Baldur’s Gate 2
A Forgotten Realms novel
By Philip Athans
Everything that was the essence of Abdel Adrian disappeared into a roiling vortex of rage, bloodlust, and wild, kill-frenzied mania. His body contorted—he could feel that, and it hurt. He was changing again. He didn't know exactly what was happening to him, how it was happening to him, or why it was happening to him. He could feel it and experience it only for the first few moments, then any greater consciousness was replaced by the pure murderous impulses of the Bhaalspawned demon he had become.
This one's for The Group:
Gordon
Laura
Mike
Andy
Eric
Carl
and Julie
Chapter One
Late in the summer of the Year of the Banner, Abdel Adrian, son of the God of Murder, returned to Candlekeep a hero.
Gates that had been closed to him only weeks before were thrown open this time. A man he'd known all his life, a man who had accused him of murder, who had locked him up like an animal, who had all but handed him into the clutches of the Iron Throne, had embraced him with a smile of relief and confidence.
"Abdel," Tethtoril said, a tear coming to his eye, "Abdel, I'm so glad you've returned to us. I can only hope your stay this time will be a long one, and you'll—"
"Abdel!" a thin, reedy voice sounded behind him. Abdel turned to see a face he hadn't seen in—how long? A year?
"Imoen," Abdel breathed, meeting the slight girl's hasty embrace. "Imoen, you've grown into—"
"Don't say it, Abdel," she interrupted, a smile softening her voice and making her eyes dance.
"You're a sight for sore eyes, kid," he told her, and they embraced again.
She held him and said, "I'm sorry about Gorion. I'm so sorry."