Loot Allocation

The chamber still held the warmth of uneasy truce, and the relief of inevitable truth. Same unlit fire pit, same silk-draped stone, same pile of loot waiting to be sorted—but something had settled in the air between us. They knew now. Not everything, but enough. I watched them move around the space with the knowledge of my dealings with Graz'zt sitting fresh on their shoulders, and told myself it would be fine.

“Now that's taken care of, we have loot to share.”

I moved over to the pile, letting the familiar task of dividing equipment give me something else to focus on. The Enchanted Boots were first. Black as midnight and impossibly soft, as though they had been molded into perfect comfort over centuries. They would keep the wearer from being caught by any hazards—webs, sticky terrain, ice, grease, anything that might slow them down, or slip them up. More interestingly, once per combat the magic allowed the wearer to instantly move from one place to another withing sight. A short-range escape, or an unexpected attack.

In other words, exactly the kind of thing Karlach would use in the most reckless way possible.

“Karlach, these are yours.” I tossed them over. “You're the one that likes to get into sticky situations.”

She caught them with a grin, already sliding off her current boots. “Oh, these feel nice. Real nice. Thanks, Boss.”

The Sword of Screams came next—a normal-looking rapier that whispered threats when I gripped the hilt, whispers that would turn to screams inside the victim's mind when struck. A solid psychic damage boost. The perfect complement to Kagha's Sanguine Blade, allowing her to make full use of her off-hand in combat. She was the only one of us proficient in dual-wielding finesse weapons anyway, and the extra attack each turn paired perfectly with her new Ring.

“Kagha.” I held it out. “For your growing collection.”

Kagha's pupils dilated ever so slightly, her serene smile widening as she accepted the weapon with almost reverent care. When I pointed out how perfectly it complemented both her new ring and the Sanguine Blade, she answered with a soft, contented hum.

Shadowheart rolled her eyes so hard I thought they might fall out.

“And the rest goes to our pack mule,” I announced, gesturing toward the remaining pile of gear.

Karlach flexed her arms dramatically before landing a hand on her ass with a smack. “Still reporting for duty!”

“Except that one.” I pointed at the barrel of runepowder. “You're not going anywhere near that stuff.”

Karlach snapped off an exaggerated salute. “Aye aye, Captain.”

My gaze shifted between Kagha and Lae'zel as I considered the barrel. Both had the strength to carry it. Both also had... tempers. Handing a magic nuke to Kagha felt like tempting fate a little too much.

“...Lae'zel carries the powder.”

“A wise decision,” Shadowheart murmured.

Lae'zel accepted the volatile barrel with all the solemnity of someone being entrusted with a sacred relic rather than a keg that could level half the fortress.

“I will guard it with my life, Tav. This honour will not be forgotten.”

Only Lae'zel could make carrying explosives sound like a military commendation.

“What about the shield?” Shadowheart nodded toward the broken remnants of my trusty safeguarding shield.

I picked it up, running my thumb over the deep gouge that had saved my life in our fight with the owlbear. This piece of battered equipment had carried me through the early battles, before I could hold my own in combat. Before this whole adventure had gone off the rails.

“I'll carry it. For memory's sake.”

Karlach shifted the gear on her shoulders, then fixed me with a direct stare. “So what are we gonna do about the spider girl outside? She seemed pretty keen on having you stick around.”

“Yeah.” I stored the broken shield in my pack, not meeting anyone's eyes. “Let's stay the night—No reason to sour the mood.”

“So we're kicking the spider down the road again?” Shadowheart's tone carried just enough dry amusement to take the sting out.

“No kicking this time. I just think she'll understand us better tomorrow.”

In truth, I had already used my charm spell for the day back at the Zentharim, if Eliette's cooperation couldn't be bought with words alone, a little magical persuasion could go a long way.

When we opened the door, a wall of red eyes reflected the torchlight—dozens of spiderlings clustered right at the threshold, perfectly still, like they'd been eavesdropping without ears. The moment the door swung wide they scattered in every direction at once, legs clicking over each other in their hurry to be somewhere else.

“T'shk.” Lae'zel watched them go. “Worthless even as spies.”

Kagha gave a small shake of her head. “They were not spying.”

Lae'zel frowned. “Then what were they doing?”

Kagha's amber eyes followed the last of the fleeing spiderlings. “Talking about us.”

Karlach blinked. “They were gossiping?”

“Indeed,” Kagha replied. “Spiderlings are curious creatures.”

I looked over at her. “Oh? Learn anything interesting?”

“They think you're respectable.”

“I'll take it!” I couldn't help smiling. “Any reason in particular?”

“Because you soothed Lae'zel.”

Lae'zel turned sharply toward Kagha. “What do you mean?”

“They fear her,” Kagha answered simply. “They believe she intents to eat them.”

Karlach lost it, doubling over with a wheezing laugh. Shadowheart followed with a bright giggle. Even I couldn't keep a straight face.

“That is not funny,” Lae'zel said flatly.

“It really is,” I said.

She didn't speak again for the rest of the walk back to the main chamber were Eliette awaited our return.