latest was a profitable option. Darryfae accepted the chest from Malice and to the onlookers it seemed that Malice was in her servitude.

–Your words ring true to me. The old bitterness between Gallant and Do’Urden shall be forgotten, my cousin. – With that, the audience was over. Almost over. Malice’s escort started for the exit, but Malice delayed by Darryfae’s side.

- I was wondering if you’d do me a token favor…nothing important really.- she looked to Matron Gallant expectantly. – I have heard that House Gallant occasionally recruit in catacombs…- Matron Gallant frowned, for she hoped that was not public yet. –There is a pit fighter, Zaknafein by name, whom I ‘d want to see thru Academy, but I would prefer him not to be sponsored by Do’Urdens…-

“Malice wants a spy in House Gallant to make sure that Darryfae would not go against their deal”, Darryfae mused. Do’Urden’s are difficult to plant in House Gallant, while a nameless thug would be perfect for this purpose. Still, Matron Gallant felt insulted. Malice implied, that Do’Urdens were above taking interest in catacomb’s talents, but Gallant’s lowly station did not prohibit this association.

-Of cause, I know that it takes considerable expense to sponsor a fighter in the Academy, - continued Malice quickly sweetening her offer, -I will provide sufficient funding…-

-It is a matter I should consider carefully, Malice. I would tell you of my decision later.- Darryfae replied. Malice did not insist. She knew that Darryfae would not resist the temptation to refill her coffers at Malice’s expense and that there was nothing special about Zaknafein to alert her. His fighting prowess was not yet compared against the Menzoberranzan’s best and he would be described to Gallant as a destitute gladiator handsome enough to attract Malice’s attention. It was as good as settled: Zaknafein was to go to the Academy thru the patronage of House Gallant.




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