Adult-FanFiction.org : Games

Judas	By : BronxWench Category: +M through R > Neverwinter Nights Views: 438 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Neverwinter Nights 2 and I make no profit from this story.

Chapter List
- 8
- 9
- 10
Chapter 9
Bishop rose early, not needing to see the sun to know the hour. She was still sleeping, her black hair fanned out across the pillow, bed linens slipping off her shoulders. He dressed quickly, pausing only to slip his hunting knife in his boot. After yesterday's welcome, he suspected he could walk to the kitchens and back without being clapped in irons, but caution had kept him alive and free this far.
Kitchen should have some of that tea she likes in the morning, Bishop thought. Some bread and cheese, ale, that should do. He stepped out into the corridor, his muscles tensing almost immediately as he saw the Greycloak standing watch. He nodded to the man as he strode past, and then turned on his heel.
“Captain's not to be disturbed,” he said, “unless it's one of her companions, or Kana.”
The Greycloak saluted. “Those were my orders from Kana already, sir, but glad to have 'em confirmed.” He flashed a quick glance at Bishop. “Good on you for bringing her home, sir.”
“Just keep her safe for a bit,” Bishop replied. Sir? He turned and headed for the kitchen, feeling easier about leaving her. The entire incident with Nevalle still hung like a bad taste at the back of his throat. Nasher's right hand, he thought sourly, and nothing more than a noble-born bully. With an unexpected sense of loss, he thought of Casavir, and wondered if the paladin would have smote Nevalle on the spot.
Bishop was so caught up in his thoughts that he strode, grim and glowering, past the kitchens and straight into Kana. Even at this early hour, the adjutant was alert and polished.
“Bishop,” she said curtly. She regarded him with the impartially dismissive attitude she showed to everyone except Lord Nasher and the Captain herself. “Was there something you needed?”
“And if there was?” He regarded her with a slight sneer. “Deliver it at the end of a blade, would you?”
“Do you have so many friends that you can afford to alienate everyone who crosses your path?” Kana asked, her voice bland. “I was actually hoping to speak with you, about a matter that concerns the Captain.”
“I was heading for the kitchens,” Bishop admitted. “Walk with me?”
Kana nodded. “Sir Nevalle.” She shot a glance at Bishop, noting the tension the knight's name evoked. “I heard about last night. It's not the first time his name has been brought to my attention in a–similar manner.”
“Alright, you have my full attention.” Bishop stopped, leaning against the wall and crossing his arms across his chest.
“Understand this,” Kana said. “I was sent here to assist the newly named Captain, with the caveat that she had no experience in holding a Keep, or managing a fighting force. I was prepared to serve as both advisor and administrator.” She locked eyes with Bishop. “I was not prepared for her, for her willingness to tackle what needed doing, or for her ability to inspire her men.”
“Yeah, she's more than she appears,” Bishop said. “For what it's worth, I'm glad you're behind her.”
Kana gave a very brief smile. “Right after the Captain and her companions left through Aldanon's portal, Nevalle began to make remarks to Lord Nasher. At first, it seemed like a case of nerves to me. Perhaps Nevalle felt he should have accompanied the Captain.” She frowned. “Then I realized Nevalle was subtly turning his words, implying that perhaps the Captain wasn't as committed to defeating the King of Shadows as she could have, or should have been.”
Bishop narrowed his eyes but said nothing. For obvious reasons, Kana had been holding her suspicions close, and he wondered if he was the first person she'd spoken to about Nevalle. Why choose me?
“There was nothing said openly that I could challenge, but it was a relentless flow of innuendo. Lord Nasher did not seem to take it seriously, and I was greatly relieved at that. Last night, though... he's escalating his attack.” Kana looked worried. “I cannot be at her side constantly. I need you, and her companions, the ones you trust, to watch over her.”
Bishop very nearly began to laugh. It seemed so ludicrous to have serious, law-abiding Kana appealing to him. Still, it made as much sense as anything else that had happened of late. He forced back the slightly hysterical wave of mirth that threatened to overwhelm him, and managed to answer Kana's direct gaze with a sober nod.
“The ones I trust, eh?” he said. “Not a long list.”
Kana's gaze thawed slightly. “I don't have a very long list right now myself. Unlikely as it seems, I trust your suspicious nature more than anyone else's.”
He grinned. “Fair enough. Khelgar, Neeshka, Sand, Jerro, Farlong, Starling, us.” He paused. “I'd add the druid and the gith, but I haven't seen them since we got back.”
Kana looked grim. “Elanee returned to the Mere. She said she'd done what she could for Neverwinter, and now she needed to do what she should for the land. Zhjaeve just left. She didn't say anything to anyone. For all I know, she's back in Limbo.” She frowned. “I just hope that doesn't bode ill. Just because the githyanki hate the Captain doesn't make the githzerai our allies by default.” She looked at Bishop. “Our lists are the same, by the way. I'm hand-picking the 'Cloaks who guard her quarters, from the Captain's Company.”
“So what now?”
“We do what we'd normally do, and we wait,” Kana said. “Lord Nasher will want to meet with you both some time today, and after that, we hope Nevalle either explains his recent behavior, or he tips his hand too publicly to be ignored.” She gave a swift, feral grin. “Good hunting, Bishop.”
As she turned and strode off, Bishop wondered again what had made Kana confide in him. Maybe I need to talk to a few people myself, he decided. Starting with the Captain, I think.
The kitchen staff sent Bishop back with a basket of food, ale and tea. The same Greycloak was in the corridor, alert and vigilant. He saluted Bishop smartly.
That'll get old fast, Bishop thought, bemused. Almost prefer the glares and curses.
He put the basket down near the bed, cracking open the flask of tea. As the aroma began to fill the room, she stirred and opened her eyes, a smile tugging at her lips. Bishop handed her a mug, and opened a flask of ale for himself. She made a soft noise of contentment as she sipped, sitting up and letting the bed linens slide away.
“You're looking far too serious this morning,” she said, her voice gentle. “Are you thinking about last night?”
“It's hard not to,” Bishop responded. “Don't know what game he's playing, but it's not to our advantage no matter how I turn it around in my mind. I want to ask around a bit, but I'm not sure who will talk to me.”
“As opposed to trying to kill you, yes,” she mused. “That could be a problem. I'd say to use Sand. He's very good at getting information, as we well saw at my trial.”
Bishop nodded, a nasty grin curving his lips. “Not something Luskan will forget, either. Neeshka's got fingers and ears in a lot of places as well. I can talk to her.” He paused, knowing how poorly his next words would be received. “But I don't want you alone until we've talked to Nasher and gotten some idea of what Nevalle is up to.” He winced as she stiffened, her eyes blazing.
“I am not some mewling child, to be coddled and protected,” she snapped. “I can, as I have proven, handle myself in battle whether it be words or blades.”
“I'm not saying you can't, but we don't know what Nevalle will do, and it's impossible to defend against the unknown.” He sat on the bed, pulling her close to him. “Look, there is no way I'm going to chance losing you now, not after all we've been through.”
She looked into his eyes, and reached up to stroke his face. “I'm not losing you either. If it came down to it, I'd kill Nevalle without a second thought. He means less than nothing to me.” She smiled sadly. “Poor Casavir could never understand that part of me, the part that could kill so easily, with so little regret. He had so much faith, and I have faith in so little these days.”
“Faith's overrated,” Bishop drawled, “unless it's in your own abilities. Don't need the gods to tell me I can put an arrow exactly where I want, when I want.”
“I disagree,” she said, making herself comfortable in his arms. “Faith has its uses, but I do not have the luxury of relying on faith to carry me through this. I need to rely on my strength of will, to make what needs to be a reality.” She made a dismissive gesture. “I'm not ready, Bishop. I cannot talk about it yet, at least not more than one time. Trust me a little longer, and I'll tell you and Lord Nasher what I can. The two of you can decide who needs to know, and how much. It still hurts, and I can't afford to be distracted.”
“Depends on the distraction.” Bishop took her empty mug, letting it fall to the floor as he cupped her face between his hands, kissing her with reckless passion. He could feel her tugging on the laces of his leathers, and he realized he'd forgotten to ask her about the curiously dormant sword she'd brought back with her. He hoped he'd remember, later, but for now, he needed to hold her. He could feel her slipping away even as they joined, her skin growing cool beneath him despite her urgent need. Don't go, he begged her silently. Don't leave me here. I can't go back to what I was, and I don't know who to become without you.
- 8
- 9
- 10
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

Judas