Children of Bhaal
Children of Bhaal - Part 6
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Fifth
Interlude: A son of Bhaal, a daughter of Bhaal, a monk, Jaheira and someone
else
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>We had been in Candlekeep for months now,
looking through ancient books without end, but also without success. Jaheira
had stayed with us, wanting to keep an eye on us, and Arkul Sazz
fascinated by the subject of this Power.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>One day I was standing in front of a bookshelf,
reading another ancient book and it already seemed that it wouldn’t be much
use, when suddenly the “real” figure of Lilacor appe
there, I just saw him. In reality Lilacor was probably somewhere in Rashemen
together and Minsc and Aerie.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“You
something.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Suddenly d
saw a small, unborn child floating in mid-air. I looked closer at it and
somehow I was able to feel it.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“It’s a girl…” I said.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Yeah, but there’s more to it” Lilacor replied.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Again I reached for it with my senses and felt
it. And then I realized it.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Now wait, it can’t be…”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“But it is, D
plan ahead.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“So Im is pregnant and she didn’t tell me.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“She wants to tell you and she will soon. But
now you must look ahead and se
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>This was something I hadn’t planned, something
I hadn’t seen. I didn’t like things, which I couldn’t see ahead. This would
change everything. So I dived into the streams of time, possibilities and
probabilities, looking at different futures and se
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I saw futures where Im was training our
daughter thieving skills and our daughter surprised me by sneaking behind me.
When I saw this I smiled. I saw our daughter grow and become adult, while Im
grew old. Our daughter m
lands, losing contact with me and Im. And then Im died and I buried her,
leaving me behind for eternity.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“No, that will not happen!” I screamed, pushing
away that future.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“You must choose, I can’t help you” Lilacor
said and vanished.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>The room changed back to normal and I saw Im
standing next to me and looking into my eyes.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Is somethin’ wrong,
D
voice.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“No, it’s all right, just another of those
visions” I replied.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>She sighed and took my hand.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“There’s somethin’ I
must tell ya. Somethin’
wonderful, D
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
for her?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Astonished she looked at me.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“How did ya know?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Shrugging my shoulders I replied: “I saw it.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Then I embraced her closely and kissed her
gently.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I’m happy, Im, it’ll be wonderful, having a
child and all.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>She smiled and replied: “I wanna
name her ‘Ceinwyn’.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“That means ‘st
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“How d’ya
know that?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“It’s a name from the language my clan speaks,
you know.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Remember that we once talked about that? How
we would raise our child?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Oh, yes, I do… I’m gonna
teach ‘er t’ be a thief an’ mage, D
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“And I am going to show her my laboratory, my
inventions, the wonders of technology… But do you think she will inherit my…
abilities?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Hm, h
inherit ‘em, who knows… But It’ll be great nevertheless”
she said, smiling happily.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>She grabbed the book she had just read before
and handed it over to me.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Read that, I think it’ll interest
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I looked at the passage she had pointed out to
me and it read: “The child of Bhaal, who became a god, will come to seek for
power, driven by the greatest force of the multiverse. He will se
gu
will find, no one can tell.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>It was Alaundo the Wise who had written those
words down. The whole thing was a riddle. How could someone gu
dead? Of course with his body! We had to se
what we came looking for. I didn’t pay much heed to the cryptic message about
not knowing what I would find.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I showed the passage to Jaheira and Arkul and
they both agreed on my solution.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“We need to enter the catacombs once again”
Jaheira rem
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I remembered we had once already traveled
through the catacombs when we had tried to escape from Candlekeep after we had
killed the leaders of the Iron Throne.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Jaheira led the way down to the catacombs; we
lighted some torches and entered them. Rows of tombs we passed halls and
corridors for the dead. I began to remember the way as we went on and so we
finally reached the tomb of Alaundo, deep down in the catacombs.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>It was a huge block of stone and the figure of
Alaundo was c
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Now, where is your secret, old man?” I asked
and stepped to the tomb.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Slowly I looked at everything, but without
success.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Can’t you reveal your secret, Alaundo? I need
to find the Power! I am the son of Bhaal, who became a god and I am here!
Reveal your secret!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>And suddenly, as if I had spoken a spell, the
wall behind the tomb slid away and revealed a new corridor.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“My god, he must have put a spell on it that
would recognize your voice…” Arkul whispered.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Following the corridor we finally we came to a
hall, where locked gates blocked our way.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Suddenly a deep voice, seeming to come from all
D
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“You have consciousness? We thought you were a
mere power, without any consciousness!” Jaheira exclaimed.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Oh, I just wanted to appe
plan. But the next phase is at hand. So, tell me, D
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I want immortality for Imoen. And I guess you
know this already.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Yes, I know. But I wanted to he
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>There was silence for some time, but then the
voice continued: “I guess you two must have already thought that someone
created you and bound you together for a purpose. Your guess was right, for I
was who did this.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Ya did it?
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Because the multiverse must evolve and you
will be my tools to do so.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Again there was silence, until the voice continued:
“Your cause is noble, but it would have been better if you never came here. I
cannot fulfill your wish, D
power may not be used for such a purpose.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I will do whatever I can to make Im immortal!”
I shouted determined.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Yes, I know, the love between you is
extraordin
stop for everything to reach your goal, I can feel it. Therefore you leave me
no other choice than to remove what gives you determination. Imoen will cease
to exist.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Im opened her mouth, her face grew pale and she
turned to me.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“D
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>She tried to reach for my hand, but suddenly
vanished, as if she never had existed.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I just st
been standing before, not believing what I saw. I fell on my knees, still st
been Imoen, still not believing it.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“No, no, no, no…” I whispered and fell on my
face, sobbing.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>The world began to fade before my eyes, I he
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>In the d
me. But she didn’t look real, she looked somewhat ethereal. Slowly she bent
down and took my hand, helping me up. I embraced her, pressed her against my
body and kissed her, never wanting to let her go again.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I want to stay here; I can’t lose you, Im…” I
whispered.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“D
nothing I could do… Ah, it’s no use tellin’
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Te
can’t let you go, I can’t continue on without you. But I must, because I am
immortal! I want to die, Im…”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I’ll be with ya,
‘ave t’ let go.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“No, I won’t! I’ll find a way to bring you
back, Im, I promise you that!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Don’t go down that path, D
can see it.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>And with that I awoke again in the hall.
Jaheira and Arkul looked at me, their faces showing their shock.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“By the gods, D
Jaheira whispered.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I felt her absence, something was missing and
the bondage was gone. Our souls and spirits, tied together by an invisible
rope, had been ripped ap
in my he
back. I wouldn’t c
would live together for all eternity as god and goddess. And then I would get
my revenge at the Power.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>My hate grew and grew and I let it happen, I no
longer had the power to resist it anymore. Im had given me strength to hold
back the evil, but she was gone and now and I was left alone with my inner
demons.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Suddenly it burst out,
I howled in agony, hate and anger and began to change into the slayer-beast.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I will destroy them all, I will be the only
one left and I will rule them all! No one will stand before my power! I will
have all the power in the multiverse and then I will bring her back! No one
will stop me and anyone who tries will die!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Arkul and Jaheira stumbled to their feet, st
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“By the gods, what is happening, D
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Something was different than before. I was in
control of myself, not under the control of the beast. And I realized that I
could use the energy of my hate to achieve anything, to even vanquish the gods
themselves.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Behold, for I am here to show you a new way, a
golden way to a glorious future! The gods
technology will conquer the world and then the multiverse itself! Look upon me,
for I am the only true god, the rest of them
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Arkul st
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Is this your divine form?” he asked, almost
whispering.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I can take on this form, if it suits me. This
is the expression of my divine and just wrath, with which I will vanquish all
the infidels. Follow me and your rew
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>He fell to his knees, bowing deep.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I submit to you, my Lord and God!” he cried.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Then rise, my prophet and messenger! Bring my
words to the people, teach them the true way!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I will do as you command, my Lord and God!
What shall be done?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Let us leave this place and the fools in it.
But for this I will have to take on my disguise again.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>And with this I changed back into my human
form.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Jaheira stepped in front of me, clutching her
staff tightly.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Stop this madness, D
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I gl
grabbed her at the throat, while changing back into the slaver-form.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“You
die! Watch, Arkul, for thus shall the unfaithful be punished!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Jaheira tried to struggle from my grip, but in
my slayer-form I was f
them.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“The New Era has begun and all who stand in our
way shall be destroyed. This is a Holy W
and le
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>And that is how the change began, which
eventually would engulf the whole multiverse.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='font-size:26.0pt;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='font-size:26.0pt;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
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style='font-size:26.0pt;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='font-size:26.0pt;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='font-size:26.0pt;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='font-size:26.0pt;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='font-size:26.0pt;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='font-size:26.0pt;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='font-size:26.0pt;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='font-size:26.0pt;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='font-size:26.0pt;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='font-size:26.0pt;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>P
Imoen:
Connected
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>On the surface, we were greeted by elves, which
were just battling against the Drow. Irenicus had succeeded in his plans at
least p
had vanished and he had entered it. We were questioned by General Sovalidas and
then by Lord Elhan, until he was finally content and believed that we were
indeed enemies of Irenicus. In order to enter the city again, Elhan needed the
so called Rynn Lathorne, a magical
had stolen it. We agreed to bring the Rynn Lathorne back. Finally I would be
able to kill that bitch and get my soul back! And then we would go after
Irenicus, returning D
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>After all that d
open, under the sun and moon. It was a nice spot, a quiet, peaceful forest, a
small lake next to us. So I suggested that we camped
her and rested for a while, which all agreed to.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Long I had wanted to tell D
which I wanted to sh
back in Baldur’s Gate, but never had summoned enough courage to do so. But now,
after all we had gone through, I knew that I could do it.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>D
guit
Minsc asked me, what it was. So I explained it to them. D
that I had a musical talent. It was a joy to watch his surprised face and I
smiled at him, feeling happy. I couldn’t really recall when I had felt that
last time.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I began to play for them and they listened,
totally captured by my music. E
front of people, but somehow it had vanished, together with my older self. This
new Imoen had inner strength and courage unknown to me until then. I was
surprised by myself.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>They all praised my talent, what of course
increased my happiness. I guess my eyes shone from pride and joy that night.
But I still had a surprise left for them…
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I began to sing and that totally stunned them.
D
would have thought. He was a good singer himself, with a beautiful bass. But it
almost seemed now that he was even more impressed by my soprano.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Silence followed my performance, nobody wanted
to break the spell, which had all enchanted them. I finally took D
should sing together. He suggested a ballad, the song of Wulfg
one of his favorites.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>It was indeed a beautiful song, also a very
difficult one. Together with Keldorn, who sung tenor, we managed it and were
surprised by how well it all went. Even the elves came listening to us.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>After our astonishing performance, we sat down
this and that, nothing serious. For a while it seemed as if our worries had
gone. But I and D
connection. He seemed to be happy now, which also filled my he
still hadn’t reclaimed our souls.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I fell asleep, but cannot recall, when. At
sunrise I awoke again, yawned and stretched, then got up and walked tow
looked
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Suddenly this idea occurred to me, to give him
a good wake with a little lake water. Smiling mischievously, I took a bucket,
went to the lake and filled it. Then I sneaked back, looked for a second at D
whole water over him.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>He jumped up and looked
trembling all over from the cold water. It was just hil
at him standing there, trembling and looking confused.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>He seemed to be a little grumpy and asked me:
“Now why did you do that?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I was still laughing and replied: “T’ cle
in the mornin’.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>He looked at me, disappointment and a little
angry and said: “That wasn’t very nice of you, you know?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Couldn’t he just understand that it was fun? I
stepped closer to him, but he didn’t change his face, still looking a little
sad.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I never would have thought that you would do
such a thing to me, Im.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>He really took the whole thing a little bit too
serious! But hell, not everybody got the same sense of humor. So I apologized
to him.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>But then he laughed and his whole face changed,
his eyes glittering jokingly and he grabbed my hand.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
angry at you because of a little mischief?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Hah, he had only acted! I felt relieved and
laughed also, withdrawing my hand. Suddenly I had the odd urge to play a little
with him, to have some fun and happiness, as we had done back in Candlekeep.
The child in me seemed to surface again.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Ya never catch me,
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>He changed his voice into a faked, angry tone
and replied: “Now you’re going to get it!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>This made me even more laugh and I countered:
“But first ya’ve gotta get
me!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>And then I turned and ran, he behind me, trying
to catch me. I knew exactly that he was the better runner and if I kept a
straight line, he would certainly get me. There was only one choice: into the
woods and then confuse him with quick turns and changes of directions.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I he
get you in the end!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Laughing, I replied: “In y
clumsy ol’ be
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>The next comment of his was just hil
even more: “Be
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>It was an old joke of mine; I had often called
him “Wolf”, because of his “fur” and his “wolfish grin”. Of course, back then
in Candlekeep I hadn’t known that his mother indeed was a werewolf.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I ran on and while running, glanced quickly
back. Bad idea, for I stumbled over a root. He quickly caught up and grabbed my
from his grip and with one forceful pull backw
managed to stumble over another root, trip over and drag D
on my back and D
couldn’t stop laughing and giggling, not in a long time I had had so much fun.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Suddenly I noticed that he was completely
silent and just looking at me, somewhat sadly, but at the same time happily. It
was strange and when I stopped laughing and st
reminded me of the third dream I had had. But this here was real, not just a
dream; I couldn’t just tell myself that this was all just imagination or the
result of too much torture. I knew that we were connected, I felt this
connection and somehow I felt that it would only become complete, if we were
fully connected. Right now we were just spirit and soul, but also our bodies needed
to be united in order to truly be one.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Slowly D
closer, until I felt his w
his eyes, almost sinking into them. And then his lips touched mine, w
my mouth. For a moment I shivered and in me the longing awoke, a deep wanting.
I closed my eyes and just felt him, as he kissed me passionately, as I let go
of all my worries and useless denials, for I knew that I wanted this, I needed
this and all my clumsy attempts to hide this fact were now breaking away,
vanishing.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>We began to kiss each other all over the face,
my he
my breath and I began to feel w
cold, as shivers went down my back and everything but my desire vanished into
nothingness, everything but him was now gone.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>But then, suddenly something interrupted
everything, exploding in my head: No, this was wrong, we couldn’t do that, we
couldn’t go down that path, I needed to stop this, before it was too late,
before I couldn’t stop myself anymore, before I forgot everything completely! I
was afraid, worried, I was unsure; in my mind I had those horrible pictures,
where they burned us on a pyre and yelled “incest” and many other things at us.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>So I pushed D
his eyes.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Look… this isn’t right. We’re siblings,
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>He stroked my cheek gently, again his touch
sent shivers through my body. Oh, I wanted him, but I needed to focus, I
couldn’t let this happen. Focus, Imoen, get a grip!
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>But then he said: “I don’t c
accept.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Why did he say that, why did he leave the
decision to me, it was so unfair! I knew exactly that I my resistance was
useless and that I couldn’t fight, what I wanted, deep down in my he
right, let’s stop”? Perhaps he knew exactly that I hadn’t the strength to deny
him, because I didn’t want at all.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>So I struggled with myself, trying to tell
myself that we couldn’t do that. But more and more I realized that I had
already lost the battle long ago, the decision had been made and was now
irreversible. I simply had to let go of my worries, it was so easy, so easy to
simply let it happen. Still, there were worries, there was fe
worry about it.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I… I don’t c
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>What the hell was I trying to tell myself? I
guess I was trying to make myself believe that nothing would happen that all
was alright and we could just go on like that. Not really successfully right
now, so I simply blocked the worries out, at least for the moment.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>But he insisted on bringing them back, just
when I had convinced myself that there was nothing to worry about: “They will
accuse of incest, some will perhaps even try to kill us for it. Are you sure,
Im?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>So, it came down to make a real decision. If I
stepped onto this path now, there was no going back. Either I did step onto it
or not. And I knew that there was only one thing I wanted. I nodded firmly.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I don’t c
Look, I realized that what we ‘ave’s
meant t’ be t’gether,
whatever they say.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I tried to assure him that I meant it e
with all possible passion. He lowered me back on the grass, kissing me softly.
I began touching his shirt, I wanted it off, if I was going to do it, I wanted
to do it right now and get it over with, no hesitations anymore. He helped me
with the shirt and thus revealed the hair on his body, which had grown since I
had last seen him like that.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Touching it, I rem
always said it.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>He gave me right and kissed me again, while his
hands touched my breast, which h
touching my body and I trembled at the touch, my desire growing and growing, as
he pulled my shirt upw
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Finally, as he had taken it off, he st
stunning…”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>This made me smile and reply to him, kissing
him on the cheek, that he wasn’t so bad himself, if he would just stop looking
always so sinister. He then said to this that it was impossible to make a
sinister face
and again he kissed me, while he reached down with one hand and pulled of my
boots. I, on the other hand, was just trying to get his trousers open. After
some trying I managed to open his belt and strip them down. He tried the same
with me, while kissing my breasts, but didn’t manage so well, so I helped him
with them. After my experiences in Spellhold I had given up we
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>His hand moved down, over my b
thighs and then… My whole body seemed to tremble from delight and desire, I
wanted him right now! Never had I felt something as strong before, but at that
moment I hadn’t in mind to reflect upon my feelings, I just wanted to fulfill
them. I needed to fulfill them!
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Suddenly the memories appe
head. Pain, blood, sweat and grunts, something inside of me, hurting me,
without me being able to stop it. Again I trembled, but this time of fe
vanishing.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>D
at me and then kissed me softly.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“It won’t hurt, Im, it’ll be just fine, don’t
worry” he whispered into my e
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>The wave of cold passed, I nodded and then he
slowly pushed ap
not painfully. Again my desire awoke, this time slower and softer than before.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Ya never did this, I
know, but ya’re doin’
push all fe
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>He st
you know that I never…?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>You’d like to know that, wouldn’t you? But I
think I’ll keep some secrets for myself…
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>He began to push into me, but only slowly
first, while he bent down and again, kissing me passionately. I felt it come, I
felt my body getting w
trying to stop myself from a moan, which just had wanted to leave my lips. He
began to push faster and faster into me and I moved against him with my thighs,
pressing them against him in the same rhythm, without thinking about it, just
doing it.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>He put his hands into my hair, kissing my
throat and keeping on going. And then I just couldn’t stop myself any longer, a
soft moan exited my mouth and then more came, louder and louder. I stopped
thinking, I only felt and it felt wonderful. I felt him, I felt him as a whole,
as a p
of him and we became one being, everything connected and locked forever.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Finally everything seemed to explode inside of
me, a joy and exaltedness so great that it almost became unbe
uncontrolled spasms, as I screamed, but not from pain or fe
out of me, or else I would have really exploded, something of these feelings.
At least that is how it felt like.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>It was over and he lay on me, we both panted
heavily and sweated, our skins wet. He moved off from me and then put his
his. And like that we slept there on the grass and in the sunlight, the wind
blowing over us.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I awoke some time later, still feeling
wonderful and totally relaxed. But then my worries and fe
peacefully next to me, undisturbed. But my thoughts no longer were undisturbed.
If we’d continue like this, they would eventually find out and then… No, I
couldn’t let him come to h
what I needed to do, for both of us.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>So I stood up and put my clothes back on,
moving a little away of him and st
It was like this that he found him and I realized that he didn’t understand.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I… I can’t, D
and began walking away, te
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>And then I felt, how a determination began to
appe
actually was able to he
create a place, where our love could be safe and we could live together
undisturbed and in peace. How I longed for such a place, but I didn’t believe
that it was possible. And so I needed to walk away from him in order to save
him.
D
Back on the surface
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>The elves led us to a group of silvery tents,
where an elf with richly decorated
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“General Sovalidas, we bring before you some
humans and an elf we have found at the entrance to the Underd
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I will speak with them and determine, if their
intentions
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“As you command, General” the lieutenant said,
bowed and left us with Sovalidas.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“The inhabitants of the deep
wouldn’t hesitate to kill anyone and anything that ascends from the Underd
blades. Who is the leader of your group?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I stepped forw
the elven
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“My name is D
it you wish to know?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“What did you seek in the Underd
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“We
as if he has already escaped to the surface.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Jon Irenicus? You hunt him? From what I know
you could be his allies and only acting as if you were his enemies.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I sighed and asked: “Then how can we prove that
we speak the truth?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Sovalidas shook his head and answered: “There
is nothing I can do to determine this. Lord Elhan will have the means to do
so.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>He waved to one of the elven w
back with another elf, who wore an
emeralds on its hilt.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Lord Elhan, we have found these here in the
Underd
but I have not the means to determine whether they speak the truth or not.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“It is good that you sent for me, Sovalidas.
You may go, I will speak with them.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“As you command, Lord” Sovalidas answered and
left.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Lord Elhan now turned to us: “You claim to be
enemies of Jon Irenicus. Why
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I and Im looked at each other and we both
stepped forw
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“He’s stolen our souls, the bast
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“And we will reclaim them with whatever means
necess
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>A mage standing next to Elhan commented: “They
speak the truth, Lord.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I see. Cle
say. Now,
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“We
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Again the truth, my Lord” the mage said.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Look, can ya stop
us?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Elhan shook his head.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“However sorry I am for the loss of your soul,
woman, we do not trust humans lightly.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“This will lead us nowhere, Elhan” I commented.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Elhan thought for a while before he answered:
“Alright, I will try to trust you. Irenicus has entered our city and is
probably right now slaughtering its inhabitants. But there is nothing we can
do; somehow he has made the city invisible. We need the Rynn Lathorne; its
magic will reveal the city. But there is another problem: The Rynn Lathorne has
been stolen by an ally of Irenicus.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Bodhi” Im whispered.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
suggest this to you: Kill Bodhi and bring back the Rynn Lathorne and I will
believe you fully.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“That’s a’right with
me, I wanna kill that bitch anyway” Im replied.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I agree with these terms, Elhan” I added.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Excellent, then thus it shall be. You may camp
here, if you wish to rest. Bodhi has fled to the north, so I suggest you use
the pass of the sh
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>We left Elhan and went over to a lake ne
look at Keldorn’s wound. They put a short sword into a fire, used it to take
out the bolt and then closed the wound with magic. When they had finished, it
was already growing d
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Look, can we camp right here? It’s a nice
spot” Im suggested.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Yeah, alright” I replied and took out my
bedroll.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Hey, wait, not like that!” she exclaimed.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Puzzled I asked her: “What do you mean?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Well, I thought we could sit ‘round the fire
an’ talk a little, ya know, such thin’s.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Smiling, I replied: “Suits me alright, it’s
been a time since I actually sat
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>We sat
at our provisions. There was not much left, so we asked Elhan, who sent some
bread, meat and wine over to us.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>As we were eating and drinking, Im took
something out of her backpack. It looked like an instrument with strings on it,
but was f
she spoke an unknown spell, the instrument suddenly expanded and grew to a size
one could use.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“What’s that?” Minsc asked her.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“They call it ‘guit
Candlekeep, ya know.
teach me.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>That was new to me.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Hey, you never told me that!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Smiling, Im replied: “Well, I never came ‘round
t’ it. Wanted t’ tell ya in Baldur’s Gate, but then
we were caught by Irenicus…”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>She began to move her fingers over the strings
and as she pulled them lightly, they began to sound. Faster and faster she
played, playing a music that almost invited us to dance. Minsc and Aerie
actually did so, but we others just sat closely to Im and listened to the
beautiful music Im conjured out of this guit
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>When she had finished her piece, I commented:
“Im that was just… absolutely amazing!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>She laughed joyfully and explained: “Well,
didn’t believe I’d ‘ave it in me, eh? Winthrop an’
father didn’t think so too, first. I was a horrible student,
but every time I wanted t’ play in front o’ other people; I couldn’t bring out
a straight tune. But I kept on practicin’ an’ now I ‘
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Then she put her fingers onto the strings again
and played another piece, as beautiful as the one before. I just sat there and
watched her play, forgetting everything
magic itself.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>When she stopped she glanced
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Keldorn smiled w
thank you from the depths of my he
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Even Boo likes it and normally he isn’t the
one who appreciates music” Minsc commented.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
softly.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Yeah, he got it a’right,
sm
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Can you play another one, please?” Aerie
begged.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Yes, I would like to he
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I just looked at Im and smiled happily. It was
enough; she understood and showed it by smiling back at me, her eyes glittering
in the light of the fire.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“A’right, here it
comes…” she said.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>First she began to play and the melody itself
was already more beautiful than anything I had ever he
touched something deep in my he
struck me with awe. She had a beautiful, rich soprano, which even made the
elves turn
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Never before had I he
sung and before I had he
voice. My voice was a deep bass; I could fill a whole hall with my voice and
make a chatting crowd silent with a voice that sounded like it came out of the
depths of the e
light of the surface. My voice was wild and strong, but hers was soft and
gentle, like a spring breeze in a forest, making the trees whisper softly. But
it wasn’t weak at all; it c
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I never remembered the exact words of her song,
but I do remember that it was a story that touched my he
all was silent for a long time.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“By the gods, I never he
Keldorn exclaimed.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>The looks of us others said the same thing and
Im saw it and smiled happily at the appreciation.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Come, D
she said, stretching out her hand.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I took her hand and stood up.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“The song of Wulfg
I whispered.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>It was an ancient song of a male and a female
werewolf, who tried to live together in peace, but were always hunted by others
and so had to wander from place to place. Finally they settled down and managed
to hide their other nature, but the chieftain Adalbert
of the ne
thought that he could kill Wulfg
for himself, somehow hiding her other side from the other villagers. Together with
his w
to kill Wulfg
changed into a werewolf and attacked Adalbert.
she lay slain before him, she turned back into her human form; it was then that
Adalbert realized that he had killed the one he had
loved. Wulfg
swore to kill the villagers for what Adalbert had
done. The next night Wulfg
murdered the villagers in their sleep, the hate driving him.
to die for killing Wulflinde. But Wulfg
would let him live as the sole survivor of the village and that he wanted
that Wulfg
never seen again, but Adalbert took up his sword and
killed himself.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“We need another singer, a tenor” Im replied.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I know the song and I am tenor” Keldorn
replied.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Very well, then this should work” I commented.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>One needed three voices: a soprano, who
represented Wulflinde; a bass, who represented
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Using her guit
a sad and solemn tune, which changed into a fierce and sinister melody during
the fight and also the end. There wasn’t a fixed melody one had to play, the
player had to improvise and follow the voices of the singers, which made
playing that p
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I won’t write down the whole song, it would
fill pages to do so. Therefore I only mention that the whole elven
trio and at the end everything was perfectly still, as if they all were under a
spell.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>After a while the elves went away again and we
all sat
talk.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I will never forget this” Aerie finally
whispered.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>We all nodded. This night would stay with us
forever, it was cle
listened I realized that the subject of our quest never came up even once. I
felt that we all had cheered up a little and smiled.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Then I looked at Im and saw that we were the
only two who were silent. We looked into the other’s eyes and felt the
connection between us again. Although there was emptiness, where Im’s soul
should have been, I felt happiness in her he
long time and me either.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I must have dozed off, for the next thing I
felt was icy cold water all over my body. Immediately I got up, trembling all
over and saw Im standing next to me, a bucket in her hand and laughing as she
watched me, all my clothes soaked.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Now why did you do that?” I asked a little
grumpily.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“T’ cle
better than a little water in the mornin’” she
replied.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“That wasn’t very nice of you, you know?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“But… but I thought… It was just a bit o’ fun!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>She stepped closer and looked at me, while I
made an expression of hurt feelings and disappointment.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I never would have thought that you would do
such a thing to me, Im” I whispered sadly.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Now she stood right in front of me and looked
directly into my eyes.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I… I’m sorry, I didn’t mean t’ hurt
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Suddenly I laughed and grabbed her hand.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
angry at you because of a little mischief?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>She laughed also and quickly withdrew her hand.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Ya never catch me,
mockingly.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Now you’re going to get it!” I grumbled in a
faked angry voice.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“But first ya’ve
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
good when it came to running.
realized it and quickly dashed off sidew
before I could turn
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“You just wait, Im, I’ll get you in the end!” I
shouted at her.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Be
a wolf, not a be
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>For a moment she glanced back, didn’t look
where she was walking and stumbled over a root. It was all I needed, in a quick
sprint I caught up with her and grabbed her
grip, stepped backw
right on her.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Oh, d
laughing.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“What?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Not ya, the root,
stupid!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>She still giggled, but I grew silent and just
st
off her, so I watched how the sunlight made her red hair and her cheeks
glitter. Although I had known it somehow, I realized it now with cl
beautiful and I loved her. Not just her body, but everything about her and I
mourned for the loss of her soul like it was my own.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Finally she stopped giggling and all went
silent, there was only the wind in the trees. And as we looked into each
other’s eyes, I realized that she felt exactly what I felt. I bent down, closer
and closer to her face, and I felt as if I was sinking into her eyes as if they
were deep wells. Our lips touched and I felt her w
sweat on her skin, the odor of her hair. My fingers touched her hair, feeling
their softness and slowly I extended my tongue and met hers. As I pressed my
lips onto hers I felt that she wanted it and she responded. We were locked into
a passionate kiss for a long time, but it didn’t stop there, I moved over her
cheek, her eyebrows, her forehead, her throat.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Then she pushed me softly away and said
panting: “Look… this isn’t right. We’re siblings, D
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Gently I stroked her cheek and replied: “I
don’t c
accept.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Long she was silent, looking at me, her lips
trembling slightly. But then I saw determination coming into her eyes.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I… I don’t c
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“They will accuse of incest, some will perhaps
even try to kill us for it. Are you sure, Im?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>She nodded firmly.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I don’t c
I realized that what we ‘ave’s somethin’
special that no one else ‘as. We’re one an’ we’re meant t’ be
t’gether, whatever they say.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>She hugged me and kissed me again as if to show
me that she really meant it. Gently I lowered her back to the floor, while
still kissing her. She fingered at my shirt, trying to take it off, so I took
her hands, led them and we took it off together. Smiling she touched my skin
and moved over the hair on my body.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Like a wolf, I’ve always said it.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“You’re absolutely right, Im” I said and kissed
her onto her cheek.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>My hand moved down and touched her breasts
softly, then I moved it further down and began to lift
off her shirt, uncovering more of her slightly bronze skin, kissing it as I
took off the shirt.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Im, you’re absolutely stunning…” I whispered.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>She kissed me and replied: “Of course I am an’
if ya wouldn’t always make such a sinister face
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Oh, don’t worry about that,
sinister face.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>She touched my hair and I bent down and kissed
her again, inhaling her breath. With one hand I reached down and pulled off her
boots, while she was fumbling at my trousers, finally managing to open the belt
and stripping them down. I kissed her breasts while trying to open hers, which
proved quite difficult, so she helped me a little.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Slowly I touched her between her legs and felt
her tremble. It was then that I remembered that her only sexual experience had
been rape. I felt memories of pain from Im and so I gently kissed her.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“It won’t hurt, Im, it’ll be just fine, don’t
worry” I whispered.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>She nodded, still a little uncertain, though,
and I gently p
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Ya never did this, I
know, but ya’re doin’
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“What, how do you know that I never…?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I know more than ya
can guess” came her reply while she panted.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I began to push slowly and kissed her
passionately at the same time, while she began moving against me with her hips.
Then she grabbed my hands and pressed them h
faster. I felt totally exalted as we both found our rhythm, our breaths going
faster and faster.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>It was then that I felt it the first time: The
absolute oneness of us. We seemed to melt into each other not only on the
physical level, but also on the spiritual. And it felt absolutely extraordin
she began to moan, our spirits melted more and more and I felt as if I was Im
and she was me. There was no difference between us, we had always been one and
would always be. And as she screamed in total ecstasy, our spirits seemed to
explode in a bright light, making the connection complete and eternal. They
were now locked together, for the better or worse and would stay that way.
Somehow the sexual act had been the final step in uniting us completely, we
were now one flesh and one spirit (as a cleric would put it) and soon we would
be one soul also.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>We kept lying there, listening to the wind and
our breaths, feeling the w
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>When I awoke again, Im was standing next to a
tree, her clothes on again. I could feel that something was troubling her mind
and she seemed to feel that I didn’t understand. So I put my clothes on again
and stepped over to her. She turned
eyes.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I… I can’t, D
walked away.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I felt a deep confusion, anger at
what was wrong: She thought that we would be made outcasts or even killed if we
stayed together and she didn’t want any h
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>A determination grew inside of me: I would make
it possible that we could live together; somehow I would find a way that we
needn’t worry about such things anymore. And then nothing would stand between
us and our union, everything would be as it should have been from the beginning.
Imoen:
Prep
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>After this we traveled northw
we had two encounters. First we met a Githyanki, who tried to take away the
silver blade, but D
encounter was Drizzt, the famous Drow hero. He promised to help us fight Bodhi.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>During our journey, a thought was bothering me
more and more: What if I had gotten pregnant? I had never thought of that
before, but now it was beginning to worry me more and more.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I went over to Aerie, taking her aside a
little, so the others wouldn’t he
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Ehm, Aerie, there’s
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I st
reddening.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“It’s alright, Imoen, you can tell me, I won’t
tell anyone, if you wish.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Well, what if I told ya
that I’ve fallen in love with someone an’ that… Well, we slept with each other?
It’s just that… well, what if I’m pregnant now? I’m worried, Aerie, I really
am…”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>She took my hand and smiled at me.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“If it has happened, there is not much I can
do. But look, take this, if you ever… you know.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>She handed a bottle over to me and I looked at
it, not entirely sure.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“And this should work?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Yes, listen, I’ve got the recipe somewhere,
wait just a minute…”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>She looked through her backpack and finally
handed me a piece of paper.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Here, I think, you need it more than I do. And
good luck with your relationship.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Ehm, yes, thanks,
Aerie. But please, don’t tell anyone!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I won’t Imoen, I promise.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Atkatla proved to be quite a fascinating city.
I hadn’t seen much of it before, only Waukeen’s promenade and at that time I
hadn’t had the time to take a look
Atkatla was a city ruled by money. There were lots of different traders and one
could meet people from all possible places. And of course, also crime thrived
in such a place, what I soon found out. But first we went to the Order of the
Radiant He
the order also agreed to help us fight the vampires.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Finally we went down to the slums. I liked it
there; it was lively and full of noise, smells and colors, although there was a
lot of decay and stench also. And crime was omnipresent; I saw many thieves and
robbers lurking
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>D
Coronet and I immediately fell in love with it. The owner was a nice person, a
former gladiator called Hendak (D
slaves) and Bern
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Hendak talked to D
what it all had been about.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“It seems as if I haven’t destroyed the slavers
entirely. The heads of the organization
enough” he explained.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Right, I’m gonna
help ya with it, D
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>He smiled and commented: “Glad you agree with
me, Im. I guess the others will also help.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Then he went over to Bern
while, I couldn’t understand what exactly. Bern
backroom and returned with a book, but I couldn’t see, what it was.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>After that D
of Yoshimo. He handed the he
expression on his face. I also felt a sadness, remembering, how Yoshimo had
killed himself.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Finally we went down to the docks, an even more
interesting place than the slums. Hm, although I
couldn’t make much distinction, in my opinion, the docks were a p
the docks the reign of crime was even more obvious than in the slums, the
headqu
course also there.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>We immediately went to the he
personal room of Aran Linvail, who had helped D
seemed to be a not too bad a fellow, he was quite friendly and even
understanding, when I told him about losing my soul. He immediately agreed to
help us, probably also, because he wanted to destroy Bodhi once and for all,
since she was working against him. His daughter, this Mocilia, on the other
hand, seemed to be a totally different person. She had a cruel and power-hungry
look in her eyes, something very cold and at the same time full of hate.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I was just st
happened: A figure leaped from the shadows, murdered Linvail and disappe
Bodhi!
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Mocilia immediately began sending out her
thieves to find the assassin. She began reveal more and more of her true
nature, now I saw that she was very dominant and a strong leader, she was able
to hide her feelings and pursue a course. Still, coupled with her cruel and
cold nature, I didn’t want to imagine, what she was able to do.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I saw it soon enough, though. Her thieves
proved to be quite efficient and found the assassin. Mocilia told us then to
follow her, together with three of her thieves. She had
Shadow Master. It was cle
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>She led us to a house in the slums, where we
indeed found the assassin, who was just screwing with a whore, when we entered.
What followed… I don’t like to think about it,
especially since it brings back memories I am trying h
to say that Mocilia tortured and killed the assassin, while her thieves raped
the woman. It proved my e
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Mocilia told us that we should meet her later
on down in the catacombs; she went to prep
Coronet in order to sleep for some hours. But I couldn’t sleep for a long time,
memories resurfacing again. And when I finally slept, it was full of nightm
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>D
that something was wrong. But since I had decided to bring a halt to our
intimate relationship, I told him that it was nothing. I couldn’t encourage the
relationship, if I wanted to break it. And he feeling sorry for me and trying
to help me would certainly bring us closer again. I needed to focus on the
problems at hand, although deep inside I knew that I wanted to have him at my
side and help me. I just couldn’t get it out of my mind, how h
Bodhi and how I would kill that bitch and reclaim my soul.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Next morning Keldorn invited us to his home,
where I met his wife M
why. Perhaps she felt that something was wrong with me and that I felt pain
inside.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Is everything alright with you?” she asked me
in a kind voice.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“No, nothing’s right. I’ve got no soul,
today I’m gonna kill Bodhi an’ then I’ll have back,
what’s mine.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>The last words I had said in a grim
determination.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I… I didn’t know that. When Keldorn had been
here last time, he had told me that he had promised to D
course, I didn’t know that such a horrible thing had happened to you two. I
didn’t even know that such a thing was possible…”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I sat down onto a chair and st
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“It’s possible, believe me. I feel… hollow an’
I know that if I don’t get my soul back, I’m gonna
die eventually. The worst ‘bout the whole matter
he did t’ take it away. Ya know,
I can’t sleep without havin’ nightm
‘cause everythin’s
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I needed to focus, I needed to control myself,
I couldn’t make scene here! Somehow I was able to swallow the upcoming te
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>M
softly, without saying anything for a while.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“There’s a deep pain inside of you, I can see
that. If you don’t want to talk about it, you don’t have to. Some things
understand that. In time you will le
choose so, you can even use them for something good. Because you have
experienced pain and suffering, you
also. This leads to true compassion, you can begin to help others.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I knew that her words were true and until this
day I remember them, for then I began to have a new goal in life. Her words
gave my life a new meaning, a new direction, and I guess this is why I was in
the end able to live on.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I appreciate it also deeply that M
promise, unless he wanted to awaken her anger.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>After that we went to the gravey
would get back, what was mine!
D
Allies
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>We didn’t tell the others what had happened
between me and Im and nobody asked, although we had been away for hours. We
just packed our things and began m
and crossed it into Amn. Now we had just to continue north and thus reach
Atkatla.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>At the feet of the mountain a figure awaited
us. As we drew ne
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
screamed, when we approached.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Oh, why should I do that?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Stoopeed
he said and attacked.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>He didn’t get f
his body I found the hilt of the silver sword. Now I only needed a smith who
could put the thing together.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>On our m
adventurers on the road. To my surprise I realized that they were led by a
Drow. And then I remembered: Drizzt Do’Urden!
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Halt, strangers, who
asked us.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Drizzt, don’t you remember? I’m D
Beregost. We helped you against a gang of Gnolls.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>He stepped closer and looked at me critically.
Then he remembered and his face brightened up.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Indeed, it is you! And there’s your sister,
Imoen, and this must be Minsc and Boo. But where
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Dynaheir an’ Khalid ‘re
dead” Im replied.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“And Jaheira is now the leader of the druids of
Amn” I added.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Oh, I am sorry to he
you this way, D
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“My and Im’s souls have been stolen and we
the queen of vampires, Bodhi, who has her lair in Atkatla.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Stolen souls? That is terrible! You have
helped me once and I feel obliged to help you now. Don’t worry, Imoen, we will
get you your soul.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Im smiled at this, I felt a glimmer of hope
inside of her.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Now, where might we find this Bodhi?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“She has her lair beneath the gravey
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Then we shall travel to Atkatla and kill this
beast together.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>And so we did. When we reached the gates of
Atkatla, we split. I wanted to find more allies, Drizzt and his companions
would already head to the gravey
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Keldorn and Anomen both suggested that we ask
the Order of the Radiant He
to vanquish evil in all its forms. It was a good advice, for Wessalen, prelate
of the order, was more than ready to help us out.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>We headed to the Copper Coronet in order to get
the news of the city and then to go and ask the Shadow Thieves for help. Bern
return.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Hello D
Might I have a word with you?” Hendak called when we entered.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
Hendak.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>We went over to a corner, where Hendak turned
and looked gravely at me.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I have finally found the heads behind the
slaver-organization. They live in the temple district, just north of the order’s
headqu
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Then don’t worry, Hendak, they will get their
just rew
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>He smiled and put his hand on my shoulder.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I knew I could count on you, D
have done to help us slaves. If there is ever anything you need us for, just
say the word.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>A question had been on my mind lately and I
wanted some answers. I asked Bern
of Bhaal on Toril. He didn’t know of any book, which concerned itself p
me one, which had information on the gods, including Bhaal.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Next to the Copper Coronet there was
companion had requested before his death.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I hope he finds peace in death” I noted to Im.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Yeah, me too… It was… sad, seein’
‘im killin’ ‘
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>After this we headed to the docks and entered
the Shadow Thieves’ headqu
“daughter” Mocilia standing beside him.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Ah, you finally return! Sime had told me that
you entered the Spellhold, but when I sent a ship there was a hell of a mess in
Brynnlaw, Desh
guess you know this, for I also guessed that you helped Saemon commandeering
it.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“That is indeed so, Aran. But we didn’t get f
They wanted to have a magical blade from Saemon. Here, I’ve got both the blade
and the hilt.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>He looked closely at it, admiring it.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Best is to ask Cromwell, the master smith here
in the docks. He might be able to put it together again. But please, continue
your story!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“While we were fighting the Githyanki, the
Sahuagin attacked and kidnapped us, bringing us to their city. There they
forced us to help them in some problem of theirs. After that we traveled the
Underd
the south.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
Imoen!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>He took Im’s hand and kissed it gently.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
Imoen.
all is well with you.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Imoen and I both shook our heads.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“What has happened to you two? Something is
wrong here…”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Irenicus… he… he stole our souls!” Im
exclaimed.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Aran was shocked at this news.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Yes! I ‘ave t’ kill
Bodhi then I’ll get back my soul!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Then I will help you with it, Imoen. This
Bodhi is a very annoying person and she messes
as she now wants to be called, will of course accompany you. She hasn’t
forgotten the vampires yet.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Yah bet I didn’t!” Mocilia exclaimed.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Suddenly a black-hooded figure appe
raised a dagger and stabbed the Shadow Master right into his he
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Bodhi sends her greetings, Shadow Master!” the
figure hissed and disappe
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Mocilia screamed and rushed to her father, but
it was too late, Aran Linvail, Shadow Master, was dead. Weeping she bent over
her father’s body and we all stood
determination on her face.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Find that assassin, but just observe ‘
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
assassin, but then we’ll take c
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>She put on the black
another with smoke powder on it. On her side she hung her short sword. Then she
sat down and waited.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>It took about two hours. A Shadow Thief appe
Mocilia’s e
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Come, follow me” she said and follow we did.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>With us came three Shadow Thieves, she led us
into the slums and there to a grey, old building with several floors. The door
was no problem for the Shadow Thieves and we entered, taking the stairs up to
the third floor.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>There were several doors there and Mocilia
stopped in front of the third. Behind it we could here noises. I he
Mocilia listening, smiling coldly, then she stepped back and kicked the door
open, took out her fire-spiter and entered.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>The room was quite dirty, there was a table
with a chair and a bed next to it, more wouldn’t have fitted in. On the bed we
saw a naked woman, her legs p
the door was kicked open, they had turned
at the entering Shadow Thieves, their weapons drawn. I followed them, drawing
my fire-spiters.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Bind ‘im t’
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>The three Shadow Thieves grabbed the man and
pulled him away. When he protested, one of them hit him on the head. Then they
bound him onto the chair and stuffed a piece of cloth into his mouth.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Yah can ‘ave ‘
Mocilia said and turned to the man on the chair.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>The Shadow Thieves looked at each other and
grinned. The woman on the bed watched them, panic grew in her eyes. Suddenly
she tried to dash away, but one of the Shadow Thieves grabbed her and threw her
back onto the bed.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Yah’re not
ours” he shouted and hit her into the face.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>The woman screamed and Mocilia turned
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Don’t make that much noise. Close
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Course we do, Mocilia” one of them replied.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I looked at my companions and I saw that we all
agreed. We needn’t to see what would happen here. So we left the room and
closed the door behind us. From the corridor we he
assassin and the woman. I also think that I he
screams of the assassin grew to a climax and finally stopped abruptly.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>The door opened and Mocilia came out, her face
a mask of anger and hate.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Can someone wake dah
bast
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Although both Anomen and Aerie had healing
powers, we all shook our heads. We didn’t want any p
probably deserved it.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Mocilia turned to her thieves and shouted:
“Someone get me a bucket o’ water!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>One of the thieves rushed past us and down the
stairs, returning soon with a bucket full of cold water. I followed him into
the room, wanting to see what she had done to the assassin. The assassin was
covered in blood, his e
lying on the bed, her
with her, while the other one watched, waiting for his turn.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>The thief with the bucket threw the water over
the assassin, who awoke again. He shook his head, looked up and when he saw
Mocilia with her knife in her hand standing over him, he tried to scream again.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“As much as I enjoy this, there
‘re other thin’s I must take c
kinda lucky, ‘cause I’m gonna
make this short” she explained to him.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Then she grabbed him at his hair, pulled it
backw
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Knife ‘er” she
commanded the thief with the bucket.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“But Mocilia, we thought we could ‘
protested.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“No time an’ there ‘re
plenty o’ others yah can ‘ave yahr
fun with.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>The thief sighed and stepped over to the bed.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Get off ‘er, Brat!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Brat grunted and stepped up. The other thief
took out his knife, stepped over and cut the woman’s throat, who tried to
struggle free from the bonds, without success.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Damn shame, was quite a fuck” Brat commented.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>It was sickening to watch this whole scene. I
turned
looking at my companions, who seemed to feel the same way. And suddenly I
realized that Mocilia would continue with this, even after killing Bodhi. Her
lust for power would drive her to do even more gruesome things and finally all
of the
criminality.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>The Shadow Thieves may have been our allies,
but I got more and more the feeling that we had made a pact with evil itself.
Imoen:
Getting my soul back
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Bodhi stood there, smiling cruelly at us, at me
especially. Her eyes were no longer hollow, but in them was a sp
the same look, which I had seen, when looking into the mirror in e
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>But before talking to me, she first turned to D
again, son of Bhaal”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>And then she looked at me, her eyes piercing
me, revealing the hollowness inside of me.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“And Imoen is here too? Ah, what m
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Slowly she approached me, always her eyes fixed
on me, opening her mouth and revealing her fangs, hissing. I shuddered, my eyes
wide in fe
D
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>To my relief she finally said: “But on the
other hand, I already have your soul, so why should I want your body?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
away.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Anger and hate
wanting to take control of me. But I was able to fight it.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Still, a little of the anger escaped me: “I’m
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Down in the catacombs we met the paladins and
Mocilia with her thieves, both groups looking at each other suspiciously.
Fortunately, D
companions, who were just fighting some vampires.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Bodhi wasn’t in the upper level and so we
descended all together down to the next level. There we finally found her,
inside of a locked room, pools of blood against the wall and one in the middle.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>She just stood there, smiling cruelly and
wickedly at me, my anger appe
to pieces!
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>She talked first to D
elves, about her and Irenicus’ revenge, but hell, I didn’t c
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Finally I was no longer able to withhold my
anger and so I just screamed at her: “Gimme
An’ I guess I also ‘ave some right t’ revenge myself
for what ya done t’ me, ya
bast
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>My words angered Bodhi; I could see it and it
gave me satisfaction.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>But what she finally said didn’t: “Be quiet!
You want to judge me for my crimes? What about you then? You
You
brother, a feeling also existing on the other side. Oh yes, I know about the
dirty, twisted thoughts creeping inside your mind. And you want to condemn me
for my crimes? Hypocrite!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>How could she, this damn bitch, I hated her, I
hated her with all my he
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Leave ‘er t’ me,
I’ll finish ‘er, I’ll kill ‘er!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Without really thinking, what I was doing, I
just pulled out my katana and jumped at her, slashing and hacking wildly, while
Bodhi backed up more and more, trying to avoid my fast, angry blows. So I
didn’t even realize that she stunned D
kill her!
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>But then suddenly Bodhi used her claws and hit
me on the left
Still, my hate and rage drove me on, I attacked immediately. Finally I was able
to hit her, first into her right leg and then over her chest. How I loved the
sight of her blood flowing!
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Now Bodhi got angry and conjured a bolt of
lightning. Before I realized, what she was doing, it hit me. The electricity
passed through me, pain exploded in my body, my sword fell from my hands,
because my whole body shook and I fell to the ground, twisting and shaking,
pain everywhere.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I he
saw her advance tow
collect enough strength to conjure flaming hands and burn the bitch. She
screamed in agony and stumbled backw
stand up.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Again I attacked, but Bodhi was now prep
her, she hit me right into the leg, digging her claws deep into it and ripping
p
The pain, the pain! I stumbled backw
pain in my leg.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>But she was faster and drove her claws right
into my shoulders, increasing the pain. I couldn’t stop her, my strength had
left me, she bent down and bit me, I felt, how she sucked my blood, my life
away. I didn’t want to die; I didn’t want to end as vampire! Fe
screamed in pain, I tried to hit Bodhi with my katana.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>The vampire queen jumped out of reach and st
The loss of blood had finally got the better of me, I was no longer able to do
much, I stumbled tow
we
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I couldn’t do much about it, she came in for
the kill, grabbed me from behind and drove her claws right into my chest. Pain
was the only thing, which seemed to exist, while she descended her fangs again,
this time to finish me off completely.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Suddenly she let go of me and I collapsed to
the ground, while I he
from behind at D
stepped tow
with the blow. Luckily for me, she had been so concentrated on trying to kill D
everything else.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>D
him, asking him, how he was. I told him that I had killed her and then my
strength was wasted, I fell to the ground, everything went d
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Soon I awoke again; Aerie and Anomen had healed
me. Immediately I got to my feet, I needed to finish off Bodhi; a vampire could
regenerate itself, if it is not staked. A paladin
handed me a stake and I stepped over to her s
Bodhi’s regenerating body.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Something strange happened then. There was no
sound and no vision, but I cle
the void inside of me. My soul was back and I was filled with feelings of joy,
as I felt alive again, alive and whole.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“It feels great! I’ve got my soul again,
finally!” I exclaimed.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>D
telling me that he was happy for me.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>It was then that I remembered that he had no
soul yet; I began to worry for him, telling him that I had been selfish,
showing off with my soul and how great it felt.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>He said the strangest thing then: “It’s
alright, Im. As long as you got your soul, I can feel it too. And that is
enough for the moment.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>But I guess he was right. He could feel my
soul, as I could feel the hollowness inside of him. And so it was like I sh
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>After we finished Bodhi, D
her s
paladins and also Mocilia and her thieves left us, while D
castle. I was of course also eager to see the domains of my “Lord D
D
Bodhi’s end
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Next morning Keldorn asked if we could visit
his family and I agreed gladly. M
Imoen w
we accepted. Keldorn’s wife turned out to be a m
for her skills, what made her eyes shine proudly. Keldorn introduced us to his
two daughters and after the dinner showed us
M
couldn’t he
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Finally Keldorn turned to his wife and
explained our situation.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Keldorn, Imoen has told me about it. And if I
may so, I would be angry at you, if you wouldn’t help this young lady” she
replied.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I’m glad you feel that way. And I promise you,
once Imoen has reclaimed her soul I am going to return to you and am going to
stay.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>After they had both kissed each other goodbye,
we left the house. I wanted to visit this Cromwell Aran Linvail had told me
about. Cromwell turned out to be a dw
Sword, he was delighted to put them together again. After some hours of work,
he was finished and I gave him ten thousand. I took the Equalizer for myself, a
blue-shimmering, beautifully balanced sword, and gave the Silver Sword to
Keldorn. Then we headed on to the gravey
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Bodhi already waited there for us, smiling
coldly at us.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I guessed that you’d come here again, son of
Bhaal. And Imoen is here too? Ah, what m
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>She came closer, revealing her fangs and
looking at Im, who drew back, clutching her bow.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“But on the other hand, I already have your
soul, so why should I want your body?” Bodhi continued and then teleported
away.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I’m gonna kill that
bitch!” Im whispered angrily.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>We descended into the catacombs, where we met a
group of paladins and Mocilia with several of her thieves. Both groups were gl
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“What is the meaning of this, D
Prelate Wessalen asked me.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“They killed mee
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“They
ask you to hold my accountable for anything they do here.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Prelate Wessalen bowed and answered: “Then thus
it shall be, for you
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>We stepped on into the great hall with the
great table. All was empty there; some torches gave a dim light. But from a
room to the west I he
to stumble upon Drizzt and his companions, who were just fighting a group of
vampires. Together we vanquished the enemy easily.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“And so we meet again, D
vampires
next level of this complex.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Yeah, I guess we might find Bodhi there.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I hope we do…” Im added, gnashing her teeth,
anger and hate sp
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Some Shadow Thieves went before us in order to
find and dis
with the pool of blood. Again its doors were closed and one of the Shadow
Thieves unlocked them quickly.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>The doors seemed to st
waited, I knew it somehow. I felt Im’s soul there and she felt it too, judging
from the look on her face. Suddenly she grimaced, stepped forw
her katana at the same time.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Bodhi indeed stood there, smiling at us.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Quite a group you have brought here, children
of Bhaal. But it will be of no use to you, especially to you, Imoen, for I will
ensure once and for all that you won’t come back, trying to get your soul back.
But I guess this isn’t the only reason you came here, am I not right, D
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I stepped forw
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“You already seen these, didn’t you, Bodhi?
Now, hand over the Rynn Lathorne!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>She laughed and replied: “I knew it! But
perhaps I should tell you some things about your new friends. They banished us,
took away our souls, those hypocrites, those holier-than-thou fools! I and my
brother will get our revenge, D
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>The last words she had almost spitted out, so
great was her hate at the elves.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Then why did you take our souls? We never did
anything to you!” I exclaimed.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Sorry for that, it is nothing personal. But we
needed souls and yours
power of the tree of life we will gain more power than the gods themselves.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Gimme
An’ I guess I also ‘ave some right t’ revenge myself
for what ya done t’ me, ya
bast
able to control her anger.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Be quiet! You want to judge me for my crimes?
What about you then? You
brother, a feeling also existing on the other side. Oh yes, I know about the
dirty, twisted thoughts creeping inside your mind. And you want to condemn me
for my crimes? Hypocrite!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>That had just about done it, Im screamed, her
voice full of hate: “Leave ‘er t’ me, I’ll finish ‘
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>She just jumped at Bodhi and stroke down on her
with her katana, again and again, Bodhi backing away further and further to the
opposite wall, dodging the fast blows from Im. I tried to shoot Bodhi, but they
were too close together, so I just drew my sword and rushed tow
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>But Bodhi saw me coming and flung a holding
spell at me. I was no longer able to move, totally p
the two women go on.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Bodhi clawed at Im and hit her across her left
advanced immediately again, although blood dropped from her
slash she cut into Bodhi’s right leg and then with a second slash into her
chest, but nothing mortal.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>This made Bodhi really angry, she stepped back
and conjured a bolt of lightning, which went right through Im. The lightning
made Im tremble all over her body, she fell to the ground and let go of her
sword. Bodhi laughed triumphantly and stepped over to Im, her claws outstretched.
But as Bodhi leaped, I he
was hit by a wave of fire.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>The vampire queen screamed in agony and backed
away, which gave Im time to grab her katana again and get to her feet. She
advanced quickly, raised her sword and stroke, but Bodhi had herself under
control again and dodged. At the same time she swung her claws and hit Im’s
left leg, ripping away p
stumbled backw
driving her claws deep into the shoulders and leaned over Im to bite her into
her throat.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Im grunted and tried to wrestle from the grip,
without success. In the meantime Bodhi had descended her fangs into Im’s throat
and bit. Blood splashed from the wound and Im screamed, at the same time swung
her katana and tried to hit Bodhi, but the vampire queen quickly jumped away.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Slowly Im stumbled tow
the floor, blood gushing from her throat. Bodhi looked at her victim and
advanced again, almost casually, for the kill. She stepped behind Im, who
couldn’t react fast enough, put her hands
into Im’s chest, then lowered her mouth and bit again, this time even h
completely dry.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>But then suddenly I could move again, I
screamed at Bodhi and thrust my sword at her. Quickly she let go of Im, dashed
to one side and suddenly was behind me. Before I realized, what was going on, I
felt a sh
of my sword. Her claws drilled into my back, trying to rip out my he
would be over, I he
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I collapsed to the ground and almost became
unconscious, but somehow I managed to keep away the d
blood dropped onto my body. Turning
pale from the loss of blood.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Ya’re
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“What’s with Bodhi?” I asked weakly.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I beheaded her, when she was busy with
when I saw that she wanted t’ kill ya…”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>And then she collapsed right to me, her last
strength gone. Several figures rushed tow
among them. Someone tended to our wounds and used some healing spells, which
closed them quickly. Then Keldorn took my hand and dragged me up.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
stake!”
demanded and received one from the paladins.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Then she stepped over to a richly decorated s
Bodhi’s regenerating body. I hadn’t noticed how her destroyed body had turned
into white mist and had fled. Grim determination on her face, Im bent down and
drove the stake deep into Bodhi’s he
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>When she rose again, she sighed and suddenly
smiled, finally even laughed joyfully.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“It feels great! I’ve got my soul again,
finally!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I managed a smile and stepped over to her.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“So you really got it again? I’m happy for you,
I really am, Im…”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>She looked at me, worry again entering her
eyes.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“But ya haven’t
talk like that, forgimme.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“It’s alright, Im. As long as you got your
soul, I can feel it too. And that is enough for the moment.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>When I looked closer at the s
glittering at the bottom. So I reached into it and brought out a blue,
shimmering box: the Rynn Lathorne.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Together we ascended again into the bright
sunlight. The paladins dep
her Shadow Thieves.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Before she left, Mocilia turned
yah wanna help me, be ready when I send yah
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Drizzt left as last, but before that he went
over to Im.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“This was quite a fight you put up against this
vampire, Imoen. I am deeply impressed. And now you finally have your soul
again. I wish you and your companions the best of luck. D
soul back soon too.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>After they had all dep
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Well, we have done what we’ve come for. I all
invite you into my castle; there
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>My companions accepted the invitation and so we
all headed out of Atkatla tow
killed, but as I soon would le
problems.
Imoen:
The slaughter
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>D
stew
wonderful. It was huge, it looked nice and the people living there were
friendly. For some time it became like a second home for me.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>When we first went to the castle, D
laboratory. I followed him. Perhaps I need to explain myself first, why I did,
what I did afterw
want to endanger D
Didn’t this place, where we could be safe, already exist? D
had. There was nothing and nobody, who could endanger us anymore. My worries
had become needless, I realized. And I also realized that I had not right to
treat D
his own will; I couldn’t just decide the course of his life, it wasn’t right of
me to do so.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Down there I finally got the courage to tell
him and we talked about it, making things right between us again. I was able to
finally let go of my worries and accept things, as they were. We both needed
each other and we would stay together, despite what would happen.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Next morning brought me cause for worry, though:
Isaea Roenal was approaching with his
immediately began setting up his plan. There were still several days, until the
look at D
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Most of the inhabitants of D
bother much, most of them were poor. I walked through several villages, full of
dirt and misery and watched the people with their work. They were just bringing
in the h
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>More and more I began to feel guilty, never had
I had to work like this. During my youth I had lived in Candlekeep, safe and
secure, nothing troubling me. And later I had traveled with D
about food or money. Only lately I had finally met the real d
looked at those f
I just couldn’t stand it anymore.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>So I went over and helped them. The whole day
over and the next days I helped them h
totally exhausted, but still, somehow it was satisfying.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>D
while, before I went to bed. During those days I didn’t go back to the castle
but stayed with the f
while I listened and sometimes rem
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Don’t worry about that, I’m working on this
problem. Soon their lives
to that, although he didn’t explain himself.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>The physical work seemed to have a positive
effect on me, I couldn’t get enough of D
us over and over again. Slowly I felt my strengths return to me, my health
seemed to increase and I felt wonderful during this time. That is, until the
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>D
the castle. I stayed inside the keep; sitting on the walls and watching the
They set up camp and began building siege weapons. During the night I wasn’t
able to sleep because of all the noise this
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>In the morning it began. Smoke rose from the
woods, the signal to attack. I was on the roof of the keep, watching D
fire-kegs. As soon as the signal appe
he
bodies laying there, their numbers increasing more and more. Now the soldiers
hiding in the wood appe
It was a real slaughter, none escaped, while D
firing into the defenseless attackers.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Once it was over, I went onto the field. There
were bodies everywhere, blood all over them, some ripped to pieces by the huge
iron balls of the fire-kegs, others with their body p
still lived, but when I tried to tend to them, two soldiers of D
it – and then they shot the wounded man.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I watched in increasing horror, as the soldiers
of D
killing every one of their enemies. Finally I just couldn’t stand it anymore
and left the field, running back inside the keep, hiding in my room, trembling.
How could D
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>In the evening there was a huge victory feast.
I attended it, but not because I was glad, rather because I wanted to drink as
much alcohol as possible, to forget everything I’ve witnessed today. This I had
le
the “drinking trick”, as they called it. Most of the f
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>F
supporting D
And right now there was only one thing on my mind: I wanted him.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>After we finally managed to get to the room,
hung his head. He felt sad and gloomy. He needed as much comfort as I did right
now. But that was the whole reason, why were here, right?
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I simply hugged him close, feeling his w
and making me forget everything.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I can see them, Im, the dead people…”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>What was he talking about, was he growing
insane? I asked him, of course.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I killed them, hundreds, I guess.
children…”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I had seen it also. Those bast
would never really understand and this was one of them.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>So I tried to tell him that it wasn’t his
fault, without much success, feelings of guilt were nagging at him. He even
mentioned that he should simply have given the keep over to Roenal.
never say that again in a rather h
me, instead he said that he loved me, because I was telling him such things.
after all; D
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I led him to the bed, gave him a push and he
landed on it, not able to hold his balance. Alcohol has this effect on you. He
probably had drunken more than I had. My memory is clouded about that p
to him, but am not entirely sure. Ehm, well, not
important anyway…
D
The battle at the de’Arnise Keep
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>We reached the keep in the evening and were
greeted by Captain Cernick.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“It’s good t’ see yah
again mee Lord” he called at me.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Yes, it’s good to be back. How
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Oh, Taldor did some m
Come an’ take a look” he explained.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Cernick led us into the castle and then to the
smithy, where the dw
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Oh, it’s yah, Lord” he commented, when he saw
us.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Along the wall I saw lines of fire-tubes and
fire-spiters and balls for the fire-kegs.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I’ve trained all dah
lads, mee Lord” Cernick announced proudly.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“That’s good, Cernick, very good. Did you he
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
Nalia said, entering the smithy.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Let’s hope it stays that way…” I muttered.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Then I took out my notebook and showed my
sketches of the steam engine to Taldor, who was immediately fascinated by the
concept.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Oh, Cernick, do you think I could turn the
cell
captain.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I ordered a meal for my companions, while I
headed to the cell
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>When we were alone down there, she turned to
me: “Look, I’ve been thinkin’ ‘bout
know…”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Yes, what did you think, Im?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>She looked down on the ground, as if she was
ashamed of something.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“It wasn’t right of me t’ just treat
decide for ‘imself. We need t’ talk ‘bout
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I raised her chin and kissed her softly.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“There’s nothing to forgive, Im, I know why you
did, what you did.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>And suddenly it broke out of her: “But what
do, D
perhaps even kill us!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I don’t c
Im. And as long as it is in my power, I will try to create a place where we can
live together and in peace.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>She stepped closer and I hugged her.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“The only thing counting is us, Im, don’t
forget that” I whispered.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I won’t D
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Suddenly everything vanished and was replaced
in front of my eyes. There was d
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Is this real?” I asked him.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Oh, it is, because I can see you as well you
can me. Your powers have increased dramatically, it seems. What do you want of
me?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I noticed that he was holding a fire-
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Enjoying yourself?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Oh, they
admit. Very useful weapons. Once I become the most
powerful being in this universe, I shall use them en masse.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Imoen got her soul back – your sister is dead”
I announced to him.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>He showed no emotional reaction at all.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“She got what was coming to her. I have told
her to be not thus reckless, but she would never listen. So, your sister got
her soul back and now what? You will come after me, I guess.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Count on it, Irenicus. We will meet again.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Of that I am sure, son of Bhaal.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>The scene vanished and I was in the cell
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Come, let’s get something to eat” I suggested.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>In the night I dreamt again, a dream not unlike
the one I had had recently.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I stood in a huge hall with dim light. In front
of my stood a strange being. It had the face of a man, but its skin was brown,
wrinkled and had rings like a worm. The body behind the face was long and
wormlike shaped, although it had
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Welcome, D
out of the trap!” said the worm-man with a surprisingly normal voice.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Who
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“They call me ‘The Tyrant’ and their naming
even has some truth in it. For about four thousand ye
fist, but it was all for the plan, the Golden Path, the way out of the trap.
You must face a simil
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“What choice
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“You can choose to either become a god like all
the others, one among many. If this should be your choice, then the multiverse
will further stagnate and finally come to an end. Have you ever he
Thermodynamics?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“No, what is it?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Something you will be interested in. In every
closed system, entropy increases constantly. By this I mean that the energy in
this closed system is dispersed equally inside the system and in the end there
will be no concentrations of energy left. The system dies. This is what is going
to happen with the multiverse, unless you choose otherwise. You can choose to
become the sole god, absorbing all the power of the multiverse and create it
anew, but different, so that it can recreate itself over and over again. This
is the only way to avoid the death of the multiverse. It is the choice you must
make.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I awoke, still he
head. Cernick stood next to me, cle
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Lord, I’ve got some reports. An
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Alright, I’ll get up immediately. I’ll meet
you in the great hall.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Im was already there, looking worried.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I he
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Yes, you he
about it.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“They’re approachin’
from dah west, Lord. A huge
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Don’t worry about them, we have our weapons.
They’ll stand no chance against us. Now, listen c
do…”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>We waited for several days. When the enemy was
one day’s m
it.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>The enemy
began to build a camp
continued working, beginning to build siege weapons.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>My plan would be set in motion the next day.
Together with the greatest p
walls and towers were manned, Cernick commanded them.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>In the morning I gave the signal, smoke rising
from the woods. The soldiers at the camp pointed at it, puzzled at what it
meant. They saw soon enough, suddenly the fire-kegs appe
began.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>A volley was fired; thunder and smoke came out
of the fire-kegs. Then the balls hit the enemy, ripping the defenseless
soldiers ap
woods, raised our fire-tubes and shot. The enemy was surrounded and all who
tried to escape were shot down. I sat on the ground, reloaded and shot again,
reloaded, shot, reloaded, over and over again. Isaea
had brought some mages, but I had been prep
shot them down, before they could do any h
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>The enemy’s soldiers didn’t stand a chance;
soon the battlefield was covered by bodies, all lying in their blood, the
sweet, sickening smell of all battles rising into the air and covering the
battlefield like a blanket. Some soldiers still lived, screamed and moaned in
pain. Systematically we swept the field and killed them all. It was a sickening
job, but necess
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Somehow Isaea had survived it all, I ordered
him to be brought into the great hall. He was wounded, but not unconscious.
Sitting on my chair I watched how some gu
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I have w
Isaea, but you wouldn’t listen. Now you pay the price for your actions. For
leading an assault on this keep, of which I am in ch
execution will take place immediately.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>He didn’t speak a word, but st
himself to beg for his life. I didn’t go out and watch the beheading.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>This night we feasted, my soldiers deserved it.
We ate and drink until we could no more, feasting our enormous victory. We had
had no losses at all, while all our enemies had been killed, although the
enemies had come in greater numbers.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>During the feast I witnessed Anomen talking
long with Nalia. Moving ne
both talked about their losses, Nalia about her father and Anomen about his
sister. Anomen also told Nalia of his travels and adventures with me.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Aerie and Minsc were together, as usual. Boo
even tried some beer, but didn’t like it. He sneezed and looked unhappily at
me.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Probably drunk I stumbled back to my bedroom,
Im at my side, about as drunk as I was. We had put our
each other.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“So, my mighty soldier,
she whispered.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Course I am, Im, not have anything else in
mind anyway.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>She laughed silently and I joined in. Today had
seen a lot of killing and I was glad to have Im beside me right now. In my mind
I saw images from the battle; I had tried to drink them away, without much
success.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>One event stayed with me especially. A young
soldier had run at me, swinging his sword and screaming. Before he could reach
me, I had reloaded my fire-tube and shot, but had only hit him in the shoulder.
The young man had stumbled, but had caught his balance again. Feverishly I had
tried to reload, knowing that if he would reach me, I would be dead. Suddenly I
had he
and the young man had collapsed dead right before my feet, a huge
me and had winked at me.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Thanks!” I had been able to reply, but I had
kept looking at the young man.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>He had been younger than I was, probably
sixteen or so, still clutching his sword. I had thought that he somehow had
looked a little accusingly at me. Blood had begun to form under his body, flowing
right at me and finally reaching my shoes. Shuddering I had turned away and the
battle had continued.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Those and many other scenes I was trying to
forget again. And Im’s presence was helping a lot do to so. We reached the door
and I fumbled at it, finally managing to open it.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Inside I leaned against the wall and hung my
head. Im stepped closer to me and hugged me.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I can see them, Im, the dead people…” I
whispered.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“What dead people ‘re
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I killed them, hundreds, I guess.
children…”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>She kissed me and then leaned her head against
my chest.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Ya ‘ad t’ do it, D
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“But it is my fault, Im! If I would just have
handed the keep over to him, nothing would have happened!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Don’t ya ever say
that, D
really believe, the people here’d
be happy with Isaea as Lord? O’ course they wouldn’t!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I kissed her on the forehead and whispered:
“That’s why I love you, Im…”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Good t’ know it” she
replied, smiling.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>And that was the last thing we ever said this
night. I don’t remember much of it, probably due to the amount of alcohol I
already had drunk. But what I do remember is Im’s soul burning hot like fire
right next to me and sh
forget the terrible pictures of death and for some time I felt as if I had a
soul again myself.
Imoen:
Overthrow
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I didn’t like it, when I he
Atkatla. My life had continued to be rather happy, while I worked on the f
disturbed by nightm
happened.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>As fast as possible we returned to Atkatla and
it was horrible. From af
and I began to fe
There were bodies, countless bodies, all lying on the streets, houses burned or
had already burned down to the ground and the smell, this horrible smell of
death and decay… I wanted to throw up.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>It was like in a nightm
as if in trance, until we reached the government district. There the
destruction had been worst and as I saw Keldorn’s house, a terrible thought
occurred to me. His house was burnt all inside, smoke rose from the windows and
as we stepped inside… All was destroyed, smashed, burned and there was blood,
lots of blood. The first bodies we encountered were servants, but then I walked
into this room, Keldorn in front of me and…
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>There was a body on the floor, a woman, covered
in blood, her clothes torn away, wounds covering her body, her legs stretched
ap
throat cut. As I st
the wounds she had I also had had, especially… No, no, I can’t think of it.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>It was M
it, a scream of despair and pain exiting his mouth. M
me new hope. Now
she was raped, tortured and dead. I stepped into the room and looked
gods, let this be only a nightm
beds were the bodies of Keldorn’s two sweet, little daughters, now mutilated,
raped, tortured and as dead as their mother. How could anyone do such a thing, how?
Irenicus had had no feelings, but this had been done by humans, humans like me.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I sat down on the floor and sobbed, all this
pain, all this sorrow, all this horrible evil… And it was then that I realized
that evil was in all of us, every last one of us. Things
told, there
all have the potential to become both.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>It was D
he hadn’t given the fire
happened. He needed me, he needed me to tell him, where to stop, for he
couldn’t see the consequences of his actions. Just look at the results.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Keldorn swore to avenge their deaths and when I
looked into his face, I saw the deep pain in him. More and more people were
changing
seems to consume our world. More and more people seemed to fall under the curse
of the Bhaalspawn, of me and D
happen, never would we be able to escape it.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>D
awaited us. And there she revealed the wholeness of her doings to us, how she
had overthrown the government of Amn and taken control of Atkatla. It sounded
well, but I knew exactly that those were only hollow words, Mocilia wanted
power. Fortunately, also D
agree to her proposal for an alliance.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>We buried the bodies of Keldorn’s family and
Anomen’s father, who also had been killed. Then we headed over to the Copper
Coronet, where D
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>They told us horrifying stories. A family just
across the street had been slaughtered by Mocilia’s soldiers, who now called
themselves “Revolution
had been
reasons, sometimes directly killed, just out of spite or because the gu
even whispered tales of more horrifying nature, of torture chambers, rapes in
the open street, mass execution of random t
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>But what really made me shudder, was what
happened in the morning. We witnessed a public execution, people were killed
for being “counter-revolutionists” or something and the crowd cheered. It just
made me sick and I begged D
D
The Amnish Revolution
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>The following days I supervised the production
of the first steam engines. Taldor did everything as I wanted him to do it and
soon we had three working machines. Together with him I devised some plans to
use the power of the engines to mass-produce our new weapons. Right next to the
keep we began building a new building, where we would set up the machines.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>It was about a week after the battle, when a
messenger from Mocilia
members of the council and taken over the city. There had been some problems
with mobs, but in most p
district did some paladins hold out.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Keldorn and Anomen were quite shocked when they
he
dep
wanted to talk to Mocilia myself.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>It was worse than I had thought. Smoke was
rising from several p
houses had been burned or plundered; the whole city stunk of death, there were
bodies lying everywhere in the street. The destruction was worst in the government
district; almost all noble families of Amn had been either murdered by Mocilia’s
assassins or later on killed by the mob, which had immediately seized the
change to plunder anything which could be taken away.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Keldorn’s house still stood, but the inside was
plundered or destroyed, I saw blood on the floor. Se
he
rushed to him. On the floor lay M
before she had been killed. The girls we found in their rooms murdered and
raped in their beds.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Keldorn just knelt on the floor, hugging the
blood-covered body of his wife, sobbing and screaming. Finally he drew out a
dagger and tried to stab himself, but I quickly caught his hand.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Don’t do it, please, Keldorn!” I begged him.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Slowly he lowered his hand and let the dagger
fall to the ground.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“How could those monsters…” he said and then
his voice broke and he began to sob again.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Suddenly he rose to his feet and drew his
sword, his face distorted by hate.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I swe
Thief that ever crosses my path again!” he screamed.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Then he cut into his hand and let the blood
drip onto the body of his wife.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I will do it for you, my beloved M
his head in his hands and wept again.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>At the Delryn manor things weren’t better;
Anomen’s father had been killed brutally, his body torn to pieces by the
ravaging mob. Anomen wept silently for his father and told me that he was sorry
to not have seen him again.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Together with Im I walked over to the council
hall, which was gu
councilors and gu
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“So, what happens now?” I asked her.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Dah corrupt reign o’
dah nobles ends here. We won’t be called ‘Shadow
Thieves’ no more, we’ll be dah new
Republic of Amn.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Don’t yah know how
Shadow Master’s elected from among dah Guild Masters
normally. I’m an exception, but mee claim was
accepted, because o’ what I’ve done for dah
organization. An’ now I’m gonna apply that system t’
Amn an’ later on t’ other regions. Everyone’ll get a
chance t’ become leader, if they’re good enough.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“And how do you think this is going to work?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Well, every district will elect
representatives. Those’ll be sent t’
be elected. At dah moment I’m dah
President, but that’s just because o’ dah special
circumstances.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“So basically you’re saying that the people get
to decide for once what they want? Doesn’t sound too bad to
me. But why all the bloodshed?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Ah, that’s unfortunate, I know. My assassins
went an’ murdered all dah members o’
city went wild, dah people thought ‘Now’s a good
chance t’ get some payback at those rich bast
noble too, but mee Shadow Thieves got
paladins left an’ they’ll be dead soon.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Alright, but why did you want to speak with
me?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I want an alliance between our two lands.
After dah battle on yahr
lands, dah regions in dah
east o’ Amn’ll try t’ ally themselves with yah,
believe me. We’re dah mightiest people in Amn, D
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Suddenly I had one of my visions again. In
front of my eyes I saw the further development of this whole matter. Mocilia
didn’t c
or any other such concept. Those were just nice words to keep the people under
her fist. In fact she just wanted to increase her power further and further, like
a spider in a web. Because of her superior technology she would soon rule the
whole
power even further.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Let me think about everything, I’ll tell you,
what I decide.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Do that, but decide quickly.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>We left the council hall and went back to the
Firecam manor, where Keldorn still was. He had put his wife’s body onto the bed
and was washing the blood of her and his girls.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I will go and help my brothers” he announced
to us.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“No, you mustn’t! You’d die!” Aerie cried out.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Keldorn, I beg you, come with me! Soon we’ll
have to fight Mocilia and then I could use your help. Don’t throw your life
away like that” I said.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>He sighed.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“You
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Together we helped him wash the bodies of his
family, put them into some white cloth and then c
and buried them, putting a wooden plate over it, their names scratched into it.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>After we had done the same with Anomen’s
father, we went over to Waukeen’s promenade. Aerie wanted to look if her uncle
Quayle was alright. He was indeed and greeted us friendly. The circus had been
left alone by some lucky chance.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Our next stop was the Copper Coronet, which
also had been left untouched. Hendak was very glad to see me. He and Bern
how the Shadow Thieves (they now called themselves “Revolution
the name of the people’s revolution”. If anyone resisted, they were killed.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Hendak also told me that the people behind the
slavers had been left alone. They had bribed off Mocilia for protection and
were continuing their business.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I will take c
chance, this I promise to you, Hendak!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Hendak smiled and took my hand, pressing it
firmly.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“You
your
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>The next morning we watched how people were
publicly behead as “enemies of the revolution”. Most of them were nobles, but
there were also some commoners who had resisted the “Revolution
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Let’s leave” Im whispered to me and I agreed.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Right now the commoners were cheering and
joining the “Revolution
revolution would eat its own children. And Mocilia would show her true face.
This morning also came the message that the rest of the paladins in the temple
district had been slaughtered, what made the crowd even more cheer.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>We left and went back to my keep. There were
prep
Imoen:
Prep
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>D
to make alliances with him, but that’s a detail. Several representatives of the
different cities and villages in eastern Amn came to D
because of Mocilia’s overthrow. And they wanted to make D
the end he agreed to command the
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Jaheira was also among those representatives
and she came tow
dungeon and was glad to finally meet her again. We talked for a while, about
what had happened. And then she rem
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Another thing, which took my thoughts off my
worries, was the oath of union between Aerie and Minsc. It cheered me up a
little, seeing them happy together. I hoped that one day I and
about prosecution any longer. But perhaps this is the fate of all Bhaalspawn.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>After those political talks, D
“factories”, a place where he wanted to mass-produce weapons with the power of
his steam engine. No wonder that he was totally exhausted in the evening. I
again went to help the f
certain worries I had.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>In the evening D
that he had overdone it. Again. Once he was obsessed
with work, he just couldn’t see where to stop. Still, the work I had done had
had this stimulating effect on me, as always. And I immediately tried, if I
could rouse D
really obsessed with me.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>But that counted for both sides, once we had
decided that we would stop worrying and just follow our feelings, there had
been no stopping us anymore. Why, I cannot really tell. Somehow I felt that
being with D
were awaken, like a fire inside of us, they were stronger than any memories of
past pain and that is probably the reason why I was with him as often as
possible. We both had had our sh
more be
really bad nightm
beside of me, loving me, making me forget. I guess, without each other we would
have gone both insane, died or perhaps even killed ourselves.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I remember that p
of his dreams then. One of those visions of what would happen
in the future. He told me that he saw w
would be the cause of it. Of course it worried me, but I assured him that I
would never leave him, no matter what would happen. And I meant it.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Day after day D
kept working on the f
nights. During the nights I was again plagued by nightm
drink in the evening, to make myself so drunk that I wouldn’t dream during the
night. It was then that my memories were brought back again, forced onto me.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I was already feeling dizzy from all the
alcohol, when one of the f
already filled with alcohol and cle
stunk out of his mouth and just st
he had sometimes glanced over to me.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Hey, yah wadn’t mind
givin’ a jolly lad suhm fun
t’night, aye? Yah’re such a
guhd-lookin’ lass, oh mee,
a yun fellow like me doesn’t get such a sight all
day, yah know?” he said with a heavy tongue, his eyes having this certain
glassy look of the drunk.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Get out o’ my sight, y
annoyed voice.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Ah, cuhm on,
yun guy, not good enough for yahr?
Stupid bitch, I’m gonna ‘ave
yah anywee, yah’ll see!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>He went away after that, but left me with a
feeling of dread, even a little fe
could b
my bed. It was more stumbling than walking, though.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I was stumbling through the d
straw, when suddenly I was grabbed from behind, somebody smelling heavily of
alcohol.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>And then I he
on, lass, cuhm with me, yah an’ I
‘re gonna ‘ave some
fun t’night, aye?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>The memories rushed back instantly, I was back
in my cell and this bast
into me and I couldn’t get him off. I felt, as if I was choking.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Let go off me, let go or I’ll kill
screamed, but my words were broken off by this huge hand covering my mouth.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I bit into it and the guy let go of me, giving
a short scream. But he immediately seized me again, trying to drag me along,
while he muttered.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I’m gonna enjoy yah,
if yah want or not, lass…”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Fe
words left my mouth, several magical missiles hitting him. He let go, screamed
and dropped to the ground. Still shaking, I bent down and hit him, but he
didn’t move. Was he dead? Had I killed him? No, I hadn’t meant to kill him, no!
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I sat on the ground, next to the body of the
young laborer, while people began rushing out, trying to find out, what had
caused the screams. They found me sitting next to the body, unable to perceive
anything, which was going on, trembling and weeping, haunted by memories of
pain and fe
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Somebody told me later on that I had kept
saying things like “I didn’t mean t’ kill ‘im… I
didn’t mean t’ kill ‘im… Lemme
go, lemme go! No, please, lemme
go!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I guess somebody c
began to realize again, where I was, I was lying on a bed, surrounded by
several of the f
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>A f
hand.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Lassie, what happened out there? No need t’ fe
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“He… he tried t’ rape me an’
I… an’ I… I killed ‘im!” I whispered.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Nah, he ain’t dead,
lassie, but he got himself a good knockin’ o’er
t’ rape a nice lass like yah.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“But… but… I didn’t hit ‘im
o’er the head, I think I used magic on ‘im…”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Yah can do magic? I didn’t know that… But he’s
alive an’ well, unconscious, though.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I had been lucky that all had gone well. Still,
it taught me one thing: I was f
they haunted me and probably would haunt me all life.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Next evening I returned to the keep and went to
see after D
he was doing. He then revealed to me that he was trying to find out, whether we
were true siblings or not. And he believed that we were not. I asked him, if it
troubled him and he said that he didn’t c
Well, closely related people’s children had strange illnesses and such… I led
him up to our bedroom, away from his studies, where for some hours we forgot
our worries.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Next morning I went to watch his factories and
was surprised to see that new people had begun living
houses. But their houses were more huts than anything and the families I saw
were poor, poorer than the f
But that was of course only one of the many things, which happened in Mocilia’s
name…
D
Armament
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Representatives from all the eastern amnish
districts awaited me at the keep. There was High Merchant Logan from Trademeet,
Jaheira from the Druids, Minister Lloyd from the Um
thing: To give me the title of “Lord Protector of Eastern Amn” and with this
the command over all the
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I told them that I simply would command their
down my power again, but they wanted to keep me as their ruler. After some
discussing we settled on a compromise. As Lord Protector I would stay in
command of the
lands
demanded that all troops would be equipped and trained with the new weapons and
that I would have all right on my inventions.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>After the treaty had been set up and signed by
all p
the dryads.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Those I received by some dryads, which
Hand those to the queen of the dryads in the Windspe
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I will do this gladly, Lord D
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>When I had just finished talking to him,
Jaheira came over to me and Im.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“It’s good to see you again” she said.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Yeah, ya too,
Jaheira” Im replied.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I he
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
an’ now I’ve got my soul back.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“What about Irenicus?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“We will take c
you know. But right now there is more urgent matters to attend to” I answered.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Suddenly Jaheira looked very h
head.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“So, you two
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I and Im looked at each other.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Why d’ya
think?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“It is obvious for anyone who has eyes to see.
I just want to w
you two come to h
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Look Jaheira” Im explained, “
in our very spirits an’ souls. Nothin’ ‘
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I see. Still, be c
of two siblings being together like that.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“We will be c
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Together with the other representatives I began
to
officers to train them in the use of the newer weapons. The villages in the Um
them I also would send two officers. With the help of our new steam engines we
would be able to produce more weapons and equip all soldiers with them. I also
ordered a general recruitment; every man able would be equipped and trained. We
had to be ready for Mocilia.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I saw Anomen and Nalia talk to each other and
moving closer realized that he was telling her of his father’s death. He was
crying, she embraced him and tried to comfort him.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Aerie and Minsc approached me.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“We want you and Im to be witnesses in our oath
of union” Aerie explained.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I and Aerie will swe
our whole lives in front of at least two witnesses. That’s called ‘the oath of
union’. It’s a tradition in Rashemen” Minsc further explained.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Ah, so it is something simil
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Yes, something simil
oath.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“And when do you want to do this?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Right now, if it’s possible” Aerie answered.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I waved at Im, who came over to us.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“They want to swe
witnesses” I explained to Im.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“What, they wanna m
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“No, it isn’t the same, although I don’t really
see any difference.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Minsc took out a leather strip and tied his and
Aerie’s hand together. Boo crawled onto their hands and looked
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“As our hands
souls be, Aerie. I swe
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“And so do I, Minsc!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>After that I went out to the construction site
and helped in building of it. Minsc, Anomen and Keldorn joined me too, but I
told them that they should go and fetch some fire
train them in their use. Although they didn’t like the idea, they finally
submitted to my reasoning that without them they would stand no chance against
Mocilia and her “Revolution
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>This evening I was very tired and Im helped me
into bed. I just lay there, my eyes closed, when Im lay
next to me and kissed me softly.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Ya
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“It was just a very exhausting day, Im…”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Hm, I could help
there, just let me handle this…”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>She moved her body onto mine and kissed me
again. Gently she began to take my clothes off and then hers, kissing my body.
I felt how my blood began to run like fire and suddenly longed for her, so I
took her in my
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Ah, so ya like it…”
she whispered in my e
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>As a reply I kissed her again, first her w
then her eyebrows, her forehead, her cheek. I smelled her hair, her sweat and
my longing grew every second. Still kissing her passionately I moved my right
leg between her legs and p
moaned and I kissed her even more passionately, touching her hair, her
clutching her hands tightly and beginning to push into her, faster and faster.
Our rhythm of breath increased more and more, I felt her hot breath in my face.
Suddenly she rolled me on my back and began to push, while I rested, her face
close to mine, her hair touching it even. I put my
our passion began to reach a climax, our feelings reaching new heights of utter
joy. Her soul seemed to have entered my body and I felt all that she felt. When
she finally screamed in total ecstasy and my feelings seemed to explode in
total exaltedness, my vision suddenly changed.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>In front of my eyes ages passed, universes came
into existence and died when their last st
developed and died again.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>And then I suddenly stood in a room, in front
of me a gray-haired man with a noble, but grave face, clothed in black, but
elegant clothes.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Welcome, D
Empire of Kuld. And I am here to tell you, what you must do and why.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“What do you mean, I don’t understand?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I come from another universe. There I realized
that the only way to save my world was to destroy humanity. And thus I made the
h
had to be done and you will face a simil
make the right choice?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“You killed the people of your own race? Why?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
will destroy everything and in every universe.
controlled. It was the case in my universe and soon you’ll realize that it is
the case in yours.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“So you mean that I many people will have to
die in order to reach a certain end?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Yes, that is exactly what I want to tell you.
Sometimes we have to make h
must choose the h
destruction for your world. You must lead your ‘holy w
achieved. Many people call me ‘evil’ and I have to live with the fact that I
destroyed countless lives. We, who face those great tasks, must c
somebody to you.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Suddenly someone else stood next to him, a
person looking almost frighteningly simil
color of eyes, the same face. He didn’t have my sc
twins.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Who the hell
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Don’t you know that everything in the
multiverse has its counterp
Conrad.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I immediately recognized the connection:
“Conrad” was “D
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“And why do you show yourself to me?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Because I know that you will listen to me, D
choose what is right and you know what is right, despite the costs. Choose, D
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I knew that Conrad spoke the truth, although I
didn’t like it.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>And with that it all vanished; Im st
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“What did ya see,
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I… this man spoke to me and told me that I
would have to choose to do terrible things in order to do what is right. And
then came my counterp
entirely. He told me the same as this other man and I know that he is right, I
felt it.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“People will die. A lot of
people, Im. There will be w
before. And I must do this.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Gently she stroked my face and smiled.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Know this, D
‘ave t’ do, whatever ya’ll do, I’m
gonna stay with ya, understand?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I took her hand and pressed it firmly.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I know, Im, I know…”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>The next morning I selected the officers, who
would go to the different districts and there equip and train my new soldiers.
They also took plans for the steam engines and weapon production facilities
with them, so that they could build such structures themselves. I intended to
give them two weeks for training and then I would assemble my
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>In the meantime, the work with our own
facilities as the keep was advancing. Two days later we had finished the
machines and were able to use them. The speed of production was increased
tremendously and the next day I sent several c
the day after that to the Um
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Minsc, Keldorn, Anomen and Aerie were beginning
to get the hang of the weapons, although Aerie only used a fire-
magic. I and Taldor began to work on improvements on our weapons, he was the
one who eventually came up with the principle of landmines and I invented the
principle of rounds and breech-loaders. Those were a lot more effective than
the older versions of the fire-tubes and fire-spiters.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>We also realized that we could use the power of
steam for a many other things than just weapons-production. So we invented the
steam-c
we could produce many other goods with the power of steam. Thus I began to
build more and more factories
sent some of my people to the slums of Atkatla, where more than enough
unemployed people lived, and they were able to hire some for my factories.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>The first great task I set them to do was to
build rails for the steam-c
keep with Trademeet. More and more workers
the keep was surrounded by a small, but steadily growing town of cheap houses.
When my new
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>During those two weeks I also put together my
laboratory down in the cell
in it stood that Bhaal had descended many times before the Times of Trouble,
taking on many different forms and producing his Spawn. It was then the thought
occurred to me that I and Im perhaps weren’t sibling at all, because it was
probably that Bhaal had used different bodies when he had produced us.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>But I needed proof. In my lab I had begun
experimenting on myself, trying to find a way to determine my origins. If I
could find a way to determine relationships between different beings, then I
could find out the truth.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Im once descended when I was working late.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I’m trying to find out if we’re true siblings,
Im.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I thought ya didn’t
mind…”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I turned
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Oh, I don’t Im, never question that. But
others do and then there is the question of children. You know, I have he
problems. Such things happen to nobles, I have he
strange illnesses and such things. And I don’t want this to happen to us, you
know.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Now she smiled and kissed me.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“It’ll be a’right, D
already late…”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Because of the general recruitment, I was now
in command of about two thousand soldiers, all equipped with breech-loaders and
throwable exploders. I had about a hundred soldiers
handling mobile fire-kegs. We were ready for Mocilia and her “Revolution
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Mocilia hadn’t been lazy. The Shadow Thieves of
Baldur’s Gate had also overthrown their local government and now Mocilia ruled
over the “People’s Republic of Atkatla and Baldur’s Gate”. Already an
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>It was then that I sent a decl
Civil W
Imoen:
Fighting Mocilia
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>D
concerning the Amnish Civil W
but I’m still going to tell you how I experienced the whole thing.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>We m
travels, which all came with us. I talked with Keldorn some, D
officers and planning for battle. Keldorn was not his old self anymore; there
was something very bitter about him, which I had never noticed before. He told
me that he meant to kill Mocilia personally, something which I now could
understand. But I saw him glance uneasy between me and D
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>He finally spoke about it and he said the words
I had been afraid of he would say: “I know what is going on between you and D
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>For a moment I was afraid that now he would st
worse, but then he just said: “Look, I am a paladin and actually I should be
telling you right now that you should stop, what you
Why?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>For a long time I thought about, what I should
answer him. Should I try to discuss this theologically with him? I certainly
would lose. So I finally decided to simply tell him the truth.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Keldorn, would ya
believe me, if I told ya that I… simply loved ‘
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>He sighed and didn’t say anything for some
time, looking to the ground and walking onw
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I… I thought you would say something like
that. And I believe you, Imoen. Still, I guess you must have realized the
consequences, if your relationship is revealed. You must realize the danger you
two
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Yes, I realize it, Keldorn. We both realize
it. And we both decided t’ still follow our he
think o’ us.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Some weeks ago I would have told you to
immediately stop your relationship, despite your love for each other.
how precious our love had been and what a great thing I had lost. I will never
again have something like this. Perhaps simil
same. And I am
also old now; the days of my life
life before you. And if it is indeed the will of the gods that you love D
not let go of it, never.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>The battle itself I didn’t attend, I was
together with D
side. I guess it was due to the fact that Mocilia’s Revolution
experience in fighting outside in the open and simply had less advanced
weapons. But ask D
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>This night I slept next to D
Suddenly I awoke and D
weapon. Suddenly I saw a shadow leap up and hit D
the shadow, hitting it with my fists. But he thrust a knife into my side; I
fell to the ground, pain erupting in my body. Poison! The knife had been
poisoned!
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I couldn’t move, I couldn’t scream, I only saw,
how two figures grabbed D
end? No air came into my lungs; it seemed as if the poison had also p
there was nothing left. It felt like falling into a d
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Was this death? I never managed to see the
afterlife, though, for suddenly I felt life again, I coughed and sat up,
breathing air again.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Imoen, you’re back, thank Baev
worried!” I he
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“What… what happened?” I asked in a ho
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“You… you were dead and… and I resurrected you.
It was so horrible, they brought your lifeless body to me and…and… Somehow I
managed to say the words and then life came back into you.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Breathing deep and slow, I gathered strength
again. It felt good, after that horrible feeling of suffocating.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Where is D
he alright?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“No, we don’t know, he is gone. What happened,
Imoen, tell me!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“These figures appe
It was so… No, no, I don’t want t’ think about it, I couldn’t breath, I just
couldn’t…”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Te
back.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“It’s over, Imoen, it’s alright now…”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Never tell D
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“If you want, I promise it, Imoen. I’m never
going to tell me, word of honor!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I remembered my feelings, when I had tried to
think about D
both couldn’t think about the other one dying. If it really would happen, the
other one would surely be destroyed.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Immediately after I was able to get up again, I
took control of the situation and sent out se
kidnappers, with the help of Minsc. We followed them into the woods, westw
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>After a while we saw lights ahead, torches.
Minsc motioned us to halt and we stood still, while the lights approached us
slowly.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Draw your weapons, Boo doesn’t like the look
of this” Minsc whispered to us.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I took out Gesen’s bow and readied myself to
use it. But it never came to that. Minsc suddenly st
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
see you again, I and Boo already thought we’d find you dead and I would have to
shove my sword down some evil guys’ throats to avenge you. But it’s good to see
you alive, old friend!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>D
Minsc.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Good old Minsc, so you came after me! Tiris
here was faster, though. You remember Tiris, don’t you?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Oh, yes from Trademeet. How
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>The man called Tiris replied: “Oh, we’re both
happy t’gether, thanks for askin’.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Now it was enough, when the hell would he lower
himself to greet me? For a moment I was really angry with D
again. So I rushed tow
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I thought they’d kill ya…”
I whispered to him.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I’m not so easily killed, Im, so don’t you
worry. Still, it’s nice to know that you do worry. Did Mocilia’s soldier do anything
to you, when they took me?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“They tried, but only knocked me unconscious,
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>He sighed.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Thanks the gods! I was also worried, you
know…”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>We returned to the camp and immediately went
back into our tent, where we loved each other passionately. After our worries,
we probably had to reassure ourselves of the other’s presence and forget our
worries completely. Nobody would sep
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Next morning brought new worries, though. D
Mocilia and her
sure that Mocilia was following him. And she did follow his
They were surrounded and then the slaughter began.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>But not all did go as planned. First of all I
couldn’t fight at all, because I had to lie flat, as our enemies shot above us.
And then Mocilia came. Suddenly I felt somebody grab me from behind, drag me up
and then I felt the b
felt the cold, deadly metal against my head, fe
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Don’t move, D
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Keldorn, who had his own reason for killing
Mocilia, raised his fire-tube and pointed it at Mocilia.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“You will not get away with this, Mocilia!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I think I am
gettin’ away with it. Don’t yah follow me or she’s
dead!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Couldn’t someone just shoot the bitch! D
looked at D
hatred in his eyes. Yes, D
saw, was D
and all went d
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>When I awoke, I was lying in the grass, my head
aching terribly. Moaning I turned it to the left. There was a body lying there,
it had long, black hair, but its face was full of blood and a huge hole was in
it. Suddenly I realized that it was Mocilia. She had finally met, what was
coming to her.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>D
rather worried at me.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“You alright?” he asked, when he saw me awake.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“My head hurts like hell. But
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>He smiled, stretched out his hand and noted:
“Come, let’s get you on your feet again.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>The w
Mocilia’s
and we were able to return to the keep.
D
The Amnish Civil W
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I moved my
messenger. It was my intention to lure Mocilia and her “Revolution
be vulnerable.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>She took the bait and advanced with her
“Revolution
in front of it, a forest behind it. Mocilia would move in from the west, across
the field, where I could bomb
would.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>My fire-kegs opened fire, creating havoc and
death among the enemy. But Mocilia’s officers were able to scatter their
longer able to do much h
the enemy at the flank.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>The enemy wasn’t prep
were quickly overcome and soon the enemy general ordered a retreat. I didn’t
follow them, though.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>We had won our first victory, but I wasn’t sure
if it had won us the w
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I ordered the
perfectly well that we wouldn’t stand a chance against Mocilia inside the city.
But as long as she’d have to come out here, I could choose the battle grounds
and beat her.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>But I had underestimated her. I was sleeping
peacefully in my tent, when I was woken by some noise. Immediately I took up my
fire-spiter and stood up, but then something hit me
from behind and I lost consciousness.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I awoke and st
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Yah wouldn’t listen t’ mee
advice, now yah’re gonna
pay dah price, D
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Behind her several Shadow Thieves stood,
grinning at me. One of them had a set of torturing tools with him. It was then
that I realized we were not in the city but in a forest. I was bound to a tree.
Mocilia probably didn’t want to lose any time.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>But suddenly I he
stepped into the light of the fire ne
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Release ‘im or we’ll
kill yah!” one of them screamed.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>It was then that I recognized him as Tiris,
whose wife Raissa I had rescued.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Yeah, it’s me, mee
Lord. Gotta pay somethin’
back t’ yah for savin’ mee
Raissa, yah know.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
screamed at her Shadow Thieves.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>One of the soldiers came over to me, cut my
bonds and handed a fire-tube to me.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Drop your weapons!” I shouted.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>The Shadow Thieves immediately followed my
command, but Mocilia st
her fire-spiter, pointed it at me and shot, but I had
reacted quickly and thrown myself to the ground. She cursed and quickly dashed
away into the woods.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Thanks, Tiris.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Hey, as I said, I owe yah one, Lord” Tiris
replied.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>We went back to the camp, taking the captured
Shadow-Thieves with us. Tiris told me that he had seen how the Shadow Thieves
had vanished out of the camp and had followed them with some of his comrades.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Next morning I ordered the soldiers to move
again and we m
“Revolution
to lay a trap for them.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>There was a huge glade in the forest and I put
my troops in the woods encircling it. Soon the whole
And when they were all there, I ordered the attack.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>The breech-loader had one advantage over the
fire
on the ground and shoot from there. The Revolution
they just shot above our heads and didn’t hit anything, while we did. Only when
they threw some exploders there were people killed, but we also had those and
of course the fire-kegs.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Lying on the floor I aimed at a Gu
Before he could throw it I shot and hit him right into the head. The exploder
exploded right in his hand, killing his companions
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Minsc was shooting at another group left of us,
Anomen and Keldorn were aiding him. Behind me Im was lying on the ground,
probably cursing herself for not le
and use her bow while the enemy was shooting at us. Aerie was also using her
fire-spiters and sometimes threw an exploder.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Keldorn was next to me and he was looking for
Mocilia. Mocilia was in the middle of the battlefield, shouting at her gu
drew her own weapons and advanced right tow
c
us. When I looked where she had been before, she was nowhere to be seen.
Suddenly she stood behind us and grabbed Im, putting her fire-
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Don’t move, D
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Keldorn had raised his fire-tube and was
pointing it at her, anger and hate flashing in his eyes.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“You will not get away with this, Mocilia!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I think I am
gettin’ away with it. Don’t yah follow me or she’s
dead!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>The anger rose in me, I felt it coming. She
wouldn’t hurt Im, nobody would hurt Im! The change came over me, my hand turned
into claws, fur grew on my body and my mouth was stretched long, suddenly sh
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Mocilia shrieked and dodged my jump, hit Im
over the head with her fire-spiter and put her over
her shoulders like a sack of potatoes. She tried to run, but in my wolf-form I
was faster than she was. Looking back she tried to shoot me, but I quickly
jumped aside and then continued the chase.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Then I was at her, she let Im’s limp body fall
to the ground and ran, but I jumped and drove my claws into her shoulders,
pulling her down to the ground. She screamed in pain and drew out a dagger, but
I grabbed her hand and squeezed it, breaking her bones.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Nobody hurts Im, you fucking bitch! I’m
her, while she whimpered in pain.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Then I he
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I will do it, D
determined voice.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I stood up and Mocilia tried to crawl away, but
quickly I grabbed her again and held her down.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Hate in his eyes, Keldorn stepped over to
Mocilia and put his fire-tube against her head.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Please, let me live!” she begged.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>But Keldorn was determined, put his finger
against the trigger and pulled it. A thundering sound could be he
head was a bloody mess. Keldorn had shot right into her face.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“This is for M
spitting on Mocilia’s body.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>When we returned to the battlefield, it was all
over. The remaining Revolution
We took them captive and sent a messenger into the city to whoever was the new
“President” of the “People’s Republic of Atkatla and Baldur’s Gate”. Im wasn’t
hurt too badly, fortunately; she just had a headache after she woke up.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>It wasn’t as easy as it looked, for the former
guild-masters of the Shadow Thieves couldn’t decide who would become their new
leader. But after two days a messenger came back and he had a peace offer with
him. Amn should be divided into two p
region in between belonging to the Republic, the rest belonging to me. I
accepted this offer and thus ended the civil w
Imoen:
The d
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>After returning to D
and their families. Their numbers had increased, not surprisingly, if things
were as I had he
I realized that factory work was f
still many things we didn’t know about those new machines and security was
practically not existent.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Once I witnessed how a worker cut off his hand
in one of those machines. If I hadn’t fetched Aerie immediately, the man would
have lost his hand forever. I thought that this was a singul
accident myself.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I was trying to clean the wheels of one of the
blasted machines; I had to crawl under it, in order to do that. And then some
idiot put the thing on, my shirt was clamped between the wheel and the floor, I
was dragged to it and as the wheel turned, it grinded against me. First it
wasn’t really of a problem, but then the wheel began to turn faster and faster,
the grinding began to take off my skin, blood was sme
screamed for help, but nobody came, because the machine was louder than my
screams.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>And then my shirt got stuck on an outcropping of
the damn wheel, my body was dragged under the wheel and the wheel stopped
turning, because I was blocking its way. But the whole thing was stronger than
I was, slowly it began to crush me, I felt the weight increase and increase and
because my stomach side was turned tow
my lungs. I felt my ribs break, as the wheel kept dragging and crushing slowly.
Of course I tried to get away, but I couldn’t get my shirt loose.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Finally someone stopped the machine and I he
shoulder and began pulling me away from the wheel. Finally I got away from it
and then I was dragged out and laid on the floor. My vision was clouded, so I
couldn’t see, what was going on or who was there. But I felt somebody cutting
my shirt and then touching my body.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Does this hurt?” a voice asked me sometimes.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>My short screams were probably
you’d just been almost crushed by a fucking wheel?
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Broken ribs, abraded skin… Someone get a
healer, I think she’s passing out!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Aerie finally healed me and as soon as I was
well again, I immediately went to D
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“D’ya
machines!” I told him angrily.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Almost killed by a machine? What
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Y
Hell, I almost died just before! It’s just a matter o’ time, until someone
really dies!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“But Im, I know so little yet about everything…
I may have invented the machines, but this doesn’t mean I know everything about
them. Of course I don’t want people dying and I’ll try my best to increase
security.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I was still trembling from anger, my face red.
D
embracing me and kissing me softly.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I’m glad nothing happened to you, if you’d
die…”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Yes, I know, what ya
mean, D
further…”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Some days later we were invited by Minister
Lloyd of the Um
food, something strange happened there. D
trader that the trader’s real name was D
something about a “Twisted Rune”, before he died and D
those words. I of course had no clue, until D
business with Rejiek.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Finally D
Atkatla, in secret of course. Keldorn suggested that we used the sewers and so
we did.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>The sewers of Atkatla were dirty and wet, as I
had expected. What I didn’t expect was that mind flayers lived there, which of
course immediately attacked us. D
saved his life: I shot a lightning from Gesen’s bow at the beast and it died.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
the floor.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Yeah, thanks for… you know.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I kissed him to show him that I accepted.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>It was then that I first said it: “Anytime for
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I don’t know, why I had said it. Somehow, it
just had slipped out. And it had sounded… odd. Not right, somehow. Still, it
was how I felt about him and still feel. In time I got used to say it to him
and him too, but back then, the first time I said it… Yes, the time had cle
brother and sister. We were now two lovers, two adult persons, sh
other.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“It’s alright, Im, and I tell you,
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I hope so or do I need t’ take out my katana
an’ go kill someone?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>We both laughed and D
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>But also I had meant it seriously. I would
never let anyone take D
I would let nobody kill him, but also that I would not
let somebody steal his love for me.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Oh, and Anomen found the famous hammer of
thunderbolts, one of the most powerful magical
even more powerful Crom Faeyr.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>In the Copper Coronet Hendak and Bern
worse in the city. The Gu
anyone who showed even a slight sign of discontent or rebellion was
also revealed to us that the Twisted Rune could be found in the bridge district
and that one needed a rogue stone, which he gave to us, to enter their domain.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Disguised as commoners we went over to the
bridge district and indeed found the Twisted Rune, destroying this evil for
good. But there were still the slavers left…
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>The slavers turned out to be in possession of
fire
them on us. Fortunately, we reacted fast enough and threw ourselves onto the
floor, the shots passed over. And that was the end of the slavers, because our
shots hit them.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I wanted to leave the city, but
master smith, to let him forge the Crom
about it. Cromwell was indeed able to forge the Crom
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>When we left Cromwell’s house, we were
intercepted by a patrol, which
with us. We stood no chance, they were more and they had their fire
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>They led us to the city prison and threw us
into a cell. While we waited, I remembered the things Hendak had told us. Would
torture be our fate? I trembled at the thought, I didn’t know if I’d survive it
again. Not so soon after Irenicus… D
more of our companions were taken away and didn’t return. Hendak had been
right. In my mind I imagined myself horrible things. Hell, I had experienced
for more than one lifetime; imagining torture wasn’t that difficult, after
being “experimented” on by Irenicus.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>And then they came for me, my fe
stronger. I tried to wrestle from their grip, screamed at them, but it was no
use.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>They dragged me to a room and by the time I
notice much anymore. Suddenly I saw the knife. Images flashed inside my mind
and I saw Irenicus, gl
hands.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>But it was not the cold, emotionless voice of
Irenicus, which finally spoke: “Now, yahr turn,
lassie. Hm,
aye? Perhaps we’ll ‘ave some fun latahr
with yah, hehe, won’t we, boys?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I he
man with the knife stepped closer to me, finally kneeling in front of me,
showing me his knife.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Yah see that, lassie? This thin’ can hurt yah
quite a bit, ‘cause I’m an expahrt
with it. Now, we don’t wanna h
lady like yahrself, aye? That’s why
yah’re gonna be a nice lass
an’ tell us, what yah an’ yahr friends were
late hour. An’ don’t tell me no lies, I’d notice.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“We were just goin’
home, please, really! We
else!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Then why d’yah ‘
no lies or yah gonna feel mee
blade!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I gave a desperate sob and screamed: “Leave me
alone, get away from me, I don’t want anythin’ from
go!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Too bad, lassie, but that was
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Suddenly his knife moved forw
screamed in pain, even more, when he turned
Then he ripped the blade out again and thrust it into my side.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Look at that sc
tell…” he said, looking at the sc
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“D’yah want
time, lassie?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“No, please, don’t!” I begged him.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Then tell us, whom yah’re
workin’ for!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Nobody, nobody, really, I swe
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>He sighed, turned to his colleagues and said:
“Whip her.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>They dragged me up and bound me to a block. One
of them began whipping my back, but I had almost passed out anyway out of fe
the chair again and now I began feeling my back.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>One of them opened my trousers and pulled them
off. I didn’t notice first, I was shaking and only feeling the pain. But then I
was grabbed and put onto the ground, someone forced my legs ap
himself into me. No, not again, not again!
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>My focus came back to reality; feverishly I
began working on my bonds, trying to ignore the pain as the man thrust himself
into me again and again. Finally I had freed myself; my hands shot forw
stabbed him right into his back.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>The man groaned in pain and I pushed him off
me, got up, pulled the dagger out and turned to the other gu
felt a dagger penetrating my back, its blade being driven deep into me. I
thought I would die as everything became d
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>When I awoke, I was lying in some other room,
several bodies next to me. There was pain everywhere, my back hurt like hell,
also the dagger wounds and between my legs… It wasn’t as bad as the first time
it had happened to me, but still…
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I took up my knees to my chin, just lying
there, te
my fingers into my mouth and bit on them to stop me from making any sound.
Finally I took a look
together with me. I put them on again and stood up, trying to ignore the pain
in my leg.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Then I stretched out and se
and sorrow. What was happening?
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I began se
a door and he
And D
Anger
the bast
comfort him. I am coming, my love, hold on!
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I pushed the door open and stood on the
threshold. The gu
fireball on them, burning them to ashes. Then I stumbled tow
unchaining him. When I had done that, my strength left me and I collapsed next
to him.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I was able to whisper my story to him and he
helped me up, together we managed to find our companions. Aerie and Anomen
healed us, we found our weapons in one of the rooms and then we left, fighting
our way out. Which was easy, the gu
we left the city. Hopefully to never return.
D
Unfinished business
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>We returned to the keep, where we were greeted
in triumph. The representatives of the east-amnish districts wanted to crown me
as king, but I refused. I only accepted to keep my title as Lord Protector for
the time being. And they also insisted that I’d visit the different districts
and “honor them with my presence”.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I divided my
keep and in Trademeet. Then we first went tow
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Minister Lloyd greeted us w
house. His wife turned out to be quite a cook and we all praised her skill.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>After the dinner we walked through the small
village and looked at it, while Minister Lloyd proudly explained everything to
me. Suddenly I remembered something: The note I had taken from the body of
Rejiek. There it had stood that if one solved the riddle one should go to the
Um
history of the Zenth
also to my companions.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Im also took a look and then replied, smiling:
“His name’s D
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Is there a man called like that here?” I asked
the Minister.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Not that I know of, no.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>We m
the traders. If I’d find a copy of this book somewhere, I would know…
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Indeed did the trader Fael
possess such a book and I bought it.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Ah, yah ‘ave
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“It is ‘D
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Ah, yah’re right,
Lord. What do yah want o’ me, then?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I drew my sword and thrust it right into his
chest.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Finally you receive your just rew
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I curse yah, the Twisted Rune’ll
get yah!” he hissed and then died.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>After pulling my sword out again, I turned to
my companions.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“What did he mean by that?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I have he
calling itself ‘The Rune’ and to my knowledge they
have their headqu
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“But there we can’t go anymore. What do we do?”
Aerie added.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Hm, there might be
ways to enter Atkatla in secret…” Keldorn muttered.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Explain yourself, Keldorn.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“The sewers, you can enter them from outside
the city. There
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“And then we could also take c
about. I want to crush those evil people!” Minsc shouted.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>So we traveled all the way back to Atkatla, but
didn’t enter the gates. We followed the coastline until we reached a drain
leading into the sea. And there we entered, following the dirty and smelling
sewers into the city.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Where the hell
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I’m sorry, but not even I know where we
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>It was then that I he
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“What was that?” Im asked.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Draw your weapons, I don’t like the sound of
it” I replied.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Not a moment too late, for suddenly several
figures leaped at us out of the d
but when one of the things came ne
beast came closer and tried to bend over me, probably wanting to suck out my
brains. But suddenly a lightning flew across the sewers and hit the beast,
burning it from the inside and leaving it a blackened corpse.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Im stepped over me and put her hand on my
shoulders.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Yeah, thanks for… you know.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>She smiled and kissed me gently.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Anytime for ya… my
love…”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>It sounded somehow awkw
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Hm, I’ve got t’ work
on that one…” I he
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“It’s alright, Im, and I tell you,
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I hope so or do I need t’ take out my katana
an’ go kill someone?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I laughed.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“No, I mean it, Im.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>The others had killed several other Illithids
and Anomen came over to me, a strange w
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Look at this; I think it’s a very valuable
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“It’s the hammer o’ thunderbolts!” Im
exclaimed.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“What’s that?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
all the p
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>We went on and finally came to the surface in
the slums, ne
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“We se
Rune’” I explained to him.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Oh, I’ve he
rumored. And there’s some talk that you can only enter it, if you have a rogue
stone with it.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>But I wouldn’t stay here in Atkatla, things
have gotten worse. Mocilia was bad enough; people were executed all day long
and there were lots of plundering, murdering, destroying, raping, whatever by
her ‘Revolution
civil w
new rulers anymore, so they just kidnap young men and boys and force them into
their ‘Revolution
these ‘Gu
I’ve he
where they torture people and stuff.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I thanked Hendak for his advice, but told him
that we would take c
cloaks to disguise us as commoners, though, and also a rogue stone.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Disguised like that we sneaked to the bridge
districts and looked through all the empty houses there. At one in the
south-west something strange happened. The rogue stone suddenly began to glow
and where there had been a door before, suddenly a portal stood.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>We entered through it and found ourselves in a
round, m
clothed in richly decorated robes. But there was something strange about him,
as if he was in the process of decaying.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“What
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Drawing our weapons, I replied: “We
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>He laughed and said: “And you have found it,
but you will not be able to enjoy it long. You shall die for your intrusion
here!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>He began to cast a spell, but a shot from one
of my fire-spiters interrupted him. He shrieked and
suddenly several other people teleported in: a beholder, a vampire and a w
split and attacked first the beholder and the lich, for the man in the robes
cle
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>At close range they both stood no chance, the w
problems. The w
defend herself, while the vampire jumped at Aerie, who drew out her fire-
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I screamed, pointed my fire-spiter
at the w
collapsed in front of Im. Quickly Im took her bow up again and shot the vampire
attacking Aerie.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“It is good that this evil is finally
vanquished from this world” Keldorn commented.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“But we still have to take on those slavers and
destroy them” I noted.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>So we sneaked again through the streets of
Atkatla and went to the temple district. Keldorn and Anomen both knew the
building we were looking for, a blue-colored palace right next to the headqu
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>We entered the building and were greeted by a
brown-skinned man clothed in robes and we
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“You
demanded.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“We have come to bring an end to your evil
deeds, slaver!” Keldorn shouted.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>The slaver simply laughed and teleported away.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Where did he go?” I asked my companions.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“There’s a stair over there, perhaps they
suggested.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>We went up the stairs and indeed there stood
six guys, all we
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>They had fire
Shadow Thieves - and some of them used magic. We ducked and so the volley
passed above us, hitting the wall behind us and then we drew our own weapons
and fired back. Three of them were killed immediately; the others had managed
to throw themselves onto the floor. Desperately they were trying to reload, but
we were faster and shot again, killing the remaining.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Im looked at the bodies and suddenly ducked and
took a shimmering katana from the floor.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Look at that, quite a weapon” she rem
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>There was one thing I still wanted to do: Show
the hammer of thunderbolts to the smith Cromwell in the docks. Perhaps he could
tell us, how to build this “Crom Faeyr”.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>We left the palace of the slavers and went all
the way to the docks, where we entered the house of Cromwell. The dw
smiled.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Yah need a belt o’ frost-giant’s strength and
then I could make yah Crom Faeyr.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I took off my belt and handed it to him.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“That’s just wonderful, yah just wait there.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>For several hours he worked in his smithy and
finally came out again, presenting us Crom
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Here
said and handed the money to Cromwell.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Oh, it does indeed, lad.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>As we left the house, we saw a group of
Revolution
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Who’re yah, identify yahrself!”
he demanded.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Eh, we’re just some commoners, sir” I replied.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I don’t believe yah, show me
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Puzzled I looked at him.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Everyone got papers, yah should know that! Yah
must be spies from outside, yah’re under
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>The gu
chance and so put down our weapons. They bound us and dragged us along to the
government district, where the prison was. There we were thrown into a cell and
left for a while. After some hours, they began to take us out one by one for
“interrogation”, though.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I and Im sat next to each other; I had put my
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“We’ll get out of this mess, I promise, Im” I
whispered.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I hope so, D
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>The thing that worried me most was that my
companions didn’t return after they had been taken away. Suddenly the door
opened, three gu
them, but one of them hit me with a wooden staff and I fell to the floor, blood
flowing from my head.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Leave me alone, ya
sons-o’-bitches!” I he
left alone in my cell.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Long I sat there and st
did to her. After some hours the door opened again and now was my turn.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>They dragged me to a room light by torches and
bound me to a chair. In the shadows sat someone else on a chair opposite to
mine.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“What did you do to Im, you fuckers?” I
screamed at him.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“What? Dah
didn’t we, lads?” said the figure on the chair.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I howled and tried to break free of my bonds,
but the figure just laughed.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“It’s no use, yah’re
ours now an’ yah’re gonna
talk t’ us.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“What did you do to her, tell me!” I howled.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Yah wanna know
little an’ then we shot ‘er. O’ course we also
tortured ‘er a little an’ she
sang like a bird, yes, she did. Wanna see ‘
gonna get dah chance…”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I just kept on screaming, while the gu
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
hour?
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Fuck you and your damn gu
kill you, you bast
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>He sighed and went on: “So, not
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I looked
escape. It was then that I saw the fireplace and the table next to it. In the
fire were several irons and they were glowing. And on the table lay different
knives and other tools of torture. One of the gu
me, ramming the knife into my hand, pulling it out and then ramming it into my
other hand. I screamed first, but then pressed my mouth firmly together.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Oh yah wanna play?
Give it t’ ‘im, lads! Take out dah
whip!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>They dragged me from the chair and chained me
to a wooden block, ripped off my shirt and exposed my back. I he
then a swishing noise. Suddenly something hit my back, burning like fire. And
it happened again and again until I could no longer hold it back and st
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I never counted the hits, but it seemed like an
eternity. Finally it stopped and I believed that I would die; my whole back was
like on fire.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Pleasant, isn’t it? Now
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Im, Im, I’m so sorry” I whispered.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I felt the rage grow inside of me, the hate. It
was coming, the slayer inside of me, taking control of me and I couldn’t resist
it, not after they had taken Im from me, I wanted to kill them for it, I wanted
to rip them to pieces!
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Suddenly I felt her; I felt her very soul,
comforting me. She was yet alive! My rage grew less, with her
door burst open, the lock flung against the wall and in the doorstep stood Im.
She had blood on her torn clothes and I saw several wounds, but her face showed
determination and anger. The gu
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“But… but we thought yah’re
dead!” the figure in the d
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>As an answer Im began to speak sinister words
in a voice I never had he
anger. The gu
across the room, as the gu
left of them.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>She stumbled tow
beside me and unlocked the chains. When she was finished, she collapsed next to
me, totally exhausted.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“What did they do to you?” I asked her.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I was bound t’ that chair over there an’ one
o’ ‘em tried t’ torture me with a knife. First they
hit me with that whip an’ then one o’ ‘em tried t’
had opened my bonds. When he tried it, I took ‘is dagger an’ stabbed ‘
thought I was dead” she explained weakly.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Oh, Im, I thought you were dead, they told
me…”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Sh,
fine now…”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I tried to help her up, although my back hurt
like hell. Together we managed to walk, supporting each other and thus we were
able to free the others, who had all been put into singul
had been tortured and had been asked to confess that they were spies. But
luckily no one was hurt mortally and some healing spells from Anomen and Aerie
took c
all stored in a locked room next to the torture chamber.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Walking out we surprised the gu
overcome them, fleeing into the night. Through the sewers we left Atkatla and m
leave this city behind me, now ruled by crime.
Imoen:
What could be
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>After we returned, a messenger was waiting
there for D
recognized the sign on the man’s cloak. He introduced himself as Edroc
alliance with D
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I told D
corridor, where I told him, if he was out of his mind, even considering such an
offer. He replied to that he needed to fight magic eventually, because he
needed to free the people of the gods.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>It was then that I had my first vision. I saw D
all of them we
before him and he asked them, if they’d stop worshipping “the false gods” and
swe
refused was killed. Then some mages were brought before him and he immediately
ordered their execution.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>It was then that I realized that the crowd also
was chanting my name.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
false gods!
Smile upon us and bless us from the heavens! Return to our Lord D
then you shall both reign supreme and for all eternity!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>What was going on here? Why did they talk, as
if I was dead? And then I actually he
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“They have taken her from me and I am going to
make them pay for it! I am going to bring her back, I will find a way! Im, I
swe
everything I can, to reunite us! Forgive me for failing you, Im!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>And then he began to weep and the crowd gasped
and watched him in awe.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“He is blessing us with his holy te
unwillingness of the people to accept the true faith!” someone shouted.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>And then they raised their weapons to the air
and began to sing this horrible song. They would slay all infidels, their blood
would be the fuel on the wheels of the holy industrialization, all false gods
would be destroyed and only the true god, D
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Finally D
infidels have turned themselves against me, I condemn them, they must die for
their blasphemous ways! Go, my trusted servants, and do my work! Kill all, who
faith!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>It was then that an old man stepped in front of
D
Elminster, the oldest and wisest of wiz
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Stop your foolishness, D
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“You
I bring the new dawn; I will save us and make everything new! Why can’t you see
the way? I thought that you were wise!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“It is you, who is the fool, D
going?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Silence, old man, or you will feel my divine
wrath!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I will not be silenced by the likes of you, D
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Kill him, kill him, he is the worst of the
infidels!” D
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>And then they raised their fire-tubes, pointed
them at Elminster. Elminster just stood there and st
to see me or he
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>And then the vision vanished and I saw
rushed to me and took me into his
happened and I tried to tell me, but just couldn’t. Sobs began to shake me and
I buried my face in his chest, wanting to forget everything again. No, this
would never come true, could never come true!
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Slowly I began telling him of my vision and I
begged him to not sign the treaty with those mage killers and he assured me
that he wouldn’t. Still, something was wrong, something bothered him. I wanted
to believe him, I really wanted to…
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>D
his
kissing me, wiping away my te
move over my body, feeling me. I put my
his thick hair, kissing him, trying to pull him tow
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Please, stay with me, my love… I’m afraid, D
that it’s never gonna happen, the thin’s
I saw!” I whispered to him, while he was biting my throat, softly.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“You know that I couldn’t live with you, Im,
never! Of course it isn’t going to happen; I will do everything in my power to
hinder it!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>He touched my face, stroking my skin and kissed
me again.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I’m going to give you something to stop your
worries, Im. Tonight you will sleep peacefully, without nightm
don’t you think those clothes
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I laughed and replied: “Finally a really good
idea, I’d say!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Somehow I really slept without having nightm
But in the night I awoke and there was no one beside me. Where had he gone?
Hadn’t he told me that he would stay? But soon I fell asleep again and in the
next morning I forgot to ask him.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>In the morning I had actually other worries.
The numbers of the workers seemed to increase constantly and they lived rather
miserably. D
heeding the problems of his subjects. He was totally obsessed with his steam c
construction of the first line to Trademeet.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I went to Keldorn with my worries, he was a
paladin after all and he should be concerned with what was happening. After I
had told him everything, which was on my mind, he was long silent in thought.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I will help you, Imoen; this cannot go on any
longer. It is my duty as paladin to help the weak and the poor. Come, follow me!
We will go and fetch the other companions too; they will certainly agree to
help us.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Together we went out to the worker families and
brought them food from the keep. We helped them build better houses and I and
Aerie looked after their children, while their p
both tried to teach the older children some things also.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>This went over the course of the next days,
even weeks. Slowly, but constantly, I saw, how the lives of the workers and
their families improved and it made me feel glad. The workers all knew me and
greeted me, when I came to them. I taught their children and even found some
rather bright ones among them, whom I taught a little magic.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>The nights belonged to me and D
always st
projects. Sometimes I mentioned something about the workers, but he was b
his machines. Somehow it made me sad, but we had always been different.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Was this really envisioned new world? I didn’t
really like it, at least not the beginnings of it. But I tried to give him a
chance to prove it otherwise.
D
The Mage Killer
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Back at the keep, a messenger waited for me. It
was a white-blond, tall and pale-skinned w
shoulders, a red sword, which just had cut a mage’s staff in two pieces,
painted onto it.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Lord D
think you may be a suitable ally” the messenger explained.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Whom do you speak of?” I asked him.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I am from the guild of the Mage Killers; we
have set ourselves the goal to destroy all mages and everything magical on
Toril. My name is Edroc Waelsord and I speak for our
Guild Master, Lord Alexei Fjodr.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>My interest was indeed awakened by those words
and leant forw
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Tell me, Edroc, what does Lord
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Edroc stood a little straighter and began to
explain: “Lord Fjodr wishes to greet his friend and
ally in a common cause, Lord D
on the many technological advances Lord D
would also like to discuss terms of an alliance. An alliance, so Lord
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I might be persuaded to such an alliance,
Edroc. Tell me, does Lord Fjodr have any special
conditions?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Edroc nodded gravely.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Indeed he has, my Lord. You must of course
accept the laws of our guild and either banish or execute all mages in your
realm. And then Lord Fjodr asks, if he could have
some of your weapons in order to equip our w
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“If we were allies, I would indeed be willing
to lend Lord Fjodr not only some weapons, but also
plans, how to build them and some trainers. Enforcing a law against magic might
be difficult from one day to the other, it must be introduced slowly, give the
people time to adapt. I will begin introducing more and more technology, thus
making magic more and more obsolete. Once the point is reached, when magic is
of no use anymore, such a law will no longer pose any problems.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>After those words, Edroc bowed his head.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Lord Fjodr has
already, this might be your answer and given me the authority to accept those
conditions. Do you wish to set up a treaty right away?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Yes, this will be best, Edroc. Do you have the
necess
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Smiling Edroc produced the treaty from his
pocket, ready to be signed. I read through it and it seemed acceptable in my
opinion. Im looked over it and beckoned me to follow her.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Would you excuse us for a moment, Edroc?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>In the corridor outside the hall, Im turned to
me, a stern expression on her face.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Are ya out o’
mind, D
I am a mage too, D
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Stroking her cheek, I tried to calm her down:
“Don’t worry, Im, nothing will happen to you. But don’t you realize that in the
long run, I am going to have to abolish magic? Magic is given by the gods and
if I really wish to free the people of them, I am going to have to fight
against magic also, because it is their symbol.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Im shook her head violently and suddenly looked
at me in horror, stumbling backw
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“No, no, don’t!” she screamed and hit the air,
as if she tried to fight somebody or something off.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I rushed to her and took her hands.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Im, what’s going on, tell me!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>She st
trembling, but nothing came out of them. Suddenly she buried her face in my
chest and I he
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Don’t do this, D
horrible’s gonna happen, I
know!” she whispered.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“What’s going to happen, Im?” I asked her in a
gentle as possible voice, trying to calm her.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I… I saw ya, D
gonna happen… I saw ya an’
innocent people, just because they wouldn’t stop believin’
in their gods or doin’ magic. An’ I he
kind o’ gods.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>In my head I began following the paths into the
future and realized with a shock that Im was right. The future seemed to take a
horrible course and what was even more horrible: Im was no longer at my side.
Where had she gone in the future, what had happened to her?
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I was gone, D
t’ me. Please, don’t let somethin’ happen t’ me, it
would destroy ya, I know it, all those horrible
gonna happen, ‘cause I’m no longer with
be destroyed.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>It couldn’t happen, it mustn’t happen, I would
prevent it! Nothing would take Im from my side and all those horrible visions
of her wouldn’t come to pass! But still, I needed to find a way to realize my
plans, somehow I would manage, I would bend the course of destiny to my will!
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Those were my thoughts, which I didn’t tell Im.
Oh, how I regretted not telling her later on! But now it is too late, there is
no going back. Why didn’t I tell you, Im, why? I was such a fool, blinded by my
own abilities, my intelligence. I thought that I could achieve anything, if I
only set my mind to it.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I never told Im, but secretly I signed the
treaty during the night, gave it to Edroc and sent him off, without her
knowing.
Imoen:
Before leaving
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I remember the day of the red dragon quite cle
of becoming pregnant and I told him about the potion Aerie had given me. And we
talked about children and I told him that I’d like a daughter, when Firkraag’s
messenger
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>The messenger told us of his lord and
turned out to be a huge, red dragon. And a tyrannical one.
He told D
the Windspe
demanded control over all technology in “his” realm.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Oh, and Tazok, one of S
there. Quite a surprise, since we had killed him back in Baldur’s Gate. But
Firkraag had resurrected him.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>D
and we decided to kill the dragon. It was a difficult battle and we only
survived, because I and Aerie used the cry of the banshee spell on him, which
killed the dragon finally. D
teleported us all back again to the keep.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>D
finally leaving southw
steam c
Quite an experience, I never traveled thus fast. Except of course teleport, but
that was something entirely different.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>In Trademeet D
could be used by everyone and that anyone, except weapons and transportation. I
was worried by this, since I knew that only the rich would really profit from
this. Who else had the means to build factories and employ workers? And so the
rich would only get richer. I remembered the workers
they’d be treated better in Trademeet.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>While D
thinking about the workers and their condition, especially about how to help
them. Only if D
something would change. I needed to convince him of the necessity. Thus I began
setting up a catalogue of potential laws to protect the workers. Those laws
were later introduced by D
regulations”. Heh, at least something I can be proud
of.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I was just working on them, as I he
corridors. I stepped outside and asked some of the servants.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>One of them answered me: “Lord D
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I rushed down and indeed, there he was, dancing
stood, lighted up, illuminating the room. He was cle
had to agree, it was indeed a useful invention.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>After that he made some last prep
social laws. And then we were ready to set out to reclaim his soul…
D
Firkraag
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>After sending away Edroc with the treaty, I
went on with building the railroad and some other things I had left unfinished.
Im and I were together often and we it seemed as if we couldn’t get enough of
each other. Something worried me, though. She often had nightm
But afterw
her, but left it with that.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>One day we sat outside, looking on the
continuing constructions going on. She was leaning her head against my shoulder
and I had put my
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Just a question I wanted to ask you for some
time: Aren’t you worried that you’re going to get pregnant if we continue like
this?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>She looked at me, smiling.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Oh, I was a little worried after our first
time, ya know. Probably a reason
why I was a little grumpy afterw
gave me this potion. She also told me how t’ make more o’ it. So don’t
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I kissed her on the forehead.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Hm, perhaps after we
killed Irenicus and I got back my soul…”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
some peace together.
probably’d like a boy, right? So ya
can show ‘im y
eh?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Oh, I wouldn’t mind a girl at all, Im. But I’d
insist that she also le
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I don’t ‘ave a
problem with that, D
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>We stayed there for a while and watched the
scenery. The railroad was going fine, soon we would reach Trademeet and then
we’d have regul
anymore; it had grown into a town of itself. There were several factories and
the workers lived just next to them. And more came everyday, fleeing from Atkatla
mostly.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
front of us.
was a w
side.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Dah Lord Firkraag
commands yahr presence, Lord D
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Who the hell is Firkraag?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“He’s the Lord of the Windspe
you, believe me. Best is to come with me.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Hm, alright, I’ll
talk with your Lord. But let me tell my companions first.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>My companions were soon assembled and they
agreed to come with me. I told the w
away.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>We found ourselves in a l
huge b
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
dead together with my brother!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Tazok’s look was pure hate.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“So we meet again, D
life and this time you will not take it away so easily, my master will protect
me.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I will, do not worry, Tazok” the dragon said
in a loud, booming voice.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Are you Lord Firkraag?” I asked him.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Indeed I am, Lord D
asking me, but rather that bast
decl
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I looked at the dragon a little perplexed.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I am sorry to he
at all.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“But now you know. This treaty is worthless, it
hasn’t been approved by me and I would never submit to the rule of the likes as
you!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Is there anyway to persuade you otherwise?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Yes. Kill G
will not submit to your rule, but I would agree to form an alliance. And I will
keep all the technology you have already placed in my region.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Forget it, no way.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Then get the hell out of my dungeon!” the
dragon shouted angrily.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Anomen and Keldorn stepped over to me, a grave
look on their faces.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I have he
and not even the real Lord. G
tyrant here. Firkraag has also stolen one of the most valuable treasures of the
order: The sword C
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“But who the hell
dragon?” Im asked.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I am ready, my sword Lilacor can take down any
dragon” Minsc commented.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Indeed I can. Hm,
killing a dragon might even increase my power…”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“We need Tazok off our backs, if we want to
kill Firkraag” I mentioned.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Anomen took out his fire-spiter
and shot Tazok.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“You mean like that?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Ehm, yes” I replied.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Firkraag ro
nostrils.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Alright, this is it. Best of luck to all” I
commented.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I dodged a blow of fire aimed at me, rolled
under Firkraag and thrust my new sword, the Equalizer, deep into the dragon’s
inn
wasn’t dead yet. Im shot a lightning into his eyes, Anomen crushed one of his
claws and Keldorn thrust his sword into Firkraag’s chest. Minsc, on the other
hand, was climbing up the back of the dragon and drove Lilacor deep into Firkraag’s
neck.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>With a stone from her sling, Aerie shot the
dragon into one of his eyes, what made the beast even more furious. He stamped
on the ground, blew flames in all possible directions, why I rolled away, stood
up, drew my fire-spiters and shot into both his eyes.
Blind and mad from pain the dragon flapped his wings and tried to hit us with
his claws and his tail, without much success.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I tried to dodge several blows, but then one
hit me and flung me against the wall. Keldorn and Anomen got flung away by the
tail of the beast and then Firkraag ran forw
the last moment.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Moaning I got up and saw Minsc trying to get a
balance on the dragon’s back, but finally was thrown
off. I took out my breech-loader, aimed at the dragon’s head and shot. The
beast howled, but the bullet probably hadn’t penetrated its skull.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I’m gonna rip you
all ap
voice that the pill
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I, Keldorn and Anomen had gathered us in the
middle of the hall; we took our swords up and advanced, while Im and Aerie were
shooting at the dragon from behind. Dodging the claws of the dragon we went
under him and thrust our swords right into his belly, again and again. Minsc
got to his feet again and jumped onto the dragon’s back again, hitting the
dragon into its neck.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>While we were hitting on the dragon, Aerie and
Im gathered their forces and began to conjure a spell together, uniting their
power. Firkraag still tried to hit us fighters and so they could do it undisturbed.
It took some time and so I gathered that it had to be quite a powerful spell.
One could almost feel the power assembling
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>And then they released it, it swept like a
storm across the room and flung me away. At the same time a gruesome, horrible
shriek began to sound out of nowhere, rising, rising, rising until it got unbe
reached its climax he collapsed dead to the ground.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Shaking I got back to my feet and walked over
to Im.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“What in all demons’ name was that?”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Cry of the banshee” Aerie explained.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>He was holding a beautifully decorated
two-handed sword in his hands.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Behold, this is C
It has been crafted by powerful magic to vanquish all evil.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Suddenly Lilacor shouted in triumph: “Hah, I
found a way, I am going to improve, just watch this!”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Suddenly he was covered in utter d
color left on it. But it wasn’t the black of coal, it
was the black of nothingness, which I had seen in Bodhi’s eyes.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Hah, see this? Now I am the
bad-ass, hehe! I’m going to kill them all; no one
will stand before my d
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Then we he
feet, blood flowing from his chest.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I’m not dead yet, son of Bhaal.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Taking out my fire-spiter
and pointing it at him, I responded: “But I could amend this easily.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Please, I don’t want to kill you. Just let me
go and I won’t bother you anymore. Dying once has been enough, believe me.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>I lowered my weapon.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Alright, leave and hope that we never meet
again, Tazok.”
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>He nodded thankfully and limped away. I really
never saw him again, what became of him I cannot tell.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Im teleported us back
to the keep. There were still some things to do, before we could go back to
Elhan. Two days later the railroad to Trademeet was finally finished and I and
Im had the honor to be its first passengers. We were greeted triumphantly in
Trademeet. There I saw that also here some factories had been built and others
were being built. I had sold them to citizens of Trademeet, who now of course
seized the chance to make “the great profit”.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>That very day I announced to the people of
Trademeet that trade and production would be allowed to everyone, I would only
raise a certain amount of taxes from their profits, of course. My technologies
would be free to all; they could use them and further develop them. Only the
steam-c
all other steam-c
transportation and also on weapons’ production.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>And thus I introduced capitalism to Toril. I
often asked myself it had been the right decision, because much h
very rich, while the others had to work for them in the growing industry
sector. The environment became more and more polluted, as the competition grew
fiercer. But the people from East Amn held their position as the top in the
economic world for a long time.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>There were some positive sides to the
development I had introduced. New medicines were invented; the lives of most
people improved and thus did the length of their lives. Population grew and in
time the economic oppression was lessened by laws, which I introduced to protect
the workers. From then on the living stand
more and so perhaps it hadn’t been that bad of a decision after all.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Back at the keep I descended into the
laboratory. It was time to finish an experiment of mine… I had experimented
with animals and found that I could induce movement in their body p
flow through them even when they were already dead. Soon I found that I could
create a static electrical flow in a chemical way with the use of certain
substances, for example copper and zinc, which were connected by an ionic
conductor and electron conductor, I found that silver worked best there, but
also copper was okay. Now I needed to do one last experiment and then I could
finally use electricity as a power source.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Putting plates of copper and zinc onto each
other, between them leather pieces with fluid electrolytes on them; I used
copper sulfate.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Using a wire of copper (silver was expensive,
so I tried to use as little as possible) I brought the electricity to a wire of
c
it was sealed hermetical. I had realized that the presence of oxygen was the
cause for fire.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>And then it happened: the wire inside the glass
orb lighted up, I had produced the first electric light in history. Crying
aloud in triumph, I danced
he
watched in amazement at the light inside the glass orb.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I’ve done it, I’ve done it, I’ve done it…” I
kept on shouting.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Im finally stopped me, taking my hand and
smiling.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Just look at it, Im, just look at it!” I
shouted joyfully.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“An’ there shall be light” she commented.
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Indeed, there shall be! I have written
everything into my little book here, soon all the cities will be lighted during
the d
d
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>After that I set up a plan for defending my new
territory and began construction of several fortresses along the border to the
“Republic”. We left East Amn in good conscious that everything was going rather
well in the lands appointed to me.