Baldur's gate II_ throne of Bhaal - Drew Karpyshyn [17]
Abdel had emerged from each struggle against his inner evil victorious so far. Was it possible Sarevok had once been like himself but had succumbed to Bhaal's taint? Had Sarevok become a mortal manifestation of Bhaal himself, a creature no longer responsible for its actions?
Taking advantage of Abdel's prolonged silence, Sarevok continued pleading his case. "When you ended my mortal existence, Abdel, you released my spirit from the hells. But instead of freedom, I found myself here-trapped in this limbo that was once Bhaal's realm.
"Since the day of my death I have waited here, knowing you too would one day come to this place. My soul is linked to yours, Abdel, joined by our shared heritage and my death by your hand. I knew you would return, and I have waited here for you, for another chance. A chance to live not as a vessel for Bhaal's hate and desire, but as myself."
"I… I don't know if I can believe you." To his own surprise, Abdel said the words almost with regret.
Sarevok nodded. "I understand. You have no reason to trust me. So I will give you a sign of my good faith. I will tell you how to leave this realm so that you may return to the mortal world and those you left behind."
Jaheira! Imoen. The mention of his companions sparked a sudden urgency in Abdel. How long had he been here, in this void? What if the woman he had killed was not the only one hunting them? What if there were more of those mutated wolf creatures lurking in the forest?
"Tell me how to get back!"
Sensing his brother's anxiousness, Sarevok offered reassurance. "Your companions are safe, Abdel. They are in no immediate danger. I will tell you how to go back. Then, if you wish, you may simply leave, and I will not try to stop you. I only ask that you listen to the rest of my offer before you go."
"It's a deal," Abdel answered immediately, eager to say anything to expedite his return to Jaheira's side.
"The doors are the key, Abdel," Sarevok explained. "Merely approach them and concentrate. Will yourself to be back in the mortal realm."
"Which door?" Abdel asked.
"It does not matter. The doors themselves are symbols. They represent the possibilities and the potential of this realm-and of yourself."
Abdel never even hesitated. He simply turned his back on Sarevok and marched toward the nearest door, consciously trying to envision himself stepping through and re-appearing in the clearing where he had left Jaheira and Imoen.
"You made a promise, Abdel," Sarevok called out, making him pause.
He owed Sarevok nothing. Gorion's death was, to Abdel, the worst of his half brother's crimes, but it was not the only one. There was no reason to stay, he should keep walking and leave Sarevok to rot in the void.
"Do you remember my last words to you beneath Baldur's Gate, Abdel? Do you remember what I said as you drove your sword into my heart?" Sarevok asked. "I told you there were others like us, Abdel, other Children of Bhaal who walk the world. You must seek them out if you want answers, Abdel."
The words of Sarevok, so similar to those of the great being in his dream, caused Abdel to turn and face his half brother.
"I can help you find these other Bhaalspawn," Sarevok said. "I can lead you to answers, but you must listen to my offer before you go."
The memory of how Bhaal's taint had nearly overwhelmed him in the clearing came back to Abdel's consciousness. The sick, helpless feeling as his own body became a vessel for the evil taint that had once been a part of the Lord of Murder's immortal essence. Would the answers Sarevok offered finally purge him of his father's legacy? Jaheira's face flashed through Abdel's thoughts, and he cast a glance over his shoulder at the door floating in the gray mists.
"Abdel, the choice is yours."
Chapter Four
"Thank the gods!"
Abdel heard Jaheira's voice a split second before the face of his lover rematerialized before him. The fear and concern in her violet eyes was quickly washed away by tears of relief.
"Abdel," she cried out,