The Shadow-Singer of Shar

[Maecius]

"When shadows descend upon the lands, our divine lords shall walk alongside us as equals. So sayeth the Wise Alaundo!"

Valerius pauses in the stairwell, furrowing his brow, as the words of the chanter reach him. He shakes his head, and continues up the stairs, quickening his pace.

Fresh from a visit to some friends in Sembia, he's dressed in breeches and tunic rather than his usual robes of office: A feathered cap sits atop his head, hiding his horns. He had already made a report of the situation to a gathering of friends and guests, he had already assured that Auriel was all right, and he had already discussed Candlekeep's defenses with Gatewarden Isabella Villame. He had just one more thing to do before he could sleep.

Stepping into his quarters, he shuts the door, and fights off a wave of nausea. "Getting sick." He observes to himself, touching his forehead again. Cold and clammy. "Mm."

He moves to his desk, sweeping some work aside and pulling out crisp, expensive, and official-looking paper. He sits, and painstakingly scribes several letters over the next two hours.

One is addressed to the Council of Four, the dukes of Baldur's Gate, and it reads as follows:

Honorable Council:

The night has never been safe, but it remains more dangerous now than ever before. As you may already know, there have been a rash of abductions in recent days. A malicious entity who speaks in rhyme and song -- self-identified as the "Herald of Darkness," but herein referred to as the "shadow-singer," -- has been targeting women and stealing them away in the dark of the night. His motives appear to be based around a strong and unyielding hatred for womankind.

No history or tale of this shadow-singer can be found in any of Candlekeep's records. No record of strange disappearances involving darkness or any record of similar occurrences taking place can be found, with the possible exception of the drow shade, Onyxium, who does not appear to be associated with these current incidences. Whatever this case is, it is isolated, and unique.

From what I have gathered from witnesses to the attacks, from first-hand experience, and from informants and friends in Selgaunt and elsewhere, I have determined that Shar has shown incredible favor to this shadow-singer by mixing her voice with his. His ability to have his presence anywhere under the darkness of night is very similar to Shar's attributes regarding the night. His ability to control and create being such as Nightwalkers on mere whim, as well as his ability to transport individuals at will through the night (even past Candlekeep's wards) show signs that Shar's power is not only potent within him, but focused within him. This being that we are dealing with is powerful by himself, and directly behind him stands a greater deity.

Extreme caution must be exercised from now on. If this man has been given such incredible attributes by Shar, he will be beguiling and persuasive. At any moment, any of our friends could be turned against us, and old enemies can be spurred to strike. Any creature that lurks in the shadows or night is to be feared, as he could easily sway them against us. Indeed, already he has organized the vampires of the Cloakwood behind his cause.

Every step must be taken with caution. One step too far will provoke this being, and the results could be irreversible. I have established a curfew in Candlekeep, and am requesting that visitors and residents alike make their ways indoors after nightfall. I might encourage similar edicts for Baldur's Gate, though I know how difficult that would be in a metropolis of its size. Suffice it to say, this threat is, at present, worrying on an individual level -- we all know women we want to protect -- but it could potentially become a very serious and very large threat to us all.

If this being is, indeed, gathering the forces of darkness, it would be wise for us all to keep a close watch over our peoples, and over this shadow-singer's future actions.

Thank you for your patience, and I wish you the best of luck in protecting your citizenry and demesne.

Yours sincerely,

Valerius, Guide of Candlekeep

"One down. Three more."

Another very similar letter is directed to Captain Crownsilver of the Flaming Fists. While letters are also directed to the mayor and high priest of Beregost, Kelddath Ormlyr, and to Valerius's friend and associate, Davian Thule, also of Beregost's Temple of Lathander.

Once finished, Valerius sets them aside to be run out first thing in the morning, and makes his way to bed. Hopefully he would feel better after a good night's sleep. The day had been long and trying. But he would not fail his friends again.

[Maecius]

Valerius sits at his desk, his hands covered in alchemical powders and ink, his eyes tired. Only a single candle burns in the corner of his desk, but the air is lit by the predawn, and his darkvision makes light redundant anyhow. He has yet to sleep. He holds a finished letter in hand, and rereads it aloud, in a voice barely above a whisper.

"To Miss Anie D'lyn and Sir Dallenthel Wyndsoul," he begins, checking once more to ensure that he's spelled their names correctly, "At your request, I have delved deeply into the history of this self-proclaimed Herald of Darkness. I have uncovered more than I bargained for in my explorations, and here hope to delineate my discoveries. I will begin with your request, the information regarding the shadow-singer's past. I will then describe my findings on the necromancer, Noric Patteel, and, finally, some suppositions voiced to me by Candlekeep's Gatewarden, Isabella Villame. Please be patient with me, as this is a lot of information for one letter to bear."

He catches his tongue between his lips, squinting at the parchment. He could have worded that better. He shakes it off, and continues reading.

"As you recounted to me, the shadow-singer claims to have lived 300 years ago, in Rashemen, far off in northeastern Faerûn. You told me he came to the town of Medello, as a refugee, where his beloved sold him out to the local Witch Council for 300 gold pieces.

"Of Rashemen, I can tell you that it is a magocratic gynarchy, ruled de jure by an Iron Lord, but de facto by the Witches of Rashemen, or the 'Wychlaran.' In Rashemen, a member of the Wychlaran can do no wrong. Her word is law and to disobey it is punishable by death.

"Of Medello, however, I could find no records. The only mention of Medello that I could uncover was on an archaic map of Rashemen, where it was spelled 'Medallo.' The village in question was an insignificant dot on one corner of the map."

Valerius glances to the map in question, which is hanging on a wall not far away. Beside the map are a number of scratched notes, as well as a piece of paper bearing a series of strange, unintelligible runes. He takes a breath, then continues.

"Earlier this evening, after Candlekeep's Gatewarden, Isabella Villame, was abducted by the shadow-singer, I visited Medello. I had hoped that the village bore some importance to the shadow-singer. That it was taking its victims there. I found only ruins, overgrown with plant life. There was some debris -- foundation stones, a corroded axe-head --" He frowns at the rusted, corroded axe-head in question, sitting on his desk, and currently serving as a paperweight. "And so forth, but nothing else of note, except for a strange stone platform. There was old, old blood on the stone, and a series of runes which I have copied down and am attempting to translate. I took it to be a site of execution or sacrifice at the time.

"However, on returning to Candlekeep, I found out that the stone slab in question plays a role in the shadow-singer's betrayal. The theurge of Mystra, Aeili Azenci, had a vision from her goddess after returning from her own abduction. She told me about it, and I soon recognized how it fit into the rest of the puzzle. Her words, as close as I can remember them, in describing the vision were:

"'I saw a man shrouded by a hood and mask, and he was being dragged by chains to a large stone platform in the middle of a village. Strange women approached the platform, holding whips in their hands. Then the vision ceased.'" Valerius pauses a moment, to set the first page of his letter aside and pick up the second. He continues reading.

"The women were probably the Wychlaran, and the shrouded man was likely our shadow-singer. Once I translate the ruins, I hope to have a clearer understanding of just what the platform was intended for, and just what crime he was being punished for.

"After surviving his injuries and trials at the hands of the Wychlaran, you told me that he was nursed back to health by a blind elven maid. You mentioned that her four sisters, all of whom could see, persecuted the shadow-singer, while the blind sister did nothing to protect him. You thought that this might suggest that his appearance was, in someway, an obvious indicator of his race or class, and hence the catalyst for his mistreatment. You thought that he might have been drow."

Valerius pauses a moment, taking a breath, then a sip of water. He brushes some of the alchemical powders off on his robes, frowning at the smears of white they leave behind. He shakes off the minor irritation and continues.

"It is true that drow are almost universally despised, especially by the other Tel-quessir. Among other things that the Rashemi might kill on sight are were-creatures, necromancers, those who abuse spirit-creatures, and the deformed, whom they believe to be cursed by nature. Considering their long-standing feud with Thay, they would also probably have very little compassion for a Red Wizard of that nation.

"Unfortunately, my trail runs cold, here. Until I can translate the runes and delve deeper into this matter, I am momentarily foiled. I will, however, move on to two items of some importance, that I think the two of you should be aware of; and that I hope will become more widely known.

"First, as you know, the necromancer Noric Patteel was seen in Candlekeep last night. Although we cornered him in the Temple of Oghma, he was able to bypass the wards of Candlekeep and vanish into the magical darkness he conjured inside. This confirms for me that he has the assistance of the shadow-singer. For although his spellcasting is potent, I was able to defeat his magic, which tells me that he is not strong enough, on his own, to bypass Candlekeep's wards.

"Some information of note about Noric: Judging from his magic last night, he utilizes the Shadow Weave. This means that he necessarily pays heed to Shar, for Shar is a jealous goddess, and does not let those unfaithful to her utilize her Shadow Weave. The elven adventurer, Earindil, also informs me that Noric is now apprenticed to the vampire, Drakkus, and as such, can probably be found with him in the Cloakwood, inside the old manor house. Noric appears to want access to Candlekeep's library, but as to what reason, I still do not know."

Valerius turns to the third page of his letter, frowning as he comes to Isabella's story. The shame of failing to save her still heavy on his shoulders, he continues reading, in an even quieter voice.

"Second, Candlekeeep's Gatewarden, Isabella Villame, was abducted by the shadow-singer last evening. I managed to cast an almost instantaneous Mind Blank before she disappeared, but it was not enough to stop him. Isabella -- who has since been, thank the compassionate gods, returned mostly unharmed -- and myself are convinced that the shadow-singer is breaking the rules of the gods by intervening personally, and, more significantly, by lending Noric some of Shar's power.

"Isabella confronted him, and called on Shar and Torm to bear witness to the shadow-singer. This seems to have angered him greatly. She compares him to a child, given a club of mighty power: He lashes out with misguided rage and divine power, thinking little of the consequences. He will not be able to continue this reckless behavior without attracting the attention of the gods.

"I feel this is all I have to write to you, at this time. Do not fear the night. Do not fear this pathetic and miserable creature. Be cautious, for your safety must come before all else, but do not bow your head nor your knee in fear to this wretch."

Valerius pauses, here, then breathes out a sigh, as he reads the very last paragraph.

"I ask that you spread this information around. I will be publishing the information I have put into this letter, myself, and hanging it in the Candlekeep Inn. Shar and her followers thrive on secrets, so I ask that you not keep this information to yourself: Spread it, to all who will listen, to all who you think will benefit from it. This 'Herald of Darkness' will shrink from the light of truth, the light of knowledge, and the light of compassion, love, and justice that guides us all. Sincerely, Valerius, Guide of Candlekeep."

Closing his eyes, he nods, then gathers the pages, seals them into a letter, and sets it aside on his desk. Before bed, he washes his hands. In the morning, though, he will have the letter delivered to Anie and Dallenthel at the Temple of Ilmater. He will also post the information on the Candlekeep Inn's bulletin board, for all those interested in knowing more.

[Maecius]

"Duty. I am beginning to hate that word." Valerius walks the stairs to his tower suite, flexing his fingers. Preparing his hands for the task at hand. He is torn, as usual; this time over the health and well-being of one Auriel Elenviel. A dear friend.

Valerius pauses in the stairwell, just outside his quarters, and frowns thoughtfully. He had failed Auriel. He had failed Isabella. He had failed Jonas and Arivain.

Again.

What was the good in being a wizard if he did not know the answer to everything? How was it that he could stop time and shift through the planes, and yet, he was so powerless with the individual problems of those he cared most about?

Stepping into his quarters, he shuts and locks the door with some frustration. He moves to his desk and begins to write without further ado.

To the Church of Selûne:

As you may already know, the Western Heartlands have suffered under a creature identifying himself as a "Herald of Darkness" and servant of Shar. I do not doubt that you have already mobilized the Swords of the Lady to deal with this threat. This letter concerns one of the victims of this monster.

Auriel Elenviel is a priestess of Sehanine Moonbow, who I have been told is the Seldarine aspect of Selûne. She was taken, twice, by the Herald of Darkness, or Shadow-Singer as he is more colloquially termed, and after the second attack, she appears to have lost her grip upon reality.

I write to you because I know that one of the tenants of the Moonmaiden is to aid fellow Selûnites as if they were your dearest friends. I humbly beg you to extend this to include the servants of Lady Moonbow, and Miss Auriel Elenviel in particular.

After careful inspection, I have determined that Auriel's mental illness is not born of magic or curse, but is entirely mundane. I am of the belief that she will recover best, and most quickly, if cared for by those who share her religious beliefs and practices. She seems to respond well to familiarity.

You may reach me at Candlekeep, where I hope to be able to direct you to Auriel. I pray that you are able to help this woman, who I consider a blessing to the world, and a very true friend.

May the Lady of Silver shine upon you.

Yours sincerely,

Valerius, Guide of Candlekeep

Valerius reads over the letter, never entirely satisfied. But it is the best that he can do. He seals it and sets it aside, to be run to the House of the Moon in Waterdeep, come morning.

Surely Selûne's most holy temple will send aid. Or so is the hope that Valerius holds on to as he settles down for the night, and sleeps.

[Maecius]

Valerius stands at his bedroom window, arms crossed loosely over his chest, ruby red eyes staring out into the cold gray morning. It's still raining. Valerius loves the rain.

Turning back towards his unmade and empty bed, the tiefling smiles to himself, shaking his head at something. Quiet footsteps take him into the adjacent office, where he eases down into his desk, and begins writing a letter.

To the Honorable Duke Eltan:

Late last night, two Flaming Fist soldiers -- a Captain Justin Crownsilver and a Sergeant Lasmus Heppenzeiler -- were taken into Candlekeep and treated for very serious injuries.

Both men are in stable conditions this morning, and should be recovering quickly. Here is the story in full, so far as I understand it, though I am sure that they will be making their own reports, on their return to Baldur's Gate:

It was raining last night, as I stood at Candlekeep's gate in conversation with Gatewarden Isabella Villame and Seeker Badoc Spellsong, when another one of our monks, a Seeker by the name of Red, came sprinting up the road.

He was badly out of breath, and looked exhausted. He told us that two Flaming Fist soldiers had been laid low on the road by the being we call the Shadow-Singer. Their lives were in immediate danger, so we wasted no time in getting to them.

I was able to stabilize both men with healing magic, just enough so that it was safe for us to move them to Candlekeep's infirmary, where they were given over to more capable healers. As noted, both men should be fine, now, though I regret to tell you that we had to cut them out of their armor, as it was so battered and scarred from the confrontation that it could not be removed normally. They will need new outfitting.

They will be welcome to stay here at Candlekeep for as long as it takes them to recover from their encounter. This letter is merely to let you know where they are, and why they have not returned from their patrol.

I cannot here make any guesses as to the Shadow-Singer's motives or purposes. But at least your men are safe. Good luck and best wishes.

Sincerely,

Valerius, Guide of Candlekeep

Stretching in his chair, the wizard yawns loudly, then stands. Time to start the day anew. First things first, though, he would get this letter delivered to Baldur's Gate.