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

Part 13: Shadows of the Past

I sit on the stone steps in the main hall of the temple, my head in my hands. I am exhausted, beyond tired, bone-weary.

We had taken down the two other leaders - each one a hard fight - and successfully destroyed the remaining goblins.

I watch Karlach stroll up to Wyll, who sits a few steps below me, her great axe leaning on her shoulder, a wide grin on her face. "Final count - sixty three."

Wyll nods before looking up at Karlach, his face innocent but there is a mischievous glint in his eye. "Phew - that's mighty impressive - for delicate flower such as yourself. Shame for you I got seventy two!"

Karlach scoffs at his smug face in disbelief. "Delicate Flower?! I'll show you delicate!"
She lunges for Wyll, who tries to dodge but not quick enough to escape the punch to his side.

Wyll splutters as Karlach lets out a hearty laugh and she turns and runs, Wyll hot on her heels, until both are laughing just as hard.
I watch their antics with a small smile on my face. If I didn't know better, I think our Wyll is getting a soft spot for dear Karlach.

I hear soft pads above me and Astarion joins me, sitting on the step above mine, his knee lightly touching my arm.

"My my, look at those love birds." remarks Astarion, a hint of amusement in his smooth voice. "It won't be long before they are sharing a tent!"

"There seems to be a lot of that going round." I murmur, my words coming out more bitter than I had intended and I cringe inwardly.

There is an awkward silence till Astarion clears his throat uncomfortably. "I told you it's not what you think..." he says softly. I let out an exasperated breath before standing up.

"I don't care Astarion." I huff shortly, walking away down the stairs. "You are a free man - you can do as you please."

I feel my insides churning with mixed emotions as I walk away. Why am I allowing myself to care so much? Isn't it best that it didn't come to anything, or finished before going too far?

Karlach jogs up to me, out of breath but her face is beaming. "Hey Soldier, Tav has said for us to meet with the two we rescued and take them to the temporary camp. Her and the others are going to clear the remaining goblins from the courtyard. Plus Astarion told her there was an Owlbear cub being held out there and you know Tav, there was no stopping her once she knew this!"

"Okay, sounds good" I respond, trying to keep the weariness from my voice. "I think we are ready, lets head out now."

We gather our things plus additional supplies and weapons we have managed to find. For me, this includes a Drow style light armor from the leader Minthara. It might need a few adjustments around the hip area but it will certainly do the job. The temple had also proven to be a gold mine, with a locked room behind the Hobgoblin leader's throne filled with gold coins and numerous valuables. We had even found a larder, packed to the brim with food.

We head back through the rooms to the hidden passage and the door beyond. Volo and the young mercenary wait on the other side, a look of relief on both their faces. We approach the bridge and I look at it hesitantly. "Do you think Gale's spell is still in effect?" I query, looking at the others who appear unsure.

"Only one way to find out" Wyll says practically and hops on the spot, but instead of a small hop he goes up at least six feet, a surprised look on his face as he drops back down. "Guess that's a yes then!"

Karlach goes first, taking a long run up before taking a powerful jump and sailing across the gap with ease. Wyll then goes next holding Volo, who grips tightly onto Wyll's arms in fear, much to the amusement of Karlach. I follow next, more confidently this time around and Astarion crosses last while holding the mercenary, a rather displeased look on his face.