The Sorcerer by Troy Denning Page A

Chosen had not only answered Galaeron’s call for help, they had answered it in strength. If Khelben seemed tense, it only made sense. With Elminster still missing with the Simbul, and ghostly Sylune more or less confined to her farm in Shadowdale, the only available Chosen they had not brought was the Dark Sister, Qilue. Given his limited experience with drow during his days in the Tomb Guard, Galaeron was just as glad.
    They left the bridge and rushed to catch the head of the caravan, which was stopped in the marshaling field while the captain of the guards grouped the draft animals by swiftness and burden and assigned personnel to watch over them. He placed Galaeron and Ruha with a group of lightly burdened riders, and at Storm’s magically enhanced suggestion, assigned the five Chosen to watch over them.
    Once the captain had moved on, the Chosen gathered their horses in a tight circle around Galaeron, Ruha, and the still invisible Aris.
    “Here’s my plan, Galaeron,” Khelben said. “We’re going to make a few—”
    “Darling?” Laeral interrupted. “Aren’t you forgetting who thought of this in the first place?”
    Khelben scowled but said, “All right” He turned back to Galaeron. “Your plan’s a sound one, but we’re going to—”
    “Pardon me,” Alustriel said. “But I’d prefer that someone
    who’s actually been inside the city does the planning.”
    Khelben rolled his eyes. “Very well.” He turned back to Galaeron and said, “We all like your ideas.”
    “Very impressive,” Dove said.
    Khelben nodded almost reluctantly then continued, “But there are some things we should bring to your attention.”
    He stopped to check for the others’ approval.
    Storm whirled her hand to urge him on. She glanced back toward the rear of the caravan, which was already coming across the little bridge.
    Khelben looked irritated but he said, “First, you won’t be able to eat until we’re inside the city.”
    Galaeron raised his brow and said, “I hadn’t thought of that”
    “We didn’t think you had,” Alustriel said, “but I’m sure you understand. The journey will be unpleasant enough as it is.”
    “I don’t think I could ride for more than a few days without eating anyway,” Galaeron agreed. “We’ll put that part off as long as we can.”
    “My thoughts exactly,” Khelben agreed. “Second, you may have noticed there are five of us.”
    “I can do it instead,” Aris said. “I’m larger.”
    “Actually, we were thinking of splitting the group into two teams,” Laeral said. “As insurance.”
    Though Galaeron was reluctant to ask Aris to assume any more risk than he already was, he knew better than to argue. The giant had made his feelings on the subject clear when he smashed the table in their courtyard.
    “Splitting is a good idea, if Aris is willing,” Galaeron said.
    Khelben smiled. “Good,” he said, “then we’re all agreed.”
    “Not quite.” Galaeron raised his hand, and avoiding Ruha’s gaze, said, “Ruha can’t come with us.”
    “That is not your decision,” Ruha replied. Her tone was angry, though not surprised. They had spent most of the night arguing the point, finally letting the matter drop only because the time had come to join the caravan. This has nothing to do with Evereska.”
    Galaeron ignored her and fixed his gaze on Storm.
    “The Shadovar need me,” he said, “and they value Aris, but Ruha is nothing to them but a problem. If she comes with us, there’s every chance the Shadovar will put her to death.”
    “That is my risk, not yours,” the witch said, running her gaze from one Chosen to the next. “He is trying to protect Malik. Malik saved his life, and now the foolish elf believes they are friends.”
    “That is true,” Aris said, “but it is also true that Hadrhune believes you broke his command and tried to kill Malik. If you return, it will be just as Galaeron says.”
    The five Chosen gazed at Ruha expectantly.
    When the