Well
I have to say, this story hour is getting better and better. I love the Deck Of Many Things, it is so great to see it in one of these story hours. And Dr Midnight, I am really enjoying the fact you do not pull punches with your PCs. I loved the showdown between the party members.
Now, as for Dartan... he may be lucky, but he's not so smart. He got the MOON and he didn't abuse it? I would've immediately wished that the next three cards I drew would be beneficial. That could be construed as abusing the wish, I suppose, but it'd be worth the chance, in my opinion. Still, at least he got a new companion to help him out.
By the way... UPDATE! I want to see what happened to Menerous when he used the Deck Of Many Things. This story hour is now on the top of my list to read. Great work.
Edit: Also, I would've at least attacked "Death" to see if I had a chance of beating it before using a WISH to get rid of it. Still, like Vek said, at least Dartan was alive after using the Deck Of Many Things. But I love the Deck Of Many Things, I could not resist using it at least once or twice if it was used in a campaign I was playing in. Heh.