The Curse of Candlekeep, Fanfiction based on the BG series Options

[Sir_Carnifex]

Late one night while working on my mod, an idea to fill about one paragraph hit me. I decided to write it down before I forgot and it ballooned into this. As long as I had the prologue written, I decided I might as well post it and see if I get any more ideas to continue working on it. I don't think of myself as a good descriptive writer, but I'm trying to work on it. If you have a comment, please post it in a separate thread so this one won't get cluttered. I'm always looking to improve, so constructive criticism is very welcome.

The Curse of Candlekeep

PROLOGUE

"Nicotino."

Mid afternoon had arrived at the great library of Candlekeep. The sunlight beamed in through arched windows flooding a small room with warm light. It was a perfect day outside, but for the moment, an apparently insignificant young halfling was trapped inside seated behind a desk. He leisurely swung his legs under the desk while thinking of anything but what he was supposed to be thinking about. The voice did little to bring his mind back to reality. At least, the first voice...

"NICOTINO!!!"

This time the floor shook and the walls rattled. An odd-shaped wooden object teetered on the edge of the desk, then toppled off , clattering noisily upon the stone floor. With a start, the halfling jerked his head upwards, bringing his attention to bear on his tutor, Jacono.

"Yes?"

"That is the end of your lesson for today," the tutor began quietly. "I do hope you have been trying to pay closer attention to your studies than it appears. Feel lucky that you are Gorion's ward, else I would have no tolerance for your kind. And for the last time, you are NOT allowed to bring your pipe into your classroom! Understood?

"Yes, sir."

"Very good. You may arise."

Nicotino slipped off his seat until his feet landed on the floor. He remained standing there for a few seconds. Outside the birds could be heard warbling and the monks were chanting Alaundo's prophecies again. Somewhere in the distance the sound of a young girl's laugh floated through the air. The tutor loudly cleared his throat.

"Nicotino, I said that you could arise."

"I DID rise!" returned Nicotino indignantly.

"Oh! My apologies. Hehehe. You may go now. Don't forget to stoop by the inn. Winthrop has something to say to you."

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Nicotino trotted through the open door into Winthrop's Inn. He always wondered why Winthrop kept a fire blazing even on the warmest of days. Fortunately, he did not have to remain inside for long. This was Imoen's domain, not his. A portly man was reclining in a chair behind the counter, giving the impression that he was asleep. A few conspicuous snoring noises gave further evidence to that fact. Over against the far wall, Firebead Elvenhair, the grisled old wizard was poring over yet another tome. Other than those two, the main room of the inn was entirely empty.

Nicotino edged his way silently around the counter and crept close to Winthrop. The halfling reached for the innkeeper's arm to awaken him (he could reach no higher) and tapped firmly. One cough, a sneeze, and two snorts later, Winthrop opened his eyes and squinted at Nicotino.

"So it's only ye, young whippersnapper! What can ol' Winthrop do for ye?"

"Jacono told me that you wanted to speak with me," Nicotino explained. "Seeing your state of alertness, I gather that it must not be anything of importance. So, what is it?"

"Now ye don't be poking fun at ol' Winthrop. Yer father wishes to speak with ye. Best ye be going now."

Nicotino sighed in exasperation, "Why does everyone want to speak with me only to inform me that somebody else wants to speak with me? Nevermind. Say, you don't happen to have any more of that pipe leaf on you, do you?"

"No ye don't! Ye smoke any more of that stuff and ye'll have t' be doused. Off ye go!"

As Nicotino stepped out into the open air, he opened his hand and looked at his palm. A look of disappointment appeared on his round face.

Nuts! Is that all he had in his pocket?!

And with that thought, he popped them into his mouth and marched towards the library.

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"Nicotino! How fortunate for you to pass by!"

Phlydia had appeared from nowhere just outside the door. Nicotino hated being near Phlydia for she was the only person in Candlekeep capable of holding a long conversation with him when he did not desire one. Perhaps that was because she did all the talking.

"Hello, Phlydia! I really regret that I can't stop to --" he began, hoping to avoid her.

Phlydia paid no attention to him and carried on, "Hey, have you seen my copy of The History of Halruaa anywhere? You know how I can't stand the constant shuffling of arthritic feet up in the library... So I thought I'd get a bit of fresh air just east of here and... Oh, I hate being so absent-minded! Oh! And my ring! It's missing and I know I just had to have dropped it somewhere. Please, if you find them, I really do need them back."

A grin spread across Nicotino's face. "I'm sure I can find your book, but that ring is a small thing and it's probably lost for all ages. And you know, arthritis will still bother you out here. It's not just being in the library that causes it!"

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The afternoon sun scorched Nicotino's face as he wiped the sweat from his brow. Everybody at Candlekeep used him as an errand boy and nothing else. First it was Phlydia's book, then Dreppin's cow, Hull's sword, and a myriad of other odds and ends. For once, he wished that people would treat him as if he were one of them -- at least a very short one of them. But no, he had to be the little kid messenger.

Why do they have to pick someone with such short legs to do all the running?

But now, all those simple tasks were done and he stood at the entryway to the inner wall. It was time to see what Gorion wanted.

Nicotino padded under the arch and into the garden-like area surrounding the library where he was immediately pounced upon by a familiar pink-clad figure.

"Heya! It's me, Imoen! I'm surprised that stuffy ol' Gorion let you away from your studies and chores. That ol' fiddle faddle. I snuck off too. Old Puffguts Winthrop was looking for me, but I've got all day to do his chores. You have time for a story today? No, I can tell you don't. What have ya been up to?"

"I'm afraid I cannot chat today, young one. My foster-father wishes to speak to me, but I do not know why."

"Young one? I'm not much younger than you, though you sure got tall fast. Relatively, anyway. I'll bet ya it's a journey! I never get to travel. Wish I could go with ya. Yep, I really wish I could. Yessir. Really do."

"It sounds like you know more about what he wants than I do. No matter, I'll find out soon enough. As for you, you may want to avoid Phlydia for awhile. I told her you might know where her ring is. See you later...much later!"



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Gorion was pacing back and forth on the library steps anxiously awaiting. Nicotino had never seen him look nervous before. Gorion wasted no time getting to the matter at hand.

"This is very unnerving, I know, but you must trust me. It is very important that we leave Candlekeep immediately. Hurry, for there is no time to tarry! The keep is well protected, but not invulnerable."

"If we are leave, I need to grab some things first," said Nicotino.

"Do you have your sling with you?"

"Yes."

"Good. That's all you'll need for now. All your practice on the Candlekeep windows may come in useful. We can pick up any extra equipment later. Come, we must be off."

In a daze and still unsure what was happening, Nicotino hurried to keep up with the pace of Gorion as they passed back into the main courtyard and out to the gatehouse. There they stopped for a few seconds as Gorion gave him one last piece of advice. Then they were off again out into the wilderness where the gathering dusk soon enveloped them.

[Sir_Carnifex]

The much anticipated continuation of the grand literary masterpiece is here!

CHAPTER 4

Nicotino looked down from the dizzying heights of the bridge into the swirling waters below and felt himself becoming a little green at the close proximity to the rushing water. Though he was raised in Candlekeep right next to the sea, he had never been tall enough to look over the parapets or through the windows to gaze upon the ocean, thus he had no real familiarity with a larger body of water. The waters churning beneath him and all other streams he had come across always gave him a queasy feeling, especially when looked upon from above, and this was the first bridge he had ever stood upon. He took a few uneasy steps. Close your eyes and walk across! That worked! With relief he set his foot upon the dirt road once again and finally had the opportunity to take in what was ahead of him. What he saw did not impress him.

A couple slovenly-looking buildings, smoke coming out of their crude chimneys, stood on one side of the road marked with well-worn signs showing them to be an inn and a shop. Nearby was another sign, this one slightly larger than the others, welcoming travelers to Nashkel. The whole village looked abandoned for the most part, with only just a couple people walking into the inn and a few others standing idly about. Off in the distance a tall bald man stood as if waiting for someone.

The small halfling had barely taken all this in when he received a harsh shove in his back that reminded him that his companion still stood behind him. An admonishing voice followed it, "Curse ye, kid, can't ye keep yer feet movin' fer mor'n a minute? Get steppin' or I'll prod ya along!" Evidently Nicotino didn't get stepping soon enough for he soon felt the point of a blade give him a push forwards. Picking up his weary feet, he moved on, now anxious to set foot into the inn. Every minute he spent with Montaron made him regret more and more his decision to not head north on his own. Then again, there were a few occasions when Monty, as Xzar had called him, displayed an unusual liking for him, and he had even procured him another short sword so he would not have to use the heavy axe taken from the fallen dwarf assassin. The sword now swung on a leather strap at his side.

The two moved forward down the road towards the inn even as night was falling. The few bystanders had almost all dispersed except for one at the far end of the village, so they made their way down the road in complete silence. A minute later they stood in front of the heavy wooden door of the Nashkel Inn. Montaron stepped forward to swing open the door and then the pair proceeded through the entrance.

Once inside, which was foggy with smoke, the two could make out a few sturdy tables and a counter behind which a portly man stood. He was wiping some mugs clean even as he noticed the short customers arrive. He greeted them in a tired, yet cheerful voice, "Good eve to you two. What can our humble inn offer you?"

Montaron slapped a few gold coins on the counter. "I need a room for the night. This runt behind me needs one too, but we're payin' our own ways."

"Very good, sir." The innkeeper swept the gold off the counter and into his pocket as he directed Montaron to his room. Then he turned his attention to Nicotino. "And you, sir? You need to pay for your room."

Nicotino frantically searched his empty pockets for gold but found nothing. Montaron had been taking everything of value that they had found, claiming that the one who did the fighting did the keeping. Now the halfling just realized what his companion had done to him. He looked up helplessly at the innkeeper. "I don't have any!"

The innkeepers countenance darkened somewhat and he glowered down. "No gold, no room. You'll have to sleep outside tonight, tramp." He pointed to the door and then resumed his cleaning.

Nicotino reluctantly obeyed, dejectedly dragging himself out the door. Sleeping outdoors wasn't new to him anymore, but it sure was when there was an inn available. Why would Montaron do that? It couldn't have cost that much to provide me with a place to sleep. He crossed the road and slumped down next to a clump of bushes feeling a tad sorry for himself and wondering what would go wrong next. His wondering was not long as he soon began to nod.

~~~~0~~~~

Night was fully upon the sleepy little village when Nicotino was awakened from his slumber by a soft whisper.

"Just fancy my luck seeing you here. I expected a hunt and a chase from the description, but who am I to argue easy coins in the purse?"

Nicotino felt his skin crawling, and then soon realized it was the touch of a knife to his neck that made him feel that way. Much as he did not want to, he forced his eyes open to look at the latest assassin. Stooping over him was a woman clad in a black cloak holding a very long knife over his throat. What little he could see of her face told him that she was enjoying torturing her prey before dispatching with him. Considering he was her prey, he was shaking all over on the inside, desperately wracking his mind for a way of escape. In the small circle of bushes he had chosen to sleep in, he was quite alone with no help visible from his position. A river of sweat poured down his face as his eyes flitted back and forth.

One more whisper from her, "Yelling will not help you. May the Lord of Shadows guide you swiftly to your death!"

With that she began to press the dagger forward. Hardly had she begun to do so when a giant boot came out from the bushes. Nicotino saw the weapon fly from her hand, and then a huge piece of steel come crashing down upon her with a sickening thud. His would-be killer collapsed to the ground in front of him dead, blood pooling around her, even as he heard a shout, "Minsc will lead with blade and boot! Boo will do the rest!"

From his position on the ground, Nicotino saw the newcomer as even more of a giant to than he already was. His eyes traveled up from the faded and dusty over-sized boots, over the dull chain shirt, all the way to a bald head with a purple circle on one side of it that crossed over an eye. In the man's hands was the largest sword Nicotino had ever seen, and now it was dripping wet from its recent use. The halfling's first reaction was to be just as scared of the man who now stood over him as he was of his previous visitor until his vision came to rest on a pouch that hung from the man's belt. The leather flap that covered it was being pushed open and from within a furry little face with quivering whiskers appeared. The rodent twitched its nose as it looked at Nicotino, then up to the man. The man looked back at it.

"I agree, Boo, he looks to be friendly. Yes, I'll ask him." The stranger then looked back to the one he had rescued. "Greetings! We are Minsc and Boo. We have traveled far to explore this land, but now my charge Dynaheir has been taken from us. 'Twas gnolls, and once we have tracked them, I will beat sense into their heads until they release her. Accompany us and bards will sing the deeds of Minsc and Boo. . . and his friend."

Nicotino's head was in a whirl at the recent events. First an attack, then the rescue, then a giant who ignored the incident like it had never happened and instead spoke of something different. Still watching the rodent, now identified as Boo, he managed to speak a few words, "Slow down! I don't know what you speak of, but what does that have to do with the attempt on my life?"

"That is simple. Boo told me that evil was afoot nearby and I tracked it to put my boot to its backside! Now I would like to know what you say to my proposal?"

Nicotino's head rattled from the booming of Minsc's voice and he wondered if he was waking the dead from the nearby graveyard. Despite all that had happened, he was having a difficult time taking the ranger seriously. Still looking at the rat, he changed the subject, "Um. . . you speak to a rodent?"

"Boo is my faithful animal companion," Minsc grinned at him, "and more than he seems."

"I. . . um. . . see. Well, thanks, sir, for saving me." Nicotino gulped and looked at the dead woman as he said this.

Minsc waved off the thanks with a friendly gesture. "I do you a favor and now you can repay me and Boo. Aid me in the rescue of Dynaheir and there will be glory for all! We will see that none harm you and you will be a hero like Minsc and Boo." As he spoke, he reached down and pulled the halfling to his feet.

"You don't leave me with much choice," groaned Nicotino. "I'll tag along. It seems all I'm good for."

Minsc tossled Nicotino's hair with his monstrous hand, which the halfling failed to dodge, and then sang out, "Take heart fellow adventurer, for you have curried the favor of Boo, the only miniature giant space hamster in the Realms! My friend and companion ever since my h-h-head wound, he will lead us to victory! Onward to the gnolls stronghold in the west! Tarry not! We must go soon, but first, a night in the inn to prepare ourselves!"

Hearing the words made Nicotino cringe a little, though the thought of a real bed relieved his spirits somewhat. He followed the ranger into the inn, obtained his room which Minsc kindly paid for, and flopped on his cot.

What have I gotten myself into? But the man is mad, and to refuse a madman may have meant my death. Why is it that I only meet madmen along the road? First the man who wanted me dead, then Xzar and his obsession with rabbits, then Montaron, who is half psychotic killer, half grumpy traveler, and now a man and his hamster! And now I have to introduce two of them and I dread doing that. Tomorrow morning is going to be interesting. . . more interesting than I want.

He fell asleep.

~~~~0~~~~

And now for some fun. I'm running a poll to see where the readers want this to go next. You may:

1. Vote to have him accompany Monty to the mines.

2. Vote to have him follow the mad ranger to rescue Dynaheir.

3. Send me your own idea and if it sounds like a lot of fun, I may use it.

Of course, do all this in a separate thread OR by PM. Thanks!