Keith Strohm - The Tomb of Horrors

Bredeth gasped as a shudder wracked his frame, and Kaerion saw him glance wildly out of the corner of his eyes. Death was upon him, and the man knew it. He groaned and tried to turn his head. “The vault…?” hemanaged to force out his question between wheezing breaths.

“It is secure,” Kaerion said “Your country shall have itstreasure. I will deliver it personally, and because the Arch Paladin has moved me, I will offer Nyrond my service as well.”

A peaceful smile stole over Bredeth’s features, smoothing theburns that crisscrossed his face. “That is good,” he wheezed, and then closedhis eyes.

Kaerion felt Gerwyth’s hand upon his shoulder and knew by thestrength of the elf’s grip that he had heard the paladin’s promise to the dyingnoble and would honor it alongside him. Courage and sacrifice had broken Acererak’s dark power. These were ideals the world needed in no smallmeasure-ideals that Kaerion would embody in the name of Heironeous. Turning tolook at Gerwyth, he could think of no greater companion with which to carry out this mission.

With a final glance at his friend, Kaerion placed a hand upon Bredeth’s chest and blessed the man’s spirit as it journeyed to the realm of theValorous One. The power of his god filled the once shadowy room with the scent of roses.

The tomb of horrors had claimed its final victim.