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[Kaos]

Hey everbody!
Kaos here. I thought I'd throw down some opening remarks before proceding to the story, so bear with. How cool is this place? I've been getting some kick-arse mods from the Forgotten Wars site for a while, and they haven't dissapointed me yet. Then I found the FanFic section, and all the wonderful writers that are out and about, flexing their imaginations and showing off their writing talents with much aplomb. So I thought, what the hey, I can do it to. I was going to write up a story about the first character I played from BG1 thru ToB, a cavalier that ended up with Aerie. Then I found that Onyx is turning out story after action-packed story about his own cavalier (and Aerie). What a spoil-sport!
And so, I've chosen to write about my second character: a green-skinned elven mage named Telos Faraday (100 No-purpose points to those who know where the first and last name came from ). I have to thank MorningGlory and Kirwond for helping with the editing, which has made the story a lot better then it started out as
Ok. This story takes place roughly 12 years after the fight at the Throne, and I've tried to follow most of the epilogues as best as possible. Oh yeah, TF's stats are:
S14 D17 Con13 I19 W14 Ch10 AL: CG (Though operates near N sometimes)
Oh yeah! All content is PG-13.

The Further Adventures of Telos Faraday
Chapter 1: Agony
It was a warm spring evening in Baldur?s Gate, but the idyllic weather was marred by the events that had transpired in the last several days. While the weather of the new season was appreciated, it could not mask the sense of uneasiness that permeated through out the town. Paranoia brought an unusual swiftness to the citizenry as they clamored to be indoors by nightfall; even the ladies of ill repute would be staying inside this night. The sun turned blood red as it sank into the west, taking its last few rays of light to use on tomorrow?s morning.

A few of those red rays found their way through a window, and into a great tower in the northern part of the city. The beams of light stole into the room, and bounced around on a crystal goblet that sat upon a great oaken desk. A green hand hastily grabbed at the chalice, as if offended by the light?s dance on the crystal. In reality, the cup had been snatched away so it could be filled again, and put to its master?s lips. This joining of mouth and wine was the fifth this evening and was just as brief as the last, the elf chugging the contents of the goblet.

As the back of that green hand ran across wine-drenched lips, a knock came at the door, followed by a muffled and worried voice, ?Grand Duke, there is a Mr. Koveras here to see you. He said you had summoned him.?

The elf?s brain was awash in liquid fire, and it took a moment to put two and two together. ?Koveras, eh? Last name Vehcna, perhaps?? The elf gave an intoxicated laugh at his personal joke. ?Send him in, Berral.?

The elf was slightly perplexed as only the young mage entered the room. Berral?s voice was still worried as he said, ?Grand Duke, I do not like the looks of the man?he seems almost?well, otherworldly, sir.?

?How tall is he??
Berral was taken off guard by the question. ?How?tall is he??
Anger edged into the elf?s voice. ?I said, how tall is he??
?Uhh?very tall, sir. He?s also very big,? Berral said, puffing his chest out in demonstration.

?Then let Mr. Koveras in, Berral. And you are excused for the rest of the night. I?ll leave instruction with Tarhn for the students, and I shall leave Merrybell with the official papers. I?m going to be?gone for awhile.?

?Sir, are you sure you should do that? I know the past few days have been?hard on you, to say the least, but maybe you should??

In a fit of anger, the elf threw the crystal goblet at Berral. The cup soared past the young mage?s head, and shattered on the smooth granite wall.

?I said leave, damn you!?

?Yes Grand Duke!? Berral said as he hurried out the door. The elf heard Berral stammer something before showing the guest into the study.


?Looks like you?ve become quite the tyrant, Grand Duke Faraday. Or can I still call you ?Telos???

Telos briefly looked at his visitor, then turned away, seemingly fascinated by the shadows that played on the wall. He began to run his hands through his autumn red hair, as he built up the courage and sobriety to say what needed to be said.

But ?Koveras? could not wait. ?IF I had wished to speak to masonry and old books, brother, I would have stayed in Luskan.? There was a drunken smile on Telos? face as he turned and pointed a hand full of blue lightning at the guest. Sarevok reacted instinctively, drawing a large blade from a scabbard hidden in the folds of his cloak while assuming a defensive stance in one graceful move.

The blue lightning faded from Telos? hand, and he spoke, words slurring together, ?You came armed. That?s good, ?Koveras.? Still using that old acronym, eh??

Sarevok slowly relaxed, putting his great sword away before speaking again. ?To Faerun, Sarevok is dead or still in Kara-Tur, and I have tried my best to encourage both of those rumors. Sarevok is also a name that still draws questioning looks, or words of hatred when spoken in this town, brother. You know I would not show my face in public here, even with you as a Grand Duke.? Sarevok then drew his hood away to his shoulders, exposing his unnaturally golden eyes and the permanent black war paint that edged his face. ?I doubt it would be a good political move to be seen with me anyway, Telos. I am quite sure that Belt, Liia Jannath, and Eltan would not appreciate seeing me alive again.?

Telos belched loudly, and a rancid aftertaste jumped up his throat and into his mouth. ?They?ve long since retired. The Iron Throne would be one of your biggest dissenters. Them or the Zhents.? He fumbled around for his goblet before he remembered it was a shattered mess on the floor. The elf shrugged his shoulders at himself, then took a pull of wine straight from the ornate bottle on his desk.

?I know I do not usually offer advice on personal matters, brother, but should you be hitting the bottle that hard? You could never hold your liquor, Telos. You proved that to me nearly ten years ago.?

Although those remarks were definitely meant as jokes, an evil edge crept into the elf?s voice as he stood up to yell, ?I?ll drink if I damn well wanna! Who do you think you are, huh? I called you here?I?? Telos? head began to spin, and as it did, he lost his balance and hit the stone floor with a hard thud.

Sarevok sighed, then moved to help the elf back into the chair. After being put back into a sitting position, Telos held his head in his hands. It took a few seconds before he noticed his fingers had become sticky. He dabbed the tips of his fingers against a gash that had formed on his forehead, wincing in pain a few seconds later.

The brief meeting with the floor had seemingly knocked the drunkenness out of the elf. Telos looked at Sarevok with an uncanny stare. With their eyes locked, Telos attempted to speak his mind. ?They?he?s?she?s?I?? Tears began to roll down the elf?s face. Then he began to sob uncontrollably, much to Sarevok?s dismay. Maybe the floor hadn?t knocked Telos sober after all.

Sarevok shook his head in disgust. Telos felt a great pressure on his shoulders, and then noticed that Sarevok?s hands were gripping them. Telos stared into the golden orbs of his brother with his own tear-stained, pasture-green eyes, but he couldn?t bring himself to speak.

Sarevok asked with a mixture of inquisitiveness and compassion, ?What in the Abyss happened to you, Telos Faraday? The great slayer of Sarevok, the Savior and Grand Duke of Baldur?s Gate, the Hero of Suldanessellar? Where are your wife and child??

More tears formed in the elf?s eyes, and he swallowed a lump in his throat before speaking, his voice threatening to crack. ?They?they took him. They took my son. And Viconia?Viconia is??

?She?s what?? Sarevok said. Telos could tell that Sarevok?s tone was the same, but Telos could also see that his brother had guessed what had happened.

The elf shoved Sarevok away. ?She?s dead. They killed her, and she?s DEAD!?

Edited by Kaos, 10 May 2004 - 11:47 AM.

[Kaos]

So I play a lot of mods with BG2. Want to guess which ones?

The Further Adventures of Telos Faraday
PG-13-Language and an implied sexual situation
Chapter 2: A call to arms

?How?when??
?Five days ago. It took her two days to die from?from a poison of some sort. No one could cure it. I couldn?t cure it!? Telos seethed on the last part, clenching his left fist as tight as he could. ?The next day they were back! They must have seen my son during the first assault! They must have realized who he was! And I couldn?t stop them!? His left hand slammed against the oaken desk with a dull thud and a muffled snap.

Sarevok knew something had broken in that hand, but he didn?t show concern. Instead he found a small chair to sit on as he listened to his brother?s tale. ?Who?? he asked, prompting the elf for more information. He watched intently as Telos found a handkerchief to blow his nose into. Sarevok kept a laugh to himself upon seeing his brother grimace. The elf?s wine-washed brain had finally registered the pain of a broken left hand in the attempt to use the nose rag.

?Drow. Bastards got longer memories than I credit them for.?

The warrior nodded his head as he remembered Imoen telling him the grand journey of Telos and his company through the Underdark, and into a drow city. The elf and his group crippled the city in a brilliant gambit to get out with their heads still intact. ?Drow from Ust Natha, I presume.?

?No. Not them. Mezzo?Menza?.?
Sarevok finished the name. ?Menzoberranzan.?

Nodding in agreement, the elf walked over to the cabinet against the wall, and grabbed a small blue flask. He chugged the contents and sighed in relief. The bleeding wound on his face closed, and the mage flexed his left hand rapidly without pain.

?The ducal guards were able to kill a couple of them. They had the insignia of House Baenre, I think. We lost too many good men though.? Sarevok noticed that Telos had been talking slowly, trying desperately not to slur his words. The warrior could tell that his brother was about say something that would set off another crying fit. ?I?ve failed the town?lost my family??

Sarevok cut him off, his voice softening, ?You could not have known they were coming.? He kept the rest of his thoughts to himself, but somehow his brother knew.

?I have magic, Sarevok! I should have used it to look into the future! I?ve not used my powers to their full potential! I should have listened to Viconia?I should have??

?Should haves and could haves are obviously not helping here, Telos Faraday. It won?t bring either of your loved ones back, now will it?? Sarevok knew this was cold, and the death-stare he received confirmed it. But he didn?t care. He couldn?t stand the drunken whining anymore, so he changed the subject to something helpful. ?Why drow from Menzoberranzan??

?Viconia is from?was from there. During our courtship, someone from that damn town sent a drow handmaiden armed with demons to take her back alive. But this time?this time?? the elf said, trailing off. After a few minutes of visible concentration on Telos? part, he began again. ?My son, Valas, he?s still alive. I know this. That?s why I called you here. I have need of you.?

?How do you know that your son is alive??
Telos smiled a drunken smile as he sat back down. ?He wears an amulet that registers his lifeforce. While my ring shines, I know him to be alive. We?re going to go get him. I don?t care what it takes, but we?re going to get him back.?

Sarevok was slightly afraid now, but not for himself. He?d seen suicidal looks like that before. He?d seen it recently on the faces of some would-be assassins, and they were now very dead. He wished to probe how deadly Telos? plans were. ?Just you and me? I?m surprised you haven?t issued forth with the town garrison. Or how about that pet army of yours, hmm??

The smile melted off of Telos? face. ?The town garrison wouldn?t last a day in the Underdark. They?re not equipped for open war as it is. As for my friends?? The elf?s face scrunched up in concentration. ?Nalia lords over her keep now with her husband and a daughter. Valygar is the head of the Athkatla garrison and he just got married. Kelsey and Imoen had twins about two years ago next month. All of them have too much to lose and nothing to gain by following me now.?

Sarevok mentally checked off the spoiled brat, his pesky sister and her money grubbing husband, and a hard-earned friend. ?Not everyone could be married. What of that supposedly winged elf? The overly smug Helmite? Minsc and his rat? The sword-swinging birds? nest??

Telos was beginning to sober up a little as he strained to remember. ?Aerie should be back home in Faenya-Dail. I helped her research its location over five years ago. I heard Anomen disappeared in Maztica while saving a city from some demon-priest. Minsc and Boo are back in Rashemen. He?s started his own guild of knights and berserkers. Mazzy is a full-fledged knight of the Order back in Athkatla.?

?That doesn?t explain why you haven?t called on those last two.?

The wine had loosened his tongue enough to let the truth slip out. ?Both of them almost got us caught in Ust Natha when we were there. They?d be too big of a liability to my son?and us.?

Sarevok shifted his weight and sighed. ?You have no other allies than the ones we quested with??

Telos? eyes flashed, and a slight guttural noise escaped from behind bared teeth. The mood swings didn?t frighten Sarevok since alcohol was still obviously flowing through the elf?s system and impairing his abilities.

The anger had brought back the elf?s slurred speech. ?Let?s go down the list, shall we? Coran and Safana, killed by lycanthropes. Dynaheir and?Khalid, both dead at the hands of Irenicus. Ajantis, dead through?trickery. Branwen, Yeslick, and Xan all left for their respective homes after fighting you in the Undercity. I haven?t heard from them since. Not that I blame them. That just leaves??

?The Harper,? Sarevok grinned wickedly as he interrupted. ?I was wondering when you would bring up your little side romance.?

Telos rose up to yell at the warrior, but sank back into the chair when his head wouldn?t stop spinning. ?That was?sort of an accident??

Sarevok laughed. ?An accident that you two were sleeping together??

?How did you?? the elf questioned, then his brain focused again. ?We only did that once and that was almost twelve years ago now,? he defended himself hastily. This time Telos stood up slowly, and began to pace back and forth as he put together a better argument. ?You gotta understand, Viconia broke up with me, and I thought she was going to leave Suldanessellar any day, and Jaheira and I had hit it off pretty well, and I think we were really starting to click, and we went for a walk in the forest one evening, and it just sort of?happened??

Sarevok stopped him with an amused snort. ?You?re rambling, Faraday. But please, continue.?

?Forget it,? Telos said, his head shaking with shame.
The warrior could tell Telos was in more anguish than the elf?s inebriated state could account for. Sarevok stood up from his chair. This time he placed his hands gently on Telos? shoulders. ?Tell me, brother, how three people are supposed to fight an entire city??

?Not three,? the wizard said with a sniff. ?Four.?
?Four??


As if on cue, a portal formed behind the brothers, and a thin, dangerous looking man issued forth. Sarevok moved to ready his sword, but was stopped by the elf. It took Sarevok a minute to recognize the man: his bronzed and shaven head bore some sort of circlet, and he wore a beaten, brown leather cloak that covered whatever other gear he wore. The surprise was thick on the warrior?s lips as he spoke the name of the newcomer.

?Balthazar??
The monk?s gauntlet-clad hands sprang out from underneath his cloak. In one fluid move he bowed and used his right fist to punch against his left hand in a sign of respect.

?Hello, Telos Faraday and?Sarevok.?

?You aren?t nearly as surprised to see me as I am at seeing you, Balthazar. How is that??

?Telos told me you would be here. I had a few doubts that you would show up though, seeing as how you are supposedly dead and all.?

Sarevok let half of a smile cross his face. ?Good to know my misinformation is still floating around out there. It keeps those damn Zhents on their toes, and the Iron Throne off my back...usually.?

The monk moved over to Telos and gripped the elf?s shoulder in a solemn fashion. ?I am sorry that Viconia died. She was a good woman at heart, and I grieve for your loss, brother.?

The elf patted the monk?s arm and slurred his thanks.

Balthazar?s face contorted into a frown upon getting a whiff of Telos? breath. ?Why are you drinking, Telos? I thought we were to set out as soon as all of us arrived.?
?An excellent question, Balthazar,? Sarevok said, sarcasm lining his voice.

?He drinks because he?s a stubborn mule of an elf,? replied a new voice.
While Balthazar moved into a defensive stance, the warrior and the mage did not, for both clearly recognized Jaheira?s voice. As the teleportation magics dissipated, the druid walked between the men and embraced the widower.

?Telos Faraday, I am both glad to see you, and sad to be here,? Jaheira said in an almost hushed voice, as if it were meant only for the elf. She let go of Telos slowly, giving his hands one last squeeze. The elf?s fermented aroma washed over her as she pulled away, causing her nose to wrinkle in revulsion. ?You smell like the Copper Coronet, Telos! I thought you learned that drinking will not solve any of your problems long ago at the Friendly Arm. Apparently Life?s lessons are wasted on you.?

Sarevok let loose a quick chuckle, drawing the eyes of Jaheira and Telos.
?Do you have something to add, Anchev?? Jaheira asked, her voice turning to steel.
Sarevok coughed, and a solemn look covered his face. ?Oh it?s nothing. Just a?little joke I heard earlier. Before I came here.?

Telos shot Sarevok an angry look before turning back to Jaheira. He attempted to not slur his words as he spoke. ?I remember well enough, Jaheira. I know it didn?t make a very good impression on you and Khalid to just meet me, then see me get wasted like that.?

Jaheira?s evil gaze melted as she met Telos? eyes. ?The biggest impression was seeing you with that halfling thief and his Zhent compatriot.? Jaheira sighed, and her posture relaxed from its ramrod straightness. ?Look at me! I am in your company for but one moment and I am already giving you lectures again. And where are my manners?? The druid closed her eyes, and began a quiet prayer, her hands glowing with a soft green light. When Jaheira touched Telos, the light encompassed the elf, and then faded as it removed the alcoholic toxins.

Telos? eyes brightened as truly coherent talk sped from his mouth. ?We must leave as soon as possible. I?ll be ready to go in a few minutes, if the rest of you are willing.? As an afterthought, he let his characteristic smile slip onto his face.

Sarevok smelled the elf. ?Your spell hasn?t done anything for the stench yet, Harper.?

Jaheira stiffened, and turned to screech at the warrior. Telos cut her off, giving a chuckle. ?I deserved that.?

?Yes, you did, and back to the question at hand. What if we are not willing to go?? Sarevok asked, playing devil?s advocate.

The monk put his hand back on the elf?s shoulder, stating, ?I am both willing to go, and am totally focused upon this task, brother.?

?And I didn?t teleport in from outside of Cormyr just to give my pity. If I had wished to do so, I could have came by other, more natural means,? Jaheira answered.

All the eyes in the room were firmly planted on the warrior. Silently he cursed. ?Bah! If I do not go with you, you will all be slaughtered. But I warn you: I do not wish to save all your worthless hides again, as I did at the Throne of Bhaal.? Balthazar raised an eyebrow while Jaheira readied to loose some choice words at Sarevok. Telos cut her off yet again.

?I thank you, Sarevok. Your skill with the sword would be sorely missed if we were bereft of your company.?
Sarevok sighed visibly at the ego stroking the elf gave him, though inside, the warrior smiled.

Jaheira?s eyes rolled at the flattery, and then spoke her mind. ?Are you sure you wish to go now, Faraday? You look as though you haven?t slept in quite a while.?
Telos waved his hand in disapproval. ?We?ll get to the portal tonight, and rest a few hours there before proceeding. This is more for your benefit than my own, seeing as how teleportation across great distances can leave people ?time-lagged.??

?You have a portal, and you did not set it up in here?? the monk asked.
?I don?t use the portal often, and it still has?misfires every now and then.?

Jaheira shook her head, her brow knitting in exasperation. ?Misfires?? she asked.
?That?s not important,? Sarevok said, breaking the druid?s sense of incredulity. ?Where have you put it??

?You?re going to love this,? the elf said as a fey smile pulled at his lips. ?It?s in the old temple, in the Undercity.?

The Underdark: Two days ago

Rauvjss ran as fast as his legs could carry him through the lightless passages near Ched Nasad. Blood flowed from the wounds that he had received in battle less than an hour ago. This fact gave him another motivation to run faster: many things in the wilds of the dark below are attracted to the sent of fresh blood. He would have healed himself first, but Shyntal had ordered him back to the house with the very large ?package? they had just won. And when his sister told him to do something, he did it. He learned that on the torture table nearly three decades ago.

As he approached the gates of the city of Ched Nasad, the guards called out a warning, ?Hold, male! Where do you think you are going??

Rauvjss spat at the guards in contempt as they blocked his way into the city. ?Wael! I?ll have your tongue if you do not let me pass now!?

?We have the numbers here! That would make you the wael!? the main guard said as more male guards lined up to block Rauvjss? entrance.

?You are nothing but filth! I am of House Di?Dgttu! What house are you from, iblith?? Rauvjss could not hide his smile upon seeing the insignia of a lesser house festooned on the guards? armor. ?Ahh, House Jolsuuk! That explains your incompetence! If you do not let me through, all of you will be struck down in the name of my house, and in the name of Lolth!? With that oath, Rauvjss shifted the oversized bundle from his right arm to his left so he could draw his long sword.

The guard stood silent in the wake of the insult. Rauvjss had gambled, and of course, won. What good would a war with the second most powerful house bring this guard? Nothing but death and ruin. ?Go forth to whatever task you have, jaluk.? As Rauvjss ran along, the guard added, ?And may the Spider Queen bite at your heart!?


Rauvjss knew that the guard had mumbled something dark about him, but he could care less now. As he sped through the city, the anger left him, replaced by a mixture of elation and apprehension. He hoped that bringing this prize to the Matron would assure him none of her ire for the nearly botched attempt of seizing it from its previous owners. He was worried, but then again, Rauvjss was a male in the Underdark. He always had reason to worry.

The compound of House Di?Dgttu was a mix of opulence and foreboding militaristic architecture, with large, metal spiked walls flying the house insignia on the finest silks pillaged from the Night Above. Like most major houses, the walls were topped with protective ramparts, and staffed by armed guards at all times. After displaying his insignia and explaining his urgency on behalf of the Matron, Rauvjss was let in to the main chambers of his mistress, the Matron Umrae Di?Dgttu.

Rauvjss sank to one knee as he entered the matron?s presence. ?Matron Mother, I have brought back the prize you had us claim.? The male held forth the large bundle that had been weighing him down in his flight to the city.

The matron took the bundle carefully from Rauvjss and asked, ?Where is Shyntal??

?She was too wounded to bring back this prize of yours, but she will be all right. She sent me forth with it, so it could be brought to you as fast as possible, and that she could be healed properly.?

The Matron eyed him. ?Your sister has great faith in you.?

?I have learned never to cross her will, Matron Mother, just as I know not to cross yours.?

?It is good that you have learned this, Rauvjss. You are excused. Go tend your wounds, then find your sister and the rest of her group. She will be honored appropriately for her success.?

Rauvjss was crestfallen when he heard that he would not get to share in the glory, but receiving nothing was always better than a scourging?or worse. Before he left, his curiosity got the better of him, and he turned around. ?May I ask, Matron Mother, what that thing is? It must be deathly important if you would risk open war with Menzoberranzan to claim it.?

His mother moved towards him with a stern look on her face. ?It can be threatening to one?s life to be curious, Rauvjss. But since you have performed well, I shall grant you this boon.? She drew closer to the male, and in hushed tones added, ?But if you tell another soul without my permission, you will not live to tell a second.? Rauvjss gulped down a large portion of fear, partially for the sake of his matron. Partially. Visibly pleased, Matron Umrae continued. ?This,? she stated boldly, ?is the salvation of the drow.?

She removed the coverings of the bundle to reveal a very young drow child who was gagged and bound. Rauvjss was surprised that the thing he had fought for was not only a drow male, but a most curious drow as well. The child?s hair was an odd shade of red, one he had seen only once before when he was on the surface for his Blooding. It was the color of the things the rivvil called ?leaves? during the time they called ?the fall.?

[Kaos]

The Further Adventures of Telos Faraday
-Rating still PG-13

Chapter 3: Through the Looking Glass

?I never wished to be down here again,? thought Sarevok as he looked around at the exterior of the old Bhaalian temple. Seeing the place brought back memories he didn?t wish to deal with. Memories of a battle that ended with his death. Memories of Tamoko, impaled on his sword, her blood flowing onto his hands?

*Stop it!* he shouted in his head. *I put you to rest long ago, my love. I will NOT be a slave to my dark acts again!* Sarevok squinted hard, willing himself to suppress his black memories. With a deep breath, he opened his eyes, and felt even more exhausted. The rest of the group had laid down for some rest before their little excursion. Even Telos had unpacked his bedroll and finally drifted off to sleep after a long period of nodding-off.

Sarevok kept scanning the deep shadows of the Undercity, expecting the undead to shamble out of the ruins and attack them. Telos had assured him and the rest of the group that no undead still haunted this place. After the destruction of the Throne of Bhaal, there wasn?t anymore of Bhaal?s essence to back up the old magics that had kept animating the endless packs of corpses. Sarevok had every right to believe the elf, but old habits died hard.

The warrior wished that he had had as easy a time as the group did in getting down to this place. When he was here years ago to recover Tamoko?s body, he had to be smuggled into town, and crawl around the sewers just to get to the Thieves? guildhouse. This time, however, the group simply teleported into the guildhouse. From there they proceeded through the old maze at a leisurely pace using animated skeletons to set off the numerous traps. Apparently Telos had struck a bargain with the aging thief-master Ravenscar a year or two ago. Telos asked for unmolested passage into the Undercity, and in return, he had agreed to cut back on the numbers of arrests made by the Flaming Fist mercenaries.

Sarevok remembered the monk?s piercing stare when they heard of the arrangement. ?Don?t you think that is rather unlawful?? Balthazar had asked.

?Don?t worry, B. It?s only temporary until I get this portal running perfectly. When that?s done, I can start on the enchantments to get this place protected from unauthorized entry, and then the Flaming Fist can start picking up the thieves again.?

Jaheira had snorted with laughter. ?Same old Telos Faraday! You have a bad habit of making deals with thieves guilds that you have no intention of keeping.?

?Well, I try,? the elf had said with his characteristic grin. ?Besides, must I remind you that most of the time they don?t keep their end of the bargain anyway? I?ve just learned to double-cross them before they double-cross me.?

The elf had seemed to be acting like his old self now, a sly smile on his face, dramatic hand gestures to emphasize his points, laughing all too much. Something in his eyes gave him away though. Telos could not hide the darkness that hung over his soul. Jaheira seemed oblivious to this, and she acted a little too friendly towards Telos. She walked very close to the elf, bumping into him every now and then, and giving a polite excuse each time. ?Pathetic? was the word that came to Sarevok?s mind. He wondered if Balthazar had been picking up on any of this, but the monk neither said nor did anything that would suggest as much.

While the group was traveling, Sarevok passed time by picking out their foibles. But now they were asleep, and he had no choice but to mull over his current situation in his fight against the Zhents. It seemed to him that it was only a matter of time before the Black Network figured out that their hit squad was dead, and they would then mobilize a much more organized attack on him. He knew it would come soon, and he did not know if he could survive a well-planned and dedicated assault. After brooding for awhile, he let his eyes walk around the camp. Out of the corner of his left eye, he noticed something that did not surprise him. Jaheira was looking at him while pretending to be asleep.

He sighed, then spoke the words he had once said long ago to her. ?Harper, if you are that worried about me turning on you in your sleep, why don?t you take the rest of my watch and then do your own.?

Found out, Jaheira sat up from underneath her covers, her head cocked to one side, staring holes in Sarevok. ?I?m not worried about that, Anchev. I was just wondering how you wormed your way back into Telos? good graces. He has to know that you were the one that attacked Westgate.?

?Bah! That was eight years ago, druid! I still feel guilt for starting that battle. Many men died for a callous and selfish reason?? Sarevok muttered something under his breath, and continued the second Jaheira attempted to press him to speak up. ?My reasons about Westgate do not help me sleep, but that does not matter to Telos. My brother is rather forgiving of past transgressions.?

?A little too forgiving,? Jaheira said, her eyes narrowing to slits. ?He doesn?t think or act like an elf at all.?

?You say that as if it were a bad thing, Harper. He was brought up in a human environment, and has benefited from it in every possible way.?

?And what would you know of an elven environment, Sarevok? You?ve never been out of a human city for most of your unnatural life.?

Sarevok scowled. ?What do you know of an elven environment, Harper? Forget it. That?s not the point. The point is that his enemies constantly underestimate his abilities. Melissan, Irenicus, the Night Knives, even me.?

That line silenced Jaheira, and the warrior used it as a bridge to hit her with the next question. ?Why are you following him again, Jaheira, after all these years? You know this is most likely a suicide run.?

She was taken off guard by the question, and her expression gave her away. She composed herself and retorted, ?I could ask you the same thing, Sarevok.?

?No, you first.?

She looked away from the warrior, then at Telos Faraday. The elf was tossing and turning in his sleep, as if he was fighting off monsters in his dreams. As an elf, neither was he supposed to be sleeping, nor was he supposed to be dreaming. But, he?d never really been like any normal elf, and this was just another aspect of his cosmic quirkiness.

?I?I worry about him. When I lost Khalid I felt lost and unfocused. I don?t know if he feels this way after losing Viconia, but I do know that he needs friends right now. Besides, if his son is still alive, there is no more noble a thing to do than to save an innocent.?

?Nobility? Innocence? Do the Harpers work for such heart-feeling philosophies now? What about the Balance?? Sarevok asked, letting a devilish smile overtake his face.

?How does the unnecessary death of a child serve the Balance, Sarevok?? the druid asked hotly. She then shook her head. She recognized the warrior?s antagonizing tone, and it made her blood boil. She took a deep breath and composed herself. ?Why ask you anyway? You know nothing of the Balance.?

The warrior smiled sagely. ?True, but I know of true balance within one?s self. I know that Telos is most definitely unbalanced by the death of his wife, though he tries to hide it.?

Jaheira snorted. ?Listen to you, Anchev! It appears as though you have finally learned something about the world! What has brought on this insight, if I may ask??

?Let?s just say I have learned much during the parting of our former great company.? Sarevok then turned from the druid to look at Telos. The elf was now sweating in his sleep, and starting to mumble incoherently
?I?I also worry about him.? Sarevok?s eyes shifted back to the druid. ?I think he?s going to get himself killed in this little quest of his, and we?re going to die right along with him.?

?And you are all right with this??
The warrior shook his head and laughed. ?Of course not, but if we can get his kid back, this suicide run might be worth something. Besides, I?ve almost died at his side a few times. What is one more??

?So, what you said in tower was?a show?? asked Jaheira, flabbergasted by the apparent change of heart.

Sarevok bowed. ?And it was a grand performance, was it not? I like to keep people on their toes. Get a surprise in every now and again.?
?I never though I would see the day where you did something mostly for someone else?s benefit??
**
In a dream
**
Telos Faraday was running down a hallway full of books. It took him a long time to figure out that he was moving through the venerable halls of Candlekeep. ?How long has it been since I left? Too long, of course, but why am I here now?? he asked as the shelves flew by his face, his body speeding ever forward ?I have things to do??

?Like what?? asked a familiar voice.
Telos ground to a stop, and pivoted toward the voice. ?I?I have to find my son?and then find a way to?to?? His mind fogged up when the owner of the voice materialized.

?To what, my m?rann dssiss??
?Viconia! I have to save you! I have to bring you back to me!?

Viconia laughed haughtily, blood flowing from her eyes, crimson dripping from the corners of her mouth. ?Oh, is that so? Do you have the powers to break the bonds of death itself, darthiir? How do you now have the power to save me when you did not have that it a scant few days ago??

Telos struggled to move towards Viconia, as if hindered by unseen chains. ?I will find that power, damn it! I will do whatever takes to bring you back to me and our son!? Telos pushed past the invisible force and ran full steam towards his lover. But he could not seem to catch Viconia, as she was moving backwards at an imperceptibly faster rate.
?Why did you not do that while I was alive, hmm? Why did you not use your powers to foresee such a tragedy before it took place?? Viconia was moving away faster now, creating a clear gap between her and the elf. Blood was streaming down from her eyes, nose, ears and mouth, creating a crimson trail in her wake. ?Why did you not prepare for such an event? Why did you not SAVE ME?? Viconia screamed as she sped away from Telos and disappeared down the book-crammed hallway.
?Viconia, no! Don?t go! Come back to me! Viconia!?
**

?Viconia!? Telos screamed as he sat bolt upright from his sleeping roll, interrupting Jaheira and Sarevok?s friendly chat. Sarevok?s hand shot to the handle of his blade in reaction. A second later he let go of the great sword.

After the shock passed, Jaheira immediately jumped to Telos? side, and put the back of her hand against his forehead. His head felt chilly, and was drenched in sweat. ?Are you alright, Telos??

The elf recoiled from Jaheira, then relented. ?I?I don?t?I?m not sure?? Telos rubbed his eyes, clearing away both tears and weariness. He saw the look of concern on Jaheira?s face, and the scowl that hid Sarevok?s worry. ?I?m sorry if I woke you up. How long was I asleep??

?Barely an hour is my guess,? Sarevok said.
?It?s hard to tell the time without seeing the sky,? Jaheira added, looking intently at Telos.

Telos caught Jaheira?s eyes and smiled wearily. ?You can go back to sleep, I?ll take your watches.?

The druid shook her head. ?Oh no you don?t. You are definitely tired, and you need your sleep. You won?t be an effective leader without some rest.?
?I?d rather not,? Telos said meekly.

?I can help you go into a dreamless sleep, if you would prefer,? Balthazar said from behind them. Telos whipped his head around, quickly followed by the others. Though he could not see their faces, Telos was sure that Jaheira and Sarevok were just as surprised to see Balthazar awake. The monk was sitting cross-legged behind them. He smiled slightly. ?Why are you astonished to see me awake? The noise you have made could raise the dead.?

?I wouldn?t say that down here,? Sarevok replied, his gaze sweeping the area for intruders.

?Come over here, brother,? the monk beckoned. Telos shrugged his shoulders, then moved over to Balthazar. Telos sat down, cross-legged, like the monk. He followed Balthazar?s instructions to hold his hands in his lap, palms upward. ?Now, close your eyes and think of a calm, peaceful place. Somewhere you like to go, or used to go, when things were too stressful. Concentrate on that place.?

Telos laughed in disbelief. ?This isn?t going to work, Balthazar.?
The monk shushed him. ?Concentrate, brother. Be quiet and concentrate.?


While Telos slipped into the dreamless, meditative state, Sarevok moved next to Balthazar. The warrior waved his large hands in front of the elf?s face, drawing no response. Jaheira shook her head in condemnation of Sarevok?s disruptive actions, and returned to her bedroll for rest.

?Heh, this makes me wish you had been with us after the Throne business. The elf has a penchant for babbling on like a brook,? Sarevok said with a grin.

The monk only turned his face so that he made eye contact with the warrior. ?He will be in this state for the next few hours, if you need uninterrupted sleep.?

Sarevok sighed. ?It was a joke, Balthazar. I have a question for you though??
?Why am I here??
The warrior feigned shock. ?No, not that. I wanted to know how you were ?marked.??

This time Balthazar turned his entire body to face the warrior. ? ?Marked??? he asked.
?Or branded, if you prefer. All of the Bhaal-spawn I met had something odd about their appearance, a birthmark if you will. For instance,? Sarevok pointed at the elf, ?Telos? skin is unnaturally green.? He then pointed at his own eyes. ?I have golden eyes. Imoen has pink hair.?

?When I asked her about it after the battle with Melissan, she told me that she dyed it that unnatural color.?

?No. Apparently, she usually dyed it brown to pass herself off as normal. It?s easier to blend in if your head isn?t such a ghastly color. When everyone seemed to know she was a Bhaal-spawn, she stopped caring, and stopped dying her hair.?

?Hmm, that would explain Yaga Shura?s rock-like skin, the fact that Abazigal was blue-skinned in human form, and that Sendai had?well??
?Well, what?? Sarevok asked, his interest piqued.
?Two different colored eyes.?

Sarevok sighed in disappointment. ?Bah! Was that all? You had me thinking of something more?intimate.?

?Yes, well, that was my attempt at a joke,? Balthazar said blandly in reply.
?You must knock them dead back in Amkethran.? Sarevok shook his head. ?All attempts at humor aside, what is your mark??

Balthazar removed his right gauntlet. Sarevok?s eyebrows arched in surprise. Balthazar?s hand was crimson, as if he had just dipped it into a pool of fresh blood. ?Behold, the Hand of Murder. I have tried to hide it in the past, and continue to do so in the presence of strangers. Ever has it been a reminder of where I came from, even though I no longer bear the taint of that dead god.?

?Well, that?s different,? Sarevok remarked upon seeing the hand. ?By the way, Balthazar??
?Yes,? the monk replied while replacing the metal gauntlet back onto his hand.
?Tell me why you are following our illustrious brother to his death,? Sarevok said with an evil grin.

The monk sighed deeply. ?Why are you so intent on learning everyone?s reason, Sarevok? Is it not enough that we follow his lead??
?Ha! Don?t give me that, monk. You are not as stupid as that ranger and his ?magical? hamster. I am curious to know why you would fight on Telos? behalf when you are offered nothing but a possible death.?

Balthazar looked from side to side, as if he was about to share a secret. ?If you must know, I have been adventuring on and off with my monastic Order in the past few years. I find the experience rather exciting, to tell you the truth.?

?Is that right? Adventure?excitement?I was told that monks craved not those things.?
Balthazar rolled his eyes and lay down on his own sleeping roll. ?Apparently, someone has sorely misinformed you, Sarevok. Good night.?
****
Telos? figured it was time talk again when his legs started to cramp up. His body was unfamiliar with sitting cross-legged, and had started to revolt against him. ?This isn?t going to work, Balthazar. This meditation stuff is for?? He then opened his eyes. Balthazar was now stalking the perimeter of the camp, and Jaheira and Sarevok were both sound asleep. ?The birds?? Telos said, finishing his sentence. ?Well?tweet tweet.?
****

After leaving the trance, Telos was edgy to get moving, and woke Sarevok and Jaheira. Less than an hour later, the group was equipped, and standing in the old Temple of Bhaal.

Telos cleared his throat for attention, and began to speak. ?Okay everybody, gather round. This little darling is our portal.? Telos pointed at the large loop of polished steel that stood alone near the middle of the room. The portal looked as if it were just a mirror stand that was missing its piece of glass. ?That stone slab with the skulls and faded blood stains is the old sacrificial altar. The mosaic on the floor is the symbol of Bhaal, long may he rot in the Abyss. Finally, that ground near that sarcophagus is where Sarevok died the first time we fought.?

?Very funny, brother,? Sarevok said in a perturbed voice.

The elf smiled. ?All right, people, get ready for a little portal hopping.? Telos pulled forth a small feather from his pack. He broke the plane of the portal with the tip of the feather, and spoke the key words, ?Open up.? The space inside the simple looking hoop of steel exploded into a rainbow of hues, pulsating and writhing against each other.

?See, that?s a good sign. Usually when it does this, it means it?s working properly,? Telos said enthusiastically.
?Usually?? Jaheira asked, her face skewed by a large frown.
?Yes, usually, J. And hasn?t anybody told you that if you keep your face like that, it will stay that way permanently??
The druid retorted, ?That?s just an old wives? tale, Faraday.?
?It isn?t with a little permanency magic,? said Telos, winking at Jaheira.

Telos saw Sarevok?s upper lip curled with disdain, but he was not prepared for Sarevok?s vice like grip. The elf yelped in pain as the warrior grabbed him by the scruff of the neck, and was pulled violently up to Sarevok?s eye level. ?Would you cut out this routine of yours, Telos? It is highly disturbing to see you playing around like this while your son is in mortal danger,? Sarevok said quietly, yet harshly.

Telos? eyes narrowed, and the playful smile on his face faded quickly into a scowl. His voice acquired a deadly edge as he spoke. ?What would you rather have me do, brother? Mope around and act depressed? Or maybe you would like me to wail at the gods for taking away my wife? Tell me, Sarevok, does moping around make one a good leader? Does overt depression inspire one?s troops? I?d like to hear what you think.?

Sarevok released Telos from his grasp, and turned from his brother?s gaze. The warrior shook his head slightly in reply.

Telos took a deep breath and composed himself. ?You?re right, Sarevok,? the elf said loudly, a serious ring to his voice. ?No more goofing off until I have Valas back.?

As Telos turned to operate the portal, Sarevok spoke again, and loudly enough for the others to hear.
?One last thing before we go, elf.?
?Yes, Sarevok??
?Tell me you have a plan of attack.?
?And what if I don?t??
?Lie to me.?
?Don?t worry, Sarevok, I have a plan.?
?That didn?t make me feel any better,? Jaheira mused.
?Let?s go!? Telos laughed as he jumped through the portal.

**
Ched Nasad: 1 day ago

The Council of Matrons had gathered at Matron Umrae?s request, to discuss the prize she had claimed for Ched Nasad. Umrae, being head of the second most powerful house in the City of Shimmering Webs had right to call this council if she perceived an emergency. Since she had helped to create one, she thought she should warn the other houses of the possibility of war with Ched Nasad?s greatest rival, and defend her claim on the male child. Needless to say, the other matrons were not very receptive to her news.

?How could you incite a war with Menzoberranzan! We must prepare our defenses before they attack us!? screamed Matron Drisinil Melam. Umrae gave the matron a slight sneer. Matron Melam was the closest threat from the houses below House Di?Dgttu, and bearer of the second largest contingent of men-at-arms in the city.

Umrae shifted her defensive, yet angry look towards the next speaker. Matron Aunrae Nasadra was the head of the most powerful house in the city, and thus the most paranoid person in Ched Nasad. Umrae had every right to hate her, and the feeling was more than mutual. ?How many times must I warn you all of Di?Dgttu?s over-reaching lust for power?? asked Matron Nasadra. ?Every time House Di?Dgttu does something, it puts us on the brink of war, with the illithids, or with the Kuo-Toa, and now with Menzoberranzan.?

?I would not have done so,? Umrae countered, ?if I had not received the visions to do so from Lolth herself.?

?So you have said,? answered a hollow, yet seductive voice. Umrae need not turn her head to know it was Matron Shyntlara Auvryndar, who was a powerful priestess of Lolth. ?I think you should have shared your visions with us first. Maybe you misinterpreted it.?

?How could I misinterpret the vision when Lolth spelled out the when, where, and who?? Umrae questioned back, anger lining her voice.

?About this?thing you have brought before us?? Umrae looked left to see Matron Lirdnilu Maerret pointing at the child. The infant was loosely bound, and silently sitting upon an ornate granite pedestal in the middle of the council hall. Umrae respected, yet distrusted Lirdnilu since House Maerret was a house of diplomats and informants. They were the masters of crippling houses through back-door politics, black mail, and infernally worded treaties.

?The male is not a thing, Matron Maerret. The Spider Queen herself told me that he is our savior,? Umrae shot back.

?Exactly my point. Why would the Spider Queen pick an inferior sex, as well as an apparently inferior drow to be the savior of our entire race?? Matron Maerret asked.

?Obviously,? Aunrae Nasadra explained, ?that male is not even pure-blooded drow! Look at its hair! Its eyes! It is the most un-drow abomination I have ever seen.?

Umrae rebuffed Aunrae Nasadra. ?We must look past his appearance, and raise him to be as deadly as possible!?

?And did Lolth tell you that in your vision as well?? Shyntlara Auvryndar asked as she stroked her spider pendant.

?No,? Umrae said defensively. ?But what else can we do with him? He must have powerful magic flowing through his veins.?

?I say we kill him!? exclaimed Matron Melam.

?You cannot do that!? Umrae exclaimed. ?I will not let you! The male is?? she trailed off, unwilling to play her trump card. But the intense stares from the matrons forced her to finish the sentence. Umrae steeled her self, and continued. ?The male is the result of mingling Drow and divine bloods.?

?Then, if we were to kill the male, Lolth might strike us down, and reduce our houses to so much dust and tears,? Priestess Shyntlara said in hushed tones, as if she expected the Spider Queen to dole out her vengeance right then and there.

?I must agree with the priestess on this; killing the child will only bring down the wrath of Lolth,? Aunrae Nasadra said coolly. ?In order to clear this up amongst ourselves, I ask that the male be given over to my house to be examined. If the male is truly favored by Lolth, then he shall be raised properly by House Nasadra.? Aunrae favored Umrae a quick and devious smile.

?Have him raised by House Nasadra?? Umrae asked. ?But a few moments ago you said he was the most un-drow abomination you had ever seen!?

?I simply overreacted, Matron Di?Dgttu. With the knowledge of this male?s heritage, we must give this situation the time and effort that it obviously needs.? Umrae could see that Aunrae?s turn of heart was just another power play to keep her damned house a step ahead of House Di?Dgttu.

Umrae turned to Matron ShriNeerune Hlaund, her voice seething in anger. ?Matron Hlaund, you must settle this! Those fools will not listen to me!? While the ancient matron was only head of the twelfth most powerful house, she had somehow become the head of the city?s ruling council. This meant that while House Nasadra ruled the town, the ancient Matron of House Hlaund had the final say on all matters discussed during council. The old, nearly decrepit drow put out her hand and silence filled the room.

?It appears that you have brought us a boon, sent from the Spider Queen herself,? the old matron said, much to Umrae?s delight. ?But since our great goddess did not tell you what to do with this male, it would be most prudent to follow Matron Nasadra?s plan of action, and let her examine and keep the child.? Umrae?s face fell with those words. She wished to plead her case further, but was cut off by the venerable matron.

?Matron Maerret, you will send runners out to Menzoberranzan, in order to explain away Matron Di?Dgttu?s actions. At the very least, have your diplomats stall them. Matron Nasadra, have the lesser houses begin to gear their militias for war. How long do you think the examination of the male will take??

?No more than a day, Matron Hlaund. If the male is all Di?Dgttu claims, then my priestesses will bind him to our house, then to the city. This should cement our claim to the male over Menzoberranzan, and also prevent them from stealing him away from the city. The proper binding spells will take much more time than the examination, though.?

?Then it shall be this way. The council is convened,? the ancient matron said.

Umrae stormed out of the council hall, surrounded by her elite guard. She watched with a burning rage as the House Nasadra guards roughly carried the child away. As she briskly walked back to her own compound, she fumed how all her planning and risks had been swatted down by such near-sighted waels. The fact that they let House Nasadra take the male showed their stupidity. Only Umrae knew what was needed to raise the child, to bring him to the pinnacle of his abilities. If House Di?Dgttu could raise him, he, and thus Umrae?s house, would be unstoppable.

As she entered House Di?Dgttu, she brushed aside the notions of torturing someone, or seeking outright vengeance on some of the houses that had opposed her. Her mind started working on a plan that would save the child from being bound to House Nasadra, and letting his potential be wasted by Aunrae?s incompetence. She would have to disrupt their binding ceremonies, but how? And how could it be done so that she could get away without being blamed or killed?
**
The Underdark

The group spilled through the receiving portal, which was a natural hollow in the wall of a cave in the Underdark. The cave itself was a man-made edifice, this made apparent by the fact that the floors were totally level and smooth, and neither stalactite nor stalagmite made residence inside. The pile of ashes that littered the center of the floor proved further evidence to the group, not that they could see it. They were somewhat disoriented by the effects of magical transportation into the lightless underworld, and were still trying to get their bearings.

Telos knew something was wrong when he bumped into an unexpected rock, and that rock said, ?Uhfff!? When the swirling red spots in his eyes disappeared and his low-light vision kicked in, he saw his ?rock??it was a very surprised dwarf. Telos could definitely see that this was a surface dwarf, of the hill variety, perhaps. The dwarf was male, a fact given away by the dwarf?s long and scraggly blond beard. Telos noted the dwarf?s pale skin, but he figured that this dwarf had been in the Underdark for a very long time. Maybe he had been a slave, or he was an adventurer with a reason to stay underground for so long a time.

Telos made a quick motion with his hands, creating a dancing source of white light for the benefit of Sarevok and Balthazar.

?Where did you all come from?!? the dwarf exclaimed as the light temporarily blinded him. He quickly recovered from the shock and added, ?Your money or your life!?
The group stared at the dwarf.
?Not going to fall for that, eh??
The group shook their heads in unison.
?Did not think ye would.?

?What are you doing here?? Telos asked, moving towards the dwarf in a non-threatening manner.

?Better yet, can I kill him?? Sarevok asked while moving towards the dwarf in a very threatening manner.

?Well, I came this a way to avoid that very situation, lads. So, if ye will excuse me,? the dwarf said as he turned to walk back out of the cave. Telos nodded, and Sarevok grabbed the dwarf.

?My brother asked you a question, so you had better answer,? the warrior said as he picked the dwarf up by his beard.
?I swear! It?s the truth!?

Upon finishing that statement, a small, pale looking gnome ran into the cave at full steam, only to bounce off of Jaheira. The gnome shook her head of nearly white hair, then looked around the room in confusion. A look of profound fear washed on the gnome?s face as she looked at the dwarf and hiked her thumb over her shoulder.

?Aww, great. Vergadain has finally forsaken me!? the dwarf lamented.
?What are you talking about, dwarf?? Sarevok asked, readying for a trick.
?Stick your head out ofthe entrance and take a look your self, lad. Death is waiting for us out there.?

Sarevok looked to Telos again. The elf nodded slowly in reply. The warrior walked quickly towards the cave?s entrance, all the while holding on mercilessly to the dwarf?s long beard. At the mouth of the cave, Sarevok peered around the corner cautiously. Telos? mind started to race as Sarevok dropped the dwarf on the ground. A look of calculated worry resided on Sarevok?s face when he turned around. ?I really hope you have a battle plan, Telos, because we have over two dozen drow out there. They are all armed to the teeth, and they look very angry."

Edited by Kaos, 07 January 2005 - 01:35 PM.

[Kaos]

The Further Adventures of Telos Faraday
Rating: Possibly R, due to (Tasteful )graphic violence.

Chapter 4: A clash in the Underdark

?Like I said before, Sarevok, I have a plan. Just follow me,? Telos ordered as his hands waved in a mystical pattern. The sound of grinding rock filled the small cave as Telos? skin was shielded by pale granite. The others followed suit, their battle preparation being a near instinctual response. Balthazar refastened the straps on his gauntlets, all the while quietly chanting a mantra to himself. Jaheira gave a silent prayer to Silvanus, magically covering her skin in layers of iron. Sarevok pulled Gram, the Sword of Grief, from the scabbard strapped on his back, shooting a sideways glance at their party crashers.

?What about them?? Sarevok asked, pointing his hand at the dwarf and the pale gnome.
Telos ignored him and strode wordlessly into the expanse of the Underdark.

?I don?t like this plan so far,? Sarevok said to himself as he followed the others out of the cavern.

A male drow scouting ahead of the war party spotted Telos coming into the main cavern. The drow was surprised by the newcomers, but then licked his lips in anticipation. This new prey would be far more satisfying to kill than the dwarf and svirfneblin they had been pursuing. The male shouted out something in his dark language to his group before drawing a vicious sword. A female drow sauntered forward and cuffed the male across the temple, then drew forth her own sword. The jaws of the war party scraped the ground when their prey opened conversation with them? in Drow.

Telos? expression was stoic when he said, ?Let us pass, or none of you will survive.?

The lead female quickly wiped the confusion from her face and replaced it with an arrogant sneer. ?You presume too much, rivvil! We shall slaughter you in the name of Lolth, and your bones will litter the ground for the next century!?

Telos nodded in acknowledgement, and quickly waved his hands. A silvery ball of light shattered upon the female drow. The spell was immediately followed by a sickly yellow orb of maligned luck. Still reeling from those magics, the drow had no chance of dodging Telos? final spell, a burst of grotesque green energy, vaguely shaped like a hand. A wolf-like smile crept onto Telos? face as she dropped dead to the ground without so much as a cry.

?Let us pass, or the rest of you will not survive!? Telos said coldly.

A thunderous chorus of battle cries erupted from the drow as they rushed angrily towards the surfacers.

Telos felt a rush of air roll by as Sarevok pressed forward to meet their adversaries. A loud CRUNCH echoed in the cavern when Sarevok crashed into the advancing drow. The clamor of broken bones and shattered armor was enough to drown out all other sound in the immense cavern.

Telos began to cook up another nasty surprise for his enemies, and ignored the motion that he caught from the corner of his left eye. He didn?t need to look to know that Jaheira was there now, playing the part of his woman-at-arms. A surge of adrenaline hit his system. It had been way too long since his last real fight. It had been many years since he had last fought the Drow for any reason. Now he had a damn good reason to fight them, and he was going to enjoy killing these bastards.

The elf finished his spell, letting go of the deadly, golden cloud he had created. As it sped forth from his hands, a quick look of surprise took over Telos? face when time stopped. Humans and elves froze in place, weapons held silently in the air near their targets. Telos? mind was still aware and racing thanks to a special enchantment he had devised. The spell of his was supposed to negate all of the ill effects of time altering magic. At that precise moment he could only move his eyes. Obviously, his spell needed some more work.

Telos caught sight of perpetrator of the spell, a female drow at the back of the war band. She cackled madly as she began another incantation. The dark elf quickly became swept up in the ritual of casting, weaving her hands, her voice rising and falling in a harsh pattern. Telos looked to his left, only to see a blur of motion. It was Balthazar zipping towards the female drow at a blinding speed. The monk needed only one swift punch to crush the mage?s windpipe and destroy the bubble of stopped-time that engulfed the area.

Time jerked violently back into motion, continuing the drow fighters? massive effort to push past Sarevok and his blood drenched sword. Finally, one of the drow was able to distract Sarevok by holding on to the great sword that was currently residing in his chest. This gave several drow fighters the chance to run forward?right into the middle of Telos? spell. The golden cloud sucked the precious water from their bodies and left only dry, withered husks in its wake. Only three of the drow survived the agonizing experience, screaming in anguish as they pushed through the magical cloud. The drow grimaced in pain as they stumbled forward toward Telos and Jaheira.

Jaheira stepped up to the weakened drow, meeting them blade for blade. The druid blocked and shoved with her shield, bowling over one of the drow, then quickly plunged her blade in and out of another, causing a quick spurt of blood to wash against her shield. The remaining fighter grinned as he scored a hit upon Jaheira?s leg, shattering a layer of iron skin. His grin was cleaved off his face by Jaheira?s back-swing.

Sarevok was still having a hell of a time with his previous victim. He was tired of moving the sword, and by extension, the drow, around to block the other fighters that were taking this opportunity to kill him. ?For the love of the gods, GET OFF MY SWORD!? Sarevok fumed as he strained to pull the blade out of the drow?s chest. Somehow the dark elf had summoned the strength to hold on to the magical blade. *I swear, if I die because of something like this, I?ll never live it down!* Sarevok thought as he dodged an incoming spear thrust. Swallowing his pride, the warrior called out, ?A little help here, someone??

Balthazar appeared at Sarevok?s side, and delivered a jump kick to the struggling drow. The force of the blow sent the dying drow flying off of the great sword to the far end of the cavern, only to bounce off a wall and become impaled on a stalactite.

?Where have you been?? Sarevok demanded as he was engaged by another drow.
?I was fighting some more drow, but they turned invisible,? Balthazar said as he delivered a stunning blow to an oncoming fighter.
Sarevok parried a strike, then ran his great sword through the drow?s throat, creating a blood-gushing spectacle. ?More? Invisible? Where??

Telos ran over to Jaheira. ?I saw you take a hit. Are you alright??
Jaheira kept scanning the cavern, avoiding eye contact with the elf. ?I see you have forgotten that I fight for the Balance, Faraday. One never knows when the attack against Nature shall be made, so one must be prepared.? No sooner had she spoken than something grabbed her ankles and tossed her to the ground like an armored sack of potatoes.

The druid?s head struck violently against the cold, uneven cavern floor, knocking her senseless for a moment. When she regained her sight, she found herself staring into the wrathful eyes of a drow. The drow fighter pulled a wickedly curved dagger from his belt and flung himself onto the downed druid. Her fighting instincts kicked in time to block the dagger from plunging into her throat. *Where did he?the fighter I knocked down!* she thought while grappling with the male. After a brief struggle, Jaheira launched the fighter off of her with a great shove.

The second the drow touched the ground, he flipped himself back up to his feet in an effort to pounce upon the druid again. As the drow leapt into the air, he changed into a stone statue of himself. Jaheira rolled out of the way in the nick of time, avoiding further injury. The drow statue hit the rocky floor with a loud THUD, breaking apart into hundreds of pieces.

Jaheira stared at Telos. ?I could have taken care of him by myself.?
Telos wondered at the edge in Jaheira?s voice. ?Well, you?re wel?? but the elf was cut off. Crossbows twanged in rapid succession, each bolt finding a mark on Telos, destroying a layer of his stone skin. Six drow appeared out of thin air and fired again at the wizard, removing more layers of his protective spell.

?Incoming!? he cried out before quickly casting a missile protection spell. As a magical cylinder of energy engulfed him, he saw Jaheira pulling herself off the ground. ?Rush them, J! I?ll summon something up to help you!? Telos began yet another spell, but he almost stopped when the each of the drow performed the exact same motion at the same time: their free hands were raised to their mouths. *Potions?but of what?* he thought.

He grimaced when the dark elves winked out of sight. The elf chanted his spell faster. *Invisibility won?t save you now, you pieces of?* A morning star violently interrupted Telos? thoughts as it crashed against the side of his head. Spiked weapons shimmered into sight as they hit the defenseless elf, dropping the mage to the floor. The drow that wielded the maces and morning stars flashed into sight as they pulled back their bloodied weapons in order to strike again.

Jaheira?s heart nearly stopped when she saw Telos fall down and the drow fighters materialize, raining savage blows down on Telos. She began to move in his direction, but she didn?t get very far. Jaheira yelled in pain when a pair of blades found their way through the back of her armor, and screamed even harder when the blades were pulled forcefully out of her back. The shock of the blow sent her to the ground. She struggled painfully back to her knees, only to find two drow fighters licking her blood off of their knives and moving in for the kill.

The drow didn?t even get close to her. A giant obsidian hand slammed into the dark elves, tossing them across the great cavern. Jaheira wondered at the great earth elemental as it thundered towards Telos and his attackers. ?He couldn?t have summoned that!? she said.

?No, he didn?t,? the dwarf responded as he ran to the fray. He flung himself at the nearest drow, knocking the dark elf to the ground. The dwarf got up first, and put the business end of his short sword through the chest of the drow fighter. The earth elemental then reached the fight. It crushed a second drow beneath a stony fist, and smashed a third against the cavern walls. The remaining drow turned away in terror, only to be impaled on the waiting blade of Sarevok.

Upon completion of its task, the elemental melded with the stony floor in order to return to its home plane. The female deep gnome ran up to Jaheira, and moved her pale hands in a magical pattern. When the gnome finished gesturing, the ground below Jaheira glowed softly, healing the stab wounds in the druid?s back. Jaheira looked at the deep gnome in astonishment. ?You are a priestess?? she asked. The svirfneblin nodded in reply.

Balthazar called out to Jaheira, breaking her sense of awe. ?Jaheira, come quick!?

Jaheira pulled herself onto her feet at an inhuman speed as even more adrenaline pumped into her system, and sprinted over to Telos and his brothers. She gasped in horror upon the sight of Telos? unconscious, battered body. The elf?s head was bleeding profusely from several holes, blood covering his face in a crimson mask. Jaheira could see some of the elf?s ribs protruding through ripped flesh, and saw that his hands and arms were badly mangled. She gasped again when she saw that Telos? belly had been split open from the multiple blows, and was also leaking red and black fluid onto the floor beneath him. When Jaheira began to administer magical aid to the fallen elf, she heard Sarevok mutter, ?I really don?t like his plan so far.?

[Kaos]

The Further Adventures of Telos Faraday

Rating: Back to PG-13

Chapter 5: The Twilight Company

?Don?t you do this to me, Telos Faraday!? Jaheira fumed as she pounded on his chest. ?You are not going to die on me! You are not going to let your son down!?

Even though Jaheira had healed his wounds, the elf was unresponsive and not breathing. She relented for a second, casting a quick healing spell upon Telos, on the off chance that it would bring him about. It did not.

Jaheira cursed under her breath, and started pressing on Telos? chest harder. Jaheira didn?t notice the monk stoop down to take the elf?s wrist and search for a pulse. ?I?ve never seen this before,? Balthazar said, worry hobbling his usually steady voice. ?I have never seen someone who was magically healed of all wounds still?die.?

?Sometimes?people just want to die,? Sarevok intoned, looking away from the scene.

The druid bared her teeth at Sarevok. ?Shut up, damn you! He is not going to die!? Jaheira turned back to her patient. She pinched the elf?s nose and puffed a few strong breaths into his mouth. ?Come on, damn it! By the Horns of Silvanus, I?ll plant you underneath the Stones of Aisath if you die now!? Her fist struck the elf?s chest one more time, causing Telos to cough up blood. She silently rejoiced as Telos began to breathe slow, ragged breaths. ?That is better, Faraday, that is much better.? Jaheira fell to the ground in exhaustion from her life-saving labor. Her joy was almost washed away when she noticed he was unconscious, but she bested her pessimism. *Well, even a little bit alive is better than not at all.* she thought.

Balthazar took Jaheira?s hand and gave it a triumphant squeeze. ?Incredible, Jaheira! Telos has certainly not overstated your abilities.?

?If that is a ?thank you?, then you are welcome. If you must know, that?s not the first time he?s come close to dying on me.? The druid quickly twisted her body towards Sarevok. ?Sarevok, be a dear and stop our guests from escaping.?

She smiled a triumphant smile when the warrior stared in confusion at her. She had surprised him. Sarevok snapped to attention and located the dwarf and deep gnome. The duo was sneaking away from the group, but did not get far before they were apprehended.

?This is not fair!? the dwarf exclaimed in protest. ?We helped you kill those bastards, now we should get to leave peacefully!?
?You brought the drow to us, dwarf. We want to know why,? Sarevok said menacingly.
?We didn?t bring ?em, lad! They chased us down!?
?WHY?!"
?Why? Because they?re bloody drow, lad, that?s why!?

Jaheira moved between the two, putting a restraining hand on Sarevok. ?We need a better reason than that, Mr. Dwarf. Do you know who they were, or where they came from??

?It?s not ?Mr. Dwarf?, thank ye very much. The name?s Crondathor Brassbeard, and how should I?? The dwarf stopped talking, then looked over at his companion. ?Eh? Ye don?t say. All right, I?ll let ?em know.?

?Um, were you?talking to whatever her name is?? Sarevok asked in confusion.

?Ye can call her Gypsy Mum, if you need a name for her,? Brassbeard said while he sighed in frustration. ?She says that those bleeding drow are, eh, were from House Jolsuuk, a house in the drow city of Ched Nasad.?

?How did she??
?Gypsy was a slave to that house for far too many years of her life. The house insignia is etched into her mind, and burned onto her skin,? Brassbeard answered. ?She told me to level with ye, so I will. Her village is?somewhere close to Ched Nasad. The damnable drow city has been buzzing with activity the past few days, and we were sent to check out what was going on.? He nodded at the dead drow. ?We ran into those bastards on our way there. A war party or some such. We?re not against fighting the drow, mind ye. We?re just against fighting that many at once.?

The dwarf looked over at the deep gnome, then back at the group. ?If ye will excuse us, we need to go report to her village elders, so we?ll be going now.?
Sarevok stamped the ground in front of them, blocking their way. ?You are staying put. Those drow almost killed my brother, and I?m holding you responsible. If he wakes up, you can go. If he doesn?t??

?He will wake up, Sarevok, and they can leave if they like,? Jaheira answered. The druid and warrior traded looks of death at each other, entering into a battle of wills.

Before they could finish their contest, a new, forceful voice made itself known. ?No one is going anywhere until we figure out what is going on.?

Jaheira broke off the staring contest, surprised to see the group surrounded by cloaked figures, most of whom were aiming either bows or crossbows at them. While the identities of the newcomers were well hidden, the speaker?s was not. He was drow, his face cold and calculating, yet oddly familiar. *Where have I seen this drow before?* Jaheira thought, her mind racing, attempting to both remember and plan a defensive strategy should the need arise.

She watched as the drow?s eyes danced around from person to person, and then to the unconscious elf. Jaheira noticed his voice took on an icy edge when he drew forth a glowing long sword.
?Who are you, and what did you do to Telos Faraday?? he asked.

**In a dream**
Telos? eyes fluttered open to the morning sun that streamed through a stained glass window. The elf drew in a deep breath, drinking in scent of jasmine that permeated the room. A hand caressed the side of his face, attempting to draw the elf?s attention. Telos moved slowly underneath sheets, savoring the feel of Calimshite silk on his skin. When he finally rolled over, he looked into a pair of smiling eyes.

?Good morning, Telos. I hope I didn?t tire you out that much last night.?

For a moment, the sight of Viconia lying next to him, alive, gave him pause. For a moment, something about the situation felt?wrong. He quickly shook the feeling from his head. ?I?m not tired, Vico, I?m just resting so I?ll be ready for another extra long round tonight. You know, conserving energy,? he said with a wink.

Viconia laughed in sultry delight. ?We have already christened this place three times, Telos. Do we really need a fourth??

?Well, this place was in the hands of a very nasty wizard for a very long time. I think one more time will cement the place as ours.?

?That is what you said the last two times, my m?rann dssiss,? Viconia said with a deep chuckle. ?But, I think I can indulge your wants once again.? The drow moved closer to Telos, and kissed him. In typical Viconia fashion, she started to playfully chew on his lower lip, causing the lip to bleed.

As the ferrous taste of blood flooded his mouth, something clicked in his mind.

?Valas.?

Viconia paused for a moment, then continued with her heavy kisses. ?What about my brother?? she asked.

Telos pulled away from his dark lady, but very slowly. ?No, our son, Valas. This is when he?s supposed to start crying.?

The drow looked at him quizzically. ?What are you talking about??

?I know all of this. It happened several years ago. It was a couple of days after we moved into Ramazith?s tower in Baldur?s Gate. I woke up, we talked for awhile, but Valas started to cry and I had to change his diaper. I?none of this is real, is it? It?s just a memory, or a dream of a memory...? Telos trailed off.

?And what if it is, my m?rann dssiss? What is so wrong about dreaming, or reliving a memory??

?It?s not that, Vico. I?m not really here, I?m?? Telos? head began to hurt violently, like someone was trying to chisel their way out from inside his skull. ?I?m?in the Underdark. Our son is in danger. And you?you?re??

?I am what, my love??

Tears slid down his face. ?You?re dead, Viconia.? Viconia caught some of his tears, which turned into drops of blood in her hand.

?Well, maybe you are dead too. Did you stop to think about that, hmm?? Drops of crimson began to spill from the sides of her mouth and eyes.

Telos pulled away from Viconia, and flopped onto the floor. He got up as fast as he could manage, but his body began to ache deeply. As he struggled to stand upright, Viconia approached. The dark elf looked like someone had just pulled her from a crypt after nearly fifty years of being eaten by worms and maggots. She shambled forward, rotten skin and muscle barely hanging from worn bones. The elf dodged Viconia?s wild flailing, and moved towards the door as fast as his tired and worn out body could take him. As he approached the door, it shut by its own volition, sealing the main exit from the room. The windows followed suit, slamming violently, then locking, preventing escape.

Telos whirled around from the door, only to be seized by Viconia?s skeletal claws.

?What is wrong? Don?t you love me anymore?? the dead thing hissed, tearing into his cheek. Telos pulled the hand away from his face, but the drow clenched his throat in a death-grip.

Telos struggled with the beast, and was able to pry some of the fingers away so he could breathe. ?You?re not Viconia!? he gasped. ?This isn?t real! I must wake up?I must save Valas!? Telos held his hand against the face of the beast, and let loose a gout of magical flame. The fire ravaged the dead caricature of Viconia, igniting hair, muscle and bone. As the flames burned away, the form of the dead beast was replaced by another female drow. She was all curves and covered with a midnight black carapace. While her face was beautiful beyond all measure, it was marred by a wicked grin and cruel, pupilless black eyes. A freezing sensation ran down Telos?s spine. His heart nearly stopped as he began to panic. He had figured out who the woman was.

?Lolth??

?Yes,? the goddess said, her voice full of seduction and raw, absolute power. ?You are more intelligent than I thought, former Bhaalspawn. But you will not succeed in your quest. The life of your son will be mine to control, just as the life of your lover was mine to take. All drow are my possessions! Mine, do you hear me? MINE!? The Spider Queen slammed Telos through the door, causing him to fall into a black, endless pit?

***
Telos awoke, chilled to the very core of his being. He looked up to see a male drow pull a glowing sword from a scabbard. The elf could barely make out what the drow was saying, but he recognized the face.
?Solaufein?? the elf asked weakly.

The drow started at the words, then knelt at the elf?s feet. Solaufein took the elf?s hand in his, almost crushing it in his strong grip. ?Telos my friend! You are alive!?

Jaheira and the group crowded around the elf.
?Are you all right, Faraday?? Jaheira asked, worry lines creeping back onto her face.
?How do you feel, brother?? Balthazar asked.

Solaufein stood up, and positioned himself between the elf and the group. ?Give him room to breathe,? Solaufein said, holding his glowing sword in front of him, blade pointed at the group.

?You won?t give the orders around here, drow!? Sarevok exclaimed, violently grabbing the drow?s weapon arm.
Solaufein?s other hand began to glow as he readied a spell in retort.

?Stop this right NOW!? Jaheira screamed. The men were suitably surprised by the outburst. ?You are acting like a pair of squabbling, prepubescent boys!?

The elf coughed, drawing attention away from the seething druid. ?All of you are here because I asked you to be here, so knock it off.?

Sarevok and Solaufein looked at Jaheira, then Telos, then each other. The warrior let go of the drow, while Solaufein dissipated the magic in his hand.

?Solaufein?of Ust Natha. It has been quite awhile.? Jaheira said, voice devoid of anger and almost pleasant.

?Formerly of Ust Natha,? he answered, giving her a confused glance. ?You will forgive me, m?lady, but I do not know you.? Solaufein turned back to his company. ?Men, weapons down, but stay alert to what?s out there.? The cloaked figures lowered their weapons, then moved away from the group, creating a perimeter around the site.

Jaheira pushed her issue. ?I was with Telos several years ago, when he met you in Ust Natha.?

?You must forgive me again, then, since I do not recognize you the way you are. Telos and Viconia are the only part of his group that I have seen the real versions of.?

?So, this is the drow that you helped so long ago, eh?? Sarevok asked, re-examining the newcomer. ?I assume that you accused us of hurting him because??

?I don?t know who you are, but the fact that he didn?t turn any of you into stone or dust when he woke up proves he at least tolerates your presence.? Solaufein shifted his weight, nervous about staying in this spot for too long. ?Since he and his group helped me, I gathered up both surfacers and the peoples of the Underdark to help rescue slaves, and to free drow from perpetual betrayal and paranoia.?

?Solaufein is the reason why I built the portal, to give him and his ?Twilight Company? an emergency exit from the Underdark,? Telos said while he felt the side of face and head. He could feel the minute dimples left in his skull from the morning stars.

?I?m glad you are here with your men, Solaufein,? Telos said as he eased himself into a sitting position.

?I am sorry that we got here so late. It looks like you could have used our help against these drow.?

?So, brother, I assume that your idea was to combine our groups together and assault Menzoberranzan? I can?t believe you would come up with such a?pathetic and foolish plan,? Sarevok said.

Solaufein replied. ?Hardly foolish. Suicidal sounds more correct. Even more so since Menzoberranzan seems to be on the brink of war.?

?War? With who?? Telos asked while massaging the side of his head.

?Ched Nasad. The Nasadrans apparently took something of great importance from Menzoberranzan,? the drow answered.

?What could Ched Nasad take that would incite a war?? Jaheira asked.

Telos? eyes widened to the size of saucer plates. ?Valas. They took Valas.?

Solaufein replied in hushed tones. ?The Spider Queen is a capricious bitch-goddess. She probably allowed this to happen just for her entertainment. That, or someone in Menzoberranzan slighted her in some fashion.?

?So what are we to do?? Jaheira asked, ready for a direction to march in.

?We alter the plans in order to hit Ched Nasad instead,? Telos said, wincing between the throbs in his head.

?While that is not any better than the first plan, I do feel relieved that we will not have to engage the Bregan D'Aerthe,? Solaufein replied.

?You don?t think Jarlaxle would take a bribe, eh?? Telos asked. When Solaufein arched an eyebrow in response, Telos continued. ?Right?the whole town would want him dead then. Sorry, massive head wounds and all. Okay, I still have a way to cover me and my group while we are in the town, but we need a destination on the inside, and a navigator to lead us.?

Solaufein ran a hand through his cropped, white hair in thought. ?I don?t know if we can help you with the destination. But I will need all of my men for your grand diversion, and thus cannot provide a guide for the inside.?

?What if we get Brassbeard and his friend to help?? Jaheira asked. ?The dwarf said the gnome was from Ched Nasad.?

?Ah yes, the dwarf and gnome.? Solaufein looked around. ?Where did they go??

Sarevok sneered. ?By the Abyss! They got away!?

?Not yet. Raylan, Tobulux, find them,? Solaufein said over his shoulder to his men. In only a few moments, a cloaked figured came back, marching the dwarf and svirfneblin towards the drow.

?Raylan, release them,? Solaufein commanded. Telos thought it odd when the cloaked figure bowed slowly, making sure to conceal its face and hands.

?Release from what?? Telos asked.

The group heard a pleasant, yet alien voice in heads. *Release them from my control.*
?A mind flayer?? Jaheira gasped.
?A mind flayer?? Telos asked, intrigued by the idea.

?Illithid,? Solaufein answered. ?I did say the peoples of the Underdark, implying everyone. All that can contribute to my Twilight Company are welcome.?

?Anyone else a monster in your egalitarian group?? Sarevok asked, disturbed by the facts.

?Why yes, yes there are. Tobulux. Visible, please.?

A floating orb, dominated by central eye and topped with several eyestalks materialized on command?just above Sarevok?s left shoulder.

?BY THE GODS!? the warrior yelled, reflexively pulling his sword free from its scabbard.

The beholder shot Sarevok with a thin, yellow ray from one of his many eyestalks, freezing the warrior in place with magic.

?Ho ho ho!? the beholder laughed, his voice rumbling low like faraway thunder. ?If I only had a gold piece for every time that happened!?

?Telos Faraday, this is Tobulux,? Solaufein said. The beholder pitched a little bit forward in the air; his version of bowing.

?Wow. Just wow,? Telos chuckled in astonishment. ?You sure know how to pick ?em, Solaufein. How did you ever get these guys to join you??

?It is a story for another time, Telos. Right now, we have your ?tour guides?,? the drow answered.

Telos nodded, then turned his attention to the dwarf and the deep gnome who were surrounded by Solaufein?s men. ?I have to rescue my son from Ched Nasad. I know it will be dangerous, and it might make you?rather uncomfortable to say the least, but can you help us around the city??

?What?!? exclaimed the dwarf. ?Yer insane lad! How would we get in? How would we know where to go? How do we get out of the town? Most importantly, what do I get out of it??

The beholder spoke. ?I know many?people in the Underdark. There is a person in Ched Nasad that can help you. He, more than anyone, can tell you where this child is held.?

?And leave the rest to us,? Telos answered.

The deep gnome stared at Brassbeard with fearful eyes. She took a deep breath, and nodded her head at the dwarf. Brassbeard looked back at the group and muttered, ?My gods hate me.?

Telos smiled. ?Oh come on now. Didn?t I tell you? I have a plan.?

**Ched Nasad**

Shyntal of House Di?Dgttu barreled past the guards at the door and rushed into the extravagantly decorated chambers of Matron Umrae. Shyntal fell quickly to one knee when she addressed her mother.

?Matron Mother! I have brought the news you sought!?

Umrae gave her daughter a cold, calculated look, and waved the guards off. ?Tell me your news then.?

?House Nasadra is nearly finished chanting all of the binding spells upon the child.?

?Feh! I could have figured out that myself, Shyntal!? Umrae yelled in anger. ?No doubt they are finishing as we speak!?

?Allow me to finish, Matron Mother,? Shyntal said, her eyes raised to meet with Umrae?s. After a bob of the Matron?s head, the drow continued. ?I have learned that they wish to finish the binding spells tomorrow, in public, as a ceremony and celebration of Lolth?s power and dominance.?

Umrae stood there, dumbstruck by the arrogance and foolishness of Matron Aunrae Nasadra. ?She?wishes to make it public? She must be trying to force my hand against her and this?idiotic display of dominance.?

?A trap, Matron??

?Most certainly, Shyntal. Most certainly. The second we attempted to attack, her entire house would spring upon us and tear us apart. If I thought we could win such an encounter, I would most certainly take the child from her, and drive a knife through her beating heart as well??

?But??

Umrae rolled her eyes at Shyntal. ?But then all of Ched Nasad would attack us in retaliation, my simpleton of a daughter.?

Shyntal looked away from Matron Umrae in dejection. ?That is what I assumed, Matron. I did not wish to claim to know what you were thinking, Matron Mother.?

?And you are correct to think that you do not know my brilliance, Shyntal. I?? Umrae stopped, then chuckled devilishly at herself.

?What is it, Matron??

?I have a plan, and we must set upon it immediately if we are to become the first house of Ched Nasad,? Umrae replied, a deadly smile crawling across her face.

[Kaos]

The Further Adventures of Telos Faraday

Rating: PG-13

Chapter 6: Marching to the Gates of Hell

Telos? eyes flapped open, making him both alert, and worried. The thought occurred to him that he must have fallen asleep, and that he may have missed his chance to save his son. He toppled out of his sitting position when he saw two burning, golden orbs staring at him. ?So, how are we getting in there without getting ourselves killed?? Sarevok asked, while standing over his brother. ?And don?t just tell me ?I have a plan?.?

?And hauling those dead drow through yer blasted portal better have been part of it,? Brassbeard said, not hiding his disgust at the task he had performed.

Telos blinked a couple of times to get his bearings. He was in a tiny room that seemed to have been chiseled out of solid rock. The room itself was roughly round in shape and contained no furniture save the bedroll that Telos had been resting on.

He stifled a sudden yawn, then spoke. ?As a matter of fact, it was. For one thing, we don?t need another drow war party finding the corpses and sending out an alarm. For another?when did I fall asleep?? Telos felt the side of his head again, searching for the impressions left by adamantine flails. As he pressed the dimples, it felt like angry hornets were stinging his head.

?After you teleported us directly into Solaufein?s outpost near Ched Nasad, you sat down and said something about resting your eyes. I ended up having to haul your comatose carcass in here,? Sarevok said in reply. ?Anyway, that drow friend of yours says that this post is about seven leagues away from Ched Nasad. Since that is a decent march, we?ll be open to discovery and attack. So the question stands; how do we get in unscathed??

?I would be more concerned about how we get out, Anchev.? Telos caught sight of Jaheira playing nervously with her braids when she walked in the small, hollowed-out room. ?I hope you are feeling better, Faraday, because we are going to need all of your tricks this time.?

?Oh, I have plenty of tricks to use, Jaheira. This might be a hasty plan, but believe me when I say I?ve thought most everything through.?

?Most everything?? Sarevok asked, his eyebrow arched.

?There are always things you can?t foresee before hand,? Balthazar stated as he strode into Telos? improvised sleeping quarters.

Telos smiled his thanks. ?What he said. All right then, here?s the scheme. To get in, I?ll make us look like drow. To get out, we have several options depending on the situation.?

?What options?? Sarevok asked.

?Well, we can fight our way out and join up with Solaufein?s men, then teleport out of the Underdark. If they lock down the city, we slip through the wards via planar travel.?

?But you destroyed your pocket plane in order to fight Melissan at the Throne of Bhaal.?

?Of course we can?t go to my pocket plane. We?ll go to Selphanie Moonbow?s portion of the demi-plane of Dreams.?

?That demi-plane gives me nightmares,? Sarevok said with a frown.

?Considering that it brought our nightmares to life, that?s understandable,? Telos said. The elf spaced out for a second while the memories of their adventures surfaced.

?How did you contact the Seldarine?? Jaheira asked, breaking Telos? sudden tortured reverie.

Telos snapped back to attention, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes. ?What? Oh, I sent word to Queen Ellesime, and she was able to get in touch with Moonbow. I guess it helps to be a daughter of the elven pantheon. When Moonbow heard that I?d be striking at the drow, she gave me permission to access the plane for a brief time while we are awake. That is, if we need it.?

?And not to sound skeptical, Faraday, but how are you going to make us look like drow? The only creature I?ve seen capable of doing such a thing was the silver dragon Adalon,? Jaheira said.

?I?? Telos swallowed hard, and then sighed, ?That is, Viconia and I ran into the dragon about three years back. We did some extensive bartering for that spell, let me tell you. I?ve never tried it before, so I hope things go all right.? Telos tried to stand up, but his balance wavered and his legs felt like a mustard jelly, all wobbly and on fire.

Sarevok caught hold of him and sat him back down on the ground. ?Are you sure you are up to this, brother? You did take quite a beating. I don?t think you are anywhere near healed, even with all the magic Jaheira poured upon you.?

?When has something like near death ever stopped you, huh?? Telos retorted, lips curling into a snarl.

?No need to get snippy, Telos.?

?Yes, he is just worried about your health. We all are,? Jaheira said with a slight laugh, trying to hide her concern.

Telos rolled his eyes in child-like frustration. ?Balthazar, you have anything to add, hmm? You might as well jump on the band-wagon and tell me how I?m endangering myself.?

?Look, brother, I do not question the strength of your will, but that of your body. I do think you can get us into the city, but once we are there, will you be able to go on? I believe it is possible that you could suddenly drop from exhaustion when least expected. Wisdom dictates that we at least wait until you are fully recovered.?
Telos forced himself to stand up, grimacing the entire way. After a few moments, and support from the wall behind him, the elf was standing under his own power.
Pure, unadulterated rage was evident in his eyes when he spoke. ?For my son, I would scour the Grey Wastes of Hades. For my son, I would march to the gates of the Nine Hells and back. I will free Valas or die trying. Nothing is going to stand in my way, not the Drow, not Lolth, and not you.?

Jaheira, Balthazar, and Sarevok looked around at each other nervously after the outburst. A dread silence hung about the small room like so many old spider webs.


The dwarf coughed an exaggerated cough, pulling the attention of the room?s occupants. The rest of the group had forgotten that Brassbeard was in the room with them, his deep gnome companion at his side. ?Well lad, if ye are ready to move, we have an appointment with death to make.? With that, the dwarf turned on his heels, and walked out of the room, followed closely by Gypsy Mum. Telos followed them with a limp.

?Hmmm. That dwarf makes you look like an optimist, Harper,? Sarevok said, attempting to lighten the mood. He smiled a little when Jaheira nodded her head in agreement and walked out.

***
Telos found Solaufein in the ?war room? of the cave. It was much larger than any other room in the complex, but its distinguishing feature was that this room was furnished. A large table made of iron wood varnished with a lustrous black lacquer dominated the middle of the room. Maps and diagrams were haphazardly strewn across the tabletop, written in a mishmash of different languages. Solaufein was studying a rather old map that was dominated by drawings of spider webs when Telos limped in.

?There you are, Telos. Are you ready to move out?? Solaufein asked.

Telos gritted his teeth a little when his head began to pound again. ?I am. You remember the plan??

?Of course. My men and I follow far behind you, invisible of course, and ready for an attack outside the gate. A handful of my men will follow you in, and take position. When I receive your signal, we strike at the guards, and force the gates open so as to feign a full-scale attack on the city. My men will be enchanted to resemble drow and humanoid slaves to give the impression that we are from Menzoberranzan. We will try to hold the gates for you, but failing that I will give you a signal or vice versa with this magical pendant, and my men and I will retreat. Sound familiar??

?Sounds like a plan to me,? Telos said a sly smile.

?Alright, Faraday, we are ready,? Jaheira said as she and Faraday?s brothers strode into the room.
?Good. And our tour guides?? Telos asked.

?We?re here, elf,? Brassbeard said, adding a pessimistic sigh at the end. Gypsy smacked the dwarf on the back of his head in reply.

?Okay. Everyone coming with me hold hands, and complete the ring by touching my robes, I?ll need my hands to be free. Alright, here we go.? Telos began to chant a rambling verse in draconic while weaving his hands in a spastic fashion. After a few moments, he stopped motioning with his hands, and grabbed the hands of Sarevok and Jaheira. When he took their hands, a shock of magical energy raced through the group, and a blinding white light flashed through the room.

When their sight recovered from the spell, the group was astonished by the transformation. The six members of disparate races looked like drow in every respect. They all were of about the same height, their hair white, their eyes varying shades of black, gray, or violet, and all were equipped with the arms and armor emblazoned with the symbol of house Jolsuuk. Only Telos was appreciably different, but that was because he was still bedecked in mage robes.

?Outstanding!? Solaufein said in appreciation. ?You look exactly how you looked in Ust Natha, Telos! Or should I say, Veldrin??

?And Veldrin it will be, for now.? Telos turned from the drow to the dwarf, to see the deep gnome happily sticking her tongue out at Brassbeard. Telos nonchalantly shrugged his shoulders at the raspberry then spoke. ?Hey, ah, Crondathor, is it? I studied several of the bodies that you helped us haul so that I could make us look like specific drow from the war party. We?ll be able to say that we were ambushed, but we were able to repel our attackers. This way we should get into the Ched Nasad without much trouble. I hope you appreciate your efforts a little more now.?

The dwarf pulled at his beard in contemplation, and was surprised to find it gone. ?Well now, lad. All this time I?ve been figuring ye for a loony, green-skinned, pansy tree-huggin? elf. But it seems ye got brains and some guts to boot. Too bad we?re still goin? to die.?

Telos gave Crondathor a sideways glance, then scratched at his pointed ears. ?Well, thanks for the vote of confidence. Who?s ready to go see if this gets us killed??

***
The group was very cautious on the march towards Ched Nasad. Jaheira led the way, followed closely by Telos, then Gypsy Mum and Crondathor, while Balthazar and Sarevok brought up the back of their group. Ten of Solaufein?s men were following directly behind them, moving in near silence and hidden by invisibility magic. The journey had so far been an uneventful one, much to Sarevok?s dismay.

Telos was walking along at a brisk pace now, forcing himself to ignore the pain by concentrating on future dangers. He was roused out of his planning when he felt a tug on his robe cuff.

It was Brassbeard. ?Gypsy wants to talk. Take this.? The dwarf slipped a small golden ring off his right hand and offered it to Telos. ?Put it on.?

Telos studied the piece of jewelry after removing one his own protective rings. The ring was a simple band of gold that was somewhat flattened at the top, giving the impression that the ring was crudely made, or forged in a hurry. Imprinted on this flattened area was emblem of a star. Telos could sense the divine magic the jewelry radiated when he slipped onto his right index finger.

*It?s the symbol of Callarduan Smoothhands, the main deity of my people,* a melodic, female voice said in his mind.

Telos spun around, trying to find the disembodied voice. When he saw the disguised svirfneblin giving him a quick and friendly wave, Telos slapped himself on the forehead. ?Telepathy, right?? he asked.

Gypsy moved up to the front of the party, slightly ahead of the elf. *Think what you wish to say,* Telos heard in his head. *People won?t think you?re crazy if we converse that way.*

Telos smiled. *Oh we?re all a little crazy, Gypsy Mum. So, Brassbeard said you wanted to talk?*

*Yes, I heard you yelling about your son earlier. Upon reflection, I believe that I need to ask you about this plan of yours.*

*Oh that. Hey, I understand if you are getting cold feet. I know how you must feel about this?*

*No. No you don?t, * Gypsy replied. *I was born in that?that place.* The svirfneblin shuddered so hard Telos thought she would hurt herself. *I was born a slave and I thought I would die a slave. To go back there now after so long seems like madness to me.*

*Then why agree to be our guide?*

*I thought your allies would harm us if we said no. You have indirectly shown that you have many ways of making us comply. I only picked the option that would prolong our lives the longest.*

Telos frowned upon hearing her explanation. *I?m sorry if you thought that. You can turn around and leave if you want. I?ll even teleport you back to Solaufein?s outpost if you wish.*

*No, we are going with you,* Gypsy said while shaking her head in refusal. *I know that separating a child from her parents is one of the worst things a child can ever experience. That you would apparently sacrifice your life for your child?s life shows me what kind of person you truly are. That your friends would throw their lives away to protect you shows what kind of people they are. I have misjudged all of you, and please accept my deepest apology.*

Telos smiled again. *You have no reason to apologize for anything. In hindsight, I have strong-armed you into this. I promise to protect you and Brassbeard with the same tenacity I will use to protect my friends and son. I know that may not mean a whole lot to you, but it?s the best I can offer.*


Telos was about to hand the ring back to the svirfneblin, but his curiosity got the best of him. *I hope you don?t mind me asking, but what kind of name is ?Gypsy Mum? anyway? It?s definitely not like any deep gnome name I?ve heard before.*

*It was policy in Ched Nasad to forbid the naming of children that were born to slaves. The Drow thought it made it easier to move their ?property? around. I was removed from my parents at a rather early age. Needless to say, I fled my oppressors as soon as I was able to.*

*When was that? * Telos interrupted.

*Brassbeard says it was ten winters ago, whatever that may be. I was with my master and a group of her underlings outside the confines of the city when Kuo-toa ambushed us. I had seen the fish-men hiding ahead of us, and I tried to warn my master about them. But I could not.*

*Because you wanted them to die? Rather fitting I?d say,* Telos said, interrupting again.

*I could not warn them effectively because my master had cut my tongue out of my mouth not long before that day. She was a priestess of the Spider Queen, and even the slightest perceived infraction was punished with the harshest cruelty. One day I stuck my tongue out her in a fit of anger, and she promptly cut it out.* Gypsy stuck out the phantasmal tongue that currently occupied her mouth, and poked at it with her finger. She sighed.

*I like to think Callarduan Smoothhands delivered me from misery that day, even though I soon became lost in the Underdark. I wandered around without direction for the longest time, not knowing what I might stumble into. I was very alone, very hungry, and very, very frightened.* Telos saw her sigh deeply again upon recalling her memories.

*I literally walked into Crondathor one day,? she continued. ?He said something to me, but I could not understand him. I couldn?t speak to him, and even if I could, I only knew Drow. I just stood there weeping, not knowing if he what he was going to do to me. He pulled out a scroll and chanted the spell inscribed upon it. I cried even harder when I could understand what he said next. ?Why are ye so mum, ye gypsy-lookin? albino wannabe? It?s not like I?m gonna kill ye.? I hugged him so hard that I passed out from exhaustion. He took me back to the svirfneblin encampment near Ched Nasad and helped nurse me back to health. To make a short story long, I eventually needed a name, and I thought that ?Gypsy Mum? sounded good.*

*Wow,* Telos said in total fascination. *What was the dwarf doing down here anyway?*

*He?s never told me directly. Something to do with a botched burglary, I believe. Whatever it was, it was bad enough to send him down in the Underdark. The svirfneblin encampment has adopted both of us into its ranks, so I finally have a family of sorts, and he has a place to stay.*

Telos was about to say something else when Jaheira turned around to talk at him.
?We?re getting close,? the druid said. Jaheira?s nose crinkled up when she spoke, as if she could smell the evil that emanated from the town.

Telos handed the ring back to Gypsy, and gave the order. ?Alright everyone, here we go.?

***
Ched Nasad was a city based inside a huge cavern. As such, there was only one way into the place; a giant front door made from adamantine that was covered in mystic runes and expensive jewels, set into a gigantic cavern wall. The gate was guarded by a very large contingent of drow warriors. Erthaonar, male of house Jolsuuk was at the head of the contingent, and he did not like the position he was in. Guard duty was boring, but that came with the territory. What he hated was that although the entire city was now on the edge of war with Menzoberranzan, the council of matrons would only put an extra fifty warriors outside the gate. This effectively made his men (and more importantly him) but a speed bump to slow down whatever massive army the City of Spiders cared to field against them.


Erthaonar?s countenance brightened when he saw the group of drow limping towards his position. If they were all Menzoberranzan had sent, he would be silently thrilled.

?Who dares approach the gates of Ched Nasad, City of Shimmering Webs?? Erthaonar bellowed at the incoming group.

The female in the lead yelled back. ?We are a scout party from House Jolsuuk! We were ambushed by Menzoberranzan troops!?

*Just great.* Erthaonar thought to himself. He tried to get a better look at the survivors as they approached the gate wardens. He finally recognized the female in the lead and the male in the back that seemed to be a bit taller than the rest. ?Not to draw your ire, Minkacha, but how did you manage to lose the eighteen other warriors in your party?? Erthaonar asked, his acerbic tongue getting the best of him.

Minkacha was apparently taken off guard by the question, her eyes going wide with surprise. A deep frown overtook her features when she replied. ?I don?t have to tell you anything, jaluk.?

Erthaonar rolled his eyes and thought to himself, *She led them into another ambush! How can our matron mother keep putting her at the head of the scouting parties?*

?I hardly need to tell you to get inside and report to our matron. The council must be warned if the Menzoberranzan armies are coming.?
As the group limped on by, Erthaonar pulled the last warrior in the group aside. ?Did she lead you into an ambush, Wodyrr??

?Of course she did,? Wodyrr replied. ?She has fewer survival instincts then a blinded Kuo-toa!?

Erthaonar flashed a smile. ?Well, make sure she doesn?t blame you for it, and get back here as soon as possible. We?re going to need all the swordsmen we can get out here.?

Wodyrr nodded and strode off in order to catch up with the group as they marched through the gate.

?Mark my words, men. Something bad is going to happen. I can feel it,? Erthaonar said as the giant doors shut behind the remnants of Minkacha?s scout party.

[Kaos]

The Further Adventures of Telos Faraday

Rating: PG-13

Chapter 7: City of Shimmering Webs

?I?d heard about it, but if I hadn?t seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn?t have believed it,? Telos said, in awe of his surroundings.

Ched Nasad was a unique Drow city. The City of Shimmering Webs was like other cities in that the lower level contained buildings hewn from existing stone or built from imported minerals. The upper level, however, set it apart from all others. The ?floor? of the upper level was a giant spider?s web made of solid stone, strong enough to hold the numerous buildings that had been constructed up there. The stone web contained some sort of mineral or gem that twinkled in the stray light emitted from the various torches and illumination spells throughout the city. The scene was awe-inspiring for the surfacers, and fear-inducing for the rest.

Jaheira spoke in hushed tones. ?I have heard that the web was cast in place by the Spider Queen herself, before she magically hardened it into stone for her debased subjects.?

?The structures are astounding,? Balthazar said. ?If this place was not a den of treachery and evil, I would say that this city was a work of art.?

?Can we get a move on, lads, we?re sittin? ducks right here,? Brassbeard whispered.

?Alright then, enough with the astonishment, boys and girls,? Telos whispered in kind. Telos slinked towards the shadows of a nearby alley, motioning for the group to follow him. Once everyone was concealed in the relative safety of the alleyway, the elf spoke again. ?Gypsy, you?ll take point, followed by Jaheira. The rest of us will trail behind you.?

Jaheira cocked her head to one side and gave Telos a questioning glance. ?And where is this beholder?s friend we are supposed to find? This place is much larger than I imagined it would be.?

?And??
?And? I do not trust the beholder.?
?If Solaufein vouched for Tobolux?s character, that?s good enough for me.?

?Whether or not we can trust the beholder does not matter. It is whether or not his friend will give us away that we should worry about,? Sarevok interjected. ?Who?s to say it won?t panic when we tell it who we are, or that it won?t betray us out right? We?ll be surrounded by hostile drow and have nowhere to go.?

?Well then, we?ll just have to lure him to us with some bait, won?t we?? Telos said in reply, looking in the dwarf?s direction.

?Ah yes, sacrifice the man ye just met. I?ve seen yer kind before, elf,? Brassbeard said, his face contorting in disgust. Gypsy walked up to Brassbeard, and smacked him upside the head.

?Gypsy wants to know where to go,? the dwarf said while rubbing his sore cranium.

?The beholder said his friend should be somewhere rather public, like a pub or one of the Fighter?s Societies. Hopefully we?ll find it near one of those places,? Telos explained.

?What?s the friend look like?? Balthazar asked while scanning around to see if any other drow were close.

?Tobolux said we?ll know when see him, whatever that means,? Telos answered.

?Brother, come here and look,? Balthazar said, motioning to Telos.

The elf crept towards the monk, then looked out of the alleyway. ?What is it, B??

Telos looked around at the drow on the streets. There were hundreds of drow tromping around the thoroughfare in full battle gear, and just as many slaves that were armed to the teeth. Behind the slaves stood drow company commanders, whipping anyone who didn?t follow orders and some who did.
Telos whistled.

?Exactly what I thought,? Balthazar said.

?Well, I said this wouldn?t be easy? or I at least implied it,? Telos said with an uncharacteristic frown. ?Gypsy, take us to the closest pub or Fighter?s Society, via as many alleys as possible.?

Gypsy nodded. The group formed a two-by-two box formation with Gypsy and Jaheira in the lead. They then marched out in step with one another onto the street, hoping not to draw unneeded attention while moving towards the next alleyway.

***
House Di?Dgttu


?Where have you been?? Umrae said, baring her teeth at her daughter in rage.

?I am sorry, Matron Mother,? Shyntal said, dropping to one knee. ?It took too long to find my miserable brother.? Shyntal turned her head so she could stare daggers at Rauvjss.

?I am sorry, Matron Mother! If I had been called earlier, I would have been here sooner! I was? indisposed when Shyntal came to look for me!?

?You were pleasuring a jalil from House Melam! That is no excuse!? Shyntal yelled.

?QUIET!? Umrae bellowed. ?You will both be suitably punished later. The time is nearly at hand for the final wards and spells to be placed on the child, and my plan has not yet been enacted. Even now, the majority of the city is moving to the great temple to watch. Shyntal, have our mages created the clothing??

?Yes, Matron. I checked that before heading out to find this stinking piece of drider fodder.?

?Excellent. Now, Rauvjss, this next part is the crux of my strategy, and you shall accompany your sister with a small contingent from our house. None must suspect our intentions, so do not take many extra warriors with you. I will brook no failure in any form. Is this understood?? Umrae said, her eyes fixed upon the male.

Rauvjss swallowed hard. ?Command me, Matron, and it shall be done.?

?Go forth and round up at least a dozen warriors of a low house, and take the surcoats to them. Order them to put them on, then return to me. Am I understood??

?Yes, Matron,? the brother and sister said in unison.

?Matron, does it matter which lower house we cull men from?? Rauvjss asked.

?The lower the better,? Umrae answered.

?Then I know just the jaluks to get,? Rauvjss said, an evil smile creeping over his face.

***
Near the Male Fighter?s Society

?We?re going in, get ready,? Jaheira said softly. Balthazar grabbed Jaheira?s shoulder, then pointed ahead.

Everyone followed Balthazar?s finger and looked down the walk. Nearly fifty feet down the street was a beholder. The monster was floating fast in their direction, but hadn?t noticed them yet.

?Could that be??? Jaheira asked.

?We?ll just have to see,? Telos answered. ?Everyone, into the alley behind us.?

The group hurried into the darkened alleyway. With a quick wave of his hands and a few arcane words the dwarf disappeared from sight.
?Okay, Crondathor, it is imperative that you stay out of the gaze of its center eye. Get behind it, force it to shut its main eye, and bring it this way. If it gives you any resistance, drive your sword in its back and run.?

?Shut yer word-hole, tree-hugger! I know how to get the drop on people and plant blades in their backsides. I do this stuff for a livin?, ye know,? Brassbeard said. The group heard a few footsteps, then silence when the dwarf moved out towards the objective.

In the alley, Telos motioned for his compatriots to get back further in the shadows. A few heart-racing moments later, they could hear the creature yelping as it came their way.
?Ouch! Stop poking me, drow! I?ve never done anything to you before! Contractually, I can?t do anything to anyone here!?

?Contractually, I don?t give a damn!? Brassbeard remarked. The dwarf winked back into vision when his poking drew a tiny bit of the creature?s blood.

*That voice?* Telos began to wonder. ?Bring it here!? the elf said to Brassbeard.

The dwarf grumbled something under his breath as he prodded the beholder further into the alleyway. ?Now what, oh high and mighty leader?? Brassbeard said when he and the monster were both concealed in the shadows of the alley.

?Now, we get directions from our friend here.?
?Friend? I?m sorry, drow, but I?m not your friend. You know you can?t do this to me. I?m under contract with House Nasadra, and if you even think of injuring me anymore, or kidnapping me, it will be your head,? the beholder said.

Telos moved right in front of the monster?s shut central eye. ?Oh, but we go waaaay back, don?t we? Spectator??

The beholder opened his center eye in surprise, nullifying the effect of Telos? spell. Spectator?s central eye opened further in shock. Telos smiled as the beholder quickly opened and shut his center eye, suppressing, then releasing Telos? spell for a quick back-and-forth comparison of drow mage versus the green-skinned elven wizard. Finally, Spectator kept his main eye closed, then spoke in awe. ?Well? I?ll be a drider?s uncle! I never thought I?d see you again after Sendai?s fortress, Telo??

?SHHH!? Telos said, putting his hand on Spectator?s large and toothy maw. ?Call me Veldrin. You must be Tobulux?s acquaintance.?

?You ran into Tobulux? Last I heard from him, his hive was about to exile him for ?un-beholder-like conduct.??

?Which means??

?He?s not evil enough for them. So, what are you doing here in the City of Shimmering Webs??

Telos? face became deathly serious. ?The Menzoberranzans stole my son from me, then the Nasadrans stole my son from them. Have you heard anything about a male drow child with red hair like mine??

Spectator grimaced. ?Oooooh. That?s your son? I?m sorry, ah, Veldrin, but ah?House Nasadra is about to finish the spells that will bind him to their house and to the city. It?s a big public event, and I would have gone there if A) I had been ordered to be there, and if my ?danger sense? hadn?t been going off like an over-enthusiastic matriarch flagellating her slaves.?

?Danger sense?? Jaheira asked.

?Lady, you don?t stay alive along as I have without developing something that tells you, ?You?re going to die if you do that.? You must be what I was anticipating,? Spectator replied with a toothy grin.

?Where are they binding him?? Telos asked, his voice heavy with worry and apprehension.
?I?ll show you? if your friend would get his sword out of my back.?
?Aye, but keep in mind that I?ll be watching ye from behind,? Brassbeard said, then gave Spectator one last jab.

The beholder turned around in place, then floated towards the street. The group walked behind him with hurried glances searching for other drow that might take notice.

?Up there,? Spectator said, pointing all of his eyestalks at a huge building situated upon the stone webbing that served as the second tier of the city. ?It?s the Temple of Lolth. You?re going to have one hell of a time trying to get in and out of there alive.?

?I think we?ve walked into less favorable circumstances before,? Telos said in reply.
?The demon cult in Ulgoth?s Beard was much more favorable than this,? Jaheira said.
?Yaga Shura?s campsite was much more favorable,? Sarevok said.
?The Throne of Bhaal was more favorable than this,? Balthazar said.
?Ust Natha was more favorable than?? Jaheira started.
?Okay, I get it guys! And the Throne of Bhaal was not more favorable than this, B,? Telos answered. ?Gypsy, show us the way up there.?


?You there! Warriors of House Jolsuuk! Come here at once!? a voice rang out.
?Uh-oh! Got to go, Veldrin. I want to be as ready as possible to get out of here when you start tearing this place up,? Spectator whispered before floating away in near panic.

***

Rauvjss was delighted when he spotted the male warrior. He drew his sword instinctively to point them out. ?There they are, sister! The taller one was the guard that tried to block my way back into the city when I carried the child! It is only right that I have my revenge upon him!? The four other warriors that were following fanned out behind the siblings, positioning themselves to strike if the order was given.

?Shut your mouth, Rauvjss! They are only six in number, and the Matron wanted at least twelve!? Shyntal hissed.

?The only other place to find more of their house would be at the gates, or House Jolsuuk itself. We will have to make do, Shyntal.? Rauvjss glanced back at the group of drow. ?Why are they talking to that spectator beholder? I thought it worked for House Nasadra??

?That?s not our concern?but just in case, let us call them to us. And do not provoke them, Rauvjss.? Shyntal then called out to the lesser drow. ?You there! Warriors of House Jolsuuk! Come here at once!?

At the sound of Shyntal?s voice, the beholder sped off, leaving the group alone. The drow of House Jolsuuk ambled forward with their hands on the hilts of their weapons. Shyntal took note of the all the glances the Jolsuuks exchanged with one another. Finally, one of the two females came forward to speak.

?Yes, jalil, what do you want?? The tone of voice was guarded, though somewhat angry.

?I am no jalil, wael. I am Shyntal of House Di?Dgttu, which makes me your superior in every way. You will do as I say and go to the apothecary. We will follow behind you, understood? Go now.?

Shyntal was ready to pounce upon the first one to offer resistance, but she need not have worried. The other Jolsuuk female walked forward quietly, and the rest of her group followed without words of protest.

***

It was a quick, yet trying jaunt from the first to second floors. The group of mixed houses drew suspicious glances and whispers from other drow in the streets. A fast, evil look from Shyntal was all it usually took to silence the rumormongers and shy away onlookers. The drow made their way through the crowded streets and up the great stairs that led to the second level. The stairs, painstakingly carved from the walls of the cavern, were full of drow progressing towards the great temple of Lolth that dominated the web-stoned second floor. Her warriors had been smart enough to put their swords away while they marched up the stairway, and had not drawn them again until they were well away from the temple and its House Nasadra guards. Shyntal ushered the drow into a back room of the apothecary, conveniently owned by House Di?Dgttu, and ordered her warriors to guard the outside door against intruders.
With the preparations made, she turned to drow the from House Jolsuuk.

?I command you to don these surcoats,? Shyntal said.
One of the Jolsuuk female?s head tilted to one side in response. ?Why do we need to put these on??

?Because she told you to, wench!? Rauvjss countered.

The mage of the group eagerly took the surcoat, and waved his hand over it.
?I detect a faint magical aura,? the Jolsuuk mage said.

?You will shut up, mage!? Rauvjss ordered.

?Why, looky here,? the mage said with a slight smile. ?There?s some illusion magic on these, and look! The magic hides the mark of House Baenre of Menzoberranzan! And what?s this? Enchantment magic? compulsion. I wonder what you could do with these on??

Rauvjss drew his sword, but Shyntal threw up her hand to stop him.
?You?you are not from House Jolsuuk.? Something clicked in her mind. *The spectator beholder!* ?You are from House Nasadra!? Shyntal said in accusation.

?Wrong,? the mage said. With a quick flick of the wrists, the mage and his party?s appearance changed. They looked rather different then before, their heights were varied, the arms and armor had different flourishes to them, and all of them wore the mark of House Baenre.

?You have two choices?? the mage began.
?One, you yell and we kill you in a very painful fashion?? the lead female with a triumphant smile.
?Or two, we bind and gag you, and we let your matron do our dirty work for us,? the mage finished.

Shyntal looked at Rauvjss. He was still very angry, but there was now an underlying fear in his eyes. Shyntal thought it over in her mind. *A swift death, or the possibility of a slow death?*

?Bind us.?

?Don?t be a fool, Shyntal! They will just kill us when we are defenseless!? Rauvjss hissed.

?Do as I say, Rauvjss, or I will kill you myself.?

?You are a wael to trust them!?

?And you are a wael to miss an opportunity to save your pathetic life.?
Rauvjss bit his lip in anger, then slowly put his weapon on the ground.

***

Sarevok moved forward towards Rauvjss, a length of rope in his hand. He was not surprised when the male drow drew forth a concealed dagger and lunged at him. Sarevok caught Rauvjss? hand, and unleashed a haymaker square into the drow?s face, causing the male to crumple to the ground and lose consciousness. It was just the distraction the female drow needed to bolt out of the room, into the storefront, and out of the building.

?What do we do?? Brassbeard asked with an unusual amount of worry in his voice.

Telos waved his hands, inducing his magic to change everyone into their Jolsuuk disguises. ?We get to the temple as fast as possible. Gypsy, if you would be so kind to take us there.? The deep gnome gave a quick bob of her head, then followed in Shyntal?s tracks.

*This is it, Telos. The time is at hand to get your son back and kick some ass. DO NOT screw it up,* he thought.