Chapter Four
Tomb of Mithra

Sketches courtesy of ....

(second rough draft)

In Camelot, Balar met with Lord Christopher and paid the tax to have the Fellowship of Elennar officially registered in the lands of Albion. This meant that Lord Balar and his companions would now be diplomatically recognized for any plans for the defence of the lands of Albion. Several of the fellowship grumbled over the excessive tax, but understood the importance of diplomacy and official recognition. They trusted Balar's leadership and knew he would work the diplomatic angles. If a token of goodwill was the price to pay, so be it.

Inside the inn, "ye mug", the company shared a round of ale in celebration of their official status as defenders of Albion. Friar Avanion excused himself for some well earned rest. A shady looking character approached the company and spoke, "I overheard that you are now pledged to the defence of Albion." Balar looked the fellow up and down and replied, "Aye, friend we have pledged our swords to Camelot."

Nihtan glanced around nervously, "Perhaps you would be in need of an inflitrator to scout the enemy?"

Balar queried, "Do you know these lands well?"

"My life depends upon it."

"Aye, and if we trust your reports, our lives will depend upon it too.", countered Balar.

"Perhaps mutual trust will lead to our mutual benefit?"

Balar judged the company to be in good spirits now that they'd been fortified with a bit of ale. It wouldn't hurt to lead his comrades into the field of battle and get started on building their reputation in Albion. "I've heard rumor of a tomb nearby. Do you know of the Tomb of Mithra? Word on the streets is that the dead walk again inside this evil place."

"tis true Lord, the tomb is not far and I could lead you there."

And thus Rhidd, Rutrho, May, Balar, Delora, Kasmir, Jonathin, and Nihtan departed from Camelot to put the dead to rest. Inside the Tomb of Mithra the company found many other adventurers trying to make a name for themselves. Balar lead the fellowship through a few twists and down a couple flights of stairs before they retreated toward the entrance.

...

Many ran screaming in terror past the company, obviously in fear for their lives and unable to leave the foul place fast enough. Balar placed his company in a defensive position to intercept the evil ones chasing others out of the tomb. After putting a few of the dead back to rest the fellowship decided it would be best to return another day.

Chills upon their spines the fellowship departed from the Tomb of Mithra. Balar thought a raid upon a bandit camp or two might take some of the chill off. Heading north they soon came upon three bandit camps. Nihtan was sent to scout the bandit forces. He returned indicating the first camp was far too strong. Balar lead the group to the east to skirt the first camp. After vanquishing the second bandit camp the fellowship posed for a few sketches.

Pushing their luck, the brave adventurers attacked the third bandit camp. To their surprise the bandits had a theurgist in their employ. Brave Kasmir charged their leader and plunged his poisoned blade into the bandit leader's belly. Kasmir was quickly cut down but his bravery bought the rest of the party enough time to battle to victory.