[VampiricDread]

Ok, you two. Take care, and take this", Vampiric Dread said, while presenting Drago with a small, 2-inch, greenish, carved box.
"This is an artifact from the Elves. You hold it so, press here, and it shows a dim beacon of diffuse light. You press here again, and the light is off. I would appreciate you returning it to me, after your reconnoitering".

Tom eyes flashed of envy at this new toy, and wondered what the grim human raised by elves was packing with him.

"We'll look after our friends and wait for your return", he said, while producing a pouch of mithelbas leaves, a rare medicin plant, and giving each of the sick a leaf each to chew or suck, as well as they could.

To monty, Vampiric Dread said: "That's my Last and most potent attempt to counter the poison, without going into magic. I don't think we want to expend runes and reveal ourselves. They are stabilized, but depending on the poison, it could take some days before they recover".

"Why were they poisoned, Dread?"

"They brought the quest, didn't they? I think there are more interested parties than I was ready to accept. The tale of the EverLasting Gems is not strange to me, but I will not tell you what the Elven Lord chose to undisclose. Not yet, at least. Trust me on this, my friend. I have reasons for not speaking more now, or until the need is at hand".

Tom and Drago left with stealth. The rest of us went to waiting, taking care of the poisoned, and attempting to keep shifts...

[This message has been edited by VampiricDread (edited 16 June 2001).]