Felezenonjaascinstory

This is the beginning of another of the "Jaascin" series of fantasy Novels.

CHAPTER ONE

As Jaascin wandered the docks, he looked over the various ships that were in the port. There were many, loading and unloading cargo, just arrived or making ready to go to sea. As he was looking, a ship, with the figure of the hawk upon the bow, caught his attention. Jaascin recalled it was said, in the messages given to him, that the hawk was a friend. Perhaps this was an omen. It was worth a try, for Jaascin did believe in omens.

He decided to inquire as to the ship’s destination. It looked a fast and well-maintained merchant vessel. It was the type of vessel on which he preferred to sail. He hailed the sailors who were loading cargo on board.

“Can you tell me good sirs, from where this ship hails and to where it is bound?” Jaascin asked. One of the sailors looked him over and then with a smile at how Jaascin addressed them, he answered.

“It is bound for the port of Scheanatrai, for that is the port from which she came, Sire,” the sailor said in a very respectful tone, for he recognized Jaascin had the dress and the speech of a noble. The sailor then added, “We are returning to our home port with a full cargo.”

Jaascin thought this a lucky happenstance. He did not think the dragons had arranged that. That was the port to which Jaascin wanted to travel.

“Then could you tell me, good sir, what is the name of the captain and where I might find him?” Jaascin asked.

“The captain said he would be staying at the Inn of the Carracel. It is just down the second road to the left. His name is Captain Sanalton,” the sailor answered. Thanking the sailor, Jaascin set off in the direction indicated.

The clues he had been given by the dragons, through the sorceress messengers, pointed him to the land of the great Raj. There is where he might find more information regarding the dragon gem for which he was searching. Jaascin was looking for the ship to take him across the sea to the port of Scheanatrai. He planned to set out on his journey to the land of the Great Raj from that port. So far any real information on that gem had eluded him. He didn’t know what it looked like except it would be the same size as the red and blue ones he now had. He wasn’t even sure its power would be revealed to him. He did not remember, if the red one revealed its power to him, or if he just accepted the word of the sorcerer from whom he had stolen it. He did know the blue one revealed its power to him. He now knew the gems had great wizard power that he was able to tap. How great that power was, he did not know. He was beginning to think it was very great, perhaps greater than any wizard power he had yet encountered.

He knew there were several countries he must cross before he reached that land. A jester, in the King’s city in the Elven Forest, had given him this information. Actually it had come from the dragons, he was sure. The jester had been a sorceress they had used as their messenger. For some reason, the preferred information purveyors for the dragons were sorceresses. Jaascin did not know why, but that was of no great concern to him.

At the moment, he was in no hurry. He was not fleeing from anyone. He seemed to now be free from that problem that had marked many of his early years. He was still a wanderer. He thought maybe, he always would be. Now he had the money to live very well as he wandered. That, he would admit, made wandering even more enjoyable. Perhaps as Syalai had implied, he did not want the responsibility for anyone but himself.

Jaascin went to the Inn to inquire of the captain. Jaascin went up to the Innkeeper and with a small bow said,

“I have been told you have a Captain Sanalton staying at your Inn. I have need to talk with him.” The Innkeeper looked him over and noting his speech and his dress respectfully answered,

“We do have a gentleman of that name staying at the Inn, but he went out this morning.”

Jaascin then said, “I assume he will probably return at the dinner hour. I wish to leave a message for him that I will return to seek him out at that hour.” He gave the Innkeeper a small gold coin to be sure the message was delivered. Jaascin thought that would be best, as this Inn had a reputation for serving good food. He figured the captain would return to the Inn at that time.

Jaascin added, “So the captain may more easily identify me, I will be wearing an Elven short sword.” The Innkeeper looked at Jaascin rather curiously at this statement, but Jaascin did not explain. To the Innkeeper, Jaascin did not look like an Elf. The Elven sword would make him easy for the captain to identify. Although Elves were frequently seen here, there were few if any Elven short swords worn in this port. Actually Elven short swords were usually only worn by an Elven noble of high rank.

Jaascin had promised the dragons he would search for the third dragon gem. However they said he could search as he wandered. They didn’t seem to be in a hurry. Maybe it was that they didn’t want anyone to know someone was searching for it. Some other sorcerer, mage or wizard might get interested in finding it. Apparently the dragons did not want that to happen. Jaascin wondered why. The dragons had asked if he would search for it in his wandering, they had not demanded he do so.

The dragons assured him they would see he had plenty of money while he wandered. He found he really enjoyed being able to stay in the best Inns and afford their best rooms. He also enjoyed the fine fare he could afford. To himself, he admitted he rather enjoyed being treated like an important person. He knew, as a wanderer, it was in his best interests to never let that show. He would continue to appear humble, he would attract less attention that way.

The gems supposedly could be used only for good. Using them for anything else could destroy the being that tried that. At least that is the impression Jaascin had gotten. He had no plan to test that out. He saw no reason to use that power for an evil purpose. It had served him very well to use his power only for good. It had begun to really pay off during the last several years. Jaascin preferred that it continue this way as long as possible. He liked his life as a wanderer as he was now able to live it. He had not gotten himself into any trouble for quite some time.

To reach the port of Scheanatrai would be a several weeks journey. It would be necessary, on this length of a journey, to make stops at several other ports. It was the type of traveling that Jaascin preferred. A rather leisurely trip during which he could learn more about the power of the two gems he now had. Jaascin actually loved the sea, although he really wasn’t a seaman. Like a sailor, he could take the ocean, smooth or rough. He liked the cleanness of the air and the time to think that sailing allowed him.

Jaascin returned to the Inn in the evening as he had said. He was dressed in clothes with an Elven flair and wore his Elven short sword. As he entered the Inn, he looked over the people dining in the Inn. His attention was drawn to a fairly young man in captain’s garb, sitting with a young woman. As Jaascin moved toward the captain, he felt sorceress energy emanating from the woman. This neither surprised nor disturbed Jaascin. He was sure this young woman was not the sorceress for whom he was looking. With a nod to the captain and a bow to the young woman, he inquired,

“Are you the captain of the ship in the harbor that has the figure of the hawk on its bow.”

The captain took in Jaascin and noted the Elven sword he wore. He noted that Jaascin had the dress of a wealthy man or a noble. He noted his speech was that of a very learned man. He also noted his movements indicated he could be a very good swordsman. This intrigued the captain. He wondered just who Jaascin really was and why he was traveling.

“I am that man, Sir,” the captain answered, “I take it you are the gentleman who inquired of me this morning. Would you care to join us?” he asked in a pleasant tone. The captain waited to see what Jaascin would do about that invitation. Many nobles, or even rich merchants, would not agree to sit with a mere captain, especially one as young as he. Jaascin had the speech, the bearing and the clothes of a noble, as well as the confidence. Whether Jaascin accepted the captain’s invitation would tell the captain much about this intriguing man.

With a smile and a bow, Jaascin graciously said, “I would be honored, Captain.” He then took a seat at the table as if it was something he would naturally do. He knew the captain was testing him to see what kind of man he was dealing with.

The captain continued to look Jaascin over, as did the young lady. In fact, her scrutiny was very intense, as if trying to determine who he was. She actually looked as if she thought she recognized him and was trying to bring up his name.

The captain pleasantly said, “That is an Elven short sword. Although your clothes have an Elven flair, you do not look like you are an Elf.” It was said as if he recognized that it was unusual to see one who was not a Elf wearing such a sword.

“The sword was a gift from an Elven Prince for whom I did a favor. I am a merchant from the country far to the north. I wish to travel to the port of Scheanatrai. I understand that is the port for which your ship is bound. I am interested in booking passage for that port.” Then without waiting for an answer from the captain, he turned to the young lady. “You are a sorceress, I believe, my lady. I feel an energy emanating from you.”

The young woman gazed intently at Jaascin and didn’t answer for a moment.

“And you are a wizard, sir, although you do not look one. There is a very powerful energy emanating from you. Far more powerful than any I have felt before.” Then she smiled and said, “I think you allowed me to feel it. I do think, with your power, you could easily have shielded that. However, I have no idea what is the reason you let me feel that energy. I am sure it was deliberate.” She said the last with a small smile.

Jaascin smiled pleasantly at the young woman, “You are attributing great and wonderful powers to me, my lady. That sometimes seems my portion in life,” he said. The captain had a smile on his face as he listened to the two.

The young lady then said, “You also have great charm and I am sure you are very learned. Your speech is that of a noble scholar. There is something familiar about you. I think I have met you before. That is why I have been staring at you so intently. It is a very strong feeling.”

“I have traveled widely my lady, for I am a wandering trader. In my travels I have taken the time to sit at the feet of some scholars. Perhaps I have retained some of that knowledge,” Jaascin replied. He did not comment on her last statement.

The young woman was very thoughtful. “Many years ago, when I was a child, I met a young man who had sat at the feet of scholars, wizards, sorcerers and healers. He also claimed to be a wanderer. He had your looks, although at that time younger, and he had your charm, which I am sure has grown with the years.” She said this very slowly as if calling it up from the depths of her memory.

Jaascin was looking intently at her. “I hope he did you no harm.”

“On the contrary, Sir, he saved my life and the life of my brother at great risk to his own life. He got us passage on a ship bound for Scheanatrai and gave us some money. I think it was most of what he then had. He told us a person to seek out there. After seeing us, safely on board and the ship safely away from port, he apparently went back into the city. I feared for his life, but he seemed to have no fear. In parting he said he would probably meet us again some day. I was hoping we would.”

“You never saw him again?” Jaascin inquired. “Do you believe he also somehow escaped?”

The young lady smiled. “I am sure he did. He had a confidence about him that belied his youth. He would have been one who would be hard to defeat. I am also sure I am looking at him now.”

The Captain looked at the young woman by his side and then at Jaascin.

“Why are you so sure?” he asked the young woman.

“Because there could be only one of him,” she replied with a smile. “I have never met a man such as he was, even though at the time he was young in years, although not in experience. He had an air of quiet confidence and seemed always in control of himself. I do not think there could be another just like him. I know I have never met one in all those years until this moment.”

Jaascin looked skeptical. “I do not remember saving anyone’s life as a young man. I seemed to have enough trouble keeping myself alive. I don’t think I had time enough to save anyone else,” Jaascin said. His tone was light and humorous.

“That is exactly what he would have said and in exactly the same way,” said the young woman. “I am sure my brother will agree with me. He is now a merchant in the port of Scheanatrai. He must meet you. He has very good contacts throughout that part of the world. Perhaps he can be of some small service to you.”

“You insist on giving me an honorable character, my lady. But you have just met me,” Jaascin insisted. “I may not be what I appear.”

“I am sure of that. You do not look like a wizard, but I am sure you are. Your speech is that of a learned man, and you speak the local dialect as if born to it.” Then she added with a smile, “I think the captain will take you for whatever you say you now are. I know I am quite willing to do that.”

The captain laughed pleasantly at the way the young lady said that, then said,

“You wish to book passage on my ship for Scheanatrai? We sail in two days. That length of trip will cost you a gold if you wish a cabin.”

Jaascin, with an almost imperceptible motion, produced several large gold pieces. “Will this be sufficient, captain?”

The captain smiled. “Is that an illusion or are they real gold pieces?” he asked. “If they are real gold coin, that will be more than sufficient for our best cabin.”

“They are real, captain and I would wish your best cabin,” Jaascin said as he shoved them toward the captain. “You may check for yourself. The lady will also tell you they are real. She would be able to detect an illusion.”

The young sorceress nodded her head in answer to the captain’s questioning glance. “They are real and some of the finest gold I have seen. I do not think this wizard has need to cheat you out of the payment for passage. I would trust him.” Then turning to Jaascin she asked, “What name are you known by?” for he had not yet given a name.

Jaascin, although he thought he could trust the captain and his sorceress, decided to use his father’s name. He had sent his belongings ahead in that name. He might as well continue that disguise until he was well away from the port of Scheanatrai, as had been suggested to him.

“I am known by Shalezar Norentime, a traveling trader,” he answered.

The young woman smiled, “You look more like a Merchant Prince. You have the noble ways to go with that image and the learning, I have no doubt.”

Jaascin smiled in return, “I claim no noble lineage, my lady.”

“You have no need to claim that,” the young lady quickly said. “I am sure it will be assumed to be the case by everyone who meets you, Sir.”

“I prefer to be called Shalezar, my lady. The Sir has a strange sound to me,” Jaascin said.

“And my name is Sulazan,” the sorceress smiled and said.

“I am Captain Sanalton,” the captain then stated. “If we are to be spending our time together on the ship, we might as well be on first name basis.” The captain already decided, Jaascin would be a very good person to have conversations with, while they were at sea. He might learn some things that would be valuable to him as he plied the seas. He was sure Jaascin had traveled widely and had seen much. He was also sure Jaascin was very well informed on many subjects. He had met many men during his years at sea. Jaascin had the air of a man of knowledge.

Jaascin gave the captain a friendly smile.

“I would greatly prefer that. I am a very informal person.”

The captain took the gold coins and put them in his pocket. They agreed, as to the time Jaascin would board the ship within those two days.

During that time, Jaascin Wanilain disappeared and a Salazar Norentime took a room in an Inn near the harbor. The transformation was complete. One night he said goodbye to the merchant and the two young people. The next morning Salazar Norentime had breakfast in the Inn. He struck up conversations with several people in the Inn. His name appeared on the passenger list of a ship that had recently docked, which came from the north. The character, of this wandering trader from the north, was created. He had the tallness of the people from the north although he did not have their fairness, but then he was a wandering trader. He had the stories only a wandering trader could tell. He also knew the merchants of the North Country and how they did business. Jaascin could be very convincing. He was planning to have Shalezar Norentime make this trip to Scheanatrai and then disappear some where in the interior of that country.

The day the ship left port it was a fair day. A good omen for the voyage. The ship had the looks of a fast one. Jaascin figured that between he and the young sorceress, the trip should be one safe from pirates. Of course everyone would figure the sorceress was responsible. That is the way Jaascin would make it appear, if he was called on to help. The captain would say no different and the sorceress would be happy to take the credit. She would learn Jaascin would be happy to let her have the credit. In fact during the long days at sea, Jaascin would teach the young sorceress many things that would greatly enhance her power and talents as a sorceress. She became even surer that Jaascin was the young man who had saved the lives of her and her brother many years ago. Although young when that happened, she had a vivid impression of that young man. She was certain Jaascin was that young man.

Jaascin learned that the sorceress had her own cabin. Apparently the captain had hired her to keep his ship safe from pirates. He also learned she was highly successful in that task. She appeared to be a friend of the captain’s but that is all. Apparently the captain was very willing to keep it that way, although she was an attractive young woman and he was still a fairly young man.

The first part of the trip was very peaceful. They even had few days with rough seas, and they were not very rough. The captain was enjoying this stretch of relatively good weather. He was able to take full advantage of his ship’s speed and make good time. He could keep on full sail. They were out of sight of land most of the trip. The captain proved to be a very good and knowledgeable sailor although young.

At the third port they put into, they stayed for several days. While they loaded and unloaded cargo, Jaascin went ashore and got a room at a fine Inn for the several days they were to be in port. It was a major port and there were guards in evidence keeping the port safe. It would be a good break from the ship’s cabin and ship’s fare. Although he was a good sailor, he preferred dry land.

Jaascin learned, the young sorceress was going ashore. She planned to get a small room near the dock. Jaascin charmed her into allowing him to get her a nice room at the same Inn where he was staying. Jaascin felt this would be more pleasant and safer for her, although the dock in this port was relatively safe. Jaascin thought the young sorceress’s brother might be of valuable help to him. As a merchant in the port from which Jaascin planned to set off cross-country, he could have information as to the area Jaascin would be traveling.

Jaascin arranged to have breakfast with her each morning, before they went their separate ways. She apparently had been in this port a number of times. During the days and evenings, Jaascin wandered the harbor Inns. He got into conversation with traders, sailors and travelers. He had a way of gaining the confidence of everyone. He would tell his tales and then steer the conversation in the direction he wanted it to go. In this he never had to use his wizard power. He learned that indeed there was a new Great Raj. However what he learned of him, Jaascin wasn’t sure it bode any less danger. He also learned of another sighting of a white gem. No one seemed to have detected its power. Jaascin was sure it was the one, because it had an unusual color. He was able to learn many other things that could be of value to him in his wanderings. What he learned could make the friendship of the young sorceress’s brother even more valuable.

The last day before they were to sail, he arranged to have dinner with the young sorceress. The ship was going to set sail in the evening. As they sat eating, the young woman turned to Jaascin.

“You let me feel your wizard energy the day we met. You wanted the captain to know you were a wizard and not just a wandering trader as you claim.”

Jaascin smiled at the sorceress for a moment before replying.

“I did not want to deceive the captain. He might not want a reputed wizard taking passage on his ship. If he found out during the trip he might wonder why I had booked passage on his ship. I thought it better to let him know from the start.”

The young woman laughed. “You mean a wizard who looked nothing like a wizard, but who might be a foreign prince in disguise. You would be a formidable opponent. Your charm can lull the most intelligent of opponents to feeling safe. I think you knew he would have no objections.”