"Was it necessary to keep us in chains this whole time, just to turn our liberation into a spectacle?" Beldron sits next to Lunkbug in the slave camp eating their breakfast. Bread, cheese, and coffee. A generous contribution from my own rations.

"Your help has been invaluable. But unfortunately I couldn't have you running back to Baldur's Gate until your work was done."

He grunts.

"And I wouldn't reduce the chain-breaking ceremony to a mere spectacle. You, as a leader, should know better than anyone that ceremonies like this encourage the populace. Now that the workers have started to arrive, this will show them exactly what kind of community they're building."

I lean down.

"It sets a precedent."

He chews slowly before taking a sip of coffee. "As long as we're free..."

"Have you been comfortable with the provisions, at the very least?"

He scoffs. "I'm not going to answer that."

I straighten. "What's in Baldur's Gate that you need to get back to so badly?"

"I'm definitely not going to answer that."

I fold my arms, tapping my fingers. "The Shadow-Cursed Lands stand between you and the city. What are your plans on getting through?"

Beldron looks at his bread and takes another bite.

I glance at Barcus. "He's being a touch unreasonable."

Barcus is mid sip, but quickly lowers his cup. "Ah. Well. He has a small point. But what I'm more concerned about is exactly what you've just pointed out. If we're to save Wulbren, then we need a solution to the shadows."

"You're welcome to remain at my camp in the meantime. I'm concerned about what happened to Arthur. He had a lantern and the shades still came for him. There are some sections of the curse that seem to be hungrier than others. Lantern light will not be enough to guarantee your safe passage."

"That's nice of you to keep to your word, despite the extended..." He clears his throat. "...albeit benevolent... eh... slavery."

"Thank you," I say with a gracious nod. "That includes anyone who wishes to stay within my protection. But I do have a job I would like to offer you. I will pay you up front for this work."

"Really?"

"My benevolence is boundless."

Lunkbug snorts, but slaps a hand over his mouth.

"I need someone who can help me survey the temple for adamantine. I can organize a mining crew. I just need to find a damned vein. More than one, if we're lucky."

Barcus lifts his head. "Actually, I would be happy to take you up on that offer. As long as Lunkbug will help. I can manage the explosives to at least get you started, but Lunkbug is far better at actually finding ore."

I glance at Lunkbug who takes Beldron's hand and holds it against his chest. "I would be interested in taking you up on that work. If you're willing to pay the two of us."

"You understand how important this operation is to me. I'll allocate the funds."

"Well, in that case." He looks at Beldron with an apologetic grin. "We could use the money."

Beldron looks back to his coffee. "It's your decision, love."

"Then yes! I'll do it!"

"Good man." I fold my hands behind my back. "Be ready. The ceremony starts soon."

The central area of the forge, near the hammer's platform, is a makeshift wooden dais decorated in a few meager banners. A healthy crowd has gathered. Artificers, builders, duergar, and wardens all mingle as I lead the gnomes onto the platform, followed by Doni and Bex. I have the coffle line up in the front. Metal cuffs still locked around their ankles.

Bex and Doni stand next to me, my hand tucked in the front of my coat. My fingers have been trembling from father's whispers again.

The gnomes shift where they stand, glancing around.

I raise my one steady hand, and the crowd falls quiet.

"Today is the founding of Forgetown. It begins with you. With us. With them. Working together, in good faith, to build something that will last for generations. Something that we can be proud to call our home." I nod to Doni.

He grabs a sledgehammer, handing it to me with a subtle grunt.

"Thank you." I take it in both hands, trying to keep my fingers still, then step forward. "May this be a symbol of what Forgetown truly stands for." Barcus steadies an iron wedge on the ground while Lunkbug lays the chain across it.

I pause for a moment, and focus on the chain. When I raise the hammer, the whispers surge. I feel my eyes shift to the back of Barcus's head, and I blink.

A novel idea, Father...

I bring the hammer down. The chain breaks.

The crowd cheers, and Barcus snatches his hands back, laughing and shaking out his fingers. The gnomes pull the chain free and the ankle cuffs fall away. They begin to console one another, some crying, others leaning against each other, exhausted.

Doni hops on his toes with a grin on his face as he grabs my hand again.

I feel a cold sweat despite the heat, but manage a smile, tugging Doni's arm playfully.

Beldron glances at me and shakes his head, but Lunkbug throws his arms around him and Beldron gets lost in his joy.

Barcus and the other gnomes agree to stay for the time being. They've set off to repurpose their camp into a more livable situation with the supplies I can provide.

Bex sits across the desk from me. She crosses her legs, holding a letter.

She's wearing a white blouse tucked into trousers today. Far finer than the refugee rags she wore only a few months ago. A small smile crosses my face as I admire her. "Do you know if Sazza is ready to see me yet?"

"Yes, the last of her scouting party arrived this morning."

"Can you let Kith know that I would like to speak with her as soon as possible?"

"No." She doesn't look up from the letter. "You're welcome to, though."

I purse my lips and slowly get to my feet, making my way to the office door. I open it. "Kith, can you let Sazza know I wish to see her as soon as possible?"

"Right away, Ser!" He wanders off.

I close the door and straighten my lapel, then return to my seat.

Bex holds the note out to me. "Emila has treated with an emissary from Cloak Wood. Archdruid Aelis refuses to recognize your authority, and no one from her circle will speak with the Wardens we sent to negotiate. Surrender was a long shot, but I was hoping she would know better."

"Not far from what we expected would happen." I pull a glass and a bottle of whiskey from my desk drawer and pour a drink, taking a small sip.

"A few of our men have gone missing. They're refusing to take responsibility for that. Given they had to travel through the Shadow-cursed Lands, they could have been taken by shades. A prospect I hate to consider. The Shadow Druids could have kept them for questioning."

"A mistake. I doubt Aelis would be so foolish. We also have the cult to consider."

"True." She settles in her chair, staring into the dark, ashen hearth. "The intel I received from Apikusis suggests Aelis has remained in Baldur's Gate. She'll likely be returning now that there is a threat of siege." Her tail flicks lightly. "We'll need Forgetown up and running soon. Any word on getting the aqueducts repaired?"

"We have a senior artificer from the Sussur Concord's artificer's guild. I've assigned her to work with Arthur."

She closes her eyes. "Thank the gods. Drinking water. Power. Sanitation. What's her name?"

"Ava. Guild Master Roden says she's exceptional at her work. Meticulous and dedicated. Though she can be a bit prickly. I'm not concerned with that. I need her to fix the aqueducts, that's all."

She snorts. "Poor Arthur. Maybe it's for the best. He seems to be an incredibly patient man."

"My thoughts exactly."

Bex folds her hands in her lap. "Was everything alright at the ceremony today?"

"What do you mean?"

"You seemed unsteady. Are you sick? Have you been able to sleep?"

"I'm well. I was just having a moment. Nerves from the ceremony."

She lifts a brow. "You are never nervous about public speaking."

I tap my claw on the desk. "...I am due to make a sacrifice."

She glances down briefly before meeting my eye. "You cannot kill any of our workers. I'm sorry but I'm not going to let that happen."

"I've cast my hand already."

Her face falls. "Who is it?"

"One of the duergar prisoners. It's not the most politically convenient, but I agree. he workers are invaluable. If people start disappearing to satisfy the ritual, the growth of our humble little town will falter. It's not an option."

"But we lose negotiating power."

"It's the only solution at the moment. I'd rather deal with the fallout from that than risk Forgetown's reputation. The other prisoners can act as witnesses to the sacrifice without having to kill anyone else."

"Good gods. What do you mean?"

"The sacrifice must be witnessed. It's one of the many conditions."

"How did you manage before?"

"Aelar was my first witness. After his death I was forced to hunt two at a time, and kill the witness after the sacrifice was made to spare my reputation. Then Astarion agreed to be the witness."

"He did?" She stares into the middle distance. "Gods, no wonder... and now he's gone to Moonrise." She breathes and furrows her brow, before pressing her fingers into her forehead. "Is there any way you can forsake your position as a Deathstalker?"

"No. Renouncing my position would likely come with consequences. They same as defying my father outright. He's no exactly empathetic. Even to his children."

She gives a subtle nod. "Then I will be your witness."

"No, Bex. I won't let you take on-"

"Don't you ever say that to me again!"

I stop cold and lift my brows.

"It's something that must be managed, and the solution is painfully uncomplicated. Do not argue with me about what I can and cannot do. If you care about me, you're welcome to say so, but I am tired, Varrick. This is not a negotiation."

I lean on my armrest, watching her.

"I will be your witness when the sacrifice calls for it. You will not kill needlessly just to spare my feelings. You'll be doing nothing of the sort either way."

My tail gently flicks and my face softens. I rise from my chair and walk around my desk, kneeling in front of her. I take her hands in mine and look up at her. I can feel her pulse racing.

She studies my face. "Gods," she murmurs. "I can feel your hands shaking. You look so exhausted."

"Bex." I bring her fingers to my lips. "I'm sorry for what I said. I swear, you will be my witness."

She lowers her gaze. "I just... I wish things didn't have to be this way."

"You shoulder so much to stand with me. At the very least, I am grateful." I press my forehead into her hands, closing my eyes.

"...Varrick." She pulls a hand free and runs her fingers through my hair.

My head rests in her lap. I am soothed.

Then there is a knock.

My nostrils flare. No. Not now. But Bex withdraws her touch. With a sigh I stand.

"You look exhausted," she says with the faintest smile.

I press my lips thin and turn my attention to the door. "Come."

Sazza peeks through. "Boss?"

"Sazza. Thank you for coming." I move back to my seat and settle behind my desk. "You have your crew?"

"Yeah, Boss! I got twenty of us! Diggers and sappers, like you asked. Ready to clear out that cave-in."

"You're in luck. The cave is cleared."

"Oh... well... what did you need us for?"

"The Shadow-Cursed Lands. You've traveled through them before?"

"Yeah! We all have. Plenty of times!"

"Good. I need you to cut through and head to the Temple of Lathander." I pull a map from my pocket and lay it out on my desk.

"But... I thought it was just rubble?"

"It is. I need your team to excavate it."

"Uh, sure. Why? You lookin for loot?"

"Yes. Very specific loot. I need you to search for the hilt of a sword buried within. There will be an engraving on it. Tentator, Tyrannus, Totalitus."

"Terator. Tyrnix. Total-something. Got it."

I stare at her, before writing the words on the map. "Are you literate?"

"Yeah! I can read a map."

I point to the words. "What does that say?"

"Tent-ator. Tyr-anus. Totalist."

"...I'll send Stonemason Kith with you to oversee the excavation. Match the engraving to these words. The hilt is blue leather and cold steel. Understood?"

She salutes me. "I understand, Boss!"

I draw an X over the west wing of the temple. "You should find it here."

"Oh, that helps narrow it down. It's a big temple."

"I'll visit in a few days if you haven't returned before then. If you need more hands after surveying the site let me know as soon as possible. I need that hilt."

"Right, Boss! We'll head out right away!"

I give her a soft bow. "Thank you, Madam."

"Madam?" She snorts and waves her hand at me, dropping her eyes. "I-uh... yeah." She hops off the chair. "Bye." She quickly shuffles out.

We sit quietly for a moment.

"...Tyr's anus. Gods..." I mutter.

She laughs softly and takes my hand. "Come on."

"Where are we going?"

"You're taking a nap. Give me that." She tugs off my trench coat, and sits me down on the bed.

"No, Bex. There's a lot more that needs to be done."

She pulls off my boots and tips me over. The moment my head hits the pillow, the tension in my body is gone. Then I feel a soft bending in the mattress next to me. I glance back. She's lying next to me, back turned.

I smile and drift away.

There is a weight on my chest.

She brings the dagger down.

"Ser."

I thrash and wake in the bed in my office.

I'm covered in a cold sweat. My hair is sticking to my face.

Kith jumps back. "Ser, are you alright?"

I clasp my chest and sit at the edge of my bed. I glance behind me. Bex is gone. "For fuck's sake, Kith."

"Sorry to wake you, Ser. I wanted to ask about the goblin expedition?"

"Right." I run my hand over my face. My skin is still crawling. I shake my hands out. It brings me no comfort. "Did Sazza speak to you about it?" I say tersely.

"She did... though I'm not sure if I'm keen on going."

"What do you mean? I thought this was the sort of thing you wanted to explore?"

"It is, it's just-" He fidgets, and looks across the office. "I have other things I need to do."

"Other things?" I snap.

"Now... settle down... I'm sure we can get someone else to go. Maybe one of the folks that just arrived? Or someone from your crew?"

I get to my feet. "What aren't you telling me, Kith?"

"I've got clan business I gotta do. Very important stuff. Personal."

I lean forward. "You don't. Whatever it is, they can manage without you. I need you on this expedition. I need someone competent overseeing the fucking goblins."

"Competent? Well, that's mighty nice of you..."

"I'm openly offering to pay you to go on an expedition to study ancient ruins and you say your clan is a priority? What in the Hells do they have over you?"

"Uhh... uhh..."

I sigh and walk over to my desk and pick up the half-finished glass of whiskey and take a sip.

"Well... you have a couple of artificers outside wanting to talk with you."

I stop. "What artificers?"

"The construct and the woman."

"Ava and Arthur? How long have they been out there?"

"Oh, well... no one wanted to bother you..."

"Kith!"

"...A couple of hours."

I drive the glass at the wall and it shatters. "They've been out there for how long? Do you have any idea how important this project is?!"

"It was a mistake! Nothing to lose our heads over!"

"That remains to be seen. Bring them in. Immediately!"

Kith staggers out of the door. "The Shepherd will see you now!" He heaves the door open and bolts.

I pull my hair back between my horns and lean on my desk as Arthur guides Ava in, hand on her back.

She looks about as exhausted as I am.

"Ava. Arthur. I apologize for the wait. Had I been informed earlier..."

They sit across from me.

Ava lazily waves her hand at me. "You don't need to apologize. It was a mistake."

...she doesn't seem very prickly...

I close my eyes briefly and settle in my chair, pulling out a cigar, cutting it, lighting it, pulling the heaviest mouth full of smoke.

"Tymora's tits," I murmur. "What is it you need?"

"We've found a pretty big issue with the aqueducts. We're going to need a few more hands and a couple of extra things to get it fired up," she says.

I pull more smoke and narrow my eyes. "Stop being vague and give me the details on exactly what you need."

They lead me to a reservoir near the lava flow with a large gash on top. I get as close as I can and lean forward. Cigar held tightly between my teeth. More damage from the siege, no doubt.

"We'll need to salvage a few platforms to build a maintenance bridge. How many artificers do you need allocated to apply the fix?" I glance at Arthur.

Arthur glances at Ava.

"Six," she says firmly.

"Great. Pick your crew. Everything else can wait. I'll get the duergar to bring the platforms and the required steel. Is there anything else?"

"Coffee?" she asks in a cheerful tone.

My shoulders fall. I pull more smoke and tap the ash with a smile. "And several strong kettles of coffee. Biscuits probably too. You two have been working on this for a while. I have no clue when you last ate."

Ava falls back on Arthur and he grabs her with a soft chuckle.

"Yesssss," she whinnies.

I shake my head and put the cigar back between my teeth. I turn to leave, but hesitate. I look back at Arthur. "Pardon my ignorance. Do you eat?"

"I can. I don't need to. Uhm..." He straightens and gives me a salute with both right arms. "Nothing for me, Ser. Save your resources."

I clasp my hands behind my back, smoke drifting from my mouth. "Good man." I continue back. "Brithvar! Nere! For the sake of all fucks, get these people coffee and food!"

I see Nere hurrying to the mess hall, but look around for Brithvar.

Absent.

I follow Nere and find Kith speaking with Brithvar nearby. I pull the cigar from my mouth, and they fall quiet as I approach.

"I need your crew to salvage some metal grates and bring it to the broken reservoir near the marina. We need to build a maintenance platform. The artificers also need food and coffee ASAP."

He scoffs. "Is that all?"

I shift as a grove warden walks past. "That's all I ask."

Brithvar shakes his head. "You ain't askin'..." He turns on his heel and makes his way to the duergar camp.

The platforms are in place. Ava has her team in place. Bex and I watch as they weld.

"You abandoned me," I say, with a half smile.

Bex shakes her head and walks back toward the forge proper. "I thought it was for the best. I wanted to make sure you could rest so I took care of a few things that needed doing."

We pass workers as they clear a crumbling Sharran altar. We stop in front of the bridge that leads from the platform to the forge as several masons are busily reconstructing it. A temporary wooden bridge holds steady in its place.

"Thank you, Mrs. Aldwick."

She nudges me with a smile. "Don't call me that."

I look down at her and furrow my brow.

"Pssst. Ser. Madam. Urgent news."

We glance down. A small rat is standing on its hind legs, wiggling its whiskers. It darts toward my office. We follow and I close the door behind us.

With a popping and pulling, it shifts from wildshape into one of my wardens. Seth.

"The duergar are gathering allies. They intend to seize Forgetown."

My lip twitches, and I tuck my hand in the front of my coat. "Right."

Bex shakes her head. "Stop looking so pleased."

"Bex," I whimper. "They're planning a siege."

"Torm preserve us. Let's try to avoid a siege."

"The last battle waged here showed the defending soldiers bottlenecked in many of the corridors. We need to make sure none of our men get cornered. I recommend ranged attacks first. If they manage to gain ground, we can station soldiers to corral the onslaught. We need to send out a call-"

She places a hand on my arm. "Stop."

I take a subtle breath in.

She turns to the informant. "Seth. Continue to follow them. We'll see if we can negotiate with Brithvar. We don't want to make a move too soon and tip him off that we've been watching him." She sighs. "I would like to know who he's been in contact with and how many people he plans to move against us. We need numbers."

I clasp my hand in front of me. "Numbers."

"Thank you, Seth."

"Of course, Ma'am." He shrinks down and scurries out.

My tail twitches. "Negotiations means concessions. That's not something I'm willing to do."

"We can demonstrate why a siege may not be in their best interest."

"Yes, but then they will have a better understanding of what they'll need to prepare for. That could get more of our men killed."

"It would be irresponsible not to get a better understanding of what they want. We need to do that at the very least."

"I can agree to that." I smile.

She gives my cheek a pat, then she clears her throat. "I'd like to renegotiate my probationary return. I think you can see it's in both our best interests if I stay."

"Probationary return?"

"Yes. I think we work well together. We always have. I hope I've earned enough of your confidence to remain your lieutenant."

I square my shoulders and search my mind. My brow grows tight.

She glances at me as we walk. "Do you have reservations?"

My mouth hangs slightly. "When did we make this agreement?"

"...at the waterfall. When I asked to return to camp?"

A vague memory comes to the forefront of my mind.

"Varrick, did you forget what you said?!"

"No..."

She shoves me. "You never meant a word of it, did you? You forgot the moment I agreed to your terms, you absolute bastard!"

There is a loud bang and rattling. We share a look and bolt toward the commotion.

We see Ava and Arthur standing on the maintenance platform next to the patched reservoir.

Bex presses her fingers to her lips and whistles sharply, waving her arm. "By the Nine! Get out of there!"

Ava waves back. "Don't worry, Ma'am! It's just the pistons!"

She furrows her brow. "I trust you, but for the love of Torm, your life is far more valuable than the damned pistons!"

The machine begins to make ungodly noises, like an eldritch nightmare. Ava and Arthur step off the platform and the machine picks up its rhythm.

Water begins to spill from a water chute above us.

They did it. They fucking did it.

Bex reaches up. The water drips down her arm. Her blouse clings to her pink skin. She looks at me with bright eyes. We begin to laugh as she leaps into my arms and I spin her around.

"Water!" she yells, kicking her feet. "We have water!"

I hold her tight. "Forgetown has fucking water..."

I set her down and we look down at the cheering people. Ava is lying on the ground with an enormous smile. Arthur is crouched next to her, holding her hand.

"Well done, everyone! Go home. Rest." I take a breath. "...It's been a long day."