Pools of Darkness by James M. Ward, Anne K. Brown Page A

around, hating what he saw. Walking aimlessly up and down the river, the ranger could see there was little method to the arrangement of New Phlan. Three wide dirt paths spread to the east and west, but the tents along these paths formed side alleys and dead ends. Everywhere he looked, he saw people looking poor, destitute, and dirty. Phlan had been a prosperous city of many merchants. New Phlan needed a lot of help if it was even going to survive.
    The city watch was in force—a good sign. At least some attempts were being made at law and order. Each squad of men was led by a knight in plate mail. From the dents and scrapes on their armor and shields, they looked to be earning their pay the hard way.
    Venturing into the middle of the city, Ren found one tent a little larger and cleaner than the rest. He instantly recognized the Scales of Balance, symbol of the god Tyr, on a crest at the flap of the tent. Although Ren wasn’t a worshiper of the god of justice, he knew Tarl was. The ranger entered and found three warrior priests trying to help the poor souls crowding into the tent seeking food and healing. Feeling sorry for the three overworked clerics, Ren put aside the scores of questions filling his mind and pitched in.
    After several hours of distributing healing potions and food, there was a lull in the activity. One of the clerics addressed him for the first time.
    “Thank you, stranger. Your help is appreciated. You aren’t of our faith, are you?”
    The ranger extended a hand. “My name is Ren o’ the Blade. One of my friends was a priest in your service. His name was Tarl, and he lived in Phlan before the city disappeared. Do you know of him?”
    “We all know Tarl,” the cleric answered. His voice reflected respect for Ren’s friend. “He was a tower of strength and courage in Phlan. I fought many a battle at his side. But you should speak with Brother Anton. He’ll return shortly. He might be able to tell you more about what has happened in the city. In the meantime, please dine with us and stay the night.”
    Ren grinned. “That’s an offer I can’t refuse. Brother Anton was recovering from a wound during my first visit in Phlan ten years ago. I am happy to hear he is still alive. I’ll return after I check on my horse at the corral.”
    The city was nearly dark. Ren hurried to the corral, and in no time, watered and curried Stolen, giving him an extra ration of oats. The big mount was nervous and chafing at the boredom of the corral.
    “You big lout. You know you won’t be stuck here long. I’ll give you a good hard ride tomorrow. We’ve been busy the last few weeks, and there’ll soon be plenty more action for you. I don’t know where our friends have gone, but you and I will find them if our search takes us to the ends of Toril.”
    Ren shook his head as he left the enclosure, trying hard to credit his own words. If the gods had actually taken Phlan, finding his friend would be a tall order.
    A giant of a man was waiting for the ranger in front of the lighted tent of Tyr. Anton had been weak and barely walking the last time Ren had seen him, years ago. Now the man was strong and robust, reaching out to hug Ren.
    “It’s good to see you, ranger,” the warrior-cleric said with a rib-crushing hug. “Tarl and Shal aren’t dead, my boy. I know that for sure, but I know little else. Come into the tent and share the evening meal with us.”
    Ren was barely able to contain himself. Anton just nodded and smiled, talking about the events of the day. He had traveled from tent to tent, helping families to put their lives back together.
    Two of the priests of Tyr were gone on a council mission to gather trees from the forest to begin rebuilding the city. Five more of the brothers were with a larger contingent sent to quarry stone from the Dragonspine Mountains. Phlan wouldn’t be Phlan without new walls to protect the city. Ren couldn’t help but marvel at their optimism. They all spoke of rebuilding