This is the beginning of the fourth book of the Jaascin fantasy series.

Chapter One

Jaascin had found the third dragon’s gem. Unfortunately he had a real problem. It was around the neck of a young Princess. Worse yet, from what he had heard, she treated it as her favorite. The Princess had left with her family to return to her country. Jaascin would have to follow them there, while making it look like he was just continuing his wandering. He knew it was going to take all of his guile and charm to get this last of the gems. He did not want to steal it. He did not know if the gem would allow him to do that anyway. He was in a quandary.

It was on the second day, after Jaascin Wanilain left the city of the Great Raj, that he came upon them. It was a particularly dreary day. They were an older couple whose visages reflected the day. They had an old wagon loaded with their belongings. They were moving, but they did not seem at all happy about it. It seemed out of place to Jaascin, as the man had the look of a soldier who had commanded troops. Jaascin had let the Prince and his family, have a three-day head start, before he set out from the city of the Great Raj. He had not wanted them to know he was following them. He now had to make sure his wandering seemed to have a reason other than what it was.

Usually wandering was the primary thing and all else had been incidental. Now it was reversed. He would have to be sure to make it look like he was wandering, his success in obtaining the third dragon’s gem would depend upon it. That is why he fell in with the older couple.

The man had the bearing of an older soldier. One who had been used to commanding many soldiers, Jaascin surmised, from what he had observed. But it was unusual for one such as he to be traveling in this way with his wife. It looked as if they were forced into this situation. Jaascin had seen this only rarely. It would appear from his knowledge of such things, the old soldier had been replaced by a younger man. If that were the case, it would seem his noble employer had treated him rather shabbily, if they were, as it seemed without a home.

Later in the morning, after spending some time observing them, Jaascin rode up to them. They had fallen behind the group, traveling in this direction. Jaascin took this opportunity to strike up a conversation with them. This surprised the couple because his tone was not a condescending one, but a truly friendly one. He was talking to them, as if they were equals. Jaascin, after all had the dress and swords of a noble, and the speech of a highly educated man. This was not normal behavior for such as he.

“I assume that you were not only a soldier, but one who was used to commanding,” Jaascin said to the man. “I find it surprising therefore, you seem to be seeking a new home.”

The soldier was silent, but the wife spoke up, “It is a long and sordid tale, noble sir,” she said and her husband gave her a warning glance. He did not know who Jaascin was. He did not want to be visited by more trouble than they already had.

“You have no need of worry,” Jaascin immediately assured him. “I have no loyalty to nobility, especially those who misuse the power.” He added, “I am assuming, from what your lady implied, that was the case.” The wife had a surprised look on her face at being addressed as her husband’s lady by one obviously a noble. That was usually reserved for ladies of noble rank.

The soldier was momentarily silent, then finally spoke, “I served the Duke long and faithfully. When his son took over, he decided he wanted a younger friend as his commander. This would be normal but not the way he dismissed me. He merely dismissed me without the usual provision normally given a commander of my years. We had little saved up and it was obvious we were not welcome to stay. It would remind others how he had treated a loyal soldier. We were therefor forced to seek a new home.”

The wife spoke up, there was both anger and fear in her voice, “We do not know what we can do.”

Jaascin thought for a moment. Here might be a reason for his traveling in this direction. To assist this couple in their search for a new home and a new source of income.

“Perhaps I can be of assistance,” Jaascin began. He immediately went on, “I can tell by your sword and your movements that you are an expert swordsman.”

“I do have a reputation as that and I have trained many a man in the use of the blade,” the soldier admitted, looking questioningly at Jaascin. “But why would you wish to be assistance to us?”

“Perhaps then, the Gods will not plague me so much,” said Jaascin with a smile. “You can excuse my strange behavior on my also being a wizard.” With this he turned over his hand and a ring of sorcerer’s fire rose from it. First a blue, then a red and finally a white flame. They then came together in a brilliant flash and revealed a silver ball floating in the air. It then burst open to reveal a very beautiful sprite sitting on a very large feather.

With a smile she said, “If Jaascin assists you we will not feel we have to chastise him so often.” Jaascin burst out laughing because the sprite then blew Jaascin a kiss and disappeared. The couple looked on with amazement and disbelief.

“That was a sprite, was it not?” the wife asked.

“Yes, but not just an ordinary sprite,” Jaascin said, “She is a Sprite Princess who loves to plague me. Why I do not know and she has never seen fit to inform me. I did not produce her. She decided to come and inserted herself in the ball.”

Luckily they were riding alone and through a forested area. There was no one else to note what was going on. Suddenly Jaascin was warned of danger.

“Draw your sword and be prepared to fight. We are about to be attacked,” Jaascin warned the soldier. He immediately did as told. The wife was riding between the two of them. Jaascin put a shield around her, threw a confusion spell at the men who appeared out the forest to attack them. Jaascin and the soldier immediately attacked the men and in the confusion Jaascin had caused were able to cut down every one of the men.

“I think they were here awaiting us for a purpose. It was meant to look like a robbery attempt,” Jaascin said.

“I recognized a man or two,” the soldier immediately said. “You think they meant to get rid of us for good?”

“That is what I think,” Jaascin said. He held out his hand. The sprite reappeared perched on his hand. “I think that young Duke needs to be taught a lesson he will never forget,” he told her.

The sprite had a lovely smile on her face. “We will attend to that immediately great wizard.” She laughed delightedly as she disappeared. The laughter, like the ringing of tiny beautiful bells lingered a while after she was gone.

“I do not think we will be bothered again. We can now be about our business.” Jaascin continued, “I think we should seek out a city that is not part of any small noble’s area. One, that is dominated by merchants and has a council to rule it. We can then set up a school for swordsmen. If there is no noble in charge of the city, there will be no master swordsman. Therefor a school, with as fine a master as you in charge, would be welcomed.”

The wife, having recovered from the trauma of the battle and the surprise of seeing the sprite again, said,

“And will the sprites and the Gods forget to chastise you?” The woman not only had spunk, Jaascin thought, but had a sense of humor.

Jaascin laughed. “That is my hope, my lady.”

The swordsman looked at Jaascin intently. “I have never seen a swordsman of your great ability, sir.” He added, “They seemed to become confused as they attacked and how did you know we were about to be attacked?” He hesitated then smiled, “but I forgot, you are a wizard.”

“I merely confused them a little so the odds were evened,” Jaascin said innocently. Jaascin did not answer his question, because the man had answered his own question.

The wife said with a hopeful look on her face. “Did you mean you would help us establish a school for swordsmen?” Then a look of consternation came over her face, “but we must first find the city and that may take time.”

“Time and money, I have in ample supply,” Jaascin immediately answered to set her mind at ease. “To that end, I suggest that you become relatives to whom I have given my word that I will see you relocated and settled into a position that will serve to support you in good fashion.”

The old soldier hesitated, “but that could cost you much money and we have just met.”

Jaascin smiled, “Perhaps the sprites led me to you. I do not wish to disappoint the sprites. It is not good to disappoint the sprites.” He said this last in a light humorous tone. He added, “Have no fear, it will not strain my funds. I have more than ample for whatever time it takes. And I have plenty of time as I am a wanderer by trade.” He said this last with a broad, friendly smile. The wife had become convinced that Jaascin meant exactly what he said. She began to relax and a small smile came upon her face for the first time since Jaascin had seen them. This, to her, was such strange behavior for a man such as Jaascin, that she believed him.

They quickly removed all the arms from the men and Jaascin moved them into the woods. He knew they would be discovered tomorrow, some time in the afternoon, because Jaascin would arrange that this would happen. Jaascin would also arrange so that the villagers of the next two villages would only see the three of them ride through. They would not see the horses that were with them. From then on, the horses would seem like pack animals carrying the belongings of the three of them.

Jaascin thought the arms they took from the men could be used in the school. Also the horses could be sold some time later to provide money for setting up the school. Jaascin viewed the attack as fortuitous. Now he would not have work so hard to convince the couple to accept his help. Besides they would more easily fall in with the story he had devised to explain why they were together and why Jaascin would help them set up a school for swordsman.

Jaascin soon got them to agree on the story they would tell as to why they were together and where they were going. Jaascin was able to get them good rooms that night at a fairly good Inn. It was at a crossroads of two rather heavily traveled roads. Because they would not reach it until late in the evening, Jaascin had caused the Innkeeper to think that Jaascin had sent a message telling him to reserve two rooms for them. The couple were surprised when Jaascin told the Innkeeper that and he agreed. They were afraid it would be full or that they would have to put up with the poorest of rooms. Instead they found they had very good rooms already reserved for them. Jaascin paid for their rooms with Elven gold.

Jaascin told them he would meet them in the dining room in a little while. Jaascin actually was there at a table in the back of the room when they came down from their room. As they came up, Jaascin rose and bowed the woman to her seat. She blushed at getting such attention from so noble a looking man. She was not used to such behavior. She was seated between Jaascin and her husband. Jaascin was wearing only his short sword. The young woman who came to wait on them was startled to see he was wearing a short sword. She knew what it was but had only seen it worn by Elven nobles. She was even more startled when Jaascin turned over his hand and showed her a small gold coin.

“We would wish the best of your fare tonight. We would also like a glass of your best ale for myself and the commander, and a drink of her choice for the commander’s lady.” The young woman gave Jaascin a smile and a curtsey and another startled look when Jaascin gave her the gold coin. This had never happened to her before. Especially not with a coin like this.

The soldier and his wife looked questioningly at Jaascin.

Jaascin smiled and said, “It is a very good investment. We shall get the best of the fare tomorrow morning and I will not have to request it.”

The old soldier and his wife were now sure that Jaascin must be a very rich noble of very high rank. What else he might be, they were not sure. They would not, however, question him on this. They would do nothing to disturb this good fortune they seemed to have met up with in Jaascin. They had heard of sprites but had never seen one. They had never heard of any man with whom the sprites were friendly or for whom they would do something he requested. That was almost beyond belief except they had seen it with their own eyes.

It had been a very interesting and exciting day. They were indeed served with the best of the fare and they found they were hungry. They had not expected to be eating food like this or to have good rooms in a good Inn. The couple did go up to their room after they had eaten and sat with Jaascin for a short while. Jaascin remained and engaged several people in conversation before he retired.

He told the couple he would meet them in the dining room in the morning. They would have a good breakfast before again setting out on their way. He got some information about the area through which they would be traveling. It had not changed a great deal since he was through here before. He remembered there was such a city he was looking for probably a four or five day ride from here. They would head in that direction. It was not in exactly the direction he wished to travel, but it was not of great consequence. He would need time to plan how he would get the gem from the Princess.

In the morning, the young woman did serve them, the best of the fare. Jaascin then gave her another small coin, for which he got a big smile and a curtsey.

“You have the manners of a diplomat, sir,” the commander told Jaascin.

“I have found as a wanderer that has served me very well.” Jaascin added, “I think it would be best if we are to be relatives, that you address me as Jaascin. This would lend credence to our story. In addition, I am a very informal person.”

The wife, whose name Jaascin found was Mealan, looked as if she were about to protest, but then remained silent.

Jaascin continued, “I believe there is a city, such as we seek, four or five days ride from here. I think at the next large village, we should seek a sturdier wagon to replace yours. We wish to make a good impression when we arrive at our destination.”

“A larger wagon would require a driver, as it would require more than one horse to pull it,” the soldier observed.

“I think we should make it a four horse hitch,” Jaascin said. “I think that can be handled without any problem. We will just have to produce a young man to drive the wagon. Perhaps Mealan would prefer to ride on the wagon rather than her horse.”

“Oh, no,” Mealan said, “I greatly prefer to ride a horse. I was taught to ride as a young girl and have always enjoyed it.” Jaascin noted she did ride like a man and had clothes that allowed her to do that.

They discussed all this as they rode three abreast. Although they left at the same time as a group, they lagged a little behind. Although the wife might have worried about this at other times, she now felt perfectly safe. She was sure Jaascin was a powerful wizard as well as what else he might be. She had never met a man like him before. She was even getting used to talking to him as if he were the same as they.

Jaascin again got them good rooms at the Inn that night. When they came down to get their meal there were some nobles in the room. Jaascin attracted attention because this night he wore both one of his enchanted swords and his Elven short sword. He also wore one of his outfits of Elven cloth. The commander and his wife also got a looking over as they seemed to be very good friends of Jaascin. Jaascin had arranged to have them outfitted in finer clothes. In answer to the unasked question of a noble sitting close by Jaascin said,

“The commander has just retired as commander of troops because an old wound made it practically impossible for him to go on forced marches. We are seeking a place for him to start a school for swordsmen. He is my mother’s cousin and she has charged me with being, of every assistance to them, that I can. Although I am a Duke, I am primarily a scholar and am on my way to a University to meet a fellow scholar.” Jaascin thought he would also establish a reason for him to be traveling in this direction besides being of assistance to his mother’s cousin.

The commander being a cousin to Jaascin’s mother was an entirely plausible story as many a younger son of a minor lord sought a career in the army of a Duke or Prince or King. As Jaascin had introduced him as a commander, this would be entirely possible. Jaascin would have to remember not to say he was an orphan who didn’t remember his mother. Jaascin had decided, for this purpose, to admit he was a Duke. This would give reason for his apparent wealth.

“You wear a short sword, which I believe is an Elven short sword,” the noble commented.

“I am part Elf and also an Elven Lord,” admitted Jaascin with a smile. This brought a look of surprise on the face of the noble. “Although I do not look particularly Elven, I do have the eyes of an Elf. The short sword was a gift from an Elven Prince for whom I did a service.” Jaascin thought he would have to concoct a more interesting story as how he came to have an Elven short sword.

“And what does your Duchess do while you wander?” the noble’s lady asked with a smile.

Jaascin laughed. “There is no Duchess. I have not found a woman of any intelligence who would put up with my wandering.”

“And none has enticed you to give up your wandering?” she asked. She thought Jaascin must have been attractive to many a daughter of a noble.

“Alas, my wanderlust has been too strong,” answered Jaascin with a rueful smile. “They have given me up for a lost cause.”

“I assume they would welcome you back if you returned,” the noble put forth. He was sure that many a young maid would willingly welcome back such a man as Jaascin seemed to be.

“I did not mislead, so I did not flee for my life,” replied Jaascin with a laugh. “As to whether they would welcome my return, I do not know.”

Jaascin again garnered the comment that he spoke the local dialect as if he were born there. His answer, as always, was that as a wandering scholar, he had gained an ear for languages. He gave no indication he was a wizard at this time. He even produced a coin for the young maid who waited on them, in a normal manner.

Jaascin did tell the same story as they traveled and that is the story the commander and his wife also told. Jaascin continued to pay for their lodging and food as they traveled. He had convinced the couple this would look best. Although the commander was hesitant, his wife was very willing to be able to save their meager resources while they could. The commander eventually, although grudgingly, accepted his wife’s thoughts on this. Jaascin made it easy for him by treating all this as perfectly normal. Jaascin knew where the Prince’s country lay, so he did not worry that they were getting far ahead of him or that he was not heading directly for it. Actually that would be for the best.

They finally came to the city for which Jaascin was looking. He did quickly determine, this city was still run by a council. There was no noble who had jurisdiction over it. It was part of a King’s realm, but was recognized as a city unto itself. It was a major center of commerce for this part of the Kingdom. There were lands belonging to minor Lords surrounding it. Jaascin deemed it an ideal location to start a school for swordsmen. The minor lords would be happy to draw upon the graduates of this school. In fact, he was sure they would be happy to send promising young men to be trained.

They came into the city and found a very fine Inn. It was in the center of the city close to the council chambers. Jaascin, decided he would put on the face of a rich young noble, who was also a wizard of unknown power. This would make it easier to win approval of the council for a school for swordsmen. Even some of the rich merchants would send their sons to be trained in the use of a blade. It was always deemed good for a young man to have such knowledge and ability.

Jaascin came up to the Innkeeper and flipping his hand over revealed sorcerer’s fire. This disappeared leaving some coins of Elven gold in the palm of his hand.

“I would like two of your best rooms for myself and the commander and his lady.” Jaascin had outfitted the commander in a fine uniform with the insignia of one of his Dukedoms. His wife was also very well attired. The commander did have a very fine sword that had been given him for service he had rendered to a King in battle. The Innkeeper looked them over with great interest. He knew the swords Jaascin had were some of the finest he had ever seen. It was unusual to see a wizard who also looked like a very good swordsman. Especially one who was clothed in what he recognized as fine Elven clothe. Then he noted Jaascin also had the eyes of an Elf, although otherwise he did not look particularly Elven. It would be best, he observed to treat this man with the greatest of courtesy. He would also see they were well served, as he knew the value of the Elven coin Jaascin had produced to pay for the rooms.

After they were situated in their rooms, the three of them went out to explore the city. They would need to find a building that would be suitable for a school for swordsmen. It would need a stable nearby where the students could leave their horses. Jaascin would prefer it would be on the edge of the center of town. He was not in a great hurry.

He convinced the commander that they should take their time. The commander was anxious to begin and start making some income for he and his wife. However, he did recognize the wisdom of Jaascin’s plan. Besides, Jaascin did not seem in a hurry and treated the fact he was paying for everything as a small thing, not at all important. Jaascin was truly acting like a relative, whom his mother had charged with giving them, every possible assistance in getting settled in a new situation.

Jaascin made some discreet inquiries as to who commanded the most power in the city. In this case, he found there was not one, but a group of four merchants. They were each highly successful in their own fields. There was a city guard commanded by an old soldier. The commander found he had served with the guard commander in several battles in the past, luckily on the same side. Jaascin encouraged the commander to become friends with the guard commander. This could help pave their way. Jaascin arranged to meet this man. Jaascin made sure the commander of the guards knew Jaascin and the commander were very good friends as well as related. This proved to help win the guard commander over to the idea of a school for swordsmen in the city. In fact, it was through the commander that Jaascin found the building he wanted. That guard commander also pointed out the young sons of three of the merchants that really wielded the power in the city.

There seemed to be a favorite tavern in the center of the city these three men often frequented. They were friends and seemed to meet on a certain day together. Jaascin showed up at that tavern at that particular day. He came in and chose a table next to the one occupied by the three young men. As the barmaid came up to him, Jaascin flipped his hand over revealing a flame. The flame then seemed to climb a silver dagger that appeared standing on its point on Jaascin’s hand. The dagger slowly sank into Jaascin’s hand revealing a small gold coin. The barmaid looked on fascinated, not saying a word. Jaascin smiled at her,

“This is yours, young miss, for bringing me and the gentlemen sitting at the next table, glasses of your very best ale.”

The three men were also looking on in fascination, for Jaascin had done nothing except turn over his hand and had said not a word to produce this enchantment. One of the young men turned to Jaascin and said,

“I have never seen a wizard perform that as you did,” he looked questioningly at Jaascin and added, “You do not look like a wizard, sir.”

Jaascin gave them a broad smile as he replied, “Perhaps it was the young lady that did that, after I held out my hand.”

The three laughed at that and the light humorous way Jaascin had said it.

“If you are alone, sir,” the third young man said, “Perhaps you would like to join us. It seems it would be very interesting to get to know you. I note you also wear one of the finest swords I have seen as well as what I think is an Elven short sword.” He said the last in a questioning tone.

“I would be most honored to join you,” Jaascin answered, he continued, “Yes, that is an Elven short sword and I am part Elf. I am Jaascin Wanilain, actually a wandering scholar.”

“And what brought you to our city?” the first young man asked.

“I am here with the cousin of my mother and his wife. He is a retired commander of troops and is a fine master swordsman. I hope to help him establish a school for swordsmen in the city,” Jaascin told them.

“You have the looks of an excellent swordsman, yourself, so I would assume you would know a master swordsman,” the second of the young men said with a smile.

“I will admit to some talent with a blade,” Jaascin replied with a smile, “and I would personally vouch for the ability of the commander in this respect.”

The first young man immediately spoke up, “My father, just the other day, was commenting on the fact that there is no place for a young man to really learn the use of the blade. I, myself, have some knowledge of the use of a blade, but would welcome some instruction from a real master swordsman. Our commander of the guard is a fine soldier, but cannot be said to be a fine swordsman.”

“Perhaps there is a real need for a school for swordsmen in the city,” queried Jaascin.

“I would also say yes,” agreed the third young man. “Perhaps we can have a word with our fathers and see if we could pave the way somewhat.”

“I would greatly appreciate that,” said Jaascin, “Perhaps you could also mention to your fathers that I would be happy to meet with them to discuss our ideas on this.”

“We will do that,” the second young man immediately agreed.

Jaascin stayed with the young men for a while longer and discussed various subjects with them. He also spun a few tales of his travels.

Several days later, a message came to Jaascin that the three merchants would like to meet with Jaascin and the commander. It asked if the following morning would be satisfactory. The messenger waited for Jaascin’s reply, which Jaascin sent immediately. Therefore on the following morning, Jaascin and the commander came to the offices of one of the merchants. They were ushered into a conference room in which three rather distinguished, somewhat elderly gentlemen were seated.

“We welcome you, Sir Jaascin Wanilain and the commander to our city,” one of the gentlemen very graciously said.

“I am most honored that you made the time to meet with us,” Jaascin replied in a matching gracious tone and a small bow of the head.

Another of the men smiled. “Our sons were quite taken with the fact that you seem to be also a wizard of unusual powers. They told us you called up an enchantment without seeming to do or say anything except to turn over your hand.”

“It is a very simple trick,” Jaascin said with a smile, with which he then proceeded to hold out his hand turn it over and open it up. In it burned a golden flame. The flame rose revealing as it rose, a miniature wizard’s wand. The flame disappeared. The three men were looking on fascinated. Jaascin then took the wand and in succession pointing it at the table in front of the three men revealed a silver dagger standing on end in front of each man.

“They are real and of the finest dwarven silver alloy,” Jaascin said. “Accept them as a small gift from the two of us.”

“Sir,” said the third man, “I know the value of a dagger as fine as these. It is not by any means a small gift.”

Jaascin just bowed his head to the man and said nothing.

“So you wish to establish a school for swordsmen in our city.” Then turning to the commander, the first merchant said, “and you are a master swordsman who have taught men before.”

“Yes, Sir,” the commander answered. “I have taught many a young man to use the blade to the fullest extent of his ability.”

The merchant turned to Jaascin.

Jaascin said, “I would pledge my honor that he is a very fine swordsman and teacher. I would not be appearing here before you if I was not sure of that.” The three merchants nodded their head in understanding.

Then one of them said, “I was commenting to my son the other day, that there was no place in the area for a young man to learn the use of the blade. I think a school would be a very good thing, taught by a real master swordsman. I assume you have looked the city over for a suitable place for the school, Sir Wanilain.”

“Yes,” Jaascin answered, “We have found a very good place and I have taken an option to buy it. If we could be assured the council, would agree to the establishment, of such a school by the commander, we would proceed to buy it. It is on the edge of the center of the city and has a very good stable close by. The commander and I would be happy to present our idea to the council.”

The second merchant smiled. “I do not think that would be necessary, Sir Wanilain. We would take it upon ourselves to see that the council issues the proper certificate. We will assure you that you may proceed with the establishment of the school and that three young men will be in your first class, commander. They, I am sure will persuade some of their friends of the good sense of enrolling.”

Jaascin smiled. “The commander and I are greatly indebted to you. We will proceed to set up and make announcements of the beginning of a school for swordsmen.” The three merchants did ask several other questions of Jaascin, which he answered to their great satisfaction. Then he and the commander took their leave.

“Will we be able to proceed to set up the school, Jaascin?” the commander asked, wondering if it would really be that easy.

“Yes,” answered Jaascin, “They will do exactly as they said they would. They see the school as a very good addition to this city. Once the school becomes known, it will bring young nobles and their families into the city. That will be good business for the merchants. Besides, I am to them a wizard of unknown power who is a friend and relative of you. They wish to have my friendship. I will let be known that I will be keeping in close contact with you even after I leave. I am sure this will be a highly successful venture. The three young sons will be a good advertisement for you and the school. They can be taught to be good bladesmen.”

They did proceed to set up the school and within several weeks they had enough young men so the commander had to turn away a few until a future time. Within that time, Jaascin did find two young soldiers, young sons of minor lords, who did have some training and very good talent. After a couple weeks of training, the commander was able to set the two of them to giving some basic instruction to some of the students who had little or no experience in handling a sword. This freed the commander to concentrate on teaching the finer points to those who had some experience. This then allowed them to take on more students.

It was going better than Jaascin had hoped and the commander did prove to be not only a very fine swordsman, but an excellent teacher. This became obvious to the students and became widely known as a result. Within a little more than a month, Jaascin felt that he could now continue on his journey. He had the commander and his wife comfortably settled in a very nice small house. The school was obviously a great success. The four merchants made it widely known that they were very happy with the school and the commander. This did much to raise the commander and his wife in the eyes of the people of the city.

One morning Jaascin bid them both a goodbye and set out for the land of the Prince and the third Dragon’s gem. He let it be known that he would check on the commander and his wife and the school for swordsmen regularly. Jaascin had subtly indicated his wizard power so that no one doubted that he could easily do this.

Jaascin decided he would not head straight for the Prince’s country and the royal city. There was another Principality near that to which he eventually planned to go. That is the direction toward which he now headed. He had found there was a desert in which there were nomad tribesman, and then a Duchey about which he could not seem to get much information.

The Duchey apparently was not a part of any Prince or King’s realm, but was a entity of itself. That he could not get much information about it did not worry him, but did make him curious. He did not think it indicated any danger to him. He got no indication, it was controlled by some evil being. Besides his own ability to sense danger, he knew the dragons would also be looking for danger to him in the direction he was traveling

Jaascin concentrated on the problem of crossing the desert area. He had heard there was a ruling Caliph, but each leader of a tribe pretty much controlled his own area with little interference from the Caliph. It was not that the Caliph was weak but that he did not interfere. That would mean Jaascin would have to deal with each tribe as he crossed their territory. He did not know how many individual territories he would have to cross, nor did he know if there were differences between the power of tribal leaders. It would make for an interesting several weeks. He judged it would take him that long to get to the border of the Duchey.

For the first five days into the desert, he saw no one and no indication of habitation. There were water holes a day’s travel apart so far and the nights were cool. He could deal with the inhabitants of the desert that were not human. He was sure there were some cities in this desert. For the last day and a half, he began to see indications of mountains in the distance.