Jaascin was able to get the equipment and the animals that he would need for his trek into the country.  He was also able to get some very valuable information. 

     Actually there were several countries he would have to cross to get to the land of the Great Raj.  He got some very good information on what he might expect to find along the way.  He also made acquaintance with a young man who had traveled much of these countries.  Jaascin decided he might be a good person to hire as a guide for part of his trip.  However he would send him back to this port before he made the change back to Jaascin Wanilain.  The young man had made several very good suggestions regarding what he would need in traveling these countries.  Jaascin arranged to meet with him again to discuss this.  Kanarton told Jaascin this young man had a reputation for being very reliable and honest.  Jaascin had also determined the young man could be trusted.

     The night of the dinner, Jaascin came to Kanarton’s house at the hour appointed.  It was a fine house in the best section of the town.  A section where only the richest merchants and the nobles lived.  Jaascin was met in the foyer by Kanarton and Sulazan.  Sulazan had asked him to wear his Elven short sword.  He also wore his dwarven dagger.  Jaascin had acquired these since he last left this area.  They would not be recognized by anyone who knew him before.   Jaascin had packed his two other swords in his baggage.  He would take them out when he resumed his identity of Jaascin Wanilain.  Sulazan looked him over, then with a smile she said,

     “Promise not to charm the ladies too much, Shalezar.  You do look like some foreign noble.”  With a smile and a bow Jaascin replied,

     “I shall be most discrete, my lady.”  Sulazan laughed in disbelief.  She thought that Jaascin just naturally charmed everyone he met.  It was a natural part of his character to do so.

     They took Jaascin into the room where the rest had gathered.  Sulazan made the introductions. 

     “I would like you to meet Shalezar Norentime.  I will warn you he is much more than he will admit.  I will also warn the ladies that he is a most charming and learned gentleman.  What he will admit is that he is a wanderer.  Be warned, I am sure he truly is a wanderer.”

     One of the ladies, looking Jaascin over with obvious interest asked, “Did you not fall in love with him during your long voyage together, Sulazan?”

     Sulazan laughed.  “I was barely able to keep from succumbing by keeping busy as much as possible.  That limited my contact with Shalezar.  Luckily he helped me out in this by acting the perfect gentleman.”

     One of the men, who was a noble, said to Jaascin, “Sulazan says you are a wizard of great power and knowledge.  She would not say how she reached that conclusion except to say that you allowed her to sense the powerful wizard energy emanating from you.”

     Jaascin smiled at the remark.  “I claim only to be a wandering trader with some small knowledge of many things.”  With that he turned his hand over and opened it up.  From it rose a ring of blue flame inside which appeared a ring of red flame and then a ring of white flame.  The white flame remained constant but the red flame and the blue flame rose and one drifted over to form a halo over the heads of Sulazan and Trutella.  The white ring then tipped vertically and began to spin.  It then became a spinning silver dagger.  It stopped spinning then disappeared in a burst of white flame.  At the same time the halos disappeared.  Everyone watched fascinated.  He knew he could shield this from anyone outside of the house.  No one else would feel the wizard energy he had used.

     “But you did nothing said nothing,” said the wife of the noble in disbelief.  “I have never seen anything like that before.”

     Sulazan smiled.  “You will probably never see anything like it again unless Shalezar comes this way again.  He taught me how to do things without doing or saying anything, but I could not duplicate what you just saw.  That is far beyond my talents.”

     “You over estimate the difficulty of what you saw and understate your abilities, Sulazan,” Jaascin said.

     Another woman looking at Jaascin with wonderment said, “I am told the sword you wear is an Elven short sword.  The jewel on the hilt and the scabbard are both unusual and very beautiful.  Is there any significance to those two jewels and how did you obtain that sword?  You are not Elven are you?”

     “The sword is an Elven short sword given to me by an Elven Prince for whom I did a favor.  The jewels I am told are fairy gems.  No one claims responsibility for putting then on the sword and the scabbard.  Some claim I must be part Elf, because I am perfectly attuned to the magic of their forests.  I do not know.  I am an orphan who knew only his father.”

     Sulazan looked at Kanarton and smiled.  That is what that young man said many years ago, that he was an orphan who knew only his father.  She was now absolutely certain that it was Jaascin who saved the lives of both her and her brother.  She had not heard that he was attuned to the magic of Elven forests.  However she did not see this as very strange.  She felt very happy that she was now sure that young man had lived and that he truly was the man who called himself Shalezar.

     The lady then asked, “May I see the sword, or is it enchanted so no one but you may touch it?”  The sword rose out of the scabbard and floated hilt first over to the lady.  She had a very startled look on her face.  Then she laughed. 

     “Obviously I may touch it,” she said as she reached out and grasped the hilt and looked at the fairy gem.  “It is very beautiful and unusual.  What is different about fairy gems?” she asked as she admired at it.

     “According to scholars, it cannot be lost or stolen and it cannot be destroyed.  It is also reputed to have the power to warn the wearer if danger threatens.  I cannot attest to any of that,” Jaascin said.  “However, I believe that information is correct.”

     “Then that was a truly great gift,” the noble said.  Jaascin merely said he had inadvertently saved the life of someone dear to the Prince.  Everyone assumed that Jaascin probably did that with a sword or his wizard power.  He did not elaborate.

     The woman, who had been looking at the sword, looked questioningly at Jaascin.  Jaascin noting this said,

     “Just lay the sword flat in front of you as you received it.  It will find its way back to me.” 

     The lady did this but she did not point the hilt at Jaascin.  As she let it go, it came swiftly at Jaascin.  The lady gasped in horror, realizing the point of the sword was pointed at Jaascin.  It looked as if it might run him through.  The sword halted in front of him and then slowly slid into its scabbard by his side.  

     The lady gasped out, “You scared me Shalezar.  I thought it was about of drive itself into you.”

     Jaascin bowed to the lady.  “My humblest apologies, my lady.  I forgot to say, that because of the fairy gem, it cannot be used to harm me.  Besides I had full control of it.”

     “Shame on you,” she said with a laugh.  “You scared me.  I did not want to be the one to skewer you.” Then she added with a smile, “I have no reason to do so yet.”  Jaascin bowed his head toward her, but he was smiling.  That lady, thought Jaascin, has a sense of humor.

     “I think that Shalezar is also something of a joker,” said Sulazan with a smile.  Then she turned to Jaascin, “She does not yet have as great a confidence in your powers as I have.”

     “You had ample time at sea to observe his powers?” asked one of the men.

     “He taught me much that greatly enhanced my powers,” said Sulazan.  “He not only is very learned but he is a very fine teacher.  He is very willing to share his knowledge.”  Then she smiled at Jaascin, “He claims that knowledge is of little value until it is shared."

     “That is a wonderful philosophy, however there are not many who have great knowledge and power who follow that,” one of the women said.

     Jaascin smiled.  “As I have wandered, I have been fortunate enough to sit at the feet of many men who shared their knowledge with me.  I have always thought, that because I have learned from many, I should share with all who would learn.  Perhaps that is why I have never learned to value power enough to cause me to hoard my knowledge.  Perhaps that is why I wander.”

     Kanarton, who had been silent and listening all this time, spoke up.  “I think it is your nature to share your knowledge.  It is not that you do not know that knowledge is power.  It is more that you feel power should be used to help others.  If you share your knowledge, then those with whom you have shared can also use it to help others.”

     Jaascin laughed.  “You attribute a far too wonderful a character to me, Kanarton.  I could not possibly live up to that ideal.”

     An older man that was sitting at the far end of the table listening said, “Shalezar, I think you do what you have to do.  You use your power only when you feel it necessary, and then very carefully.  You do not value power for itself, therefore you are willing to share the knowledge that gives power.”

     Another of the women had a smile on her face as she was listening to this discussion.  She then spoke out,

     “If you were to hoard your knowledge and gather power unto yourself, you would have to stay in one place.  Otherwise that power would be of little use.  I believe you do not wish to stay in one place, Shalezar.  Therefore you feel that kind of power is of little use to you.” 

     Jaascin burst out laughing.  “You read me far too well, my lady.” Jaascin said with a smile and a bow to the lady who had spoken. 

     Sulazan started to laugh.  “I think you have gotten to the core of the matter.  Shalezar is a wanderer by his own admission.  His wanderings have brought him great knowledge and I think great power as a wizard.  But he prefers to wander and to use his power to help others.”  Then she turned to Jaascin, “I said before, and it is true, there is no other like you.”

     The noble then said, “If that is true, and I have no reason to doubt Sulazan on that, then I am glad I have the privilege of meeting you.  It has been a very interesting evening so far.”

     Jaascin was prevailed upon to tell some of his tales of his wanderings.  Of course he told them as wandering trader from the north would tell them.  This of course strengthened the impression that he was just that, with a bit of a wizard thrown in.  Jaascin wondered if he had revealed too much of his power as a wizard.  That those at the dinner would tell others what they had witnessed and heard.  However these were friends of Kanarton and he would be on his way within a few days.  He would merely set up a false trail in case whoever was possibly looking for him would wonder if Shalezar and Jaascin were one and the same.  He knew none of these people were among the acquaintances he had when he had been here many years ago.  Besides he did not think that he had left the impression that he was a great wizard when he was last here.  Nor did he remember being credited with being very noble.

     In the next two days, he did meet and acquire the services of the young man Kanarton had recommended.  They planned to leave early in the morning, after giving the impression that they had gone in a different direction the evening before.  Jaascin explained that was necessary to throw competitors off of his trail.  Jaascin was very convincing and the young man, whose name was Vanerlaen, applauded his thinking.  He had no reason to think Jaascin had other reasons for doing this.   Vanerlaen had heard of other merchants who had expressed this idea.  Especially those merchants who were as successful as Jaascin appeared to be.

     Jaascin gathered his things together and they left the city, before the sun rose.  Vanerlaen knew the road, so they would have no problem finding their way until day dawned and they could see their way.  They would be traveling fairly fast until they reached the Inn where they were planning to stay the first night.  They were planning to travel until almost dark, actually passing two Inns along the way.  Jaascin figured this would also confuse anyone trying to follow him.  Jaascin never had a reputation for traveling fast.  He liked to learn as he traveled.  

     Actually he could not find any danger, either ahead or behind as they reached the Inn where they were to stay.  He did not think anyone would be looking for him to arrive in port for at least another several days.  There undoubtedly were other traveling wizards, mages or sorcerers going through this port.  Reports about wizards were often exaggerated.  There had been some storms that delayed many ships that were behind them.  That had worked in Jaascin’s favor. 

     Jaascin had not learned who it was who might be watching for him or for what purpose.  Perhaps it was someone from his past.  He did not yet know how much danger that posed for him.  Until he learned, however, he was treating it as if the danger was great.  He had learned from experience this was the best policy.  However he never appeared to be fearful, or necessarily wary.

     The Inn was a nice one with a very good reputation.   Jaascin was able to get two good rooms for them.  Jaascin had gold he had brought from the north country.  He would use that to enhance his act as a merchant from the north country.  He would have more than enough to last him until he again became Jaascin Wanilain.  Although Vanerlaen undoubtedly knew Jaascin was a wizard, still Jaascin decided not do any wizard tricks until it became expedient. 

     After bringing their things to their rooms, Jaascin and Vanerlaen came down to get their dinner.  Jaascin smiled pleasantly at the barmaid as they ordered ale and their dinners.  He gave her a small gold coin, at which she gave him a bright smile and a curtsey. 

     “Thank you kind sir,” she said.  She thought he must be some prince in disguise.  That coin represented as much she could earn in at least a month.  She quickly hid it in her pocket.   

     Vanerlaen smiled at Jaascin.  “You have bought her devoted attention while we are here.  I assume you feel that coin was a small price to pay for that.”

     Jaascin smiled.  “Friends are always valuable, no matter who they are.  Sometimes the least likely friend can be the one who will save your life.  I value life above gold, especially at times when I have some gold.”

     Vanerlaen laughed at his meaning.  He was finding Jaascin a pleasant man to work for.  He would like to have him for a friend.  He was sure Jaascin would be a formidable opponent.

     The Inn was rather full because it was late.  Jaascin could feel some energy emanating from a dark and brooding man in the corner.  He was looking over the crowd like Jaascin was.  He also kept his eyes on the door and noted who ever came in.   Three men suddenly came bursting into the Inn.  They were armed with swords and daggers and were out of place in this Inn.  They were an ugly lot.  They saw a young woman sitting with a young man, obviously her husband.  A sneer came upon the one man’s face.  He drew his sword and swaggered over to the young man and pointed his sword at his throat. 

     “We are going to borrow your lady for a while,” he said.  His companions had drawn their swords and were looking around the room to see if any one would oppose him.  The young man and woman momentarily froze in fear.  The young man was unarmed. 

     Before the man could grab the young woman, his sword jerked away from the young man’s throat and the swordsman cried out in pain.  The man in the corner had been muttering and waving his hands.  One of the other men noting that started toward him.  A young man sitting close to Jaascin threw a dagger at that one.  Jaascin and Vanerlaen quickly threw daggers at the other two.  Jaascin had thrown his dagger at the first man. He fell dead.  Several other men then quickly drew their swords and dispatched the other two who had been wounded by the daggers thrown at them.  In the confusion, Jaascin and Vanerlaen quickly recovered their daggers before some guards came into the Inn. 

     After hearing the report of what happened, the guards removed the three dead men and left the Inn.  There was a lot of talk about this after they left.  This Inn normally was a peaceful place. The young man and woman profusely thanked the men who came to their aid.   Jaascin sent a glass of ale to the brooding man who had momentarily stopped the first swordsman and brought about the action on the part of the others in the Inn.  Jaascin learned later that the man had a young niece abducted by men such as this.  It could have been the same men.  He had not been able to save her.  He had tried what he could to save this young lady.  Jaascin hoped the successful conclusion of this event would somewhat ease his torment. 

     Vanerlaen turned to Jaascin after the guards left. 

     “It was not you who caused that man momentary pain?” he questioned.

     “No,” answered Jaascin, with a smile.  “I would not have just caused him pain.  It was the hooded man in the corner.  I think he had a personal reason for his action.  I was aware of what he was doing.  He will feel better because he helped save the young woman.”  Vanerlaen looked questioningly at Jaascin but said nothing.  He did not know how Jaascin could be so sure of this.  Jaascin did not explain further.  The rest of the night was very quiet.  Jaascin and Vanerlaen were on their way early the next morning.  The stories of what had happened the night before did not include the two of them.  Jaascin had made sure of that.

     The country through which they were presently traveling was pleasant.  For the most part the people were very friendly and peaceful.  Jaascin was still very wary.  While they rode Jaascin questioned Vanerlaen about the areas he would be traveling through.  He decided he would send Vanerlaen off in a different direction before he again became Jaascin Wanilain.  He did not want any connection to be known between Shalezar Norentime and Jaascin Wanilain.  That would protect Sulazan and Kanarton.   

     He would have Vanerlaen believe Shalezar was going in a different direction from the one Jaascin planned to go.  Vanerlaen would be commissioned to buy certain things, which he would then take back to Kanarton with directions to ship them to Syalai.  Jaascin would pay Vanerlaen well to perform this task for him.  Through Aphrael, Jaascin would tell Syalai to sell these things and add the money to what she was already holding for him.  They were things that her friends would happily buy.  This would lend credence to the fact that a trader from the north country had passed this way.  It would appear that this trader might have gone on from the place Vanerlaen had purchase those things.  This would completely confuse anyone who might be trying to follow him.  Syalai would say that a trader by the name of Shalezar had been asked to send these things to her.

     Before they parted, Jaascin promised Vanerlaen he would contact him again when Jaascin returned to Scheanatrai.  Vanerlaen assumed Jaascin would come back through Scheanatrai as soon as he had concluded the trades he had come to complete.

     Making it appear that Shalezar had gone in the direction Vanerlaen was told he was going, Jaascin Wanilain headed in a different direction.  He made sure he was alone.  A short way out of the town, Jaascin changed into the clothes he would use for the part he would now play.  He again wore his two swords and dressed more like a noble and less like a trader.  He would now settle down into his usual comfortable role as a wanderer.  He could know some little wizard tricks and have some knowledge of the healing arts. 

     He could find no indication that he was being followed.  Perhaps the danger to Jaascin Wanilain had only been in the port of Scheanatrai.  Jaascin had never arrived there.  At least as far as anyone could be able to determine.  However he would continue to be wary and continue to search for danger. 

     He found a good Inn that next evening and got a fine room.  He paid for it with Elven gold.  After taking his things to his room, he came down to get some dinner.  As was his custom he found a table where he could have his back to a wall and where he would have a view of the door.  When the barmaid came up to him, Jaascin with a bow and a smile asked what was good for dinner. 

     “It is all good fare sir,” she replied, “We always set a fine table.”

    Jaascin opened his fist showing he had nothing in it, then closed it.  When he opened it again, there was a small gold coin in it.  The barmaid looked startled then looked questioningly at Jaascin. 

     “This is yours for seeing that I have the best of that fine table and an ale to go with it.”  Then he handed her the coin, which she felt and found real.  She then curtseyed and gave him a broad smile.  She would see that he was well treated.  Only once before was she given a gold coin and that was by a Prince.  Even then it was a smaller gold coin.  This was an Inn that often saw nobles of various ranks.  She thought Jaascin might be a Prince in disguise.  He had the manners and speech of one, she was sure.  She thought he might also be a wizard or a Mage, because he seemed to make that gold coin appear out of nowhere.  Although she would have ordinarily feared a mage or a wizard, she did not fear Jaascin.  If asked she could not have told you why.  She hid the gold coin deep in the pocket of her apron.  No one else had seen it was a gold coin.  Jaascin had seen to that.

     A pleasant looking older man and his wife came and were seated close by.  They were dressed like nobles, but were obviously alone.  They had no servants with them.  They seemed rather ill at ease and somewhat afraid.   Jaascin thought this was rather curious.  The man was not wearing a sword.  The man looked Jaascin over rather intently.  Finally the man spoke, 

     “Those are very fine looking swords.  I assume you are also expert in using them.”  Jaascin smiled pleasantly and then and with a bow in the direction of the lady said,

     “I have learned to use them sufficiently to keep myself alive.  However, I am not a swordsman.  In fact, I greatly prefer diplomacy.”  Then he turned his hand over and opened it to reveal a red and a blue flame in his palm.  They were joined by a white flame and then combined in a flash of white and disappeared to reveal a golden dagger standing on its point in his palm.  The golden dagger then sank slowly into his palm and disappeared.  The couple looked on fascinated.  The man looked at Jaascin intently. 

     “You are a very powerful wizard.  I have heard of tales about the enchantment of the golden dagger.  Only a very powerful wizard was able to produce it.  I have never seen anyone produce such a thing without seeming to do anything, as you have just done.”

     Jaascin looked at the two of them.  He did not affirm or deny he was a wizard.  He would leave that until later when he decided how he would answer them. 

     “You had a question of me, I believe,” Jaascin said very pleasantly.  The man thought for a while and then glancing at his wife and getting a nod began,

     “We have need of someone to accompany us on the rest of our trip.  We are going to our daughter’s place.  We were driven out of our estate, by a swordsman and a gang of ruffians.  They bribed, threatened or killed all our staff.  We were not able to take enough money to hire a group of guards and were not sure we could trust any we could hire.  We fled and have been on the road for a week and had some very close calls.  We have become afraid to travel alone any farther.  Our daughter’s estate is another three days travel from here as far as we can determine.  We are at loss as to what to do.”

     Jaascin considered for a moment and then asked the direction they would be traveling.  It was somewhat different from the direction he had planned, but it could eventually take him to a city he had not visited before.  He thought it might be interesting to travel in that direction.  Jaascin knew there was a group including a number of guards who were going in that direction.  He could easily make sure this couple was safe without revealing his abilities as a swordsman or a wizard.  Besides, he thought they might be pleasant company and he would not be a person traveling by himself.  In other words, he would not stand out and could more easily fall in with the rest of the travelers.

     “You have gotten a room here for the night?” Jaascin inquired.

     “Yes,” the man replied.

     “Then tomorrow let us travel together,” Jaascin said.  “I can be a nephew, accompanying you on your way to visit your daughter.”  Then he hesitated for a moment and asked, “Will you be safe with your daughter?”

     “Oh yes,” the woman replied quickly, “She has a very fine husband who has a large estate and many retainers.  We had to flee too quickly to be able to send her word, or else she would have sent someone to get us.”

     Jaascin thought that if the daughter did have a fine estate, perhaps he would stay a short time there.  First he would have to wait and see how glad she was to see her parents.  If it was a very friendly reception, he was sure he would be welcomed when the couple told her how he saw to it they arrived safely.  Perhaps he could gather more information on what lay ahead of him in his travels.  They might know something about the city toward which he would then go.

     The next morning they fell in with a group of travelers.  It included several groups of guards.  As it was obvious that the older couple were traveling with Jaascin, they were greeted with great respect.  Jaascin did let it be known that he was a nephew, who was seeing to their safe trip to visit their daughter.  One glance, at his swords, his movements and his very fine clothes, convinced everyone he would be a formidable opponent.  He had the air of confidence and the movements of a very good swordsman.  He was able to get the couple seats on a coach that was going to their destination.  Jaascin got them fine rooms at the Inns where they stayed the nights and acted like a very considerate nephew.  As this, he would be less conspicuous and more just a fellow traveler.  He was still able to strike up conversations with many travelers on the road and in the Inns.

     On the last day, Jaascin was able to send word ahead to their daughter.  As they came to the Inn on the outskirts of the city, outside of which their daughter lived, there was a very fine carriage waiting.  A striking woman of very fine dress stood beside the carriage in conversation with a soldier who was obviously the captain of her husband’s guards.  As the coach stopped and the couple got out, her face lit up in obvious happiness.  The welcome, thought Jaascin, was a very happy one.  Jaascin came up as the daughter was joyously greeting her mother and father.  The father turned to Jaascin, then looking at his daughter, said,

     “I would like you to meet the man who saw to it that we arrived here safely, and I might say very comfortably.  This is Sir Jaascin Wanilain.”  Then with a smile he said, “Who refuses to claim he is anything more than a wanderer.”  Then turning to Jaascin he said, “This is our daughter, Lady Sallany.  Her husband is Lord Thelanton.”

Jaascin made a sweeping bow, and then very graciously said,

     “It is a very great honor to meet you, My Lady.”

Sallany had a bright smile on her face. 

     “If you are a wanderer, then you must be a wandering Prince.  I have never seen such noble manners, such fine speech, or such magnificent swords.  I hope that you can stay your wandering so that you may stay with us for a while.  My husband would be delighted to meet you.”

     Jaascin smiled back at her.  “I would be most honored.  I would be happy to accept your wonderful invitation to stay a short while.  I have no reason to hurry in my wanderings at this time.”

     It was arranged that Jaascin would follow the carriage to the daughter’s estate.  He rode with the captain and was soon talking like old friends. 

     “You speak our language as if you were a native, but I do not think that possible,” the captain said.

     “I am truly a wanderer, who has developed an ear for languages.  I have been traveling in this area for many days now.  Your language was familiar to me, so it was easy to learn.”

     The captain smiled.  “Then I would say you are a very quick learner,” then he thought for a moment and added, “which does not surprise me.”  He then looked at Jaascin’s swords.  “Those gems on your swords are very beautiful.”

     “They are also very deadly,” Jaascin replied.  “These swords were a gift from a very powerful sorcerer who put an enchantment on the swords.  The jewels would cause the death of any one trying to take the swords from me.  In fact they are probably more deadly than the blade of the sword.  I try to warn everyone of this.  I would not like to have anyone be inadvertently hurt by trying to handle the swords.” 

     The captain looked at Jaascin.  “I think that in your hands those swords are as deadly as they are beautiful.”

     With a smile and a shrug, Jaascin said,  “I have learned to handle them well enough to remain alive although perhaps somewhat scarred.”

     The captain smiled at the way Jaascin said that.  “I assume the person challenging you was in much worse condition,” he said.  Jaascin just smiled and said nothing.

     When they arrived at the estate, a short distance outside of the city, they were met by a number of staff.  Lady Sallany, upon dismounting from the carriage, gave a number of orders.  A man was there to take Jaascin’s horses and several staff began to unload Jaascin’s baggage and take it into a very large and fine house.  It was obvious the daughter and son-in-law of the couple were very wealthy.  Jaascin made sure that none of the staff would become too curious about what was in his baggage. 

     Jaascin followed the couple and their daughter into the foyer of the house.  There a tall and rather handsome man was waiting to greet his in-laws.  His greeting was also very warm and friendly.  Lady Sallany then turned to Jaascin and said,

     “I would like you to meet my husband Lord Thelanton.”  As she was making the introduction Lord Thelanton was looking Jaascin over with great interest.  Lady Sallany then turned to her husband and said, “I would like you to meet Sir Jaascin Wanilain.  He has seen to it that my parents were safe and comfortable on their trip here.”

With that the two men bowed to each other.  Then with a smile, Lord Thelanton said,

     “I am not sure that it is not I who should be bowing to you and not the other way around.”

     Jaascin smiled and replied, “Some claim I can no longer say the I am not of noble lineage.  However, be that as it may, I greatly prefer to be called Jaascin.  I am a very informal person and the Sir still has a strange sound to my ears.” 

     The Lord laughed, “Your manners are that of a noble, your speech that of a scholar.  In addition you have the great charm of a diplomat.”

     “But I claim only that I am a wanderer,” Jaascin said.

     The father spoke up, “He is also a wizard,” then he added, “the likes of which I have never seen in my lifetime.”

They had all started walking into an inner room of the house.  Lord Thelanton looked questioningly at Jaascin.

     “I showed them a small wizard trick to convince them I could be trusted,” he said.

     “May we see it?” Lady Sallany asked.  “It sounds very interesting.”

     Jaascin held out his closed fist then turned it palm up and opened his hand.  There was a red and blue flame that then was joined by a white flame.  The flames then combined in a brilliant flash of white then disappeared to reveal a golden dagger standing on its point in Jaascin’s palm.  The dagger then slowly sank into Jaascin’s hand and disappeared.  He closed his fist and then opened it again to reveal nothing.  Everyone looked on absolutely fascinated.  While this was going on a mage appeared.

He watched with great interest.  Then he looked at Jaascin. 

     “Calling up a golden dagger, is said to be only done by one very great wizard.  He is no longer living.  Even he supposedly accomplished that with a lot of chanting and motions.  You, however, seemed to have done nothing.  I have never seen a wizard with the powers you obviously have.”

     Jaascin very quietly said, “I do not think that is a matter of power, but rather of technique.  It is one I was taught by a very good teacher and required to practice until I could do it perfectly every time.  That ability has apparently stayed with me over the years.”

     The mage smiled.  “The technique I would grant you might be learnable, to a very good student.  The enchantment you just showed us requires the great powers of a very great wizard.  I would stake my reputation on that.”

     Jaascin bowed to him.  “I would not argue that point with you.  It is not of very great importance to me.”

Lord Thelanton looked at Jaascin thoughtfully. 

     “In other words, you have a habit of treating your great power lightly.  However, I would wager you also use it very carefully.”

     “It is true, I do not wish anyone harm.”

     The mage smiled.  “I would still not want to be your opponent.”

     Jaascin smiled.  “I can see no reason why we should be.  I am really a very peaceful man."

     “And I think a very charming one,” Lady Sallany added with a smile.

     Directions were then given to the staff to show Jaascin to his quarters.  They proved to be very fine.  They were obviously treating him as an honored guest.  Jaascin could find no danger to him in the surrounding area so he intended to enjoy a short stay here.  He was invited to have dinner with them that evening.  The staff, of this estate, was both very efficient and seemingly happy.  This indicated a good and fair master who required devotion to duty.

     Jaascin washed the dust of the road off and donned another fine outfit.  He wore his Elven short sword.  He settled down to go over one of his books and to learn more of the power of the two gems, he wore around his neck.  He knew he would be summoned for dinner.  After a while, there was a gentle knock upon his door.  He told the person to enter.  It was a pretty young maid, to whom Jaascin then bowed.  She appeared momentarily flustered by this noble and ruggedly handsome man bowing to her.  No one of his appearance had ever bowed to her.  Rather they treated her as is she wasn’t there or looked her over as if she was some kind of slave to do with what they wished.  Recovering, with a lovely smile and a blush, she said,  

     “Dinner is being served.  I have been sent to escort you to the dining hall, Sir.”

     Jaascin smiled pleasantly at her, “The sir is not necessary, young lady.  I do not claim noble birth.”

     “But you have the looks, the speech and the manners of a very noble person,” she blushingly protested.

     “Then let it be our secret that it is something I have learned.  Not something I was born to,” Jaascin told her with a smile.  

     He followed her out of the room, bowing her out of the room as it she were a great lady.  She again blushed prettily and gave Jaascin a lovely smile.  She would long remember this man who must have been a very noble person, but who treated her like a real Lady not a servant.  This habit of his had served him well in the past. 

     Jaascin followed her to the dining hall.  He was seated to the left of Lord Thelanton.  Beside Jaascin was seated a tall and somewhat attractive woman a little younger than the Lord. 

     “This is my sister, Lady Theranel,” Lord Thelanton said.  Then turning to his sister he said with a smile, “This is Sir Jaascin Wanilain.  He is much more than he appears and much more than he claims.  He claims only to being a wanderer.”

     “I am most honored to make your acquaintance, Lady Theranel,” Jaascin said with a smile and a bow.  Then he added, “I would greatly prefer to be called Jaascin.  I am a very informal man.”

     “But you are a very charming one with the speech of a very learned man,” Lady Theranel said, smiling at Jaascin.  “Obviously, according to my sister-in-law, you are also a very intriguing man.  Isn’t that an Elven short sword you are wearing?  I have heard only Elven nobles wore the short sword.  You do not look Elven.”  Lord Thelanton and his wife also looked questioningly at Jaascin.

     “I was given this sword by an Elven Prince for whom I did a great favor,” Jaascin replied.  “As for being Elven, some think I must be part Elven because I am perfectly attuned to the magic of the Elven forests.  I do not know.  I am an orphan who knew only his father.  I only knew him for a short time.  He was not an Elf.”  Lady Theranel looked with greater interest at Jaascin. 

     “I heard it said that only an Elf can enter their forests and not become totally confused.  That would mean that you must be part Elf.”  Then she asked, “Were you well received by the Elves?”

     “I was received most graciously and have been invited to return,” Jaascin said with a smile.  “It is they who were sure that I was part Elf.  I had never considered that possibility before.”

     “You say you are a wanderer,” said Lady Theranel.  “Is there a reason that you wander?”

     “Perhaps it is because I grew up wandering with my father who was a wandering trader.  Perhaps it was because I really never had a real home.  I have sat at the feet of many learned men and learned much, and perhaps I find that too interesting to resist.”  

     Jaascin did not tell them that it was often because there was cause for him to leave the place he was at.  He felt he had no other choice.  It had become a habit that he felt comfortable with and now it had become very profitable.  He had a great ability to relate to people.  He learned that to be charming to everyone he met could be very valuable to a wanderer.

     “Have you not ever considered settling down?” Lady Theranel inquired.

     “There have been times I have momentarily considered it, but the wanderlust in my blood has been too strong,” Jaascin replied.  “I find I like to see new things, new places and meet new people.  I find I can only satisfy that hunger by wandering.”

     With a smile Lady Sallany asked, “ Has there been no one that has tempted you to forget that hunger?”

Jaascin smiled at the obvious meaning of that question. 

     “There have been a few that made me give serious thought to that, but my wanderlust has always won out.  I have never misled.  They knew I was truly a committed wanderer,” Jaascin answered.

     “You are one of the most charming men I have ever met,” Lady Theranel said with a smile.

     “Be warned.  One who knows me best claims I am a truly charming rogue.  She said she preferred me that way.  She did not explain why and I was afraid to ask,” Jaascin said with a smile.  Then he added, “She still is a very good friend.”

     “And you return to her regularly in your wanderings?” asked Lady Sallany with a sly smile.

     “I have no need to.  She drops in on me at her convenience.  She is not of this world.”

     They looked questioningly at Jaascin but he said no more on that subject.  They thought he referred to some type of spirit who visited him because he was a wizard.  Of course he was speaking of Aphrael, queen of the fairies who delighted in plaguing him by appearing when he least expected her.  She said he was her favorite, but that she needed to watch over him and chastise him when he wandered.  He hoped she would not decide to appear.  At that thought he felt a gentle kiss on his cheek.  He relaxed.  Apparently Aphrael did not intend to appear at this time. 

     Jaascin was asked about his wanderings and he did spin his tales, which fascinated everyone.  He was a wonderful storyteller.  Jaascin decided he would stay a few days before again taking up his wandering.  He was not in a hurry, as he could not find any danger to him here.  As to Lady Theranel, he decided to remain charmingly aloof while following her lead.  He thought she would not look on him as a proper subject for conquest.  She realized he really was a wanderer.

     Jaascin did learn some valuable information about the trip ahead of him.  As a result he changed his plans as how he would travel toward his ultimate destination.  As a surprising bonus, he did learn something about the two sorceresses he was to encounter along the way.  He learned it from a man who claimed to be a beggar.  This person came to the estate while traveling through.  Jaascin found he truly was a wandering beggar, but one surprisingly knowledgeable.  He was not the ordinary beggar one found wandering the countryside.   Jaascin spoke with him for quite some time then gave him several small gold coins.  The beggar bowed to Jaascin and thanked him profusely. 

     Jaascin found Lady Theranel to be a very charming woman with a wonderful sense of humor.  Jaascin also found she had a young Lord in her sights.  He was from the area.  Jaascin surveyed the young man and found nothing about which he should warn Lady Theranel.  He wished her well.  However, her lady in waiting as well as one of Lady Sallany’s close companions did visit his bed. 

     Jaascin knew they had been sent to try to find out more about him.  He satisfied their curiosity, while revealing little about himself.  He made sure they were happy to have had that assignment.  Lady Sallany’s companion did visit him a second night, but Jaascin thought that was possibly her own decision to do this.  Jaascin stayed almost a week.  He found he enjoyed the people and slipped away to visit the servants as well as the soldiers the Lord retained.  Lady Theranel was aware of this but said nothing.  She found she did not see this as unusual for Jaascin.

CHAPTER THREE

     One morning, a very pleasant morning, Jaascin loaded up his possessions and bid them all farewell.  He thought he might again return here some day, if his wanderings again took him this way.  As for now, he felt he must be on his way.  He still had quite a way to travel and much more to learn.  His first night, he found a fine Inn at a junction of two well traveled roads.  As his custom had become, he got himself the Inn’s finest room.  He had the money to do that and he wanted to give the impression that he might be someone important.  Then he went down to dinner.  He decided to wear both his enchanted swords.  He took a seat at the back of the room where he could see the entire room and also the door. That is why he saw a young man slip almost unnoticed into the room.

     He was dressed as some one from a far eastern country.  However, he did not have the look of someone from that country.  Jaascin sent a gentle probe to see if he could learn something about this young man.  He met a powerful shield.  The young man was a wizard or sorcerer and a rather powerful one at that.  Jaascin had felt no probe, so he knew the young man might not suspect he was a wizard.  However, the young wizard must have a reason for putting up a shield.  Jaascin was sure his two gems automatically put up a shield that would shield him from any wizard’s probe.  That shield would not be detectable by any but a few very powerful sorcerers.  He had not put up a shield himself.  Therefore no one could detect that he was being shielded.  No wizard energy would be emanating from him. 

     He wondered why the young man had put up a shield.  Apparently he did not want any one to feel the energy and then investigate.  Most Mages or sorcerers would not be looking for shields, they would only be interested if they felt an energy emanating from someone.  The young man must figure this way he could escape notice of anyone who was not particularly looking.

     Jaascin decided against trying to put out a more powerful probe.  He decided to wait to see what the young man would do.  A short time later, a young woman came in to the room and walked over and sat down next to the young man.  She did look like she came from a far eastern area.  Jaascin did feel energy coming from her.  She was a sorceress and a somewhat powerful one.  This could be interesting, thought Jaascin.  He wondered if there was a reason for their meeting here.  He was sure they had not come here together.  This must have been an arranged meeting.  They sat surveying the people in the Inn. 

     Jaascin was trying to decide whether he wanted to let them know he was a wizard.  He decided not to at the moment.  For the time being, to them he would be what he looked like.  A person who looked like a noble and wore two dangerous looking swords.  He noticed that they did look his way several times as they surveyed the room.  He could not detect any evil in the young sorceress, but he had not really probed the young man.  At the moment he saw no real reason to do so.  They had not indicated any interest in him.  Jaascin had no indication of danger to him from anyone in the room.  The young man’s shield would not have prevented Jaascin from detecting danger.  This made the situation even more intriguing to Jaascin.

     As Jaascin was leisurely pondering this, a man, obviously a prince or a very high ranking noble, of some country, came into the room accompanied by several guards and a mage.  Jaascin thought it was from some nearby country.  This mage was up in years, but not really old.  Jaascin looked them over very carefully.  The mage had not shielded his power.  He was a powerful mage.  The young wizard and the young sorceress watched while not appearing to be interested.  It was an idle curiosity sort of thing, although Jaascin was sure it was otherwise.  This was getting more interesting all the time.  It appeared the young couple knew that this personage was coming to this Inn.  It is possible they were waiting for him to appear. 

     The noble surveyed the room as he came into the Inn.  His eyes lit on Jaascin and took in his two swords.  He turned and spoke to this mage for a few moments, then he turned toward Jaascin and looked at him again.  Jaascin smiled a friendly smile at him and inclined his head in a slight bow.  A smile came across the man’s face.  He recognized in Jaascin one who gave recognition to rank but nothing else.  He started in Jaascin’s direction.  As he came near Jaascin rose from his seat and with a small bow said,

     “Welcome, Oh noble one.”

     The man laughed.  “You say that so easily.  One could be persuaded you meant it.  However it is obvious to me, you are not one who really bows to anyone.  Besides, your speech is that of a very learned man.”  Then with a small bow to Jaascin he continued,  “May I join you.  My mage says he cannot detect any evil in you, although your swords give off a powerful energy.”

     “They are enchanted,” Jaascin answered.  “The jewels are deadly.  A powerful sorcerer gave them to me, saying that they could never be stolen from me.  The enchantment would kill any that would try.  I try to warn all friendly persons of that.”  Then in answer to the noble’s question Jaascin added, “I would be greatly honored if you would join me.”  As Jaascin spoke, he was also watching the young couple and their reaction to this scene.  He noted that they were surprised although they showed no disappointment that this was happening.  It would seem it would not interfere with any plans they might have.

     In answer to the man’s unasked question, Jaascin said,  “I am Jaascin Wanilain, a wanderer, a traveling merchant from a far northern land.  I would greatly prefer to be called Jaascin,” he added.

     “You look more like a merchant prince, than a wandering trader that you imply.  You are obviously far more learned than most traveling merchants I have known,” the man said as he took a seat, with his mage, at the table Jaascin occupied.

     “I will admit I have taken the time to sit at the feet of many scholars as I have wandered.  Some small part of that learning perhaps I have retained,” Jaascin said with a pleasant smile.  Jaascin decided he would reveal he had some small wizard power.  This would confound the mage, because he had not been able to sense any wizard energy emanating from Jaascin.   

     Although this noble had presented a friendly face to Jaascin, he ignored everyone else in the room.  It was as if they were below his notice.  However that alone did not prove he was a bad ruler, Jaascin realized.  He decided to hold his opinion of the man until he could obtain more information on him.  Jaascin put his clenched hand upon the table, then turned it palm up and opened it.  In his palm burned a red, blue and white flame that then rose to become a multicolored circle of flame.  The mage looked on amazed as the noble glanced at his mage. 

     “I have never seen it done like that,” the mage said to Jaascin.  “You did nothing, said nothing.  Besides I could detect no energy emanating from you to indicate you were a wizard.”  The noble looked from his mage to Jaascin intrigued, but his eyes narrowed.  It was as if he was trying to evaluate Jaascin.

     “Perhaps that is the only wizard trick I know,” said Jaascin.

     The mage laughed.  “I do not think that is possible, Sir,” he said.  “I would wager that is because you are a very powerful wizard.  One who can shield his power.”

     Jaascin smiled at the Mage.  “I would not argue the point with you.  It really is of no importance.  We are here, I assume, as friends.  I for one have no reason to be your enemy.”  Jaascin decided that this is the face he would put on at the moment.  It would not serve him to be otherwise.  Besides, there might be an interesting situation here.

     The noble turned to Jaascin.  “I would greatly prefer to be a friend of yours.  It has become obvious to me, even in this short time, that you could easily be a very formidable opponent.”  Then he added, “I am Prince Sherazance from Varseinya.  We are on our way back to our country.”  Then he looked at Jaascin and asked, “and where are you traveling?”  Jaascin came to a quick decision.  That is the way he would travel.  The Prince had not said back to my country, but back to our country.  That Jaascin put down in the Prince’s favor.

     “I was planning to travel through your country on my way to the land of the Great Raj.  I am to eventually meet with a friend there,” Jaascin replied.  He decided that was as good a story as was needed at the moment.  No one could prove or disprove it.  It gave him a reason to travel in that direction.

     “Would you have the time to stay your journey with us for a short while?  We would like to become better acquainted with you.  We can offer you the hospitality of our palace.  We do have a university in our city,” Prince Sherazance said.

     It took Jaascin only a moment to decide he would take Prince Sherazance up on his offer of hospitality.  He wanted to see what reason the Prince had in making that offer.  It would also give him the chance to see evidence of the kind of a ruler the Prince was.  Besides, he was sure that the young couple would also be traveling in that direction.  Jaascin was interested in why they had met here and what their interest was in Prince Sherazance.  He could not find any evidence of enmity on their part toward the Prince.

     “I would be most honored to take advantage of your kind offer, Prince Sherazance,” Jaascin replied.  “I do not have any great reason to hurry at the moment.  I would like very much to visit your university and consult with your scholars.”  This would give him a reason to stay around and investigate this situation.  He could easily pass this off as his interest in seeking knowledge. This had served him well in the past. He would also be seeking any information on the third dragon gem.  Perhaps he could learn more about the two sorceresses and about the present Great Raj.

     The young couple remained talking together as young people interested in each other.  It was obvious to Jaascin that they were carefully watching everything that was going on at the table that he and the Prince occupied.  The young man kept his shield.  The mage did not seem to notice that and paid no attention to the young couple.  Apparently he felt the energy from the sorceress, but dismissed it as unimportant.  It may have been because of that, the mage did not detect the shield the young man had erected. 

     This must be friendly territory for the Prince.  He did not seem to be closely guarded.  Jaascin could not see any evidence so far that the country they were in was badly ruled.  Unless the Prince was a very powerful Prince, this would seem to indicate he was not a bad ruler in his own country.  That however, would not rule out intrigue.  This was becoming an interesting puzzle.  He would see if the dragons would warn him of danger in the next few days.  Jaascin was planning to travel with the Prince to his country and to stay a while unless the dragons warned him that this could be dangerous.  He could not yet detect any danger to himself.

     They dined together that night and sat talking until fairly late.  It was obvious to Jaascin that the Prince was well educated and valued knowledge.  The Prince and Jaascin agreed to meet for breakfast in the morning and then set off upon their way.  The young couple had retired somewhat earlier.  They probably would just fall in with the group of travelers that would be setting out in the morning.  It seemed that the Prince and his Mage paid no attention to the young couple.  Apparently they detected no danger from them.

     As Jaascin had thought, the young couple did attach themselves to a group of travelers that were traveling in the same direction as the Prince and his party.  Jaascin, of course, attached himself to the Prince’s party.  Several members of the party did take note of the baggage that Jaascin was carrying with him.  They also noted that his beasts of burden fell in line with the party although Jaascin seemed to do nothing to direct them.

     It took them another three days to reach the Prince’s country and a couple more days to reach the Prince’s palace.  Jaascin noted that the country seemed relatively prosperous.  He noted no real indication of unrest as they traveled through the country.  The young couple did travel to the capital city of Varseinya.  Jaascin made a note to try to locate where they were staying without letting anyone know he was seeking them out.

     Jaascin was given very fine quarters in the palace.  It was obvious he was to be treated as a very high ranking noble of a friendly country.  This would fit in with Jaascin’s plans, as he would probably be given the freedom to come and go as he pleased with a minimum of surveillance.  This minimum surveillance would cause Jaascin no problem.  He could easily have the watchers see what he wanted them to see. 

     The first night he was to dine with the Prince and his wife.  There would be other high-ranking members of the court also in attendance.  This would give him a chance to establish his character.  Jaascin decided to wear the fine clothes he had made in the North Country.  He also decided to wear his Elven short sword and act the part of a wanderer who posed as a trader.  His sword with its fairy gem would draw interest and he could use that excuse to play his normal part.  So far he had received no warning from the dragons, and his gems had been quiet. 

     When he came into the banquet hall, he saw he was to be seated beside the Prince’s wife with the mage on the other side of him.  Jaascin was sure that the mage had requested he be seated next to Jaascin.  Jaascin’s act would set the mage at ease yet make him wonder who Jaascin really was. 

     Jaascin bowed to the Princess and acknowledged the mage then seated himself, after the Prince introduced him.  The Princess looked at Jaascin with a pleasant smile. 

     “That is an unusual looking sword you have.  I have never seen that type of sword before.  Those are beautiful gems on your scabbard and the hilt of your sword.  What kind of sword is that and is there a significance in those gems?” she inquired.

     “The sword is an Elven short sword.  It was given to me by an Elven Prince.” Jaascin answered.  “The gems are said to be fairy gems, but no one claims responsibility for them.”

     “You mean no one admits having those put on your sword?” the Princess asked with an inquiring smile.

     Jaascin smiled.  “That is right.  Apparently no one wanted to be accused of trafficking with fairies, Princess.”

     The Princess started to laugh.  Then she said, “The name is Suzeenne, Jaascin.  I do not think you are one who pays much attention to rank.  Besides no one is sure that you may really be a Prince in disguise.  You do have the manners and speech of one.” 

     Jaascin smiled and shrugged, “I only claim to be a wanderer who has sat at the feet of many learned men.”

     The princess then smiled at Jaascin again and with a tip of her head said, “You did not answer my question if there is any significance in those gems being on your sword.”

     Jaascin bowed apologetically, at which the Princess gave a delighted laugh. 

     “You do that so easily I would almost think you really were apologetic.” 

     Jaascin laughed, “I have been unmasked, Suzeenne.  The answer to your question is that they are supposed to warn me of any impending danger, according to what I have been told.”

     A young woman sitting on the other side of the mage asked, 

     “Can one examine the gems or can your sword be handle only by you?”  At that the sword rose from its scabbard and floated hilt first over to the young woman.  She looked startled, but she quickly recovered.   She grasped the hilt of the sword and examined the gem. 

     “It is a very unusual looking and very beautiful gem,” she said.  Then with a smile at Jaascin she said, “I do not have the power to float it back to you.”

     Jaascin said, “Just lay it out and let it go.  It will come back to me.”  Then he added with a smile, “It has strange powers.”

     The mage was watching Jaascin intently as this was happening.  The young woman did as Jaascin said and the sword returned.  

     The mage said, “You did nothing and said nothing, yet that phenomena of levitation happened.  How did you accomplish that?” 

     The young woman laughed.  “Perhaps his sword does have that power.”

     The mage smiled.  “I think it is Jaascin that has the power.  I think it is very great power.  I have never seen that accomplished as Jaascin has done it."

     “I have learned that if you create in your mind the vision of the movements and think the words, it will happen the same as if you made the motions and said the words out loud,” Jaascin answered.  “A very great sorcerer taught me that and made me practice until I could do it every time.  That has remained with me.”

     “He must have been a great teacher and you an outstanding student,” the mage said.  Jaascin merely shrugged his shoulders.  The Princess Suzeenne began to laugh. 

     “You could be a charming rogue, Jaascin although I am sure you are too much of a gentleman to really be a rogue.  However that would make you a formidable opponent.”

     Jaascin laughed, “Unfortunately, someone else suggested that I was a charming rogue.  I do not know why,” he said innocently.  He ignored for the moment the comment that he would be a formidable opponent.  This brought laughter from everyone seated nearby.

     “You say you are a wanderer,” said the Prince.  “Have your wanderings taken you to many different lands?”

     “It has taken me to many lands, Prince Sherazance,” Jaascin answered.  Jaascin told some tales of the lands he had visited.  He again revealed practically nothing about himself, except that he truly had lived in these places he described.  Everyone was fascinated by his tales, although few realized that he revealed practically nothing about himself.  The Prince was especially interested.  He realized Jaascin had really traveled to all of these places and was a very astute observer.  An idea began to form in the Prince’s mind.  Jaascin was well aware of this because of the questions the Prince had asked. 

     Later that evening, Jaascin arranged with the Prince to visit the university in the city.  He intended to visit the university in the morning after having breakfast in a nearby Inn.  The Prince was holding court later in the afternoon.  Jaascin decided he would be in attendance at that.  Perhaps he could gain some knowledge about the Prince from observing.

     When he arrived at the Inn, he was surprised to see the young wizard and his companion, the sorceress, dining there.