ed be a very fair and considerate man and a man of great knowledge. This would, in my opinion bode well for the Duchey. That he is a great wizard causes me no concern, rather I see it as a very positive thing,” Lord Thellem.

Jaascin smiled. “Spoken like a true diplomat, Lord Thellem. You and I are going to get along very well, Sir,” Jaascin said, then he turned to Lord Thellem’s wife and with a smile said,

“You have obviously trained him very well, my lady.” This brought a blush from Lady Thellem and a smile from her husband. He knew Jaascin was gently tweaking him. Jaascin then had the food and drink brought in.

The dinner proved to be very pleasant for everyone. Jaascin was at his charming best, and spun some tales of his travels. However he showed no signs of his wizard power. There were some that were obviously disappointed at this. The Festival proved to be very fine and was greatly enjoyed by everyone. Then Jaascin had the Duchess Arranza escorted to her next stop and he continued on his way toward the land of the Great Raj.

Chapter Nine

As soon as Jaascin left that Kingdom, he reverted back to his normal wandering character. He was again Jaascin Wanilain of the Auriscenia Duchey. He still had the papers proclaiming that. As such, he could claim to be from where ever he wished. He could have Elven gold or gold from the north country. The gold the dragons would furnish him would be from the country in which he was then traveling. At the moment he was wearing his two swords and had put his Elven short sword in his baggage. He was wearing the clothes he had made in the north country, because that had a more common look. The first town he came to had the looks of a border town. There was a good Inn that was frequented by travelers such as he.

He was able to stop early in the afternoon and get one of their best rooms. There already was a mixture of people in the Inn. Jaascin got his baggage into his rooms and then went to wander the town. It had the usual mixture of rogues traditional for a border town. His swords were eyed by several men who looked like good swordsmen, but they let him pass. He looked like he would be able to handle those two swords too well. They were looking for easier prey. He talked to several of these men and got a feeling for the town and the area through which he would be traveling. Apparently it was a relatively lawless area with many brigand bands. Jaascin knew this type of area very well. He had traveled them before, although not of late. He would wait until a large group of travelers with many guards would be gathered then he would attach himself to that group and travel with them until he got into another less wild area. It was not that he feared for his safety, he knew he had the power to shield himself. He didn’t really want to use any great amount of wizard energy. He was now getting close to the land of the Great Raj.

Apparently this area was divided up among a number of local chieftains. Among them it was rumored the most powerful was a young woman. She had gained a somewhat legendary reputation with her swords. Some swore she was also a sorceress, but that was disputed by many others. She was known to extract a fee from caravans going through the territory she claimed. Jaascin idly wondered what this chieftain was like. There were a lot of conflicting reports.

One night as he came in to the Inn to have dinner, he spotted two of the guards seated at a table at the back. He went and took a table next to them. They noted his two swords and nodded to him in greeting. When the barmaid came to his table he produced a small gold coin and said,

“Bring me an ale and one also to the two gentlemen sitting at the next table.” When the glasses of ale arrived the two guardsman raised their glasses to Jaascin in thanks.

Jaascin raised his glass and said, “To a quiet and safe journey.”

“We’ll drink to that,” the one guardsman replied.

“Through whose territories will we be traveling?” Jaascin inquired of them, figuring they would already know although they would not be leaving for another two days.

“We are supposed to be skirting the territory of the hellcat, because that is the shortest distance. However, territories keep shifting and she keeps claiming more territory. We can fight the others. She we pay her tribute. Our leader is well aware of that,” the one guard told Jaascin.

“Have you ever seen this woman?” asked Jaascin.

“Luckily, only at a great distance,” the one guard answered with a laugh. “I am told she is the best swordsman by far in this territory.” Then he added, “I heard say she keeps a veil upon her face so no one has actually seen her. She may be in the Inn tonight for all we know.”

They all looked around the room at the people dining there tonight. There were actually four young women who had swords strapped to their sides. This was not unusual for this country from what Jaascin was told. One of them could be the feared chieftain Jaascin reflected. Three of them gave off energy that could indicate they had some powers as a sorceress. Of course no one knew if this chieftain had the powers of a sorceress or not. Jaascin carefully surveyed each young woman.

One was close by and she had looked at Jaascin intently and noted particularly his swords with their beautiful jewels. The man eating at the table beside Jaascin left and the young woman moved over to that table. She smiled at Jaascin and said,

“I noted your two swords. The jewels on them are very beautiful as well as rather unusual. I assume you can use those two swords very well and they are not just for show.” She added the last with a smile. Jaascin smiled back at her.

“The jewels themselves, are not just for show, my lady. They put an enchantment on my swords so that I am the only one who can use them. A powerful sorcerer gave them to me many years ago and said they would mean death to any one who tried to take them from me. To answer your other question, yes I do know how to use these swords. They are not just for show. However, I have said many times, I greatly prefer diplomacy to swordplay, it leaves much less visible blood.” The young lady laughed at his last sentence.

“But you are prepared to put those swords to use if diplomacy fails?” she asked.

“I have been known to do that. I am scarred but still whole,” Jaascin replied with a friendly smile.

There was a confidence about this young woman. Jaascin thought she would be a dangerous opponent. He was sure she was good with the sword she wore. It was a very fine blade, he noted, in fact it was the finest of that worn by any of the women.

“You, my lady have a very fine sword yourself. I assume also it is not for show but that you are skilled in its use,” Jaascin continued with a friendly smile. The young lady was dressed well in good cloth and sounded reasonably well educated.

“You assume right, Sir,” she answered. “It was a gift from my father who was both an excellent swordsman and a fine teacher.” Then she looked at Jaascin and continued, “You have the speech and manners of a noble, but not the haughtiness. For where are you bound.” It had the sounds of a casual question, but Jaascin deemed it was not.

“I am a wandering scholar who is bound for the land of the Great Raj. I promised a friend I would meet him there. I claim no noble birth.” Then he added with a smile, “I assume in this area it is best not to do so.” The young lady smiled at this last retort.

“Are you traveling with the group that plans to leave two days hence,” she asked.

“Yes, as I am alone and do not know this territory, I thought that best. I am told it is dangerous territory peopled with many brigands. I noted there would be many guards with that group,” Jaascin said trying to sound concerned but not particularly fearful.

“It is dangerous territory and sometimes guards are helpful. It is always well to be prepared to pay a little tribute for safe passage,” the young woman said. “However you do not sound particularly fearful regarding the dangers of the area through which you must travel.”

“To worry ahead of time is mostly a useless exercise,” said Jaascin. “To plan for eventualities is of much greater value. You say it is well to be prepared to pay a little tribute. Will that really guarantee you safe passage?” he then asked.

The young woman smiled. “It depends to whom you pay the tribute.”

Jaascin laughed. “That is a hard thing to know for one who has never traveled this way before,” Jaascin said.

“Then it is best to try to find someone you can trust to guide you in this matter,” the young woman said. However, she did not offer to be his guide. Jaascin made a quick decision. He felt a small amount of energy emanating from her.

“Would you care to join me in a glass of ale, my Lady,” Jaascin asked with a friendly smile. He was sure she drank ale as he noted many women were doing in this Inn. She hesitated for just a moment and then with a smile replied,

“I would be happy to do so,” and she moved over to sit beside him. Her movements convinced Jaascin she was indeed a good swordswoman.

“Are you by any chance, also traveling with the group?” Jaascin then asked as he motioned the barmaid to come and get his order. Then before she answered he asked, “If you have not yet eaten would you care to join me for dinner, I would be greatly honored.”

The young woman laughed, “I think you could be a charming rogue,” then she immediately continued, “I would be delighted to join you for dinner, if you are planning to pay for it.”

Jaascin laughed. “I never ask a young lady to join me for dinner unless I am planning to pay for it,” he answered without hesitation. He produced a gold coin as the barmaid came up to take their orders. He then gave the barmaid the coin after they had ordered. The young woman looked at him with a question in her eyes.

“It is sometimes well to pay tribute in other circumstances,” Jaascin said with a small smile. “We shall get her best service and the choicest of the food.” The young woman smiled, but said nothing.

She noted with interest the gold coin he gave the barmaid. It was worth much more than anyone else gave. She wondered if that was to impress her, or if that was his usual manner. She was actually confused by this, as Jaascin seemed to recognize the dangerousness of this territory and seemed intelligent enough to know it was dangerous to show one has wealth. What she did not know was that she was the only one besides Jaascin and the barmaid that had seen it was a gold coin.

Jaascin then said, “I am Jaascin Wanilain a wandering scholar, and by what name are you known, my lady.”

She smiled, “I am not used to being called my lady. My name is Scharanza Mellantinen and as you have assumed I am from this area.” Jaascin was sure that was just one of her aliases. He was sure it was not her real name. One of the guards had said that the young women who carried swords usually did not use their real names.

“I always find it is best to assume any woman is a lady, when one is not sure.” Then he thought for a moment. “Actually it is usually best to assume that in speaking whether or not it is known,” he added with a smile.

“The lady can hardly take offense either way, you mean,” the young woman said with a smile.

Jaascin shrugged and smiled pleasantly at her. Then he said, “You did not answer my question if you are also planning to travel with the group.”

She smiled and then said, “I am planning to travel with them for a while. Then I know a shorter way to the city to which they are traveling. It goes however, through the center of the territory of the chieftain they call the ‘She-Cat’. For a small tribute I can be guaranteed safe passage and at the same time cut more than two days off the journey.”

Jaascin smiled and looked at her thoughtfully, “How much tribute might I have to pay? I have three animals loaded with my baggage. It consists of mostly books and healers’ remedies, pots and jars. I sometimes practice as a healer to pay my way,” he told her.

She looked at him speculatively, trying to judge if he were speaking the truth about his baggage. “If that is true about your baggage, you might be required only fifty gold.”

Jaascin had a look of consternation. “That would take practically all the gold I own,” he said in a worried voice.

“Perhaps if we meet the right person who I know somewhat, I can get them to reduce it in half, if your baggage is truly healers’ supplies,” the young woman said somewhat hesitatingly.

Jaascin had decided to go with her when she left the caravan. He really wanted to find out who she actually was. He also thought it might be interesting to meet the Chieftain they called the ‘She-Cat’. He did not think the journey through her territory would pose any great danger to him. He had decided to travel with the group because that would call less attention to him. He thought she would slip off from the group without anyone noting the fact that she was gone. He could do the same thing. He decided he would.

“If that might be possible, then I would like to go with you. That shortened time to reach the city might prove valuable to me,” he told her. However, he would not tell her why that might be the case. He would let her speculate on the reason.

“We would slip out first thing that morning while everyone busy is getting ready to move out. It will take us until the next morning to reach the territory we want to cross. The territory, we will be crossing first, is claimed by no one. It might have an isolated band, but they would only attack at night especially as both of us look like we might be dangerous opponents. These men are not particularly brave, according to what I have learned. However, I have never seen anyone while crossing that land,” she told Jaascin. She looked to see if that would deter him, but he showed not a sign of any fear of that.

Jaascin merely said, “Then we will have to be especially vigilant at night.” She smiled at the unconcerned way he said that. He has traveled many places before, I wonder how good he is with those swords, she mused. However she decided to take him with her. Jaascin intrigued her, which she knew could be dangerous for her. She lived with danger traveling this territory, Jaascin could be an intriguing danger. She would see.

They only met once more for dinner before the time of departure. They both thought that would be best. The caravan was attacked once before the day they were to leave it. They successfully beat back that attack but not without losses. The guardsmen, Jaascin had talked to, survived that attack.

Early that morning they did slip away under the confusion of the morning. It was not a hospitable land although it was dotted with waterholes. They camped beside one the first night. They had lit a small fire to cook their evening meal, but then extinguished the flames. They put the animals tied to trees that were between their camp and a large outcropping of rock. Then they wrapped up in their blankets and prepared to sleep.

About midnight, Jaascin was warned of danger and slipped a dagger in his hand and loosened his swords. Suddenly figures appeared. One jumped on Jaascin, but he slid off dead from a dagger thrust. The same thing happened with the one who attacked the young woman. Immediately both of them were on their feet with swords in their hands. It proved to be a short fight. The young woman was as good with a sword as Jaascin surmised. She was also apparently used to fighting under these conditions.

“You were warned also,” she inquired.

“They were a little too noisy for their own good, my Lady. You are as good with that sword as I surmised,” Jaascin replied.

“I have seldom fought beside a man who could handle those swords as you apparently can,” she said surveying the seven men who were laying around the campsite dead. “We will dispose of them at first light,” then she sheathed her sword and daggers and lay down again to sleep. Jaascin smiled and followed her example. Obviously she did not think there would be anymore attacks that night.

They were up at the first light of dawn and surveyed the scene. The horses of the men came as if they had been called. They found a cave like indentation in a huge rock close by. They dragged the bodies of the men after relieving them of anything valuable.

“Maybe we can use some of this as tribute,” the young woman said with a smile. Later that morning she wondered why the horses came as if they were called, but she dismissed it from her mind. She was obviously scanning the area for signs of any horseman. About midday they were traveling through an area that had hills rising on both sides. Suddenly a group of horsemen appeared ahead of them coming toward them. Jaascin glanced back and saw there were some coming that way also. The young woman didn’t seem either surprised or fearful. In fact both groups of horsemen halted as they came up to the two of them. Then the leader of the front group saluted the young woman.

“What have we here. The jewels on those swords are worth a king’s ransom alone, Mereacot,” he said addressing the young woman.

Mereacot immediately said, “Do not touch those swords. They mean death to anyone trying to take them.” Then she added with a smile, “Besides too many men would die before he could be relieved of them. He is a swordsman the likes of whom I have not seen before.”

Then she turned to Jaascin who was sitting calmly and obviously unafraid and said, “You were not surprised neither do you show any fear.”

Jaascin smiled, “I suspected you might be the chieftain some call the she-cat, when you accepted my request to accompany you,” he said.

“But you showed no fear and you were not surprised when we were attacked last night. In fact, it is obvious you were warned before hand. Now let us see if your baggage truly contains mostly healers things,” she said and then she directed the men to unload Jaascin’s baggage and see. Jaascin looked on with a smile. The young woman closely watched, then she said in a surprised voice,

“Some of those things are that which a wizard would use, Jaascin.” And she turned to look intently at him.

At that Jaascin held out his closed hand and opened it. A ring of red sorcerer’s fire rose followed by a ring of blue and then white. Everyone stopped what they were doing and looked on fascinated. The three rings rose and they combined in a brilliant white flash and a golden dagger floated in the air.

“I have heard of the enchantment of the golden dagger from my grandfather. He said only a great and powerful wizard could produce it. It was supposed to have died with him because no one else had the power to do it.” Then Mereacot turned to Jaascin and asked, “Who are you or what are you?”

Jaascin smiled and answered, “I am what I told you I am. I am a wandering scholar. One who has some talents of a wizard and a healer.” Then he said, “And what tribute do you require of a wizard and healer, my lady, to allow me safe passage.”

Mereacot laughed, “I am beginning to think it is more like what tribute would you be willing to give us?” she said with a smile. She then directed the men to repack Jaascin’s baggage and put them back on the backs of his animals. Jaascin drew the golden dagger back into his hand and in its place a bag of gold.

“Would one hundred pieces of dragon’s gold be sufficient?” he asked as he offered the bag to her.

Mereacot smiled as she took the bag and then she said, “Why do you not stay with us a few days, Jaascin. Our camp is but a short distance away. I can offer you the hospitality of my tent while we discussed this.”

“Are you sure it is wise to offer the hospitality of your tent to a wizard, my Lady?” Jaascin asked with a smile. He did not indicate that he was refusing the offer.

“I think it is perfectly wise, as the wizard looks nothing like a wizard but rather like a noble and charming gentleman. That in itself is intriguing to me. In addition, I am a sorceress,” Mereacot replied.

“That I am aware of. I felt the energy when we first met,” Jaascin said. Then he added, “Because it is intriguing should be a further warning to you,” but Jaascin was smiling at her.

“But we are on my turf and these are my men, who are fiercely loyal to me,” Mereacot said smiling back at Jaascin. He then turned his horse’s head in the direction he knew they would be traveling and his pack animals now reloaded fell in behind him. Merecot turned her horse and moved beside him.

“Do you not wish to accept my offer of hospitality, Jaascin?” she asked.

“Oh I am quite willing to accept your offer of hospitality. Is that not what you wished me to do, my Lady,” Jaascin graciously said. Then he added with a questioning smile, “Do I have a choice?”

Mereacot laughed. “Yes, I would give you safe passage if that is what you wished, but I thought it might intrigue a wandering scholar and charming rogue like you to get to know the ‘She-Cat’ better.”

Jaascin laughed. “I admit that is a very enticing idea, therefore I am inclined to accept your wonderful offer.”

Mereacot laughed delightedly. “I do not think you are only what you say you are, Jaascin, although what you truly are, I have no idea.” About that time a large group of her men came riding up to them and the leader of them came up and said something to Mereacot. She then turned to Jaascin and said,

“My men were able to extract a tribute from the caravan without a fight. However they left my territory soon after for some reason I cannot fathom. I could not therefor guarantee them safe passage to their destination.”

“What you are saying, Mereacot, is that I am much safer in your camp than I would be if I stayed with the caravan?” Jaascin said half as a statement and half as a question.

Mereacot thought for a moment. “Not being sure how powerful a wizard you are, I cannot be sure. At least I can guarantee you will be more comfortable,” and then she added with a enticing smile, “and more enjoyably entertained.” Turning to look at Jaascin she continued, “It will also be less draining on your powers as a wizard. I have no plan to test those powers.”

Mereacot then rode silently beside him and her men fell in behind them except for a group who rode out to scout the way. Apparently, none of these men were favored by Meracot and there were none who would challenge her decisions.

The camp was surprisingly large and her tent rather luxurious. It did not seem they suffered any hardship here. Mereacot did move Jaascin into her tent and food and drink was brought in to them as they seated themselves on some luxurious cushions.

“How came you to chose this life, Mereacot?” asked Jaascin as they sat eating and drinking.

“It was chosen for me,” Mereacot answered with a smile. “My father found himself opposing a powerful Duke who was also a good friend of the King at that time. He was too successful and our family was outlawed and had to flee. My father gathered his men who had remained fiercely loyal to him and fled to this country. When he was killed in a battle for territory, I took over command. All of the men remained with me and we have been able to add to them as well as add territory. Actually I am no longer an outlaw. I rule my territory and no one is strong enough to challenge me. Soon I think I will control all of this territory and then this territory will no longer be lawless. We will guarantee safe passage for caravans. It will then be to everyone’s best interests to recognize our sovereignty over this country.”

Jaascin listened with great interest to what she was saying. He wondered what she might have heard of a white gem or if she had any knowledge of the two sorceresses he was looking to find. She was close enough to the land of the Great Raj to probably have some knowledge of those sorceresses. After all she was a sorceress herself, Jaascin now was sure. Jaascin did not think she was the false sorceress he was warned about, although it was now obvious she could be charming if she so wished. Jaascin did not think she posed any real danger to him. To her he was just a charming interlude in her dangerous life. She did not seem to fear his possible power, yet she obviously respected it.

“Then it is your plan to take over all of this territory and then restore law and order to it. Would your men agree? They seem to not be lacking much they could wish,” Jaascin said watching to see how Mereacot would answer.

“But they live in danger constantly,” she reminded Jaascin. “They do not have a peaceful family life. Most would prefer that if it were possible. I wish to make that possible.”

“I commend you and fervently hope that you will achieve that goal,” Jaascin told her. “One does get tired of living in constant danger,” he added with a small smile.

“You have to remember also, that they are not great wizards,” said Mereacot with a smile.

“But you really do not know if I am a great wizard or simply a great illusionist and a charming scoundrel,” Jaascin said smiling back at her.

“What you did could only be done by a great wizard, I would stake my honor on that,” Mereacot replied rather emphatically. At that, a halo of sorcerer’s fire appeared jauntily tipped over her head. She was momentarily startled then she began to laugh.

“I have known a lot of wizards in my young life, but I have never seen one who could create an enchantment while seeming to do nothing.”

“Then you do not know if it is I who did it,” Jaascin said.

“There is no other wizard in this camp,” Mereacot said positively. “It can only be you.” Jaascin smiled. She was sure he was a great wizard yet she exhibited no fear of him. He could reveal her whereabouts to those who would gladly capture her, if he was the wizard she thought he was, but she did not seem to worry about that possibility. She was a very interesting young woman. She was unlike any he had met before. Then Jaascin said with a smile,

“Do you grant your captures who interest you a night of enjoyment before you do away with them?”

Mereacot laughed, “You really are not a captive, Jaascin. I know now no power I have could hold you if you wished to leave,” she said cocking her head at him.

“You didn’t answer my question, Mereacot,” Jaascin said.

“I am not just offering you one night, Jaascin,” she said.

Jaascin started to laugh, “In other words you do not intend to answer my question. Perhaps the others have said as I did once before, ‘at least I will die happy’.” Mereacot began to laugh but she still refused to answer Jaascin’s question. Instead she said,

“I said I would guarantee your safe passage, did I not. Do you not trust my word?" she asked.

“Oh, I trust your word. I had no doubt that you intend to give me safe passage,” Jaascin replied.

Mereacot said there was an oasis close by where she sometimes went to bath or swim. Then with a smile she added,

“I swim in the nude as I bathe. My men know this, but I have told them if any one of them try to sneak up to get a sight of me, I will turn them into an insect and then have a snake eat them. None have tried. I would have known.”

“Would you have turned them into an insect?” Jaascin asked with a smile.

“I never threaten what I don’t intend to do,” Mereacot replied. Then she continued, “Would you like to swim with me? My men know I intend to seduce you, so it will not surprise them that we go to the oasis together.” Jaascin laughed at her forthrightness. He saw no reason why he should disagree. He found the idea of being seduced by Merecot rather enticing. He knew he would not suffer the fate he supposed other men she had seduced had suffered. She did not have the power, although he was sure she had more power than was supposed. At the oasis, the gems he wore around his neck would come off with his shirt so she would never see them. He now knew that he could draw on their power even when he did not have them on his person. Even without their power, he was sure he had more power than she could draw upon.

Jaascin did stay with her three days and then Mereacot saw him safely to his destination. He gave her and her men a shield back to their camp. Perhaps he would come back this way after she had accomplished that which she said she wished to do. He thought that she would probably succeed.

He now had just a couple days journey to the land of the Great Raj. He did not know if any one would recognize him. It was a long time ago now that he had been here. He knew there was a new Great Raj and that the old one was dead. Still he would keep his guard up. Beside he had been warned about a false sorceress who was reputed to have the seduction abilities of the legendary sirens. If he would be immune to her, he did not know. He would treat it as if that was not necessarily a possibility. However that would not deter him from going into the city of the Great Raj. He was told he would find some important information there that would help him in his search for the third dragon gem.

Having once left the territory of Mereacot, the land was rather pleasant. The difference was startling. It was as if he had gone from one world to another. However, he had no intention to linger to investigate this, he was anxious now to get to the city that was his destination. On the border of the land of the Great Raj there was a large city. It had grown into a center of trade and commerce, for it was where three countries met. It had been just a small village of no consequence when Jaascin was last in this area many, many years ago. Jaascin sought out a fine Inn near the center of the city. It was one that Mereacot had recommended to him. As he came into the city, he noticed there were many uniformed guards in evidence. However, their uniforms indicated this city was now an island unto itself. It did not belong to any of the three countries but had its own ruler.

Jaascin decided he would show the Innkeeper that he was a wizard and pay for his lodging with Elven gold. He thought it best he added some mystery to his appearance and his obvious educated speech. The language was familiar so he could easily sound like a native, which his looks and dress would deny. Adding a touch of wizardry and the use of Elven gold would further confuse. The Innkeeper did look intently at him and he was sure he would be reported to authorities. He was sure, because of its situation, the authorities had a good intelligence system in place.

Jaascin decided he wished to be known. He was planning to stay at least several days. He was sure this was a place he could get information that would be valuable to him later on. He had been hearing rumors of a controversy between the ruler of the land and the Great Raj. If he could find out something about that here in the city it could be very important to him.

The city was obviously very prosperous. That would mean there would be many merchant princes in residence as well as the usual nobles who peopled these types of cities. He had seen evidence of this as he had traveled into the city on his way to the Inn. There were many mansions. From his Inn, he could see many more along the broad streets leading to the large palace in the center of the city. The palace was set on a hill in the middle of the city. Jaascin didn’t know if it was natural or man made.

Surrounding the Inn, where he had taken lodging, were fine shops and restaurants. He decided he would go out among them wearing one of his fine Elven type outfits and carrying his Elven short sword and several Elven silver daggers. These he had acquired since he had last been in the land of the Great Raj.

He had arrived in the city in the morning. After he had seen to the care of his animals, put his baggage in his room and protected it with a shield, he decided to seek out a restaurant at which to have dinner. He selected one of the first restaurants nearby to visit. As he came in, he did attract attention from several people already seated in the restaurant. The clothes the people wore made it obvious that they were of the nobility or were rich merchants. The women especially took note of this tall, somewhat ruggedly handsome man who carried an Elven short sword. Jaascin was shown to a table close to where a group of people, about his age, were seated. They did not seem to be couples but just a group of men and women. One of the men looked Jaascin over as he was being seated. Then after a moment he inquired,

“Is that not an Elven short sword you are wearing, sir? But you do not look Elven.”

Jaascin gave the man and the rest of the group a friendly smile and answered,

“It is an Elven short sword, sir. A gift from an Elven Prince.” Then he continued, “To answer your other question, some Elves say I must be part Elf because I am in tune with the magic of the Elven forests.” One of the women, who was looking Jaascin over with particular interest then said,

“From your speech, it is obvious you are highly educated, but you speak our language as well as any of us. You are not from here, are you? I am sure we would have heard of you it you were.”

“No, my lady, I am not from here. I am a wanderer. Your language is very familiar to me, so it is easy for me to converse in it,” Jaascin answered with a smile and a bow to the lady who asked the question. Jaascin got a lovely smile in return.

Another woman, who had been surveying Jaascin with intense interest, then said, “If you are alone, would you care to join us?” Jaascin noted that she seemed to be the leader of the group. The jewel she was wearing around her neck was large and obviously very valuable. Her dress, accentuated her dark beauty, but it was in perfect taste. She gave Jaascin a smile as she awaited his answer.

“I would be most honored to join you, my Lady,” Jaascin replied with a bow to her. The way he answered got another smile from her and a comment,

“You are also a diplomat, Sir.”

Jaascin smiled back at her. “As a wanderer, I find that a valuable trait,” he answered. She gave a little laugh. Her laugh had the lovely sound of a silver bell. She was, Jaascin was sure, of high nobility and sounded like she was very well educated.

“But the sword, I wager, is not just for show,” she then said.

“One must be prepared for all eventualities,” Jaascin replied with a smile. “Yes, I know how to use the sword, if diplomacy fails,” he added. “However, I try not to have diplomacy fail.”

She smiled and indicated a place by her side for Jaascin to be seated. They moved to allow him to take that place.

“And what name are you known by, sir?” she inquired as he seated himself.

“I am Jaascin Wanilain, my lady. A wandering scholar is what I claim to be,” he replied.

“I am Baroness Ceonatine Schelaff,” the woman said, then she proceeded to introduce Jaascin to the rest seated around the table.

One of the men then asked, “And for where are you bound, sir? You claim to be a wandering scholar so figured you are passing through our fair city.”

“My eventual destination is the capital city of the land to the East,” Jaascin answered. “However, I do plan to stay a short while in your city.”

The Baroness looked at Jaascin for a moment and then seemed to make up her mind. “A few days hence, I am giving a ball. The Prince and Princess will be attending. I would be happy to have you as my guest for that ball, if you are so inclined.”

“I would be greatly honored, Baroness,” Jaascin said in gracious acceptance of her invitation. She asked where he was staying and she gave him directions to her home. It was only a short distance away.

One of the women inquired, “Did you by any chance pass through the lawless territory on your way? We have heard there is a woman leading one of the most feared of the bands of outlaws there.”

Jaascin smiled and asked, “You are referring to the one lovingly referred to as the ‘She-Cat’?”

The woman laughed. “Yes, I believe that is the one,” she said.

“I did make her acquaintance, but luckily persuaded her to allow me to pass,” Jaascin replied.

“But not without paying her some tribute?” was the question then asked.

“I cost me a hundred gold,” Jaascin said.

“We have heard it rumored that she sometimes amuses herself with noble looking men and then disposes of them,” one of the women said. “How did you escape her. You are very noble looking."

Jaascin held out his closed fist, then turned it over and opened it up with the palm up. In it burned red, blue and white flames. The flames rose to form a multicolored ring of sorcerer’s fire from which a silver ball rose. The flames died, but the silver ball continued to float in the air. It then opened to reveal a sprite, who blew Jaascin a kiss and disappeared with the silver ball. The group looked on fascinated. After a moment one of the men commented,

“You are a wizard, but I have never seen a wizard who could produce such an enchantment without doing or saying anything. You merely opened your closed fist and it appeared.” Then he asked, “That was a sprite was it not?”

“Yes, that was a sprite, but I did not produce her,” Jaascin said. “For some reason, she decided to appear in the silver ball. She was the one who caused it to open before I could make it disappear.”

“Did you show the woman that enchantment and did the sprite also appear then?” was the questioned asked.

“No,” said Jaascin with a laugh, “that is not the enchantment I did for the ‘She-Cat’. However it would have been interesting to see how she reacted to the sprite.”

Another woman then asked, “Do the sprites always appear without clothes?”

“The female ones do, I am told,” answered Jaascin, “but then they appear only to men. That is how they got their reputation. On seeing a beautiful nude sprite, the men forgot what they were doing, sometimes to their great sorrow.”

The Baroness then commented, “And that is how you escaped the woman outlaw, Jaascin?”

“Actually she discovered I might be a wizard when her men began going through my baggage. I thought it better I give her some indication of my power then. It was after that we reached an agreement for my safe passage,” Jaascin said. He did not think it expedient that he reveal he stayed with her for several days, or that he had actually chosen to be captured.

He did learn some valuable information about the situation in the land of the Great Raj as he sat with the group. He also wandered the city for the days before he was to attend the Baroness’ ball