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.
