The Heroes of Baldur's Gate... and Me

Part 5: A Deadly Song

"Harpies!" Shouts Wyll as he unsheaths his sword. "They have enchanted the child - get him to safety!"

I hurriedly pick up the child and start running back up the path. I don't get very far when a ear piercing scream rings out, and the sound of large wings flap above me.

I look up and see her - the harpy. A sadistic creature with the legs and wings of a vulture, but the body of a lithe eleven women. Their sweet song enchants their prey, luring them to their deaths...

Fear washes over me and I grip the child closer, sprinting up the path to safety.

I quickly glance over my shoulder to see Wyll engaging against the harpy, eldritch blasts shooting from his hand, while his rapier swings in his other hand.
His manages to strike the harpy on its thigh and it lets out a blood curdling scream.

At the scream, two shadows detach from the cliff and I realise with dismay they are two more harpies. One swoops down at Wyll, it's talons outstretched as it aims for his head. He manages to duck but one claw catches his shoulder, tearing through his red surcoat.

The other harpy flies up the path, aiming for myself and the child, a sinister smile on its face.

I realise with dismay that I'm not going to make it to the grove, I do not have the stamina to make it up the steep path while also holding the child. If I get through this, I swear I'll work on my cardio!

I feel the rush of air above me and I quickly dive under the cover of two rocks, as a claw rake through my scalp tearing a clump of hair out.

I drag myself and the child further under the rocks, hunched over awkwardly to shield him as best I can.

The harpy lands at the entrance of our cover and begins reaching in her clawed hands at us. I kick at it with my boot, causing it to withdraw its hand with a cry of surprise.

The child, now fully snapped out of his trance, begins to sob uncontrollably and clings to my arm. I try to comfort him, wrapping my arms around him as best as I can in our cramped hiding spot.

The sound of magic and Wyll's shouts reach my ears and I know he is trying to make his way to us. However I know he cannot fight three harpies at once, I can only hope that Astarion heard the commotion and is on his way down or went for help.

The harpy claws at the entrance and screams at us - I know it won't stop it for long - we just need to hold off long enough for help to arrive.

The child whimpers next to me and I find myself automatically stroking his curly hair to sooth him. "Sshhh" I whisper gently. "We need to be brave till help arrives, ok?"

He looks at me with big wide eyes, the tears drying on his cheeks. "Its going to get me" he whispers back, his voice hoarse from crying.

"I won't let anything happen to you - I promise" I say looking into his eyes, and trying my best comforting smile.

He gives me a small smile back but before I can say more, a claws dig into my calf and I'm being pulled out. I try to kick it's talons off me again but it has a firm grip and won't budge.

"Stay as far back as you can and don't move!" I shout to the boy as the harpy drags me further out.

My eyes meet the boy's and he nods once and quickly pushes a knife towards me. I wrap my hand around it - no bigger than a penknife but better than nothing.

The harpy pulls me free of the rocks and lifts in head, letting out a harsh cackle. Holding my breath, I lunge with the knife at the Harpy's leg, burying the small blade just above its ankle joint.