"Torm's grace..." His voice echoes in the wide chamber of the forge. "Vash, I don't know what to tell you."

"Do you think you can manage it?"

Dammon walks up to the hammer. It's a platform only a few feet wide, with a large hammer head affixed to a vertical shaft. A button sits beneath the platform. Dammon presses it, and there is a soft click. Nothing happens. His eyes follow pipes and rods. He seems to be tracking something. The pipes disappear behind a pillar.

"It's hydraulic. Of course it is."

"What does that mean?" I step next to him, narrowing my eyes at the foreign machinery.

"It means there must be furnaces somewhere driving the pumps. I'll need to check the hydraulic chamber to see whether it runs on water or oil. Either way, we need to get those furnaces running."

"Can you provide a list of issues you see with the infrastructure? I'll start putting out a call for artificers. Hopefully Guild Master Roden can spare a few from the Sussur Concord. I'll see if I can get anyone else."

"Artificers and anyone that's willing to serve as an extra set of hands. We'll need manpower as much as machine."

I give him a soft nod and head back to the office I procured from Z'rell.

I walk past a duergar man who is standing guard outside my door. "Get me Nere."

"Right away, Ser."

He dashes off, and I slam the door behind me, throwing myself into my chair. I palm my forehead, then do a line before starting on the flyers.

It doesn't take long for there to be a knock on my door.

"Come," I call flatly.

Nere enters, shoulders square, chin lifted. "Yes? What is it?"

I glance up at him. "Adjust your tone, Nere."

His lip bends into something unreadable.

"Take a seat."

As he sits, I lean back and cross my boots on top of my desk. "What do you do?"

"I'm sorry?"

"Your job. Outside of being a True Soul, what good are you?"

His mind hums with offense. "I am an inquisitor under Ketheric Thorm."

"An informant."

He tucks a strand of hair behind his ear.

I sigh and reach for a folded robe. "Dress out of your Absolutist garb. If the people find out the cult is involved in building this village, there will be anarchy. As far as anyone else knows, you're just another man. Nothing more."

"Does Ketheric know about all this?"

"Going forward, that's none of your concern."

"He's expecting to hear from me."

"And you'll continue to submit your field reports after I've reviewed them."

He stares at the robe in front of him. "How is any of what you're doing relevant to Her will? We have the men to occupy the forge. Why are you bringing in outsiders?"

"Nere."

His eyes flick back to me.

"I think you'll find it in your best interest not to challenge me. Put on the damn robes."

He stands and takes the robes, then he pauses. "Are you the man they call the Boss?"

"Is that something you actually want to know?"

His eyes drift to the floor, then he turns to leave.

"Where are you going?"

His hand is on the handle of the door. "To do as you say."

"No. Here."

His nostrils flare and he shifts. "Here, I-" He stops, then walks over to the bed and begins undressing. He has his back to me. He slides on the wizard's robes and straightens them. He reaches for his cult vestment.

"That remains with me."

He pulls back and straightens the robe once more, then faces me. "Was there anything else?"

"It suits you." I stand and place a hand on his cheek. "The Absolute has favored me. Rest assured that everything I'm doing here is by Her will, in Her name. She loves you, as do I."

His brow is tight. His eyes shift across my face and suddenly his expression goes blank and he becomes very still. Something changes in his mind. Indignation and anger shift to recognition and fear. Of me.

I furrow my brow and pull back my hand.

He stands a little straighter and waits.

"Remember, Nere. If I get word the cult was tipped off on our operation, I'll know who did it."

"...Understood. Am I dismissed?"

"Yes."

He swiftly makes his way out.

I continue working on the flyers when another knock disturbs my work.

"Come!" I snap.

The door creaks open and Bex walks in. I stand. "I'm sorry."

"I'm just as stressed as you are. Sit down. Rest."

My shoulders fall and I settle back into my seat. "Why does this feel more rattling than the coup?"

"More moving parts," she says. "Zevlor and Maylee are ready to see you."

"Thank the gods. Bring them in."

She waves them in and they sit across from me.

"I'm very glad to see you both. I hope the journey wasn't too harrowing."

Zevlor smiles. "Like a stroll through a particularly dark garden."

I chuckle. "I didn't realize you were a poet."

"A man of culture, if nothing else."

Maylee allows herself a gentle smirk. "I am interested in your proposal. I've already brought a contingent of grove wardens who were more than happy to come and help with the new village."

"Excellent, but before we get started, how is the grove faring? Is Emila doing well?"

"She's thriving. Hembry returned not too long ago, so spirits are high. Any resistance regarding your stewardship was swiftly dealt with. Luckily there wasn't much pushback. The people are at peace. On top of that, we have a new healer. They've been getting comfortable and their reception has been warm. They've been doing very well."

Bex stands next to me. "Which healer did you ultimately invite to the Emerald Grove?"

"Their name is Sephin. They're a firbolg from Urka's circle. They can help with injuries and illness, and have a deep knowledge of plants and herbs that could also benefit the gardens."

"This is very good news," I say. "Have them write to us when they have a moment. I'd like to introduce myself."

Maylee nods. "I'll let them know! They'd be happy to reach out. Urka has been raving about you."

I grin. "She's always been a touch enthusiastic when it comes to our cause."

Maylee snorts. "Yes."

"And how are you? Is there anything you need from us?"

Maylee blinks. "No, I'm taken care of. Thank you, Vash."

I give a short nod and tuck my chin, glancing at the three. "I have something I would like to share with you. Has Emila explained my... condition?"

Zevlor and Maylee share a glance.

"My memory loss."

Zevlor nods gravely. "Yes, we were informed."

I tap my claw on my desk. "Vash is not my name... My name is Varrick. All I have is my first name, but I'm grateful to have it," I say with a breath.

Maylee places a hand on her stomach. "That's wonderful! How much of yourself have you recovered?"

"Not much. I doubt I'll be able to recover everything. I was only blessed enough to find my name after taking a noblestalk tincture."

She grins and pats my knee. "You're doing a great job."

I chuckle. "Thank you, Maylee. As for the proposal, I would like to station a portion of the grove wardens here. I don't exactly trust the duergar that occupy this area. Some of them are True Souls themselves."

"Cultists?" Zevlor leans forward. "By the Nine. We need to clear them out before people start arriving."

"My thoughts exactly. This is why I need people. I only have one stipulation."

"What's that?"

"The grove wardens will act as a mercenary detail. I want the forge to remain neutral."

Maylee waves her hand. "We're a mercenary detail at the Emerald Grove. Remember, we used to be a volunteer force before Emila offered to start paying us. We chose to remain independent rather than become a military division of the Emerald Enclave."

"I'm glad you've been able to maintain that status under Emila's leadership. It will benefit you in the long run."

"Agreed. Now that we have that settled, what's the plan for the cultists?"

Heavy boots follow behind me as I lead the contingent of grove wardens to a Sharran mess hall. The duergar are seated on stone benches, chatting and eating. Silence falls as we enter, blocking the only door.

I look across the people seated, and Brithvar slowly stands, pressing his hands into the table. His voice is low and gruff. "What in the Hells is this, Vash?"

I begin pointing at different clan members. Five in total. The wardens move past me, grabbing them by the arms and restraining them.

"What is this? Get your hands off me!" A man named Dunnol kicks his feet as he's lifted.

"Gag him," I say.

The wardens grab a rag and tie it around his mouth.

His muffled screams rattle through.

Some of the clan members stand and begin shouting. Others turn away. Kith looks at me, clutching his fork tightly.

"You can't just-" A man named Murmath is also gagged, and the five duergar are dragged away.

Brithvar's jaw grows tight as he watches his people get pulled into custody. "Is this it? Are you going to throw us all in the dungeon?"

"I'd rather not."

Brithvar looks at the remaining duergar. "...What now?"

"Carry on with your meals." I give a soft bow. "Enjoy." I walk out with the wardens trailing behind me. Two remain guarding the door. Other wardens are dispersed throughout the temple to provide additional security.

Maylee steps next to me, having waited outside at my insistence. "Only five. That's a mercy."

"The cells are down a flight of stairs to your right." I hand her a rough map of the Sharran temple. "The keys are still hanging on the wall. I trust you to appoint a chief of detention. I'll visit the prison block when I get another moment to breathe." I chuckle.

She takes the map. "Already done." She puts a hand on my shoulder. "Take the moment to breathe. None of this is going to hold together if you're overworked."

"Between you and Bex, I'm going to be the single most rested man in Faerûn."

"Pssh. That's because we know how you are." She studies the map. "Go. We'll take care of this."

I stop and take Maylee's hand. "Thank you. Truly."

She smiles and gives my hand a pat before following the tail end of her wardens.

I stagger back into the office, finding Bex sitting at the desk, working.

She looks up. "Gods." She gets up and guides me to the bed. "Go on. Sleep."

"What are you talking about?"

"You look awful. How long have you been awake?"

"I don't know... we don't have any clocks yet."

"Nope. You're done. We should head back to camp."

"No, Bex." My voice is firm. "There's still more that needs to be done. The chain-breaking ceremony..."

"Varrick!"

Her voice rings in the room.

It's the first time she's said my name.

I still.

"We have a security presence established. We can afford ourselves a moment. Zevlor and Maylee have things for now. The chain breaking ceremony will be coordinated once people start arriving. Now is the time to rest or Torm knows when you'll have another chance."

My shoulders stiffen. I scowl and my tail flicks.

"Don't give me that."

I slowly turn and walk back out of the office. Bex follows at my side, nearly leading me back. As we arrive, Doni comes dashing up.

"Father! Look what I found!"

"Not now, Doni."

He lowers his arms and looks down at the object in his hands. I walk past him toward the barrel of drinking water and take a very long drink, before splashing a little onto my face.

I close my eyes and breathe, then turn back. "Okay, what is it you had to show me?"

His head is low, and he kicks his foot. He takes off his mask and walks away. He's holding a statue of Shar.

Karlach walks up to me. "Ah, Spooks. He found that while we were exploring. He gave it to Shadowheart, but he was so excited to show you."

"Doni, wait." I walk after him. "Doni." I take his shoulder, and he stops. He turns to me, staring firmly at the ground. A tear slides down his cheek. "No, I'm sorry." I wrap my arms around him, and he buries his face in my shoulder, shuddering with a sob. "I didn't mean to brush you off like that. It's been a long day, but you didn't deserve that."

He cries a little more before pulling back and rubbing his eyes. The statue is still gripped in his hand.

I look down at it. "Karlach said you found this? May I see it?"

He nods and hands it to me.

I take it and carefully examine it. "You found this yourself?"

He nods again.

I smile and hand it back to him. "I had no idea you were such a skilled explorer. I'm very proud of you. This is a fantastic find. How did Shadowheart react when you gave it to her?"

"Happy," he murmurs.

"I'm happy, too."

Doni smiles, though his chin is still tucked. I give him another hug when a little bat lands on my shoulder.

"Doni, look. Madam Pip."

Doni lifts his eyes. "Oh." His voice brightens slightly.

"Message from the Emerald Grove," she squeaks.

I gently take her into my hand and untie the letter. "Doni, do you want to give her the treat we've been saving for her?"

He nods and dashes off. I look at the letter.

Peace Bringer,

we have a small contingent of spies ready to move on Moonrise. They will meet you at the Ebonlake in a few days' time.

Apikusis.

Doni returns with a strawberry. Pip flutters onto Doni's shirt and he laughs.

"Do you know where Rooster is?"

He gently strokes Pip before sliding on his mask again. "He's playing music for the wardens." He walks over to his tent, holding the strawberry for Pip to nibble.

Bex approaches, watching Doni settle by his tent. "If James sees an opportunity to be the center of attention, he'll take it." She holds out her hand for the note.

I hand it to her. She looks it over. "Are you going to tell him?"

"Yes, that's the whole point."

"No. Not about the apprenticeship. About you. There's no way he can make an informed decision if he doesn't know who you are."

I palm my face. "I can't tell every jack on the road my business. You know full well that my identity could jeopardize this operation. That's why I've only confided in you and Astarion."

"You're not telling any jack on the road. You're telling James." She pauses. "If you proceed without disclosing the truth, you'll just be using him the exact same way you used me. I'm not going to let that happen."

"Are you threatening me now?" I lean into her. "If you were going to tell him yourself, you would have already, but you know full well the risk that would pose."

She puts a hand on my chest. "Stop looming." She pushes me back. "It's embarrassing."

I balk and straighten.

"I won't tell him," she says. "But he would take me at my word if I asked him not to go."

"Your self-righteous solution is manipulation?"

"You've put me in a desperate situation. Again."

The air is heavy between us. I glance around before returning my focus to her.

"Bex... what does Rooster actually need to know to be properly informed?"

"Your oath."

"That's all?"

"That's all."

"...Alright. I'll tell him tonight."

We find a small alcove between the marina and the elevator to the Shadow-cursed lands. Three large spiders lie dead and pushed aside, while wardens gather around a keg, drinking and laughing. Rooster sits propped onto a few crates, legs crossed, mandolin in his lap. He strums a few chords.

"Peace Bringer... hmm..." He plucks a few more notes. "Ah! I have it."

He clears his throat.

"Shadow druids hear his name,

then tuck their tails and run in shame.

Goblin forces stand no chance,

to the Shepherd's strong advance.

The True Soul threat is kept at bay,

as long as our hero has a say.

But gods forbid I get him in bed,

he falls asleep after I give him head!"

"Do I?"

Rooster straightens.

"Oops! Sorry, Daddy... I mean... The Shepherd." He gives me an exaggerated bow before sliding off the crates.

"That only happened once," I murmur. "It was a long day."

"And it was adorable," he says, walking up to me. He hops on his toes. "Up, up!"

I lift him into a kiss. "Have you been having fun?"

"Yes! Oodles of it!" He kicks his feet in the air and wiggles in my arms.

"I have news for you."

"Oooh! Good news?"

"A proposal." I take a sharp breath in. "Not that kind of proposal."

"Ach! How dare you tease me like that!" He pouts. "Well, now I don't think I'll enjoy the news at all."

I growl and nibble on his neck. "Well, you're getting it anyway."

He giggles and kicks his feet again.

"Come on." I foist him over my shoulder and begin to carry him back to camp.

He waves broadly at the wardens. "Ta-ta, peasants!"

Laughter follows, and a voice calls out, "Enjoy your sleep, Peace Bringer!"

I shake my head.

We make it back to camp, and I duck into my tent, setting him down.

"What's the news?" A wide grin is spread across his face.

I hand him the letter from Apikusis.

He reads over it and his smile falls. "I don't understand."

I place a hand on his arm. "You have an offer to accompany them to Moonrise. It is an apprenticeship for the College of Whispers."

"A what?!"

I am suddenly bodied by a whole entire twink. He wraps his arms and legs around me, kissing all over my face.

"Rooster..." I mutter between kisses.

He clings tighter and plants a firm kiss on my lips. "Tymora's tits. I don't know what to say," he whimpers, pressing his forehead against mine. "I only have a few days to get ready."

"You're a new cobbler in the cult of the Absolute. It was the only way we could get you in without anyone questioning your presence. Do you think you can manage that?"

He rolls his eyes. "Yes. I am a fantastic cobbler. It's just not as fun. It was my grandfather's trade. Something he passed down to my father and me. It wasn't exactly my choice to work on shoes."

"It won't be for long. We just need information on the cult's movements. We need to get a better understanding of the cult's hierarchy, and all of its weak points. That will be far easier than simply barging in blind."

"That I can do."

I pause and look into his eyes. I take him in, remembering him now. This might be the last time I see him smile. I clear my throat.

"Before you make a definite decision, I have something to tell you."

His face softens. "What is it?"

"My oath. So you can understand... me. So you can understand what you're truly becoming a part of."

I set him down, and he stares up at me. "Your oath? I get to know your oath?"

I press my lips thin. "Yes."

He gets into a comfortable stance, focusing on me.

"For every seed Chauntea sows in life's fertile soil, I am the pestilence that blights her fields.

I am the reaper that tallies the dead, triumphant.

Where I cast my judgement, the damned will fall.

My name is the hymnal of fear that foments devotion.

My conquest will be unrelenting until the world falls silent at my feet."

He's quiet. His mouth hangs, then he speaks carefully. "You're a conquest paladin, who's hells-bent on world domination?"

"...Yes."

He stares at me for a moment more before his wide grin returns. Then he begins to laugh.

"Good gods, Vash, that is the funniest thing I've heard in a long time!"

My brow furrows.

"I'm the Peace Bringer of the Emerald Grove," he says in a stupid voice. "My evil plot is to conquer the world, one unfortunate garden at a time." He waggles his head, making it all feel even more stupid. "I'm going to conquer Cloakwood, and with their powers combined, I will spread my dreaded blight across Faerûn! Chauntea will weep before me!"

He continues to giggle, stomping his feet.

"I love it! You're so fearsome! I'm terrified."

I glance up in a silent prayer.

He gasps and grabs my arm. "That's why you tried to kill me! You're a villain!"

"I was trying to protect Doni from an insufferable man with loose lips."

"Can I twirl your mustache?" He reaches up and rolls the ends between his fingers.

I stare at him flatly.

He places his hands on my cheeks. "Does Bex know? Gods, am I the only one you've told?"

"Bex knows," I say through pursed lips, then try to shake my face free from his pressing palms. "Astarion also knows. That's all."

He sticks out his lip. "You included me on your secret evil oath? I... I don't know what to say."

"Now that you know, are you willing to take the apprenticeship?"

He hesitates.

...he hesitated.

His voice drops. "I'll have to talk to Bex about it before I decide." He takes my hand and places it on his cheek. "Vash. Thank you for telling me. Thank you for the apprenticeship. Just. Thank you."

My palm slides from his cheek, and my fingers run through his soft red hair. "My name is Varrick. I remembered my name. Finally."

"Varrick." He says it softly. "You really do love me, don't you?"

"I do."

"Then tell me."

I tip his chin up and see him smile. Thank the gods it's still there.

My voice grows quiet. "James. I love you."

His chin grows tight. "I love you, Varrick."

I kiss him, and he tugs at my trench coat. I let it fall to the ground.

"No strangling this time," he whispers.

"But that's your favorite thing."

He strips off his clothes, piece by piece, and I follow. He lies on my bedroll, pulling me down to him. "I want you to fuck me like you love me." He lifts his knees, and I settle between them.

I rest on one elbow, drawing my hand across his chest. "I always do."

He smiles briefly before it falls again. "I'm worried about Moonrise." He says it as if he's afraid I'll hear his words.

"Of course you are. It's a dangerous place. But you won't be alone."

"I won't be with you."

"Not for a while. Not while we're establishing Forgetown. But I will come."

He sighs and lies back on my bedroll. "If I decide to go, I'll write to you every day."

I kiss his fingers. "James, you are very dear to me. I'll do anything to keep you safe."

"I don't doubt it for a minute."

He smiles.