The orc's cry brought Reverin out of his contemplation. He released the spell, freezing the undead no longer under his control solid and instructing the rest to go back to the graveyard. The few remaining skeletons started back for their graves, dragging along their frozen brethren and the corpse of the human. The elemental was just about to strike a second, possibly lethal blow to the orc when the mage won the mental battle and bade it to back off. Why did he do this? Reverin didn't know why he spared the hated green menace. Perhaps there would be other chances to get rid of it. The mage checked if his stoneskin was still intact, and cast a minor protection dweomer to complement it.

"I would say that you did admirably, but that was barely passable," he said, dispelling the wards on the gate as he moved through it. From the many folds of his robes, the mage produced two vials with a murky yellow liquid sloshing around inside, and tossed one vial to each of the remaining party members. "Healing potions," he offered.

"I suppose I'm satisfied with your performance for now. You have a few hours of rest to get prepared. At sundown we leave for the job," the mage continued, squinting against the bright sunlight.