Part 20

After their near conflict in the middle of the inn, things had gone far better than Avress had ever expected. Most of that had to do with Keldorn taking Anomen aside to speak further of what was happening. Avress was grateful for the paladin's understanding of the situation with the younger knight. Sadly, Jaheira was not at all understanding. Instead, the druid seemed to grow more uneasy and impatient. Avress was beginning to worry that the lack of support during her conversation with Anomen meant Jaheira had not fully given up on her matchmaking efforts. Of course, Avress suspected that in the druid's eyes an ogre in her bed would be better than Sarevok.

Giving the excuse of wanting to rest before the dinner with Balthazar, Avress had retreated to the rooms she had rented from the innkeeper. Keldorn had chosen to remain in Anomen's company but Jaheira, Viconia and Sarevok had followed her lead and excused themselves. Cowardly though it was, Avress had spent the next few hours attending to minor tasks inside the safety of her room. With the hour now drawing close to dusk, Avress began her preparations for the dinner with Balthazar.

The first thing she had done was meditate. That helped to calm her tangled emotions and to replenish her spells. Once she had found her equilibrium, she had to decide on what to wear. She wasn't exactly sure what etiquette demanded for a dinner that was probably a prelude to murder. She had no desire to surrender maneuverability and protection for fashion when she expected danger. Not that she really had much in the way of wardrobe choices. Finally, Avress discarded the idea of wearing anything but her normal adventuring attire. Still smarting from their near defeat at the hands of the young dragon, she had already told the others to wear their armor. Any effort she might have made to pretend she didn't expect a trap, was not only foolish but rather futile.

Body aching from the many miles she'd traversed earlier, Avress decided to visit the bathing room. According to Viconia, the room was barely adequate. Avress translated this to mean that the inn boasted a modest arrangement to cater for their guests hygiene. To be honest, Avress had expected far less but guessed that the inn's facilities doubled as a public baths for the village. Even it the only service offered had been a copper cauldron, she would have accepted gratefully.

Avress quickly changed into a comfortable shift of soft cotton. Her protective items and weapons were removed with the exception of the dagger strapped to her forearm. With times as troubled as they were, Avress couldn't leave herself unarmed. Even with the comforting presence of the dagger, she felt terribly naked without her bracers, rings and amulet.

Just as she moved to go through the door, another body immerged from the shadows and collided with hers. Caught unawares, her elven dexterity failed her and Avress was about to make acquaintance with the floor. Before she toppled, hands grasped her and prevented her fall.

"Really, child, you must pay more attention to your surroundings," Jaheira cautioned.

"Sorry, I didn't hear you knock," Avress replied, flushing at the clumsiness she hadn't exhibited since childhood.

"Well, I suppose it is partly my fault as I didn't knock. Avress, please I must speak with you. I know you do not wish to hear me on this matter but I cannot hold my tongue any longer."

Her mentor's words sounded far too similar to those the druid had used to begin a lecture in the past but Avress nodded and ushered Jaheira in. A profound sense of weariness weighed her heart down. She did not want to argue with Jaheira. Sadly, the confrontation would not be delayed further. Avress could already feel what peace she'd managed to find in meditation evaporate. Her stomach began to knot in defensive anger. Strangely, Jaheira's face was not as solemn as she had expected.

"I have recently argued against many of the choices you have made," Jaheira began. "This bothers you, I know."

"Yes, we have argued more than we usually do," Avress agreed softly.

"Present circumstances have pushed us all to the limit. I fear what is in the future. I wanted you to be free of the prophecies of Alaundo... but I now can admit I was wrong to think you would not be pushed into these events."

"It is not your fault, Jaheira," Avress spoke up hearing the tones of guilt in the druid's voice. "If I had a choice..."

"Well, we do not. We must deal with things as they are," Jaheira said decisively. "That is wisdom not just for you but also for me. I will say it plainly, Avress. I do not know why you have chosen Sarevok as your bedmate but I cannot say that I haven't seen the fascination that exists between you."

"It was not planned," Avress said with a tinge of embarrassment. "I had not even considered it as a possibility before it happened."

"You know what I think about Sarevok. Even if Keldorn is right, I cannot bring myself to trust him. I suspect this will end badly but when you make a choice you defend it with your all. Arguing further with you will do no good."

"So you have said, but it is me who is bedding him, not you."

"Hmpf. You are perceptive in many things but you show a willful blindness to the affairs of the heart. That poor boy, Anomen, never had a chance, did he?" Jaheira sighed.

"Anomen does not want me as I truly am. He would kill us both trying to change me. Please, do not try to foist him upon me!"

"No, I was foolish to hope you might return his affection," Jaheira admitted reluctantly. "You have guarded your heart so well. Have you ever had a true lover before now, Avress? I know about the prostitutes you and Viconia visited when we were in Ust Natha."

Her guardian's words bit deep. Avress had to resist the urge to squirm in embarrassment. She had done things without a soul that she would probably not have done otherwise. That said, Avress had not regretted them and she refused to be ashamed. The erotic education she'd received in Ust Natha bothered her far less than the lack of mercy she'd shown in the drow arenas. Did Jaheira truly think her so cold? She had purposefully distanced herself from romantic attachments but it was for the best. Jaheira's disappointment hurt more than Avress liked.

"I suspected you might have known. Discretion was the last thing on my mind. As for your question; yes, but we were not in love. We respected each other and while I cared for him I did not love him," Avress admitted finally.

"I wish you had let yourself love, child. These cold hearted affairs you partake in sadden me," Jaheira replied softly.

Jaheira was condemning her for something she never had been in a position to have. It was not as if her life had allowed her to fall in love. This was something she had been very thankful for after seeing Jaheira weep over the brutalized body of her dead husband. Then there was the lack of acceptable suitors. Few men remained in her company long enough for her to consider them as possible lovers. Those that did... well she adored Minsc but he was too much of an overgrown child for her to think of in romantic terms. Keldorn was married and was something of a father figure. Was it any surprise that her few past lovers had been casual?

"Do you really think me so cold?" Avress asked plaintively, speaking the fears that plagued her mind.

"Child, no. You have a great capacity to feel and love. What I do not understand is why you have cut out that particular part of your life. There is so much more."

"Jaheira I have always envied your love for Khalid but that is not something I can allow for myself now. There is too much danger and I do not even know if I will survive whatever fate is dragging me into."

"You are right about the danger, I will give you that, but you shouldn't make such decisions out of fear. There is risk in loving but, Avress, it is worth it. Khalid's death hurt me deeply and it still hurts but I would take that hurt a thousand times for the time we had together."

"I don't doubt that," Avress replied softly. "One day... maybe I can allow myself to find the love you had."

"You expect your heart to abide by logic and sense," Jaheira growled with gruff fondness.

"What are you saying Jaheira?" Avress asked with growing confusion.

"Only... only that I regret that you have never had a chance to live your life without fear."

"Jaheira, it sounds as if you do not think we will survive this," Avress replied with sudden apprehension.

"No, that is not what I meant. Forgive me, child. I fear that nothing I have said has been what I truly mean. Perhaps later we can speak again."

Puzzled, Avress watched as Jaheira leave the room. Their discussion was like nothing she had expected. She had expected Jaheira to admonish her for her choices. Instead... well, Avress wasn't sure what Jaheira had wanted. All she knew was that the conversation had left her with more questions than before. Avress was also left feeling abashed at her own uncharitable thoughts directed towards Jaheira.

Thing seemed to be happening all too quickly. Avress knew she was struggling to keep up with everything that was being thrown at her. She had controlled the taint and that was no small feat. Yet, she had completely misjudged her oldest friend. Was her insight truly so out of kilter? She hoped not. Avress had enough conflict in her life without manufacturing it herself or seeing it where it didn't exist. Pulling at her hair in frustration, Avress resolved to think it over as she soaked.

Keldorn's sympathetic gaze met hers. Jaheira sighed and swallowed yet another gulp of the inn's homebrew. It was surprisingly good, particularly given what the shabby interior of the inn might have suggested. There had been more familiar things offered but she had ordered the inn's brew in memory of Khalid. He had always made a point of ordering local brews. He had tasted brews from inns up and down the Sword Coast and even farther a field. Her talk with Avress had stirred up her memories and now she sought to assuage them.

"I am surprised to see that Anomen isn't here," Jaheira began.

"He decided it was best to see to his reports."

"I assume you have told him only what needed to be said?"

The two adventurers shared a long look. Despite their allegiance to their respective organizations, they both shared the same desire to protect Avress. Over and over the young elf had proven herself stronger than the heritage that would have her hunted and condemned. When fate would not be lightly thwarted, she seemed to be the best hope for at least containing the chaos the Children would create. This was something both of them were sworn to ensure. To this end she and Keldorn kept distance between the bodies they represented and their charge, when they had realized that interference from either the Harpers or Order would only be detrimental, no matter how well intentioned.

"And how is the lady in question?" Keldorn asked.

"Obstinate and proud as always," Jaheira replied with a chuckle. "She holds fate in the palm of her hand, my friend, and yet she has barely had a chance to live."

"They are all children to us, even Viconia who is our senior by several centuries. Or perhaps we are becoming the crotchety, pompous, hidebound elders we so resented as youngsters."

"Perhaps..." Jaheira sighed and then shook her head. "I worry, Keldorn. She has cut herself off, as if she can deny her heart by sheer will. Sadly she has been successful so far. Oh Keldorn, I wish she had allowed herself to find love."

"I assume you speak of the Delryn boy?"

"I do in part but I also speak of the others that would have offered their hearts had she but seen."

"Ah. Well, I have learnt there is no guessing the ways of a woman's heart."

"You are not as blind as you pretend, Keldorn."

"I'm sure Maria would tell you otherwise," Keldorn chuckled. "Love comes in many forms as for as long as our charge still loves in some form, I have no doubt she will find the kind love you so want for her. Thus, my dear druid, I still have hope."

"Hope? When she insists in consorting-! Well, I doubt she will be able to find love while involved with Sarevok," Jaheira grumbled.

"Jaheira, did you no say that the heart has a will of its own?" Keldorn said and the change in the druid was immediate. Her spine stiffened and her face blanked.

"Keldorn! You can not be suggesting that-,"

"I suggest nothing. I am simply saying that you underestimate the young man in question."

"He is a monster! I have not divined what it is he hopes to gain but I cannot think he has no agenda."

"Perhaps at first he intended us, or perhaps more specifically Avress, ill but I do not think so now."

"You speak in riddles, Paladin! If you have seen something then tell me plainly," Jaheira hissed angrily, forcing herself not to shout.

Keldorn sighed. How could he put into words what Torm had shown him? Or even what he had learned from his conversations with Sarevok. He knew that Jaheira was aware of the time he had spent with the younger man. Their conversations while they were on watch were hardly secret. Did it really surprise her that he could see more in Sarevok than the shadow of what he had once been? Even the most vile of being's soul was a vastly complicated thing, in which existed many shades of gray. The years he had spent with the Order only convinced him of that, although many of his colleagues would disagree violently. Jaheira believed in balance but she did not have the insight into the souls of others that he did. Explaining what he had seen would be like explaining colors to a blind man.

What he had seen in Sarevok had intrigued him. By his own admission, Sarevok had given in to the taint's demands at an early age. Unlike Avress who had forcibly transformed the taint into a reflection of her will, in Sarevok the taint remained unchanged and thus the last echo of Bhaal's spirit. In some ways, Keldorn doubted that Sarevok had been given many choices on how to live his life both before and after he'd been consumed by the taint. Sarevok was now a man who had both his life and destiny returned to him.

He would not delude himself into thinking Sarevok wished for redemption... at least not as it was commonly defined. Keldorn simply knew that Sarevok was successfully fighting his battle against his past. Evil have as great a dominion over his soul as it had before. Keldorn had also seen how both Sarevok and Avress were drawn to each other. That Jaheira thought their liaison lacked anything deeper than shared desire surprised him. The druid was usually very astute. He suspected that she was desperately trying to deny what she already knew.

"Jaheira have you considered that one of the reasons you are so concerned is because you have already realized this?"

"You are mistaken. They have a history of conflict and it is most likely that they have simply channeled one passion into another."

"No," the paladin interrupted gently. "This is no case of acting on simple physical desire. I admit that while I did not witness the events surrounding what happened in Baldur's Gate, I wager that was a case of misplaced passion."

"Damn it, Keldorn!" Jaheira cried. "How dare you trivialize what happened!"

"I apologize, Jaheira. I know that you lost friends during that time but that wasn't what I meant. Their conflict was very real as were the losses. I simply meant that there was perhaps more to what happened, than what was originally apparent. We both saw what the Solar revealed about Avress and Sarevok's past. Even at that young an age, fate started something between them. At first it was shadowed by hate and jealousy. Now, there is the opportunity for it to develop into what I believe it should have been all along."

"How can you be so calm! Would you be so calm if it was your own daughter?"

"You know I care deeply for Avress. In many ways I look upon her as a daughter. While I respect the changes Sarevok has made to better himself, I admit he is not the lover I would have chosen for Avress."

"You agree with me! Then how can you say nothing if what you say is true?"

"Because I must. I... we cannot make those choices for Avress and I cannot deny what I see. I learnt that the hard way with my eldest."

"Then we are no better off than when we began. If anything, I find myself less comforted. I asked her why she would not open herself to a lover. Now, I see I am a hypocrite because I dearly wish she hadn't. Oh Keldorn! Why couldn't he have been like the rest?" Jaheira grumbled in defeat.

"Do you really think either of them would have settled for that?" Keldorn sighed.

He had never desired to kill more than when he looked into the gray eyes of that foolish priest of Helm.

Unlike his fellow Order member, Keldorn, that cleric represented everything Sarevok hated about knightly orders. In his experience they were made up of self-important fools who hid behind a mask of piety and virtue. The pompous vitriol spewing from the man's mouth infuriated him almost beyond bearing. Sarevok snorted and clenched his fists. To just sink back into the familiar darkness of heart and soul that would applaud as he slowly eviscerated the cleric, was very appealing.

Despite his views of paladins and clergy in general, Sarevok had found himself beginning to respect the paladin that followed Avress. The older man had sought him out several times during the long watches of the night. At first Sarevok had responded to Keldorn's overtures with barbs and bile. All of Sarevok's harsh retorts had done nothing to drive away either the paladin or his words. When Keldorn had not condemned or disparaged him much to his surprise. Sarevok found his harsh words slowly dwindle to nothing as he began to respect the older man. To Sarevok, Keldorn was the exception that proved the rule. His ensuing fireside conversations with Keldorn had done much to help solidify the changes that had begun during his time in the abyss. Now he owed the man another debt. Had it not been for Keldorn, things between the cleric and himself would have escalated all too easily to true violence.

As they had wandered Amkethran, Sarevok had become aware of a growing unease that did not belong to him. Eventually it had grown into a niggling suspicion that he should find Avress. It had not been the intense draw that he'd felt at the oasis but Sarevok had not fought it. When the sensation strengthened, he had entered the inn expecting the object of his concern to be engaged in some kind of battle.

He supposed that in a way she had been. Incensed by the clear distress he could feel radiating from Avress he had gone to her side. That perhaps hadn't been the wisest of moves. How Sarevok would have loved to have torn the smirk from the cleric's face. Even now, Sarevok could not even think that fool's name without trembling in anger.

To his credit, the cleric had managed to land a few verbal blows. Of course that cleric had no idea of how deeply those verbal blows had cut. Sarevok felt no regret for having found a way back to life. Indeed, he considered it his greatest accomplishment. Nor was he surprised that his past had been thrown in his face. Having his place by Avress' side questioned, now that had drawn blood. Avress had always been his weakness. That he knew since she had unraveled his plans for ascension but now that weakness had morphed into a new and as yet untested form.

"Fool," Sarevok growled to himself.

Indeed he was a fool! He'd protested against being her lapdog but it seemed he was thrusting himself into the role. It was undeniable that they were connected, even before she had returned him to life with a fragment of her soul and taint. From the beginning fate had tied them together but they had done the rest. He had made his own choices. It was time that he stopped running from that.

When Sarevok had felt her call at the oasis, it had been his choice to heed it. He could have ignored it or chosen not to bed her. The truth was that he had wanted her. Maybe he had not admitted it to himself when he'd first seen her at Candlekeep but Sarevok knew that now. It was also plain to him that Avress had come to desire him too. The call and the desire within it had come from her after all. Having admitted that to himself, all that remained was to decide what he wished to do about it...

It was a very tense moment when the guards at the monastery encircled them to escort them into the stone building hewn out of the cliff side. The tension only grew, as stout, metal reinforced, gates closed behind them. Avress repressed the shudder of unease as they moved through the eerily silent halls. Had things been different, Avress might have found the cool halls restful. Sadly, she was all too aware that if the dinner invitation was a trap then it was a trap that was growing ever more difficult to escape from. From the sober faces of her companions, she knew that they had realized that as well.

Ahead of them was yet another set of doors. Unlike the others, they were intricately carved with symbols and scenes of worship. For all their ornamental value, they were no less strong than the outer doors. From behind them was the taint that had drawn Avress' attention from outside of the city. The guards moved forward and swung the gates open. Avress wondered if they would follow them into the hall but they simply closed the door behind them. Whether this was a good sign or not, she could not guess.

Dark with shadows, the pillared hall obscured the three forms at the opposite end. At a subdued and wary pace, they moved forward. Behind Avress, Keldorn and Sarevok moved up to flank her. Should they be greeted by battle, she could slip behind them for protection. With eyes and minds alert for any threat they moved forward.

Standing upright with enviable grace was a slender man garbed in a tan and cream habit. The man's aura of command naturally drew the gazes of others but Avress found her eyes locked on the two figures that flanked the monk. Their presence sent a piercing sliver of terror through Avress.

"Imoen."

Her harsh gasp echoed through the hall. A thousand possible scenarios flew through her mind as she stared at the pink haired mage and the large berserker. Horror knotted her belly. Had they been ambushed somehow? Had her attempt to send them to Atkathla failed? The urge to somehow grab Minsc and Imoen and flee from the suspected danger, filled Avress. Her sorcery leapt within her in response and she struggled not to strike out with it. From behind her, Avress felt Jaheira's hand find her shoulder. The panic that had been building slowly trickled away. She could not afford to act rashly. Avress silently drew strength from her guardian's support and studied Imoen more closely. Avress was astonished to find her eyes sparkling with mischief and joy. Her heart jumped to see such light restorted to her sister. There was yet a lingering sadness in those familiar eyes but it was a mere shadow of what it had been.

"Greetings Avress of Candlekeep. You sister has spoken to me of you."

At the stranger's words, Avress realized she had been foolish to ignore the other man. No matter how much her instincts were screaming at her to protect her sister, there were other matters that required her attention or they might not survive at all. There was a touch of disdain in Balthazar's voice that set her hackles rising. His impassive, almost dismissive gaze was yet another reminded of how dangerous the situation was. Avress nodded respectfully in greeting. She would not be the one that allowed the current situation to come to blows.

"I assume you are Balthazar?"

"Indeed. I am sure you have wondered why I extended you this invitation? Perhaps you have even considered it a ploy to trap you. It is not. Instead, consider it my way of evaluating you."

"Evaluate me?" Avress replied with a touch of frost at his blunt admission.

"Perhaps I should have said it was a way of satisfying my curiosity," Balthazar replied. "I believe the first was the most honest, however."

"You'll find that I disliked being... evaluated. Is that why Imoen is here? As hostage to ensure I cooperate?"

"Hostage?" Balthazar paused for a moment in consideration. "No, I assure you that was not what I intended. Perhaps I should let you have a moment with her to sooth your fears. I am sure she will explain why I have called you here. I would offer you an explanation myself but I suspect you would not believe it."

The man bowed and then vanished from sight with amazing alacrity. Somewhat suspicious that he would leave so willingly, she focused on the presence of his taint. When his presence receded somewhat, Avress knew he had left the room. Hesitantly, she turned towards Imoen. Her desire to protect her friends and family was at the forefront in her mind but so was uncertainty. They had not parted ways on the best of terms and Avress was now concerned with what Balthazar might have done to Imoen. While Minsc did not seem concerned, Avress was not fully reassured.

"Avress!" Imoen said as she rushed forward.

Half expecting a blow, Avress nearly jumped as Imoen enfolded her in an embrace. Unable to help herself, Avress returned the hug, her eyes blurring with tears. Finally her sister pulled back, and began to greet the others. Minsc followed suit after near crushing Avress in an over exuberant bear-hug. To Avress' surprise, Imoen even nodded albeit a little stiffly towards Sarevok.

"Imoen, how- what-," Avress sputtered.

"Friends are reuninted, who cares for what or how!" Minsc cried out with his usual enthusiasm.

"Oh Avress, I know you're worried but everything is fine. Or at least better than it was, I swear!" Imoen assured in a rush. "So much has happened since we arrived here but Balthazar has helped me a lot!"

"Balthazar?" Avress repeated with concern.

"I'm so sorry, Avress. I didn't understand at first but you were right to send me here," Imoen continued.

"Send you here!" Avress gasped. "Wait, this is the monastery Keldorn recommended!"

"Y-you didn't know! That certainly explains why you looked so shocked when you saw me!" Imoen giggled.

"Imoen, please, can you start at the beginning?" Jaheira broke in.

"Yeah, I guess I'm not making sense."

In an explanation that was only slightly convoluted, Imoen regaled them with how she and Minsc had teleported from Atkathla to the monastery and how surprised they had been when they met Balthazar. Avress wasn't sure what to think of how the other Bhaalspawn had taken Imoen under his wing. Apparently he was to thank for Imoen's recovery but Avress couldn't help but remain suspicious. Imoen had left her side vulnerable and in a state that would render her highly suggestible. Balthazar could easily have taken advantage, although Avress was not certain what his intentions were. His link to the Five could not be ignored and what Keldorn had said was going on in the town, suggested his motives were not precisely benevolent. Nor had she liked the idea of being 'evaluated'. Avress had had enough of that first with Irenicus and most recently from General Tombelthen.

When Imoen finished her explanation of how she came to be in the monastery, and the fond greetings wound down, Balthazar reappeared with an entrance so perfectly timed, Avress guessed her had somehow been listening in. This did nothing to endear her to him but from his expression, that seemed to be the last thing he was concerned with. Avress also better understood why he had been willing to leave her alone with Imoen. With her sister so assured of Balthazar's good intentions, there was little Avress say that would convince Imoen otherwise. Nor could she escape unless she wished to do so without her sister. Even if Balthazar had not intended to use Imoen to insure her good behavior, he may as well have. Avress would not risk raising her hand against Balthazar while she was there.

"I thank you for helping my sister, Balthazar," Avress spoke, choosing the diplomatic approach but privately well aware of the bitterness behind those words.

"It is our duty as devotees of Ilmater," Balthazar replied. "We minister to those in need to lessen their suffering."

"You speak of your duty to lessen suffering, yet the village is overrun by those who persecute the inhabitants! Forgive me Avress, but I cannot hold my tongue when he speaks of holy duty, when he is so remiss in the application of it," Keldorn broke in with anger.

"I assume you are Sir Keldorn?" Balthazar spoke up with surprising calmness. "Yes, your bearing speaks for itself. You are correct, the villagers suffer but I must overlook it. I know all of you are aware of the present situation. That deceitful wench Melissan has told you some of it. I do not act without cause. I must accept a lesser suffering to avoid a greater one."

"And what is this suffering you aim to prevent?" Avress replied with a touch of anger at what she suspected was false compassion.

"Before I might satisfy your curiosity, I fear you must first satisfy mine," Balthazar said with finality.

Avress stiffened. His admission of being responsible for the mercenaries in the village had sidetracked her to a degree. Now she was forcibly reminded of the 'evaluation' Balthazar intended her to go through. Gritting her teeth, she risked a glance at Imoen. She seemed calm, if not hopeful. What she read on her sister's face was not reassuring.

"What exactly do you intend with this evaluation?" Avress hedged.

"I have heard a great deal about you, Avress of Candlekeep. According to the rumors that bear your name you are both hero and villain, compassionate and ruthless. I wish to discern the truth."

"To what end?" Avress countered.

"To decide if you shall live or die," Balthazar returned impartially.

"And who are you to make that judgment!" Avress snarled with unrestrained incredulity.

"Such temper. Just how much of it is fueled by the taint?" Balthazar said contemplatively.

The detached tone was almost too much for Avress. It was far too similar to the monotone that Irenicus had used when he had ceaselessly tormented her mind with questions both unanswerable and incomprehensible. Those questions had formed an unrelenting counterpoint to feel of his blades upon her flesh. With a shudder, Avress managed to shack off the unpleasant recollection. She glared impotently at Balthazar. It was too much of a coincidence to think he spoke in this manner unknowingly. To react with more anger was to play into his hands. She doubted that he intended for her to pass his little 'evaluation'. That he was giving her a chance at all was surprising. It was clear he had made his decision about her before she had even reached Amkethran.

So why was he bothering with this farce of an evaluation? She suspected it was partly to reassure himself of his on good intentions but that didn't fully explain it. The monk's almost unconscious glance towards Imoen gave Avress her answer. Balthazar's face was as impassive as ever but Imoen's slight flush told her everything. He was doing this for Imoen. Were they lovers? Shock and rage throbbed against her skull. Faintly, Avress realized that was how Jaheira probably felt about Sarevok being in her bed. The hilarity of her reaction chased away some of her horror.

Balthazar was expecting her to respond but Avress bit at her lip. How should she proceed? Some of Imoen's enthusiasm in describing her time in the monastery was explained by her feelings towards the monk. Those feelings made an already difficult situation all the more perilous to navigate. Avress would have to be very careful not to alienate her sister as she dealt with the monk. What Avress really wanted to know was whether Balthazar returned her sister's affection. Or was he simply using Imoen to entrap her? Already he'd admitted he'd allow the village to be tormented by the mercenaries he'd hired for some 'greater' purpose. Avress clenched her jaw. Part of her truly hoped that Imoen wasn't being deceived while the other acknowledged how false protestations of love could be turned to her advantage.

"What can I say when it seems you have made up your mind?" Avress finally responded. "I find it rather ironic that you condemn me for the very thing you are guilty of."

"Avress!" Imoen gasped at her sister's rudeness. "He's not condemning you! Please, I know this isn't easy but there are reasons why he has to ask."

"So I'm expected to play along blindly? To answer such personal questions? No. I would hardly reveal such information to one of the Five."

"He's not one of the Five! He never was, not really!" Imoen hurriedly retorted.

"Imoen!" Balthazar's voice cracked.

The overly hasty response from Imoen was exactly what Avress had been hoping for. Imoen's hasty nature was something she was all too familiar with and she had hoped that verbally attacking Balthazar might provoke her into revealing something. Imoen had. The content of what her sister had said, was a little more unexpected. Was it true or was it a comforting lie spun by Balthazar to reassure Imoen?

"I'm sorry, Balthazar, but you know I think this is silly. You should know just as well as I do that Avress is on our side!" Imoen equally chided and defended.

"You love her very much and I fear that love blinds you," Balthazar sighed.

"Maybe my love for Avress lets me see her as she truly is!" Imoen argued back, with a fond familiarity that made Avress want to squirm.

"You don't realize how lucky you have been, Imoen. Your taint did not manifest until recently. I have helped you control it but Avress has been exposed to it since childhood. It is not possible to know what affect it has had."

"She fights against it!"

"Does she?" Balthazar asked looking back at Avress.

"Is what Imoen said true?" Keldorn broke in, stepping up to meet the monk's evaluating gaze. "About your loyalties?"

"I am opposed to the Five's aims," Balthazar acknowledged somewhat unwillingly. "The attempt to return Bhaal is futile as it would fail when the majority of the taint is held within the Five."

Avress felt a jolt of surprise when Balthazar's response echoed her own deductions. She wondered if the other Five had realized their goal was doomed to failure. Then again, Avress doubted they were above betrayal. Why would they settle for sharing power when they could seize it alone? They could become Bhaal's lieutenants on Faerun or...

"Then do you seek godhood yourself?" Sarevok said, asking the very question they had all been pondering. "Such was my goal before Avress defeated me. Do you intend to betray your allies?"

"I know who you are Sarevok Anchev but that is not my intention. Godhood holds no draw for me. That is what I intend to stop should Avress desire such a thing."

"Then this conversations is a pointless waste of time," Sarevok laughed mockingly. "Time and time again I have asked the very same question but her answer remains the same."

"Then you do not seek Bhaal's throne?" Balthazar asked, turning to face Avress once again. "I bid you answer honestly for I will know if you lie."

"I do not seek to rise in our father's place. I only wish to survive and if I can, prevent worse slaughter."

An uncomfortable silence fell heavy about them. Avress had not lied when she spoke and she knew that Balthazar was not sure how to reconcile this new knowledge. Although the monk was momentarily unbalanced, Avress wasn't sure if this would mean they were out of danger. In a way, Avress applauded Balthazar's cunning. He had successfully infiltrated the Five and as it was, he stood a good chance of at least partially blocking the remaining members of the Five from success. Avress just wasn't sure what to think of how he'd gone about it, or his assumptions about other Bhaalspawn. His streak of ruthlessness was a very good reason indeed to be cautious.

"There still remains the matter of your taint? I do not wish to begin to contemplate an alliance with one who will inevitably fall to the desires of our late father."

"It is under control," Avress replied.

"I heard no lie in your words but it could be that you are the one who is deceived. You could only believe it is under control."

"Then we will argue ourselves in circles, as there is nothing I can say that you will believe."

"That is why I propose a test," Balthazar stated with utter certainty.

"What kind of test?" Avress stalled, feeling as though the jaws of the trap had finally sprung.

"For each Child of Bhaal the taint manifests differently. I am sure that you have realized that having battled Gromnir and two of the Five," Balthazar began in a tone that suggested this was a familiar topic to him.

Avress felt her hackles rise at the idea of a test but she pushed her reaction away. She did not understand why she was reacting so badly. Had she not allowed the General to test her? This should be no different, yet, Avress found herself increasingly unnerved. Realizing that Balthazar was waiting for a response of some kind, she forced her attention back to him and nodded to indicate that she had understood him.

"What remains constant for every Bhaalspawn is their raw ability to channel the taint. My test requires that we both channel the taint to our fullest. This is something I have done many times through my meditations. By all accounts you can not only channel the taint but manifest it physically in the form of the slayer. If you are truly in control of your taint then you will contain it and we shall not come to blows. I warn you, however, that I have not met another Bhaalspawn such as yourself who has succeeded."

Beside her Jaheira burst out with an angry exclamation. The others shifted irately behind them. Grasping Jaheira's arm, Avress silently cautioned her to silence. The druid reluctantly bottled up her anger and the others followed her example. How many Bhaalspawn had he tested and then slain in this way? Avress was thoroughly disgusted. She would have respected him more if he had been honest and killed them, rather than force them to play this cruel game.

While Avress had learned a great deal about living with and utilizing her taint, she wasn't certain of her ability to pass Balthazar's test. Fully and consciously drawing as much taint as she could and holding it within her, was not something she had ever tried. While the taint was present always within her to a degree, that was far different from drawing upon the quantities Balthazar meant. Furthermore, when she drew upon the taint she never held it, instead she utilized it once drawn.

The battle with the dragon also weighed heavily on her mind. The new power that had manifested had been unnerving enough but she was very aware that she had drawn more taint than she ever had before. Sarevok had given it an outlet but had he not been there... she was not sure what would have happened. In light of that, Avress wasn't so sure she could pass Balthazar's test.

"What of Imoen? Did you not test her?" Avress argued, struggling to find a loophole that would avoid her having to comply with the test.

"As I have said to you before, Imoen's taint is not as well developed as your own. The small amount of taint she has does not pose as great a risk and so there was no need for such a test. Besides, I have worked with her and know her degree of control."

Avress had to tightly control her resentment. She did not need a self-righteous monk to pass judgment about her use of the taint. At a loss, Avress looked towards her companions. Jaheira looked fit to be tied and Keldorn was frowning with concern. She knew they had guessed the test was set for her to fail. The prickly drow cleric's face was carefully neutral which suggested that Viconia was well aware of how few options they had. Sarevok's anger was well apparent but Avress let her met his for a moment and she found them glinting with cunning. The slight but deliberate tug on the bond she felt from Sarevok made her smirk with understanding.

The strange connection between herself and Sarevok was something that Balthazar had no knowledge of. The monk wanted her to channel the taint, but he hadn't said that the others couldn't help her. Avress doubted that he ever considered that the taint could be transferred to another. The again, the circumstances of their connection were rather unique. As determined as she was to try and win on her own, she wasn't so proud as to not take advantage of the connection if she needed to. Besides, given how unfair Balthazar's test was, this just evened the odds.

Although Avress doubted that Balthazar would notice her using the connection, it was still risky. The monk may decide that she had cheated. To avoid that, she would have to question him more closely. Unfortunately, Balthazar had guided this scenario carefully so that she had little choice to agree to the test. To refuse would mean a battle where she and her companions were most likely to lose. It was also a battle in which Avress wasn't sure where Imoen would stand.

"First I must know more about this test," Avress finally spoke up.

"Ask your questions but I will not negotiate the necessity of this test," Balthazar said flatly.

"You said I must channel the taint but you did not say how I must control it."

"I did not," Balthazar agreed. "How you control it is your business. It is different for each Child. The purpose of the test is to see if you can resist the violent impulses of the taint at full strength. If you can't... then I will remove your threat."

"Will you swear to this? That the way I control will have no impact on the test as long as it's non-violent?"

"I swear that it is so."

Avress bit her lip to bite back a scathing response. At least he had sworn. Still, she had little respect for his test. Balthazar's test did no take that into account the more subtle and long term effects of the taint, even in a small amount. Avress knew well enough that the taint would use whatever methods at its disposal. It was only limited by the nature of the Child it was part of and the lingering remnants of Bhaal consciousness.

However displeased Avress was by the monk's willful blindness, his response insured that Balthazar could not argue if he notice the use of the connection between herself and Sarevok. It was, after all, simply her way of controlling the taint.

"How long must I- we, hold the taint?"

"Three minutes will be long enough. I will have Imoen keep time for us. I assume you won't object?

"Very well, I consent to your test," Avress replied with a carefully even tone.

"Child, you cannot be-"

"Jaheira, I must do it," Avress replied decidedly.

Turning towards the druid she purposefully flicked her eyes towards Sarevok. Her fingers fairly itched to use the drow sign language that would have been so useful in this situation. Avress refrained however. She didn't want Balthazar to suspect anything. Nor was Avress certain that Imoen wouldn't tell Balthazar what she saw. Thankfully, Jaheira caught her sidelong glance and a small amount of surprise passed across her features before they fell into neutral lines. Finally Jaheira nodded. Glad that her guardian had caught her meaning, Avress turned back to Balthazar. The monk gave no indication he had noticed their silent communication but even if he had, he could not possibly understand it. He raised his hands, palms out and Avress copied his gesture. The monk moved forward so their palms met and Avress had to still herself against the instinct to pull back out of his reach.

"We begin."

Her skin prickled as the Bhaalspawn before her began to draw on the taint. It was the primal terror at the presence of skulking predator and the small eternity endured as the executioner's axe began its descent. If this was what others felt in her presence, then Avress could begin to understand their discomfort. Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes and began to reach for the taint.

Feral and hungry, mirroring the anger and frustration she felt, the taint heeded her call immediately. With her heartbeat, it crashed through her veins embracing her as she embraced it. In a sweet rush, she senses expanded. Metallic and thick, the lingering residue of murder coated her palate like the memory of a feast long past. Longing for the sweetest delight of all, the blood which had not yet been spilled, Avress bit back a moan. The life radiating from her companions was a constant teasing whisper to her newly honed senses.

The taint thundered through her, and Avress held onto the last shreds of conscious thought. She felt stretched to the limits. Her own shape felt heavy and unwieldy and yet at the same time it was to light and fragile. She could feel her other shape, the slayer shape call to her. She only need let go and she could take the delights waiting for her but adamantly she refused. Those lives that part of her so greedily wished to spill, mattered to her.

As the siren song of proffered pleasures receded, her senses were all too fast to resound with an alarm, a warning of danger. There was a presence nearby that did not reek of prey. It screamed danger. It was a threat, a rival. Rebellious fire made Avress shake with barely contained fury. Her instincts screamed at her to destroy that which dared to challenge her. This urge she found far more difficult to restrain. Rushing through her the taint pounded at her temples, begging her for release.

Balthazar was a threat. He wanted her dead- he'd said so himself. Wouldn't it be easier if she simply took the initiative and struck before he decided to go through with his plans? How could she be sure that this was exactly what he intended to do to her? Avress was suddenly very aware of how vulnerable she was in her current state. All her attention was focused on controlling her base desires that the taint had become a manifestation of. Rage and paranoia fired and she could feel her hands begin to stretch into claws as her teeth sharpened. It was a trap! He would strike her down when helpless! The pressure of hands upon her shoulders barely registered before Avress found her mind fracture.

All at once Avress was looking down upon herself. She could feel hands that were not hers resting on fragile seeming shoulders. Concern and determination that was not hers tickled at the back of her mind. The moment she was fully aware of it, the strange sensation slid through her mental fingers like water. Disorientation ruled for a moment as Avress felt her being settle itself once more. Around her the taint still crackled with hostility but Sarevok's touch had soothed the growing desire to strike Balthazar.

In place of the anger and hunger, was exhaustion. Her body ached with tension and her mind felt frayed with the effort it took to draw and hold the taint. Soon Avress was shaking with the effort to keep upright. When the sensation of Balthazar's taint began to fade, she realized that the three minutes were over. She hadn't even heard Imoen. Avress was more than ready to end the test. Thankfully the taint faded to its usual background murmur without struggle. When Avress opened her eyes, she noticed Balthazar was sweating and his hands shook slightly. Avress was somewhat mollified by the obvious signs of exhaustion on Balthazar. All she wanted was to find a bath and a bed.

"You have passed the test," Balthazar admitted, not hiding his disappointment.

"By passing the test you accept I am in control?" Avress warily asked.

"I will stand by my word," Balthazar replied and Avress wasn't sure what she thought of it.

"So can we get to the important stuff now?" Imoen interrupted with a roll of her eyes.

While Avress wanted very much to gain answers to her questions, she had to admit she was exhausted. She leant against Sarevok, glad for the support, not caring how the heavy platemail dug into her back. While she might be displaying a weakness, she suddenly didn't care. They had much to discuss before she could rest and she needed to focus as well as she could.

"The Five," Avress spoke up.

"No, Melissan," Balthazar corrected. "The Five are but her pawns... or so that is what she believes. What she does not realize, is that I have known of her plans from the beginning."

"Then our suspicions were correct," Keldorn spoke up. "In our previous meetings with her, there was something about her bearing that suggested she was not as she presented herself."

"No wonder for she was Bhaal's greatest Deathstalker," Balthazar replied dryly.

"A Deathstalker!" Jaheira gasped. "I had thought them all converted to the ways of Cyric or dead in the purges that followed the Time of Troubles."

"There are a few of Bhaal's former servants that remain in hiding. Many of them were thieves and assassins before donning priestly vestments. Those of that profession tend to know the best ways to vanish," Sarevok replied with a sneer.

"Yet they survive where others perished," Viconia spoke sharply in response, clearly remembering the things she had done to survive. "This Melissan seems to be a determined woman to survive and continue the plans of her dead god."

"Do not assume any great loyalty to Bhaal on Melissan's part, drow," Balthazar snapped. "She has no particular interest in returning Bhaal to power."

"Then she would see one of the Five ascend?" Avress asked with caution.

"I know not if she favors one above the other. Indeed, she sowed great dissent between the members of the Five even as she brought us together. I believe her intention is to support whoever survived the ensuing power struggles. You were simply her unwitting assassin when things began to develop too slowly for her liking."

"And her goal is what? Power?" Avress argued. "To rule once more as a High Priestess? I can't believe that she hasn't had opportunities for similar power before now. Besides, what would the ascension of one of the Five grant that Bhaal couldn't give her?"

It seemed too simple. Melissan could have found her way to power in many ways other than through the Bhaalspawn. Cyric would have undoubtedly accepted her worship when he had first ascended. Meddling with the events surrounding the Children seemed to offer high risk and little to gain in return. To Avress the motive Balthazar suspected did not fit. Melissan did not seem to be the kind to choose a risky plan over a more certain one. The problem was that Avress wasn't sure what it was that the woman wanted.

"She views the Children of Bhaal as threats. She is not incorrect. Even now the countryside is torn apart with panic, war and unrest. Any position she might have gained would be threatened by the Children," Balthazar reasoned. "As for returning Bhaal to life... I know that she was greatly insulted when Bhaal did not choose her to mother one of the Bhaalspawn. Perhaps this is her form of revenge. Either way her plans are dangerous."

"We have to stop her, Avress! Balthazar has been spying on her and we know that something has to be done soon," Imoen added.

"What exactly is your plan, Balthazar?" Avress asked.

"Unless she is dealt with, Melissan is a threat. She is in a position to unify the other two remaining members of the Five against me. Amkethran cannot hold against the combined armies of Sendai and Abzigal."

"Then we are fighting on two fronts," Avress said with a frown.

"Not necessarily. I expect Melissan to arrive within the next few weeks. She will be detained and questioned about the defenses of the other two. A final decision would be made with the information she can provide."

"While that is a good plan, how do you intend to deal with the other members of the Five?" Keldorn asked. "There is great concern coming from both Tethyr and the Order of the Radiant Heart."

"So you have spoken to the Order agent sent to spy upon me. You should tell your Order they should school their agents in the art of subtlety," Balthazar sneered. "Both Sendai and Abzigal have formidable armies. I have hired a force of mercenaries but as yet they are not ready to do battle."

"I have seen your mercenaries, Balthazar. I would not place high hopes upon their skill in battle," Sarevok said with contempt.

"So says that man who rested his hopes for ascension on an iron shortage," Balthazar sneered.

"And yet I can so close to succeeding," Sarevok growled.

"Enough!" Avress barked. "I think we all know that hirelings are not always as reliable as we'd like. Balthazar, if your troops are not ready, what you do suggest?"

"They may not be ready yet, but they will be shortly. The bulk of my forces will arrive within two weeks. They will join those that are already hidden in the caves outside of Amkethran. When everything is in place, I will... encourage the weakest member of the Five to mount an attack. My spies suggest that this is the drow Sendai."

Avress couldn't help but blanch. She had to wonder if Balthazar knew how the drow made war. All too well, Avress could remember the plans she had overheard in Ust Natha and the carnage she'd seen when she'd finally reached the surface. As well fortified as Amkethran was, she doubted that the village would survive. Even if Sendai's forces didn't destroy it, Abzigal surely would. Very little could withstand dragon breath.

The fall of Saradush was more than enough for Avress. War was nothing more than pointless death after pointless death. The cold, hard determination in Balthazar's face told her that protesting would be futile. The worst thing was that Avress knew he would be right to brush aside whatever she said. There were few options when Sendai and Abzigal were protected by their armies.

"Then what?" Avress asked. "Say that we deal with Melissan and destroy the others, what then?"

"Then the time of the Bhaalspawn will draw to a close. While we yet exist, we will bring death and destruction upon Faerun. When Melissan, Abzigal and Sendai are dealt with, I intend to perform ritual suicide. Before I do that, I will insure I am the last of the Bhaalspawn."

"What!" Avress exclaimed in shock.

"He's probably right, Avress," Imoen replied softly. "Just look at what has happened because of us. It won't stop. What if someone like Irenicus thinks they can use us to reach godhood? What if they take Bhaal's power? We hold the essence of murder within us. Like calls to like... even if we don't want it to."

"Imoen, you can't mean that! Irenicus wasn't our fault!"

"Maybe not but our power was the reason he targeted us."

"No, you're wrong. Irenicus' ambitions would have driven him to find another way to godhood if there were no Bhaalspawn. We were simply the easiest solution at the time. Power does calls to those who desire it and sometimes those who desire it will do terrible things to get it. The question is how different is that to anyone who has power?"

"The difference is that we are not necessary," Balthazar spoke up. "The lives of three are meaningless compared to the destruction that will inevitably occur should our existence continue. Our deaths will ensure that the taint cannot be used."

"Are you so certain of that?" Jaheira snapped. "The taint may be released at the death of a Bhaalspawn but it has to go somewhere. Your sire knew that and intended for it to be the mechanism for his resurrection. If the proper rituals are not performed the taint will remain. A mortal might not be able to use it, but an immortal? Would you like a god such a Cyric, to take it? What about a demon? The possibilities are endless!"

"The druid has a point," Viconia drawled lazily.

"And we should believe you, drow?" Balthazar replied with contempt.

"I know better than most the perils of divine politics. There are many gods that would find the power of the taint irresistible. Why they have not interfered before now is a mystery."

"I suspect they cannot," Keldorn answered. "Priests of the Order have repeatedly asked their gods what they should do about the Bhaalspawn. If there have been answers, they have been to wait."

"You're talking about Ao," Avress realized. "He would be the only one who could force the other gods into inaction."

"Yes. The return of a god to life or the creation of a new god would be a momentous event. It would not surprise me that he will let things play out as they will. Just think of what divine interference would lead to."

"For those of you with little imagination, he means the utter destruction of Faerun," Viconia snorted.

Viconia's explanation was unnecessary. They had all winced at Keldorn's words and Avress felt her stomach clench. After the Time of Troubles, the competition between the gods had only increased. Interference in the creation of another power could send the hard won balance of power into chaos. The destruction that threatened now would be nothing to that.

"Surely you would not want that, Balthazar," Avress pressed.

"I... I do not but I fail to see a solution."

"To be honest I do not know myself. The possibility of a large amount of the taint being available for use is terrifying. What I do know is that if Ao is involved then there are already plans in place."

"How do you know this?" Balthazar demanded.

For a moment Avress debated. It was clear that Balthazar's faith in the gods or greater powers was stronger than hers. Avress wasn't sure she trusted such beings with her wellbeing. They thought on the cosmic scale and the comfort and happiness of individuals, barely rated the smallest consideration. Still, if Balthazar's faith would sway his belief that all Bhaalspawn must be killed, then she would use it. If events began to unfold in way she did not like... she would take action then.

"I have been visited by a Solar," Avress replied.

"A Solar! What could such a being want with a Bhaalspawn!"

It was then that Avress realized that Balthazar had never and possibly could never make peace with what he was. He saw himself and all other Children as irrevocably fouled by their heritage. Avress sighed. In a way he was right. Under Ellesime's tutelage, she had found limits to her elven nature that there should no be. She could not achieve reverie without a great deal of effort and her awareness of nature that all elves shared was muted. This was something she was beginning to realize was because of the taint. Regardless, she did not see herself as flawed. Different, yes, but not corrupt or foul. It saddened Avress that the monk might never find acceptance of what he was.

"The Solar first came to me when I slew Illasera. It... she, appeared again after I killed Yaga-Shura. The purpose of these visits was to increase my knowledge of my divine heritage and myself."

"And she simply appeared to you?" Balthazar asked somewhat unbelievingly.

"In a way. She pulled my companions and me to the demi-plane that I seem to have unconsciously created. What she revealed... that is private," Avress said remembering with discomfort the things the Solar had confronted her with.

"Is this true? Sir Keldorn, will you swear as a Paladin of Torm that all Avress has said is true?"

"I do so swear," Keldorn replied with a nod. "The Solar's presence seems to suggest that there are greater things at work here."

"This has given me a great deal to consider," the monk admitted and Avress felt a flash of hope.

"Balthazar, in many ways our goals align," Avress began. "I would propose that we work together to deal with Melissan and the Five. After that we can see what happens."

The monk seemed torn but finally he nodded.

"I will accept an alliance until our mutual enemies are destroyed. If Ao or the fates have plans for the Bhaalspawn, then they will make them clear. If they do not, then I cannot promise that I won't act on my desire to see the danger the Bhaalspawn represent gone."

"Fair enough."

To seal the agreement, Avress clasped the monk's calloused hand. Tension drained from the room with that small gesture. The loss of that heightened awareness was much welcomed. Imoen smiled and Minsk let out a great whoop of joy, Boo squeaking his ascent. Her own reaction was as muted as Blathazar's. They both seemed to know that things were far from certain. They had simply agreed to postpone any final decision. Neither she nor Balthazar had made any promises about what would happen when the time to make a decision came. The only thing that was for certain was that Avress wasn't about to let Balthazar sacrifice her to fulfill his dream of a Bhaalspawn-free world. She could only hope that Imoen would stand by her side if things came to blows.

"Perhaps it would be best if you did not return to the village," Balthazar spoke up, startling Avress from her thoughts.

"How so?" Avress asked a little concerned.

"There are spies in Amkethran that report to Melissan and the rest of the Five. If you do not return, they will assume I destroyed you. This would be a great advantage."

"You are right," Avress agreed. "Would I be right in assuming you wish us to stay here at the monastery?"

"Yes. We have guestrooms set up for visitors and patients. I assure you that you will be safe."

"Can I be sure of that?"

"Avress!" Imoen scolded. "Balthazar is a man of his word!"

Silence greeted Imoen's outburst. Avress was inclined to believe that normally Balthazar was just that. He was a good, if somewhat misguided, man and he seemed to value honesty. Circumstances, however, were not normal. Already he had betrayed one alliance. How could she be sure he would not betray her? The monk read that on her face and gave a small ironic smile.

"It seems my past deeds come back to haunt me. You are right to wonder, Avress. I will stand by this alliance unless you betray me first. Whether you believe this is another matter. If you feel that you cannot trust me, I will understand. It is possible for you to be smuggled out of Amkethran. Once out of the village you can camp in the hills."

"There is no need, Balthazar. I am willing to take you at your word. If we cannot trust each other then our alliance is pointless."

She meant what she said, but Avress was well aware that she could access the pocket plane if she felt the need. With a glance towards her companions, she saw they agreed, albeit unwillingly. Balthazar again nodded and turned to Imoen.

"Will you show your sister to the guest rooms?"

"Sure. Avress, this will all work out! You'll see!"