Mid 1346 DR
The war camp construction began only days after Jonas' meeting with the Dukes. He was escorting Meri to Candlekeep around this time with Selah Shartess and Marco Van Besta of the N.T.E. when they were approached by Darrien Fangtear, the supposed leader of the Banites. Jonas had no idea who it was at first, but when Meri informed him the paladin moved quickly to apprehend Darrien. Darrien, however, called upon the might of the Black Hand and summoned not only a lich, but several death knights as well to attack Meri, Jonas, Selah, Marco and now Wendal who had just arrived. The fighting was grievous, and the group had a very hard time with the lich. After it fell, a large group of assassins tried to kill the small adventuring group. Some of them barely able to stand, including Jonas, who seemed worst off, they now listened as Darrien rambled on in a monologue which actually went on so long that Jonas was able to regain his strength and mount an attack with Siomir, who had just walked up. Darrien was tied up and they started to carry him back to the new siege camp, but gates were opened and balors poured out in another attempt to keep Darrien from being taken. The balors were defeated, but Jonas entered the camp half dead and totally exhausted, the troops there expecting him to take control.
Jonas was overwhelmed by the leadership role he was thrust in, especially at first, making several mistakes in those first few days. Luckily, Meri (who was just as overwhelmed) was there to share the responsibility with him, and the two relied on each other a great deal, building a strong friendship on the foundation that was already there from the previous months of working against the Bhaalists. Both of them persevered, however, and managed to keep the troops together through the days and days of sieging the evil temple and against many attacks on the allied defenses.
When all was said and done, the threat eliminated, Jonas returned as ordered to the Council of Four to report. They elevated him to nobility status on the spot and told him a house would be constructed for him in due time. The news traveled quickly, and Jonas found himself more famous than he had ever been, both a blessing and a curse. It seemed he could barely walk one hundred yards some days before being stopped. Meri fared no better, as she was canonized as a living Saint; and both seemed to be who the people looked toward to settle problems both big and small.
Jonas' relationship with Mariona did not out last the siege, as the damaged empathic bond only made Mariona's reactions worse during the entire siege since she was feeling too much of Jonas' stress at having to lead the army. She ended up causing a scene and getting arrested; Jonas subsequently broke up with her to blocked the bond as best he could so that she could have a chance away from him to get herself back together under Siomir's watchful eye.
By now Jonas had fully stepped into a leadership position of the Radiant Heart now, and recruiting was going well. The church of Helm utilized the Order for a mission of secrecy and in the end it was completed successfully, though a more troubling issue of a demonologist was uncovered. News of a demon cult arose, and there was discussion of helping clear out the Nashkel mines as well as making the road through the Fields of the Dead safer. The knights had a great deal to do now, and served their duties willingly.
The paladin took on an ambassadorial role after the siege, arranging meetings between both the Dukes as well as the Merchant's League for Doron Amar. He also helped with manual labor and researching spells for the wards of the elf village. Now an 'elf friend' due to his large donation and services rendered, Jonas was invited to attend any meeting and started to do so in order to watch out for the corruption that had plagued Doron Amar in the past.
Through all of this, Jonas never forgot about Auriel. However, through the brutally honest words of Valerius, Siomir, Meri, and a few others, he was finally, after years, convinced to admit defeat and pursue someone more compatible. They were all supportive of the idea of himself and Telissa Carshald of Lathander. . .
The following is a recounting of the siege and events leading up to it as told by Merielle and Jonas.
LeslieMS wrote:She walked into the inn, and stopped to speak with the innkeeper. Pleasantries were exchanged as Winthrop handed her a tea tray. She smiled and thanked him as he pointed her to the group seated on the couches in the common room. The others had arrived before her, and it was chance that had lead her to Candlekeep to speak with the Gatewarden, and the paladin she was told she could find there.
She smiled as she stepped across the room. Despite her small stature, the woman’s presence hadn’t gone unnoticed as she neared the couches. The tiny red-haired woman offered the group a warm smile as she balanced the tea tray on one hand, and hugged the considerably larger knight, clad in purple. Merielle then set the tea tray down and smiled brightly to the bardess seated near where she stood.
A second hug was offered to the exotic beauty who got up from the couch to greet the Ilmatari. Friendly greetings were passed. A kind smile was also given to the Elf seated on the couch next to the woman. The lovely woman, wearing the robes of Candlekeep resumed her seat. The woman clad in gray poured one cup of tea and offered it to the tall Aasimar.
‘Hello, Everyone.’
She spoke softly.
‘Hello, dear sister.’
She nodded politely to the others, who stood to greet her. The first of the two strangers bowed slightly.
‘Greetings, m'lady.’
She smiled slightly and nodded respectfully.
‘No need to bow, sir. I am hardly nobility.’
‘nuqneH... Hello. How are you?’
Valqis’ voice carried its usual, almost musical tone. Merielle’s green eyes shone as she answered the tanned woman.
‘Planning weddings. Among other things…’
She smiled to Jonas, and the spry Elven man, seated comfortably and sipping his wine. He grinned at her now.
‘Are we keeping you too busy, Saint?’
‘Never, Aearion, my dear.’
‘Saint…? Well, looks like I've certainly bumped into the right people too hear this story from.’
The second stranger spoke.
‘Aye.. the timing is immaculate I must say.’
She arched a brow at the pair that had introduced themselves as Aronmyr and Ricros. Aearion took the liberty of formally introducing the Ilmatari.
‘Merielle, the Living Saint of Ilmater. Thought everyone knew…’
‘Not everyone, I do hope…’
She smiled a bit and took her seat. She did her best to quell nerves, smiling pleasantly at the others as Jonas began to speak.
‘These two gentlemen were asking about the siege. . .’
‘Indeed?’
‘If you wouldn't mind speaking a bit on the events leading up to when I joined you in the war?’
‘The story itself.’
‘The whole story?’
‘I have heard only rumors and whispers in taverns.’
‘The war Story is Simple… ’
Valqis’ accent was readily apparent as she spoke.
‘It is their Story.’
She motioned to Merielle and Jonas. Merielle shook her head.
‘You were there too. It isn't just our tale…’
The Aasimar sighed faintly and began, before an old argument could progress further.
‘Where the Friendly Arm Inn now stands was once a temple devoted to the Lord of Murder. The Bhaalists began to harass the Ilmatari in Baldur's Gate.’
He gestured to Merielle.
‘At the time… there were four of us, not resident to the area. There were four who remained in the temple, and worked there. Less than a dozen in total.’
The others in the common room of the Candlekeep Inn fall silent as the two begin a tale that has been spoken of before. There are many versions from friend and foe alike… no pair of eyes sees the events the same… As the sun settled on the horizon, and drinks were passed around… the tale would unfold. People would come and go, listening to what they could. The brother and sister would tell their version of the events to those who were willing to listen.
‘Not sure what initially started it all really… only that when they started, we weren't some grand bastion of faith. Hardly a number to be threatening.’
She pauses a moment to gather her thoughts and take a sip of tea.
‘Two priestesses went missing early on. One was never found… but safe to say, she rests with Ilmater. The second was found in the Bhaalist temple…’
She frowns deeply.
‘They wanted the Ilmatari to leave.’
‘To leave the city?’
‘The region.’
Came the answer to the question.
‘Though all there were, here … was a handful of novices and initiates, the few seasoned ones in the temple… Most who had been here before I arrived were traveling abroad. It was rather perplexing, the hostility we faced, but in our hearts we felt it wrong to leave.’
‘This is the part I still don't understand… why Ilmatari? I mean… No offense… but I could understand Tormites or the like… Why Ilmater?’
‘We still don't know for certain, to this day.’
‘Do you think they just thought you an easy target for a show of strength?’
‘Perhaps…The only answer I ever got, was that Hope was an emotion they could not afford among the people.’
‘Personally I think the Lord of Murder had some foresight in the matter, and warned his followers.’
‘I had never considered such…’
‘What makes you think that, Sir?‘
‘You'll soon find out.’
He nodded to Merielle to continue, and stood to pace the room. Subtle evidence of the closeness the two share, body language and the like, would begin to make itself apparent.
‘There were many battles. Minor ones, by comparison… but still hard fought and not easily won. There were times we were forced to flee and regroup. Our number was further dwindled as the only other besides myself, and those who run the temple, was sent to Damara for her safety and training.’
Her expression shifted as her thoughts ran over the events. Her own agitation seeming to lend itself to the paladin, who seemed unsettled. At the same time, he seemed to offer a calming note to the woman as she spoke.
‘They continued to pressure us to leave. Randomly killing people for show… I mended what I could… And … was told to remain. So we stayed. Our duties continued, we offered shelter to those who needed it, food and healing and such. We would be called fools…’
She sighs faintly.
‘You where brave to stay in the face of such adversity.’
‘There is little bravery in duty. One does as one should, as needs must. I am far from brave.’
‘I think many would disagree, but as you will. I see modesty is one of your qualities.’
Jonas stopped his pacing to smile faintly at Merielle, and grinned at Ricros.
‘Don't compliment her, she doesn't understand how to take it.’
The paladin winked at the healer, who indeed looked a bit flustered by the compliment.
‘I see.’
Ricros smiled kindly.
‘Yes well… if I deserved such… that would be different.’
Various expressions of disagreement circulated the room. Merielle took a sip of tea, opting to keep the subject off of herself and resumed the tale.
‘There were two children that had come to stay with us. A girl about nine… and a boy… not quite eight perhaps. Dianne and William. They became very dear to us at the temple. Precious things… Perhaps it was the plan all along… or perhaps it was in response to my defiance…’
Her eyes became unfocussed, a myriad of emotions evident on her face. Jonas looked to his sister, his own expression radiating comfort and strength. She drained the contents of her teacup before continuing.
‘Billy was marked to be the vessel for Bhaal. They wished to … make him into a physical avatar of the Lord of Murder. You can imagine… the implications… that carried.’
Even as her face contorted to a glare at her teacup, Jonas had moved to refill it. She drained the scalding liquid with a speed, those who know her are accustomed to, the steam barely having time to rise from the edge of the cup. Wordlessly, the cup is filled again, and she nodded in thanks. She takes a smaller sip before continuing.
‘I was sworn to Ilmater, in prayer at first… to protect Billy… and prevent the Bhaalists from succeeding.’
She drew from her neck, a simple pewter locket. Opening it carefully, she offered it to the man, revealing two carefully drawn portraits of the children. He smiled as he regarded the pictures.
‘Such beautiful children.’
‘As dear as if they were my own.’
Her expression darkened as she placed the locket back round her neck. For a long moment she is silent. Jonas’ pacing had resumed.
‘They tricked him into running away… and in that time tricked him into killing… which was an important step in the ritual, but not the only.’
‘Even the most pure hearted children can easily be led astray…’
She winced slightly and her words came slowly.
‘Perhaps only because he was not lead rightly to begin with. A misstep… in my wish to protect him from the burden he carried. In not knowing what was truly at risk…’
‘You cannot blame yourself for other's actions.’
She did little more than nod slowly and glance about the inn. The teacup is emptied, and then forgotten. She no longer looked at those she told the story to. She stared into some distant point, and the story continued.
‘When we got him back… We spent a lot of time here… researching ways to undo… what was done. While we were here… The Bhaalists--’
She paused and swallowed. Her eyes shone faintly with unshed tears. Jonas had stopped his pacing, and stood staring out the window with a ferocious glare.
‘They took Dianne from the Ilmatari temple in Baldur's Gate. Meant to trade one for the other. By then…. I had stood at Ilmater's feet and sworn to protect Billy, no matter the cost. To keep him from the Bhaalists above all else…’
Jonas stiffened slightly. The room remained quiet.
‘I could no sooner choose between them as I could surrender. The choice… effectually was already made. I had sworn…’
There is a long silence.
‘Two weeks later… After she had been taken… Ilmater… Spoke to me directly a third time… And she was with him. My comfort… is that she waits for my tasks to be done.’
The weight of words settled heavy on all in the room. Merielle continued. Her voice soft and thick with emotion.
‘There were many battles. People would die… Not all could be saved. I would be called everything from a fanatic, to a falsehood… Insane to Blasphemous. Allies would come and go and shift, and for a while… there was scarce a dozen willing to stand, and only one who was Ilmatari.’
The telling shifted between nobleman and saint effortlessly. It was not simply because it was a tale they were infinitely familiar with, but because the two were so close.
‘This reached a head when the Bhaalists began murdering innocents.’
‘They would kill children, innocent people and lay the blame at my feet…‘
‘Saying they would stop if Billy were given to them. This was when I returned to the Coast.’
‘They didn't understand what was at stake… thought it would pass if we handed over the child…’
‘Large crowds were rioting at the temple of Ilmater every day.’
‘We guarded him from Bhaalists and mercenaries alike… Desperate measures were taken… I was banished… from most places. My own temple included.’
‘They turned on you?’
‘They did not understand why my own child lived… as theirs died. There were some … among the Ilmatari… who believed my visions false… my oaths misguided.’
‘The best people can be short sighted and selfish when things become hard.’
‘And they got to me before I ever met Meri.’
Jonas and Merielle regarded each other.
‘I almost stood against you for a time there.’
‘Odd to think there was a time when we were wary of one another…’
‘But never again.’
‘Indeed… but once… I feared, you, brother. Greatly. For by then I had gone so far as to commit treason to uphold my duty, when faced with the choice between treason and failure… Allies had turned away and forced me to seek help where I could find them. My allies were thieves and murderers and … ones such as Emrys.’
‘Before he…’
Aearion regarded her with a raised brow, and Jonas nodded looking serious.
‘I truly thought… we would fail once. It was Emrys and Ian that wouldn't let me give up. Emrys had been at my side from the moment the troubles started months before. This was before he turned away… yes.’
‘And so it was when finally I met Meri myself. Although wary at first, within the span of a tenday I had become convinced of her conviction, and at least somewhat understood what was at stake. The Bhaalists sent assassins after me, in the Cloakwood. I was warned to give Merielle to them, and the Coast would be saved. I responded by telling them Meri would never give in, and even if she fell, myself and others would take up her cause.’
The tale shifted between the two, each seamlessly seemed to fill in the blanks the other lacked.
‘When no other tactic got them what they sought… Bhaal had allies among Bane and Myrkul… and possibly other places. There was a night… when I was unguarded…’
Though she hadn’t been looking at the man she called brother… She offered him a reassuring glance even as his jaw clenched. Something unspoken passed between the pair. He began to pace again, and she continued to speak.
‘A man we thought was an ally revealed himself to be the high priest in the Banite temple… and a Wizard who came later. The details of that night… are mostly a blur. I was beaten… and the wizard did something… Which I didn't understand until later…. allowed them to teleport me from here… despite the wards on this place.’
She set aside the empty teacup, pausing thoughtfully before she continued.
‘Some days later… I remember little of that day, truly. Save this…’
She gestured to the scar that ran the side of her face.
‘…and… the outset, bits and pieces. I found myself… whisked of the couch where you now sit…’
She waved to the couch as she spoke. The man shifted uncomfortably as the tale continued.
‘…and into the Bhaalist Sanctum. In scant more than a blink. We still don't understand how they did it… what exact workings of magic they used… but it had something to do with the mark the wizard had placed days before.’
She shifts only slightly, and tries to reassure the man that the couch is safe. After a bit of a pause for such, she resumes, eyes closed as she spoke softly.
‘They thought to torment me into surrender. And … nearly succeeded. Nothing… is stronger than faith. When my own faith and strength failed me… Ilmater's faith in me… sustained me until I was rescued.’
‘Her rescue was a catalyst. Things began to move quickly.’
‘It was then people began to realize that perhaps we needed help.’
‘Sorry, I don't mean to interrupt but who rescued you?’
‘There were so many… Perhaps everyone I had known thus far… and some I did not… I was… weak then… the memories unclear.’
‘I am grateful to whoever they are, maybe things would have gone differently otherwise.’
‘While Meri recovered, Sister Abby Winters and myself managed to quiet the rioting, with the help of a foolish Bhaalist priest who flat out admitted that their plans were about to reach fruition and everyone was playing into their hands.’
Merielle nodded as Jonas continued.
‘The Grand Dukes of Baldur's Gate called me before them then, and informed me of an army of Triadic knights marching to the Coast, and their plans to have the Flaming Fist assist in the destruction of the temple.’
‘Our purple-eyed friend here, can be very persuasive.’
‘Merielle wished venture to the city to see to some things at the temple, as she was now welcome back.’
Siomir quietly entered the room, for now content to listen. Slight nods were exchanged as Jonas continued to speak.
‘As we escorted her back, the priest who had betrayed her showed himself.’
Jonas regarded Siomir with a serious nod.
‘Siomir here was one of the ones who was helping escort. The Banite gloated, and used the powers of his god against us. The battle was grievous, as he called upon undead abominations to bring us down. It was not quite enough to stop us though, and Siomir brought him down and tied him up. We started to head back to the city with the Banite, and came upon a war camp being constructed.’
‘I am told… that by then… Angels were appearing in temples of the Triad bidding them to come here and prepare for war.’
‘The Grand Dukes bid Meri and I command the growing army, with the aid of a Tyrran paladin by the name of Maximus. Maximus however, was still up north, gaining aid from Neverwinter, so it was up to Meri and I to organize and lead the mixed forces of Triadic knights, Fist soldiers, and adventurers.’
‘That was trying… Healers are not meant to lead wars.’
Merielle murmured softly.
‘And adventurers can be unruly at the best of times.’
‘Seriously unruly.’
Siomir quipped wryly. Jonas smiled at Meri and spoke.
‘But you were our heart. We rallied to -you-, Meri.’
She shook her head at him. Her argument was not given foothold as the conversation continued.
‘Many factions joined our cause too. Doron Amar pledged support. Clan Ironfaar. The Weave Masters. The druidic and ranger circle. Candlekeep could not openly, but many joined up on their own.’
‘I am glad to hear you finally received the support you needed and deserved.’
‘At first, there was some sort of magical barrier around the temple's walls. When I first ordered our catapults fired, we could not breach it. Our camp's walls were attacked sporadically.’
‘Frequently.’
Merielle interjected with a light frown.
‘More so when the mercenaries got impatient.’
‘Luckily I could rely on people like Siomir to take charge at the gates.’
‘Were all the Bhaalist forces holed up in the temple?’
‘The temple… was more of a fortress of sorts.’
‘Aye, they mostly stayed holed up. However, they frequently tried to get supply trains in from the nearby Wood of Sharp Teeth.’
‘Not to mention firing engines of their own on occasion.’
Siomir broke his silence a bit again.
‘Aye, which were in their courtyard. I had to order small groups to infiltrate their walls to take out the engines at times.’
‘A wise move, Sir’
‘However, the inner keep was impossible to breach during this time. Unfortunately adventurers wanted to be brave, and would storm the fortress themselves.’
Jonas looked to Aearion who had mostly listened quietly. His expression changing as the story was told, and now he regarded Jonas with an innocent look.
‘This is why my opinion of adventurers in general got soured. We lost so many. . .’
Merielle nodded. Jonas was silent for a moment.
‘Gates to the Abyss would open. Undead battalions would be created. And the whole time, we sent barrages at them until our siege teams could barely move from exhaustion. We had scouts constantly patrolling the perimeter of the fortress. Our volunteers not only worked to repel invaders, and manned the catapults, but also put out fires caused by incoming siege weapons.’
Jonas glanced briefly at Merielle as he spoke.
‘One night. . . many nights into the siege, a planar rift formed within our very camp. An angel appeared, a messenger of the Crying God himself. Nearly all who gazed upon him fell to our knees. He bid me guard the planar portal, and Meri to join him.’
The telling shifted from brother to sister with barely a nod.
'I had visions before… thought they were dreams. Always right before the need would be dire. Constant was his gentle voice in my thoughts and prayers… The visions had come three times before, when the situations were darkest to me… but this… was different. I knew I stood in his presence. There was no question of waking or dreaming. I was offered a moment of calm, as before… Dianne was there.‘
She smiled lightly before her expression hardened.
‘But one does not stand at the feet of the gods for amusement. I was given instruction… on what to do if Bhaal's servants managed to get Billy to the temple. On what to do if there was no other way to succeed. We had hoped that by the end of this… We were… hoping for the best…’
Her words trailed off as her composure slipped. Jonas spoke without so much as a misstep.
‘She came back out of the planar portal with that halo.’
He gestured to the light above her head.
‘I was bid to return… Ready to face my duty. A moment of renewal and a guiding light. The Hand of Ilmater at my back … this time… was not figurative… but very literal. The light has been mine to carry since he placed his hand on my shoulder.’
‘Meri took to my command pavilion to rest, leaving me in charge for a time. She needed time to contemplate. By now our siege engines were breaking left and right from the strain.’
‘We hoped for the best… but I had been cautioned to prepare for … less than the best.’
‘Those knowledgeable in the arcane, primarily from Doron Amar, but also Foggy McGee of the Weave Masters, warded the catapults with spells to lessen the strain, and mages shifted into golem forms to give the siege teams rest.’
As Jonas spoke, he looked at Siomir.
‘During an especially rough bombardment on both sides, an assassin snuck into our midst, trying to target me. His people were instrumental in keeping me alive.’
‘His people?‘
‘The elves of Doron Amar.’
Jonas finally introduced Siomir formally.
‘Siomir Danneren, Councilor of Doron Amar, and one of my oldest friends.’
For a moment, the tale paused for a lighthearted moment between the two Elves, and another introduction. Then Jonas continued.
‘Meri. . .disappeared on us. . . She left the camp. . .’
‘During this time, the length of the siege... Billy remained at Candlekeep. There was an attempt to capture him while our attention was divided.’
She concentrates a moment on the light that seems to be a part of her. Slowly it dims until it is non-existent.
‘Rather than take a large group… I moved him in secret, only taking two others to guard me. I didn’t speak of what was afoot because I feared Bhaal’s servants learning my plan. We meant to move him to another location that I had been assured was safer.’
‘When I was told she left under the cover of invisibility, I was forced to mercilessly drive our siege teams to redouble the bombardment of the fortress.’
Merielle nods sadly at Jonas’ words.
‘With aid of magic we were able to move him… it took time still to cover the distance between the keep and the city. I returned as soon as he was safe…’
She blinked a few times, releasing the effort that held the light in check. Slowly it resumed its intangible brightness above her.
‘I didn't know… that the same wizard had been involved in this … attempted capture… the one who was instrumental in my own… When I was taken from here…’
Her voice breaks, and Jonas offers a reassuring smile before he continues in her stead.
‘I kept up bombardment through the night, and ceased at dawn. When the dust settled, there were gaping holes in their walls. Finally, dawn came the final day. . .but shortly after the midday meal I received a runner from the city. The Flaming Fist Headquarters had been broken into, and Billy taken. We were out of time. . .’
Merielle’s eyes darken from emerald green to a shade of green very near black as Jonas continued to speak.
‘I ordered one last round of bombardment to soften up their courtyard defenses, and we charged. To our detriment. No sooner had I blown my war horn, a gift from Duke Eltan a few nights before, than a battle group of giants blindsided us as we left the camp.’
The Aasimar sighed heavily. The Saint frowned deeply. The measure of loss etched in each face.
‘I lost many brave Fist soldiers in that fight. . .but we had to press on. Many fell. The fighting was heavy all the way to the gates of the fortress, and into the courtyard. They had some of the most skilled archers I've ever seen on their battlements; horrible undead things.‘
‘Bhaal's Eyes… they were called… The priests were quite proud of them.’
‘We broke into the keep, and were greeted by one of Bhaal's servants. We were only allowed so many to enter. Bentley Mirrorshade was with us, and volunteered to guard our backs as we continued forward. Meri and I each chose those to go with us.’
Jonas nodded to Siomir.
‘He went, of course.’
‘Have to keep your back safe, of course. Tends to sprout knives when I'm not around.’
Jonas bowed at Siomir and the pair smiled only slightly.
‘T'is a talent, I know.’
‘May have something to do with the Rokranon Motto…’
The smiles dared to spread a bit wider at the lighter note the conversation took for the moment.
‘Rokranon motto?’
‘Let’s Rush ’em! … it’s… another story.’
The paladin continued.
‘I left most of our host at the courtyard that had not remained in the war camp, and we entered.’
Jonas and Merielle seemed to visibly brace themselves for the next part of the story. Each exchanged a long look as Jonas spoke. His voice carried the gravity of the topic.
‘Siomir. Korgoth of Ironfaar. Foggy McGee of the Weave Masters. Volomirror of the Elder Circle. Valqis of Candlekeep, whom you met. Sette, a friend of Meri's. Ian, also of Candlekeep Emrys, of Candlekeep at the time. Merielle and myself. We fought our way through the temple as our allies fought forces that attacked from the flanks outside. Ultimately we reached a room with a large portal, with Bhaal's messenger inviting us in. . .Bhaal's sanctum.’
Jonas looked between Merielle and Siomir. Merielle cringed as he spoke. There was something barely checked that flickered in Siomir’s eyes as he nodded. The pause that spanned the silence was heavy with thought and emotion.
‘We were. . .outnumbered. His most powerful servants were there with him, and there in the middle, his life force being drained, was Billy. Billy's life was almost spent, we were out of time… utterly.’
Once again, the story shifted back and forth. When one could no longer speak… the other took up words.
‘Bhaal had only to consume his soul… Commanded his servants to slay us. Ilmater had given me the means…’
‘I blew my war horn to charge, and nine of us held out just long enough for Meri to speak what she had to speak to stop the Lord of Murder. but his servants destroyed us, even as Meri succeeded in her task.’
‘I barely spoke as needs must before I fell… were it not for the others…’
‘Billy soul was released to Ilmater, thwarting the Lord of Murder. I awoke by Meri's hand…’
‘It was Billy's request… that we be… drawn from death… Once on my feet… I saw… to the others and then…’
‘We all stood by, and let Meri say goodbye to Billy's spirit. . .’
Both were silent for a moment. Jonas took a steadying breath. When Merielle spoke again, her voice was barely audible.
‘He… understood. He waits… With Dianne. . .’
‘But we could not. The sanctum was coming down around us. We ten escaped back through the portal, and into the temple, which was also collapsing. We barely made it out in time, returning to our army.’
‘There were so many to tend…‘
‘Which we saw to.’
‘Some… Like Emrys…Did not understand… Thought we failed because Billy did not live.’
‘Some lost their way, seeing Billy taken like that, yes.’
‘While we all would have liked to see him live… In the very least we were only meant to save his soul from Bhaal.’
‘Others of us have endured on. Meri was deemed a living saint by her church. I was granted title.’
‘Justly I would say.’
‘I knighted Billy post mortem, as a true knight of Torm.’
‘I still… have his sword.’
‘And Bentley, who fed us during the siege and fought with us on that last day, holding the keep, now has his inn.’
‘And what became of any surviving Bhaalists?’
‘We kill them. Whenever and wherever we find them.’
‘If I see a Bhaalist… They die a Merciful Death.’
‘I have not met any in my travels, but I guess they are few and far between now and the ones who do remain would not admit it on fear of death.’
‘The cult of Bhaal was never popular on the Coast. It is considerably… less so now.’
‘The names of many who fought with us are posted at the Friendly Arm Inn. Even that list leaves off so many.’
‘We would need an army of statues.’
‘I saw the memorial I think, but did not know the story behind it. Maybe I will visit it again and reflect.’
‘Banites are no better. They stood with the Bhaalists.’
‘Mhmm… another whose followers are good as cutting objects.’
‘They give way, one by one, as the Darkness gives way to the Light.’
‘I am glad I have heard this story first hand, but at the same time sorry I made you all relive such painful events.’
‘Memories are precious. Blessing or bane.’
‘Any pain was much less than it could have been, if we'd all failed.’
Siomir spoke levelly.
‘I would say I wish I was there but I know that is foolish despite the just notion.’
It was quiet for a moment.
‘This story has gave me much to think about. Not only about the events that took place, but also what path I will let my own life take.'
Jonas nodded solemnly to Ricros. Merielle smiled lightly.
‘I must sleep, I need too reflect on all of this. Thank you again, and if you ever need any help I offer whatever small services I can.’
He bowed and the others who remained sought rest similarly.
‘May Mercy keep you. Be well.’
‘May the Loyal Fury keep you true.’
As the rest, familiar faces and not so familiar faces, left to seek their own paths… Hours after the tale had begun, Healer and Knight… Saint and Noble… Brother and Sister… Left the inn, quiet and thoughtful, the pair made their way back to the city they both called home.
