Pools of Darkness (16 page)

The knight steeled his courage and added, “You know, mistress, the marketplace will be closing, it nearly being dark and all. I have a large tent you could sleep in, and my squire could make room for your man.”

The sorceress’s smile faded. “What a kind offer. But I am afraid Gamaliel and I will have to refuse. We will corral our horses as you have instructed. Thank you, Sir Knight.”

Evaine and Gamaliel passed through the parted crowd, the stares of the villagers following them. Wizard and barbarian led the animals toward the corral.

“Gamaliel, you heard that oafish knight. That warrior knew of the pool of darkness before—when it was a pool of radiance. Of all the pools we’ve hunted, I’ve seen only one pool of radiance. I must learn how this one was changed into a pool of darkness. We have to find that Ren fellow and ask him some questions.” Her companion listened to her words, but said nothing.

A crowd surrounded the corral. The fence was ringed with torches, making it easy to approach in the fading light. As the pair approached with their mounts, some of the watchers opened the gate and a stable hand hurried over to help with their equipment. The woman correctly guessed that the story of the raft incident had already made its way to the corral. Every effort was being made to be cordial to the sorceress.

Gamaliel, Evaine mentally communicated to her friend, the druids and that warrior are here. Try to keep the druids busy while I talk to Ren. I won’t be long.

Careful, Evaine. I smell powerful magic on all of them.

She scowled at the barbarian. Gamaliel, you worry too much. I need to talk to him, to get information. Now get going.

“Druids,” Gamaliel called out, “would you be so kind as to look at our horses? I think they may have the fever.”

Evaine smiled at her clever companion, so smart for a cat. She knew her horses were healthy, but the nature-loving druids would be busy checking them over for at least a short time.

Ren was brushing down the biggest war-horse Evaine had ever seen.

“Ranger, my name is Evaine. I want to thank you for stopping what could have been an ugly situation.”

“Think nothing of it, my lady. I am called Ren by my friends. What brings you to New Phlan?”

An uncomfortable silence hung between them for a moment. “Uh, the knight at the raft told me you knew of the pool of radiance. I’ve always been fascinated by the stories of such waters, but I’ve always wondered if they really exist.”

Ren stopped his work to look searchingly into the eyes of this strange sorceress. “Oh, they exist, all right. Take it from one who’s seen a pool firsthand. I had the honor of freeing this city from the corrupted dragon that was using the pool of radiance.”

“I’m interested for study purposes only,” she said, noting the ranger’s stare. Evaine was glad he wasn’t a spellcaster; she figured her chances were good that he couldn’t see through her lie. “I had to come to Phlan when I heard there was a pool here. I thought I’d have a look for myself, but the pool is gone, apparently, along with the city. I’d still like to locate it, if there’s any chance of doing so.”

Suddenly Ren became excited at what Evaine was saying. “Would you be interested in a little quest to find the pool?” She nodded. “Talenthia, Andoralson, come over here! I think we’ve found someone to join our mission.”

The druids hurried over, followed by the lanky barbarian. Ren introduced Evaine, and she in turn introduced Gamaliel. They all started talking at once, but Evaine stopped them. “Let me guess” she insisted. “It’s a little hobby of mine. Let me see. You, Ren, are a ranger at heart but you also know the ways of the thief. You admire women but haven’t settled down with one yet. You’re a hero in Phlan—but that was easy to guess, because the knight told me most of the story. You’ve been away from the city for a long time, and you have returned only recently.

“Talenthia and Andoralson. You’re both druids, but Andoralson also commands the magic of illusions. You’re related—let’s see, not brother and sister. How about cousins? You were sent to Phlan by your god. You travel by means of your shapechanging abilities. And you only met Ren within the last few days. How did I score?” the sorceress asked.

The trio looked at her, dumbfounded. “You’ve used your magic to spy on us!” Andoralson accused her.

Evaine was amused. “Don’t be silly. Until a half-hour ago, I’d never seen any of you.”

“Mind magic. You can read our thoughts,” Talenthia suggested.

“Nope. Trying to read the three of you at once would give me a terrific headache.”

“Well, maybe you’re just plain smart,” Ren offered. He hadn’t a clue about this woman’s abilities, but he didn’t want to be left out of the game.

Evaine touched her finger to the tip of her nose. “The ranger wins. I observed you carefully and made some simple deductions. Ren for example, walks with a light step—as if he’s walking in the woods—but he’s agile and quick and has the moves of a thief. The way he speaks to Talenthia and myself, it’s obvious that he respects women and enjoys their company.”

The ranger nodded his agreement.

“Also, Ren has spent a lot of time outdoors from the look of his tanned skin. If he were a resident of Phlan, he’d either be missing with the city or have his own tent.

“The druids. You don’t show any romantic feelings toward each other, and there’s a slight family resemblance. You don’t talk like siblings. Cousins, that’s my best guess.”

The druids smiled at her cleverness.

“I’ve seen Andoralson’s illusion magic. That was easy. You don’t have horses, so I can only assume that you shapechange. Had you trekked through the woods or down the roads to Phlan, I think your robes would be dirty and tattered. You’re in the city because your god sent you. That’s also easy. Most druids don’t hang around in cities by choice. You belong in the wilds.

“Ren’s only been in town a few days, and you still don’t know a lot about each other. That’s why I guessed that you’d just met. Well?” Evaine waited for their reaction.

Ren burst out laughing. After all the depression and sadness he’d seen in the last few days, this woman was a breath of fresh air. She wasn’t rattled by the day’s events, and she still had her wits about her. He was astonished by her insights.

“Right you are, lady. You didn’t miss on a single point. Would you care to guess my birthdate now?” Ren was still laughing.

“No, thanks, Ren. That’s not something I can guess just by looking at you.” Evaine chuckled at the ranger’s amusement.

The druids were too amazed to speak. But they couldn’t help themselves and now joined in the good humor. Gamaliel didn’t laugh, but rubbed a hand on Evaine’s shoulder. She patted his hand affectionately.

“Okay, you’ve figured us out. How about telling us a bit about yourselves?” Ren coaxed.

“Not much to tell, really. I came to Phlan looking for a few unusual spell components. I prefer traveling to sitting home in a dusty lab experimenting, but once in a while I need an obscure substance for some research. Gamaliel always comes along. He’s quite a fighter and likes to make sure that I’m safe. We’ve been together quite a number of years.”

Ren and the druids were left with no doubt that the barbarian was an able protector. His graceful gait and intense demeanor were evidence of discipline and concentration. His lack of armor was not a sign of weakness; rather, on this human, armor would have seemed awkward. The barbarian’s heavy blade and sharp-taloned gloves spoke of skill in combat, with or without a weapon.

The group left the stable, exchanging stories briefly. Ren explained his mission to find Shal, Tarl, and the city, and the cousins explained that they had been sent by Sylvanus to assist Ren. The conversation was like one between old friends.

The barbarian whispered something in his mistress’s ear.

“You’re right, Gamaliel. I think they’re okay, too. Think I should tell them?” The warrior nodded.

Evaine’s smile faded, and her tone became serious. “I don’t make it a habit of telling all my secrets to strangers, but I think I’m safe with the three of you. We both have something the other wants.” The trio listened intently.

“I didn’t tell you the whole truth about the pools of darkness. I’ve made it my life’s quest to find and destroy those waters of evil. I know that pools of radiance can transform into pools of darkness. A pool of darkness is nothing less than a powerful tool of evil. The one in Phlan vanished when the city vanished. I have to learn more about what happened to the pool of radiance ten years ago. Maybe whatever you did caused the pool to change. Maybe not. But any information you can give me could help me discover where the pool has relocated.

“I’ve tracked and destroyed four pools in the past five years. I know many special spells that help me locate and then purify the evil waters. My magic has revealed strange visions. I know you want Phlan back, and I want that pool. I’m certain that if we find one, we’ll find the other.”

The trio again stared at her, dumbfounded. Ren was the first to choke out a reply.

“Evaine, are you telling us you have a means to find the pool that was in Phlan?”

“I think so. First, we must leave this pitiful city. In four more days, I plan to cast another location spell for the pool. The spell is extremely dangerous, and I can’t cast it more than once in seven days.”

Ren was elated at this news. For the first time since he had arrived in Phlan, there was some hope of finding Tarl and Shal. “I’ll do anything to find my friends. You can count on the druids’ help, as well.”

An odd smile crept over Evaine’s face. “This is the strangest thing. Ordinarily, I work only with Gamaliel. But somehow, I feel that fate has something slightly different in mind for me this time. I feel like I can’t say no.”

Andoralson laughed.

Talenthia sighed in exasperation. “Why is it that all you strong, silent types work alone? If everyone worked alone, nothing would be any fun, now would it?” Andoralson patted his cousin’s shoulder.

“We have a lot of work ahead of us. There are plans to be made and supplies to be bought. If Evaine can find the pool in four days, we’d better be ready to move fast.” The druid’s tone was serious, but the impending adventure put a glimmer in his gray eyes.

Ren began herding the group toward the tent held by the worshipers of Tyr. “It’s already dark, I’m hungry, and we need a place to sleep. Brother Anton has offered me lodging; I’m sure he won’t mind a few more. I suggest we get settled so we can get an early start. Any objections?”

Evaine wasn’t used to lodging with a crowd, but she was too tired to object.

Brother Anton welcomed the group warmly. He found space for all of them to roll out blankets and bedrolls, and offered them a warm meal. As tired as they all were, they were too excited to sleep. They lay awake in the dark until well after midnight, exchanging whispered ideas and plans. When they finally dozed off, none slept soundly. The danger that lay ahead crept into their dreams.

“North?”

“That’s right, north. We aren’t going to have a debate every time I want to cast a spell, are we?”

“No. You’re the wizard, and I’m the muscle on this mission, but the woodsman in me always wants to know why a certain direction is chosen.”

“And the druid in me would like to go northeast into all those beautiful forests,” Talenthia chimed in as she spurred her horse next to Ren’s.

“If we’re voting, I’d opt for south. Ocean voyages are much easier on one’s riding muscles,” Andoralson said from the back of the group. No one paid attention to the druid.

Gamaliel said nothing, but expected that before long, they would be heading north.

The past three days had been full of such arguments as the five new companions made preparations to leave Phlan. The group had argued over supplies, directions, plans, clothing, and mode of travel. The druids had to be convinced to buy horses rather than rely on their abilities to transform into animals. They all shouted, screamed, laughed, and swore at each other. Egos were bruised. Feelings were hurt. But here they were, packed, organized, and on the road.

They were only a few hours out of the tent city and heading for some predetermined place known only to Evaine. Talenthia was convinced they were on a wild goose chase. Ren was willing to believe the sorceress, but he was still skeptical.

Gamaliel was the only steadying force in an otherwise chaotic mix of personalities. Although he didn’t speak often, when the discussions got too loud and too far from the topic at hand, the warrior’s voice quickly brought everyone to their senses. Although he always sided with Evaine, the others trusted his instincts.

Now he trotted along on his horse, slightly ahead of Evaine. As always, he stayed close to the sorceress. No one understood their relationship. It was obvious to everyone that the barbarian adored the woman and would protect her with his life. He seemed to be constantly on edge around the rest of the group, as if inside his body a tight spring was ready to explode. His behavior made Talenthia hope that Evaine didn’t harbor any romantic interest toward Ren.

The argument continued between Ren and Evaine.

“My spell should find the pool of darkness, but it functions more efficiently if it’s cast away from the life energies of the city. We’re all in this mission together. I’ll cooperate fully with the group, but I can’t take the time to explain everything I have to do.”

Ren raised his hand to make a point, but Gamaliel was in motion before he had the chance. The barbarian leaped off his horse and drew his sword in one smooth move. He stood perfectly motionless, facing north, though all anyone could see were miles of grassland. Gamaliel lifted his head and sniffed at the air.

With the barbarian positioned between Evaine and what he thought was danger, Andoralson started casting several protective spells. Something was wrong, and it had to be important to make the big warrior so uneasy.

“What is it?” Ren asked, drawing his blade.

“Listen!” Gamaliel ordered.

The party fell silent. Under the dark thunderclouds, a slight breeze drifted in from the Moonsea, far to the south. The wind shifted. Distant sounds of chanting and clashing weapons were audible.