As both Xandax and Thryn left, Faisal moved on towards the temple on top of the Copper Coronet. As he started to leave Faisal noticed some cowled men run back and forth from the Copper Coronet to a portal.

"Hmmm thought Faisal, only the cowled Wizards would be so blatant in their show of magic, better move out of the way quick, don't want to be asked questions on what happened as I still don't know what happened"

Faisal moved to the side and took the steps two at a time for the temple, but half way their, Faisal just sat down and started to think.

He wasn't a good fighter, though Faisal bitterly, heck he would probably be killed if he did join the Black Helm. Also he had his family to think about. His mother had only allowed him to leave to earn money and bring it back for his younger brothers and sisters. He owed no allegiance to this mage even though he had offered a great deal of money. He owed it to his family to stay alive and bring back some money and by agreeing to the mages plan he certainly wouldn't remain alive very long.

Of course there was Xandax, who had saved his life and honor dictated that Faisal should at least watch out for Xandax till his debt was repaid. But what could he do? He was only 19 summers, a pathetic cleric, if he was a cleric at all and a poor fighter. He could help Xandax in his present state even if he wanted to.

Cleric.hmm.Father was a cleric and good one I think. But I could really do with some advice now and he would have known exactly what to do and say at this moment. He always knew what to do. As a cleric he wished I would follow in his footsteps and when I was younger he taught me the basics of casting and memorizing spells.

Smiling to himself, Faisal's thoughts drifted off to when he was 7 and had gotten his hands on one of his father's spells, it was the fire sword, and he had tried to cast it. Everything went wrong. He ended up burning himself and setting all 3 family pets on fire, the 2 dogs and a cat.

He had recalled this memory many times, however, this time he also remembered his fathers reaction, which he had forgotten until now. Faisal had expected his father to be very angry for using one of his spells but quiet to the contrary his father was delighted that at the age of 7 his first born had been able to read and almost perform one of the simple spells he had. He then decided to teach Faisal everything about being a cleric. During the winter he had been taught the different Gods, their ways of life and the basic essentials of being a cleric. When winter changed to summer, his father decided it was time to start teaching Faisal how to read and perform the casting of spells. However this was all in theory and not in practice. At the end of that summer his Father had gone adventuring and had never returned. Last one who remained of the group brought his shield and sword back. He would not speak of what happened and disappeared.

His stomach growled suddenly breaking his concentration. He was hungry and broke as well. The sun had started its decent and the cowled wizards had left some time ago, leaving the area quiet and empty. Everybody had dispersed when the cowled wizards appeared and none would return until first light tomorrow.

There is very little time to find a job and there was yet more thinking to be done. But first he must talk to the old cleric Ribald about the pendant and the symbol, which had appeared, on his shield. As an after thought Faisal wonder, maybe he could get a bite to eat there as well.

Getting up from the steps outside and above the Copper Coronet, Faisal continued his way to the temple recalling the events from the earlier encounter with the beautiful woman who had sold him the two items. Arriving at the temple Faisal asked to see Ribald and was led straight to the old cleric's private study where he was immersed in a huge tome.

Ribald looked up from his work to see who had entered and smiled when he recognized the young lad.

"Faisal welcome, but I am afraid I have not had the time to search for an answer to your problem," answered the old cleric truthfully.

"Well that isn't as important now," replied Faisal, " I have even more to tell you know and it is even weirder."

Ribald with a quizzical look on his face got up form his desk and moved towards to a set of chairs where he sat down and gestured to Faisal to do the same. Faisal sat down and recounted the events of the day with every detail he could remember. He tried not to leave a single thing out. After listening quietly through the events Ribald stood up and started to pace back and forth in deep thought. Then he asked Faisal to show him the shield. Faisal picked up the item at his feet and passed it to the old man.

Inspecting the new image on the shield Ribald noticed something and asked " are you sure you don't remember this engraving. I mean it is pretty big, covering most of the shield and it looks like it was engraved long ago."

"No I am sure it is new and it was never there before," replied Faisal matter-of-factly.

Ribald dismissed the answer and asked to see the medallion that was underneath Faisal's shirt. As soon as Faisal took the item out, Ribald gasped and asked extremely forcefully, "Where did you get that?"

Faisal startled by the sudden force replied evenly " I bought it remember?"

Ribald sat down muttering to himself, "You just can't buy this, this is not possible, not possible at all."

Faisal anxious to know what he old cleric was thinking and talking about asked "What do you mean not possible and why can't I just buy it?"

The old man did not answer but instead extended his hand to see the amulet. Faisal without hesitation handed it over. Once in his hand the old cleric looked over it and started pacing up and down even faster.

After 10 long excruciating minutes for Faisal, Ribald stopped and performed a quick spell upon the amulet. Before Faisal could protest the spell was over and the amulet was glowing a slivery light. The old cleric's face lit up and he raced over to the shield and performed the same spell again. The image also started to glow a silvery light.

Ribald turning to Faisal said "You have to become a cleric, you have no choice in this matter."

Faisal shocked with the bizarre actions of the old cleric and finally the sudden statement, which was extremely forceful. Steeling his nerves he asked, "Why should I?"

Ribald confused by the reply, asked, "You have no idea what the symbol and amulet means do you?"

Faisal shook his head and Ribald started to laugh and said, "Before I tell you what is so important I need to know if you have ever cast a spell before or know how to cast one?"

Faisal was about to answer No, but then his thoughts drifted back to the memory he had recalled earlier in the day. "Well actually, yes" said Faisal and he told Ribald about the incident when he was 7.

"7? Are you sure 7? asked the cleric calmly.

"Yes because it was my 8th summer when I was taught the basics by my father and in the winter he left" replied Faisal sadly.

Ribald still looking at him asked "And you don't see an significance in this do you?"

"Well No," replied Faisal.

"Well let me explain, clerics get their power from the Gods the follow respectively. Their power to control spells comes their beliefs and the power their deities give them. So a cleric uses his deity's power to cast spells correctly," said Ribald.

"Well yes," said Faisal rather dumbly.

"Boy you are thicker than an orc's hide, how could have cast a spell at the age of 7 when you weren't a trained cleric or given to a deity," said Ribald.

Faisal silent for some time finally muttered, "So this memory of mine is not real?"

"Of course not, after seeing the amulet and the engraving in the shield, my dear lad you have had a deity already accept you and the fact that you could cast a spell at such a tender age only strengthens my belief."

"But why for all you know I could be lying and these things part of some mage's spell?" asked Faisal.

"No" replied Ribald, "as you saw for yourself that it radiates silver."

Faisal confused and shocked said nothing. Ribald realized he was going to fast and decided to explain the issue in more detail to the lad. As he sat down next to Faisal he started to explain, "This image of a silver disk is that of Tymora, the Goddess of Luck and Adventure. She has chosen you to be one of her clerics. You see this amulet is very special as it is given clerics in her favor or who have done great deeds in her name. This is not something to be taken lightly or ignored for a trained cleric. However for you a lad who isn't even a cleric and to be given it for no great dead as well as the fact that you do not worship her is astounding".

"So.I met a goddess?" asked Faisal timidly digesting the information.

Laughing Ribald replied, "I don't think so, the amulet was most likely given to you by one of her chosen."

"Like Elminster is the chosen one of Mystra," blurted out Faisal.

"Yes just like that," commented Ribald.

At that moment the door opened and a young man stopped in to say dinner was ready. Ribald said they would be there in a moment and turned to Faisal. "Do you have a place to stay?"

"No, not really," Replied Faisal.

"Well then it is settled, you will have dinner with us and stay as well". Turning to the young lad Ribald said, "Prepare a room for Faisal he will be spending the night and may be more."

Once the lad had left Ribald spoke to Faisal "Well will discuss this in the morning but wear this amulet at all times and don't show it to any body, keep it hidden under your shirt.

Faisal did as he was told and picked up the amulet and followed Ribald out of the door. The rest of the night was a blur with Faisal remaining quiet and unresponsive. He did not remember how he came to his room or when he fell a sleep. But the next day he knew exactly what he needed to do.

Day 2

Early morning came and Faisal was already awake and ready. It had been his Father's wish that he should be a cleric and he would be just that and fulfill his father's wish. Dressing quickly Faisal decided to head out into the city to earn some money, for various reasons one being the fact that he felt he was leeching off the clerics at the temple, eating their food and sleeping in one of their beds.

Faisal left his room and went to Ribald's study only to be told by a cleric that Ribald was resting and should not be disturbed. Faisal left a message with the cleric saying that he would be back at noon to talk to the old man.

Having done so, Faisal strolled out of the temple into a bright and sunny day in search of a job and money. Faisal searched the slums first as it was closest, looking for any line of work and any pay. However the people in the slums don't have money for themselves how can they provide jobs. Faisal found out very quickly that asking for a job in this neck of the city was not a very pleasant experience.

Quickly changing his course, Faisal headed towards the city gates where there was a tavern, which might need extra help. However that proved to be nothing but a fruitless effort. The owner and bar keep had already to many workers and as Faisal entered he fired two young boys. Faisal tired to approach the man for a job but instead he was picked up and thrown out of a tavern.

Faisal dusted himself off and headed off towards Wakeen's Promenade muttering and cursing all the way. Arriving at the promenade Faisal decided to see if the circus needed any workers or stable hands. Faisal entered the big tent and started asking around for a job. A young girl approached him and asked if he could handle animals well. Faisal thinking for a moment replied, "I could always learn."

The lady beckoned Faisal to follow and walked out of the tent. The lady instructed Faisal that he would be cleaning out the cages of the animals as well taking care of them. He would be paid 10 coppers a day but only if he was accepted, as he had to pass a test.

Faisal extremely curious followed the lady who was walking towards a cage, which was covered by a cloth. Uncovering the cage Faisal was shocked to see a baby wyvern. He learnt his objective was to get the baby wyvern in to the smaller cage on his left.

Faisal asked "How am I supposed to get it into the cage? Grab it with its wings and push it in?"

The lady replied, "Anyway you want to, just remember, wyverns are very mean and aggressive when provoked."

A thought suddenly occurred to Faisal "How long do I work and do I have to stay here?"

"Well" replied the lady "you have to spend day and night on call for the animals and yes you have to stay here as we would need you all the time."

Faisal sighed with relief and replied, "I am sorry but I can't take the job, I have some lessons which are mandatory to attend and I have to have at least half the day for that." Privately Faisal thought to himself and I don't want to deal with a wyvern even if it is a baby.

Exchanging normal pleasantries, Faisal left the circus and headed over to the Adventures mart to see if they need any help. But the owner Ribald kindly refused and went back to minding the store.

Faisal then decided to try his luck at a small tavern above the circus but was again thrown out but this time because he was a smelly brigand. Faisal landed on the steps in front of tavern and stayed there for some time collecting his thoughts. So far he had been thrown out twice and asked to wrestle a wyvern. He wasn't having a very lucky day.

Tired and bruised Faisal got up and looked at the sun. It was close to noon and he had to meet ribald soon and he had very little time left. Half running, half limping, Faisal raced over to the temple passing everyone and entering Ribald's private study breathless.

Smiling at the state Faisal was in Ribald closed his tome and asked Faisal how his day had gone. Faisal crashed into the chair he had sat in yesterday and told Ribald the events of the day. Faisal finished the monologue by saying he would become a cleric, however he would have no idea where to start.

Ribald getting off his chair, examined Faisal's leg and said "hmm.minor strain, a healer can fix it later. As for where to start your cleric training, you can do it right here with me as your instructor."

Faisal contemplated the offer while rubbing his injured leg. After a few minutes of deep thought Faisal asked, "But aren't you a cleric of Ilmater? How can you teach me when you believe I am to be a cleric of Tymora?

"Well in essence, replied Ribald, all clerics wield the same spells and learn the same way. The clerics only differ on whom they worship and due to this they may be allowed to use certain extra spells. In your case the spell is called Tymora's Luck, which if I remember correctly makes the caster and those around him lucky and events occur which benefit them. However this is a very strong spell and takes a great deal of time to learn. S with the exception of this spell and some others, I could train you in the art of being a cleric.

"Great," replied Faisal, "when do I start and what is the fee for such training?"

"The fee we will deal with later," answered the old cleric "but you will stay the temple as a trainee."

Faisal curious asked the old man "But why are you doing all this you hardly know me."

"Ah there is were you are wrong. I know enough to know that you need my help and guidance. I know that you and your friends are responsible for the mess the coronet is in right now and I also know that the mage magus wants something of you. When a mage as powerful as magus is involved you know something is very wrong. And then there is of course the issue of Lady Luck and her wanting you as one of her clerics. As I am the only cleric you seem to know and you keep coming back to me with your problems it seems like it is part of my destiny to help you out."

With that the old cleric sank into his chair and said; "Now I have same important work to do so you have the rest of the day off."

Faisal deep in thought on what the old cleric had just said walked out silently and started towards his favorite thinking spot, the steps near the copper coronet. When he arrived to the steps he was surprised to see people running in and out of the coronet like ants. The roof was being rebuilt and it looked like they needed some help.

"Well," thought Faisal "if lady luck is indeed with me lets see if I can get a job here."

Faisal proceeded down the steps and entered the coronet to a swarm of people fixing chairs, tables, sweeping the floor and fixing the walls. Faisal went up to the barkeep and asked, "Can I get any work here?"

The barkeep replied, "We got more than we can handle," looking up he added " and certainly not for one of the people who caused the problems in the first place."

Faisal uneasy that the barkeep recognized him, turned around only to walk straight into a human wall.

"I am Hendak and the Copper Coronet is mine and when you damage her you answer to me. Follow me NOW! Growled the man.

Great my 3rd day and I am already half way in the grave thought Faisal. But with out any other options, Faisal followed Hendak to a small room with just a desk and 2 chairs.

"Now," said Hendak "Tell me everything that happened the night of the fight and I mean everything."

Faisal told the tale of fight making sure to leave out the identities of his friends and what happened later. He described the battle as it had occurred and added nothing more.

Hendak then asked, "Why did you come back to the coronet?"

Faisal replied, "For a job."

The big man smiling questioned, "You are one of those who damaged the coronet and yet you come here for a job why?"

Faisal remained silent and so Hendak continued. Well we are short staffed as 3 serving wenches left too scared about night before to work here again. Plus it is about time I had someone to help Bernard out. You are hired."

Faisal too shocked to say a thing let his hanging mouth and bulging wide eyes convey his sentiments.

Ignoring the astonished look on the lad's face, Hendak asked, "where are you staying?"

Faisal composed himself and answered, "I am staying at the temple above the coronet I am training there."

"Well, Well a would be cleric and a fighter. This is a day full of surprises; you will be working from 5 till midnight. You will be paid 20 coppers a nigh and you better be on time," said Hendak.

Faisal's mind was suddenly a blaze with ideas. If I take this job I would be able to earn money and learn to be a cleric at the same time. However what is more important would be that I would be able to get information on what is happening in the town and could keep an eye out for news on the black helm and the other organizations in the city of coin. This would also provide information on Xandax and Thryn.

Faisal got up from his seat and said "you have a deal when do I start?"

Hendak replied quickly "Tomorrow when the coronet opens again, now go find Bernard and ask him to show you the ropes."

Faisal thanking his goddess, who he now believed might be favoring him after all, left the room in search of Bernard. He found the barkeep rummaging through the bar looking for a specific drink. Explaining to the barkeep that he was starting work at the coronet was everything frustrating, as it seemed that Bernard was not paying any attention to him at all. However as soon as he found his drink, Bernard took a quick shot and walked off in the direction of the kitchen explaining the basics Faisal needed to know.

Faisal was given details on the drinks to be served to which customers, what goes where, which type of customers need to pay first and which were to be given special treatment. By the time Bernard was finished, Faisal was mentally taxed with all the information.

Faisal left the coronet and ran to Ribald to tell him the good news. Ribald listened patiently and finally said smiling, "I am pleased that you have found a job and especially that it is so close to the temple. You want my permission to work there right?

Faisal nodded quickly and sent a silent prayer to Tymora.

"Well you do," answered the old cleric to the delight of the young lad, "However you will study to be a cleric straight after breakfast and leave at the appointed time." Faisal elated thanked the old cleric a thousand times.

"I have a lot of work to do Faisal, go have some dinner with the clerics and then meet me here right after breakfast," said the cleric, and with that turned back to his work.

Faisal suddenly realized that he had nothing to eat since morning, went straight to dinner leaving Ribald to his work. Faisal through out dinner was active and extremely happy and spent most of the time with the younger clerics talking about the basics of becoming one. Faisal went to bed late restless, wanting the sun to dawn as quickly as possible.

Day 3.

Faisal got up early excited about the prospects of learning something that would change his life. He was also the first one at breakfast and waited impatiently for everybody to show up so that food could be served. He rushed through his breakfast and quickly rushed to Ribald's private study, where the old cleric was sitting and waiting, with a great deal of books open in front of him.

"Ah you are excited, and wide awake as well, said Ribald "Good we will start of with the basics of clerical spells and how we cast our spells. However before we do so, I think it would be best if you some of the history behind the Deities and in particular about your Goddess Tymora."

Faisal made himself comfortable in the chair while Ribald sat across from him and started to explain the history of many of the Gods and their various functions within the world. He started with Ao and the first Gods he created, he told the tales of betrayal and destruction of various gods, which led to the establishment of many more gods like Tymora. Ribald explained the various ranks of the Gods ranging from lesser powers to the greater ones. Ribald explained the Time of Troubles to Faisal from the point of view of the clerics and how it had been a time of great joy as they belief in their Gods had been fulfilled and yet at the same time of great destruction as many Gods were destroyed.

"Now that you know the basic history of all the Gods, it is time for a much more in depth approach to learn what the Lady of Luck Tymora embodies," said Ribald. Tymora an intermediate power is mainly known as the Goddess of Luck however she is also the Goddess of skill, victory, adventurers, and adventuring. Her symbol you know is that of a featureless silver disk. Lathander, Selune and Shaundakul are her allies, while Beshaba and Bane are her enemies. If you come across clerics who worship these two evil deities it is a must you take a stance in stopping what ever they are planning on doing. Tymora has no higher deity to which she must answer.

Now comes the issue of you carrying a sword as your main weapon. I do believe it is ok for you use it as Tymora's Paladins are allowed to use sharp weapons. From what I have seen you are only trained in using the sword right?

Faisal nods his head in confirmation and Ribald continues, "So it won't really be a problem also as Tymora must have known that you can only use a sword so even then she chose you, I do think it is ok. Now I think it is time for you to start with some basic spell components."

Ribald went on to explain the intricateness in the connection between a deity and the cleric. He explained the channeling of the power, and how spells should be formed in the mind as well as how the chanting and hand gestures helped shape the spell. The most important element of any clerics power and ability to control his or her spells was the strength of the clerics faith in the Deity he or she worships. Waiting for Faisal to digest all this information and think of any question, Ribald sat in silence for a moment. Then he got up and grabbed a parchment and brought it to Faisal.

"This is a simple spell, written in the common tongue which I do believe you understand and can read," asked Ribald.

Faisal nodded and then Ribald said "Well then read the spell and cast it, it is a simple Amour of Faith spell."

Faisal a little hesitant of casting, tried to steer the direction of the lessons to memorizing the spells and discussing the components on how to make a spell. Ribald a little confused said, "You don't believe you are blessed by Lady Luck?"

Faisal sheepishly shook is head and said, "I am not sure and if I am not sure I don't want to cast a spell, it may go wrong and hurt someone."

"Fine, said Ribald, you will practice memorizing spells, here is a spell book, try to memorize as many spells as possible. You will not leave until you have memorized as many as possible."

Faisal sat down at the table opened the book and started memorizing spells, which he thought were useful. Ribald had explained how memorizing spells was difficult, but he never told Faisal how much strain it put on him and how his head was swimming from all the concentration. After what seemed an eternity Faisal was able to memorize the spell Amour of Faith. From there he moved on to memorize the spell Bless, which was just as difficult to memorize but seemed to take less time.

Faisal had been concentrating for a great deal of time when Ribald tapped him on the shoulder and said "It is nearly time for you go to work at the Coronet, here is something to eat. So how many have you memorized?"

"Well so far I have memorized Amour of Faith, Bless, Remove Fear, Chant, and I just finished memorizing slow poison," said Faisal.

Ribald nodded approvingly, "Not bad for your first time, 5 spells memorized from noon to 5. But you need to practice more and your ability to memorize will increase over time. Now get a new shirt as you are drenched in sweat and get to the coronet."

Faisal noticed that his wet shirt clung to his body and his pants were also heavy with sweat. Quickly closing the book, Faisal ran to his room and changed quickly into a new pair of clothes. Faisal placed his magical boots on once again, checked for the amulet underneath his shirt, grabbed his shield and sword and was out the door. He passed through the temple like the wind and raced down the steps and into the copper coronet. He was just on time.

Bernard signaled for Faisal to come closer and whispered, "In the back over near the cabinet, the small room with the curtain closed, is a group that is not to be disturbed. You will only go and ask if they need any thing to drink and then you will move away. You will keep an eye out so that none of these drunken fools comes near them.

If one does, you should move them away as quickly as possible." With that said, Bernard gives Faisal a tray and a clothe and pushed him off in the direction of the table. Faisal quickly moves towards the room zigzagging through the crowd.

Getting close to the small room, there seemed to something wrong behind the curtain, but Faisal discretely drew the curtain apart and stepped into the room, only to be jumped from the back by some one.