ere arguing,” he said.

Syalai laughed. “You are impossible.”

They set out for home, but decided to go by a circuitous route. They stopped at an Inn, at the junction of two roads. It looked like a prosperous Inn and was soon filled with travelers. Everyone in the Inn was abuzz with the news. What was thought was a dragon, was seen flying over the mountains that bordered the desert. No reports had been received of any depredations by that dragon. It did not seem to threaten anyone who saw it. Dragons had not been reported for centuries. Stories were told of an unexplored land far to south where rugged high mountains prevented anyone from exploring that area. Some old tales said that the dragons vanished into this area never to be seen again.

Syalai and Jaascin came into the dining room of the Inn to have their dinner. Jaascin managed to quietly ask a number of questions of some of the travelers. Syalai questioned other members of the guards that regularly traveled that area. The creature seemed to have appeared just a short time ago. Jaascin was deep in thought after he questioned several people who said they saw this creature.

“Do you have your fairy gem?” Jaascin very quietly asked Syalai.

Syalai looked questioningly at him. “Yes, I do,” she answered.

“Tonight in our room, I would like you to try to contact Aphrael. She may know something of this creature. If it truly is a dragon, or some illusion created by a mage.”

Syalai asked, “Can a Mage create an illusion of a dragon?”

“If it is brief and it is far away so it can just look like something that can be mistaken for a dragon,” Jaascin admitted. “I do not think, there is a wizard in your land, powerful enough to create a good illusion of a dragon.”

“So there is a possibility that what they saw might be a dragon?” she asked.

“That is a remote possibility, but why it should appear now and in this place is a puzzle. That is why I would like to confer with Aphrael if I could. I have not been able to detect any great danger abroad, nor get any indication of evil around,” Jaascin said thoughtfully.

“Could it be powerful enough to be able to hide its true intentions?” Syalai asked looking intently at Jaascin.

“That is possible, but I do not think it is probable. Especially since I have obtained the second gem,” Jaascin stated rather positively. He knew that it was a possibility, but he had a deep feeling that was not the case. He was sure, in the two gems, he had available power not matched by any magician or wizard.

It is possible someone was trying to wreak some mischief by trying to create panic through the appearance of the illusion of a dragon. Jaascin had heard ancient tales of dragons who had powers of a wizard, but who used those powers for good. He even had heard tales of dragons who could shift to a human, Elven or Dwarven form. These were ancient tales. No one ever professed to have witnessed these things. He was even more puzzled why this should happen now and here.

Then Jaascin remembered, the chest, which held the blue stone, had a carving of a dragon upon it. He had thought nothing of this. Wooden chests like that often had fanciful carvings upon them. He tried to remember, what the red stone he had, had been kept in by the sorcerer from whom he took it. He could not remember. It had been many years ago. He kind of smiled as a thought crossed his mind. He hoped Suieyana, the sorceress friend of Triantez, was not a shift-changing dragon. He knew she was not entirely human, but he doubted very much that she was a dragon. He was sure she was merely part spirit.

That evening, after Jaascin and Syalai had eaten and retired to their room, Syalai brought out her fairy gem and tried to contact Aphrael. Within a relatively short time, a gem appeared on the table and a mist rose from it. Out of it appeared not only Aphrael, but two other fairies.

“What has Jaascin been up to now?” asked Aphrael as she looked accusingly at Jaascin and then smiled at Syalai.

“His usual,” said Syalai with a laugh, “but he has a serious question he wishes to ask you.”

“Does it have something to do with the appearance of a dragon in this vicinity?” asked one of the other fairies.

“Yes,” said Jaascin. “My question was is it really a dragon, reappearing after all these centuries, or is it an illusion created by some mage?”

Aphrael smiled. “You know very well, Jaascin, that no mage, barring possibly yourself, can create an illusion of a dragon that could not be easily detected as an illusion. This is not an illusion. We know it is a dragon. Some happening has apparently caused it to appear. It does not seem to have any evil intent. At least we have not been able to detect that danger. That is why I asked what have you been up to.”

“I do not think anything I have done resulted in the dragon appearing. I have not created any enchantments that could possibly inadvertently do that.” Then Jaascin thought for a moment, “unless my acquiring a blue gem to match the red gem I have could somehow cause that to happen.”

Aphrael looked questioningly at Jaascin. “What blue gem?” she asked.

Jaascin pulled both gems out from under his tunic and showed them to the three fairies. They gasped. One of them said,

“Those are two of the three dragon’s jewels. They hold great power. Legend says, the three jewels, were discovered by three great dragons. Each empowered the jewel they had with great powers. They were then lost and the dragons disappeared. That was not claimed to be the cause of the disappearance of the dragons, just that they happened about the same time. Those that apparently found them did not know or did not have the power to use the great power or those gems. At least there has been no claim to have found these gems.”

Then Aphrael asked. “How did you acquire those gems, and do you know they hold great power, Jaascin.”

Jaascin was thoughtful. “To answer your last question first, yes I am aware the gems have great power. I am just learning how great that power may be. To answer your second question, beautiful lady, I acquired the first in the usual way one, like myself, acquires such a gem. The second I was just given by an old mage. He said he received it many years ago from a dying elf. The Elf had apparently stolen it from a powerful wizard. The old man said I was the only one who was able to detect the power emanating from the jewel. He seemed relieved to be rid of it. I knew it matched the gem I had.”

“Then you just received the second gem?” Aphrael asked, then she continued, “Was is shortly before the dragon appeared?”

“I had thought about that,” said Jaascin. “The timing would be about right. Are you suggesting that this would have triggered the appearance of the dragon, or possibly the old man was a shift-changing dragon. But why would he want to give away one of the dragon jewels?” Then Jaascin shook his head. “The old mage was well known in the area. He has been around for many, many years.”

Aphrael laughed. “No the old man was not a shift-changing dragon, but the coming together of the two gems could have triggered the return of this dragon.”

“Are you implying I should get rid of one or both gems?” Jaascin asked.

“Definitely not. We think you are the best possible person to have them in his keeping. You will use them only for good as they were intended, according to legend,” Aphrael stated rather emphatically, echoed by the other two fairies. “We do not think the appearance of the dragon was a sign you should not have received the second gem. It may actually be an indication that you were the right person to receive it to compliment the one you already had. You may have to wait to see what is meant by the sudden appearance of this dragon. It has done no harm so far, has it?”

“No. There is no indication it means anyone any harm. It just appeared and a number of people apparently saw it. It has just caused a lot of excitement and talk,” Jaascin said. “I am completely baffled why it would appear at this time and in this place. I always thought dragons preferred warmer climes so their internal fires would not be dampened.” He said this last with a smile.

Aphrael turned to Jaascin. “You do not seem to think that this dragon, if it really is a dragon, means any harm or evil to anyone.”

“I cannot detect any real danger or any evil abroad, except for that which is normally around when people gather in close proximity to each other,” Jaascin said with a smile. “I would think I would have had indication of such a situation if the dragon had this as his intention.”

“Why do you characterize this dragon as a he?” asked Syalai. “Are there not female dragons?”

Jaascin laughed. “Yes, and they could probably cause more mischief if mischief were their intent.”

Syalai looked disgustedly at Jaascin and Aphrael began to laugh.

“Shame on you Jaascin. That was not a gentlemanly comment,” she chided him. Jaascin bowed to Syalai in apology. Syalai just shook her head.

Then Jaascin became serious. “Then you are sure this is a real dragon. If that is the case, it is imperative that we try to find out why it appeared. Hopefully we will then be able learn what was the intent of the dragon in appearing at this time and this place. At least we may discover what event caused it to appear.”

Aphrael looked at Jaascin. “We will try to find out what we can. I do think we have found out all we can. I think you are much more capable of learning more if anyone can do so.” The three fairies then disappeared.

During the next week, Jaascin was very busy trying to determine the powers of the two stones and how the powers of each complimented the other. He also devoted a lot of time seeking information on the dragon and why it had appeared at this time. He was able to determine little that threw any light on this phenomenon.

He decided to go and spend some time with his friend. Discussing this with him might help him to clear his own thinking. In addition, he decided to talk to Suieyana. As he thought she was part spirit, she might have some ideas, or perhaps could find out some information that would be helpful.

When he went to visit his friend, Suieyana was not there. However she did appear after lunch. Jaascin told the sorceress about the appearance of the dragon and asked her if she might have some ideas as to why it had appeared and what its appearance might mean. He did not tell her of his suspicions regarding the two stones. Neither she nor Triantez had detected the power of the stones. Suieyana listened intently.

“Let me contact some spirits who might have some information. I have felt a surge of power of some kind and could not determined from where it came. Perhaps the appearance of the dragon had something to do with that. I will let you know as soon as I find out anything that might be of interest,” she told Jaascin. By this time she had come to the conclusion that Jaascin was truly a wizard with far greater power than she had ever seen. A power much greater, than that wielded by Triantez. Jaascin had also decided that Suieyana had greater power than he originally thought. It was a different type of power than that wielded by Triantez. That is why he had not sensed this when he first met Suieyana. Jaascin was not sure Triantez was aware that Suieyana had this type of power.

She disappeared and did not reappear before Jaascin left for his home that evening. Jaascin told Triantez that he would return the next day. As Jaascin had promised, he was back early the next day. They spent the first part of the morning using their powers to search for new information. Later that morning, Suieyana appeared.

“I have found out some things that might be of assistance to you,” she said. “Apparently the dragon has appeared in an effort to contact someone who is in this city. I have not been able to find out why or who that person is supposed to be. Apparently the dragon will know. I have a feeling, that the only way you can determine any more, is to try to contact the dragon yourself. To do this you must find an isolated place where the dragon would be willing to appear to you. You would know more than I as how you could contact this dragon. I have been told that this is important, but why was not revealed to me. I do not think my informant knew.”

“Thank you, Suieyana. I think you have given me the information I needed. I will try to figure out how and where I can contact the dragon,” Jaascin told her with a pleasant smile.

The next evening, Jaascin was dining with Syalai. After the dinner was over and they were sitting talking, Jaascin told her, what he had learned from Suieyana.

“How isolated is the mountain retreat you said your father has in the mountains above your home?” Jaascin asked her. Syalai thought for a moment.

“It is actually very isolated. The mountains beyond it are very, very rugged. No one lives in that area. The cabin is set on a small plateau high above the valley where we live. It is possible to live there several weeks at a time.” She looked questioningly at Jaascin. “Are you thinking that it might be a place to which the dragon would be willing to come?” she asked.

“It might serve, especially if it is far enough away from any other people,” Jaascin told her. “Do you think your father and mother would be willing for me to use it to try to contact the dragon.”

“If I am allowed to accompany you,” Syalai replied with a sly smile.

“I am not sure I want to risk you in this situation. I do not know if the dragon is friendly or not. It is one thing to risk my own life. It is quite another to risk someone I am growing rather fond of,” Jaascin told her. Syalai smiled at this admission.

“But I am quite willing to take that risk as long as it is with you,” Syalai told him, cocking her head at him.

“I am not sure how effective my powers would be against the fire of a dragon or the power of its claws and jaws,” said Jaascin. “I may not be able to protect you.”

Syalai smiled. “Then I would die with you, because I know you would die trying to protect me.”

“How do you know I would not sacrifice you to protect myself?” Jaascin asked. Syalai laughed in derision.

“You would never sacrifice me. You are incapable of such an act. Of that I am sure.”

“You really are assuming something of which you have no real proof. You do not know what my true character is. You have only seen me under the best of circumstances. It is easy for any one to be honorable in that case.”

Syalai just laughed. “You cannot convince me that you are other than I think you are.” Jaascin just shook his head and smiled.

Then Syalai said, “I will contact my parents tomorrow and arrange so that we can go immediately to my home. We will then make plans to go to the retreat high on the mountain. We should have everything ready within a week and then we can move into the cabin there. You can then try to contact the dragon.”

“That would be fine. I will begin laying my plans to contact the dragon once we reach the mountain retreat. We will need to plan on staying there several weeks. I do not know how effective my efforts to contact the dragon will be.” Then he added with a smile, “I have never tried to contact a dragon before. Ordinarily I would be doing everything to avoid any such contact.” Syalai laughed at this comment by Jaascin. However, she didn’t look like she believed he would try to avoid anything that might promise some adventure. She had begun to think that Jaascin had no fear of anyone or anything.

Within a week they were on their way to Syalai’s home in the mountains. When they arrived, Jaascin was amazed at the size of the valley and its beauty. He was not particularly surprised at the size of Syalai’s parent’s house. Her parents and the staff warmly welcomed him. They had heard of this wizard with whom their Syalai was spending so much time. They were surprised although not disappointed by his appearance. Syalai made no secret of the fact that she was spending her nights with this intriguing man. No one seemed to see anything wrong in this fact.

Through the months that Jaascin had been in this country, he had learned of the power that Syalai could wield as one of the three Chief Counselors of this country. His respect for her had increased as he had learned of this power. Here though, she was still just a young woman they loved to pamper. Jaascin managed to charm them all within a short time, much to Syalai’s delight. She would hope to extend their stay here as long as she could. There were no crises in the city and she had informed the Council that Jaascin was seeking an answer to why a dragon had made its appearance, and what it might mean. Therefor she was here with Jaascin with the Council’s blessing.

There was another lodge a short distance from the main house. It was here that Jaascin set up his laboratory. He spent a week studying and experimenting to determine what he must bring along to the mountain retreat. Syalai would come regularly to see him at work. Sometimes he would be so concentrated on the task, he would not even know she was there. Sometimes he would explain what he was doing and why. Syalai made sure he did not neglect to eat. She would come in the evening and stay quietly watching him until he noticed her. Then she would lead him back to the house. She knew that he was so concentrating on this task that he could easily forget time. He would have forgotten about food, if she hadn't made sure he ate. At last he was satisfied he knew what he must do.

At dinner one evening he said, “The day after tomorrow, weather permitting, we will start for the mountain. I have found out everything I can find out here. We must now go and test it out. Hopefully I can get a message to the dragon and convince it to come. Then we will hope, that all indications are right, that it is a friendly dragon and has no malice toward me. I also hope that I will be able to communicate with it.” Then he added with a small smile. “I have never had any reason to try to talk to a dragon before.” He turned toward Syalai, “Are you sure you want to risk the chance the dragon may not be friendly.”

Syalai looked back at him with a smile. “You are perfectly willing to risk your life, why cannot I. You are doing this for me and my people as much as for yourself.”

“It is something I must do. It is not necessarily so for you,” Jaascin told her.

“You are wrong. It is something I must do. I must be with you when you meet the dragon. It is my duty to my people,” Syalai replied.

Her father spoke up, “She must do what she feels is her duty. Obviously in this it is to be with you. We wish you both a successful journey. We will wait to hear of your success when you return to us.”

“If we return,” Jaascin said with a smile.

“I have every confidence that you shall return, and you will tell us of your success,” Phernaiya said. “I believe you are sure you will not fail.”

Jaascin was silent for a few moments.

“If you do not hear from us by three weeks from tomorrow, send a party to look for us. We will take supplies to last us for that long plus a few days.” Then he held out both hands with closed fists. He turned the palms up and opened them up. In one hand burned a red flame, in the other a blue flame. They rose and moved together. A circle of red flames appeared below and a circle of blue flames appeared above. Then they exchanged positions and then moved together. As they joined there was a brilliant flash of white light and a gold dagger rose from the flame. The flame died but the dagger remained suspended. The dagger slowly descended and stood on its point.

“As long as that dagger remains that way, you will know we are safe. I will return to reclaim it,” Jaascin told them. With that he rose, bowed to Syalai’s parents and walked out of the room. A short time later Syalai followed him. She found him outside on the lawn looking up toward the mountain. As she came up to him he turned and said,

“I may wish I never decided to go up that mountain to meet the dragon.”

“Could you not decline to do it?” asked Syalai.

“I cannot, when I acquired the second stone, I became part of the destiny of the three stones. I learned that much when I was trying to determine how I could contact the dragon,” Jaascin said very quietly. Then he smiled as he said, “Once before I said that at least I would die happy. However that time I did not have to die. I do not think that I will have to die this time either. And then I can enjoy your company for a while longer. But then I think I will have to be off on another search. Where it will take me I do not know.”

“How do you know all this?” asked Syalai.

“It was hinted at in my search for a way to contact the dragon. It was couched in a type of riddle. A riddle apparently I will have to solve,” Jaascin answered.

“Will it be dangerous?” Syalai sounded apprehensive.

“All life has been dangerous. It has been my portion. Why should this search be any different,” Jaascin said with a shrug and a smile.

Syalai shook her head. “You mean you accept that as your role in life? Is that written in stone?”

Jaascin put his arm around her. “Unless I wish to change my character, it is the role I will perform at least for the foreseeable future. I do not say I cannot eventually change that. I do think I must see this next challenge through to its conclusion. Then we will see.”

“Will you be back?” Syalai asked looking to see what Jaascin’s reaction would be to that question.

“If you wish it, I am sure I will be back. When that may be, I cannot predict,” was Jaascin’s answer. He then put his arm around her waist and walked back to the house.

The next day they were busy preparing for their trek up the mountain. They would be carrying supplies for three weeks plus what supplies Jaascin needed. The following day dawned sunny, bright and warm for this time of the spring season.

“A good omen,” commented Janieu as they saw the group off on their trek. A number of staff was going with them to help get things up and unloaded at the lodge. It would take them the better part of the day to get there and unload the supplies. The members of the staff would return to the valley the next day leaving Jaascin and Syalai. Jaascin said he did not want anyone else there. It would only complicate things. Syalai agreed.

Several members of the staff pleaded to stay with them, but Jaascin and Syalai convinced them that it was best that only the two of them would stay. Jaascin then made sure they did not change their minds and return. When he was sure they were well on their way down the mountain, Jaascin began to prepare to try to contact the dragon. He was prepared to continue his efforts for many days. He did not think he would be successful with his first efforts. In his efforts he would be experimenting with the combination of the two gems. He could test their combined power at the same time as he tried to make contact with the dragon.

As they were sitting eating a noonday meal on about the third day, Jaascin said,

“We really don’t know if there is only one dragon. Only one seemed to have been sighted at one time, but there were a number of sightings by different people at different times and in slightly different places. Perhaps we are assuming something that is not true.”

Syalai looked at Jaascin with some concern in her eyes.

“Is that going to pose greater problems. Will it be more dangerous for you.”

“My dear Syalai, if it is dangerous for me it is also dangerous for you. But to answer your question, I do not know if that will pose any problem or be any more dangerous. I think perhaps only one dragon will come if we are successful in our attempts to contact it. I assume there would be a leader, who would make contact with us if that is the dragon’s intentions.”

Syalai was thoughtful for a moment, then she said, “Are we sure that you are the one with whom the dragon is trying to make contact?”

“No,” answered Jaascin, “but I am assuming that the dragon might accept my offer to arrange for the dragon to make contact with the right person. This might be just the first step. I hope the dragon will view it in that light. We are trying to assist it to accomplish its purpose. We will have to wait and see.”

“Hopefully the dragon will view our efforts as a positive thing,” Syalai commented quietly.

“I am trying to make sure that is the case,” Jaascin assured her.

It was the beginning of the second week when they first got their glimpse of the dragon. It appeared at a distance, high in the air. It stayed for a while, not getting any closer but seeming to survey the situation. Then it disappeared. They watched and tried to contact the dragon the rest of the morning, breaking only for a quick lunch. Toward evening the dragon again appeared for a very short time, but seemed to draw no closer. Jaascin toiled late into the night until Syalai insisted that he needed to get some rest.

The next day there was no more sightings. On the following day, the dragon again appeared. This time it was closer and stayed longer. It even dipped closer to the ground as if searching the area for something.

“It is checking to make sure there is no one else around,” commented Jaascin.

“Is that a hopeful sign that your message has been received?” asked Syalai.

“I interpret that as a very hopeful sign. I would assume that is what it would do if it were thinking about landing here. It would want to be sure we were the only ones around. It is not here to do battle with anyone. It may just want to deliver some kind of message,” Jaascin answered sounding very hopeful. “We will continue our efforts.” Then Jaascin turned to Syalai and asked, “How many know that we are here to try to contact the dragon, and could someone get into the mountains beyond?”

“Only the other two chief counselors, my parents and a few chosen staff, know that is what we are trying to do. To answer your second question, as far as we can determine no one has been successful in penetrating the extremely rugged mountains beyond this plateau. The only way up to this lodge, is by the way we came. Father has sealed that trail off with his most trusted men.” Then Syalai turned to look at Jaascin. “Have you detected anyone else in this area.”

Jaascin smiled. “No I have not at this time, except for the dragons.”

Syalai looked startled. “You said dragons, not dragon. Is there more than one?’

“The one we see is unshielded. Late last evening, I detected a faint indication there may be another. However it seems to be protected from discovery by a very powerful shield. That dragon may also be a mage. If that is the case, this message must be assumed to be important. It may also be that I really am the one to whom the message was to be delivered. We shall see in the next few days. I think the stage is being set.”

Two days later the dragon again appeared. Again it was much closer and flying lower surveying the ground. It even flew over the area where Jaascin and Syalai were.

Suddenly Syalai said, “Look Jaascin, to the east. Isn’t that another dragon, but it appears to be a different color.”

“It is a golden dragon. It is the shielded one. I think we have truly made contact. Tonight I may get a message as to whether the dragon will land and if so when,” Jaascin said. There was a note of deep excitement in his voice. It was something Syalai had never heard before. Jaascin was truly looking forward to meeting the dragon. He must be sure that the dragon is friendly, Syalai thought.

That night Jaascin did receive a message. It was from the golden dragon. It told Jaascin it would land on the morning of the second day. It said it had a message for them. Syalai looked at Jaascin when he told her.

“You said a message for us, you did not just say a message for you?” she said questioningly.

“That is what the message said. I assume there will be a message for you and one for me. What they may be I do not know. We will just have to wait and see,” Jaascin told her.

Syalai smiled. “Perhaps they want me to be sure and take good care of you,” she said.

Jaascin laughed. “Only you could think of that at a time like this. I rather think it will be more to assure you that they mean no harm to your people, and that is the message they want you to take to the council.”

“How would they know of our council, and how would they know that I would be believed?” Syalai asked Jaascin.

“Because in my messages, I told them who you were and why you were here. I thought it best to be completely truthful in order to gain their trust.”

“And what did you tell them about yourself?” she asked.

“I told them the truth, and that I had the two gems in my possession. I think they knew some things about me already. We are dealing with very intelligent beings. I think we will see that when we talk with the golden dragon.”

Jaascin, however, did not waste the next day. He worked all day and into the late evening trying to learn more about the power of the two gems he now possessed. He also searched for any new information he could use when he met the golden dragon. He wanted to be as prepared as he possibly could.

The morning of the appointed day dawned clear and bright. Jaascin was thankful for that. He could save his powers rather than use them to penetrate the clouds to see the dragons when they came. Jaascin and Syalai were amazed to see that there were actually four dragons. Two of them were golden in color. They circled while the two red dragons swept through the area, then they retreated to the distant skies. The larger of the golden dragons came gliding down and landed a short distance away from Jaascin and Syalai. The other landed at the far end of the plateau.

“Greetings Oh Mage,” Jaascin said. “We are glad you accepted our invitation to talk. We were surprised at your appearance. You have not been seen for many centuries.”

“While the dragon jewels were scattered and no one knew their power, we were content to keep to ourselves. Now that two are discovered and you are aware of their power, it was imperative that we appear and contact you. We do not dispute your right to possess those jewels. We are confident you will use their power wisely. Our fear is that the third may fall into the wrong hands,” the golden dragon said.

Jaascin was silent for a moment. “Do you have any idea where the third one may be?” he asked.

“We do not know and it is dangerous for us to show ourselves to hunt for it. That is a boon we would ask from you. We can give you certain help and possibly some protection. We would ask that you search for it. You are known as a wanderer so can travel far and wide without arousing any suspicion you are searching for anything except more knowledge. We will search for what information we can find. Apparently wherever the third jewel is, no one has discovered its power. It is apparently shielding itself well. We will also provide you with gold and jewels so that you may live well as you travel.”

Jaascin looked intently at the golden dragon. “And if and when I find the third jewel?” Jaascin asked with a smile on his face.

The dragon smiled. “It will be yours as long as you use the power of the three jewels for good. They could destroy you if you do otherwise. All we ask is that you use their power wisely.”

Jaascin was silent for a while then he asked, “Did they disappear because they were not being used wisely and for good?”

The dragon laughed. “You are very perceptive. It is said that was the case. That was a little before my time.”

“You are long lived like the elves, I have read in some ancient writings,” said Jaascin.

“That is true, but we cannot live forever. I have lived a long time. However, I hope your search is successful before I leave this world,” the golden dragon said. Then turning to Syalai, it said, “Beautiful Lady, we would appreciate it if you would inform your people that we mean no harm to them. We have come on a peaceful errand and now we shall depart. You will see us no more unless Jaascin returns and he requires our assistance.” Then turning to Jaascin the dragon said, “I do not think he will require any assistance from us very often.”

They continued to discuss this situation for quite some time. Finally the golden dragon arose and spread its wings and rose into the sky followed by the second golden dragon. Where the golden dragon had been were a number of bags. When Jaascin opened them up he found they contained fine gold and beautiful jewels. From one Jaascin pulled a beautiful jewel on a fine gold chain.

“Obviously this was meant as a present to you,” Jaascin said as he went over and put it around Syalai’s neck. “I think it has a wonderful enchantment that will be very valuable to you. Perhaps it was meant to keep you safe while I am gone.”

Syalai laughed rather delightedly. “It is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. What will I tell everyone?” she asked.

“Tell then that a great wizard gave it to you. You don’t have to tell them the great wizard was a golden dragon,” Jaascin told her.

Syalai looked at Jaascin. “Was the golden dragon really a wizard?” she asked Jaascin.

“A very great wizard. The other golden dragon was its apprentice. I do not think we should say we met a golden dragon, only that we made contact with the dragon and were given messages. We will say I was given a message in riddle form to deliver to someone else. That I do not know, who that person is, only that I will know when I finally meet that person. We will also say that I need be in no real hurry, that the message apparently deals with the distant future,” Jaascin told Syalai.

“Then you may stay for a while longer before you depart?” asked Syalai hopefully, “I would like you to stay at my home for a few weeks if that is possible. I can send the message I received with a trusted messenger to the other chief counselors. They can deliver it to the council and see that it is spread throughout the land.”

“If your parents are willing to put up with me,” said Jaascin, “I would be happy to spend some time here with you. But now I had better send a message down that we are successful and are ready to return,” Jaascin told her.

Syalai looked questioningly at Jaascin. What did he mean send a message. Who was there to receive a message from Jaascin. Jaascin smiled.

“I have arranged with your father. He will know and send a party to help us pack and return to your home.”

The next morning they began to pack things in preparation for the men and pack animals to help them move things back down to the valley. The bags of jewels and gold they packed with Jaascin’s things. That evening, the men arrived. They packed things ready to be put on the animals in the morning. The next morning they departed for the valley and Syalai’s home.

“The dagger did not waiver,” was Phernaiya’s greeting to Jaascin as she gave them both a hug.

“Your message came through loud and clear,” said Janieu. “I could not mistake its meaning. We celebrated that night. We plan another celebration this night. We are glad you both are safely home. We assume you were successful.”

Jaascin replied, “We met the dragon and we accomplished our purpose. The dragon will depart and will not be seen again. It will be only a subject of many tales told round a winter fireplace or a summer campfire.”

Later when Jaascin was sure no one else was around he told Syalai’s parents the story of what happened on the mountain. He then swore them to secrecy. He then told them what they would say when asked. He knew they would honor his request.

A month and a half later, Jaascin said goodbye to the many friends he had made and then to Syalai. There was a tear in her eye when she bade him goodbye. Jaascin promised he would be back and would seek her out.

The End