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[Rianess]

The Journey is the Reward
by Rianess

Chapter One - Prologue


Life is a journey, some say.

Well her life had sure started her on one weird journey. If you had asked our heroine, namely one Suna Steel, a mere four weeks ago, that she would be stumbling around in a dirty mausoleum in some god forsaken graveyard, cutting her way through skeletons and zombies to try and find some lost patrol from a fort she?d never even heard of... well. She would most likely have laughed in your face, and then, while you were distracted, quickly sent for the priests of Ilmater to care for you during your distressing madness.

And yet, here she was. In the aforementioned graveyard, hacking her way through the aforementioned undead. If there was one thing in this life that really made Suna want to heave up her last meal, it was the undead. It disturbed her on every level, physically, mentally, spiritually, you name it. The people who did this to the dead were the worst kind of evil, in her opinion, and deserved to be burned to ash, never to rise again.

What was even more disturbing was this particular Necromancer, if that was what he truly was, seemed to have an agenda. He had been questioning Commander Tann, lately of Fort Locke, on troop numbers, defences and the like. That was extremely worrying, for it meant that he was planning some kind of assault on the Fort. Of course, it was possible he was just your average, run of the mill psycho, out to kill as many as possible. Sadly, in this case, she didn?t think so. If he?d had only wholesale slaughter and destruction in mind, he would have picked an easier target. Those who used others to gain power were usually lazy, and so, didn?t try anything that might prove too challenging.

Fort Locke represented Neverwinter?s power in the area. To attack For Locke was to bring Neverwinter and Lord Nasher?s attention on you. And one didn?t do that, unless one had allies, or friends, or unless one was part of a network. That meant others like him. In a word, that meant trouble.

It seemed to Suna that ever since she stepped outside her quiet swamp village that trouble was all there was to find in the world. When she was younger, and lost herself in any and every book she could find, she imagined the world to be full of wonderful things and people, and places to see. She wanted to go out and find out all there was to know about the world and those who lived in it. But when she did finally get her chance, having been sent on an errand which had sounded simple in the telling, all she found was trouble, blood and more trouble.

That?s not to say there hadn?t been high points ? there had. Khelgar, whom she?d met outside the Weeping Willow, was a stand up guy. Even if he only stood as high as her waist, he was always ready to help or offer support. She couldn?t ask for a more loyal, steadfast and frankly, rib-crackingly funny friend.

Then there was Neeshka, whom she?d met just before Fort Locke. She had barely known the woman twenty four hours, but had already decided she liked her. Given that Suna was a cleric by trade, her connection to her goddess allowed her to gain insights to people. Brother Merring, who was the local priest in her swamp village ? called West Harbor ?, told her that some scholars called the talent ?aura-reading?. Suna was not entirely convinced that this was an accurate description, a theory of which she was even more certain of since meeting Neeshka.

Neeshka was born a tiefling, abandoned by her parents at the Temple of Helm in Neverwinter. Her infernal heritage should have given her an aura of wrongness, yet, when Suna concentrated on her, all she could sense was mischief and kindness. While it was true that Neeshka did have her dark side, it was one born of necessity rather than actual malevolence. The girl was simply a survivor, like most orphans. Especially one who lived in a big city. Having your innocence and faith in the world stripped away so young did that to people. But Neeshka had a heart of gold; Suna could tell that from her first glance of the tiefling. And frankly, as far as Suna was concerned, that was all she needed to know.

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When the Commander had been rescued and the bandits in the area taken care of, finally, all Suna really wanted to do was sleep for a week. Sadly, she did have a pressing engagement in Neverwinter with her Uncle Duncan, though the man himself did not know of it, and so she had to get to Highcliff as soon as possible to board the Double Eagle. They did spend one last night at the Fort, during which Neeshka and Khelgar sat side by side on a log by the fire, each trying to out drink and out boast the other one. Suna herself tried not to drink very much, not out of morality of principles, but because she?d had a bad fever as a child, which had left her liver vulnerable.

Thus, as her two companions were quickly approaching the ?passed out in a heap? stage, she was comfortably merry, and speaking with Marshal Cormick.

Cormick was a Harborman himself, and though he was a few years older than her, they?d grown up in the same group of friends.

Before he had left West Harbor for Neverwinter, he?d won the Harvest Cup, and that night, there had been a big party, with wine and dancing, and a huge bonfire. Standing in the warmth of that bonfire, with people laughing and running all around them, Cormick had given Suna her first kiss.

?Do you remember that night, when you won the Harvest Cup?? She asked him now. Cormick needed no other explanation to understand what she was referring to.

?Yes, I do.? He laughed, though there was no mockery in his tone. ?I was so nervous; I nearly bit your lip!? And she laughed too. There was a chill at their backs and he pulled her closer wrapping his cloak around both of them.

?You know, back then, I thought you would come back from Neverwinter, having made yourself just as famous there as you are in West Harbour, and we would marry, have lots of children, and live happily ever after.? She paused. ?It?s nice to know, with all the strangeness in my life lately, that I was once a normal girl, with normal wishes.? She glanced up at Cormick with a twinkle in her eye. ?And with a crush on a dashing young hero!?

Cormick chuckled with her and gave her shoulders a squeeze. ?I was completely besotted with you in those days. Wandering around, giving you calf-eyed looks. I?m glad we both grew out of it. Don?t get me wrong, I think you?re even more beautiful now than you were then. But we?re too different. There?s something about you, Suna. Maybe it?s your connection to Selûne, or something like that. I just know, you weren?t meant for me, nor am I meant for you.? He replied, without regret, just acceptance.

?I know. I much prefer us as friends. But you gave me my first kiss, Cormick and it was magical. What more can a girl ask for?? She rested her head on her shoulder. ?When you?re back in Neverwinter, if you need a loyal blade, you can find me at the Sunken Flagon, OK??

?OK.? He agreed, and was glad to have finally made peace with her. What happened between them, despite how brief it was, had always made him wonder. Now, everything was settled, and frankly, he was glad to have his friend back.

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Surprisingly, her Uncle Duncan was exactly how Suna had pictured him to be. There had been something in the way Daeghun had spoken of him, some hidden disapproval, that made her think that Duncan would be the exact opposite of him. And while the difference wasn?t exact, it was damn near enough.

In the early days, when her reading of people was not something she could control, Suna had read Daeghun, she couldn?t help herself. And he had been filled with pain. Pain that, unfortunately, intensified when he looked upon her. With this discovery emerged the reason for his aloofness, for his undemonstrative way of treating her. After coaxing the story out of the long standing denizens of West Harbor, she had found out the reason why. Daeghun?s wife, Shayla, had been killed some years ago, trying to protect Suna. So that was that.

Suna wasn?t bitter though. She had begun her devotion to Selûne, The Lady of the Moon, very early on in life. The moon comforted her in a way neither her foster father, nor Retta Starling, her milk-mother, never could. Sitting in the light of the moon, especially when it was full, fulfilled that nebulous need in her heart. She had devoured every text she could find on her goddess, to the point where anyone leaving the village on a journey always knew to stop at merchants stalls and shops on their travels and ask if they had any works on Selûne.

Since those early days, her faith had never wavered, never faltered. Such was her devotion, that she slowly discovered new gifts. Gifts which could only have come from Selûne. For one thing, she could shape shift into the form of a Greater Werewolf, yet no evil filled her heart when she transformed. Her eyes had changed colour from an ordinary green to the silver of her goddess?. The reading of people?s emotions, or aura?s she was sure came from Selûne.

When she had first entered the Sunken Flagon, the wolf in her had sensed another close by. This had turned out to be the animal companion of a ranger who frequented the tavern. She and the wolf greeted each other silently, and while the wolf?s companion appeared to be too deep in his cups to notice, something told her he had not missed single thing.

After spending a night recouping in the room Duncan had provided her with, Suna had set out to the Watch?s headquarters, to speak with Cormick. When she, Khelgar, Neeshka, and their newest companion, Elanee, had arrived, they found Cormick and one Lieutenant Roe in a heated argument.

Elanee had joined them when they were on their way to Highcliff, and Suna really did not know what to make of her. The druidess had admitted to following and observing Suna for much of her life, and while she thought she should find that rather creepy, she didn?t. In an odd way, it was comforting. She was usually left to her own devices, and while she knew Selûne had been watching over her, she didn?t think anyone earthbound had been.

Truthfully, though Suna was an accomplished healer, her talents had been taking a more battle focussed turn lately. That was not surprising, considering her life had felt like one long, drawn out fight since she?d left home. So, it was good to have another healer around. Elanee had been very helpful, cutting days off their trip to Highcliff and helping them roust more undead from the surrounding areas.

Suna?s worst fears had been realised at Highcliff when another of those disturbing Necromancers had turned up, using the dead for the gods knew what purpose. The conversation they had partially overheard, with someone the priest had referred to as Garius, served only to worry her even more. It was clear that whoever these vile priests were, they were part of something much, much bigger. And that meant Trouble.

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Given the intensity of the argument between Cormick and the other man, Suna actually felt like they were intruding, and after standing and watching for a few minutes, she signalled to her companions and turned to leave. Cormick had hailed her though, and in short order, she was signed up with the City Watch.

Daeghun had taught her that one rarely gets anything for free, that most people won?t help you out of the kindness of their hearts, and in most situations, a deal is always possible. Suna found that this held true for her time with the City Watch. She wanted into Blacklake, which had been cut off from the rest of the city due to some troubling murders, in order to consult with Aldanon the Sage over the silver shards. Well fine, the Watch needed help clearing up the Docks and keeping the peace in Neverwinter. A straightforward exchange of services, nothing sinister about it. In fact, in some ways, it was rather refreshing. Cormick and Captain Brelaina made no secret of the fact that they needed her help and such help would be the price to get what she wanted.

The direct approach did have its own appeal. So, she had patrolled the docks, intercepted a shipment of weapons intended for the local thieves guild and in the process of rescuing the Watch?s pet snitch, managed to off the woman behind it all ? Moire.

Now, Brelaina was sending her and her cohorts outside the city walls, to a place in the mountains called Old Owl Well. There, they were to investigate the seeming disappearance of an emissary from Waterdeep.

Sitting on her windowsill and looking out over the city of Neverwinter, and further out, over the water at her beloved moon, Suna couldn?t help feeling a tingle of anticipation. Something was waiting for her at Old Owl Well. And for some reason she could not dismiss the feeling that her life was about to change out of all recognition, utterly, completely.

Again.

[Rianess]

Chapter Two ? Hunter?s Lullaby

?He?s a paladin.? The rest of what Neeshka said passed over Suna?s head. She already knew what this man was, she could tell, just by looking at him. Her power to read people was growing stronger, she, was growing stronger, and in some ways, she was beginning to scare herself.

They?d been in the mountains for weeks, having arrived at Old Owl Well to find Commander Callum of the Neverwinter Nine ? Nasher?s devoted bodyguards ? trying to organise his rabble of Greycloaks to fortify and defend the well. The scout he?d sent after the Waterdeep emissary, whom Callum revealed was named Issani, reported that the soldiers escorting Issani had been killed, but there was no sign of neither the emissary himself nor his body.

So, Callum had sent them after the orc tribes, to try and locate Issani. He?d also asked them to keep an eye out for, ?whoever it is that?s been distracting the orcs?. Standing here now, on this plateau, and looking at the holy warrior a short distance away, Suna was fairly sure she?d found him.

?...my men and I have been hunting this group of orcs for days.? Suna finally pushed aside her distraction and listened to the conversation which had been going on around her.

It was obvious that these people knew the area much better than she did. Aside from anything else, she?d never been to this part of the world before. For all that Khelgar had visited these parts in the past, he didn?t know the way either. So, when he offered to lead them to Logram Eyegouger?s lair, the next on their list as Issani?s possible location, Suna knew she?d be a fool to say no. Neeshka, on the other hand, was all for leaving the paladin behind.

?Neeshka, forgive me. I don?t want to force you near someone who discomforts you, but he can help us find this orc leader's lair, and the sooner we do that, the sooner we can leave these mountains, alright??

?Alright, fine.? Replied Neeshka, rubbing her arms to emphasise the point that being near Casavir made her skin itch. Apparently, it was reaction to his aura, caused by the fiend?s blood in her. With this in mind, Suna made sure neither had to sit, march nor sleep near the other. That was really all she could do.

They?d had a bit of a wobbly moment when Casavir?s sergeant, Katriona, insisted that she accompany them to the Eyegouger?s Clan. Suna would not have minded the extra help, but she would have minded the potential conflict. She was not one to just dish out orders, but she was the leader of this haphazard bunch. And the way that Katriona looked at her...well. She could not see her deferring to Suna?s judgement without a fight, and when fighting orcs, dissension in one?s own ranks only leads to death and destruction. She?d paid enough attention to her lessons over the years to at least understand that.

She needn?t have worried though, as Casavir evidently thought that a smaller group would have a greater chance of reaching the Eyegougers? lair intact, and had ordered Katriona to alert the Greycloaks of their attempt, and the possible ramifications of failure. All this made sense of course, but there was something else there too. Something passed between Casavir and Katriona, and though Suna did not claim to be a mind reader or anything of the sort, it seemed to her as though this woman was offering something which Casavir had refused in the past and was plainly refusing now. And it certainly wasn?t an offer of military support.

Suna chalked it up as one of those things, noteworthy but not important, and so, with Katriona taken care of for the moment, the group and their newest plus one made their way to slay some more orcs.

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?I think I?m going to be sick.? Suna put one hand over her mouth and one on her stomach, simultaneously dropping her spear.

The room was filled with bodies.

Men, women and even orcs were strewn across wooden pallets. They looked as if they?d just been thrown there. And the stench of the undead was filling the air.

Logram Eyegouger was no more. The same for Yaisog Bonegnasher. They?d been to the Bonegnasher?s lair before they?d met Casavir. Suna and her friends had brought Yaisog, the chief of the Bonegnasher tribe, down very quickly and he?d pleaded for his life. Unable to kill anything when it was on its knees in front of her, not even and orc, Suna had spared him, only for him to go straight to Logram and warn him she was coming.

Suna did not regret sparing him, even though this time, she killed him. After all, it was she who had to live with herself when everything was said and done. And still, both Yaisog and Logram lay dead, both their armies defeated. When they had descended to the lowest level of this den however, they had not expected to find this...burial chamber, if that?s what it was.

Looking upon these things which were once people, and smelling the necromantic magic in the air was what made Suna want to bring up her hasty meal of trail rations. Grobnar, a gnomish bard they?d met on the way to Old Owl Well, approached her with a worried frown. There wasn?t much he could do, however, but she appreciated that he wanted to help.

Grobnar was a decidedly odd duck. He had a habit on remarking on anything which came to mind, and sadly, an awful lot came to his mind. Suna found it quite endearing though, and the little guy had seemed so excited to come with them when she?d offered, that she couldn?t help but feel it was the right thing to do. With the addition of Grobnar and now Casavir into their band, she could see how some might think they were a troupe of performers or something of that kind. A human, a dwarf, an elf, a tiefling, a gnome and another human. They were a representative bunch, if nothing else. In a way though, Suna was quite glad that they were all different, since it gave her a chance to learn about their cultures, from someone who really knew it, and not from some dusty book which was probably written by someone who?d never left home.

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?These...I knew these men and women, I served with them...? Casavir?s voice reflected the shock and repugnance that all of them were feeling. Suna could feel her goddess crying with outrage at the way these people had been treated. The paladin, who served Tyr, was probably feeling much the same. Looking at the faces of her companions, she could plainly see that every one of them was greatly disturbed.

?These people deserve funeral rites.? She observed and could sense the gratitude and approval from Casavir before he even spoke of it.

As they made their way further into the network of caves, Suna?s senses became increasingly jarred by the complete wrongness of this place. She knew without a doubt that they had discovered the hideaway of another of those vile necromancers.

?Someone is using the dead for experimentation!? Casavir declared, horrified.

When the necromancer finally showed himself, Suna felt icy fury overtake her. She raised her hands, stretching them out towards the so-called priest, almost as if she wanted to throttle him. Sparks began to fly between her fingers, and yet she knew she had incanted no spell or divine calling. The priest, seeing the light flicker between the tips of her fingers, took a step back, as if afraid. He summoned his undead minions to protect him, and then the battle was truly joined.

_________________________________________________________________

The priest fell, as Suna declared all his kind must, and they were free to proceed ahead and find Issani.

?Neeshka, chances are, they have him locked up. I doubt we?ll find a key, but I also doubt any lock can stand against your nimble fingers. You, Khelgar, Elanee and Grobnar go on ahead and find him.? She turned to look at the paladin. ?Casavir and I must go and lay those people to rest, OK??

Neeshka hesitated, but then nodded firmly. ?OK. We?ll find him, and then have a hunt round and see if there?s an easier way out of here.? She then motioned to the others, and scampered off.

Suna smiled, shaking her head, and then took a deep breath, letting it out in a big sigh.

?Come then, Casavir of Tyr. Let?s give your comrades what peace we can.? She declared, and led the way back to the cavern where they found the bodies.

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Callum was of course grateful when they returned to Old Owl Well, Issani in tow, and thanks to Elanee, looking an awful lot more healthy than he did when Neeshka and the others found him.

It was fairly obvious from the way Callum?s eyes narrowed when he spotted Casavir that the two of them had met before. Suna might even go out on a limb and say they?d been friends at one time. All this was explained however, and though there seemed to have been some harsh words exchanged in the past, it appeared that was now all forgotten.

Katriona had made it in time to warn the Greycloaks, and also was persuaded to stay and help them for a time. Casavir recommended her as a good sergeant, but since Suna had no men for whom she needed a sergeant, there wasn?t much point in trying to employ her now. Given that she knew the area so well, she would be of most use to Callum and his Greycloaks, and who knew? She might even be able to whip that rag-tag rabble into shape ? stranger things have happened, or so Suna had been told.

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Not wanting to give Captain Brelaina a chance to send them off on yet another mission before they?d even had a chance to sit down; Suna led her friends straight to the Docks District and Duncan?s tavern the minute they arrived back in Neverwinter. Her reasons were not wholly selfless ? she had been fantasising about a nice, warm bath for the last twenty miles. Mountains were pretty and all, but Suna was beginning to smell like last week?s turnips.

She didn?t dare try and wash in a freezing mountain stream; for all that the old wives back in West Harbour claimed it gave you vigour. She could just see herself slipping on a rock and then being swept away to the goddess knows where, and with no clothes on!

Duncan, it appeared, could either read minds, or just knew what women were like ? perhaps both ? for he took her pack from her and directed her to the baths without even a blink, the minute she walked in the door.

?Some new faces I see.? He remarked when she returned, feeling much better.

?Yes, well, the short one is Grobnar. He gave us directions to Old Owl Well, and while he can be a bit... enthusiastic, his heart?s in the right place. Oh, and he?s a bard.? Suna explained, and could have sworn she heard a snort from the corner where the wolf and his human-companion were sitting.

?Don?t worry about it, Suna. I told you that your companions were welcome here. Maybe I can get him to play a tune for us or something.? He waved her apology away before she?d even spoken it.

?It?s getting him to shut up that?s the real trick.? Grumbled Khelgar, who had his face half covered by an ale mug. Suna and Duncan were not at all sure if the dwarf had meant to be overheard or not, though they both realised that Khelgar probably didn?t care either way.

?The other is Casavir, of Tyr. He?s a paladin, as if you couldn?t tell, what with the aura and all. And he helped us find the missing Waterdeep emissary, Issani. He was really helpful and so when he asked if he could come back with us, I thought why not? Can?t hurt to have another warrior on our side, especially one who?s trustworthy.? Duncan nodded, agreeing. For his part, he felt much better that his niece now had a holy warrior at her side. Not only would his power help keep her safe, but he knew the man would defend her honour as well, if it was necessary. It was a paladin?s way.

?Well lass, it?s getting late. Would you want to be heading for bed, or will you go and report in?? He asked and she sighed.

?Oh, I would truly love to get to my bed and sleep for a week. But I have this niggling feeling that I should go and see the Captain. You know sometimes, I wish I had stayed in the village. Married me some farmer and had me a simple life. Kids, raising pigs ? all that.? Suna said, sighing despondently again.

?Ha! As if! You wouldn?t last a minute in that life my girl, and you know it!? Duncan declared, his loud exclamation causing a few patrons to turn and look at them. Suna grinned, picked up her tankard and down it in one go.

?I really must try not to be so predictable in future, must be old age. Tell me Uncle Duncan, you must know from experience ? how does one cope in one?s dotage?? She replied with an innocent look which was ruined by the smirk trying to break out on her face.

?Away, fishwife, and see your commander. Honestly, kids these days! Dotage, why I...? He was cut off by an affectionate peck on the cheek from Suna, before she hot footed it out the door. Elanee was not far behind, and interestingly neither was the paladin.

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?The only thing worse than Luskans ??

?? is bloody Githyanki!?

This came from the tiefling and the dwarf, as they staggered in through the door and slumped at the nearest table. They were both very pale, with blood spatters on them, and Karnwyr, his companion, could smell the blood of the Astral Plane on them, so it was highly likely that they did actually have a run in with the Gith.

?You know, I think that?s debatable. On the one hand, the Gith are pretty damn ugly, no denying it. Why, they must run clear outta paper bags during their mating season. Then again, maybe green, toothy, bumpy and spotty is a turn on to them. Anyway, I really think I should sit down as the blood loss is making me sound like Grobnar.? This witty repartee came from the leader of the motley bunch who?d showed up at the Sunken Flagon a few months ago.

She was alright looking, damned pretty actually, and if you could see past the fact that she was Duncan Farlong?s niece, then she wasn?t too irritating to be around either. But there was something... off about her.

The first day she walked in here, she looked straight at Karnwyr, and something passed between them that he couldn?t make out. Nor could he get even a hint from his companion about it. His senses were telling him that she was different, but all the evidence he?d managed to gather so far, and it was a lot ? Duncan had a habit of prattling on about her ? suggested that she was completely human.

Yet she and Karnwyr had some kind of kinship. It was a puzzle and he bloody hated puzzles. Puzzles and puzzling women could get you killed, or worse, married.

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?Oh, we met a Lord Darmon, did I say it right, in the Merchant Quarter, and ouch!? She winced as Casavir tried to ease the bandage away from the wound on her head.

?Sorry my lady, but it seems the gauze has begun to stick to your wound, and I must remove it in order to heal it.? He apologised, and seemed pretty upset about hurting her.

?It?s alright Casavir, I understand. Just as long as you can put up with me whingeing, I?m such a weakling when it comes to pain.? She laughed, ?Amie used to say,? Here her voice wavered and she swallowed a lump which suddenly appeared in her throat. She went on, her voice soft and distant, all traces of mirth gone. ?Amie used to say that Daeghun should buy me some plate boots to wear, since a stubbed toe would down me for weeks.? She coughed and tried to get up. ?Excuse me, I need to ??

?My lady, I am not finished, please stay seated.? Casavir chided her gently and Suna sat down again.

?I guess I should learn some more healing spells, or invest in some more potions. It seems silly to...?

She was rambling, and everyone knew it.

?Who?s Amie?? Duncan asked quietly. Suna?s head shot up, and it was lucky that Casavir had finally finished or she would have got another whack on the head by hitting his hand.

?Oh, she is,? Suna swallowed, ?she was, my best friend, growing up. She, Bevil, and the goddess were all I had. Especially after he left.? She coughed again. ?She ? the Githyanki murdered her. Just burned her to a crisp without even blinking. Then laughed, and left. I couldn?t stop him. I couldn?t help her, I ?? Duncan stopped her before she could work herself into hysterics by putting a hand on her shoulder and then pulling her in for a hug. She resisted for a moment, before capitulating.

From his usual spot in the corner, Bishop was glad to be spared the histrionics. At one time, he might have empathised. Hells, maybe even a little now. But there was one thing he could and would respect about this woman, and that was the plain fact that the Gith had invaded her home, and she had not surrendered. Neither had the rest of her town. They had stood their ground, and they had fought, and while some had died, they had driven the Gith off in the end. There was strength in that, and if Duncan?s niece had any sense in that pretty little head of hers, she would realise that.

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When Suna had finally calmed down, Duncan tried to get her to explain what she had meant to in the first place.

?Now lass, you mentioned Lord Darmon? One of the Nine? You say you met him earlier?? He prompted and Suna gave him a quirky smile.

?Yes, a bit strange actually, it was. We met him before Old Owl Well. Has he been in??

?No,? Duncan replied, ?Not yet. Though I did notice more soldiers than normal. Your doing, that??

?I?m afraid so. Remember that warehouse we emptied out, where the weapons were being shipped, well, when we finally got outside, he was there, and ??

?Are you Miss Farlong?? A small boy, who seemed to have appeared from nowhere, asked.

?Not Miss Farlong, though I can understand why you?d make that mistake. My name?s Suna, and this is my Uncle Duncan Farlong, if that helps.? She explained to him, as he seemed a trifle nervous.

?Oh, sorry. I was told to ask for a Miss Suna Farlong. What?s your name then, if it ain?t the same as his?? The boy asked, with all the natural curiosity and carelessness that only a child can have.

?Steel, Suna Steel. It was my father?s name. Duncan here is the half brother of the man who raised me ? Daeghun Farlong. But we?re not really blood relations. They were both friends of my mother, who died giving birth to me.? She explained. With her attention on the child, she did not notice Duncan wince and look a bit ashamed when she mentioned her mother. Others did however, and filed the information away, after all, it might be useful in the future.

?Wow! Your family is a mess o?people, ain?t it?? The kid replied, and then gasped, wondering if he had gone too far. Suna laughed though, and ruffled his hair.

?Sure is. Wouldn?t have it any other way though. Now, we?ve established that I?m the one you were looking for, what is it I can help you with?? She asked, reminding the boy that he?d originally had a purpose in coming here.

?Right, well, I got a message for you. Right important it is, from Lord Darmon. Only ?is man what usually does his fetchin? and carryin? is down with the pox. Cook says that?ll learn him for messing with those docks doxies.? Suna was fairly certain that this was information that neither Lord Darmon, nor his poorly messenger particularly wanted spreading about. In fact, she wasn?t really sure that she had needed to know in the first place, and the glint in this child?s eye seemed to say that the little rotter knew all of that too.

?Very well. Hand it over then.? She said, thinking it was probably a good idea to get the little scallywag on his way now.

?Here you go miss. I?m supposed to wait in case you want to reply. Can I get an ale while I wait?? He asked, overdoing the wide-eyed and innocent bit just a tad.

?No you cannot lad; you?ll have milk in the kitchen while my niece reads her letter.? The boy started grumbling, but Duncan shushed him and called for Qara. Qara being an upper class, out of control, hormonal teenager, who just happened to be a sorceress. An incendiary combination, in more ways than one. She?d set fire to the Flagon and then started a fight outside, causing even more damage than a pack of sailors on their first night of shore leave. Therefore, Duncan had dragooned her into service until she could pay back the cost of repairs.

She wasn?t the most pleasant person to have around, and despite her claims of being a carefree, independent woman, she had great difficulty in coping with life away from Daddy and his millions. Duncan kept trying to foist her off on Suna, and Suna dodged for all she was worth. Getting blown up because Precious Princess Qara broke a nail was not her idea of a good time. She wasn?t sure that it was anyone?s idea of a good time, apart from Princess Precious herself that is.

So, the kid taken care of, and most of her companions scattered around the inn in various states of inebriation coupled with the effects of sleep deprivation and outright exhaustion, Suna settled by the fire to read her letter.

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?My dear Lady Lieutenant of the City Watch, (or do you just prefer ?Suna??),

I hope this letter finds you in good health, and I mean that sincerely. Rumour has it that you have been a busy little bee since you arrived in Neverwinter, foiling the plans of local criminals, rescuing emissaries and routing evil Luskan plots. Really my dear, I do not know how you find enough hours in the day, truly, I do not.?

Suna laughed quietly to herself, not really noticing anyone else around her, and not caring if they heard. She could almost hear Sir Darmon?s smooth and cultured voice in her head as she read the words he had written.

?Please do not think that I am making light of your efforts, I, as well of the rest of Neverwinter, am grateful for the work you have done here. Especially since you are not a native of this area, and one might argue that you owe the city no allegiance.

I trust you recall our meeting in the Merchant Quarter? Imagine my surprise when my men returned from their evening?s entertainment at the Sunken Flagon, only to inform me that the ?Suna? we had met earlier that evening was the proprietor?s niece, and, that she had already left on another mission. My dear, do you ever stop, even if just to catch your breath??

Suna laughed again, and couldn?t keep the smile off her face. She settled herself more comfortably in her chair, pulling another closer and putting her feet up on it.

?I feel it is most unkind of you to have denied me your company after you so graciously arranged for my men and I to have the night off. I believe it is only fair that you make this right, and correct this injustice, by dining with me, tomorrow evening. Unfortunately I reside in the Blacklake District, and I do not believe Captain Brelaina would make an exception, even for such an important matter. However, The Moonstone Mask has an excellent menu and is most comfortably appointed.

Please, do send your answer with the young lad who brought this letter to you. Though he?s a little rogue in the making, one can?t help liking him. He has a way about him, I?m sure you?ve noticed. So, I leave you here, eagerly waiting your assent,

Your Servant,

Sir Darmon, of the Nine

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Suna refolded the note and then pressed it to her chin. Could she? Would she?

Should she?