They traveled lightly, so they could travel swiftly. Besides, there was little to take; the elves had stripped their country bare of food and supplies when they left.
The mage took possession of the dragon orb-a charge no one disputed him. Tanis at first despaired of how they could carry the massive crystal with them-it was nearly two feet in diameter and extraordinarily heavy. But the evening before they left, Alhana came to Raistlin, a small sack in her hand.
“My father carried the orb in this sack. I always thought it odd, considering the orb’s size, but he said the sack was given to him in the Tower of High Sorcery. Perhaps this will help you.”
The mage reached out his thin hand to grasp it eagerly.
“Jistrah tagopar Ast moirparann Kini,” he murmured and watched in satisfaction as the nondescript bag began to glow with a pale pink light.
“Yes, it is enchanted.” he whispered. Then he lifted his gaze to Caramon. “Go and bring me the orb.”
Caramon’s eyes opened wide in horror. “Not for any treasure in this world!” the big man said with an oath.
“Bring me the orb!” Raistlin ordered, staring angrily at his brother, who still shook his head.
“Oh, don’t be a fool, Caramon!” Raistlin snapped in exasperation. “The orb cannot hurt those who do not attempt to use it. Believe me, my dear brother, you do not have the power to control a cockroach, let alone a dragon orb!”
“But it might trap me,” Caramon protested.
“Bah! It seeks those with-” Raistlin stopped suddenly.
“Yes?” Tanis said quietly. “Go on. Who does it seek?”
“People with intelligence.” Raistlin snarled. “Therefore I believe the members of this party are safe. Bring me the orb, Caramon, or perhaps you want to carry it yourself? Or you, Half-Elf? Or you, cleric of Mishakal?”
Caramon glanced uncomfortably at Tanis, and the half-elf realized that the big man was seeking his approval. It was an odd move for the twin, who had always done what Raistlin commanded without question.
Tanis saw that he wasn’t the only one who noticed Caramon’s mute appeal. Raistlin’s eyes glittered in rage.
Now more than ever, Tanis felt wary of the mage, distrusting Raistlin’s strange and growing power. It’s illogical, he argued with himself. A reaction to a nightmare, nothing mare. But that didn’t solve his problem. What should he do about the dragon orb? Actually, he realized ruefully, he had little choice.
“Raistlin’s the only one with the knowledge and the skill and-let’s face it-the guts to handle that thing.” Tanis said grudgingly. “I say he should take it, unless one of you wants the responsibility?”
No one spoke, though Riverwind shook his head, frowning darkly. Tanis knew the Plainsman would leave the orb-and Raistlin as well-here in Silvanesti if he had the choice.
“Go ahead, Caramon,” Tanis said. “You’re the only one strong enough to lift it.”
Reluctantly, Caramon went to fetch the orb from its golden stand. His hands shook as he reached out to touch it, but, when he laid his hands upon it, nothing happened. The globe did not change in appearance. Sighing in relief, Caramon lifted the orb, grunting from the weight, and carried it back to his brother, who held the sack open.
“Drop it in the bag,” Raistlin ordered.
“What?” Caramon’s jaw sagged as he stared from: the giant orb to the small bag in the mage’s frail hands. “I can’t, Raist! It won’t fit in there! It’ll smash!”
The big man fell silent as Raistlin’s eyes flared golden in the dying light of day.
“No! Caramon, wait!” Tanis leaped forward, but this time Caramon did as Raistlin commanded. Slowly, his eyes held fast by his brother’s intense gaze, Caramon dropped the dragon orb.
The orb vanished!
“What? Where-” Tanis glared at Raistlin suspiciously.
“In the sack,” the mage replied calmly, holding forth the small bag. “See for yourself, if you do not trust me.”
Tanis peered into the bag. The orb was inside and it was the true dragon orb, all right. He had no doubt. He could see the swirling mist of green, as though some faint life stirred within. It must have shrunk, he thought in awe, but the orb appeared to be the same size as always, giving Tanis the fearful impression that it was he who had grown.
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