Chpt 3. The Grove
Trigger Warnings: Violence, Fantasy Racism, Violence Against White Men, Threatening Children, Choking the Snake
As we follow the path of the Tieflings we suddenly hear shouting ahead, a panicked voice begging for entry into what I imagine is the grove, followed by the haunting howl of a horde of goblins. Shrieking, laughing, whooping ululations. As the horde grows closer, the panicked begging grows more desperate, "Let us in, Zevlor! Hurry!"
I beckon my companions to climb a hill that gives us a vantage point over the trail where we see a band of human adventurers clambering at the gate. A Tiefling that I recognize to be a Hellrider looms over them from the parapet at the top of the gate, "What's going on, Aradin? Where is the druid?"
Aradin, one of the human adventurers throws his hands up, "We don't have time, just let us in! We've got a pack of goblins on our tails!"
Zevlor looks off into the distance and at that moment spots the goblins charging down the path, "Good gods above, OPEN THE GATE!" One of the Tieflings begins to turn the winch but he only gets it halfway up before goblin arrows riddle his body and he falls to the ground. In an instant the gate drops closed.
The humans scream and pound on the door before resigning themselves to a fight. Aradin pulls out his club and they brace themselves for the onslaught.
I nod to the others, and we prepare to join the impending fight. The goblins flood the area, I count six, a bugbear, and a worg. They spread out, two goblin archers run up the hill side to where we are posted, not seeing us from their vantage. Gale runs up next to me and commands a pulse of thunder to blow the goblins off the hill, they hit the ground hard, their broken bodies staying down. Shadowheart runs up on my other side and with a flourishing of her hand sends a guiding bolt to blast the lead goblin. Lae'zel runs past us and leaps into the fray. She takes a swing at the bugbear but it dodges the hit, Lae'zel doesn't miss a beat and takes a second more determined swing and lands the blow. The bugbear screams and swings back at Lae'zel with his mace. She partially blocks it, but I hear the clunk of the blunt weapon on her armour.
I don't see Astarion anywhere and make note of how well I can trust a man like him. Not very well it seems. I run down the cliff face and take a swing at one of the goblins, the Booyagh, one of their spell casters. It takes the hit but isn't taken down, before it gets a chance to cast a spell I smash it in the face with the butt of my sword, and it collapses in a fit of blood and broken teeth.
I look up and see a crowd of Tieflings staring down at us from the parapets, with a few of the druids as well. There must be an entire caravan of refugees from Elturel cowering in this grove. You would think after everything they've been through they wouldn't look so frightened at a minor goblin scuffle. A Tiefling couple catches my eye, the man is doting on the woman, looking on uselessly. The woman on the other hand is captivated by the fight, she looks ready to tear a goblin apart with her bare hands if it came to it. I've lost focus and an arrow bites into my shoulder. Another goblin archer standing near the corpse of a woman from Aradin's crew. I feel my anger rise and I strike back with a hellish rebuke which causes the goblin to burst into flames. He dies screaming and it sends pleasurable chills down my spine.
There is only the bugbear, the worg, and the goblin leader left. The bugbear has been dodging some of Lae'zel's assault but is noticeably wounded. The goblin has also been avoiding strike after strike while hitting back with baneful blows from his club. Out of nowhere Astarion ambushes him with a dagger plunged downward into his back. The goblin shrieks and tries to grab the dagger but can't reach it from that angle. Astarion finishes him off by slitting his throat with a second dagger. The man is reliable after all. Aradin finishes off the worg with a crushing blow to the skull. I cast compelling duel on the bugbear, and it turns to me and begins to charge. As it draws near, I pull the strength from my profane god and strike him with a divine smite from my greatsword. The bugbear crumples into a ruptured mess on the ground. As the battle falls still the gate is opened once again; Aradin and his remaining man charges in, shouting expletives along the way.
As we enter the grove the Tieflings begin to meander back to the hollow where they've set up camp. It's an open cave system that seems safe from any outside threat, a prudent location to take refuge. These Tieflings are undoubtedly from Elturel, their sour faces give it away. I notice the couple again, walking hand in hand with the others. They're lucky to have made it this far and still have one another, what a tragedy it would be if they came from the hells themselves only to die in a stinking cave in the middle of nowhere.
As if she read my thoughts, the woman turns and glances back at me. She has fair blond curls and a gentle face, but the kindness in her eyes is laced with excitement, I bet she's an animal in bed. The man with her glances back at me as well then wraps his arm around her protectively and they begin whispering.
Tieflings are exhausting.
I walk up to Zevlor and Aradin as they bicker.
"THERE ARE CHILDREN HERE, WHAT WHERE YOU THINKING?!"
Aradin postures indignantly, "I was thinking about saving my crew!"
I step in, "What's done is done, there's no use in arguing about it now."
Aradin turns to me, "Who the hells are you again?"
Zevlor scoffs, "This is the man that just saved your sorry skin for whatever the hells that is worth."
"We wouldn't have needed saving if you had done your job, but I wouldn't expect anything less from a Hellrider, you're just another coward shat out by the hells. We're done with you, let's go Barth." Aradin gestures to his companion.
As they leave Zevlor throws his hands in the air, "So you run to us for safety and then just leave after getting my people killed from what YOU led to us?"
Aradin turns to face Zevlor, swaggering backwards as he continues his way out, "He was just a foulblood. I'm not going to lose sleep over it."
Zevlor's jaw clenches and he takes a step forward, but I put a hand on his chest to stop him. We exchange a silent agreement between gentlemen, and he gestures toward Aradin, allowing me to do the honours. I look over at Aradin and begin to walk towards him. The cocky smile drops from his face; him and Barth turn and begin to run. I chase them down and grab Aradin by the shoulder, spinning him around and decking him square in the face. A single blow and he's out like a light. I look at Barth as he stands there, mouth agape. I step over Aradin's body and move towards him. He recoils, turns and runs, leaving Aradin in the dust. I shake my head and walk back to Zevlor.
"Zevlor, a pleasure, so you're one of the Hellriders?" The Hellriders are legendary paladins who charged into Avernus to aid the angel Zariel in the Blood War. Unfortunately, they were overwhelmed and retreated, abandoning Zariel and thus damning her to an eternity in hell. This was the catalyst for Zariel to be granted the title of Archduchess of Avernus, and what ultimately culminated in The Descent. A lot of politics. A lot of drama.
"Yes, I hope you don't think any less of me for it. I don't put it past anyone to think ill of what I've done, especially if you're from Elturel."
"I'm not, and I have no feelings one way or the other regarding the Blood War. I'm just trying to get my bearings and it's nice to be in the company of another paladin. I'm happy to see civilization too, it's been quite a day."
Zevlor laughs, "By the looks of you I believe it, come, let's head back to my quarters and you and your crew can clean up."
We follow him through the hollow to what looks to be a druid's chamber near where the Tiefling refugees are camped. I'm finally able to clear the blood and gore off me but there is a part of me that sighs with regret at its loss. I walk over to Zevlor who is standing by a stone table, reviewing a map of the area.
As I approach he smiles brightly and hands me a tankard of ale, "Here, settle in, have a drink. You must have clawed your way through chaos traveling in this region. Gnolls, Goblins, Ogres, Bugbears, even Drow. They've all been haunting these wilds. These are strange times indeed."
My interest is piqued at the mention of Drow, not unheard of but still unusual. I sit on the edge of the stone table and take a sip, "I appreciate your generosity. Is it not usual for these lands to be dangerous? The creatures you named would be expected in wilds like this to some degree."
Zevlor shakes his head, "No. What makes it dangerous is that they seem to be organized. We even have a goblin, Sazza, captive in this very camp that has been ranting about some new goddess of hers, The Absolute. It seems this goddess has brought the goblins under new leadership, and I expect the other creatures have also fallen in line. Goblins on their own are undisciplined, if we can take out that leadership I wager they would scatter, and my people can finally leave.
I watch him, taking in his words, "Have you decided to bribe me with ale to get me to help?"
Zevlor gives me a koi smile, "Is it working?"
I laugh, "Why not ask the druids for help? There's got to be a few around that can take up arms. You share a common enemy."
Zevlor's face falls, "I'm afraid the one druid willing to help left with Aradin's crew, and as we saw, he didn't come back. He was the First Druid of this grove and with him gone Kagha was left to be First Druid in his stead. She's decided to follow a different solution. They've started a ritual to cut the grove off from outsiders. Before it's complete they intend to push us out one way or another."
"I see."
"If they force us out, we will likely die in the wilds. I may be a Hellrider, but the people I lead are refugees. They're no fighters."
"I see." I let a moment pass while I finish the ale. I finally set the tankard down, "Is there no way to convince Kagha to delay the ritual?"
"I've tried, but she refuses to speak to me. You, though. If you could talk your way in, perhaps she might listen to you. You did just save us after all."
"I'll see what I can do."
Astarion rolls his eyes, "Don't we have enough on our plate? What about our problem? It's not like we have time to run errands for every soul who needs our help. I swear you self-righteous paladins are insufferable."
Lae'zel chimes in, "The pale one is right, we waste time on these Teethlings when we have a path forward already. That should be our priority."
I stand and stare them down, they stare right back, steadfast in their position.
Zevlor holds up his hands to try to diffuse the tension, "Maybe this can be mutually beneficial. Perhaps we can help you with this urgent issue of yours?"
The gesture is not lost on me and I calm myself, "As a matter of fact you might. We're looking for a druid named Nettie and a man named Zorru."
Zevlor is silent for a moment as if my request were a tall order, "Zorru is among the other refugees, a bit shaken from an encounter he had out scouting, but I'm sure he'd be happy to speak with you. However, Nettie is in the inner sanctum of the grove; because of the ritual, the Druids have barred anyone from entering, save for a precious few exceptions. As I said, I think you have a chance to speak with her since you did prove your merit already. If you can get to Kagha you should be able to speak with Nettie as well. I pray they see sense, delay the ritual, and help you and your crew."
"Thank you for your assistance. We'll head that way now."
Zevlor nods his head in appreciation, "The inner sanctum is through the hollow, just follow the incessant chanting."
We take our leave and as we walk through the hollow we pass several Tieflings that have made themselves comfortable. Above a communal eating area is a platform where the Tiefling couple is camped. I hear them chattering amongst themselves, "What do you think we'll do when we get to Baldur's Gate?"
The woman responds, "Maybe I can be a teacher, or a baker, or a butcher!"
"...A butcher?"
"Sure! Blood excites me."
That suddenly has my attention. I glance up at her as she fusses with her things, she has a wry smile on her face, she was teasing him. Still, I can't help but wonder how true it is. Could there be others afflicted with my condition? Are there others haunted with thoughts of blood? Should I count them as hauntings or blessings? As she says, it is rather exciting. As I am lost in thought I see a smith busy at a makeshift forge next to the platform structure. I look back at Lae'zel and nod to the smith. We walk up to him, and he turns with a humble smile.
"Hello! Rare to see newcomers to the Hollow, did you travel far?" He cleans his hands with his apron before reaching out in welcome.
I take it in kind and give him a firm shake, "You could say that. This is an impressive setup given your circumstances; how did you manage?"
The smith looks over his forge, "A quick setup before the Druids decided to turn on us. Master Halsin, the First Druid, was more than happy to offer help before he disappeared with those adventurers. I've been able to keep her steady with what I have. If there's anything you need just let me know and I can certainly do my best. I'm Dammon."
"A pleasure to meet you. Call me Vash, this is Shadowheart, Astarion, Gale, and Lae'zel." Dammon nods a friendly greeting to each, and I continue, "I was actually hoping to ask you about another matter. Do you happen to know someone named Zorru?"
Dammon nods toward a man standing near a storage shed down the path, "That ranger there. He's a bit shaken up so forgive his demeanor, but he's a good kid."
Lae'zel immediately makes a bee line for him, "Thank you, we may be back." I quickly follow after her.
Dammon waves politely but Shadowheart stays behind, addressing a different matter with him as we pursue the creche.
Astarion, Gale and I try to catch up with Lae'zel but she gets to him first.
The minute Zorru sees her coming he ducks down, holding up his hands defensively, "Gods! Not another one! Why in the nine hells would you follow me here? Come to finish me off too? Wasn't killing Yul good enough for you?"
Lae'zel holds her head high, domineering, "That remains to be seen as long as you comply, welp. On your knees!"
Zorru sees the rest of us approaching and he looks at me with desperate eyes, he's mistaken me for a comrade, "You heard the woman. Down."
He looks back at Lae'zel and slowly lowers himself to his knees, looking defeated.
"You saw my people on the road. Where?"
His voice is shaking, "Up the Risen Road near Waukeen's Rest, by the bridge."
I look at Lae'zel, "We'll get a map of the area."
Zorru pulls one from his satchel, "Here, take mine, just let me go!"
Lae'zel snatches it from his hand and looks it over, "There." She points at a North Easterly spot, clearly outlined, "This is where we need to search next."
I give Zorru a gracious smile and offer my hand, "Many thanks, and apologies for my companion. We're on urgent business."
Zorru takes my hand and stands, but says nothing, I give him a nod, and he runs off.
Lae'zel rolls her eyes, "Your soft heart will get us nowhere while we race against time with these Ghaik worms in our skulls."
"With all the impressive battle prowess the Gith have, I'm shocked you haven't learned the art of diplomacy."
"Diplomacy has its place but it's a weakling's folly to rely so heavily on it when the blade works well enough. Now let us go."
Lae'zel turns to leave the hollow but I grab her shoulder, "We have yet to speak with Nettie. I'm not leaving without speaking with her."
She jerks her shoulder free from my grip and spits back at me, "Fine! I'll let you speak to the Druid healer but make it quick! Maybe then you will see how futile such an endeavor is."
"That's all I ask." We turn and continue down the path through the hollow and eventually come to an archway built by intricately carved stones with Druidic artistry. There is a cluster of Tieflings having a heated argument with the guards beneath the entrance.
"Mragreshem! I don't care if I have to claw my way through all of you, I will have my daughter back!" A woman struggles as she attempts to lunge at the guards, her husband is holding her back.
"Please Komira! This isn't the way!" She doesn't respond but continues to struggle in his arms. He turns to the druids guarding the grove, their weapons poised to strike, "Please! She's just a girl! Have some compassion!"
One of the guards spits back at the desperate parents, "She's a thief hell spawn, and she will face judgment for her crimes!" At that, another druid guard polymorphs into a bear, and squares up to the raging parents.
Komira and her husband, fury in their eyes, relent but the panic and anger remain. They finally step back but do not turn away from the druids.
As I approach the guard's attention shifts to me and ready their weapons, "Step back! This grove is off limits!"
Suddenly a druid runs up to the guard and whispers in her ear. Her eyes grow wide and she scowls. "You!" She points at me, "Kagha has requested to see you. You may enter; she'll be in the First Druid's chambers on the right."
It seems Zevlor was right, our actions did indeed grab her attention. As I begin to walk in, I feel a tugging on my sleeve and I turn to see the mother, Komira, hanging off me. "Please brother, you would see true justice done! Get my daughter out of there! Show the Druids that justice means mercy on my child! Out of the good of your heart, Holy Knight!" As she pleads, she's on the brink of tears.
The good of my heart. The words echo in my mind. "I'll see what I can do." I shake her free of my sleeve and proceed in. Her panic was fantastic; it's a shame I don't have time to savor it.
As I enter the chamber, I see two druids hovering over a small Tiefling girl. They are holding her at bay with a Death Viper as they pass judgment for her supposed crimes. My brain leaps with excitement as the thought crosses my mind. If the Death Viper were to strike, that would be a catalyst for rebellion between the refugees and the druids. The fall out would be a symphony of slaughter; there would be bodies everywhere. My heart dances at the very thought. I yearn for it as my blood begins to churn. Something in me lurches, a small voice through the tempest of evil, no... she's innocent. Her innocence is what makes her death so beautiful. I ponder the words once more. The good of my heart. It feels like heresy. I push through the roiling thoughts and refocus, "What is this girl's crimes?"
"Girl? She stole our sacred idol! I will speak with you once this matter is settled; I have other business with you." The snake hisses into the girl's ear, an active threat to her life if she runs. This feckless spectacle is a nuisance that's wasting my time. I step in and grab the snake by the throat while it's focused on the girl, my grip is high on its neck, it has no room to strike back. I know I've dealt with Death Vipers before. But how? Where? The snake wraps its body around my arm, the tip of its tail quivers, a futile threat.
Kagha, startled by my actions, pulls out her scimitars and stands ready to fight. I catch a glint of doubt in her eyes, and I shake my fist at her, still gripping the snake, further demeaning her, "You deal with petty crimes like a spoiled brat. Is this how you plan to lead? By wasting time bullying children? If she was clever enough to take a sacred idol, then the fault lies squarely with you."
Her expression twists into indignant rage but she lowers her weapons.
I turn my focus to the girl and speak with a stern but steady tone, "Go back to your parents, they're waiting for you just outside the sanctuary. If I catch you back here, I'll deal with you myself." The girl nods, tears streaming down her face. She quickly scurries out of the chamber.
Kagha watches her go as I dismantle her authority piece by piece, "You need to learn to lead if you're going to be a leader. There are things we waste our time on; this is not one of them." I release the snake, the only thing broken is its pride.
Kagha holds out her arm, "Ssifisv, Teela to me." Teela quickly slithers from my hand to hers, "I must protect my people. I cannot have urchins flooding into the ritual area while the Right of Thorns is underway."
"I understand." I say, "But if you push the Tieflings out, they will die on the road. You're putting them in a desperate situation, and desperate people tend to turn violent when they feel they have nothing left to lose."
A light flickers in Kagha's eyes, "Not if someone can give them hope. You showed great mettle at the gate. Speak to Zevlor, tell him you will join his caravan and help lead the people away from here. You can be the hero that saves your kin, as is your duty. One way or another, they will be gone before final prayer."
I register the threat and take it to heart; she is willing to kill them all if it means she can complete the Right of Thorns. She is right though, they are my kin, and I should want to protect them at all costs. She doesn't seem to catch the fact that it might be easier just to kill her to remove the most imminent threat. I'd be happy to oblige, but this is not the time for such indulgences, I'm too weak, and we're surrounded. Still, the thought crosses my mind, I look around at the sacred statues that tower over us in the chamber. What a sight it would be to see them drenched in druid blood and decorated with Kagha's gore. My skin begins to tingle, and my fingers start to twitch again. I try to dismiss the thoughts by leaning into my needs, "I am looking for your healer, Nettie."
Kagha nods her head towards a chamber door, "She's in the library, through that door. If you are injured, she can help. I'd be more than happy to have you in top shape if that means you and the outlanders will finally go."
I give a short polite nod and follow Kagha's direction. I know full well that helping these people is an honour and my duty. It's the right thing to do, out of the good of my heart. So far my heart has found it hard to find two fucks to give for these strangers. I keep going through the motions, waiting for it to happen. I wonder if it ever will.