Baldur's Gate : The Sword Coast Chronicles : NWN2 Persistent World

Chapter 15:
Strike from the Shadows

Cayther made slow progress making his way back through the varitable maze of tunnels. Heading for the exit to warn the rest of Gare's men of the collapse and get their help. He was having reactions to the Bolt that was in his arm. A burning fever sprung up and he began to sweat profusely. Also Lightheaded and his strength drained he began to have trouble walking through the narrow tunnels and often tripped. He clung along the sides for balance to keep from falling into the few centimeters or so of less than sanitary water.

Trudging along carefully he had to put all of his concentration into just staying upright. The cloaked and hooded figure tailed him from the shadows watching carefully enjoying the pursuit as he watched Cayther's struggle against the poison that was slowly working it's way through his system. The figure didn't have to stay too far behind and watched the struggle Cayther was having at just moving forward. It wouldn't be long before the Figure would deliver the final blow.

Cayther's condition when it came would make it all too easy. There would be no resistance or struggle, Just a swift painful death. For now the figure just followed, Watching, Waiting for the moment to strike. The figure smiled delightfully as he pictured Cayhter's final agonizing moments.

Back in the now silent chamber with the collapse noise and movement could be heard stirring in the rubble. Rocks began to tumble from the pile as a hand surfaced sending more rocks and debris tumbling to the littered floor. The sound of exertion and strain echoed through the chamber as Millo emerged from the debris that fell over him during the ceiling collapse. His muscles aching he collapsed and slide down the pile to the littered floor like the rocks. He breathed heavily and looked down to his leg.

There piercing his pant leg was the bone that had snapped in two. When he realized what it was that's when the pain hit him. It pulsed and radiated through his leg like his heartbeat and he screamed. Ripping a piece of his sleeve he tourniqueted his leg and ripped another piece to cover the sight of the bone as he Screamed, whimpered, and gritted his way through the ordeal. He wondered what happened to the others and hoped someone came back for him as he wasn't going to be going anywhere without help. He pulled out three wands from the boot of his good leg and sat. Nervous, Jumpy and full of pain he sat and waited. Hoping his companions would come back for him.

A pair of Eyes filled with Bloodlust stared at it's injured and incapacitated prey from the depths of the Shadows. A Wicked Grin spread across his face as the unseen hunter readied a few wands and a crossbow.

Tamina was busy walking down a long narrow tunnel looking for a Passage that would lead her back on the right track.

'Great. Just Great. Little collapse and I'm out of the running. Gotta get that Amulet before Gareut sees it. He'd probably take it knowing him.' She thought as she silently made her way through the tunnel following Scurrying Rats as they ran for the nearest exit.

Distracted by the Squeeking and scurrying rats she failed to notice behind her in the Shadows a pair of soft glowing Orange eyes followed her in the Darkness. The figure moving very much like Tamina except for the fact that this figure had murderous intent in it's actions as an already prepped Crossbow was quietly unslung and readied with a bolt. The Figure Cruely grinned and aimed at her unsuspecting Target. The figure gently hit the trigger mechanism and the Bolt fired.

The bolt Whistling through the air as it sped towards it's target. The figure watched the Bolt strike home as Tamina Grunted from the sudden shock of pain. Her legs swept out from under her and she hit the mucky ground face first.

Gareut and Daghala followed their passage as best as their legs could take them. The passage would be wide at one point, Turn a corner and very narrow and cramped till the next corner. Finally Gareut and Daghala came upon an open chamber, It was almost pitch black. Daghala halted and Growled immeaditely upon entering the Dark room. Gareut halted beside the Wolf and also sensing a Dangerous air about the room. Skulls and bones crunched beneath his boots as he readied a wand.

Suddenly Torches lit basking the room with their orange glow. A group of Six men stood blocking the exit, Wicked grins on their faces.

"Sorry, you Dirty Pirate." Said what appeared to be their leader said as he raised and pointed the tip of his longsword at Gareut. "But you Die here."

With that Daghala ran and leaped for a nearby man, Tearing his Throat out as he fell to the floor. Skulls and bones crunched as he hit the ground and the five remaining men turned to Hack at the Wolf. Their Attention turned Gareut saw his oppertunity and raised his Wand. He shouted the activation word fiercly and the wand sent a deadly Fire arrow through the air piercing and burning another man.

Cayther tried unsuccessfully to run from his pursuer, Out of breath and cornered he turned to make his stand. The effects of the poison had taken root and his vision was blurred as his gaze tried to pierce the darkness. He readied a wand and waited for his deadly shadow to show itself. The sound of his heavy breathing broke the otherwise silent passage as it echoed off the walls as he strained his body and senses. Faint at first he heard a voice from the far end and slowly it grew into an almost Manic laughter.

He shouted the Activation word and a Fireball erupted from the wand and went speeding down the dark chamber. It lit the passage as it travelled down and he saw his stalker easily sidestep out of the way and begin advancing towards him. Cayther readied his Cutlass and watched as the Fireball exploded at the far end of the passage.

The approaching cloaked figure turned and watched the Fiery explosion behind him as the far end of the passage collapsed plunging the corridor in Silence and Darkness. Cayther attempted unsuccessfully to quiet his panting breath. He strained as his blurry vision tried to pierce the pitch black.

"No where for you to go now little lamb." A raspy whisper drifted through the chamber said.

"Time for the Slaughter." The whisper added as the sound of a large curved Knife scraping the edge of the wall could be heard throughout the passage.

Stance paced back impatiently waiting for a status update from his men. Growing impatient he almost grabbed the Amulet from the chest and left through the back not wanting to take the chance of them recovering it. He fought the impulse realizing how stupid it was and steeled himself for the fight to come if they made it through.

'It'll be easy. Some of them will die and the rest will be wounded or tired when they reach me. I can do this.' He thought. He turned and gave a start at the sight of the black cloaked and hooded figure standing before him.

"I hope you're not thinking of running, Are you?" The subtle threat in the figure's voice as it approached. Stance fidgeted nervously and shook his head.

"You have an update?" He added quickly.

"Yes. The group is split. Two of four are down. One is dead the other unable to move and will be following shortly. The Demon Girl is in the tunnel that leads directly here and will be confronted and hopefully eliminated. The Pirate Captain made it through the group of men you posted and is slowly making his way to this Chamber. His progress is slowed and we'll be ready for him." The Cloaked figure reported.

"Hells! They should all be dead!" He shouted and stamped his foot down in frustration.

Chapter 16:
Duels, Shadow, and the End?


Tamina rose to her hands and knees grimacing with pain as she heard the noise of the Crossbow being recocked.

"Little Tamina, Brenton's favorite. If he only knew the little monster you are, I wonder if you still would have been his favorite." The Figure in the Shadows said with two Orange points staring with hatred as Tamina managed to get to her feet and face her opponent.

"Maybe I am, Maybe I'm not. I don't care. The only real monster Brenton should've seen was you, (germbag)." Tamina said and managed to not scream while ripping the bolt from her shoulder.

"You should be dead. Like everyone else that day when I lost it." She added while readying her Dagger and Shortsword.

"You really don't remember do you?" Tanya said as she put the stock of the crossbow to her shoulder and aimed at Tamina.

"What are you talking about?!" Tamina said as she set a Defensive stance and used the shadows to try and hide the outline of her body to prevent a clear shot.

Tanya let out a chuckle. "No use explaining it to a Dead woman." She said and pulled the trigger.

The bolt launched with surprising speed. It whistled through the air as it sped towards Tamina. This time she was ready though, She ducked and rolled forward towards her target with quick reflexes and Deft speed dodging the Bolt that was fired and already closing the distance towards Tanya.

Cayhter's Strength faded fast as he weakly parried and blocked incoming from his assailant's large curved knife. He knew the dark figure was just toying with him. He slowly arced his large knife in slow, powerful blows. Still Cayther fought back with all his might even though he knew he was fighting a losing battle. He attempted to plead for his life with his attacker by promising riches and women.

Each request answered by a powerful strike with the large curved knife ringing loudly off Cayther's saber.

"Alright, I can see you're not motivated by Gold or Riches. How about I join you instead?" Cayhter desperately spit out.

The question hung in the air as the Attacker stayed his knife from striking down.

"Go on." The raspy whisper eminated from the dark figure.

"Listen, Our Captain is a tough fella. He doesn't look like much, But he is. It'll be alot easier for someone he knows and trusts to get him when his back is turned." Cayther rambled as the assailant lowered his knife listening intently to the desperate bargain Cayther was spitting out.

"So all you got to do is give me an antidote for this whole poison coursing through me and I stroll up and stick a knife into Good ol' Cap'n's back and then we call it even. Whatcha say?"

The Dark Figure laughed at the offer.

"First the knife in the 'Captain's' Back, Then the Antidote." The figure whispered back.

"Deal!" Cayther said and the Figure withdrew his knife and faded into the shadows.

Gareut and Daghala walked from the well lit chamber of the room into more maze like hallways. Daghala's fur was covered and matted with blood to which the Wolf paused every now and then to try and clean a bit of it from his fur, Unsuccessfully, But he didn't mind as he liked the taste of blood and meat. Slowly they worked their way through the tunnels. Gareut felt the figure following them in the shadows. Daghala smelled him too as every time he looked back he smelt the air and let out a low growl.

They rounded another dark corner and saw another figure in the shadows ahead of them slumped against the wall. Daghala sniffed the air about him and recognized a familiar scent, Definitely a friend. They drew closer to the figure and realized it was Cayther.

"Greetin' Cap'n" Cayther said weakly, Straining to remain standing slumped against the wall as he struggled against the poison.

"Cayther, It's good to see you're alive. Though your condition has gotten worse. We need to find an antidote for that poison quickly." Gareut said as he walked up and patted the lad on his shoulder.

"The way back is sealed. We can't go back." Cayther said in a breathless whisper, Wincing as the Captain patted his shoulder.

"Well, Only one way we can go then. Forward." Gareut said grimly nodding ahead.

"Take this. It might help slow the effects of the poison so we can get out of here." Gare added and handed him a small vial of an unknown liquid. Cayther took the vial and greedily drank every last drop like he hadn't had water in days.

The Captain started out ahead and Cayther slowly followed. Daghala paused a moment and sniffed for the figure following them and noted it still remained at a Distance in the shadows. Turning to follow Gareut and Cayther, Daghala noted the dagger held Discreetly behind Cayther's back and decided to remain behind him as the Wolf's keen senses picked up something peculiar and malicious about the man.

Tamina Struck with lightning reflexes but Tanya was equally as quick and deft. She blocked and parried the incoming blow while drawing her Rapier in one fluid motion. Tamina Stumbled forward off balance.

'Wish I hadn't of trained her so well...' She thought as she barely caught herself and twirled around to block the incoming counter strike.

The distance now close, it turned into as much as a match against minds and reflexes. Each one seeking an opening as they struck, parried and slashed at each others defensive postures. This time it was no sparring match, Real swords were whistling through the air as each of them were preforming their best.

As the grueling intense duel pressed on for minutes Tamina realized her wound was starting to slow her down. It was only a matter of time before Tanya would hit home with a killing blow that would end the deadly duel.

'Better lose yourself to the battle little Princess.' The voice said as it crept up inside Tamina's head.

She blocked and parried an incoming blow from Tanya but missed her chance to counter attack as the voice gained strength in her head. Hate and Malice poured from deep within her and seethed in her blood as her heart rate accelerated and adrenaline coursed through her veins.

The pain in her shoulder vanished and allowed her to move freely again as she lost herself to the voice's will. Her vision usually clear and sharp as she looked at the surroundings they began to take a reddish hue. It looked as if Tamina had dropped her guard in the momentary breather the duel. Her sword and Dagger dropped to her sides as she intensely glared at Tanya with strong Glowing red eyes that Lit her face.

The expression on her face was filled with nothing but contempt and hatred for everything around herself. The gaze had taken aback Tanya as she took it in. It didn't last long however as she regained composure and rushed in for her Final blow.

It never connected for when she raised her sword to Strike Tami deftly kicked Tanya square in the chest. She flew back, her Rapier flying from her hands as the kick knocked her off the Feet.

"Time to Finish you off this time. I only spared you because I liked your handy work." Tamina said Coldly as Tanya got to her knees.

"I Distinctly remember telling you if I ever laid eyes on you again, You'd die. Well, Now it's time to make good on that promise." Tamina said as She walked over and Slowly raised her Shortsword and held it there, Ready for the Final strike.

"Now, The only question I have is, Do you want it quick? Or Slow?" Tamina asked with a Wickedly evil Grin on her face. "Trust me when I say you Don't want me to make the choice." She added.

Gare, Daghala, and Cayther came upon the Final chamber. On a Pedestal sat a Simple wood Box. Next to it stood Stance Waynolt himself, Rapier in hand.

"Where's your little Princess, Captain?" He scoffed with a wicked grin on his face.

"I'm sure she's fine, After I'm done with you I'll look for her and get her out of here." Gare said. Glaring at Stance with eager Bloodlust in his Eyes.

"Oh Captain. I don't think you'll get what you want. After all, You can't even handle your own men." Stance said Sarcastically and then Nodded to cayther.

Cayther hesitated and his shoulders shrunk as the Gare began to look confused at the Comment.

"What do you me-" Gare started to ask then Screamed in pain as Cayther plunged the dagger into his upper leg.

Daghala Sprung into motion leaping and Grabbing Cayther by the throat bringing him to the Ground. His scream was cut short as Daghala proceeded to rip his throat out. While that happened Gare gritted his teeth and Grunted in pain as he pulled the dagger free from his leg and threw it down.

"You bastard! How'd you turn my own man on me?!" He shouted in frustration as he wrapped a piece of cloth tight around his leg to stop the bleeding.

Stance only laughed in response and as he Twirled his rapier with a Flourish as he set himself in a ready stance.

"I'm gonna make you pay." Gare said as he tried to ignore the pain in his leg. He readied his dagger and Claw like weapon and limped towards Stance. Daghala now thoroughly finished with Cayther, began to circle round Stance's Backside.

'I see what you're doing little Wolfy. It'll never work.' Stance thought to himself as he Grinned. 'This is gonna be fun.'


"Please! Don't do it!" Tanya said while on her knees, Pleading for her life.

"Fine, Guess I'll have to Choose for you since you're too busy wasting everyone's time with that pathetic Begging of yours." Tamina said and Struck with her Shortsword.

Tanya's arm was Gashed open from Shoulder to wrist and blood flowed freely from the wound as she Shrieked in pain from the cold blade that had raked her skin.

"Now, I wish I could watch as you try to hobble out of this maze of Tunnels But, I have pressing matters at hand. Such a shame I'm gonna miss out on all the fun." Tamina said Grinning wickedly as she put her blades away.

"Oh, and to give you incentive to play this little game. If you make it out of here, Alive. You get to live unless we run into eachother again." She added and walked off into the Darkness.

Tanya lay there for a bit gripping her Arm and Shrieking in the Darkness. Finally, She gritted her teeth and managed to stand on her feet. She made for the nearest exit stumbling through the Darkness. Blood steadily flowing out of her arm as she wondered if she was going to make it to the Exit.

'Damn that monster...' She thought as her arm bumped against the wall and she Shrieked again as horrific pain surged through her Arm.

Meanwhile, Tamina was Definitely lost in the maze of Narrow tunnels. She had hoped she would meet up with Gare somewhere but there was no Luck. She had not even seen one of Gare's men. Though she was somewhat glad that she didn't feel as if she was being watched anymore.

Finally after coming down a long Narrow tunnel she Noticed a single Doorway that led into a room. The Room was dark beyond the Doorway and almost pitch black.

'Well... This is a Bit Creepy...Suppose I should check it out just incase the Amulet is in there.' She thought as she Cautiously crept down the Tunnel approaching the Doorway warily.

'This Screams Trap... Something just isn't right...' She thought as she came up to the Doorway and inspected it Briefly.

She didn't notice anything out of the Ordinary and truth be told the bolt in her arm was starting to really hurt cutting her scrutinizing skills and patience for it. She missed spotting the Trap as she stepped through the Doorway.

She heard an Audible click as she looked down and noticed a Barely visible silk wire caught on her ankle and pulled tight. She whirled around as she Saw the heavy thick wooden door Barreling shut with tons of force.

Only, It didn't close completely and just popped back open. Tami, Confused by the action investigated the Doorway and hinges and there she Spotted it. It had saved her life, A Simple, Dirty little coin covered in the Muck and grime almost invisible to anyone unless you were looking for something there.

'Wow... I am totally lucky... Who would've thought. A coin saved my life! Better believe I'm gonna keep that sucker.' She thought to herself as she bent down and picked the coin out of the Muck with a bemused smirk on her face.

She looked it over carefully and noticed a slight bend from the force of the door hitting the coin.

'Right, After all this we'll get ya all cleaned up and lookin' Proper for a lucky coin.' She thought to herself as she Tucked the coin away and made her way back to try different tunnels.

Daghala lunged at Stance from behind, Teeth bared in a wicked snarl. Gare pounced from the front, His claw poised to deliver a deadly blow. Stance knocked the Claw like weapon aside with a Parry from his rapier and Swiftly rolled to the Side as Daghala almost reached his back with the Lunge. Stance quickly got to his feet and was ready for their next move.

'I can't Rush this, One wrong move and I'm done for. Blasted shadowmen... Why are they Just watching?!' He thought as panic slightly gripped him as he just noticed the Two folks in the Shadows just observing the battle.

'It's like they want me to fail... No matter. I'll win and then I'll show them. Then I'll kill that damned Old man myself.' He thought as he Steeled himself and eyed Gare and Daghala Cautiously watching their movement.

"Don't worry, You're not gonna Leave this place alive. You're little Wench Tamina is already dead." He taunted.

Gare was taking this brief lull in the battle to treat a little bit of his leg when the Insult registered.

"You better hope for your sake she's Not dead." He Growled as he looked up at the man with a face Twisting in barely contained rage.

"Oh I'm quite sure of it. She was even done in by an Old friend of hers too, Such a shame too." Stance continued to Taunt seeing how effective it was given Gare's reaction.

"Just for that, I'll just hurt you and we'll go Tromping through this Sewer system and down every single Corrider. Every one we don't find Tami in, I'll give you a little nick with a blade." Gare said menacingly and held his Old Weathered Hunting knife up for him to see.

Stance looked over the Knife's many details though the big one that stuck out in his mind was how dull it looked. As he looked over the knife Stance noticably Gulped. Gare had a Wicked Grin spread across his face as he saw Stance practically quivering in his Boots.

"I-I'm Not afraid of you. You and your Mutt can't even hit me." Stance said, His Confidence faded from his voice.

Daghala Growled as he went to Circle behind Stance again. It was all Gare would need for when Stance's Attention went to turn back to Gareut, He was Gone. Stance Frantically looked around trying to spot him, to No Avail. It was then when Stance heard it.

"Well, Shall we play for real now." Gare whispered in his Ear. Already behind Stance with his Claw like Weapon at his Throat. The Dull point of his Knife pressing against his Spine.

'Hells... I can get out of this... I can Get out of this... I can get out of this... Think.' Stance's thoughts ran Frantically through his mind. He lowered his Rapier to his Side, He was Admitting defeat.

Tami wandered down the maze of corridors. The Voice in her head giving her Temporary reprieve for the Lucky coin incident was Now running Rampant through her Mind. Unable to stop the voice or Suppress them she was completely lost. Though, She still felt as if something was guiding her along, The Voice perhaps as it sought to Wrest control of her thoughts.

The seemingly Aimless wandering through the small Halls was just a Backdrop for the Intense battle her mind was going through. A Terrible battle it was, Tami fought to Supress the Voice and the Pain and Exhaustion from the Fight with Tanya. She managed to Stumble into a well lit Chamber. Gare and Stance's Jaws both dropped as they gazed upon Tami.

She was Dirty, Covered in Grime and Blood flowing freely from her wound in her Shoulder. Her eyes Glowing bright Red as she stood there Taking in the sight of the Chamber. The last of her Will fading into obscurity as the Voice took hold of her.

'This is going to be amusing... heh heh heh.' The Voice mused in her head.

Gare's face gazed on Tami and turned to Anger as he then looked at Stance.

"She's Alive! Bloody Hells she's Alive! Let me go! I won't bother you anymore." Stance shouted as he pleaded for mercy.

Suddenly, The well lit Chamber grew darker as the Torches died down to Flickers and the Shadows grew long.

"You know, It's been a long time since I've had this much fun..." The words came from Tami's mouth but didn't seem at all like her.

As soon as the words left her mouth the Flames died completely, Plunging the Room into total darkness. The only thing to be seen were the Twin red glowing points that seemed to be Tami's eyes. To Gareut that's what they looked like anyway. Stance saw everything though, His eyes being able to see perfectly in the Darkness. Tami had Passed out and fell to the Ground. A loud Thud emanating in the Chamber as she hit the Ground.

"Tami!" Gare shouted still holding Stance.

Stance's Eyes wide with terror as he gazed at nothing but the Two Red Pinpoints in the Darkness.

"Let me go Fool! She isn't there anymore!" He said and struggled in Gare's hold. The two people hiding in the Shadows decided to Spring into action and attack the Twin red pinpoints. All Gare heard were the Screams of the two men and the Clatter of their weapons hitting the Ground. Stance saw the Men suddenly being Ripped apart viciously as Blood sprayed from their Bodies.

"Let me Go Fool! It's a Shadow, Not Tami that's doing it!" He shouted as Gare lowered his Weapons and freed Stance from his Grasp.

He Ran towards the Box containing the Amulet in a Desperate attempt to save face. Gareut stood there in Confusion as he tried to peer in the Darkness. He tried to keep sight on the Two Glowing pinpoints but it moved too fast for him to keep track of in the Darkness. He was blind, He needed some light to see. He fumbled around for a Stick or something on the Ground. Anything that would catch fire and get some Light on the situation. Just then Stance Screamed in absolute Terror.

Just as he was about to Reach the Box, Two menacing red Pinpoints appeared in front of Stance. He Screamed in Terror as they glared menacingly at him.

"Please! Spare me! Spare me!" He shouted.

Gare turned towards the Commotion fumbling with a simple wand trying to Light the stick he Managed to find on the floor. It was then they heard the voice. Cold, Raspy and with No Emotion it spoke.

"You caused me this much trouble and you want me to Spare you? No... I'm going to make you Suffer. Greatly." It said and Slowly approached Stance.

Stance again Shrieked in terror and turned and ran towards Gare as he was just lighting the Stick in his hand. The Stick caught alight and cast a Soft amber glow throughout the Room. Gare then saw it as Daghala did too. Daghala whined and ran towards Gare's side and was up against his leg in a flash with tail between the his legs. Gare stood there with his Mouth open as he Gazed at what Stance was backing up from.

A Living Shadow, It resembled Tamina in Likeness except it's horns were much bigger. It Sprouted from it's Hairline and swept back the rest of the length of it's head. It also had Wings, and a Tail neither of which Tamina had. The rest of her Features were unidentifiable as this Double Tami was nothing more then Shadow it seemed. Except for it's Eyes, Which Glowed brightly red.

"Tami...Is that you?" Gare said confusingly as he looked over to Tamina who was unconcious on the ground.

The Shadow didn't answer, It's gaze set on Stance who turned and tried to run. Suddenly there was a Wind that blew through the Chamber and in an Instant the Shadow was gone. Stance skidded to a halt as the Shadow was suddenly right in front of him. He fell to his knees and the Box dropped from his hands to the floor. The Shadow kicked the Box to the Side.

"Finally, Accepting your Fate will make this Process go much Smoother for the Both of us." The Shadow said and bent next to Stance and Whispered something in his Ear.

"You know, Don't think after you die you'll have a good time in the Lower planes. You're going to be cast into the Blood wars as fodder.. I hope you enjoy it."

The Whisper sent a Shiver down his Spine and sent Tears to his eyes. Gare just stood there in Amazement at the Sight, Not sure what he should do. Slowly the Shadow Reached for Stance's Shoulder. Instead of Grasping it her Hand passed through his Skin as she reached inside his Shoulder. The move caused Great pain and Stance Shrieked again.

As the Shadow tortured Stance, Gare finally Snapped out of his Shock. He saw the Box lying on the Ground close to him and he Scooped it up. He then moved over to Tamina and with a bit of a Struggle Scooped her up on his Shoulders too.

'Good thing she doesn't weigh that much...' He thought as he tried to make for and Exit towards the far side of the chamber.

Daghala close to his side whimpering the whole time. Admist the Shrieking and Screaming of Stance a Voice suddenly called out to Gare.

"Not. another. Step." The Cold raspy voice said. Gare suddenly Stopped and turned towards the Shadow.

A look of Terror and confusion on his face has he took in the Sight. The Shadow's Hand had now been Thrust into Stance's head through his face. Blood streaming out of Stance's eyes in Bloody tears. Blood streamed from every orifice from his head. His Nose, Mouth, Ears and of course eyes. He Shrieked for a few moments in what looked to be Agonizing pain before his Screams gurgled and finally stopped.

Still on his knees he finally fell when the Shadow withdrew her hand. Her red eyes fixed in a Gaze upon Gareut. She approached licking the Blood that soaked her hand. Gare noticeably Gulped as he saw the Wicked Grin on her face as she did it.

"I can't let you go without a few words." The Shadow said and motioned for him to put Tamina on the ground.

He complied and Set Tamina gently on the ground and the Box as well. When he stood himself back up he readied his weapons.

"How Cute, I'm not going to Harm you. If I wanted to do that I would have done it quite a while ago." The Shadow said.

"What do you want of me then?" Gare asked.

"Well, I just want you to know, Don't get your emotions involved with Little Tamina there. She is bound for a Horrible fate like all her Generations before her." The Shadow said and set her Gaze Briefly on Tamina.

"She does display a rather annoying...Inclination...to resist. She will fail in the end, But it's amusing to Watch. She tries so hard."

Gareut looked Confused.

"So why are you telling me all of this?" He asked.

"Because. If you do anything to Help her Resist or Change her fate, You'll meet the Same end as Stance did." She said Venomously fixing her Gaze back on Gareut.

"I...Understand..." He finally said trying his best to withstand that withering gaze.

"Good. Remember. I'm watching, Always watching." The Shadow said and with one final Wicked grin the Shadow dissipated into the air. For now at least, It was over. Gareut Scooped Tamina and the Box back up and made his way through to the exit.

He managed to Procure a Horse and wagon and Immediately went to his Ship, The Blueberry. Once there, He set Tamina to rest in his Cabin as well as the Box. Daghala also grabbed a Corner in the Captain's Cabin as well. He ordered his crew to set sail as soon as able. The call went out and as the Crew that was still onshore gathered to the boat they began preparations to set sail.

Tamina did not wake till a few days out to sea. She slowly opened her eyes and looked about the Cabin taking in the sight. She let out a Sigh of relief as she felt the Ocean gently rock the Ship to and Fro. The Cabin door swung open suddenly making Tami jump a bit in the bed. In through the Door strode Captain Kalma or otherwise known as Gareut.

"Oh, You're awake. I didn't mean to Startle you." He said as he walked over to the Bedside and pulled up a Chair.

"You've been out for a few days. I was starting to wonder if you'd ever wake up. You must be hungry, I'll have one of my Crew members fetch some Bread and water." He said Gently and Turned and Shouted for one of the Crew members to bring the Items.

He turned back to her and Smiled gently.

"In the Meantime, Have a bit of this. Might make ya feel a bit better." He said and Held up a Bottle of Rum he grabbed from the floor. She took it and Slowly sipped on it.

"So, What happened to the Amulet? We did get it, Aye?" She asked as she finally got something to Satisfy the Feeling of Cotton mouth she had.

"Oh we have it. I must say, It's very unique. I think I might keep it for myself. You know how I like Shiny things." He said Teasingly while waggling his eyebrows at her. She knew he was kidding though there was a small glint in his eye that made her Doubt he was joking.

"Oi, You'll be handing that Amulet over to me or I'll make ya pay." She said managing a Weak grin.

"Oh, In your Condition I doubt you will. But don't worry, I'll hand it over to you once we Reach shore and Dock." He said and Nodded.

Finally a Crew member came barreling through the Door with the Bread and Jug of water and Handed it quickly to the Captain. The Captain dismissed him with a Wave, The Crew member did an Informal Salute and quickly exited the Cabin. He then handed the Bread and water to Tami while gently Prying the Rum bottle from her hands. Once the Bottle was Secure in his grasp he stood up and Headed for the Cabin door.

"So which Port are we heading to?" Tamina asked making him Stop short just before the door.

He turned his head to the Side.

"Why none other then your Home port, Princess. Baldur's Gate" He said with a Wink and a Grin and Strode out, Shutting the Door Gently behind him.


/End. Finished. Fin./