"He's going to lose! I'm casting a-"
"No!" Ren shouted, grabbing at Evaine's foot, which dangled over the side of the mausoleum. Gamaliel, even quicker, pounced off the structure to tower between the spellcaster and Ren. His big hands found Ren's neck. "You must never touch her!"
Evaine leaped off the crypt and yanked at Gamaliel. "You can't attack Ren!" The barbarian realized what he was doing and dropped his grip instantly. Ren choked, but he hadn't been harmed. The ranger reeled back, trying to find his words.
"If we don't do something, the paladin will die," Evaine insisted.
Ren glared deep into Gamaliel's eyes. For the first time, he noticed their deep golden color and catlike pupils. But the revelation was lost in his fury.
"This is an affair of honor," the ranger croaked through bruised vocal cords. "Whatever happens, you must not interfere. We can fight and defeat this creature together if the paladin falls, but first we must give the paladin a chance to win."
The battle between the strange warriors raged. The paladin knew he was losing. He wasn't fast enough to keep up with the steadily moving ghost. More and more of the evil blade strikes found their marks. In a desperate move, the paladin threw down his magical shield and gripped his weapon with both hands.
The ghost shouted with glee and swung his blade to cut into the discarded shield. Black flame met holy power and, with a loud ringing, the shield was split in two. But the ruined halves of the shield stuck fast to the blade. The ghost's misty face showed his shock and anger as he awkwardly tried to recover his weapon. The paladin struck, cleaving the ghost from head to thigh.
The only audible sound to mark the passing of the ghost was a soft, "No, not again." The warrior spirit shriveled into a thin black mist and evaporated.
The paladin fell to his knees, gripping the broken remains of the shield. Instead of a cry of joy at his victory, the knight murmured, "What have I done? What have I done with the gift of Tyr? I should have known Zarl would attack the shield when I threw it down."
"What would have happened if you hadn't thrown down the shield?" Ren now crouched quietly in the grass behind the knight. The others stood behind him.
The paladin turned to look at the five strangers. "After my destruction, Zarl would have easily defeated all of you. He would have then used his evil to raise an indestructible undead army and sweep the continent. His goal would have been to destroy every living thing in Faerun, even if it took a thousand years. He was evil and destructive in life, and he remains so in death."
Andoralson expressed his compassion for the knight. "I believe Tyr would think one holy relic was worth the lives of millions of people. Don't you agree?"
Talenthia bent down to help the paladin to his feet. "Take off that heavy helm and let me see your wounds. I'd be happy to heal you, if you'll allow me."
The paladin rose, but gently removed Talenthia's hands from his arms. "In all honor, I must tell you my story first. When I take off my helm, do you all promise to let me finish my tale?"
The companions glanced at each other, but all nodded in silence. After the scene that had just unfolded, they were curious. Ren looked at the smoldering black blade still lying on the ground and wondered what fantastic story lay behind it.
Miltiades lifted his war helm. Talenthia gasped. A barely audible growl arose in Gamaliel's throat. The group saw the head of a horrible skeleton. Like his foe, the paladin was also undead!
"I am a paladin of Tyr. I died a thousand years ago. Please listen before you think of destroying me."
The pleading sound of the knight's voice was hard to ignore. A face with empty eye sockets and withered skin turned to Ren; the knight knew instinctively that the others would take the ranger's lead. Wisps of hair still clung to the parchment skin on the knight's head. Bones creaked as the undead paladin moved.
Ren sat on the grass, motioning the others to do the same.
"We want to listen to you, but I have never heard of paladins rising again to serve their god."
"I understand your doubts, and I thank you for this chance. As I said, I died a thousand years ago. In life, I served my god Tyr faithfully and wholeheartedly. I fought the enemies of my faith across all of Faerun. Because I was so successful, other followers of Tyr gave me the Holy Shield of Tyr, my magical war helm, and this runic sword of Tyr.
"The land on which we stand was much different a thousand years ago. A city stood a few miles to the north. I was its steward and war champion. For fifty years, I had the honor of guarding its gates. The city of Turell knew much strife, but we were always victorious.
"All the residents followed the ways of Tyr and all the citizens were warriors as well as craftsmen. But the year before I died, a horde led by the terrible warrior-wizard Zarl laid siege to my city. For over a year, we resisted. Week after week I challenged and defeated the most powerful warriors of the horde in combat before the city gates. But Zarl would never face me in battle.
"My city and the besiegers were both on the brink of ruin. We were desperate, and after much prayer, I decided to sneak into the camp of Zarl and try to take in stealth what he wouldn't allow me to take in honorable battle. My city was at stake. I killed him, but in turn I was killed by his men. They buried me here and surrounded me with a thousand of the most powerful members of the evil army. Then they charged into my city and leveled it. Not a single stone stood after they were through. Turell was literally wiped off the map.
"The army took Zarl's body back to their lands, but his spirit remained in the earth next to my resting place. Because I didn't boldly go into the camp and challenge Zarl in battle, Tyr refused me the rest granted to heroes slain in honorable battle. I was cursed by my god. For one thousand years, my spirit has roamed these lands, awaiting the day when Tyr would raise me for one last quest.
"Only hours ago, Tyr's radiance raised me. At the same time, Bane's power raised the dead around me. All across the Moonsea lands, horrible legions of undead are awakening-I can sense it. In my spirit form, I saw Phlan stolen by Bane's power. Now Tyr has summoned me to venture forth and help return Phlan to its home on the Moonsea. If I can prove myself to Tyr, I will finally be granted eternal peace."
Silence fell over the five companions. All were surprised and deeply moved by his saga.
Andoralson spoke first. "Is your mission truly to restore Phlan?"
The warrior responded with the pride of a man on a holy quest. "Yes. Tyr has raised me to face Bane's minions and wrest Phlan from their grasp. If I must complete my mission alone, I am prepared to do so."
Evaine, Ren, and the others exchanged questioning glances. All seemed to be thinking the same thing. Ren spoke up.
"Noble warrior, we have all come together for our own reasons but with a common cause. We all seek to restore Phlan. I have dear friends missing along with the city. Talenthia and Andoralson have been ordered by Sylvanus to assist me. Evaine seeks the pool of darkness that lies within the city. She plans to destroy it because…" Ren realized for the first time that he didn't know why the sorceress sought the pool. He looked to Evaine for an explanation.
Evaine's eyes met Ren's, but her cheeks were flushed with hidden emotions. Her voice was steady, but the others could see that it was an effort for her to maintain control. "Let's just say that I have a very old and very personal reason for hunting the pools. I prefer not to discuss it. But you know by now that my loyalties are sound and my dedication is unwavering." Gamaliel patted the sorceress's shoulder. None of the group had yet seen such a show of emotion in the logical sorceress.
"I think I speak for everyone when I say you are welcome in our group. If you'd like to join us, that is." Ren rose from the grass and reached out a hand to the paladin.
"Not so fast, ranger." Evaine's calculating mind had again taken over, and she rose to her feet. "No offense, paladin, but with the world in chaos as it is, you must understand our caution." She turned to the druids. "My magics tell me this one didn't lie when he told his story. But we
must be sure. Andoralson, can you tell if this paladin is still lawful and good in his faith to Tyr?"
"Easily done, sorceress," the druid said with a smile. He waved a hand and whispered an arcane sentence. Miltiades was quickly outlined in a golden glow. "He is still dedicated in his faith, but he has none of the normal powers of a paladin. He is now some type of spectral warrior."
"Logically speaking, you may be a hindrance to us any time we encounter other people. They'll immediately assume you're evil. No offense, of course, but we must consider the good of the mission." Evaine turned away from the group and walked toward the woods where she had sent the horses. Gamaliel followed her closely.
"Wait a minute, my lady," Andoralson's words stopped her. "No one will know our new friend isn't the noble paladin he seems to be. Observe."
After a few gestures and words issued from the druid, a magical illusion swirled around the skeletal form of the paladin. Miltiades removed his gauntlets, and instead of skeletal bones, perfectly formed hands appeared. The paladin's head became the visage of a noble man with flowing dark hair.
"I like your style, Cousin," Talenthia chirped. "I've seen this type of magic before. My cousin's illusions fool almost everyone. Evaine, I think a creature favored by Tyr will be an advantage to our group. Won't you reconsider?"
"It appears I don't have much choice. You have removed my objection. Let's give it a try." She paused and turned to the paladin. "But if your presence turns out to be harmful, I think we should reconsider our alliance. No offense to you, Miltiades, or your god."
"None taken on my part, sorceress. I appreciate your caution. I will be no trouble-in fact, you will be glad I am coming along. I must go now to my tomb to collect several items useful for our journey."
Gamaliel again growled faintly, but Evaine flashed him a look that instantly quieted the barbarian.
The five companions followed the warrior to the tomb.
The small crypt contained two chambers. The first was an entryway, empty except for a disc-shaped brazier lit with a steady golden flame. The silvery container matched the size of a small shield. Its metal was engraved with runic symbols. Although several inches deep, the brazier was not designed to burn coals; instead, the flame issued from a coin-sized hole in the center of the device.
Evaine cried out in surprise. She had heard of braziers that had the power to double and sometimes triple the strength of a magical spell. Miltiades knew immediately what the sorceress was thinking.
"The evil army discovered this flame as they were building my tomb. They were about to place my body in a log hut and burn the hut to the ground, but Tyr had other plans. He wished me to remain whole for my future quest. He caused the flame to leap from the ground. It created a magical vision with instructions for the members of the horde. Being superstitious creatures, they obeyed the message of the vision and built this tomb.
"I believe the brazier can make your spells more powerful, Evaine. In my spirit wanderings over the centuries, I have learned of other such devices with similar properties.
"I'm sure you will wish to bring the brazier along on our journey. Notice the small platinum cap attached to the brazier with a fine chain. If the cap is placed over the flame, the flame will be temporarily extinguished and the device can be moved safely. The fire will relight when the cap is again removed, but it will light only a limited number of times. No one in this world knows how much magic remains. It may never light again-or, it may relight a hundred times more."
The knight bowed to the sorceress. "I will allow you to use the brazier if you promise that it be returned to a temple of Tyr after our mission is accomplished."
Evaine was clearly excited. "This is just the thing we need! A brazier like this can enhance my magic and improve our chances of finding the pool! Tomorrow, I'll be ready to cast the spell. Miltiades, this is truly a wondrous gift from your god. Please thank him for me. Be assured it is in good hands."
Gamaliel handed his mistress a green silk handkerchief with a fine gold cord along its edges. The knight lifted the brazier. Evaine spread the handkerchief under the device. Miltiades placed the golden cap over the flame, and Evaine spoke a word of magic. Gathering the corners of the handkerchief upward and pulling on the golden cord, the brazier disappeared into a tiny, green silk pouch. Evaine slipped the cord over her wrist.
"Miltiades, I promise the brazier will be returned to one of Tyr's temples after Phlan has been restored."
Miltiades's illusionary face smiled. "Please follow me. I have some items here for all of you. I think Tyr would wish you to have them." The knight led the way deeper into the tomb.
The scent of lilacs wafted up from inside the dank crypt. At one side of the chamber lay a small pile of equipment.
"The evil army had a strange sense of honor," Miltiades explained. "Because I defeated Zarl in battle, I was entombed with all his important possessions. I think there are some useful items for all of us."
The paladin sorted through the pile, handing items to his astonished companions.
"Andoralson, please take this oak shield. Its protective power is great. You will not be struck by arrows, rocks, or catapult fire while you carry it.
"Talenthia, this is a magical chalice of healing. By filling it with water or wine, you may create a healing potion once each week.
"Ren, this is magical barding for your horse. Part of its magic is that it adjusts to fit any mount, even your magnificent beast. It is feather-light, and your horse won't even know he's wearing it. The spells on this barding will protect your mount from all magical attacks.
"For you, Evaine, is this ring. It allows you to see creatures hidden from sight. You will know the presence of invisible creatures, those hidden by darkness, and those hidden by any magical means.
"And for the fine Gamaliel." The paladin dug deeper into the stack of equipment. "You obviously don't fear magic the way some barbarians do. For you, I have a magical ring that will never allow you to be poisoned. Whether you breathe poison vapor, consume food or liquid, or are struck by a tainted weapon, the poison will not harm you."
Miltiades looked pleased with himself. The group admired their gifts with surprised looks, and at once, all murmured their thanks.
"Now, now, do not thank me. These are gifts from Tyr as much as they are from myself. I wish to be a valuable part of your group. Tyr will watch over all of us. Now, we should prepare for our journey."
Gamaliel led the way out of the chamber. The sky was growing dark. Knowing his mistress's habits, the barbarian spoke. "We'd better find a place to camp. It'll be dark soon, and we need a safe place to sleep. I assume you'll want to build a fire."
No one was in favor of sleeping in the graveyard, and Evaine explained she would need a place clear of the evil influences of such a site for her spell. She instructed Gamaliel to run ahead and find a clearing for them. He bolted out of the graveyard and was gone before the sorceress could explain.
"Gamaliel's a fast runner and an excellent tracker. He'll find a campsite in no time. And he may even have dinner for us by the time we arrive." Talenthia scowled, thinking that the sorceress was probably just bragging. Ren and Andoralson doubted anyone could be that efficient, but said nothing.
Evaine continued. "Is the ghost's black blade still lying in the grass? We can't just leave it here for anyone to find. Miltiades, what should we do with it?"
The knight spoke solemnly. "The blade certainly should be hidden, but no one may touch it. The safest place for it will be inside my tomb."
Without a word, Evaine strode to the site of the battle. The smoldering blade still lay in the blackened grass. The sorceress spoke a few words, and a green mist flowed from her hands. The vapor enveloped the sword and raised it a few feet off the ground. Concentrating, Evaine slowly walked toward the tomb with the blade suspended in the air ahead of her. She entered the tomb and promptly reappeared. "Is there anything else that should be done to safeguard that sword?"
Miltiades nodde
d and asked the other men to assist him at the entrance to the crypt. The doors were pushed shut with an unearthly creaking noise.
Gamaliel suddenly appeared at the edge of the graveyard. "I've found our campsight. Follow me." The companions gathered their horses and set out on foot after the barbarian. In moments, they arrived at a secluded clearing. The babbling of a stream filled the air. Two huge jackrabbits, freshly caught, lay at the center of the clearing.
Anything else I can do? Gamaliel silently asked Evaine.
The sorceress shook her head and chuckled. She knew he had transformed into a giant cat the instant he was out of sight. The others wondered what she found so funny, but were afraid to ask.
"If you'll be coming with us, Miltiades, you'll be needing a horse. Evaine, do you have anything in your magical bag of tricks that'll give him a horse?" Ren's voice was joking, but he wouldn't have been surprised if she had produced a steed.
"No need, ranger. I have my mount." The paladin reached into a pocket and drew out a miniature stallion carved of ivory. He held it out to Evaine, who grinned and nodded, then he set the figurine on the ground and spoke a word of magic. In a white flash, a fully saddled stallion appeared in the clearing. Talenthia eagerly admired the horse, then Miltiades reduced it to a statuette again and slipped it into a pocket.
The group quickly divided up the work of gathering firewood and preparing the rabbits. Evaine announced that as soon as everyone was settled, she would place a spell of protection around the site. Ren asked for volunteers to take turns on nightwatch.
"That won't be necessary," Miltiades stated. "I do not need sleep. I will be awake the entire night, and I am more than happy to serve as your guard." The exhausted party accepted the knight's offer gratefully. Still, Evaine was glad to have Gamaliel around-just in case.
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