Two days later Jaascin and Sjeala presented themselves to the Prince.  Because he was a Duke from a friendly country, he and Sjeala were afforded a private audience with the Prince and his mistress.  The mistress Lady Dysonum was much younger than the Prince.   Jaascin found this did not surprise him.  After introducing himself and Sjeala, Jaascin decided to perform an enchantment he had done in a similar situation.  He asked Sjeala to hold out her hand palm up.  Then he laid his hand over hers and began to draw something up out of what was an empty palm.  As he drew his hand up it was evident he had a golden chain which then was revealed as attached to a beautiful jeweled pendant. 

     Turning to Lady Dysonum, Jaascin said, “A small gift for a beautiful lady.”  The lady’s eyes widened as she watched Jaascin pull up this beautiful gem from Sjeala’s empty hand.  She also knew that it was not at all a small gift.  The Prince looked on fascinated for Jaascin seemed to have said nothing except to ask Sjeala to hold out her hand.  The Prince also knew it was a very valuable jewel. His lady thanked Jaascin and Sjeala profusely as did the Prince.  It was a gift only a Prince would ordinarily give.  A very rich Prince.  Jaascin had drawn it from the jewels given him by the dragons.  Jaascin knew that this gift could pay very large dividends.  He had found out that Lady Dysonum wielded a certain amount of influence on the Prince.  

     Because of this, members of the court would treat Jaascin, with the utmost courtesy.  He would be deemed not only a wealthy Duke but also a powerful wizard.  It actually cost Jaascin nothing except a little effort to perform the enchantment.

     “You did nothing except to draw that out of your lady’s empty hand.  I have never seen anything like that before,” the Prince said, then he added, “My mage informed me that you were reputed to be a wizard although you look nothing like one.  He did not saying anything about powers such as this.”

     “It is all in the execution,” said Jaascin with a shrug and a smile.  “Most mages and wizards have not considered this may be possible.  I had a teacher who insisted that all things are possible, if you put your mind to it.”

     The Prince smiled.  “Obviously you were a good and talented student,” he said.

     Jaascin laughed.  “My life depended on it.  I was an orphan.”  

     This revelation would be of no great importance to the Prince after Jaascin has demonstrated his wizardry.  Especially as his mistress had determined that the jewel was indeed real and not an illusion.  Jaascin had already presented his credentials as a Duke of Prince Sherazance’ realm.  Jaascin obviously was a rich and powerful Duke who seemed also to be a powerful wizard.  He was undoubtedly learned and very charming.  In addition, he had a young, attractive wife who seemed to be very much in love with him.  The information that had reached the Prince had said that the Duchess was a sorceress.  That intrigued the Prince even more.  It was unusual to find a Duke who was a wizard.  It was even more unusual to find such a Duke whose Duchess was also a sorceress.

     Jaascin and Sjeala were invited to dine with the Prince that evening.  As usual there would be other important members of the Prince’s court dining with them.  This would be a good opportunity for Jaascin to get to know some of the more important members of the court.  These were undoubtedly the people who were insuring the city was well run.  He had already learned something about them.  Now he would be able to meet at least some of them.

     Jaascin made sure that Sjeala would look her best.  As the daughter of a minor lord, Sjeala had been schooled in how she should act in such situations.  Although there was little chance she would ever dine with a Prince, still it was part of her education.  She had proved a very good student.  Jaascin wore one of his finest outfits and wore his Elven short sword.  The fairy gems would undoubtedly be a topic of conversation.  Jaascin had seen little evidence of Elves in the city, so it was doubtful that there would be any Elven short swords in evidence. 

     Sjeala was seated beside Lady Dysonum with Jaascin beside her.  They were introduced as the Duke and Duchess of Parmelane.  Jaascin was looked over with great interest.  Lord Carnevan, the Prince’s chief counselor, sat next to the Prince.  His wife, Lady Carnevan, a striking woman, sat beside him.  Lord Carnevan turned to Jaascin and said,

     “Is that not an Elven short sword you are wearing?  I have only seen one before and that was many years ago.  It was worn by an Elven Prince.”

     “Yes, my lord,” Jaascin replied. “It is an Elven short sword.”

     “But you are not Elven, are you?” asked Lady Carnevon, smiling at Jaascin.

     “No, my lady,” answered Jaascin, “I am not Elven although some think I may be part Elf.  The sword was a present from an Elven Prince.”

     The Prince’s mage was very interested.  “Why are you thought to be part Elf?” he asked.

     “Because I am perfectly in tune to the magic of the Elven forests.  They say no one but an Elf can enter the forests without being totally confused,” Jaascin replied.

     “You become more intriguing all the time, Duke Parmelane,” Lord Carnevon said with a smile.

     “I would greatly prefer to be called Jaascin.  I really am an informal person,” Jaascin said smiling back at Lord Carnevon.   

     Jaascin thought Lord Carnevon would be a good person to get to know better.  Jaascin was sure he had much to do with the fact that the city was well run.  He judged that Lord Carnevon was a very able administrator.  He might possibly the one most responsible for the peace of the realm.  It that were so, then the Lord could be a great help in bringing about the successful conclusion of his mission.  Of course, Jaascin would have to convince him that his solution was the best for the Principality.

     Lady Carnevon smiled at Sjeala and said, “It is reported that you are a sorceress.  That would seem very fitting since your husband is a wizard.”

     “Yes, Lady Carnevon, I am a sorceress, but I do not have anything like the power Jaascin does, much as he denies he has any great power,” Sjeala said with a fond look at Jaascin.

     “Does he teach you any of the enchantments?” another lady asked.

     “He teaches me many things including how he so easily does them,” replied Sjeala.  “He is a very good teacher.”

     Jaascin smiled at Sjeala and said, “It is easy to be a good teacher when you have an excellent student.” 

     Then another lady said with a sly smile, “Is he as charming when you are alone?”

     Sjeala laughed rather delightedly, “He is even more charming.  He is a most wonderful husband.”  Lady Dysonum looked over at Jaascin,

     “Is that why your Duchess seems so wonderfully happy?  It is obvious you also give her wonderful presents.”  Lady Dysonum was referring to the beautiful jewel Sjeala was wearing on a pendant as well as the beautiful ring she had on her finger.  

     The pendant jewel was similar to the one Jaascin had given her.  However Sjeala’s jewels carried an enchantment that would protect Sjeala, and warn her of danger.  Aphrael had not seen it necessary to appear so Sjeala did not yet have a fairy gem.

     “I think you must ask Sjeala that question,” Jaascin said with a smile.  “I try my best to keep her happy.”

     “Speaking of gems,” the mage said, “those are very beautiful and unusual gems on your sword.”

     “I was told they are fairy gems,” replied Jaascin.  “I believe that is so.”

     “If they are fairy gems, are they enchanted?” asked one of the ladies, obviously very interested in this.

     “Yes,” answered Jaascin, “but it is a benign enchantment.  It is said they can never be stolen or destroyed.  Reputedly they will warn me of danger and the sword cannot be used against me.  I cannot tell you if these things are true or not.”

     “Meaning no one has tried to steal it or use it against you,” said Lord Carnevon.

     “Not to my knowledge,” said Jaascin with a smile. 

     Lord Carnevon laughed, “I do not think anything could be done without your knowledge as far as any of your possessions are concerned, Jaascin,” he said.

     Lord Doyina, who was the keeper of the Treasury, was listening to the conversation with interest, but had said nothing.  Jaascin learned later he was one of the Triumvirate that actually ran the Principality.  He looked at Jaascin with a questioning smile. 

     “If those are fairy gems on your sword, does that mean you have evidence there are fairies.  I have never heard of any one who has seen them.  However, some of our scholars hold that they have been reported in numerous tomes.  Many believe that there are such creatures.”

     “I have often heard of reports of fairies.  It is said that certain Elven women have their own band, that try to protect them,” Jaascin said.  “I have no reason to doubt these reports, because I have met some of these Elven women who say that is true.”

     “And you believe these women spoke the truth?” questioned Lady Dysonum.

     “I have no reason to doubt them.  They were women of very high repute and known for their truthfulness.  They had no reason to lie to me,” Jaascin said very positively. 

     Jaascin hoped that Aphrael would not deem it necessary to appear.  He breathed a sigh of relief when she did not appear.  He was hoping that no one would ask him if he had ever seen a fairy.  He decided to switch the direction of the conversation.    

     “Your mage may be able to bear me out on this.  It is reported that even the most powerful wizard or mage cannot affect fairies in any way.  In fact it is said that they cannot see fairies unless the fairies wish to be seen by them.”  Jaascin figured that would explain why he had not seen fairies without him saying so.

     The Prince’s mage concurred, “That is what I am told.”

     “There is an Elven forest less than one hundred leagues from here.  Are you planning to visit it?” Lord Carnevon asked, changing the direction of the conversation back to the Elves.

     “At the moment, I have no reason to do so,” Jaascin answered.  “I do not rule out that possibility in the future.  I assume you are on good terms with the Elves from that forest.”

     “We are on excellent terms with them.  They have proved to be very good trading partners.  We are especially fond of their horses,” Lord Carnevon replied.  “However most of the contact is made through our merchants.  We have not had an Elven representative to our court in many years.

     “That is so,” commented Lord Doyina, “They have been eminently fair in their dealings.  We have a very good relationship with them however it really is not an official relationship.” 

     “Has any representative been sent to the court in the Elven forest?” asked Jaascin curious why no official contact had been made. 

     “No,” said Lord Carnevon, with a smile,  “No one had applied for that position.  Perhaps it is because it is reported that no one but Elves can enter their forest without being completely disoriented.  No one has come forward to test that out." 

     Jaascin smiled.  He wondered if there were not some in this realm who were part Elf.  Perhaps they would not be deemed appropriate representatives of the Prince.  It occurred to Jaascin that perhaps he should visit that Elven forest.  It would be interesting to see what their thoughts were on the situation in this country.  It might have a bearing on his actions in trying to bring about a peaceful solution to the present intrigue going on.  Jaascin also determined he should probably sound out Lord Carnevon on his thoughts. 

     This was an unusual situation for Jaascin.  Before, he had played the part of a rather mysterious wanderer, who might be a powerful noble of some kind.  Now, he was a known Duke who was thought to be both rich and powerful, complete with a young attractive mistress.  Jaascin wondered if he should bring up the fact that he had heard there was some unrest in the realm related to the vying for power by three prominent families.  He was saved from saying anything by Lord Carnevon.

     “I suppose, as your land abuts our realm, you have heard of certain intrigues going on in this country,” Lord Carnevon said.

     “I have heard some rumors regarding that situation.  Naturally I am interested to find out the true facts.  The stability of this country would naturally be of interest to me.  At the moment I do not have to guard my borders.  Things are relatively peaceful.  Anything that might unsettle the peace of your realm would possibly impact on my Duchey,” Jaascin said.

     It was the Prince who spoke up now.  “There has been some vying for favor by certain noble families in the realm.  As you can see I am growing old and have no apparent heir.  So far it has been a peaceful competition, if you wish to call it that.  I have no plans in the near future to announce any decision on succession.  At the moment, I do not lean in any particular direction, and neither do my closest advisors as far as I can determine.  I believe you will agree with me that I have very capable administrators.”

     “It is obvious from the state of your realm and its apparent peacefulness that you have surrounded yourself with very capable administrators,” Jaascin commented.  “This of course heartens me and sets my mind somewhat at rest.”

     With a smile Lord Carnevon then said, “But you would like to have as much information on the families vying for favor as well as those who would be their champions.”  Then he added, “That would be a natural desire for one as learned as I am assuming you are.  Perhaps in the coming days, we may be able to give you as much information as we have.”

     Jaascin smiled, “I would be greatly pleased if you would do that, but I assure you I have no interest or desire to try to affect the outcome.  That I view as an internal affair of your realm, that I am confident you can handle very well.  I have no intention of meddling.  I merely desire to be forewarned of any changes that might possibly take place.  However, I am well aware that these little intrigues can escalate into petty wars and sometimes worse.  I prefer to be prepared for any eventualities.”  Then he added, “My visit here is really to become acquainted with your country and your fair city.  I am a scholar who delights in learning.  This is the reason for our visit here.  We do intend to enjoy our stay.”

     Lady Carnevon with a smile at Jaascin said, “You do not plan to be part of any of the intrigues, Jaascin?  I think you could be a very powerful ally.”

     Jaascin laughed.  “I have no intention of being even a small part of any intrigue in this court.  That is something that does not interest me.  I really have no reason to be interested other than becoming knowledgeable of the situation so I can judge its possible impact on my Duchey.  I really am a peaceful man and abhor conflict,” Jaascin told her with a smile.

     Another lady seated nearby with a somewhat flirtatious smile asked, “Not even intrigues of the heart?”

     “My Lady, I am happily married,” Jaascin replied.

     “Well said, Jaascin,” said Lady Dysonum, “especially as you have a young and very attractive duchess,” she added with a smile.

     “Especially as your duchess is herself a sorceress,” said Lady Carnevon with a light laugh. 

     Jaascin laughed and turning to Sjeala said, “That could possibly be an incentive to be faithful, but in this case it is not necessary.  I find Sjeala much too attractive and too charming to wander.”

     Lord Carnevon laughed.  “You truly are a consummate diplomat, Jaascin.  A very valuable ability even in marriage.”  Lady Carnevon smiled at her husband.  Jaascin noted that smile.  It was a loving one.  Obviously Lord Carnevon was also a diplomat and very possibly a very loyal husband.  Jaascin figured that easily could be the case making the Lord even more interesting.

     Jaascin decided that he would make sure he got better acquainted with Lord Carnevon.  He was sure he had some very good insights into the intrigues going on in the court and also some very good information about the three families involved.  Jaascin decided Lord Carnevon would be a good man to have on his side.  He would have to try to determine if he tended to lean one way or another or was impartial.

     It was an enjoyable and informative evening.  Sjeala had also listened carefully to what was said and how it was said.  She played the interested Duchess regarding the goings on in the court and in the rest of the realm.  Later that evening, Jaascin and Sjeala discussed what they had individually learned.  Jaascin found that Sjeala was quick-witted as well as an intelligent and knowledgeable young woman.  She would prove to be a valuable partner in this project he had embarked upon.  He was very glad it was she whom he had chosen. 

     He really had only expected her to be window dressing as his Duchess.  He was finding her a valuable assistant as well as playing the loving wife.  It was not an act as far as Sjeala was concerned.  She had fallen in love with Jaascin although she knew he would move on at some time in the future.  It did not worry her.  She felt she could enjoy his company while he was with her and have wonderful memories after that.  Jaascin did act the part of a loving husband while they were alone as well as when out in public.  It was his natural character to do this.

     Jaascin and Sjeala met with Lord Sheamma and Kaarinna later that week.  Lord Sheamma gave him his analysis of the three families and who he thought were their individual champions in the Prince’s court.  He also told Jaascin what he knew of these other men.  None of them wielded very much influence in the court, as far as he had been able to determine.  Jaascin found Lord Sheamma a very intelligent and capable person.  He made arrangements to keep in touch mainly through Sjeala and Kaarinna.  This would not be noted with any interest by anyone in the Prince’s court.

CHAPTER FIVE

     Jaascin did meet with Lord Carnevon at great length.  Lord and Lady Carnevon invited Jaascin and Sjeala to dine with them and several of their close friends at their home.  It was a very fine home.  None of the people who dined with them that night were any of the people who were the recognized champions of any of the three families.  The Lord was very willing to give Jaascin all the information he possessed.  He did not indicate he had any leaning toward any of the three families.  In fact, it would seem he did not think very highly of any of them.  Jaascin was not surprised at this. 

     According to Lord Carnevon, the families had at one time been able to wield great power.  However, for the last several generations, they seemed to spend more time at the court conducting petty intrigues rather than seeing to the well-being of their lands and the people on them.  None of them were willing to trust their lands to a capable administrator.  They did not trust anyone who showed any leadership ability.  Consequently their power was mostly in their abilities in court intrigues.  It would seem they would be in a weak position if challenged by someone who had the loyal backing of his people and of several other nobles who were in the same position. 

     The general of the Prince’s forces was a friend of Lord Carnevon.  He was the third of the Triumvirate who were actually running the country for the Prince.  He also did not think highly of any of the families presently vying for favor. Jaascin did learn that there were several nobles who could command loyal forces, who were uncommitted.  It is possible that one or more of them would throw their backing behind one of the families in order to put themselves in a strong position of power.  This possibility would have to be investigated.  It could complicate the situation and make the solution of this problem more difficult.  Jaascin would have to determine if they commanded enough forces to oppose Duke Krynna and his forces if he decided to become involved.  Jaascin did not plan to stay until the transfer of power was accomplished.  That might take too long.  He planned to do what he could to make sure there would be a peaceful transfer of power to the right person at the appropriate time.

     When Jaascin and Sjeala came to Lord Carnevon’s home they were introduced to the others as from a Duchey that bordered their country.  They were soon seated at the table with Jaascin and Sjeala seated beside Lord and Lady Carnevon.

     “So you are interested in the little intrigues that are going on to determine who will end up controlling the Principality when Prince Cjaala dies?” one of the other nobles asked.

     “I am naturally interested in anything that might affect the people of my Duchey.  I have after all, taken on the responsibility of seeing to their safety and prosperity,” Jaascin answered in a rather matter of fact tone. 

     The people there looked very interested at the way Jaascin had couched his answer.  They had already heard he was a very unusual, as well as a very highly educated man.

     One of the women seated nearby commented, “That is a very unusual way to describe your reasons for your interest.  I have never heard anyone of your obvious, education, wealth and power put the welfare of your subjects as your first consideration.”

     “My lady,” answered Jaascin, “I know from much experience that I am very capable of seeing to my own safety and welfare.  I have no reason to worry about that.”

     Lord Carnevon laughed, “Especially as Jaascin, we are sure, is also a very powerful wizard.”

     With a smile, another of the ladies inquired, “You have been tested, you imply.”

     “Yes, my lady,” Jaascin replied, with a broad smile, “I have been tested amply and often.  As you can see, I am still alive and in reasonably good health.”  This brought laughter from the group at the table.

     “Lady Carnevon reports you are an unusual wizard.  Can you show us what brought her to that conclusion?” asked another of the ladies.  At that a dish from the table rose and floated over to present itself to her.  She was startled at first because Jaascin had seemed to do nothing, then she began to laugh rather delightedly. 

     “Now I can see why Lady Carnevon made that statement.  I have never seen anything like that before.  You seemed to have done nothing.  The Mages I have seen perform any enchantment always did it with a lot of muttering or chanting and a lot of waving of their arms.  There is also usually a lot of smoke or mist.”  The rest, of the group, were watching, fascinated by what was going on.  Suddenly another plate floated up and presented itself to her husband.  Everyone was startled by the fact that Jaascin seemed somewhat surprised and amused at this. 

     “That is not me that did that,” Jaascin said.  “I believe it was Sjeala.” 

     Sjeala smiled.  “Jaascin has taught me how he does these things without seeming to do anything.  He made me practice until I could also do it,” she said.  Jaascin smiled in satisfaction at Sjeala’s actions.  He felt that if Sjeala established herself as a powerful sorceress before he again began his wandering, that would ensure her safety as the Duchess and ruler of the Duchey.  This type of thing would do just that.

     “In other words, Jaascin is not only a powerful wizard but also a fine teacher,” one of the Lords commented.

     “And a most wonderful husband,” Sjeala added with a smile.

     In the following discussions, Jaascin found that the land of the Duke to which Lord Sheamma had referred, bordered the Elven forest to which Lord Carnevon had referred.  Jaascin decided he would have to plan to visit that Elven forest shortly.  It would give him the opportunity to visit with the Duke without seeming to make a special trip to see him.  Jaascin decided he needed to talk to that Duke.  Apparently Duke Krynna paid little attention to what was going on in the capital city and the Prince’s court.  Jaascin decided that he would like to know why.  It was true, the Duke’s land was at the far end of the Prince’s realm.  The Prince had left him pretty much alone.  Jaascin learned that Lord Carnevon did know Duke Krynna.  However he said nothing about him except that he did know him and that the court’s relationship with him was cordial.  This precipitated Jaascin’s decision to leave for the Elven forest. 

     The perfect excuse for his doing so was furnished by the fact an Elven noble came to the city on business.  This Elf was not only a powerful Elven merchant, but a high ranking Elven noble.  This it seemed was an unusual occurrence of late.  Although Elven merchants did come regularly to the city, they were seldom if ever high ranking nobles such as this Elf.  The elf, Lord Callamiran did pay his respects to the Prince on the part of the Elven King.  Lord Carnevon took the opportunity to introduce Jaascin to him.

     “I would like to introduce you to a very intriguing man, Jaascin Wanilain, the Duke of Parmelane.” Lord Carnevon said to Lord Callamiran.  “Not only do we know he is a wizard with what we feel are great powers, but he by his own admission is attuned to the magic of the Elven forests.  Is it not true that only Elves can be attuned to that magic?” 

     Lord Callamiran upon being introduced to Jaascin looked him over and said, “ If you are truly attuned to the magic of the Elven forests, I would assume you to be part Elf.  Have you visited Elven forests and know this to be true.”  Lord Callamiran was aware that from Jaascin’s dress he was probably a rich and powerful Duke.

     Jaascin acknowledged the introduction and then answered, “I have visited several Elven forests and have found myself perfectly attuned to the magic of those forests.  It was assumed by the Elves in these forests that I must be part Elf.  I am an orphan who knew only his father, so have no proof that this is true.  I assumed that it must be true because of my experience.  In addition, I can speak the Elven language very fluently, according to the Elves, as if I am perfectly attuned to it.”

Lord Callamiran was looking at Jaascin intently as he was speaking. 

     “And you are a wizard?”  With this Jaascin clenched his hand then turning it palm up opened it up.  A blue, a white and a red flame sprang up in his palm.  They then rose to form a multicolored ring.  The Elf looked on fascinated by what was happening.  Jaascin seemed to do nothing or say nothing, yet this sorcerer’s fire had appeared and was now changing and rising into the air.  The ring-of-fire slowly condensed into a brilliant white flame, which disappeared to reveal a golden dagger floating in the air.  It then floated down and stood on its point in Jaascin’s palm. It then seemed to melt into a golden ball and suddenly disappear.  All through this, Jaascin had done nothing except to hold his palm steady.

     Lord Callamiran, with a smile said, “I would agree with Lord Carnevon.  You are indeed a powerful wizard.  I have never seen the likes of that.  Our king’s mage would like to make your acquaintance.  I do not think he has seen such a phenomenon either.  He has never even hinted at such a possibility as far as I can recall.”

     “My lady and I have been considering visiting your forest,” Jaascin immediately said.  He quickly made his decision that this would be a good opportunity to visit the Elven forest.  Perhaps he could find out how they regarded the situation in this country.  “Are you returning there in the near future.”

     “We are planning to return within a week.  We would be happy to have you accompany us so we could introduce you to our court,” Lord Callamiran replied.  Jaascin immediately told him he would be most happy to accept his fine offer.  They made arrangements when they would be leaving and Jaascin went to inform Sjeala of this turn of events.  He told her how it came about and why he wished to take this opportunity to visit