Kaerion knelt down and gently pushed a clump of tangled, burnt hair away from Bredeth’s mangled face. There was so much sorrow, so much regret in life, the paladin thought. Images of Vaxor, the clerics body also horribly violated, superimposed itself upon his vision. And yet, he knew that the gods were there to help and support the mortals who toiled beneath life’s hard yoke. The last few months had taught him many things. There was beauty and joy in living—however fragile. And he would be there, armed with the power of Heironeous, to protect it.
“No one blames you, Bredeth,” Kaerion replied at last. “Without you, we would not have been able to defeat the cowards who attacked us.”
The nobleman drew in a rattling breath. “I… I saw Adrys…and the thief. They… they crept into… the shadows… and fled. Tried to… to stop them—” Another cough shook the noble’s twisted body. “But…couldn’t.”
Kaerion felt the muscles in his face harden. “Do not worry yourself on that account, Bredeth,” he said. “There will be a reckoning, and nothing will protect them from Heironeous’ justice.”
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… ?” he managed to force out his question between wheezing breaths.
“It is secure,” Kaerion said “Your country shall have its treasure. 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 the burns that crisscrossed his face. “That is good,” he wheezed, and then closed his eyes.
Kaerion felt Gerwyth’s hand upon his shoulder and knew by the strength of the elf’s grip that he had heard the paladin’s promise to the dying noble and would honor it alongside him. Courage and sacrifice had broken Acererak’s dark power. These were ideals the world needed in no small measure—ideals that Kaerion would embody in the name of Heironeous. Turning to look 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 the Valorous 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.