What use are these. I hear a *ding* after some time, but see no benefit in the character portrait.

Incidentally, how do you know if a spell is in effect? In MM6-8 you could see it on the character portraits. What about here.

Bonus question: how can you get an NPC again after dismissing them. Where do they go to? I can't find the Paladin (Ake the Righetous) in the temple of Strumford after dismissing him.

OK, manual confirms that the spell is Bless.

So how do you know if Bless is cast on you? There is no indication icon anywhere. How will I know how long will it last?

And regarding the bonus question, you have to leave the map and come back and they'll reappear.