A Visit to My Fantasyland©

By Richard A. Falb

 

I was letting my mind wander as I sat relaxing on my patio. It was a late afternoon in very late summer. The weather turned cool enough so the sun felt good as it peeked through the trees in my backyard. It seemed unusually quiet. I couldn't even hear the noise from the highway that ran a short distance from my house. I noticed there weren't any birds at my birdfeeders and the squirrels were conspicuous by their absence. That seemed unusually strange.

I was idly considering these facts, when a man appeared from around a big tree to the side of the patio. He was strangely dressed like something out of the distant past, but he had a familiar look none-the-less. He smiled a broad, friendly smile as he came toward me and greeted me with a courtly bow. I looked at him intently trying to figure out why he looked so familiar. It was if I was pulling something out of the depths of my mind. With a smile and in a strange accent, which surprisingly sounded familiar, he said,

"Do not tell me you do not know me, after all it was you who created me."

I must have looked both startled and nonplused as I waited for him to continue.

"I'm Jaascin," he said with a gracious smile, "Jaascin Wanilain you named me. A wanderer and sometime charming rogue. That is the character you gave me. Of course, you added, wizard, healer, scholar, swordsman to my talents."

"But you were a figment of my imagination. You existed in another place and another time in my mind," I said, not knowing how I could be talking to him, and understanding him. Then I looked around. I was no longer sitting in a patio chair on my patio. I was sitting on a large, flat rock in a clearing in a forest, by the side of a road. Suddenly I realized I was in the time and place I created for Jaascin. A fantasy land. I looked down at my clothes.

Jaascin seeing my look, said, "You are dressed as a scholar, a very important scholar, for you have the dress of the head of an important university." I looked more closely at his dress. It was as I had envisioned it. He did look like I would have expected a noble to look and he wore a sword and a short sword. Both had beautiful gems embedded in their hilts. I looked around questioningly.

"I assume this is not an Elven forest or I would be confused," I said, not knowing what else to say and I thought I should say something. Then it occurred to me,

"How did I get here, or did I just appear as Aphrael does."

Laughter like the peal of beautiful silver bells rang out, and I turned my startled gaze to the surface of the rock beside me. A large gem had appeared and a mist arose and from it appeared the most gorgeous creature I think I have ever seen. My imagination could not possibly have produced her.

"Of course you did not just appear. You rode here on your horse. You let him graze while you rested on the rock. You were waiting to see who was following you," the creature said, "Surely you must know me, I am Aphrael, Queen of the fairies. You created me to plague Jaascin." Then she looked rather lovingly at him. With a smile and a gracious bow to Aphrael, Jaascin asked,

"And are you here to plague him also, my beautiful Queen?"

"I cannot plague him. He created me. He is the only one who can call me up," Aphrael answered.

"If you wish to appear," I said. I really did not think I had called her up. I think she had just decided to appear, as she always did in my fantasies. She laughed her beautiful laugh. It was then, I noted the creature perched on a branch that hung down almost in front of me. It was a beautiful female and she was nude.

"Yes, I am a sprite and you created me also." Then she added with rather lovely smile, "Are you happy with your creation?"

"Very much so," I said, and I meant it. She was almost as gorgeous as Aphrael. "It is strange to see with my eyes, what I had created in my mind." I added with a smile, "Too bad I am not a good enough artist to paint what I am seeing before me."

"But you are a scholar, not an artist," the sprite said with a smile back at me. I know now why it is said sprites are dangerous to the men to whom they appear. She was very distracting. With a reluctant effort, I turned my attention back to Jaascin who had been waiting beside his horse.

"Am I to travel with you, now that you are here and I am also?" I asked him. I really had no idea why I was here or what I intended or was supposed to do.

"Yes, My Lord," Jaascin replied. "I am taking you to an Elven forest that is several days ride from here. You have been invited to visit their university. We will discuss that as we travel."

"But will I not become confused by the magic of the forest?" I asked. "I am not Elven, in fact I did not know they really existed. I did not create Elves, only those Elves you became acquainted with."

"You are immune to the magic of the forests. It is a phenomenon that has puzzled many, not only the Elves," Jaascin replied. It sounded like I have visited Elven forests before. I wonder why I didn't remember.

"And will I be able to understand and speak the Elven language?" I asked.

"You are a great scholar, who speaks many, many languages including Elven," was his reply. I didn't remember creating such a learned character for myself. In fact, I never planned to visit the lands and times of my creation. But here I was, and I was sure that I was not dreaming it. I hoped I knew how to ride a horse. It sounded like that was our mode of transportation.

Jaascin called my horse, at least I think he called my horse. A rather beautiful white horse came and stopped in front of where I was sitting. The trappings on him were rather splendid, I thought. I did all right by myself evidently. I think Aphrael was watching in amusement to see how I would mount the horse. Actually, I was rather proud of myself as I rather easily swung myself onto his back. After all, this was a fantasy, was it not? I could almost hear the three of them applauding my efforts. I noted then, Aphrael and the sprite had disappeared. I was almost sorry they were gone. I wondered why they had appeared. Perhaps it was just to plague me.

"Shall we be on our way, My Lord?" Jaascin said as he swung his horse around beside mine and called the horses carrying our baggage. Apparently I had a couple of horses to carry my belongings. I wondered what I was carrying with me. I couldn't recall packing anything, although perhaps I had someone that packed things for me.

We rode along, it was a rather pleasant day, much like the one I had left. I would judge we had been riding about a half an hour, when we came out of the wood in which we had met. We had come out on a very pleasant countryside. It looked to me like small farms dotting the landscape. To my unpracticed eye, they seemed to be relatively prosperous. In the distance I could see what I judged to be a village.

"There is an Inn at which we can take our mid-day meal," Jaascin commented.

"I hope I have some proper coins," I immediately said. "I don't think my money would be accepted as legal tender."

Jaascin looked questioningly at me, then his face broke into a smile when he realized what I meant.

"I am sure you have ample coin, My Lord," he said. "Anyway, you know I would have ample coin. After all, you did have the dragons provide me with a chest that would never be empty."

"Ah, yes, I did didn't I," I said, remembering that he must still be on his quest for the third dragon's gem. At least I thought he was still on that quest. Well I would just have to see what adventure this was. I know I hadn't written it yet. I never had any intention of writing myself into the series. Of course, I could write a great scholar into the series. After all, Jaascin had a habit of picking up unusual traveling companions. He was, as I had written him, a charming rogue who made friends easily. He would be an interesting traveling companion, I am sure.

We did come upon an Inn in the village, about noontime. I was like a curious tourist, looking at everything. It was very interesting to actually see a village in this time I created. The Inn, I guess, was as I would have expected. There were a number of people already in the Inn. We did attract some attention as we entered. We were dressed like important nobles, although neither Jaascin or I acted like that. I thought it best I be friendly, even though I had Jaascin as my companion. We both gave a friendly smile to all. A young maid came up as we were seated. She was not what I would term very pretty although I would not say she was bad looking either. She was young. Jaascin smiled at her as he slowly turned his hand over and opened it up. In his palm burned a blue flame. So that is what sorcerer's fire looked like, I thought. He did produce it without saying a word or doing anything except turn his hand over and open it. The flame disappeared to reveal a small gold coin. She looked startled then her look turned to one of delight, when Jaascin said,

"Young miss, this is yours as you are going to bring myself and my lord, the best of your fare and your very best ale." He then offered her the coin, which surprised her even more. It was evident she was not used to being offered a coin of any value before she had served a person. To be offered a coin of value, before she served a patron she would remember long after we departed. She quickly took the coin and hurried to do as Jaascin had asked.

Jaascin turned to me and said, "It is much safer to drink the ale, as it will be much better than the water."

I was quite willing to take his word. I had merely created this land. He had lived in it. Come to think of it that was an observation voiced in one of my novels. I am not sure it was the ones about Jaascin or not. I had, in my writing, created other fantasylands for other characters. Parneu, Lord Iliean, Kahner, Quiania, Felezenon, and Karian and just recently, Darian, for instance.

The ale came and I took a sip. It was rather good, of course I am not a connoisseur of malt beverages, especially ones from these times. I decided to make this drink last. I had no idea how it would affect me. I really wanted to have my wits about me. The meal, when it came was hot and relatively palatable, thank goodness. I was afraid to ask what it was. Jaascin seemed to think it was acceptable, but as a wanderer, I am sure he had to put up with some rather bad tasting food.

I think Jaascin noted that I did not eat heartily. Thank goodness the ale did not seem to affect me very much so I had another glass when Jaascin ordered one. I noted he drank sparingly. He constantly surveyed the room, but it seemed only a casual survey.

He smiled at me as he said, "Tomorrow night, we will come to a larger city and there is a very fine Inn there. I have reserved us the best two rooms in that Inn. I think we should stay several days and wander the city. I am sure you will be interested to see what a city in this country is like. There might be a book or two you may wish to buy."

That sounded fine to me. I probably could do with a rest from riding the horse. I will admit, I seem to take to it better than I expected. Perhaps, I was a scholar, who traveled a bit, at least in this place and time. Although I could not remember, it all seemed to have a familiar feel to it.

The room and the bed were nothing to brag about, but I did get through the night. I guess the fresh air helped me to sleep. I was hoping Jaascin was right that there was a fine Inn we could stay at this next night. The morning meal was relatively palatable, that is all I can say for it. Thankfully it was again a pleasantly cool day and the road not too dusty. We fell in with a small group of travelers in which there were two families. Jaascin told me they were minor nobles, but he said it as a matter of information. He did not differentiate. They did treat us with respect, as if assuming we were of higher rank, although we indicated no title.

Each family had a daughter of around eighteen years, I would assume. Those young ladies tried not to show their great interest in Jaascin. One, I would say, was somewhat attractive. Jaascin did have a natural charm about him. The people in the group proved to be pleasant companions with whom to travel, so the day went rather quickly. We did find an Inn that served a reasonably decent tasting noon meal. We were invited to dine with one of the families. They were politely interested when Jaascin said I was a senior scholar of a great university who he was escorting to the University in the Elven forest. Luckily I was able to answer their questions to their satisfaction. I was becoming easier with my part in this adventure. Actually I found I did not feel any uneasiness about all this. Everything seemed somewhat familiar, as if I had traveled this land and this time before.

As Jaascin said, we did find a very fine Inn, one frequented by important nobles. We had two of the finest rooms reserved for us. I suppose, for this place and time, they were somewhat luxurious. It cost me a couple gold coins, which I seemed to have. I forgot to ask Jaascin if it was Elven gold. It was strange looking to me, but I paid what Jaascin indicated. I did have other clothes along so I changed into a costume I thought more appropriate for wandering the city and not riding on a horse. When I came down, Jaascin seemed to indicate I had chosen right. Perhaps I really did know a little about this time.

We did go out into the city, we were in the better district. There was a somewhat palatial looking residence not far from the Inn. Jaascin said this was a Duke's city and that was his palace. I wondered if we would meet him. There were guards in evidence, who looked us over, but it was a friendly look. In fact, we even got a smile and a nod of the head as if we were judged somewhat important nobles. We had arrived at the Inn before the evening meal hour.

"Perhaps we will dine at one of the finer Inns. I know there are several. Perhaps the food will be more to your liking, my lord," Jaascin said with a smile. I don't know why he gave me that title unless it was for the benefit of others. I was willing to try out a fine restaurant, just to see the people who would frequent it.

We did find a shop that had books and I found a couple that interested me. We then went, to a very fine looking Inn nearby. Jaascin let me precede him into the Inn as if I was the more important person. I did get looked over with interest. There were many finely dressed people in the Inn. Jaascin of course always commanded attention, and he did here also.

We selected a fine table where we had a good view of the whole room. Jaascin bowed to the people sitting nearby and gave everyone a very friendly smile. Actually, Jaascin selected the table, and no one objected to his choice. A woman seated at the next table, with apparently two women companions, looked over Jaascin rather openly.

"I have never seen an Elven short sword worn by someone not obviously a high ranking Elven noble," she said to Jaascin with a very friendly smile. Jaascin smiled pleasantly back at her.

"I am part Elf and have been given the rank of an Elven noble. The sword was a gift from an Elven Prince." He then added, "I am Jaascin Wanilain and my traveling companion is Lord Ricquard Aendraei, a renowned scholar. We are traveling to the University in the Elven forest."

The lady inclined her head in my direction and said, "I am the Baroness Suerallai. This is Lady Coutenayu and Lady Ceeseall. We are here to attend the Duke's ball. Will you also be there?" she asked.

"I am afraid we are just traveling through and were not aware of the Duke's ball." Jaascin added with a smile, "At least we have not yet received an invitation, but then we just arrived in the city."

The Baroness laughed. "If I had a little more influence, I would be happy to get you one. However, I do not think I have that much influence on the Duke or his Duchess for that matter."

"Ah, then, I suppose we must miss this ball," Jaascin said with a smile. "I am sure it will be a brilliant one, with such lovely ladies in attendance."

The Baroness raised her eyebrows and said, "I think you could be a very charming rogue, Jaascin. I think I will be sorry that you have to miss this ball." Two gentlemen, at a table close by and an obviously important noble with his family at another table close by, seemed to take an interest in the conversation. I wondered if they were friends of the Duke.

The meal was good and I enjoyed it to its fullest. We had a wine that was also very palatable. It proved an enjoyable evening. The bed in my room even felt reasonably comfortable and there were no little creatures to irritate me.

In the morning, Jaascin tapped on my door to let me know he was going down stairs. We were going to go out into the city and seek another Inn for our morning meal. Jaascin felt I would learn more about this city in that way. I came downstairs to find Jaascin in conversation with two rather splendidly dressed gentlemen. I came up to the three of them. They looked me over with great interest.

Jaascin with a smile said, "Our fame has seemed to have preceded us, my lord. These gentlemen have come to present to us the Duke's personal invitation to his banquet and ball." He added to the two gentlemen, "May I present Lord Ricquard Aendraei. Your scholars would recognize the name." Turning to me he said, "May I introduce Baron Caarland and Lord Truentus."

I bowed my head in their direction and graciously said, "I am honored to make your acquaintance gentlemen." They bowed back and said the same to me.

The baron then added, "The Duke will be most pleased that you have accepted his invitation. We will look forward to seeing you at the palace." They then took their departure and Jaascin and I prepared to go out to seek another fine Inn. This was becoming a very interesting adventure. I hoped I would remember it when I returned to my own home in my own time. That is if I was going to do so.

We again wandered the city for a short while before finding another fine looking Inn. As we entered, I noted the people were very finely dressed in this Inn also, as they had been, in the one in which we had our evening meal. There were several families of what I assumed to be important nobles. I am assuming they were here for the Duke's banquet and ball. They had both young women and young men with them. I suppose a banquet and ball, like this one being given by the Duke, offered a chance for the young men and young women to look over who might be available for an alliance. I wondered if the families did dictate their choice. There were also several unaccompanied females of about Jaascin's age. Of course, as part Elf, he did tend to look younger than he really was. I had not seen a mirror, so I had really no idea how I looked. I'm not sure I wanted to know. Anyway, I think I got an interested passing glance, wondering who I might be. However, the glances that came Jaascin's way were of the very interested kind. I really did create him as a ruggedly handsome man of rather commanding appearance. He was a man you noticed, if that was his wish.

He gave a very friendly smile to the young maid who came to ask our desires for our morning meal. This one was a rather pretty young thing with a lovely smile. Jaascin again turned his closed hand over and opened it to reveal a ring of sorcerer's fire of multiple hues. It was rather pretty. It drifted over to my side of the table. Jaascin looked at me, so I waved my hand over the flame and it disappeared revealing a small gold coin. I picked up the coin and extended it in direction of the young maid. She was looking on with complete fascination.

Jaascin said, "My Lord wishes you to have this coin for the good service you are going to give us this morning. We wish your best fare and your finest juice of the fruit." The young maid looked at Jaascin and then at me and with a curtsey to me said,

"Oh, yes, My Lord, you shall have what you ask and immediately." She then hurried off to do just that.

With a smile Jaascin said, so that all around could hear, "You are most generous, My Lord. We shall surely have the best fare and the best service." I had to smile at the way he said that.

"It is but a small price to pay, is it not, Jaascin," I commented. With a shrug as if this was my natural behavior. "After all, it is but gold." Trying to make it sound that money was of little consequence. After all, I was supposed to be a learned scholar, above such mundane things. Jaascin smiled. Apparently he agreed with my act. An older woman sitting nearby, with several gentlemen, did then give me a very interested look and a friendly smile when I glanced her way. She was very finely dressed. I got the impression that none of the gentlemen with her was her husband. I wondered who she might be. She had gotten very friendly nods from a number of those seated nearby. I got the impression that she was someone it was important to know or try to make an acquaintance with. I really do not know why I got that impression.

When I happened to glance in her direction again, for she was seated at a table next to ours, she gave me a smile and said,

"I have been told that you are a very learned scholar. My late husband was a great supporter of our university. I enjoyed the company of many of the scholars who came to the university from time to time. May I be so bold as to inquire your name, sir?"

"I am Lord Ricquard Aendraei. My traveling companion is Sir Jaascin Wanilain, like myself a wanderer these days," I answered her with a smile waiting to see who she would say she was.

"I am the Duchess Katalian. My Duchey lies just to the west of here. My late husband was a senior advisor to the King. And to where are you wandering after you leave this city."

Jaascin answered her question, "We are going to the Elven Forest that lies a distance to the west of here. My Lord has been invited to visit the University there. I offered to accompany him there as I know he is a very enjoyable traveling companion."

"But will you not have problems with the magic of the Elven forest? Neither of you look Elven," The Duchess inquired.

"I am part Elf and my Lord is not bothered by the magic. Both of us speak the Elven language." He then continued with a smile, "My Lord is a very unusual man."

The Duchess laughed, "And you, I think a very charming rogue. You do make an unusual pair. One that I would like to become better acquainted with. Are you going to attend the Duke's ball?"

Jaascin replied, "We have just received an invitation to it this morning. Yes we are planning to attend it. We are learning all along that there are going to be some very charming ladies attending."

"What you are saying Jaascin, is that should make it very enjoyable," the Duchess said with a smile.

"Oh, I agree with Jaascin completely," I told her, at which she gave me a lovely smile and said,

"Then I shall be looking forward to seeing you there."

Our morning meal came as did theirs so we devoted our attention to the food and drink. When the Duchess left with her entourage, she gave us a smile and a small nod of her head. I had noted that the people surrounding us were interested in our conversation with the Duchess. Jaascin got a lovely smile from some of the young women seated with their families nearby. They were probably hoping they would be able to dance with him at the ball. Jaascin did seem to charm the ladies just by being Jaascin. Would that I had that ability. I could only build that into my fantasy characters.

After our morning meal, we did wander the city. It was fascinating to see this city in this land and time I had created. I was hoping I would remember what I was seeing. We each had a costume created to wear to the ball. Jaascin suggested this. He said we would wish to be in style. It was promised we would have them the afternoon of the second day, which would be in time for the ball. By the time of the ball, I had become rather familiar with the looks and the language of the people of this city. The evening of the ball, although we were within walking distance of the palace, we hired a carriage. We wanted to arrive in appropriate style.

There was a glut of carriages arriving before the palace, so we had to wait our turn. As luck would have it, we arrived just after the carriage of Baroness Suerallai and just before the carriage of the Duchess Katalian. The Baroness was looking to see who would dismount from the carriage after her. As we dismounted, a broad smile came on her face.

"So, my dear Jaascin, you did manage an invitation after all."

Jaascin with a gracious bow and a smile replied, "Apparently our fame had preceded us, for we received an invitation the next morning. It was personally delivered by Baron Carland and Lord Truentus."

The baroness raised her eyebrows. "Your fame must be great indeed to have the invitation personally delivered by those two gentlemen. They are very close friends and advisors to the Duke." With that she gave us a lovely smile and swept into the palace to be immediately surrounded by several gentlemen obviously waiting for her arrival.

Jaascin and I waited to see who was coming in the next carriage. It was a rather splendid one. To our surprise and my delight it was the Duchess Katalian. She looked around as she waited for another lady to dismount from the carriage. A look of surprise and then I think, a look of delight came on her face, when she recognized us.

With a smile she said, "What luck, perhaps you will allow me to arrive into the ballroom on your arm, Lord Aendraei. Perhaps Jaascin would be good enough to escort my good friend Lady Halloran." The lady she referred to, I noted, was a very attractive and finely dressed lady of about Jaascin's age. He graciously said he would be most honored to escort her into the ball. I learned that merely escorting a lady into the room did not mean you had to stay with that lady, nor did it mean the lady had to stay with you. Once having been announced and in the room, you could each go your own way, if you so chose. However, I would not have objected to staying with the Duchess.

We did escort the ladies into the room and were announced. The Duchess and Lady Halloran, were immediately swept up by friends, obviously awaiting them. Jaascin and I surveyed the room as we listened to the announcement of those arriving after us. Soon the Duke and Duchess arrived and we were moved into the banquet hall. It was rather splendid. I found myself seated next to a young lady and her family. They were busy surveying the crowd for an appropriate beau for her younger sister. When she found out I was a scholar, she explained why they were not paying much attention to her.

"I chose to go to the university," she said with a small smile. "My family was not particularly happy that I preferred the university to any of the young men they were parading by me. Actually they were busy parading me by them, but I prefer my version," she said with a sly smile. The young lady did have a delightful sense of humor. She added with another small smile, "They did not object too strenuously, although they probably didn't enjoy the thought they might have me on their hands rather than safely married off. My sister," she nodded at her younger sister, "cannot see why I do not want to be a dutiful wife who just has to sit around the mansion and look pretty. I will say she is admirably suited for that part. I was not."

"You mean the young men were not interested in a young lady of learning," I asked with some surprise. "Surely they must recognize that you could be of much greater help as a partner."

"Many of them see a woman of learning as a threat and a hindrance," she replied with a smile. "They prefer their women not to have more learning than they have."

"There must be some young men who have gone to the university and have the sense enough to see what a benefit a wife of learning would be to them. They would be able to intelligently discuss things with you they would not be able to discuss with a wife who did not have your learning."

"They have yet to cross my path," she said with a small smile. She really did not seem worried, she was not looked on as a good prospective partner, by the young men available. Actually she was an attractive young woman. She was tall and slim. I learned later she was also a very good horsewoman and she enjoyed being out of doors.

A thought occurred to me. "You will still be sought after at the ball as a partner with whom they would like to dance. I have a feeling you would dance very well," I said in a somewhat questioning voice.

"We shall see," she said with a small smile.

"Too bad, I am not sure I really know any of the dances. I know I would be very happy to have you as my partner," I told her.

She gave me a lovely smile in thanks for my compliment.

"Perhaps I can show you how to dance the dances. They would not be too hard to learn for a man of your intelligence. I know there are some small rooms off the big ballroom where we could practice and still hear the music. You would only need to learn three dance steps and you would be able to dance all evening."

I was surprised that she would offer this to someone of my age. I really was sure she would be sought out as a partner. I very graciously thanked her for her offer, and said if she were not immediately whisked away by some young man, when the dancing started, I would greatly appreciate her help.

The young lady, whose name I found out was Pfenizar, did accompany me after the banquet ended and everyone began to gravitate to the ballroom. Her family was so concentrating on her younger sister, they did not even notice who she went off with. I wondered about that, of course, this was within the Duke's palace and she was only going to the ballroom.

The Baroness managed to gather up Jaascin into her group and seeing that I was occupied he willing went along with her. The men in her group did not look particularly thrilled, but the women definitely did. I am sure Jaascin would check on me regularly during the evening in case I needed rescuing.

The young lady was proving to be intelligent, charming as well as having a delightful sense of humor. She also turned out to be very knowledgeable regarding the dances and an excellent teacher. In fact she had me dancing very well after the orchestra had only run through one series of dances. She led me out on the floor and we joined the dancers on the main floor.

We were only able to complete several dances before several young men descended on us. I relinquished her to the first young man, but before she could get out on the dance floor again she was taken for the next five dances. I kind of smiled at that and winked at her and she gave me a lovely smile in return.

I turned about to see where I should go and almost bumped into the Duchess. With a somewhat sly smile and a raise of her eyebrows, she said,

"You did not hint you were a very good dancer as well as a renowned scholar. Were you hiding that from us?" With a twinkle in her eye she continued, "You sly man, how ever did you prevail upon that attractive young lady to be your partner?"

As the music started, I bowed to her and she walked into my arms as if she just expected me to ask her to dance. I hoped I remembered all the steps.

"Actually," I answered her, "that young lady, realizing I might not be familiar with all the dances of this country, offered to teach me, which she did in one of the small rooms. I am greatly indebted to her."

The Duchess smiled. "I think she is indebted to you for dancing with her. I noticed all the young men looking her over with great interest seeing her out on the dance floor with an important looking man. I think she will be kept busy dancing for the rest of the night." The

Duchess looked at me and asked, "Was her conversation interesting?"

"Very," I immediately replied, "she is a very intelligent, highly educated young woman who has a delightful sense of humor. She claimed the young men were afraid of educated women. She did not seem overly worried by that."

The Duchess looked at her as she danced by with a young man.

"I would say there is one young man who is entranced with her conversation. Perhaps all the young men needed was to experience her."

I smiled, "I told her there must be some young men who had the intelligence to recognize what she could bring to an alliance," I told the Duchess. "Perhaps finding she can both dance and carry on a lively conversation will get that across to some of these young men."

"I think you may very well be right," the Duchess agreed.

I was finding I did remember the steps well enough so I could carry on a conversation. I could also look around to see who was also out on the dance floor. I was looking particularly to see if I could see the Duke and Duchess at whose palace we were. I had just got a brief glance at them previously.

I said to the Duchess, "You know, I really do not know our hosts and am not sure I would know who they were. I tried to get a look at them when they were announced, but I was not very successful."

"I shall try to point them out to you if we come close. Although I am not a close friend by any means, I have met them on a number of occasions," she answered me.

We did come close to them as we danced, I think the Duchess made sure of that. This time I did get a good glance at them and was sure I would recognize them again. Of course, it really wasn't of great importance that I should know them, I didn't think.

The Duchess did bring me over to the group of friends who had gathered around her. Jaascin soon joined us, much to the delight of everyone in the group including the lady he had escorted into the room when we were announced. One of the other women said in a somewhat surprised tone,

"I didn't know you two were together. I did not see you together after the banquet."

With a smile, Jaascin immediately replied, "I saw that my lord was in the company of an attractive young lady and thought he was in good hands. Then I saw him dancing with the Duchess and thought he was then in even better hands. He did not look in need of rescuing." This brought a bit of laughter from the group. The Duchess smiled at him for his last few words. She turned to me and with a somewhat sly smile asked,

"Did you feel in need of rescuing?"

"Definitely not," I answered quickly, "I was happy to have Jaascin off charming other women."

"You were busy charming the Duchess," one of the other women asked with a smile.

"And another very attractive young lady," the Duchess quickly added.

One of the women, looking at Jaascin and myself, said, "You are an unusual and interesting looking companions. However did you get together?"

I decided to reply to that question, "We are both wandering scholars, and in spite of our differences, we are old friends. Of course, Jaascin is by far the more charming of the two," I added this last, with a smile at the questioner, a lady of about Jaascin's age.

Another of the persons tipped her head at me and said, "If Jaascin is the most charming, then however did you lure the young lady to dance with you with all those young men around?"

"Actually, as I told the Duchess, I did not lure the young lady. She suggested that she teach me the dance steps, as I might not know the dances in vogue in this country. Her family was busy showing off her younger sister, and I think she wasn't sure she would attract any young men who might want to dance with her. Apparently she chose to go to the University rather than working at attracting appropriate suitors. That is what she told me. I suggested that there must be some intelligent young men who would want an educated wife. She wasn't so sure. So I was honored by her efforts to teach me and then she led me out onto the dance floor to test me out."

"Apparently that served two purposes," said one of the men with a smile. "Not only did it prove to you that you could dance the dances, but the fact that she was dancing with a distinguished man, and was obviously a very good dancer, attracted the appropriate young men."

"Yes, I noticed that she now has them waiting in line for their chance to dance with her," said one of the women with a smile. "Perhaps that is what she was hoping. I have a hunch that some of those young men will come calling after the ball is over."

"I hope you are right," I commented. "She really is an attractive and charming young woman. She would make some young man a wonderful partner. One he would be very proud of. She is not only very attractive but has a wonderful sense of humor."

The Duchess looked at me with a smile. "Are you interested in her?"

I laughed, "Hardly. I cannot offer her what she deserves. I leave that up to a titled young man who would appreciate an intelligent and educated wife. There must be some of those around."

"If my information is correct," said one of the men in the group, "There are several young men who have danced with her, who would fit that criteria very well. They seem to reluctantly give her up to the next partner. That would indicate a longer term interest might be developing."

The Duchess laughed as she commented, "We all seem to have developed an interest in that young lady. Perhaps we should assume the role her family is not playing on her part and see if we can't do something to further the interest of those appropriate young men in becoming suitors for her hand."

That suggestion seemed to find great favor among the group and they began discussing how they could affect that idea. During the evening they did manage to take her over and the fact that this group of important people showed a great interest in her, did promote several young men of appropriate lineage to ask if they might not call on her after the ball. The Duchess had no children and two of the men had only sons. They decided to put together a dowry for the young woman. They thought her family might not be able to afford an appropriate dowry for two daughters at the same time. Everyone contributed so a sizeable dowry was gathered.

I think this ploy was going to prove successful. I think the young lady was of the impression that it was I that arranged all this. She gave me a lovely smile several times during the evening. The Duchess noted this several times and raised her eyebrows at me. I just shrugged my shoulders and smiled. It was an enjoyable, interesting and enlightening evening. Perhaps I should write an eminent scholar into a future novel about Jaascin. He like Karan, the old mage, might make an interesting traveling companion for Jaascin. If I find my way out of this adventure, I might think about that.

The day after the ball we did again go out into the city to see if we could find another fine Inn in which we could dine. It seems there were a number, as this was a large Duchey and had many nobles and wealthy merchants who maintained residences in this city. We did find one that was even finer than the ones we had tried. We saw a group of young people dining there. I noted that Pfenizar was among the group and there were three young men who were paying particular attention to her.

Jaascin also noted that and commented, "It seems your campaign is having great success, my Lord. The young lady seems to have the devoted attention of three young men, whom I think would make eminently suitable husbands for her. With the dowry that was provided for her by the group, I think there shall be at least one offer of marriage forthcoming in the very near future."

Before we moved on, we did learn that there was an offer, which Pfenizar and her family were very happy to agree to. I am sure they were surprised, but delighted to have this happen. Having their older daughter spoken for by an eminently suitable young man, would make it easier to attract a fine suitor for their younger daughter. Besides, they had been relieved of furnishing a dowry for their older daughter.

The day we were to leave the city, I did receive a very nice note of thanks from Pfenizar. In it she hoped that I would see fit to honor she and her new husband with a visit when I came their way. To my surprise, it was the son of a Duke who had asked for her hand. The Duchess apparently was still taking a personal interest in the young woman. This was not lost on the parents of the young man. Pfenizar's parents were also thrilled that this eminent and noble lady had taken their daughter under her wing.

Jaascin and I again set out on our travels to the Elven forest. I was beginning to look forward to seeing this Elven forest. I had said they tended to be very beautiful. I hoped they lived up to my words. We still had several days journey before we reached the forest.

It was cloudy and somewhat cool as we left the Duke's city. We were traveling alone at the moment, having left before a group of travelers that we knew would be traveling our way. Jaascin apparently did not think they were a group we would particularly enjoy traveling with. We set off at a fairly good pace and actually to my delight the weather turned rather pleasant. I seemed to be getting used to this mode of transportation, thankfully. Jaascin did regale me with stories about his travels as we went.

I was surprised when Jaascin suggested we stop for a mid-day meal at the Inn we could see in the distance. The time had really slipped by. I knew we had passed an Inn somewhat earlier, but I did not feel the need for stopping then. The Inn proved rather nice, and although it was somewhat past the usual hour for a mid-day meal, the Inn was still somewhat full of people still dining. They were a real mix of people, I thought, looking them over as I followed Jaascin to a table. Jaascin again produced a small gold coin by wizardry, for the young maid. She looked startled, somewhat confused, but recovered to give us a lovely smile and a deep curtsey when Jaascin gave her the coin before she served what we had asked for. This was noted with interest by the families sitting at the tables surrounding ours. One of those families was that of an Elven noble. He looked at Jaascin with great interest. Jaascin was wearing his Elven short sword, and the Elf, I think, noted Jaascin had the eyes of an Elf.

"I have noted you have some of the characteristics of an Elf and you are wearing an Elven short sword, Sir," he said in a questioning manner.

"Your companion does not have the looks of an Elf, although he has the look and the dress of an eminent scholar," he added.

Jaascin bowed his head in his direction, "I am part Elf, at least according to Elven friends. I was given the standing of an Elven noble for services rendered an Elven Prince, the short sword was a gift from this Elven Prince. My companion is the head of a university and is immune to the magic of the Elven forests. We both do speak the Elven language. I am Sir Jaascin Wanilain, and my companion is Lord Ricquard Aendraei. We are on our way to the University in the Elven forest. My Lord has been invited to visit that university," Jaascin told the Elven noble.

"I am Lord Kaareinzaen and this is my wife, son and daughter. We have a home in the King's city near the University. We would be much honored if you would visit with us there," the Elf replied with a friendly smile. The daughter looked Jaascin over with great interest. This was noted with a smile by her mother.

"We shall be sure and contact you when we reach the King's city," Jaascin told him. "We would be greatly honored to visit with you."

The Elven family did leave before we did, having had their meal earlier. We took our time and stopped at a small, but very nice Inn early in the afternoon. Jaascin said this one would not be so crowded with travelers. We were up early the next day on the last leg of our journey to the Elven forest.

As we drew near the forest, I did wonder if I truly would not be affected by the magical energy of the forest. Then I kind of laughed to myself, because I was now thinking as a person in this time and place. I was not thinking as some one who had created this time and place. It was a rather strange feeling, as if I believed in what I had created.

Unfortunately I was never destined to find out. As we were walking into the Inn that was to be the last before the forest, I found myself walking into the porch of my home rather than the Inn with Jaascin. I wondered who it was that accompanied Jaascin into that Inn. Jaascin was not with me. I looked down at my clothes. They were what I had been wearing before I started out on this adventure. I turned to look at the chair I had been sitting in and the table beside it. On the table were the two books I had purchased. I wonder if anyone would believe me, if I told them where I had really purchased those two books. I'm not sure I believed it myself.

The End.