Eight Years Before Present Day.

"Ahem... is there a problem, sir? I assure you that I have not forgotten the rules of the Friendly Arm Inn, if that is what you fear..." Gorion smiled kindly at the burly, armor-clad guard who was currently staring at him with narrowed, suspicious eyes.

Perhaps he would not be drawing quite so much attention if there was not the corpse of one would-be assassin scorched into the wall behind him. The table that he, Khalid, and Jaheira had been seated at was broken in two, and all the guests inside had moved a healthy distance away from the three. Several chunks of ice were scattered around the area, as well as more than a few burnt pieces of furniture and tableware. The guard clenched his spear tightly as he leaned down, his height just above Gorion's.

"Is that so? Then perhaps you shall explain to me what has happened? We do not tolerate such violence and aggression inside these walls, as you should know." his pupils were dark glittering brown underneath his helm, glancing to the two half-elven warriors who were standing opposite of the old man. "Perhaps I should inquire as to what really happened in here?"

"If you must." Gorion smiled weakly, making a point to lean heavily upon his walking staff as he sighed heavily, letting his chest rise and sink with the effort. "I do think you'll find that not only my two companions but the rest of the patrons will attest to my simple efforts in defending myself."

The guard took a second look throughout the room, taking in all the collateral damage, then shook his head in amazement. "And what of all this mess? Was that all part of your 'defending' yourself?"

The old wizard shook his head sadly, looking more and more frail by the moment. "Come now, I am but an old man. Surely one as feeble as I could not have done all this, hmm? As I said, purely defending myself. Really, I could barely hold my own against that young brigand."

A look at Khalid and Jaheira elicited naught more than a pair of sympathizing nods, to where Gorion smiled and turned back to his erstwhile interrogator. "You see? Complete agreement. But... ah, I sense you'd still prefer it if we were to take our leave. Am I correct?"

He only received a glare from the burly guard in reply; with a nod of confirmation, Gorion gathered up the sleeves of his robes and motioned to the others. "Very well then, let it not be said that we are anything less than cooperative to the fine laws of the Friendly Arm Inn. Again, my apologies for the mess."

He did not look back once as the three of them shuffled out of the inn, down the stairs back to ground level and finally out of the gates themselves. Once there was a fair bit of distance between them and the inn, Khalid glanced at Gorion, whose face was barely holding back a smile, the corners of his mouth twitching every now and then. "One so feeble as you? G-gorion, truly?"

The wizard feigned surprise, shrugging innocently. "Of course. I'm nearly seventy, after all."

"You are insufferable at times." Jaheira declared, though her words contained no hint of malice in them.

Gorion barked a laugh at this, then arched a bushy gray eyebrow as he met Jaheira's half-accusing gaze. "Am I? Well, I suppose there is no denying it. You had to learn from someone, after all."

Khalid laughed at this; it wasn't long before all three had finally settled into one another's company again. Still, Jaheira was not quite willing to let the past events go so quickly. "Gorion... someone is after you. Your reappearance as a Harper did not stay secret for very long."

"Nor did I persuade myself that it would." he exhaled, his eyes firmly fixed on the mountain slopes ahead of them that would lead to the town of Nashkel if traversed properly. “My research into the location of the bandit camp's encampment...it is not a question one can bring up too subtly."

"Perhaps it might be best if y-you accompany us for some time, then." Khalid offered, tightening the sword on his belt. "Not to say you need our protection, of c-course..."

It was a credit to the wizard that he took the comment in the sense it was meant, giving little more acknowledgment than a slight nod. "Naturally. Still, I feel my presence would be more of a hindrance than anything to your work. I am known as a Harper through and through... you two can still keep a low profile in your investigations- something you will not be able to do if I am with you."

Gorion paused for a moment, taking in their current location, then exhaled deeply, taking Khalid's hand and shaking it firmly. "On that note, this is where our paths must part. My dear friends-I am glad to know you both. I only pray it will not be so long before we meet once more."

Jaheira leaned in to embrace the old wizard, giving him a tight smile as she replied, clasping her hands around his for a brief moment, squeezing tightly. "Take care of yourself, do you understand me? These dogs have already shown their colors; you will not be safe. If they are willing to strike in a fortress such as the Friendly Arm, there is no place that will be beyond their reach."

He didn't reply; a simple nod as he grasped his staff tightly and headed out and away, passing far and beyond from their company. The pair who was left behind exchanged a glance that said everything they needed to tell each other. Druid and warrior together as one, separating from their friend and mentor. Khalid could not help but take one final glimpse of the departing sage. Deep down, he knew Gorion could take care of himself; he hadn't needed their help in dealing with the assassin at the Friendly Arm Inn, and he could surely handle any others who were foolish enough to challenge him. Still, in that dark corner of his mind, his worried and doubts remained unanswered.

"Khalid? Are you all right?"

Jaheira's concerned voice snapped Khalid out of it- she was looking at him with lips pursed with what others might consider irritation; he had long since learned it to mean concern. He took a brief moment to wonder how it was possible that a woman like her had somehow fallen in love with him; he merely nodded and grasped her hand tightly, Jaheira letting show a rare, genuine smile as he kissed the back of her hand gently. "I'm fine."

X X X X X X

The clatter of armor shifting and the constant thud of metal on stone made a clamorous entrance to the town of Nashkel as the Imoen and her two companions crossed the bridge that led inside. Opposite them, mirroring their entrance in an exit was a battalion of Flaming Fist mercenaries, scarcely sparing the three of them a glance. Maybe it was the idea that a lanky, grinning loon of a wizard, an ill-tempered halfling and a pink-haired rogue couldn't pose a threat. Maybe they were simply busy with the threat of the day, whether that be bandits or monsters of the wood and plain. Regardless, their entrance into the town of Nashkel, as long-awaited as it had been, was slightly less climactic than Imoen had anticipated.

"So... this is where you two were headed. Not for nothing, but... why?" Imoen noted, taking in all the sights and sounds of the admittedly tiny town. It looked like one major road that encompassed the general store, the smithy, the Temple, the graveyard, and the Mayor's office. One offshoot headed south after the Temple, but it was all farmland for as far as the eye could see. Or at least, as far as the land went until her view was obscured by hills and the like.

The thief waited for an answer, but it wasn't long before she realized that an answer wasn't forthcoming. She turned and stared at Montaron, who was paying no attention to her. She sighed, leaning down to grab the halfling by the shoulder in an attempt to gather his attention- no, she'd best not try that. He had some violent reflexes that she'd noticed... best to simply call out to him until she got his attention. Less chance of bodily harm that way.

"Montaron!"

"Eh?!" the halfling whipped around, calming slightly as he saw it was Imoen, hands on her hips as she stared down the halfling. "What is it, lass!? I'm right here, there's no need for shouting!"

"You didn't answer me the first time, that's all." Imoen pointed out, not wanting to upset the ill-tempered halfling more than necessary. He had a short fuse as it was, and keeping him in good spirits wasn't easy. Especially when Xzar seemed to take a perverse pleasure in antagonizing him, despite his claims of innocence in the matter.

"Well I simply didn't hear ye then. What do you want?" Montaron glared as he looked up at Imoen... only it wasn't the usual half-exasperated, half-unpleasant grimace that Imoen had come to know and expect over the last month or so. It was more of a... a curious, questioning sneer. Perhaps a look of knowing criticism, something he found humorous about her that he wasn't quite willing to share. Regardless, she'd noticed it since they'd collected their reward from the Temple of Lathander. Things had changed, if ever so slightly, between her and the other two. Not something she could quite put her finger on, but noticeable, at least to her senses.

"Just what we're actually going to be doing here... you never did say why we were traveling to Nashkel. Just that you worked for people who were investigating the area." Imoen remarked, noting the smithy's anvil, resting outside the shop beside the general store. Her arrowheads were falling prey to the same disease of the iron in the swords; she'd need to replace them soon.

Montaron did not answer immediately, but seemed to share a look with Xzar before speaking to her. In fact, it was the wizard who spoke up instead. He cleared his throat, sliding to Imoen's side and slipping one arm around her shoulder. "It is time we told you our business, yes? The iron crisis, of course. We are to investigate who or what might be behind it... and why they are attempting to push the blame onto our employers."

Imoen would be lying if she said Xzar's arm on her didn't feel just the slightest bit creepy, but his words rang true to her. "Er... okay. So where do we start looking? The Mayor's office, perhaps?"

"Ye've a good head on your shoulders, lass." Montaron nodded, squinting through one eye as he gestured at her. "Precisely where we're headed. Still... t'would be wise to rearm our equipment and the like from that smithy. I'll take care of it- you and the wizard look around this rat-hole and find out what we need to know."

Even though she wasn't from anywhere near the town of Nashkel, Imoen found herself taking slight offense to Montaron's casual denigration of the town. Not to say it was a sprawling city like Athkatla or Baldur's Gate, or even as big as the full scope of Candlekeep for that matter, but his personality grated on her at times. That combined with his newly secretive behavior made a departure from his company, at least for the moment, a pleasant thought.

"So my dear... I've been watching you for some time. Did you know that?" Xzar's voice froze her just slightly, the wizard having leaned over to speak almost directly into her ear. At least he hadn't broken into his high-pitched, squealy voice. She cleared her throat, turning to look at the slightly-too-close man, smiling his inflappable grin.

"Ah... no. I did not, Xzar. Is there something you'd like to ask me?" she found the words to speak, even if they weren't what she intended. The wizard had to be dealt with lightly- his temper wasn't as unstable as Montaron, but she didn't care to upset him either.

Still, if her hesitation was apparent to Xzar, he made no indication of it. Instead, he merely leaned forward again, running one hand through his greasy, tousled hair before cooing, "Such a pretty, intelligent girl. I could simply eat you for breakfast... or lunch. Or dinner. Would you care to join me?"

She stopped herself from recoiling at the apparent threat and invitation to join him in self-cannibalism, then tried to rearrange his often unstable words into those which made sense. It only took her a moment, but she still felt her cheeks redden just a bit at the prospect. "Um... Xzar? Are you asking me out to dinner?"

"Something like that." he tossed out offhandedly, his demeanor abruptly shifting to one of nonchalance and intense concentration. He arched one eyebrow as he looked down from his impressive height at the thief. "After all, we must have time to discuss your training."

The abrupt about-face that the conversation was taking took her by surprise; it really shouldn't have considering how often it happened when she spoke with the mage, but she covered it quickly, curious at what he was getting at. "So... what kind of training? I would've thought Montaron would be the one training me when it comes to thieving and all that-"

"No no no no no no no no no..." Xzar laughed, before his voice grew dark, his eyes looking like dark pinpricks of light underneath the shadow of the day and the tattoos that surrounded them. "I'm talking about my profession... the one of magic. The one, my dear, that you are destined to master. I see it in your walk, in your stance. The way your very soul carries and expresses itself. You are meant for so much more than the life of a simple pick-pocket. Monty would agree. Here... take this ring. Training, remember?"

He took her hand and slipped a small silver band onto one of her fingers. She frowned in confusion as she looked at the ring, about to ask what it did- the sound of an irate halfling shouting echoed alongside several metallic objects ringing together; no doubt Monty had gotten himself into some kind of trouble at the smithy. Not surprising, considering his outlook towards the citizens and town of Nashkel. Xzar muttered several curses, a few which Imoen understood enough to be slightly embarrassed. He gave an over-exaggerated bow to Imoen, mouthing words that she presumed were 'I'll be right back', before hiking up his mage robes and running to his partner. "Monty!!"

She sighed, glancing one more time at the ring on her finger... whatever. She let it be, and finding herself alone for the time being, Imoen took the moment to explore Nashkel... for all there was to see. The houses weren't fancy or built with an excess of fancy material. They were simple structures, speaking to a simple style of living. Farmers, peasants, miners, a few guards and priests. Nobody of any importance, at least in the scope of her wandering eye. She wasn't about to steal from the poor folk who undoubtedly comprised the full range of Nashkel's residents. Still, it'd been a while since she had been given the opportunity to practice her profession of choice.

Xzar's words came back to her- it was the kind of spiel Gorion had kept giving her back in Candlekeep. Talking about her talent, her ability. While she admitted it would be fun to toss around fireballs and lightning bolts like they were toys... it all looked like so much work. Boring study and repetitive lessons for hours on end to learn one measly cantrip. No thank you. Still... she remembered the blast that had saved her life back at her first campsite. The ease with which Xzar had immolated the wolf which had been ready to rip her throat out. It would be a welcome addition to her skills with a bow... and Gorion would be so surprised when she saw him next!

She giggled ever so slightly at the thought, not paying attention to what was in front of her. What that happened to be at the moment was a mammoth of a man, towering over her with ease. She grunted as she slammed into him, her head tapping his stomach as she lost her footing and slipped to the ground. She rubbed her head with a grimace, before opening her eyes and looking up... and up... and up. The balding warrior leaned down, extending a hand to the girl with a worried look. "Are you okay? Minsc hopes you did not hurt yourself."

"Naw... I'm fine." she took his head as he veritably yanked her back to feet, the girl rubbing her hand after he let go. "Sorry about running into you... guess I just forgot to look where I was goin, that's all..."

"Minsc does not mind. Sometimes he forgets as well. But not now, no sir! Minsc is heading west, and he needs the aid of others to go with him! Will you aid Minsc in a quest for vengeance and the rescue of his witch?" he declared, locking eyes with Imoen, the girl quite unsure of what he was talking about.

"I... er, what?" Imoen stammered, the man either unwilling to slow or unaware of her confusion as he pounded one fist into his palm with vehement dedication. "It will be a battle of tremendous proportions! A whole fortress of the evil gnoll creatures, holding my witch captive! It is my failure that I could not protect her, but with the aid of others we shall set her free! Isn't that right, Boo?"

Imoen didn't know whether to laugh or cry as a furry hamster scooted across the man's armor, finally settling on his shoulder pauldron. He looked down at Imoen again, obviously proud of himself and the hamster. "Well? What say you? Heh, there shall be plenty of butt-kicking to go around, you know!"

She considered her words carefully... the man was just as odd as Xzar, if in a slightly less creepy fashion. Added to his imposing height, the muscles on his arms that could surely break her in two with a minimum of effort, and the fact that he kept a hamster for company... at the very least she should talk to Montaron and Xzar before saying anything more. She could hear Montaron's voice already, 'Is he offering a reward? No? Blast it girl, don' ye remember the rules I told you?!'

She cleared her throat, summoning her courage. "Er... so it's a rescue mission, right? And you're looking for people to help you out, I caught that much. Is there... is there a reward for her safety?"

"Reward?" Minsc's brow furrowed as he spoke, and for a moment Imoen feared her life was going to end at the hands of an oversized ranger, but her fears were alleviated when he simply shook his head, though his face seemed to lose some of the hope it had held before. "No... Minsc goes to save his witch! His job is to protect her, and unless she is returned, he will be a failure! Is the thrashing of evil not reward enough?"

He was so earnest, so... well, desperate, if the look in his eyes said anything at all. Imoen glanced back at the smithy where Montaron and Xzar had yet to return from; she cursed and looked up at Minsc patting his arm once. "I have to go ask my friends, okay? I'll be right back."

She turned and zipped away from the ranger, already plotting and planning in her mind a way to persuade her companions to aid the beleaguered man. She looked back at him as she ran to the smithy, as though to make sure he was not following her or disappearing on her- once again she found herself slamming into a body that sent her to the ground. She growled, quite displeased with the repeat performance, especially for one who was supposed to be a lithe, dexterous thief. "Watch where yer headed!"

"I-Imoen?"

The surprised stutter was enough to freeze her, and Imoen looked up with a cry of joy and shock as she saw both Khalid and Jaheira standing above her, realization crossing their faces as they saw who had bounced off their armor. She leapt to her feet, laughing as she embraced both of them in turn. "What are you two doing here? Never thought I'd run into you two on the road!"

"You'd be surprised." Jaheira remarked dryly, looking her up and down. "We met up with Gorion not two days ago at the Friendly Arm Inn- he told us to pass along his regards should we find you. I had not imagined it would be so soon."

"You l-look like you've d-done well for yourself." Khalid noted kindly, feeling the quality of the leather armor she was wearing. "Is t-that a lightning enchantment on your bow?"

"Yep." Imoen grinned, showing the weapon to them. "Picked it up at the store in Beregost. Cost a lot, too."

Jaheira arched an eyebrow at that, inspecting the weapon for a moment before handing it back to her. "And how many guards ended up on your hide after you stole the money for it?"

"Hey!" Imoen said, slightly miffed at the accusation. "For your information, I haven't stole a thing since Candlekeep. Sheesh... it's like there aren't any rich people around here. Beregost, Nashkel... nothing."

"That's because most of them have private estates or live in a city like the Gate." Jaheira said with a trace hint of smugness in her tone. "If not by pilfering others' valuables, how have you spent your time as an adventurer thus far?"

"Well... I guess the big thing was killing that Bassilus guy-" Imoen began, before pausing as she noticed the surprise on the faces of her old mentors. "Um... you guys okay?"

"You k-killed Bassilus?" Khalid asked, his face alternately switching from surprise to pride. "His bounty's been out f-for some time. W-we heard it had been claimed, b-but..."

Jaheira finished for him, letting a hint of commendation into her voice. "We never expected it would be you who was collecting."

Imoen couldn't help but feel slightly embarrassed at their praise; she shrugged and thumbed towards the smithy. "Meh, it wasn't just me, y'know. I've been traveling with two guys I met on the road outside of Candlekeep. They..."

The two suddenly appeared, stumbling out of the smithy as the owner appeared at the door, shouting a few profanities as Montaron returned the gestures two-fold. Xzar was muttering to himself, not taking notice of either side as they left the man and his shop behind. Imoen winced and forced a smile as she looked up at a highly dubious Jaheira. "Er... not the best impression, I know."

"What gave you that idea?" Jaheira shot back, keeping her expression neutral as the pair approached Imoen, eyeing Jaheira and Khalid with suspicion.

"Imoen! Blasted wretch calls himself a smithy... we'll find equipment elsewhere. Ah... who're these folk?"

"Um... Montaron, Xzar, these are my old friends, Khalid and Jaheira." Imoen introduced, gesturing to each in turn. "I've known them my whole life."

Khalid extended a hand to the pair, though Xzar simply stared at the gesture as though unfamiliar with the custom. It was left in the air just long enough to be awkward before Imoen coughed, turning to the Harper pair. "So... why are you here, anyway?"

"The iron crisis." Jaheira said evenly, keeping her eyes fixed on Imoen as she spoke, though she never let either of the other two out of her sight. "The mines near Nashkel have always been some of the greatest sources of iron ore; perhaps the miners there know what has changed within the iron."

Imoen's eyes lit up as she listened, looking back at the suddenly suspicious Montaron and Xzar. "Huh! That's why these two are here- we're investigating the iron crisis too. Apparently their employers are looking into it too. I-"

"That be enough, girl." Montaron growled, cutting Imoen off before squinting at Jaheira and Khalid with no effort to hide his contempt. "Tell me, tall folk... who exactly are you working for? Why does this matter concern you at all?"

"I might ask you the same question, short one." Jaheira tossed back, the edge in her voice as disconcerting to Imoen as Montaron's. "You and your wizard companion remind me of unsavory types that my husband and I have previously met... perhaps other associates of your employer?"

"I doubt it." Xzar snarled, cracking the knuckles on one hand without using the other- simply flexing each finger in turn. "You would not have survived the encounter. It does not take much to recognize the stench of self-righteous Harpers in the air, eh Monty?"

Jaheira's eyes flared as she moved to strike, a pre-emptive assault against the attack that was sure to come in moments- Imoen flung herself between the two groups, eyes wide with concern. "Hey! What's going on here?! I don't understand..."

"Get out of the way, Imoen." Jaheira said grimly, eyes firmly fixed on Xzar, even as Khalid put one hand to the hilt of his long sword, meeting Montaron's spiteful sneer. "These two are Zhentarim agents... enemies of our organization, and most assuredly evil."

"A laughable claim, coming from self-proclaimed Harpers!" Montaron spat. "You should be glad the lass stepped in or you'd be on the ground bleeding by now."

"Enough!" Imoen cried out. “Nobody's killing anyone here, got it?!"

"Imoen, you do not understand!" Jaheira hissed, taking Imoen by the collar as she tried to make her understand. "These two cannot be trusted. You're lucky you've survived this long in their company."

"That's not true!" Imoen shot back, pushing away from Jaheira's grip. "I'd be dead right now if not for them. They saved my life- I owe them for that!"

Her words were a surprise to Khalid and Jaheira, but they were not dissuaded so easily. "Imoen, if they showed you any kindness, it was for their own benefit. The Zhentarim are ruthless murderers who care only for power. If you're not one of them, then you're simply an asset to be used and discarded."

Imoen found her throat dry and unsure of how to continue- on the one hand, she didn't want to believe their words. The pair was odd and surely not the sort she'd have found herself traveling with on first choice... but they'd saved her life and she felt a sense of loyalty to them for that. On the other hand, she couldn't just throw away the advice of her oldest friends so quickly... she glanced back at the scowling faces of Montaron and Xzar, unsure of who to trust or defend-

"Imoen... y-you have to make your own choices. But we'll n-never stop trying to protect you. T-that's all we're trying to do here. Please, c-come with us." Khalid's calm, friendly voice cut through her doubts without hesitation. She looked back to her old friend and the gentle nature always present in his eyes and half-elven features. She made up her mind-

"Well Imoen, we can't simply expect you to do abandon your old friends like this, can we?" Xzar's voice took them all by surprise, including Montaron who looked up at him in shock as he suddenly calmed, taking to picking at his fingernails as he spoke. "These… these so-called friends of yours are right about one thing; we are Zhentarim, though I maintain that we never had any intention of harming you. Still, your loyalty runs deeply... we know by experience. We shall continue our investigations without you, if we must... it has been a pleasure to enjoy your company."

The others remained silent, surely surprised by this development... Imoen as much as any of them. Still, his words tugged at her just enough for her to make a decision. Rather, an amendment to her decision. She turned back to Khalid and Jaheira, nodding firmly to them. "Okay... I'll go with you guys. But you have to promise me you won't hurt them. They saved my life, and I owe them for that."

Khalid smiled at her and nodded, admiring the loyalty in her, if not the recipients of said loyalty. Jaheira inhaled sharply, then narrowed her eyes as she stared down Montaron and Xzar. "Very well. We shall abide by your decision... however ill-considered it may be." she ignored the dirty look from Imoen and instead walked past her to stand face to face with Xzar, the mage seemingly oblivious to her presence as he continued to pick at his fingernails. "Pray we do not cross paths a second time. If we do, Imoen shall not save you."

Xzar yawned, then waved brightly to Imoen as he took a bow. "I suppose we should be on our way, such as it is. Monty?"

Imoen returned the wave faintly, watching as the odd pair headed east; a pang of remorse hit her as her first companions on the road disappeared from her life... at least, for the moment. Jaheira watched them suspiciously for a time, then motioned to Imoen, whispering quietly. "Come. We should leave the streets, at least for the moment. That inn will suffice. We will explain everything once we are inside."

The three of them disappeared inside the Nashkel Inn, even as Montaron and Xzar continued their pace out of the town... but not towards the mines. Montaron looked up at the wizard with furious indignation, sputtering madly. "Why the bloody hells didn't you let us kill them! The girl could nae' have stopped us. We might've had to get rid of her sooner, but we cannot afford to have Harpers shadowing our movements-"

"Monty, Monty... you think far too small." Xzar tsked, still examining his fingernails. "You're right... the time to cash in our tender trophy has come much sooner than we planned. The ring I slipped to dear Imoen will keep her whereabouts known to us, and with any luck the Harpers will still be guarding her when the hunters come to collect. They'll do our job for us."

Montaron thought about the plan for a moment longer, then grinned. "Hah! Who says ye don't have a brain on that tattooed head of yours? Only question now becomes which of the two contracts we collect on. The warrior or the wizard?"

"Excuse me... but have the two of you seen a young girl with pink hair? She said she might aid Minsc and Boo in their noble quest."

They were interrupted by a frantic, worried looking ranger, placing one hand on Xzar's shoulder as they prepared to pass the boundaries of the town. Xzar looked at the hand, then the arm, then the man to whom it was attached. He thought for a moment, and then sneered wickedly. "Yes, I have. She's left the town already."

"But... but what about aiding us in our quest to rescue Dynaheir?" Minsc asked, looking more stricken by the moment. "She said she would ask her friends for help too-"

"That be the problem with depending on others, human." Montaron laughed as the two turned their backs on him and continued their way out of Nashkel. "They'll always let you down."

The sound of Montaron's words and Xzar's laughter was a haunting echo around the ranger as he found himself alone once again. He tightened his fist, feeling the berserker rage rise up within him... the little man was right. If nobody would aid him, then Minsc would find Dynaheir himself. He didn't need help to gain the glory of his homeland.

A squeak, a tiny voice from the hamster he carried alongside him gave him a moment's pause, told him to not give up hope just yet. It told him to keep searching, to wait for another. Surely there was someone who would aid them in finding Dynaheir.

For the very first time, Minsc ignored that voice.