Jinnaari spun, ducking underneath the axe, and swept the legs out from underneath his opponent. The dark elf grunted as his body hit the stone floor. With a smooth motion, he positioned the tip of his sword at the creature’s throat. “Do you yield?”

Hatred glared back at him, but his foe nodded. Jinnaari stood down. “Take a break,” Drakkus commanded. “You’re slowing down, Althir. He almost had you that time.”

Nodding, Jinnaari crossed to the barrel of water that sat in the corner and splashed some on his face. “You’ve had us sparring for over an hour, Drakkus. Even you’d be tired by now.”

“My kin will not let up simply so you can rest, Paladin.” The Drow’s words were full of contempt. “We are many. There’s only one of you. Eventually, we will overwhelm you. Herasta’s daughter will be rescued. You can’t hide her forever.”

Jinnaari clenched his jaw, refusing to respond to the taunt. He rested his hands on the windowsill, looking out to the courtyard below. Despite what Bahamut and Kelemvor told him, he still wanted to be with his companions. That’s where he should be, where he’d be of use. Not stuck in a small room, sparring.

Two figures moved quickly across the open area. The female elf’s bright red hair stood out like a beacon. Her companion, a gnome who left behind dirt on the flagstones with each step. Ahead of them, a portal opened. Without breaking stride, the pair entered and disappeared.

“The Gods are not without compassion, Althir. They sent help to your friends. Thia will be kept safe.” Drakkus stood next to him, keeping his voice low.

“For how long?’

“With that pair? Who knows. Rhaine doesn’t have the same…theological restrictions that Thia does. At least the Tabaxi’s pets will remain healed now. Savy isn’t your level with a sword, but she knows how to use one.”

“Rhaine and Savy? They sent those two?” He shook his head. “One’s going to burn her way through Chult. The other will drive creatures away from her stench.”

A dry laugh came from behind them. Jinnaari turned, glaring at the Drow.

“You sent them? Might as well just escort Herasta’s daughter to Lolth’s temple now. We do not fear fire. Or filth.” He secured his white hair into a ponytail, snickering.

Jinnaari lunged at him, one hand circling his throat. Without thought, he slammed the dark elf hard against the stone wall. For the first time, he saw fear flicker in his eyes. “If that happens,” he growled, “you will be the first to die.”

The elf laughed. “Try.”

“Althir. Stand down.” Drakkus commanded.

Releasing his grip, Jinnaari took a step back. He stroked the cross piece of his sword with a single finger. All he wanted to do was end this creature’s life.

***

Rhaine stepped through the portal and scowled. The jungle was hot, humid. “Come on, Savy,” she told her companion. “Let’s go find this group. Sooner we take care of things, sooner we can get out of here.”

“It’s awfully damp,” the gnome responded. “Do you think there’s any mud puddles?”

“Look, you gotta stay somewhat clean. From what I was told, Thia’s a bit sheltered. Doesn’t trust many people beyond her temple. It’s going to be hard enough to convince her that you’re here to keep her safe. If she wants to vomit when she’s downwind, it’s not going to help.”

“Fine. Can I still sing when I hit things?”

“Yeah.”

They started to move toward the ruined buildings in the distance. “Rhaine?”

“What?”

“Why are you here?”

“Because they’ve got a Tabaxi that likes to play with dead things. Thia’s barely able to tolerate their presence. Kelemvor instilled His hatred for undead in her. I’m keeping them alive.”

“No fire?” Savy asked, a pout on her face.

A mirthless grin crossed Rhaine’s face. “Oh, no, my friend. There will be fire.”