But after giving it some thought, it did not seem strange after all. Baldur's Gate could be called the dividing line between the Sword Coast and the Sea of Swords. The coast north of Baldur's Gate was all sheer cliffs hundreds of feet high, with scarcely a soul to be found in the wildlands above them. South from there, however, the coastline became ordinary beaches.
Moreover, the Cloudmist Mountains lay within Amn and close to the busiest sea routes in all of Coriel. Thus, temporary villages built by fishermen were not uncommon along that stretch of coast, nor were pirate hideouts inhabited by those with more sensitive identities.
Amn's authorities did not welcome pirates in the end. So pirate ships operating openly could only seek out such small bays or pirate anchorages. Only after reaching the southern Nelanther Isles did they find a true paradise for pirates.
The intimidation method Fischer had chosen was conspicuous to begin with, so it was understandable that word had quickly reached Amn.
What was amusing was that the clearly adventurer-dressed group at that table spoke of Elisa, the "Queen of the Sword Coast," with undisguised admiration and covetous longing, yet failed to recognize the woman herself sitting not far from them. Instead, several furtive little figures who had followed them all the way from the harbor lurked in a corner of the tavern, secretly watching their group.
Under normal circumstances, Elisa would have been used to it. After all, she was now considered the mistress of the John Chamber of Commerce. Unless it was a "big deal" like today's, she rarely put to sea herself anymore. Besides, she was not some pirate captain whose wanted posters covered every coastal city-state. It was only normal that ordinary people did not recognize her.
Having received a