Baldur's gate II_ throne of Bhaal - Drew Karpyshyn [87]
"But you unleashed the Ravager." The being that had confronted him in the past materialized before him once more, its infinite voice once again responding to thoughts he had not spoken aloud.
Abdel ignored the creature before him and turned his attention to the doors that would lead him away from this place and back to the material plane where he could resume his quest to avenge Jaheira's death. There were only two doors now.
"As you slay each of the Five, the potential fates of you and your kin become fewer."
Interesting, but not interesting enough to keep Abdel from leaving.
"Beware, Abdel Adrian," the annoying creature warned. "You risk losing yourself to the Ravager. It cannot be controlled. It will devour you from within even as it devours your enemies."
The big sellsword spun to face the being preaching at him. "I don't care!" he spat in anger. "As long as it lets me kill the Five, I don't care what happens to me!"
The being shook its glorious head. "Abdel, I fear for your future-and the future of Abeir-toril. There is so much you do not know. So much I would tell you, were it not forbidden by the power I serve."
"There is nothing you can say that would affect me now," Abdel assured his host with a sneer. "You cannot bring back Jaheira, or Imoen, or even Gorion. My Bhaal blood has brought only suffering and loss. There is no hope for me, no chance for happiness. All I have left is my vengeance."
"Your bitterness is understandable, Abdel. But suffering and loss are a part of existence-mortal or immortal. Your words dishonor the memories of those who have walked by your side down the path of your destiny. Learn from their examples."
"Learn? Learn what?" Abdel made no effort to hide the scorn in his voice.
"Sarevok showed you the potential for redemption."
"And now he is dead."
"Jaheira saved you through the power of her love."
"And now she is dead."
"Gorion sacrificed himself so that you might achieve your destiny."
"And he too is dead. Is that the lesson you would have me learn? Death? I know that lesson all too well, my starry friend, and I intend to share this learning with each and every one of the Five."
His adversary changed tactics. "There is only one of the Five left," it said. "Kill him and the blood of Bhaal will survive only in you."
Abdel shrugged. "So my work is almost done." He turned and stepped through the door.
As the plane of Bhaal dissolved away, he heard the infinite voice call out, "There is more to your destiny than mere vengeance, Abdel. I pray you are ready for what will come."
* * * * *
Melissan found Abdel along the sole path cutting through the southern arm of the Forest of Mir, less than a mile away from the western edge of the woods. The big sellsword was wearing only a hooded cowl that seemed at least two sizes too small for his massive frame. In one hand he carried a heavy broadsword. In the other he held Sendai's dagger, its blade easily recognizable by the arcane symbols etched upon its surface. His body was covered in blood and gore, his feet were bare, and he was traveling on foot.
"Praise the gods you yet live!" the Melissan exclaimed as she pulled up her mount beside him. "I came to warn that an assassin hunts you. One of the Five."
"The drow is dead," Abdel said simply. "And the lizard man."
"Abazigal and Sendai are both…" Melissan muttered, then seemed to catch herself at the last second and changed topics in midsentence. "We have been betrayed, Abdel. Imoen is dead."
"I know." Abdel was surprised at how much the words still hurt, even now. The mere mention of his half sister's demise was like a knife twisting in his heart. "Tell me what happened."
"We sought sanctuary in Amkethran's monastery. The monks welcomed us, invited us in, and promised to protect us. They took Imoen to the central tower to guard her, but by morning she was dead."
"The drow assassin," Abdel guessed.
Melissan nodded. "Sendai was her name. But I fear there is