7"Fate leads him who follows it, and drags him who resist."
-Plutarch
One week has passed since Sarevok's death. Though he is defeated and his Bhaalspawn half brother Ralis Rutela is proclaimed the hero of Baldur's Gate for his heroic efforts in putting an end to the Iron Crisis, a plot made by the organization that Sarevok worked for called the Iron Throne to get rich by forcing miners and markets to produce and sell tainted brittle iron weapons and tools on the Sword Coast and blaming the nation of Amn as the culprits, nearly starting a war. The Iron Throne had no intention of actually starting a war, they only wanted to stockpile pure iron and sell it on the Sword Coast so that they would appear as heroes and get rich, but Sarevok actually wanted to start a war, believing all the bloodshed he would have caused would help him ascend to become the new Lord of Murder like his father Bhaal before him. However, his half brother Ralis put an end to him and his plans, and even more surprising news followed, Grand Duke Entar Silvershield has been brought back from the dead, but all is not well.
There are still a few minions of Sarevok that have not been caught or killed yet, they are hiding. Ralis and his group, and the Flaming Fist organization and the city watch have been on high alert and on the lookout for Sarevok's surviving minions for the past week since Ralis's victory over his half brother. What is even more disturbing, far north from Baldur's Gate, a crusade is brewing, seizing supplies and forcing civilians into military service in their ranks. This crusade is led by strong warrior, a charismatic human woman named Caelar Argent, also known as the Shining Lady, and her background is a complete mystery. There are many rumors and hearsay about her origins, but nothing is confirmed. But problems must be settled one step at a time. For now, the authorities of Baldur's Gate are focused on finding Sarevok's remaining followers and catching them one way or another.
One night, in the catacombs of the abandoned city miles under Baldur's Gate beneath the city's sewers, Sarevok's surviving minions are taking refuge there, knowing that the city is on high alert, and they have no way of returning to the surface without getting caught by the authorities. In one part of the catacombs, a man in full plate mail armor stood near the edge of a large chasm that leads to the deeper parts of the catacombs. On the other side of the chasm is a broken wooden bridge. The man peered down at the chasm and he suddenly felt lightheaded and stepped back from the edge. There are two ways out of the area he is in, there is a stone door behind him and another one to his left beyond a barrier of wooden stakes.
He took a deep breath, sighed, then turned to face his companion behind him, a woman in full armor wearing a helmet that covered all but her face and has red feathers on top of it. She didn't need to ask what is wrong with him; she knew exactly why he is in a sullen mood. Their boss Sarevok is dead. Without him around, they have no purpose. In the past during the Iron Crisis, they and the other mercenaries that are with them in the catacombs right now were originally going to be part of the death squads that would attempt to hunt down and kill Ralis and his party, but because Ralis and his companions destroyed Tazok's bandit camp and killed Ardenor Crush, the leader of the Chill and Taurgosz Khosann the leader of the Blacktalons and many other important individuals of the bandit raids, Sarevok had no choice but to call off most of his mercenaries from hunting Ralis and his party and salvage their loss by creating a roaming base of operations. She understood why he is in a dull mood, but she couldn't understand why he didn't trust Korlasz, a human woman who is a fairly powerful sorceress who has taken command of Sarevok's surviving minions.
"Sarevok's dead. Everything's a mess. We should have gotten out of this city days ago," the man said to her in depression.
"No chance of that now," the woman said while she slowly approached her friend and placed her right hand on his shoulder.
"But Korlasz knows what she is doing, and-" She stopped speaking when she heard something odd nearby.
She wasn't sure, but she thought she heard the sound of armored boots landing on the stone floor.
"Hey, did you hear that?" She whispered.
She stepped closer to the barrier. Her friend was smart enough not to ask what she heard, but instead listen for it too. After five seconds of silence, they both heard the sound of armored boots landing on the floor in the room behind the door ahead beyond the makeshift barrier. The man and woman realized with out actually seeing it that somehow the Flaming Fists have found the catacombs and are attempting to explore it in search for them, Korlasz and anyone who has pledged allegiance to Sarevok Anchev.
"We'd better tell the boss. Come on," the man said to his friend, then they made their way toward the other stone door, pushing it open, stepping inside, and pushing it closed.
Meanwhile, in the other room, two Flaming Fist mercenaries have just recently dropped into the catacombs by rope, wearing full plate armor with the emblem of a burning red clenched fist engulfed by fire on their breastplates. The two men surveyed the room for a few seconds, then they looked up at the hole in the ceiling.
"All clear," one of them said to whoever is awaiting up above.
Then, almost in a split second, two more Flaming Fist mercenaries dropped down, sliding down on the rope. After they arrived, Ralis came down and landed, coughing because some of the dust flew up his nose. Then he stepped aside, allowing Imoen to come down next, then after her, Minsc, then Dynaheir, Khalid, Jaheira, and last but not least, Safana. The rest of Ralis's group aren't with the catacomb patrol party, everyone else except Viconia and Dorn are patrolling the city or the sewers. Ralis let Viconia cut ties from the group before he returned to Baldur's Gate in the time when he was a wanted man for murdering the leaders of the Iron Crisis, Sarevok's foster father Rieltar Anchev, and Brunos, and Thaldorn. Dorn left the group for personal reasons, knowing that Ralis's fame will cast all of his companions in the spotlight including himself, and the paladins of Baldur's Gate would not be happy to know that Ralis had allied himself with a blackguard.
"Ugh, smells like moldy bones down here," Imoen said in disgust as soon as the tomb's odor flew up her nose.
Minsc took a whiff of the stale air and said: "Bones and EVIL! That is the stench which Minsc sniffs."
Ralis grinned expectantly. "If Minsc smells evil, then we are on the right track, fellas," he commented to everyone.
"We've secured the chamber, hero. We are ready to move when you are," Flaming Fist mercenary #2 said to Ralis.
Ralis nodded in approval. "Good. Scout a few feet up ahead. Safana, go with the scout and disarm any traps that you find. It would be a bad idea for us to blindly stumble into the surprises Sarevok's remaining friends left for us," he instructed.
"Of course, sweetheart," Safana said with a sensual smile at Ralis then deftly moved ahead, checking the stone door for booby traps, then opened the door, stepping out.
"Yes sir," Flaming Fist mercenary #2, a man wearing a helmet that covered his entire face but has a minus shaped slot hole fro his eyes gave Ralis a brief salute then left the chamber following Safana.
Imoen sighed and placed her hands on her waist.
"Well, here we are in a creepy ol' tomb again. The last of Sarevok's followers are down here, according to the Flaming Fist. Do you really think they are down here?" Imoen asked Ralis as they headed for the way out the chamber, Minsc, Dynaheir, Khalid and Jaheira following closely behind.
"They got nowhere to go. Unless there is a way they can escape Baldur's Gate underground, they can't go back up to the city and risk getting caught by the city watch or Flaming Fist."
"D-D-Dear, I don't understand. Why are they continuing to fight w-w-w-when Sarevok is dead?" Khalid asked Jaheira when they passed through the open door.
"Because those that possess evil hearts like Sarevok do not know how to repent, Khalid. Their loss will not be a great one," Dynaheir answered for Jaheira.
Jaheira smiled at Dynaheir then turned her attention to Khalid.
"And there is your answer," she said with a dry smile.
"So, all we knew about these remnants of Sarevok's followers is that they are mercenaries and being led by Korlasz, right?" Ralis asked Imoen, then he stopped, noticing the barrier blocking the way, but he and Imoen stood back and let Dynaheir cast the Fireball spell on the barriers of wooden stakes, burning them down to ash.
While this happened, Imoen replied to Ralis's question.
"Yeah, that's right, and this place is her family's tomb. The Grand Dukes want her dead or alive."
Then when the fires died down, the scouts and Safana moved ahead, checking for traps, moving towards the next door, Safana checked it for traps, and when she gave the signal that it is safe, they entered the next room. Ralis took notice at the large chasm and walked close to the edge out of curiosity.
"C-Careful, Ralis, it is a long fall down," Khalid warned him.
Ralis whistled in awe and said "No kidding" while peering down to see if he could see the bottom, but he couldn't because it is pitch black 40 feet down into the chasm.
Just then, when Ralis looked ahead across the chasm, he saw someone standing on the other side, looking at him. The man, who is named Porios appears to be in his early 30's and a mage, wearing gray robes, carrying a quarterstaff in his left hand and has short but smooth black hair.
"You're too late. It's already gone," Porios said to Ralis, his voice echoing everywhere causing the volume of his voice to be amplified a little.
"Gone? What's gone? What are you prattling on about?" Ralis called back.
"Aren't you here for his sword? I thought..." Porios began to say, but got interrupted by Ralis.
"We're here for Korlasz. If she surrenders peacefully I will see to it both of you are treated fairly by the Flaming Fist."
Porios chuckled, and Ralis could almost hear it thanks to the sensitivity of echoes this place has.
"Tymora be with you, then. If you're fool enough to cross Korlasz, you'll need all the luck you can get," Porios said, his voice holding doubt that Ralis and his companions can subdue Korlasz, because she is the sister of Semaj, the most powerful mage in Sarevok's followers, but Ralis, his group and the Flaming Fist don't know that much about her.
Ralis and his companions entered the next room, where they found a woman standing near a table casually talking to herself and counting the ingredients she has collected on the table. To the left on the far side of the room, the door is already open, Safana and the Flaming Fist mercenary scouts having already passed through this room. Imoen and the others couldn't understand why Safana and the mercenaries ignored this mysteriously conspicuous woman in a tomb full of Sarevok's followers.
"Three drops of lemon balm oil... a half-pinch of powdered silver..." Ralis and the others heard her mutter to herself.
"Uh, who are you?" Ralis asked.
"And what are you doing in a tomb full of traps and dangerous mercenaries?" Jaheira asked.
The woman turned around and noticed Ralis and his group. This woman seems to be in her late 30's, getting fairly close to her early 40's, she his gray eyes, gray hair and gaunt facial features.
"Oh, pardon! I didn't hear you come in. My name is Ammon and I'm conducting an experiment," she said.
Imoen crossed her arms skeptically. "In a tomb filled with dangerous mercenaries. Right. Pull the other leg, lady. What are you up to?" She asked sternly.
Ammon stood up out of her chair and Ralis noticed how almost unnaturally thin she is, as if she hasn't eaten anything in two days.
"Oh, I'm creating an alchemical concoction to reveal magically concealed writings. A mercenary was supposed to guide me further into the tomb to find the component I'm missing... Just now their leader summoned them away, though. She bid me stay here for my own safety. If you happen to come across cobalt moss and bring some to me, I'd be truly grateful," Ammon said.
"Their leader? You mean Korlasz?" Ralis asked.
"I believe that is her name, yes," Ammon nodded.
Jaheira scowled at Ammon sharply while stepping forward.
"You believe? Either you know her or you don't. your presence here grows more and more suspicious," Jaheira said.
Ammon found Jaheira's glare rather unsettling.
"I swear, I have no allegiance to Korlasz! I traded her some rare books in exchange for access to this tomb, that's all. But it's too dangerous for me to venture on alone," Ammon pleaded.
Ralis had a feeling that this woman is being honest, and decided to step in before Jaheira does something drastic.
"I believe you. If we find some cobalt moss while hunting for Korlasz, we will bring some to you," Ralsi promised.
"Thank you," Ammon smiled in relief.
Ralis and his group moved to the next room, catching up with Safana and the Flaming Fist mercenaries who are crouching behind a large stone coffin.
Safana looked back spotting Ralis and his group then she whispered: "What took you so long?"
"Why are you whispering?" Imoen whispered back.
"Shh," the Flaming Fist mercenary woman shushed them and pointed ahead at the only bridge that takes them across the chasm to the other side of the catacombs, and near the door where Ralis saw Porios retreat into, is guarded by five of Sarevok's former mercenaries, four humans and one ogre.
"Have they noticed us?" Imoen asked.
"They keep staring into this direction, almost as if they are expecting us," Flaming Fist mercenary #1 said.
Ralis drew Kondar and Albruin out.
"They are expecting us," he confirmed.
"Butt kicking time!" Minsc declared and Boo squeaked enthusiastically, following Ralis across the bridge and engaging Sarevok's followers in an epic sword battle.
"To the death!" One of the former Iron Throne soldiers exclaimed.
Khalid, Jaheira and the Flaming Fist mercenaries followed and joined the battle, outnumbering and overpowering the four humans and ogre.
Meanwhile on the other side of the door, Porios and his bodyguards, two human men, a male ogrillion and dwarf man could hear the sounds of yelling, swords clashing and the sound of body armor and flesh getting slashed apart by swords, feeling very anxious, knowing that Ralis and the Hero of Baldur's Gate and the Flaming fist are winning the fight. Indeed, Porios is terrified at the thought of being slain by the man who singlehandedly killed his master. He has been a loyal man to Sarevok because he has been paid a hefty amount of gold and silver, but he couldn't help wondering if he should renounce his ties to the deceased man. Besides, its not like Sarevok is going to come out of the land of the dead and skin him alive for insubordination.
Soon everything fell quiet on the other side of the door. Porios and his bodyguards held their breath, clutching their weapons and staring at the stone door, waiting for Ralis and the others to burst through. After nine seconds of silence, Minsc kicked open the stone door, causing it to fly open so rapidly it caused Porios and his bodyguards to flinch and cry out in surprise. Then Ralis, Imoen, Safana and two Flaming Fist mercenaries stepped in with their longbows or shortbows ready to fire while those who carry only melee weapons stood behind them.
"Back away, Ralis. Back away and you might survive this," Porios warned him.
Ralis could see that Porios is trying to be brave and menacing, but deep down he is scared of the idea of being slain by the Hero of Baldur's Gate.
"You know, that's what the last fellow said... Well, he WOULD have said it if I hadn't killed him first," Ralis said, mixing humor in with his threat just for kicks.
Ah, forget it, Porios decided to come clean rather than put up a fight.
"Sarevok paid us well for our service, but he is dead now and I'm in no rush to join him. Everyone, lay down your arms," Porios ordered.
His bodyguards did as they were told, dropping their morningstars, swords and maces.
"Hey, I recognize you," Ralis said to Porios. "I saw you earlier, yelling at me across the chasm. You mentioned a sword you thought I was looking for. What sword?"
"Sarevok's sword," Porios replied. "We stole the blade from the Ducal Palace but you killed the man- I thought you might claim it as your own."
Ralis remembered that sword. During his battle against Sarevok he broke it in half with enhanced strength from the blood of Bhaal that flows through his veins before delivering the final blow that ended Sarevok's life. What do his mercenaries want with a broken sword?
"Why did you steal the sword?" Ralis asked, lowering his Dead Shot +2 longbow a little from aiming it at Porios even though he is not armed anymore, but kept in mind that he is a mage and can cast Magic Missile any time he wants.
"Everyone steals for a reason. Even if it's just the thrill," Safana said to Ralis.
"Korlasz ordered us to. She had a buyer who offered her a ton of money for it. Enough to smuggle us all out of the city, that's all I know," Porios said.
"Very well. Lead us to Korlasz, and no funny business, okay?" Ralis replied.
"Are you serious?" Porios raised an eyebrow skeptically.
"I'm always serious... But I've been known to joke around a bit every now and then," Ralis replied.
"...Okay. I just hope that you're able to subdue her, because if she kills you, she'll kill me for leading you to her," Porios said with a depressed sigh.
"Have faith," Ralis said, then signaled Porios and his bodyguards to get moving.
Porios and his bodyguards led Ralis, his party and the small group of Flaming Fist mercenaries to another door, the one that is closer to the bridge. Imoen is looking down at the catacomb's chasm.
"This chasm sure looks deep. Do you feel warm air coming up from below? I do," Imoen commented.
"I don't know what's down there, but I think we'll find out sooner or later," Ralis said.
Porios and his bodyguards led Ralis, his party and the Flaming Fist mercenaries to the other door, leading into a room with just one coffin, and a broken wall. They steadily walked through the broken wall and headed towards a cavern hole with winding stairways going down two miles to the deepest areas of the catacombs. Imoen had to use a cantrip spell called Light, using a quarterstaff to cast the spell on turning it into a source of light to light the way.
"I see you mastered that cantrip finally," Ralis noted to Imoen.
"Yeah. It's strange having these new arcane powers. Back in Candlekeep, I never dreamed I might be a spellslinger like Gorion some day. Grand Duchess Jannath has been working diligently with me to perfect my spellcasting abilities," Imoen admitted.
Recently Imoen had become interested in dual classing, not just specializing in thieving, but also in casting spells, and she learned that she had a knack for it, so Grand Duchess Liia Jannath has taken Imoen under her wing to teach her how to cast magic. Ralis suggested asking Dynaheir to be Imoen's mentor once, but Dynaheir declined, saying that once the last of Sarevok's followers are caught, she and Minsc will stay in Baldur's Gate for a few days to make steady preparations for the very long trip east back to Rashemen. Though Imoen is with Ralis and half of his party and a squad of Flaming Fist soldiers and a cleric, she is not here to aid them in combat, she is here to find magical scrolls or anything interesting to return to the Ducal Palace.
"You still got a ways to go, but I can't imagine you being both a thief and a mage," Ralis said.
"Hey, to help you out on your journeys, I need to expand my abilities," she said with a proud smile. "Besides, you should expand your abilities too, you should handle spells as often as you handle those swords," she said.
"Nah, spellcasting isn't for me. I tried it a few years ago but it never worked out. Using swords, bows and arrows fit me just fine," Ralis said.
Imoen shrugged. "All right, if you say so."
"Hey, feel that warm air?" Ralis suddenly asked Imoen.
After a brief pause, she replied: "Yeah."
"We must be going to find out what is down that chasm after all," Ralis replied.
As it turns out, the catacombs are bigger than anyone anticipated. And full of undead creatures. If Korlasz and the others are down here, they would have had to fight the undead too. Or, the undead could be used as Korlasz's guardians. But regardless of the opposition, Ralis, his party and the squad of Flaming Fist mercenaries made their way through the catacombs. In one area, they found four lit braziers. Imoen suspected the flames in each brazier to be magical instead of natural fires. One glowed with red flames, the other brazier had purple flames, the third had yellow flames, and the last brazier down the hallway which is hanging from under a small arch had no colored flames, but a glowing green globe. Ralis and Imoen reached at the globe and found it to be made of glass, and very fragile.
Standing back, Imoen shattered the glass by shooting an arrow at it only to release two gelatin monsters. After defeating the gelatin creatures, Ralis found a burned out torch at the end of the hallway next to two lit torches with red and yellow flames, only to be attacked by four shadow monsters. After they were defeated, Ralis decided to take the burned out torch and use it on one of the magical flames to see what would happen. Since there the burned out torch apparently used to be a lit torch with purple flame, he approached the brazier with purple flames, lit the torch with it, then walked down the hallway with it and placed the lit torch back into the bracket where he found it, then everyone heard a clanking, whirring noise, then they discovered that placing the newly lit torch opened a secret passage behind the lit torches!
They found a secret room with books and a desk where someone did private research. They found a note on the desk and read it. It is a note written by Sarevok himself, but he did not give a time frame of when he wrote this note.
"My research into the Lord of Murder has begun to bear its tainted fruit. The dreams come every night now, dreams of floods and eruptions, earthquakes and devastation. I descend deeper into the dreams each time, combining clues from their chaff. I'll use what they teach me to bring a living nightmare to this land.
I've learned all I can in the city. While my plans for the Iron Throne gain traction, I go to visit a temple of Bhaal overtaken by the faithful of he who murdered my father- leaving the way clear for ME to take his place. There I shall find out more regarding my dark heritage and the prophecy. If I have time, I shall also look into a hidden room rumored to have been constructed by Mask. The Lord of Shadows is cunning. The marks he has left behind number 3, 1, and 4."
"Seems like Sarevok has been busy digging deep into his heritage," a Flaming Fist soldeir commented after Ralis finished reading the note.
He couldn't help nodding at the soldier in agreement. "Yes," was all he replied.
They continued through the catacombs with Porios and his bodyguards in tow until they found a room where there is a rope hanging on the edge of the chasm 64 feet above, which means if anyone wanted, they could go back the way they came instead of retracing their steps. Up ahead they found a very large door. It is so big it is impossible to move by hand. Even Minsc would be unable to do it.
"Wow, look at the size of that door! There must be a lever or something to open it." Imoen commented.
"There is," Porios said. "And I know where to find it," he added.
"It is likely that Korlasz is behind that big door," a Flaming Fist mercenary said.
"Hey, look at this!" Imoen exclaimed, pointing down at the ground near her feet.
"L-l-look at what?" Khalid asked curiously, walking over to Imoen and Talis out of curiosity.
"These symbols on the ground. I recognize one of them," Imoen said, pointing at the symbol of a grinning skull inside a triangle.
"The symbol on the ground is the dead god Myrkul's. He was god of the dead- makes sense Korlasz's ancestors would have his mark here," Imoen said.
"And these other two symbols," Jaheira interjected. "That symbol is Bane's symbol, known as the god of darkness, and this one is Bhaal's symbol, the god of murder."
"Wait. Korlasz's ancestors worshiped all three gods as one?" A Flaming Fist mercenary asked, getting curious.
"Yeah, From what I learned back in Candlekeep during my childhood, Bane, Bhaal and Myrkul were once known as The Dead Three. Long ago, they were once mortal men, strong adventurers who sought out ways to achieve godhood. They met Jergal, a god once known as the Lord of the End of Everything, and Bhaal, Bane and Myrkul somehow convinced Jergal to split his divine power into three halves. Bane volunteered to be the god of tyranny and strife, Bhaal volunteered to be the god of murder, and Myrkul chose to be god of the dead."
"But why are they known as The Dead Three?" The curious mercenary asked Ralis.
"Because all three of them perished during the Time of Troubles ten years ago when they were forced to become mortal men," Porios interjected, then all eyes focused on him.
"Bane was killed in a fight with Torm, Myrkul was killed by a mortal woman named Midnight, and Bhaal was slain by Cyric, who also used to be a mortal man. That is why they are called The Dead Three," he announced.
"Ralis, dear, do you have a plan on what we should do once we open this door?" Safana asked.
Ralis replied with a smug smile.
Meanwhile the two mercenaries that rushed off to inform Korlasz that the Hero of Baldur's Gate and the Flaming Fist are coming finally reached Korlasz's chambers, which is in a large chamber behind large double doors that can only be opened by a mechanism of some kind. At the back of the chamber is a large alter holding a bright ultraviolet crystal that fills the room with an eerie violet light. The two mercenaries entered the chamber, climbing up the stairs towards Korlasz standing in between two pillars flanked by her six bodyguards. Korlasz herself is both a comely and intimidating human woman in her early 30's, the type of woman who make men respect her power and beauty out of admiration or fear instead of lust. She is 5'9" feet tall with short red hair (her hair is not entirely red, there are streaks of black near the scalp of her head), she has piercing bright emerald eyes, she wears a nose piercing ring on her right nostril, and she wears navy blue colored mage robes that is purple colored around the neckline outline of her robes, and she carries a special kind of quarterstaff called "Staff of Striking" which is a bit more powerful than an average quarterstaff. As for her heritage, her mother was a mage, and her father was a priest of Bhaal. After Bhaal died, Korlasz turned to worship his former ally Loviatar (pronounced "Loh-vee-a-tar"), the goddess of pain and agony who is known to be a coldhearted, despotic bully. However, Korlasz only worships Bhaal's former ally in the interim, her true goal is to help restore Bhaal to life.
"Korlasz, we come with bad news," The mercenary woman said.
Korlasz scowled at her for a few seconds and said: "They are coming, are they?"
"Yes. Yes they are. What are we going to do? We can't fight them, we will die, just like Sarevok. We-" The mercenary man started to say but Korlasz interrupted him.
"Silence!" Korlasz snapped.
Everyone fell silent.
"We will not end like Sarevok. We will persevere! We will not falter in the face of adversity! We had a destiny, and it was stolen by one man. A man who ruined everything Sarevok promised to us all!" Korlasz exclaimed angrily.
Everyone knew that she constantly fed her hatred for Ralis every day. They knew that she is a devout follower of Sarevok and with him dead and his plans ruined, she has no intention of giving up her plans for revenge on the Hero of Baldur's Gate. Either she escaped Baldur's Gate to get revenge on Ralis another day, or be caught in a corner and forced to fight him, it really doesn't matter to her, and they knew it. They also knew that she is a powerful mage, knowing many useful spells from level 1 to level 6.
"So we stand and fight?" The mercenary woman asked Korlasz.
Korlasz nodded slowly. "We have nowhere to run, so we must stand and fight... or die trying."
Before anyone could say anything else, they heard Porios shouting for help, and soon they heard his running footsteps and saw him run into the chamber, his robes torn and tattered.
"What happened, Porios?" Korlasz asked curiously.
Porios tried to catch his breath before speaking.
"Korlasz... it's terrible. Ralis and his party... they... they murdered everyone!" Porios exclaimed forlornly.
There were gasps and murmurs in the room, and Korlasz gnashed her teeth in anger.
Before Porios could say anything else, he fell unconscious, then Ralis suddenly appeared behind him magically, and Korlasz realized that Ralis must have somehow snuck up behind Porios while under the effect of an invisibility spell and knocked him out. Then Dynaheir appeared behind Ralis to his left, then the rest of his party appeared out of thin air. Korlasz realized that one of his party members must have casted an Invisibility spell that makes the user's party members all invisible as long as they stay within a ten feet radius of the caster.
"Well well, Korlasz, we meet at last," Ralis said to her.
Korlasz growled in anger like an angry dire wolf, clenching her fists so hard they trembled. "Damn you, Ralis! Damn you and all you defend!"
"It's over, Korlasz. Surrender yourself and your troops, and dismiss your undead servants," Ralis ordered.
"Everything was going to be different. Sarevok was going to change the world. I gave everything to his cause and YOU destroyed it all," Korlasz snarled.
"Change the world? What lie has that bastard been feeding you all? He was going to cause murder on a mass scale so he could ascend! How can you benefit from a changed world like that?" Ralis said.
"SHUT UP!" Korlasz snapped, then she fired two magic missiles, hitting Ralis in the chest and knocking him down off his feet, creating a black scorch mark on the breastplate of his ankheg hide body armor.
"Attack!" Jaheira shouted.
Korlasz immediately casted the spell Mirror Image, creating five illusory images of herself, then ordered five of her fellow former Iron Throne mercenaries and three of her skeletal warriors to attack Ralis's party.
"Forthwith!" Dynaheir exclaimed.
Khalid, Minsc, Ralis, Jaheira and three Flaming Fist mercenaries charged up the stairs and engaged Korlasz's followers in battle. Ralis clashed swords with with one of the undead warriors, while Minsc easily overpowered the other one, severing its skull from its body with his heavy broadsword. Dynaheir, Safana and Imoen stayed behind, firing arrows and casting protection spells on their allies. After casting the Bless spell on the Flaming Fist mercenaries however, Dynaheir notice that Korlasz who is keeping a fair distance from the battle is casting protection spells on herself like Protection from Fire and Minor Globe of Invulnerability, sacrificing some of her allies for time to make herself nearly unstoppable.
"By the Three! She's using her mercenaries to buy time to buff herself with protection spells!" Dynaheir exclaimed to Safana when she saw Korlasz shielded inside a bright blue sphere of magical energy.
"This is bad! We should focus on her!" Imoen said then fired an arrow at Korlasz, but the arrow only managed to hit one of her mirror images, not her true self.
Dynaheir knew that it will take magic spells higher than Level 3 to break Korlasz's shield, or if Ralis and the others take notice, focus on her and wear her shield down with their weapons.
After Khalid struck down one mercenary, he suddenly noticed a small spider crawling towards his arm from the blade of his sword. Then he saw more small spiders crawling on him, causing him to freak out and run around the room shouting "Help! Help!"
"Khalid! What's happening?! Oof!" Jaheira exclaimed to Khalid while she is bracing her scimitar against the sword of the woman who first noticed the Flaming Fist entered the catacombs in the upper levels, and Jaheira letting herself get distracted by Khalid being the victim of Korlasz's Spook spell got kicked in the chest by the woman and she staggered back, and the woman came at Jaheira raising her sword high ready to slice Jaheira's head in half, but one of Safana's throwing knives pierced the woman's neck, causing her to collapse on the floor gagging.
Two more mercenaries were felled by the Flaming Fist mercenaries, however, Korlasz casted Glitterdust on them while Imoen and Safana were firing arrows at her, either missing their mark or only hitting her illusory images, and Dynaheir stood with them trying to recall what Level 5 or 6 spell she had recently memorized that would help them in this situation. As a result of being hit by the Glitterdust spell, both Flaming Fist mercenaries were blinded, then Korlasz casted the Stoneskin spell on herself, and just in time because one of Safana's arrows hit her on the shoulder, but bounced off of her as if her skin is actually made of stone, then she turned her attention to Ralis who is helping Minsc fight two of her undead warriors, and prepared to cast the Lightning Bolt spell on him.
After Ralis and Minsc defeated the last two of Korlasz's undead warriors, Ralis suddenly felt all his muscles twitch and contort painfully from being electrocuted!
"AAARRGHH!" He screamed in agony.
"Ralis! What's wrong!?" Minsc exclaimed, then turned around to see that Korlasz, who is standing 19 feet away from them is the cause.
"Evil witch! You shall feel the righteous sting of Minsc's boots!" Minsc exclaimed then charged at Korlasz yelling.
Jaheira is charging at Korlasz at the same time too, and Korlasz knew that she could only cast Hold Person on one person, so she chose to cast the spell on Minsc, freezing him in place, then she prepared Staff of Striking to parry Jaheira's scimitar. Putting Korlasz on the defensive, Jaheira furiously swung her sword in all directions at Korlasz, forcing her to parry with her staff horizontally, vertically and diagonally. However, there were moments when Jaheira managed to breach Korlasz's defenses and strike her with her sword, but the blade only made a few slash marks on Korlasz' robes, not on her hardened skin.
Ralis, still wounded from the lightning bolt spell noticed that all of Korlasz's followers except unconscious Porios and his bodyguards are dead, and Korlasz herself is the only one that it putting up hard resistance. If only there were some way to bring down her protection spells. At that moment, Dynaheir finally remembered the perfect spells that can help them in this situation! Dispel Magic and Breach! First, she casted Dispel Magic on Korlasz, bringing down her Protection from Fire and Minor Globe of Invulnerability.
"What...?!" Korlasz gasped in surprise, and Jaheira took advantage of her shock and kicked her in the face, causing her to stagger back.
Ralis noticed Khalid still running around the room panicking and the Flaming Fist mercenaries complaining about their blind state, and at that same time, Dynaheir casted the Breach spell on Korlasz, dispelling her Stoneskin spell. Now Korlasz is completely defenseless, and one shot in the chest by Imoen or Safana's arrows will bring her down, and Jaheira can now end her life if she wished. Korlasz is down on her knees, confused at how her protection spells were so suddenly dispelled, and when she looked up, she saw Ralis, Minsc, Jaheira, Safana, Imoen and the Flaming Fist mercenaries who were recently cured from their blindness by their cleric stood over her.
"Don't make my hamster angry, witch, I warn you," Minsc sternly warned Korlasz, and she thought she was going nuts, but she swore that she thought she saw and heard Boo hiss at her like an angry cat.
Korlasz lowered her head in shame.
"I... am defeated. As Sarevok was. He was going to change the Sword Coast forever, and I was going to be part of it," she said sadly. "Now all that is left is dust and ruin. I surrender."
"First, drop your staff, scrolls and all your items and go. The Flaming Fist will escort you to your new quarters," Ralis instructed.
Korlasz shrugged indifferently then dropped her Staff of Striking, pulled out five scrolls she kept in the pockets of her robes and lay them out in front of her on the cold stone floor. "So be it. Rot in a cell or rot in a crypt, it makes little enough difference."
At that moment Khalid finally recovered from being panicked under the effect of Korlasz's Spook spell, which is similar to the Horror spell but instead of striking the victim with irrational fear, Spook plays on the natural fears of the person it affects, which was why Khalid thought there were dozens of small spiders crawling all over his body. But now that the spell wore off, he finally calmed down and rejoined everyone, noticing that they have already subdued Korlasz.
"F-forgive me. In the heat of the m-moment, I lost myself. It won't happen again, I p-promise," Khalid apologized to everyone, unaware that he was under the effect of Korlasz's magic.
"Think nothing of it, Khalid. you fought bravely," Imoen said.
"I-I did?" Khalid asked.
"Yes, you did. And now that this is all over, we are going to spend some... quality time together," Jaheira winked at him.
That apparently cheered up Khalid a little. "That... sounds wonderful," he said.
"Sounds like the group will break up soon," Ralis said, feeling sad knowing that most of his allies will be going their separate ways soon... Except Imoen, of course.
Minsc walked over to Ralis and gave him a pat on the back.
"The friendship of Minsc and Boo travels with you wherever you go, Ralis," he assured his friend.
Ralis looked up at Minsc, up at the warm, comforting smile.
"You cannot see it, but it is always there. And sometimes smells of lemons," Minsc added.
Ralis chuckled, then reminded himself to order the mercenaries to take away Korlasz.
"Take her away," He instructed the Flaming Fist mercenaries.
"Yes sir," they said in unison then helped Korlasz stand up on her feet and escorted her away, and Misnc followed them, carrying Porios's unconscious body with him.
Ralis noticed something near the base of the pillar behind where Korlasz was kneeling. He saw something blue. A blue moss. He walked over to it, tore the moss out of the patch it was growing on and examined it. Then he followed everyone out of the chamber. Before he passed through the big open doors, something of interest caught his eye. A door to the left, nearly unnoticeable unless examined thoroughly. Instead of following his friends, Ralis headed for the door and opened it, stepping inside Korlasz's persona quarters.
It is a small rectangular room. Not spacious, but big enough to contain a bed instead of a bedroll unlike her followers, a couch, a dressing room divider with flower motifs on it so Korlasz can change her clothes in privacy if one of her followers walks into her room by accident with an urgent message to relay, and a shelf full of dusty old books behind her bed. On the table near her bed, Ralis saw two things that caught his interest, a book which might be Korlasz's journal, and a box containing many scrolls of paper.
Ralis opened the journal and read only the relevant parts.
"S. and I had a long talk last night. Everything he says makes so much sense. I offered him my family crypt to use as a safehouse, and he accepted. The old motifs to the Dead Three seem particularly appropriate now. I often meditate by the symbol of Bhaal and think on his teachings, and how his influence is returning to the land.
...
Today, S. mentioned that his plans are progressing quickly. He'll be gone for a week or two conducting research in an old tomb somewhere near Bridgefort. I lack his leadership capabilities, but I should be able to manage the followers while he's gone.
...
Last night, S. told me the groundwork has been laid for the next phase of his plan. He's moving into new quarters in the Iron Throne. I'll miss our talk, but I'm glad he's gaining the recognition he deserves. He'll change the face of the Sword Coast when he claims his birthright. All will know the power of Bhaal through him.
...
Received word that S. has been killed. I can scarcely believe it. I didn't think anyone could bring about his end. I don't know what to do next. For now, I'll keep the followers safe and stay away from the Flaming Fist.
...
The crusade's made it impossible to leave the city. There are guards at every gate thanks to the refugees flooding in. A hooded figure contacted me yesterday and offered a large sum of money if I could steal Sarevok's sword and deliver it to his agents in Athkatla. The money could be enough to bribe our way out of the city. I agreed. I had little choice.
...
With the help of my allies, we've stolen Sarevok's sword from the Ducal Palace. I wish I could keep it myself, but its sale will fund the safe escape of me and the others. Must be careful in how we store the blade for its trip to Waukeen's Promenade in Athkatla. Apparently, it's no good if the blood's wiped off."
Then Ralis closed the journal and quickly checked the box filled with collections of arcane tomes, history books, and religious texts focusing on necromancy and Bhaal's religion and prophecy. There is a lot to read. Too much to read here, so Ralis took Korlasz's journal and her collection of research of Bhaal. He found the rope and climbed it up back to the chasm to catch up with everyone.
Ralis returned to where he met Ammon, finding her still walking around the room aimlessly, waiting for his return.
"Hello again," she said as soon as she spotted him and his companions come back.
Ralis headed towards her while his party and the Flaming Fist mercenaries escorted Korlasz, Porios and his bodyguards out the room.
"I found the cobalt moss you are looking for," he said and handed it to her.
"That's it, yes! The potion is ready!" Ammon exclaimed happily as soon as Ralis placed the moss in the palm of her cupped hands.
"I'm curious, though. What exactly are you going to use this potion for?" Ralis asked.
Ammon shrugged. "I suppose you will do no harm. I want to apply the potion to a rare tome hidden away in Candlekeep!"
Ralis flinched in surprise. "You seek entry into my childhood home?" He asked.
Now it is Ammon who is curious. "You were raisedi n Candlekeep, you say? Tell me more."
Ralis shrugged. "I had a quiet, peaceful childhood there. I learned a great deal about the world we live in and I always felt safe."
"And did the monks there raise you?" Ammon asked.
"Not really, my mentor Gorion did that. I had other friends, Parda, Karan, but he was the closest I ever had to a family. Sarevok Anchev killed him."
"You've never been back?" Ammon asked.
"Once, a week ago, I think that's how long it has been. It was... unpleasant. I made my peace there and haven't returned since," Ralis replied.
Ammon rubbed her chin in thought. "Very dramatic, yes. Erm, I could use some advice. I wish to visit Candlekeep and view a Netherese tome- there are secret writings upon its pages my potion will reveal. But I lack a book of great value with which to gain entry. It seems to me that enhancing an existing volume by revealing hidden text is almost like giving them a book, yes? Do you think such an argument would carry water the gatekeepers?"
"I doubt it will work, but you can try," Ralis shrugged.
"I know my chances are slim," Ammon nodded. "but a letter from you endorsing my offer might help. As it happens, I've a draft of such a letter here," Ammon showed Ralis a piece of scroll paper. "I was hoping Grand Duchess Jannath might sign it, but a son of Candlekeep might have greater influence."
Ralis had doubts about this. He hesitated for a while, but he ignored his doubts and signed his name on the paper.
"I'll be honest, I'm not entirely comfortable with this..." He said.
"The letter makes no claims on your behalf. Your reputation won't be in danger of any harm- it simply explains the situation. Won't you help me?"
"All right. I'll sign your letter. Here you go," He handed the letter back to her.
"Oh, thank you, thank you! I'll leave for Candlekeep at once. Here, take this as a small token of my appreciation." Ammon gave Ralis two emerald jewels and left.
Ralis followed her back to the room where the rope is and found Imoen waiting for him, watching Ammon climb up the rope.
"I guess this is it. We've done what we came to do. Time to head back to the palace for a well-earned rest, don't you think?" Imoen asked Ralis.
Ralis nodded and handed Imoen the box containing Korlasz's research into Bhaal.
"Duchess Jannath sent you here seeking magical papers or books, did she not? I found these in Korlasz's room."
Imoen smiled, holding the box. "This is exactly the sort of thing I was looking for. thanks. I'll tell Duchess Jannath you found these when we get back to the palace."
Imoen threw the box up to the hole in the ceiling and a Flaming Fist enforcer caught it, then Imoen climbed up the rope first, then Ralis followed, then they followed everyone down a narrow tunnel back to the surface.
"So, that's it. We did it. Sarevok's minions are no more," Ralis sighed in relief.
"Yes. It's over, Ralis. It's finally over," Imoen said, grinning. "Sarevok's allies are all dead or awaiting the noose. What will you do now?" She asked.
"First, I'm going to sleep for a week. Then another week. Then a month. After that, I'll probably have a nap," Ralis joked, though Imoen didn't know he is joking at first, but she caught on.
"I'm glad you're all right, Ralis. I worry about you," Imoen said.
"Heh. I'm glad I'm all right, too. I also worry about me," Ralis said, joking once again, and Imoen couldn't help wondering if Ralis is sane most of the time.
"Can't you take anything seriously?" She asked.
"Why on Toril would I want to?" Ralis asked her.
Imoen rolled her eyes. "I don't know why I talk to you sometimes. I really don't."
Finally it is over. The last of Sarevok's followers have been killed or now in prison awaiting the day they meet their end on a noose. One week later after the night of Korlasz's arrest, the day of the celebration of Ralis Rutela's victory over Sarevok and his followers has come. The party is being held in The Wide, at highsun, and the city is buzzing with excitement.
Inside Entar Silvershield's room at the Ducal Palace, Entar Silvershield himself is standing outside his window, daydreaming about what events has passed and what might happen in the near future. He is a middle aged man with a very strong Luskan accent in his voice, his black hair, beard and mustache is steadily turning gray with age even though he is only around his late 30's, and he is the most respected Grand Duke of Baldur's Gate. He was killed during the Iron Crisis by two of Sarevok's best assassins, Slythe and Krystin, but recently after Sarevok's death, a cleric of Helm named Fenster brought Entar back from the dead, which is possible for some clerics to do, but not easily, and bringing someone back from the dead is not always possible, otherwise Scar would have been resurrected too. After his resurrection, Entar had been brought up to speed about the recent happenings since his death. He was told about Sarevok and his plot with the Iron Throne, how he had almost duped the authorities of Baldur's Gate into electing him as Grand Duke until Ralis revealed everything and stopped him. Entar is relieved to know that a hero happened along, killed his killers and stopped the man responsible for the iron crisis, but now, today, he couldn't shake this feeling that another incident is waiting to happen. He still stood near the window, looking down at the streets below and he sighed. At that moment he heard someone knocking on his door.
"Come in," he said.
He heard the door creak open and footsteps approaching him. The person who entered his room is none other than Schael Corwin, the new captain of the Flaming Fist replacing the late Hurbold Duethkatha, also known as Scar. Schael is a tall, lean but strong woman close to being 36 years old with very short cropped black hair and brown eyes, a healed scar on her right cheek and upon first glance, because of her physically fit appearance, and hairstyle, she appears to be more like a man than a woman until you hear her voice, though.
"You wanted to see me, sir?" Schael asked Entar.
Entar never bothered to turn around to face her, he kept looking out at the window, but he acknowledged her presence.
"Yes, I did. I would like to speak to you in private, Captain."
Schael closed the door shut so no one passing by will overhear their conversation.
"What about?" She asked.
There was a pregnant pause between them for a while, then Entar said:
"There is a lot on my mind lately. I am unsure if it is because I am growing old, or if it is because I have returned from stepping through death's door."
"The city is lucky to have you back, sir. Many mourned your death when we lost you weeks ago, especially your wife and daughter," Schael commented.
Entar nodded. "I know, I know. But I have to tell you, this kind of experience changes your perspective on life. I may have returned, but one day I will be permanently gone, by natural causes instead of a sword or dagger, and no amount clerical healing spell will be enough to bring me back."
Schael raised an eyebrow curiously. "What are you saying, sir?"
"I am saying that we need to focus on the future, not stay complacent in the present. We need to consider who will replace me as Grand Duke of Baldur's Gate. Do you understand where I am going with this, Captain Corwin?"
Schael didn't reply immediately, she ran all possibilities in her mind. If Entar passes away from old age, who will replace him? His daughter, Skie Silvershield is one possible option, but Schael could not see Skie as Grand Duchess of Baldur's Gate.
"Your daughter...?" Schael guessed aloud with hesitation.
Entar nodded. "I regretfully admit that it is time that she take her future seriously. Unfortunately, ever since she was a child, I spoiled her too much. I fear she will greatly dislike the thought of being a Grand Duchess. She is a rebellious spirit, I know that all too well because she always tries to sneak off to be with that pompous, sweet-talking cur Eldoth," he said through gritted teeth.
"She is an adult now, sir, she will eventually figure out what she must do. But this is not the reason you summoned me here, is it?" Schael asked.
"No, it isn't. I called you here to talk to you about the Hero of Baldur's Gate," Entar replied, still looking out the window.
"Ralis Rutela," Schael said.
"Yes. for the past few days I constantly hear rumors and conjecture about our beloved hero," Entar said while Schael walked up beside him to his left, staring out the window with him, looking down at the parade happening on the streets.
"What kind of rumors?" Schael looked at Entar's sullen face.
"There are rumors on the streets that say that Ralis might possibly be a child of Bhaal like Sarevok."
Schael frowned. "What? I don't believe that, that is impossible."
"We can't turn down any possibilities at face value here, Captain, we need to think outside the barrier of our beliefs. We need to be flexible and careful of whom we trust if we are to survive," Entar said.
"Yes, sir," Schael nodded.
There was another pregnant pause between them. Then Schael said:
"Do you really believe the rumors are true? Do you really think our hero is a child of Bhaal like Sarevok?"
"I am not one to jump to conclusions, Captain. I merely weigh the possibilities before I make a decision."
Schael took a step towards Entar after he spoke.
"But he saved the city. He stopped us from needlessly going to war against Amn. And with Caelar Argent's crusades rampaging in the northern regions, we might need his help once again sooner or later," she said.
"Your concerns are noted, Captain Corwin. But for now, we must watch with caution," Entar replied, then he and Schael lapsed into silence again looking out the window down at the parade.
Meanwhile outside the palace, hundreds of people lined the sidewalks cheering happily as they watched the stagecoach being pulled by four white horses carrying Ralis and his party towards The Wide. Ralis sat on the lancer seats with two of his lancers, waving at the cheering crowds of people on both sides of the road. Some people among the crowds shouted out:
"You're the best, Ralis!"
"You're a true hero! Thank you!"
"I'll name my son after you!"
Hundreds of Flaming Fist mercenaries and Baldur's Gate Watch guards lined the road to make sure no one in the crowds of cheering people would jump out and try to assassinate the Hero of Baldur's Gate or anything else bold. Ralis enjoyed these moments greatly- he has never been through this type of thing before, he only dreamed of a moment like this during his childhood in Candlekeep, defeating the malevolent villain who threatened the city with his ambitions and in retrun beling loved and respected by the citizens of that city... It's all a reality now.
"You know what, Bruce?" Ralis raised his voice to one of his lancers among the deafening cheers of the crowds.
"What is it, sir?" Bruce shouted back to Ralis.
"This is my first time being in a parade!" Ralis responded with an excited smile.
Bruce made a wide grin of excitement on his face. "The feeling's mutual, sir! I know exactly how you feel!"
The stagecoach and the Flaming Fist mercenaries and watch guards made their way slowly to The Wide, an open space in the city of Baldur's Gate where festivals are usually held. In the center of the wide stood a pedestal where it is scheduled the hero of Baldur's Gate will make a speech to the citizens of Baldur's Gate. Ralis is amazed at how many people have gathered in the Wide. What amazed him even more is that as the stagecoach made its way to the center, the people parted away like the ripples of the ocean. When the stagecoach neared the spot where Ralis will make his speech, the stagecoach stopped, then the lancers allowed Ralis to jump down off the stagecoach, and Minsc, Coran and Rasaad emerged from the stagecoach acting as Ralis's bodyguards, escorting him to the center of the Wide while Flaming Fist mercenaries and the watch controlled the excitedly cheering crowds.
"We have made our mark in the legends of great heroes! Through camaraderie, courage and goodness, we have prevailed over evil, Boo!" Minsc exclaimed proudly, and Boo squeaked happily in response.
"I have to admit, this really does feel good. We've been through a rough adventure, and we deserve this, and more," Coran said to Minsc.
"I am not used to being around so many people. It makes me feel somewhat uncomfortable," Rasaad said.
At that moment, they reached the center of The Wide and Ralis walked up the stairs to the platform elevating himself high enough to see all around him, and it amazed him again to see how many people are in the Wide to witness this celebration. He felt his heart pounding with excitement. And to his surprise, the cheers died down into complete silence.
"I...I would like to thank all of you for coming," Ralis said, testing his voice to see if the Flaming Fist cleric's Thaumaturgy cantrip would help amplify the volume of his voice so everyone in the Wide can hear him, not just those close to him.
"It has been a rough fight," Ralis continued, shifting his body left and right nervously a bit. "We survived the Iron Crisis, we averted a catastrophic war against Amn, and the people responsible for it all are either dead or arrested. And I am honored that I am appreciated for all of my heroic efforts. Thank you all, from the bottom of my heart."
Then everyone applauded for about seven seconds, then Ralis continued speaking.
As soon as he opened his mouth he immediately paused there because he spotted a familiar face in the crowd. He saw Sarevok's lover, Tamoko. She looked sad. Ralis couldn't understand why she is looking at him so sadly, but then he remembered that he promised that he would bring Sarevok back to her alive. He broke that promise, and now Tamoko will never see her beloved Sarevok again. And here he is, smiling and waving at the people of Baldur's Gate, forgetting that he has dishonored one person in particular. Not wanting to look at his face anymore, Tamoko disappeared into the crowd. Ralis wanted to call out to her, reach out for her and say some kind of apology, but he froze with his right arm partially stretched out towards Tamoko's direction, unsure of what to say until an idea came to mind for his speech.
"I have faced many tragedies along the way, as all of you have. I may be a hero to you all, I may seem larger than life to all of you, but I am not perfect, I am a human with flaws, just like all of you. It's important to keep in mind that even heroes are capable of making mistakes. I have made many mistakes that will haunt me for the rest of my life. I've learned that not everyone can be saved no matter how hard you try. But the important thing in life is not to give up, but to learn from those mistakes, not to drown your sorrows in them either. That is how we develop. That is how we improve ourselves. We can't correct our mistakes once we have made them, and we most certainly can't choose where we come from. Whether you are rich or poor, it does not matter. Your true greatness comes from something more than your origins or social rank. I want you all to remember that as we try to figure out what to do about the crusaders far north. Thank you."
Everyone applauded while Ralis climbed down off the platform, and soon the festival truly began. The market tents in The Wide sold various kinds of foods and some tents had special activities and games for kids and and adults to enjoy, like throwing darts at a certain target or dummy, playing memory card games for prizes and the like. Ralis found Neera near a pink and blue striped tent where adults go to gamble, and Ralis assumed that Neera plans on gambling.
"What are you doing over here?" Ralis asked her in a warm, suave tone.
"Oh! I-" Neera began to say but the next words never came out because Ralis kissed her lips.
Then she chuckled and smiled. "I still really like your boldness, kissing me in front of hundreds of people all around us..."
"Who cares? Let them look," Ralis sensually said as he tried to brace his body on Neera's for intimate contact, but Neera pushed him away.
"No! No-no-no-no! Not here, not now," she protested.
Ralis sighed, feeling the warm and fuzzy feeling in his body slowly ebb away. "You sure are a mood killer, you know that, right?" He asked her.
"I've killed worse. Wait, let me rephrase that. I... Ah, damn, I lost my train of thought," Neera muttered.
"Maybe a kiss will help jog your memory," Ralis said, then he kissed Neera on her forehead.
Then she laughed. "You're either a hopeless romantic or something else on you is, and I think its the latter," she said, winking at him. "By the way, have you seen Coran? He promised he would gamble with me," she added.
"I haven't seen him since before the speech," Ralis admitted.
Then somehow, among the chatter of crowds, Neera and Ralis heard Coran's voice nearby. They heard him say: "It's not what you think!"
"Uh-oh," Ralis and Neera said together and walked away from the tent towards the direction of Coran's voice.
They found him talking to a human woman with semi short black hair.
"I have a d-daughter? That's, uh, wonderful. I swear, Briel, I-I did not plan for this either, but..." Coran stammered almost like Khalid.
"Whether we planned it or not, it happened! Surprised your fling had consequences? My husband Yago was none too happy when my daughter turned out to be a half-elf. Namara is your daughter, Coran!" Brielbara said.
"Oh wow, I should have seen this coming," Ralis said.
"Poor Coran, can't keep his pants on around women," Neera shrugged and smirked.
Coran felt at a loss for words almost. "I... I don't know what you expect from me, Briel. I have a daughter, but what should I do about it?"
"I expect you to grow a spine, elf, and take care of your daughter!" Brielbara snapped.
"Wait! Shh! Do you hear that?" Coran asked her.
Brielbara looked around in confusion.
"How can you hear something among so many people?" She asked him with a perplexed frown.
"That's the open road calling my name, and I was born to answer that call. Bye," Coran said quickly then disappeared into the crowd.
Brielbara was still looking around when Coran was speaking, but when she paused to look at him he was already gone.
"Coran! CORAN!" Breilbara shouted and walked off to find him.
Neera and Ralis laughed.
"He really is a stupid elf!" He said while laughing.
"Let that be a lesson to you, Ralis. If you don't want to be a father, keep your underpants on," Neera told him.
Ralis wrapped his arms around her neck. "What if I don't want to, hmm?"
Neera looked at him quizzically. "Huh? Oh no! No! Wild mages make terrible mothers! No!"
"Relax! I'm just kidding!" Ralis laughed.
Neera huffed. "Gods, your jokes need some serious polishing," she said, then her enthusiastic expression became serious and sullen. "But, uh... I have to tell you something..." Neera said, lowering her voice.
"What?" Ralis asked curiously.
For some reason, Neera couldn't look into his eyes.
"Um... You and me... I don't think this will work out..."
"Huh? What are you talking about, Neera?"
"I'm talking about our relationship! I'm a wild mage! I'll never forgive myself if my untamable magic hurts you! You deserve someone better than me, someone who won't harm you by accident... And, uh, never harm you at all. You get what I mean. So... I'm leaving Baldur's Gate and find someone or something who can teach me how to control my wild magic. So... This is goodbye. Later, hero." Neera gave Ralis a soft smooch on his forehead turned around and started walking away from him.
"Neera! Wait! Please don't do this! I don't want anyone else! I want you! Wait! Come back! Neera!" Ralis called sadly, his eyes becoming fully moist with tears, but Neera never looked back at him, disappearing into the crowd.
Ralis felt like collapsing in defeat. He found romance in his life for the very first time, and now, it has left him with a broken heart. And at that moment he realized that he has finally experienced how it feels to have a broken heart. Being around Neera made him feel like soaring above the skies like a proud eagle, and now, he feel like plummeting to the ground like an eagle shot down by an archer.
Hours later, Ralis retired to his bedroom in the Ducal Palace and lay in his bed wearing nothing but his undershirt and underwear, exhausted, tired, and uneasy. Though he enjoyed the celebration in The Wide, he couldn't shake this feeling of uneasiness. Throughout the party, he heard some people whisper that he might be a child of Bhaal, that he didn't kill Sarevok to save the city, he did it because Sarevok was competition, a rival that needed to be eliminated. Ralis understood why some people would speculate this, it would take pure luck for an average mortal man to defeat a child of Bhaal like Sarevok. On top of this all, he kept hearing many things about Caelar Argent's crusades far north. Will her influence spread down to Baldur's Gate? And if it does, she will no doubt ruin efforts of recovering from the Iron Crisis. Already more than a hundred refugees from villages, towns and cities up north are taking refuge in Baldur's Gate. Hopefully by tomorrow the Grand Dukes will have something planned out.
