THE WANDERER©   

by Richard A. Falb

Chapter ONE

He was known only as the Wanderer.  He appeared, they say, out of the northern mountains at a time of great change. Little was known about him except he was a healer.  He claimed it was his mission to wander throughout the lands bringing his healing talent to everyone who had need of it. He took whatever pay they could afford.  He denied no man his healing powers. They said he had great healing powers.  He was welcomed everywhere.  He seemed to have enough coin to do this.

It was a time when evil spirits wandered the earth.  For years they had annoyed and caused problems for many people.  The good Mages had been able to deal with them.  However there were times, more often lately, when it was much more than that.  They were threatening to take over nations and peoples.  They were at times led by one of the three known great witches who were attempting to consolidate their power.  This led to wars, pitting not only nations but also powerful Mages, on both sides.  At times, small lords or Dukes aligned themselves with these powerful evil forces in hopes they would benefit greatly.  In certain instances, an evil Mage aligning himself with one of the powerful witches would take over a Dukedom or even a Kingdom.  It was leaving devastation in areas where the battles were being fought.  It was almost bankrupting some kingdoms. 

It was during this time, as fall began and before the winter snows began to fall in the North Country, that this healer appeared.  He was said to have come out of the mountains to the east of Duke Dannel’s land on the Northeast boundaries of the Central Kingdom. There was a great forest to the North of the Central Kingdom stretching into the realms of the Northern Elves and the Northern Nation.  This healer began wandering the villages of these northern woods.  They were mostly small villages that would not have their own healer.  They might have a woman who had some knowledge of herbs and potions, but that is all.  The Wanderer’s fame spread quickly.  Rumor had it he was a tall and powerfully built man dressed in the furs and pelts of the woodland animals.  They said he did not look at all like they expected a healer to look.  There were conflicting stories as to how old he was.  Some said he was young.  Some swore he was of middle years.  A few said, he was older.  He rode a large chestnut horse that looked to be a cross between the powerful northern stallions and the sleek, speedy Elven thoroughbreds.  A huge wolf was often seen at his side as he rode.  Two powerful horses pulled a huge wagon loaded with his tent and belongings.  A huge eagle could often be seen gliding above the cavalcade.  He carried a large Elven bow and a large sword.  Those who had hunted with him swore he was the greatest hunter they had ever known.  He seemed to know just where the game would be.   They swore his arrows never missed. No one had yet seen fit to test his swordsmanship.  Of course, he was reputed to be a healer and not a soldier.  Still no brigands saw fit to challenge him, although he was rumored to always travel alone. Some whispered he might be a mage.  Rumor had it he was not only a healer but a man of great knowledge.   

A mighty war had just been fought. It pitted the Northern witch, Tulloc, the most powerful of the evil ones and his minions against the mighty Northern nation with their powerful old mage.  Allied with the Northern Nation was the northern nation of elves and their powerful mage.  Although the people of the Northern Nation were judged by most to be human, the elves were aware they were really different.  Their life span seemed to be much more like that of the elves, than that of other humans.  Consequently, it was not unheard of that there were some inter-marriages among the Elves and the Northern Nation people.  In fact there had been some intermarriages among the ruling Princes of both nations. 

It had been a mighty war lasting four years.  Its reverberations had been felt around the known world.  It had ended just a year and a half ago with the complete defeat and banishment forever of those evil forces of the north.  The war, luckily, had been fought mostly in the far northern reaches of the land. This, plus the power of the good Mages, had shielded most of the Nations from the devastation usually associated with such a long war. It had changed forever the looks of that part of the known world.   The climatic change had been of benefit to the large Northern Nation.  It freed up more land from the grip of ice and snow and opened new ports for their large fleets.  The snow and ice had retreated further north and higher into the mountains.  The Northern Nation had recovered quite quickly, as had the Northern Elven Nation.  Their northern cities as well as their most northern ports were being rebuilt.    Both had lost one of their three ruling Princes.  Their losses in ships and men had been surprisingly light for such a long war.

It had been rumored that during this time, a younger mage, more powerful than any known before, had appeared to help vanquish the evil ones from the north.   None of these rumors indicated from where he had come.  No one knew what happened to him after the end of that war.  He had seemed to disappear.  Not even the Mages could locate any trace of this Mage, if he really existed.  This was cause for concern for some Mages.  Many were discounting this story as just a rumor.  Even the Mages could not determine if this story were true or not.  This added greatly to the mystery.  Magellor, the powerful old Mage of the North Country, would not say if he thought this story true or false.  It was he, whom the rumored powerful young Mage, was reputed to have helped in the war.  Most Mages believed that if there were such a Mage, he must be a student of Magellor.  Magellor would only shrug and say he did not know what they were talking about.  The Mages who believed there was such a new powerful Mage did not believe Magellor.

The four Elven Nations had long since given up their domination of the other peoples of the world and now lived in peace with them.  This had been so for nearly a thousand years.  There were even some parts of the present world in which an elf was an uncommon sight.   Most knew of these long-lived people, but many had never actually seen any elves.  Some of the tribes in the mountains thought elves were only a figment of old men’s tales.  They, had never seen an elf, therefore they didn’t exist. The Wanderer appeared first in the wild Eastern Mountains to the East of Duke Dannel’s land.  He seemed to be able to speak the language and the dialect of every tribe he visited. 

Duke Dannel’s only daughter had fallen very ill.  It was suspected this illness, might have been caused by the evil forces of the north.  Duke Dannel had moved his men to his northern border.  This served to help protect the southern edge of the Northern Nations while the war was going on.   No healer had been found who knew what to do to cure her.  The Duke was desperate. 

Hearing of the Wanderer, he sent some men into the forests of the mountains to try to find this healer.  He would willingly give half his land to this Wanderer if his daughter could be cured.  Some of the Duke’s men found the Wanderer in a village on the northern edge of the Duke’s land.  He was within only a day’s journey of the Duke’s castle.  Hearing the plight of the young woman, the Wanderer set out immediately for the Duke’s castle, arriving in the early evening.  The castle was set on a rise of ground, facing the north.  A river flowed between the castle and a road that ran east and west.  To the East, the South and the West were a thick growth of trees.  Within this forest there grew an impenetrable thicket of thorny bushes.  These bushes were green throughout the year.  As a consequence, the castle could be approached only from the north.  The Duke’s great grandfather had built the castle on this spot and had planted those bushes. 

The Wanderer immediately gathered some things from his wagon and followed the men into the castle. The Duke was surprised at the appearance of this Wanderer.  Recovering quickly, the Duke immediately warmly greeted the Wanderer. 

“I thank you for coming so quickly, healer,” said the Duke. Although dressed in leather like a hunter or a woodsman, the Wanderer exuded the power and confidence of a noble.  And he was tall.  As tall as the men the Duke had seen from the Northern Nation whose lands reached to the Duke’s northern borders.  He looked like a hunter, or a man of the mountains, not like a healer.

The Wanderer, with a friendly smile and a bow replied,  “I am most happy to come.  Let us immediately take a look at your daughter, Duke Dannel.  The sooner we see what is the problem, the sooner we can affect a cure.” 

The Duke was surprised at the positive tone of the Wanderer’s words.  Most healers said they would try to do what they could.  They did not want to be blamed for failing.  It was obvious, the Wanderer was not an ordinary healer.  The Duke immediately took heart.  He had lately begun to think there was no hope for his daughter.

The Duke immediately took him to his daughter’s room.   She lay surrounded by servants trying to do whatever they could for her.  She seemed to be unconscious and in deep pain.  The Wanderer immediately waved them away. 

He bent over the young woman, carefully examining her.  He could see the evidences of the evil within her.  He would have to be alone with her to weave the spell to call out the evil within her.  He could then treat the symptoms of her other sickness.  He turned to the Duke. 

“I need to be alone with her for a short while.  I will call you back in shortly,” the Wanderer told Duke.  The Wanderer’s eye’s held the Duke’s as he spoke.  The Duke nodded his agreement and quickly ordered everyone to leave the room.  The Duke then left the room and closed the door after himself.  He then cleared everyone from the hallway outside the room.  He did not know why, but he trusted the Wanderer completely.  Besides, he had the feeling the Wanderer, was his daughter’s last possible chance.  Only this Wanderer might have the power to treat the evil that ravaged his daughter.

Some time later, the Wanderer called the Duke and two of the daughter’s attendants back into the room.  The three were amazed.   The daughter now seemed to be resting quietly.  Her pain seemed to be gone.  They had been able to do nothing to help her.  This healer within a short time had done what no one else had been able to do.  The daughter’s attendants thought it was a miracle.  That is the story they would be telling for months to come.  The Wanderer gave the servants some very explicit instructions as to what he wanted them to do.  Then he turned to the Duke.  “It will take several days.  She was very close to death.  It is lucky your men found me so soon.  I will need to stay several days to make sure she is safely on the road to recovery.  I will then leave some potions and ointments, and very explicit instructions.  You must see that these are carried out exactly as I have instructed.  Do you have a trusted servant who can read?” the Wanderer asked the Duke.  This was not the case in many households.  However, the Duke did have two who could read.  The Wanderer then said,  “Before I leave, I will talk to you and those two servants.  I will give them specific instructions as to what must be done.  I will also leave these instructions in written form.  They need to be followed exactly as I say.”   The Duke promised this would be done.  The Duke was very well educated for this time, and he had seen to it that his son and daughter were also.

The Duke immediately said,  “My castle and all within it are at your command, healer.”  The Wanderer smiled his thanks.

“I will set up my tent just outside your castle walls.  I have things I need there.  I have the room and equipment to produce certain potions, salves and remedies I will need.  I will however be happy to join you for meals.”

“We would be honored to have you join us for dinner tonight,” The Duke immediately said.  The Wanderer smiled and nodded his head in acceptance.  The Wanderer was testing the Duke.  The Duke had passed this test with high marks.  The Duke had no idea whom, he the Wanderer was, yet he had unhesitatingly invited the Wanderer to join him at his table.  Some Lords would not think of doing that for a healer, no matter how great a healer he was.  They would assume he was a mere commoner.

The Wanderer, as he promised, stayed for three days caring for the young woman.  He spent much of the time with the young woman.  Otherwise, except for the meals he ate with the Duke and his son, he spent the time in his tent.  Through the conversations the Duke had with the Wanderer at these meals, the Duke realized this healer, had a far greater education and knowledge than any man the Duke had met. 

Each day his daughter seemed to gain strength.  By the late afternoon of the second day, she was sitting up and eating regular food.  The middle of the third day she was up and walking around, although slowly and with assistance.   She even was able to join them for dinner that night.  The Duke’s joy knew no bounds when she joined them.  His daughter had, as far as the Duke was concerned, returned from the dead. 

The Duke turned to the Wanderer.  “I have said I would give half of my lands to the healer who could cure my daughter.  I will not go back on my promise.”

The Wanderer smiled and with a slight bow of his head answered,  “I have no use for half of your lands, Duke Dannel.  They would be better off in your care.  However, there is one thing you have I would accept in payment.”  The Duke waited to hear what the Wanderer would ask in payment.  The Wanderer went on,  “You have in your possession an ancient dagger.  Your men took it from a band of thieves they defeated.  This band of thieves had just come over the mountain.  They claimed to have found the dagger deep within a cave.  They claimed the three men who found it and handled it died a horrible death.  Your man, who took it off them and tried to keep it for himself, also died the same kind of death.  Your men then wrapped it in leather and presented it to you, first warning you not to touch the dagger.  It is finely made and has a jeweled handle with strange inscriptions on it.”

The Duke looked at the Wanderer in complete surprise.  He had described everything as it had happened.  Yet there was no reason the Wanderer would know these things.  The Duke immediately went and brought the dagger.  It was completely wrapped so that no one would have to touch it.  He handed it this way to the Wanderer.  The Wanderer calmly unwrapped the dagger.  It was a beautifully worked piece.  The blade shone as if it had been just polished.  The jewels in the handle glowed as if it were on fire.  The Wanderer picked up the dagger by the jewel-encrusted handle.  He seemed to have no fear of it, although he obviously knew of its history.  The Duke stared at him in complete surprise as the Wanderer picked up the dagger to examine it closely.  The Wanderer seemed unaffected by the curse that was upon it.

“Do you not fear the curse that is upon it,” he asked the Wanderer.  “You seem to be immune to it.”

The Wanderer smiled.  “I know the curse that has been put upon it.  It is an intricate and ancient one.  As a healer, it will not touch me.  That was part of the curse.  The only way it can affect me is if I use it for an evil or selfish purpose.  I am bound to return it to its rightful owner, which I shall do in time.”

The Duke looked at the Wanderer.  Then he said,  “But you can use it to defend yourself.”

The Wanderer nodded yes,  “That is permissible, but I do not plan to carry it on my person.  I do have ample weapons with which to protect myself, should that become necessary.”

It was the Duke’s turn to smile,  “I have noticed you have a sword.  In fact, it is one of the finest swords I have ever seen.”

“It was a gift, Duke Dannel.  It is a very fine weapon.  It also is of ancient origin.  It also has a spell upon it.”  Then the Wanderer added with just a hint of a smile,  “And I do know how to use it.”

The Duke would not contradict that statement.  In fact, he was sure the Wanderer could use it very well.  He knew, the Wanderer would not carry a weapon he did not know how to use with great effectiveness.  Although he was a healer, he looked to the Duke, as one who would be a formidable opponent in battle.

The Duke gave the order, the Wanderer should be provided with whatever he needed before he left in the morning.  That night the Wanderer gave very specific directions to the group as to the treatment for the young woman.  He provided them with complete written directions, as he had promised.  He emphasized that they must be followed exactly for the next fourteen days.  The next morning, he and his tent were gone.  No one had actually seen him depart.  Somehow that did not surprise the Duke.  There was something very different about this Wanderer.  Even the Duke’s Mage, was impressed by the man.  The Mage felt the Wanderer was more than just a healer.  However, his searching gave him no evidence of this.  The Duke had a feeling that he would see the Wanderer again.   

The Central Kingdom ran the eastern edge of the great mountains to the land of the Southern Elves.  Two small lord’s land lay at the southern edge of the Kingdom between the Kingdom and the land of the Southern Elves.  To the West of the Kingdom lay a series of Dukedoms and a group of small Lords allied together into a loose confederation.  To the Southwest and West lay the mountains of the Coastal Range.  Along the West Coast was another Kingdom and to the north of it were lands of the three nations of elves.  The largest of these was that of the Northern Elves.  They had close ties to the powerful Northern Nation.  This alliance created the most powerful force in the known earth.  It was this alliance that fought and won the war with the Evil Ones of the North.   This was a very benign force as far as the other nations were concerned.  These two nations had no territorial aspirations.  Their ships covered the seas trading with every nation.  It was even rumored they sailed to those lands far to the West beyond the Western Ocean, as well as those to East of the Eastern Ocean. 

The Wanderer roamed the northern lands.  His reputation as a healer, became so great he was welcomed into the home, mansions and castles of all.  The Wanderer was keeping his true identity a secret.  Before setting out on his journey as a healer, he and his teacher, the great old Mage Magellor, had found out about a plot of the Evil Vakorin.  He was the Evil Witch of the Western Coastal Mountains.  He had already, through an evil Mage, taken over one of the Western Coastal Kingdoms.  A war was now going on pitting that Kingdom against the Southwestern Elven Nation allied with some mountain tribes. The deposed young prince of this kingdom and some loyal followers were allied with the Elven nation in this fight.  The other Elven nations sent some of their men and Mages to aid in this war.

The Witch was planning to bring together his minions at the place near the Castle of King Guthor.  It would be at the same time as the meeting King Guthor had called, of the leaders of lands surrounding the Central Kingdom.  Some Mages of these rulers were already in league with the Evil Vakorin.  The Wanderer, appearing only as a healer, would not attract the notice of any of the Mages.  If the Wanderer could be there when these forces gathered, he and Magellor might surprise them in their meeting, confine them, then use their own power to destroy them.  Secrecy and surprise were the weapons the Wanderer was going to use.  The Wanderer would appear to be coming to this meeting King Guthor called, to bring news of the war that had been fought in the north.

The Wanderer and Magellor also had learned the Elven Princess Sylleron, of the Southern Elven Nation, had fallen somewhat under the influence of an Evil Mage who was causing trouble in the South.  They suspected this Evil Mage, was being helped by the Witch Vakorin.  Princess Sylleron had been dabbling in the Mage Arts and healing arts under the tutelage of her old Mage. He however, was becoming a feeble old man.  Unknown to her, he had fallen under the influence of this Evil Mage.  The Mage planned to take control of her and her mind and through this to control the Elven Nation.  Her husband, Prince Elleren and his beautiful, but headstrong older daughter, and his eldest son were to be at the gathering at the Central Kingdom.  Following this, Prince Elleren was planning to go West to visit another of the Elven Nations.  He was not aware of his wife’s danger.  The Evil Mage knew this and was planning to take advantage of the Prince’s absence.  Prince Elleren’s mage would be accompanying him to the meeting.  He was trusting the old mage, who was his teacher, to protect the Princess while he was gone and to alert him if there was any danger.  This would leave Princess Sylleron unprotected.

After healing Duke Dannel’s daughter, The Wanderer continued along the northern edge of the Duke’s land till he reached the border of the land of the Northern Elves.  Then he turned south.  He stopped at the villages along the way, performing his healing arts.  His tent would be there in the morning on the outskirts of the village.  No one ever saw it being put up.  Then he would wait for them to come.  Many a village maiden looked with longing at this tall, handsome and powerful looking healer. They all noted that he was very gentle and spoke their language as they spoke it.  He never asked for anything for his services.  He was provided with whatever they could afford.  Many a maid thought of how she would stow away in his wagon when he left.  No one ever saw him leave.  He seemed to disappear during the night. 

Although there were bands of outlaws hiding throughout the forests he was traversing, none of them saw fit to challenge him.  They were suspicious of a man who had a huge wolf, and a just as huge eagle, as traveling companions.  In addition, some had seen the huge sword that he had by his side, the Elven short sword, and the bow he carried.  Some had heard of his prowess with that bow.  They did not think it wise to test his prowess with a sword and dagger.

The Wanderer did take time to go with some hunters when they went to hunt for deer and elk.  They never returned without plenty of game when the Wanderer went with them. The stories of these things and of his power as a healer preceded him.  He was welcomed wherever he went.  He treated everyone the same.  He never denied anyone his healing arts.  He even gave the older women instructions on how to treat certain wounds and common complaints.  If there was a local healer, he always had her work with him and would instruct her as well as provide her with materials she could use.  This endeared him to the local healers because he was so willing to help them.

It was that Fall, King Guthor of the Central Kingdom, having heard the tales of the defeat of the northern evil ones, called for a gathering of all the Dukes and Lords surrounding the Kingdom.  He also sent invitations to the Princes of the Elven Nations closest to his Kingdom.  These invitations to the Elves were just as a courtesy.  The King knew he had no power over them.  In fact, he was aware they were actually more powerful than he was.  He had received word that at least two powerful Elven Princes would come.  Tents covered the plains to the South and West of the castle and the town.  Merchants and others filled the fields with tents of various sizes.  The taverns and inns were filled to overflowing.  There was a festive air to the gathering.  The people heard the King would have good news to communicate.  They were ready for some respite from the troubles of the past years.  There were some there who were hoping to cause other troubles for their own benefit.  Most of the people who gathered here were not aware of this.  The town and the castle were at the crossroads of the road, running North and South through the Kingdom and the main road coming from the West.  To the North and East was a large woods split by a large stream that came from the Northeast and then turned west.  The stream ran a short distance north of the town and the castle.

The Wanderer had appeared and pitched his tent in a clearing beside that stream.  It was apart from the town and the other tents, but still was reachable by most people there.  It was a rather large tent for one who always traveled alone.  To some people it seemed to be much too large a tent for a healer.  Of course, the Wanderer was not an ordinary healer and he had not come here to practice his healing arts.  He said he had come to bring some good news.  This town was large enough to have its own healers.   His tent seemed to fade into the green of the forest.  It was just a short way off the road that wound across a bridge over the stream and wandered through the woods to the north and east.  Beyond, along that road a short distance, was another larger clearing in the forest.

Shortly after he arrived, the Wanderer asked for an audience with King Guthor.  Having heard of his fame as a healer, the King invited the Wanderer to dine with him that evening.  The King was very interested in meeting this man about whom there seemed to be much mystery.  He had heard of his healing of Duke Dannel’s daughter.   The Northern Duke Dannel and his son Luthral, along with Prince Elleren of the Southern Elves and his daughter and son were also invited that day.  Queen Nadra and Princess Guenell would be dining with them.  The Princess Guenell and the Elven Princess Lilleth had become good friends and Lilleth was staying in the castle with her.  It was rumored the King and Queen and even the Princess Guenell herself looked favorably on an arrangement between Guenell and the Northern Duke’s son, Luthral.  This would solidify a mutually advantageous alliance.  The Elven Princess Lilleth, on the other hand, had a reputation as a free spirit.  She seemed to reject all suitors.  The fact she could ride and hunt with the best of them didn’t endear her to many of these young men.  She was now getting beyond the years when young women were considered marriageable.  However she never lacked for suitors.   She was considered very beautiful, although headstrong.  She had developed her mother’s talents of a healer.  Lilleth had been taught many of the Mage’s minor secrets by her father’s old Mage.  She was a favorite of his since she was very small. 

The Princesses found out the Wanderer would be dining with them.  They had heard many rumors about him.  Neither had seen nor talked to anyone who had actually seen him.  This man, about whom there seemed to be much mystery, intrigued them.  They were looking forward to meeting this great healer.  They heard some rumors he was tall and somewhat handsome.  Princess Lilleth especially wanted to meet him.  She was interested in the arts of a healer.  He sounded very different from most men she knew.  That alone intrigued Lilleth.

They heard he dressed in deerskin.   They thought they would easily recognize him as he came into the castle grounds. What they would do when they saw him, they really had no idea.  They thought, of course, that even a great healer would be overjoyed to have two beautiful Princesses talk to him.  They sneaked down into the castle grounds close to the main gate.  Here, the men always dismounted and turned their horses over to one of the King’s men.  The Princesses thought they would therefore be able to know him when he came.  They wanted to get a closer look at this man and possibly meet him.  A tall, young man dressed in cloth, much like that of the Elves, came in riding a huge, beautiful, Chestnut colored horse.  The Elven princess, who was a gifted horsewoman, thought the horse was the most magnificent animal she had ever seen.  She just had to see that horse close up.  In fact, she wanted to sit on that magnificent animal.  She had momentarily forgotten that she was here to try to see the Wanderer.  She boldly walked out, and when the man dismounted, brazenly said,  “Kind Sir, I would like to sit on that horse.”

The man turned to her with a smile, then with a bow,  “Princess, that horse has known no rider but me.  He might bolt if someone else climbed up on him.  I would not wish you to be harmed.”

The horse snorted, then whinnied and pawed the ground.  The man laughed.  “He disagrees with me it seems.  I gather he would not mind to have a beautiful princess on his back.”

The Princess looked somewhat startled at what the man said.  The man seemed not to notice.   Without another word, he stepped toward her, picked the princess up by her waist and gently seated her upon the saddle.  The Princess was amazed at how easily she lifted her up.  It was as if she weighed very little.  He must be very strong, she thought.

“Perhaps sometime I might be allowed to ride him?”  Princess Lilleth stated, as if this request would be automatically granted.

“I shall consult with him, Princess,” the man replied with a smile.  He caught her lightly as she slid off of the horse.  She wasn’t quite sure how she should reply to these words.  He was very civil, but definitely not awed.   She did not know what to make of this man.  To hide her confusion, she gathered up Princess Guenell and hurried back into the castle.  She wondered who this man might be.  He spoke well and had a beautiful voice.  It was also obvious, he was not awed by the attention of two Princesses.  He had been very pleasant, but definitely not subservient.  He did not act like a commoner.

“I have never seen such a powerful and magnificent horse in my life,” she told Guenell very positively.  “I must ride him.”

They hurried back into the castle and into the dining hall.  They had forgotten about trying to see the Wanderer.  They were both wondering who that man could be.   

Everyone else had already gathered in the dining hall.  The Princesses quickly took their places.  A few moments later, the Wanderer put in his appearance and bowed to the King and Queen, and then to the Elven Prince and the Duke.  The Duke, who had, of course, met the Wanderer, smiled as he heard the Princesses gasp when they saw the Wanderer.  He was not an old man as they had envisioned.  He was a tall, powerful, and rather handsome young man who carried himself with the utmost confidence.  And he was not clothed in rough skins, as was rumored, but in nice cloth much like the fine cloth of the Elves.  It was the man who had that magnificent horse.  The King indicated his welcome.  He was also surprised, although he had heard the Wanderer was not old.  He also noticed he did not seem to be the least bit awed by the people gathered around the table.  He had a cool confidence.

“Greetings Wanderer,” King Guthor said,  “That is all the name that has been given you,” he continued as if questioning this.

“That is the only name I need, Sire,” the Wanderer respectfully replied,  “for that is what I am.  I wander through the land wherever a healer is needed.”

“Stories of your feats as a healer has reached our ears, Wanderer.  But some say they suspect you are also a Mage,” the King continued looking intently at this man.  He had the bearing of a confident man.  One who knew he was good at what he did.  But he did not look like what the King expected a healer to look.

The Wanderer smiled,  “I claim only that I am a poor healer.  No other powers have I ever said I have.  It is enough for me, to lend help to those who are in need of it.”  But there was no hint of being a poor anything in his voice.  His voice, though soft, had a hint of power to it.  The man was evidently well educated.

“I can attest to his power to heal,” the Duke spoke up.  “It is he that gave us back our daughter when we were sure we had lost her.”

The Wanderer bowed his head to the Duke in humble thanks for the words.  The Elven Princess looked more closely at him.  There was a definite hint of interest in her eyes.  Her father watched her.  A smile briefly appeared on his face.  She could do worse than claim him for a husband, he thought.  The Elven Princess, closely studying the Wanderer, saw more than just a common man who had learned the arts of healing.  There is something far deeper in this man.  He carries himself too well.  I would love to know this man better, she thought. 

Everyone was seated at the table and the servants began bringing in the food.  The Elven Princess skillfully maneuvered herself across from the Wanderer, so she could study this man.  There was something that did not fit.  She was intrigued with him.  She watched, as he began to eat, occasionally answering the questions they asked of him.  It is obvious, she thought, he has sat at royal tables before.  He is too at ease.  The Wanderer, sensing her scrutiny, smiled pleasantly at her.  She smiled back.

“Why did you not tell us who you were?”  Lilleth asked.

The Wanderer smiled,  “You are a Princess.  You had but to ask.  I would have told you whatever you wished to know.  I thought you knew who I was.  I have no reason to hide my identity.”

The Princess frowned at his reply.  You knew I didn’t know, she thought.  Her eyes bore into his.  Don’t toy with me, Wanderer, I am not used to being toyed with, her look said.  He smiled an apologetic smile.  The Princess didn’t believe for a minute, he was at all apologetic.  This of course, made him that much more intriguing to her.  He has the easy confidence of a man of great power, yet he acts the humble healer.  She had never seen this quiet confidence except in the great Princes of her kind.

As the evening wore on, the Wanderer petitioned the King to be able to speak at the meeting of all the nobles.  That meeting was to take place before the meeting of all the men.  The King considered, then getting a nod from the Duke and the Elven Prince, agreed to his request.  The Elven Prince had noted the by-play between his daughter and the Wanderer with a wry smile.  He doesn’t know what he is letting himself in for, he thought.  He sensed his daughter was intrigued with this young, handsome healer.  He knew that this was the first time his oldest daughter had ever been intrigued by any man.  At times she treated young men, especially those who considered themselves appropriate suitors, as if they didn’t exist.  She was not treating this man as if he didn’t exist.  In fact, her attention was riveted upon him.

When the meal was finished, and before the women excused themselves, the Wanderer humbly thanked everyone for giving him the honor of dining with them.  Then he took his leave.  The Princess watched him.  He does that so easily, she thought, yet it seems so out of character to me.  Is he really what he appears to be?  I need to find out, she thought to herself.

The next evening, the Elven Princess was quietly walking through the halls bent on slipping outside the castle, a forbidden thing.  Lilleth was used to doing forbidden things.  She saw the King’s young apprentice Mage, furtively slip out of the castle walls by a side entrance, and hurry, off into the night.  She decided to follow him.  She wanted to find out where he was going and why.  She was not dressed as a Princess.  Rather she was dressed like that of an Elven page.  She carried a long Elven knife, which she was expert at handling.  The young apprentice slipped out and into the woods close to the castle.  She dared not follow too close.  She barely succeeded in following him to a clearing in the forest some distance from the castle.  She halted in the shadows of the trees.  There seemed to be a fire in the center of the clearing.    A group of beings were gathered around the fire.  Some, she thought, didn’t look human.  She shivered, but she was determined to watch and see what happened.  Lilleth feared very little, but she instinctively knew she shouldn’t be here.  She then watched, fascinated, as an almost transparent wall seemed to rise around those beings surrounding the fire.  They seemed to pay no attention.  They were in animated and heated discussion.  She was fascinated, but chills ran through her.   Then some creatures descended from the skies and a ball of fire swept down.  The wall then seemed to rise quickly and form a dome over the area, as if to confine them.  She caught a small movement in the shadows to her left.  A huge wolf stood there looking at her.  She was surprised she felt no fear.  For some reason, she knew he was friendly.  She did not know why she felt that way.  He seemed to be telling her not to move.  Then she looked beyond the wolf.  A large figure, in a black cloak that covered the person completely, began to raise its arms and she felt tremendous power crackle all around her.  She had never experienced such power before.  She shrank back farther into the shadows, not knowing what to think.  She wanted to run but was afraid to move.  She felt like she was frozen in place.  She knew she was seeing something she had never seen before.  The dome began to shrink smaller and smaller toward the center.  The light inside became brighter and hotter until all that remained was a small fiercely glowing ball at the center that turned slowly black.  The figure moved forward and picked up that ball.  The figure then seemed to hurl it toward the sky then raising its arms sent lightening bolts of great power after the ball sending it speeding with a tremendous whoosh into the sky.  The figure did not move.  When she looked up the sky was filled with creatures.  She thought she saw giant eagles attacking other winged creatures.  Then all was silent.  The wolf moved toward her looking intently at her.  A voice in her mind said, “Come I will see you safely back inside the castle.  It is not safe for you to be out here.  Evil is abroad tonight.”   Princess Lilleth obediently followed the wolf.   It stopped outside of one of the side doors of the castle and waited until she was safely inside.   Inside was a burning candle to light her way to her room.  The flame did not seem to consume the candle.  She shivered.  What power was abroad tonight.  She quickly undressed, hid the clothes and went to bed.  She wondered who that black hooded person was.  She felt that the wolf must be with that being.  The minute she laid her head on the pillow, she was sound asleep.

“Wake up sleepy head,” a voice impinged upon Lilleth’s consciousness.  Princess Guenell was standing beside her bed.  “I heard we had some excitement last night,” Guenell said.  “Some of the men saw a bright light in the forest and heard a sound.  They tried to find it.  All of them lost their way in the dark and never found out what it was.  They were going to search this morning.  Oh, and the young apprentice mage hasn’t been seen this morning.”

The Elven Princess looked sleepily up at her friend.  “I must have been tired last night.  I went to sleep as soon as my head hit the pillow.  I didn’t even dream of our handsome friend, the Wanderer,” she said.  Lilleth looked quickly around for the candle she set down beside her bed.  There was no sign of it.  Her friend’s giggle brought Lilleth’s attention back to her. 

“Too bad he isn’t a Prince.  He’d make a wonderful conquest for you.”

The Elven Princess smiled lazily,  “Perhaps I’ll make a conquest of him anyway.”  Then she added,  “besides, I swore I would never make a conquest of a Prince.”

“Oh you wouldn’t,” said Princess Guenell, “That might be dangerous.  No one really knows anything about him.  All that is said is that he seemed to come from somewhere in the northeastern mountains.”

“I’m sure he’s not what he seems to be,” said Princess Lilleth.  “He was too much at ease at dinner last night.  It is obvious he has dined at tables like that many times.”

Her friend looked thoughtful.  “You are right.  He was perfectly at ease.  He looked like he belonged there.  He looked like he might have been a Prince.”  Then she thought,  “But his words were humble, and in that he seemed like a common person.”

“Perhaps he is a skilled actor,” said the Elven Princess.  Then she added thoughtfully,  “Actually he is a very, very skilled actor.  Of that I am now sure.”

Her friend looked at her with a question in her eyes.  The Elven Princess didn’t seem to notice.  She was lost in deep thought.  He is not just what he claims to be, of that I am sure, she thought.

“Mother said we should eat with her this morning,” Princess Guenell then said.  “You’d better get dressed.  She’ll be expecting us soon.”

Princess Lilleth quickly dressed and they went to the quarters of the Queen.   Lilleth wondered where the candle disappeared to, or who took it.  Then she remembered that it did not look as if the wick was burning.  Candles are not normally placed near that door, she knew.  Especially not ones that burn with a flame that does not consume.  She had seen her father’s Mage produce that phenomenon.  He called it scorcerer’s fire.  Lilleth’s thoughts were interrupted when Queen Nadra greeted them and indicated places at the table that had been set.

“I hope you slept well last night.  There was some excitement last night but I haven’t heard yet what caused it.  Your father said the Mage’s young apprentice has not been seen this morning.”  The Queen hesitated and then continued,  “I suppose you noticed the healer at dinner last night.  I was surprised.  He is young and very well mannered.  From the stories I have heard, I pictured him as older and dressed in rough clothes.  Living as I supposed him to live, wandering around the forests and villages, I thought he would not be so well mannered.”  Then she looked at the two Princesses.  Then she added with a smile,  “I suppose all you noticed is that he was tall and somewhat handsome.”

Princess Guenell had a shy smile on her face.  “We also noticed that he was surprisingly at ease dining with us.”

Princess Lilleth added,  “And he did not eat with the manners of a common man.  Especially one who is rumored to have just appeared out the forests and the mountains.”

“He has dined at the tables of the some of the Duke’s and Lord’s,” Queen Nadra said.  “Perhaps he watched and learned.”

“It looked the result of years of training,” Princess Lilleth observed,  “He did it with such ease.  It did not appear to be something he had just learned.”

“Seems you are trying to add a little mystery to a handsome young man,” the Queen said with a smile.

“The horse he rides is as magnificent an animal as I have ever seen.  It is not the horse of a common person,” Princess Lilleth argued.

“Does that mean that he has to be more than a very good healer?” questioned the Queen.

Princess Lilleth reluctantly agreed,  “No that is not proof he is anything but a very good healer.”  Then she quickly added with a sly smile,  “But putting all of these things together, admits to the possibility he may be more than he claims.”

“Would that he were a Prince,” Princess Guenell said.  “He would make a wonderful conquest for Princess Lilleth.”

“But it is obvious he is not an Elf,” said the Queen.

“The Northern Elves marry those of the Northern Nation.  He has the looks of a man from the Northern Nation,” stated Princess Lilleth.

“Yes that I have heard,” agreed the Queen.  “But would your mother and father agree?”

Princess Lilleth laughed.  “If he were a Prince or even high born, they would welcome the idea that I had found someone I wished to marry.  Remember, I am already past the usual marrying age for young women,” she added.  “My parents are now just hoping I will decide on someone at least reasonably acceptable.”

“I think Princess Lilleth has deliberately scared suitors away by beating them at their own games,” Princess Guenell said with a laugh.

“My aunt says I do not act like a Princess because I do not act like a lady,” said Princess Lilleth with a smile.

“But you were a perfect lady last night,” said the Queen.  Princess Lilleth smiled quietly.  She does not know where I slipped off to afterward, the Princess thought.  That brought up thoughts of that hooded figure who had to be a very powerful Mage.  But who could he have been.  Where had he come from?

After they had finished their meal, and the servants had cleaned up, the Queen told them to stay within the castle grounds.  Then she added,  “If you want to go riding outside of the grounds, you must have an armed escort.  Your father has decreed that.  There are some gathered here who would not know who you were.  Your father does not want anything to mar this meeting.”

The Princesses murmured agreement, but their faces were turned away from the Queen.  She did not see their look of intrigue.  They had other plans.  Those plans did not include an armed escort.  They planned to slip out of the castle grounds, but not as Princesses.  It was Lilleth who planned this escapade.  Princess Guenell had immediately fallen in with the plan.

That morning, two figures, one dressed in the garb of the King’s men, the other dressed as an Elven bowman, rode out of one of the side gates of the castle.   They took a path that skirted the castle on the side away from the town and the tents.  Soon they started north toward the stream and the road that followed it.  They were soon out of sight of the castle.

Princess Guenell quietly giggled.  “Do you think he will recognize us?” she asked Princess Lilleth.

“Only if you giggle like a girl,” answered Lilleth.  “So let me do the talking.  I have done this before.”

“Didn’t you get into trouble?” asked Guenell.

“Sometimes, but never so bad I couldn’t get out of it.”

“What if he recognizes us?”

“Then I shall say we were on our way to my uncle’s camp.  My father said he would be here today.   He was going to camp in a large clearing near the stream north of here.  The Wanderer will be honor bound to take us there.  Once he recognizes us, he will feel he must see us safely to our destination,” Princess Lilleth calmly said.  Lilleth knew that sooner or later he would recognize them.  She planned to have him accompany them to her uncle’s camp.  A plan was forming in her mind.  She decided she wanted to make a conquest of this intriguing and handsome healer.  She didn’t yet know how she was going to do this.  She was determined, however, to succeed. 

They soon came to the Wanderer’s camp.  Lilleth was surprised at how large the tent looked when they finally saw it.  It did not look to her as a tent of a poor healer, as he had termed himself. They were practically on top of it before they saw it.  Then they noticed a huge wolf sitting outside the door of the tent and looking at them.  They hadn’t noticed him before.  Their horses snorted and became agitated but then calmed down as if recognizing the wolf was not a threat.  Princess Guenell froze when she saw him.  In fact, she almost fell off her horse.  She had never seen such a huge wolf.  Actually she had never seen a wolf this close.  Princess Lilleth did not seem scared at all.  Nor did she seem surprised to see the wolf sitting there.  She recognized the wolf from last night.  She merely smiled and said,  “Tell your master that two young men are outside and would like to see him.”

Princess Guenell turned to Lilleth with a questioning look,  “He can’t understand you,” she said.

Princess Lilleth looked at her with a knowing smile,  “You’d be surprised what he can understand.”

Suddenly they realized the Wanderer was standing in the doorway of the tent looking at them.  “You know you should not be out here without an escort, Princesses.  Your disguises would fool no one who would be looking for you.  It could also be dangerous for you if they were fooled by your disguises.”

“Well if you are going to lecture us, the least you could do is invite us into your tent,” Princess Lilleth told him rather haughtily.

The Wanderer smiled, stepped to one side of the doorway, swept his hand into the tent and said,  “As you wish, dear ladies.  Please enter my humble abode.”

The Princesses dismounted and Lilleth lead the way into the tent.  They were again surprised.  It did not look like the tent of a humble healer.  It was anything but humble. It was very spacious.  It was split into several rooms.  The front obviously set up for the healer’s work.  To one side a parted doorway revealed a room for guests.  A table was set for three.  Lilleth looked questioningly at the Wanderer.  He smiled and silently invited them in to sit and have some cakes and a hot drink.  The Princesses looked around to find a servant.  There was none in sight, nor was there sign of any.  The furnishings were very nice and the dishes of intriguing design.

“How did you know we were coming?” demanded Lilleth.  She had a feeling that he had known and was waiting for them.  But if he knew, why did he not meet them and escort them, rather than leaving them unprotected until they reached his tent.  Or did he know they were in no danger.  Or perhaps, they had indeed, been escorted by invisible escorts.  Questions kept impinging upon Lilleth’s consciousness.  She was sure he was not merely what he claimed to be.  This was all too strange. 

The Wanderer smiled at her,  “You were intrigued enough to see who I was that you were in the castle yard when I came to see the king.   I thought you would probably decide to see where I lived.”

Princess Guenell said,  “You were only guessing we would come.  Besides how did you know we would come today?” 

The Wanderer only smiled, but Princess Lilleth looking at him intently, with a touch of iron in her voice said,  “No.  He knew we were coming.”  Then she added,  “and if you knew, why did you not see that we were properly escorted, or did you know we would not be in any danger.”

Princess Guenell looked at her in surprise.  The Wanderer, with a smile at Lilleth said,  “The Princess believes I have strange powers.”

“I do not believe your wolf, is just a wolf nor your horse just a horse,” Lilleth said.

Guenell looked at her startled,  “What are you saying, Lilleth.”

Lilleth looked straight the Wanderer,  “That the wolf is more than a mere wolf, and his horse more than a mere horse.  And that he is more than a mere healer.”

“Why would you believe that, Princess?” asked the Wanderer.  “Have we given you any reason to think that?”

Princess Lilleth frowned.  The Wanderer knew she could not let Guenell know she was out that night the men saw the bright light.  She was sure now the hooded figure was the man who stood before her.  She held her silence.  Then she got a sly look on her face. 

“It is wrong for a man to invite two young women into his tent when they have no chaperones,” Lilleth stated.

“If I were not a healer, it would have been a grave error on my part,” admitted the Wanderer.  Then he added with a smile,  “How would I know you were young women.  You are dressed as young men.   Besides, all people must be welcomed into the tent of a healer.”  Then he turned to Princess Guenell,  “Is that not so Princess?”

Princess Guenell hesitated then reluctantly said,  “I suppose there might be an exception made for a healer.  But we did not come here to be healed.”

“Pray then, Princesses, why did you come.  Just out of curiosity?”  The Wanderer asked with a slight smile.

“We are Princesses,” Lilleth threw back at him, seeing that she was not going to best him.  “We do not have to have a reason.”

By this time they had finished their cakes and drink.  The Princesses had to admit they were very good.  They had been freshly prepared, Lilleth was sure.  Princess Guenell looked hesitantly at Princess Lilleth.  Lilleth would like to have seen the rest of the Wanderer’s tent, but she knew she had spoiled that chance.  She turned with an engaging smile to the Wanderer,  “Kind sir, we ask that you accompany us to my Uncle’s camp as our escort.”  Her tone was now that of a pleasant petition.  The Wanderer smiled at her change of tactics and tone.  He knew she had a reason for asking him to do that.  He was sure she planned this before she left the castle.  He was quite willing to fall in with her plan.  It also fit his purposes.

“I shall be happy to escort you to your Uncle’s camp.  There is a message I want to deliver to someone in his camp,” the Wanderer answered with a bow.   With that he escorted them out of his tent and helped them mount their horses.  The Wanderer’s horse appeared and he mounted it.  The wolf moved out ahead of them as if he knew just exactly where they were going.  Lilleth had seen no evidence of communication between the Wanderer and his wolf.  He is more than a healer, I am sure, she thought.  But how can I get him to admit it to me.  They moved down the road away from the town and along the stream into the forest.  Lilleth, who was in the lead, could see the wolf ahead of them.  She knew the wolf knew exactly where they were headed.  The Wanderer rode behind Princess Guenell.

They moved at a steady pace along the road for a while.  Then suddenly, on the other side of the stream, the forest began to retreat.  Ahead of them were a number of tents in a large clearing.  It was obvious it was a camp of the Elves.  The wolf turned and loped off into the woods on their side of the stream.  Lilleth hailed the men about the camp in the Elven tongue.  She rode across the bridge heading for the center of the camp and the largest tent.  Particular colors on a group of horses caught Lilleth’s eye.  Her father was here already.  She wondered if he also came the road she had traveled.  If so, he would have known she was visiting the Wanderer.  Maybe she could work this to her advantage.  A plan was forming in her mind.  She intended to make a conquest of the Wanderer.  He dare not refuse an Elven Princess.  But she would have to convince her father and her uncle.  It would intrigue her mother, she knew. 

The Elves watched as the group rode toward the tent of the Prince.  They recognized Princess Lilleth.  Some also recognized the Wanderer.  Lilleth dismounted and walked up to the doorway and walked in.  The eyes of the men were upon her.  She smiled and gave a little curtsy to her father and uncle.  It was obvious she was a favorite of her uncle.  As the other two had followed her into the tent, the uncle smiled and said,  “And who did you bring with you, niece?”

“This is my friend, Princess Guenell, oh, and the Wanderer was our escort,” she added in an almost offhand manner.

The Wanderer smiled and nodded to the uncle and the other men.  The Prince turned to him.  “You have come a long way since I last broke bread with you, Wanderer?”  Lilleth was surprised at the familiar tone her uncle used.  It was a tone he used when speaking to an equal.  Lilleth was now sure the Wanderer was much more that he claimed.

“I go where I am needed, Prince Gadryell,” was his answer.

“And you figured there would be a need for you here,” It was a statement by Prince Gadryell rather than a question.

With a smile the Wanderer replied,  “Yes, I have found some useful things to do here already.”

“Like escorting my daughter, so she doesn’t get into trouble,” said her father, Prince Elleren.  “She has a penchant for that.”

Lilleth spoke up,  “He invited me into his tent.  I think you should make him marry me.”  Princess Guenell gasped.  The Wanderer who was watching Lilleth showed no emotion.

Prince Elleren and Prince Gadryell looked from Lilleth to the Wanderer and back.  Both had smiles on their faces.  They did not seem surprised at Lilleth’s demand.  Nor did they seem surprised that the Wanderer showed no surprise.

It was her uncle who replied,  “Your father and I have no objection to your marrying the Wanderer, but I am afraid we cannot order him to do anything.  He is a man of the Northern Nation.  He is not under our jurisdiction.”

Her father then added,  “Besides, he is a healer of great repute.  I think daughter, if you want to marry him, you must ask him to ask you.”

Princess Guenell was looking on in complete bewilderment.  What possibly could her friend Princess Lilleth do?   Why had she got herself into this predicament?

Lilleth turned and looked at the Wanderer, her face softened and her smile became beguiling,  “Wanderer, I wish for you to ask for my hand in marriage.”

The Wanderer bowed to her and smiled,  “Beautiful Princess, your wish is my command.”  Then he paused,  “but before I ask for your hand, assure me that you have thought through what your life will be as the wife of the Wanderer.  When I marry, I intend to marry for life.  For us of the Northern Nation, like the elves, that can be a long, long time. ”

Lilleth had heard the lives of those of the Northern Nation, was sometimes as long as that of the elves.   Lilleth had a sweet smile on her face, “I have thought it through, oh Wanderer, and I do earnestly wish for you to ask me to marry you,” she replied.

The Wanderer bent on one knee before the Princess, reached out and took the hand she offered him,  “Princess Lilleth, I pray that you would marry me.”

“I will, Oh Wanderer, with happy heart,” she replied.  He then stood up and took her into his arms and kissed her.  Lilleth did not let him go for a few moments, she leaned back and smiled up at him.  Then Lilleth turned to her father and her uncle.  “We have two Mages here.  Princess Guenell can stand up for me.  I am sure there is one who will stand up for the Wanderer.  I would that we could get married this day.  Mother can have her traditional marriage ceremony when we return home.”

“Why are you in such a hurry, dear niece?” her Uncle, Prince Gadryell asked.  “The Wanderer says it will be for life.   That, as you know, can be a very long time.”

Princess Lilleth had a smile on her face as she replied,  “Because dear Uncle, I want to know right away what I am going to have to put up with the rest of my life.”

Prince Gadryell burst out laughing.  Coming from Lilleth, he was not surprised at that reply.  One of his sons came forth,  “I would be honored to stand up for the Wanderer.”

Princess Lilleth’s father, Prince Elleren nodded to the two Mages.  The Mages began to prepare for a simple Elven wedding ceremony that would bind Lilleth, and the Wanderer, as man and wife. Prince Gadryell had told Prince Elleren, who the Wanderer was.  Prince Gadryell had close ties to the Northern Nation from where the Wanderer was reputed to come.  Prince Elleren knew his wife, Lilleth’s mother, would be delighted.  She was getting her wayward oldest daughter married and to a man she could be happy to have as a son-in-law.

Poor Princess Guenell was still very confused.  She did not know why her friend Lilleth wanted so to marry the Wanderer.  True he was a handsome and intriguing man.  She knew that Lilleth had sworn she would never marry a Prince.  She also wondered why Lilleth insisted on getting married right now.

Princess Lilleth was very happy.  She was getting exactly what she wanted.  It had been almost too easy.  But she was too happy that her plan had worked so well to worry about that.  Tonight she would find out just who was this man she was marrying.  She was sure that he was not just a healer.  But what he really was, she had no idea.  She had some suspicions, but that is all they were so far.  But she knew she had fallen in love with him and she wanted to be his wife and share his life with him.  She never had been happy about the prospect of being the wife of some Elven Prince.  She would then be expected to always act like a lady.  Lilleth enjoyed riding and hunting with the men.  With the Wanderer as her husband she could wander the land that she had grown to love.

The ceremony was relatively short.  While the women took Princess Lilleth off for a short time, the Wanderer was able to confer with Prince Gadryell, Prince Elleren and their Mages.  He gave them the news he was going to give the King and the rest of the nobles.  He told them how he was going to present the news at that meeting.  They were in earnest discussions when the women returned.  Princess Lilleth looked at the group of men that included her new husband.  They are treating him as if he is one of them, she thought.   And he acts as though he is one of them.  She could hardly wait until she found out whom she really married.  She was even sure she would be happy with that discovery, and not in the least disappointed with her choice.

Princess Guenell said that she was sure her father, King Guthor would announce a celebration in honor of Princess Lilleth’s marriage.  After all, Princess Lilleth was a beloved Princess of a friendly nation.  King Guthor wanted to remain on very friendly relations with the Elven nations.  The Elves knew the King was a stabilizing force, so they were happy to lend their support to help him.  Princess Guenell was to get a guard of Elves to take her back to the castle. Princess Guenell hurried to tell her mother, Queen Nadra, about Princess Lilleth surprising marriage to the Wanderer.  Princess Guenell was still not sure, how this all came about, or why.  The Queen was very surprised and after chiding her for not obeying orders, questioned her daughter.  Princess Guenell told her mother that Lilleth hadn’t indicated that was what she planned.  She thought Lilleth just decided to do it.  When King Guthor heard, he started to begin the planning for the celebration for Princess Lilleth and her husband.  It would be held after the meeting of the Dukes and Lords represented there.  Then there would be a meeting of all people gathered there, to hear that which was decided by their leaders.

Chapter TWO

The Wanderer and Princess Lilleth rode off for the Wanderer’s tent.  When the Wanderer and Princess Lilleth reached his tent, he carried her into the tent.  “Welcome to your new home,” the Wanderer said.  Then he added with a smile,  “It is but a poor healers abode, not meant for a Princess.”  Lilleth ignored his statement.  She realized it was not at all humble.   In fact, the part into which he had carried her was not much less elegant than her father’s tent.

Lilleth looked at him,  “Before we retire to our bed chambers, you must tell me whom I really married.”  Then she continued before he could reply.  “I was in the woods that night and saw what you did.  It was you I know.  Your wolf warned me to stay still, and then escorted me back to the castle.  He is not just a wolf.  Of that I am now sure.  I am also sure the man I married is not just a humble healer as you have been claiming.”

The Wanderer motioned for her to follow him into another room in the tent.  There were large soft silky cushions on which to sit.  Princess Lilleth seated herself and the Wanderer sat facing her.

“There are reasons why no one but a few must know who I am.  Your Uncle knows and he has told your father.  No one else must know yet that I am anything but the Wanderer, a healer, especially not your mother at this time.  I will explain why in good time.  For the moment you must trust me.”

The Princess looked intently at him,  “I am your wife.  Nothing of what you tell me will go outside of this tent.”

The Wanderer then continued,  “I am Prince Zaldor, a prince of the Northern Nation.  My mother is Princess Alleran of the Northern Elven Nation.  I am also a Mage.  I am the young Mage of whom they speak.  My father is Prince Vardalyn, one of the three, ruling Princes of the Northern Nation.  My teacher was Magellor, probably the greatest Mage who has lived in the last five centuries.  But I am also a healer.  I have learned my craft at the feet of the three greatest healers.  That night, the minion’s of greatest of the Western witches gathered here to lay plans to take over the Central Kingdom and all the surrounding nations.  The Mages of one of the Dukes and several Lords were in league with them.  With the help of Magellor we were able to confine them and use their own power to defeat and destroy them.  We were able to accomplish this because they did not know I was a Mage.  They did not suspect me of having the powers to accomplish that feat.  They were taken by surprise.  We sent them hurling into the sun where they will be destroyed for ages.”

Princess Lilleth looked on him with startled eyes.  “I was sure you were not just a healer.  I was even fairly sure you might even be a Mage.  I did not dream that you would turn out to be such an illustrious Prince.”

The Wanderer smiled.  “And now you are not happy that you married me.  You are angry at me that I did not tell you I was a Prince, so you could reject me.  If you had known you would not have wanted to marry me.”

“Oh, no,” Lilleth quickly answered.  “I am even happier that I married you.  It is good that you did not tell me you were a Prince.  I would not have requested that we be married right away.  Besides, my mother will be very happy when she eventually knows to whom I am married.  She had given up hope that I would marry someone remotely suitable, if I even decided to marry.”  Then she thought for a moment.  “You said my Uncle knew who you were, and he told my father.  Then they knew when I was demanding that you marry me, to whom I was asking to be married.  No wonder they said they had no jurisdiction over you.  You are a Prince of the most powerful nation on this earth.”  Then she burst out laughing.  “Princess Guenell was so confused by my actions.  She had no clue why I was doing it.  She did not know I had fallen in love with you and didn’t care who you were.”  Then she added thoughtfully,   “And I cannot tell her how I tripped up myself and fell into a bed of roses.”

“Eventually you will be able to tell her.  However, a Wanderer’s life is not a bed of roses, my darling Lilleth, it comes complete with many thorns,” Prince Zaldor said with a smile.  “We are committed to the life of the Wanderer.”

Lilleth smiled at him,  “but my darling Prince, or Wanderer, whomever I married,” then she snuggled into his arms,  “even a healer must have a moment or two for his wife.”  Then she added with a happy smile,  “Besides I wanted to marry you because I wanted to share your life as a wanderer.”

The Wanderer smiled as he gathered her into his arms.  “Oh, there definitely will be time for moments with his very beautiful wife.”

Lilleth had won the concession she wanted.  She would happily put up with the rest.  She knew her beauty was not lost on the Wanderer.  He did not object at all to marrying her.  Then the thought hit her.  Did he know that she was going to demand that he marry her.  She leaned back and looked at him.  The Wanderer smiled,  “No darling Lilleth, I cannot read your mind.  I just had some good hunches as to what you might do.  Happily they turned out somewhat right.”  Then he quietly added,  “It supposedly had been foretold that a young powerful mage from the north-country would meet and marry an Elven maiden from the south.  That Elven maiden had the potential to become a very powerful mage in her own right.  Together they could become a powerful force for good on this earth.”

Lilleth smiled at him then she lay her head on his shoulder,  “I am not sure, darling husband, whether I am ready to completely believe you.  However, I will not argue with you over that.  I  admit I am very happy the way everything has turned out so far.  I will be more than happy to take what comes from now on, knowing you are by my side.”

The next morning, Princess Lilleth went to the castle to gather her things and bring them to the Wanderer’s tent.  That would now become her home.  The queen met her as Lilleth came into the castle.  “Are you sure that was a step you should have taken?” she asked.

Lilleth smiled,  “I was sure when I first took it.  I am even more sure now.  It was exactly the right thing for me to do.”

“But what did your father say.  And what will your mother think of your actions?”  asked Queen Nadra.  “Guenell said you didn’t ask your father’s permission.  She said you just said your mother could have the wedding when you and the Wanderer reached your lands.”

“I’m afraid my mother and father had given up on me marrying any one deemed suitable.  Under the circumstances, father thought the Wanderer would make the best possible compromise for a suitor for me.  My mother will undoubtedly agree.  They are happy I am married to a great healer.  They are also happy to have me married to one who will be very able to defend me.  My husband has a reputation not only as a great healer, but also as a great bowsman and a swordsman.  I do not think I will want for much as his wife.  Besides, I always enjoyed being able to wander the countryside away from our cities.  As the wife of the Wanderer, I shall be able to do that.”   Lilleth could not tell them that she was also married to a Prince of the most powerful nation on this earth and son of one of the ruling Princes of that nation.  She did not even dare tell her friend Princess Guenell.

Princess Lilleth quickly had her things moved to her new home.  Actually she had found the Wanderer’s tent more comfortable than her room in the castle. It was actually almost as luxurious as her father’s tent.  It amused the Wanderer that she quickly set herself up as the lady of the household.  She did not bring a personal servant with her when she traveled.  However, she told the Queen and Princess Guenell that she would not need anyone from the castle.  She assured them her husband would provide her with anything she wished.  She left it at that.  She did not know yet how things always seemed to get done in the Wanderer’s tent.  She even had a new outfit laid out for her this morning that not only fit perfectly, but it was very beautiful.  

That afternoon, the Leaders were to meet together.  This of course included the two Elven Princes and their sons who had accompanied them to this gathering.  It was to this group, the Wanderer had asked permission to speak. As the Wanderer was on his way to the castle, accompanied by Princess Lilleth, a great hawk came out of the sky and settled on his shoulder.  The Wanderer greeted the hawk as an old friend.  The hawk then whispered some news into his ear.  A smile lit the Wanderer’s face.  “Now I have more good news to tell the King and other leaders today,” he said.  Princess Lilleth smiled at his comment.  Now that she knew who her husband really was, she was no longer surprised at these happenings.  These birds of prey were her husband’s messengers.  She also had a hunch they were more than that.  She would learn if that were true in good time. 

After the introductions, and some short speeches of welcome and greetings from the King, the Elven Princes and the Dukes, the King rose.  “The Wanderer, whom most of you know as a great healer, has asked permission to address you with some good news.”

He then welcomed the Wanderer.  The Wanderer, now again clothed in his familiar leather, rose to his feet.  He moved out, so he could face the group, yet not have his back to the king.  Everyone had to admit, he was an imposing figure as he stood before them.  He had the confidence of a man who had done this before.

“Most of you know of the great Mage, Magellor.  It is from he that I bring you this news.  Several days ago Vakorin, the Evil Witch of the Western Coastal Mountains, gathered together a group of evil ones and Mages from some of the lands here.  They gathered at a clearing to the northeast of the castle.  Magellor, knowing this, gathered together all his power and taking them by surprise, vanquished them and threw them into the sun from where they cannot return for ten centuries.  That caused the light that some of you saw in the forest.”  Then the Wanderer paused letting the portent of this news sink in.   He then continued,  “On my way to the castle, the hawk of Prince Zarylai, brought me another bit of good news to share with you.  The battle, he with some allies, fought with Jazelork, the evil Mage who controlled the Western Coastal Kingdom, has been won.  Jazelork had been in league with Valkonin.  The evil forces have been confined to the netherworld for the next five centuries.  That Kingdom has been returned to the rightful young king.  The forces that a young Western Duke and several minor Lords had sent to help Jazellork have been annihilated.”  What the Wanderer had not told them was that the inhuman forces sent to help them disappeared when the witch Valkonin was vanquished.  This left those forces vulnerable to the fierce mountain tribes that were opposing the Duke and Lords’ forces.  They were completely wiped out.

The King noted that a young Duke and several minor Lords who had been sitting toward the back tried to quietly slip out of the room.  He said nothing.  Their Mages were undoubtedly among those who had been destroyed.  It was their forces that had been annihilated by Prince Zarylai’s forces.  They undoubtedly would be gathering their men and leaving for their lands. It would be duly noted who they were.  The young Duke knew he had to act fast.  With his evil allies gone, his father, who he had forced out of control, and his younger brother, would be gathering a force to get back control of the Dukedom.  In fact, that was already happening, as the young Duke would find out.  He had not been well liked by most of the people of his Dukedom.  By the time he reached the Dukedom, he would find out he had to flee for his life.

When the Wanderer finished, there was a period of silence.  Then a cheer went up.  Immediately they began to ask questions of the Wanderer.  The Prince of the Western Elven Nation, gave the assembly of nobles the story of the war with Jazellork.  With this information, questions about the first news, could easily be explained by the Wanderer.  He said he had studied the healing arts for a short time under Magellor.  Magellor then granted him the ability to communicate at times with the great Mage. He gave the impression he was only a healer with possibly some minor powers of a Mage.  It was Magellor who had the power to communicate with him.

Princess Lilleth and Princess Guenell had been able to listen outside of the great hall.  Lilleth smiled at the story.  She knew that it was her husband who defeated the evil ones, possibly with some help from Magellor.  Now she knew.  The eagle and sometimes the wolf, were her husband’s messengers as well as his allies.  Although Prince Zaldor had not told her, she was sure they were part spirit, part animal.  That is why she had been able to hear the wolf in her mind.  That is why she knew she had nothing to fear from him when she first saw him.

After the questioning died down, the King again arose.  “I have a happy announcement also to make, but I will first let Prince Elleren make an announcement.”

Prince Elleren rose and with a smile on his face began,  “I have the great pleasure to announce that at the request of my daughter Princess Lilleth and agreement of the great healer we all know as the Wanderer, that they were married last night.  According to our laws, and with the agreement of King Guthor,  my daughter Lilleth and the Wanderer were married by two Mages in the presence of myself, her uncle Prince Gadryell, Princess Guenell and a host of others.”

The King then rose and said,  “In celebration of this joyous event, I decree we shall have a dinner in their honor the day after the meeting of the people.”  A cheer went up at that announcement.  They now had much to be merry about.

The Duke Gannel then arose and asked for all their attention.

“As you know at meetings and dinners such as we will have tonight and tomorrow, there tends to be a separation of nobles and other people.  Princess Lilleth would sit among us, the Wanderer would sit with the others.  My son reminded me very emphatically that Princess Lilleth would not allow herself to be separated from her husband.  Therefore I would suggest that for the rest of the time of this gathering, the Wanderer be given the standing of a noble.”

The King quickly agreed.  “I would hate to see this gathering deny itself the privilege of having the great beauty of Princess Lilleth among us.  Besides, I think the Wanderer is as noble a man as has ever stood before this assembly.”

There were cheers and cries of agreement.  There was not one opposing voice heard.  In spite of the fact that Princess Lilleth was an Elven maiden, everyone agreed she was a great beauty.  This in spite of the fact it was well known she preferred the trousers of an elven rider or bowman, rather than the dresses of a Princess.  She rode the horse as a man would ride.  She was known to wear what appeared to be a beautiful dress, but which actually were artfully disguised pants.  In addition, the Wanderer had already made many friends among the nobles.

The Wanderer voiced his thanks to the group.  The King, seeing the Wanderer was planning to leave, told him he and his wife would be expected at the dinner being held for this group tonight.  The Wanderer bowed and said he would be most happy to accompany his wife to the dinner.  Prince Elleren and Prince Gadryell smiled.  He did that so convincingly.  It was hard to remember that he was actually a Prince who could command more power than anyone there.  They knew his own people held the Wanderer in very high regard.   If he so wished, he would be asked to be one of their leaders.  But they would honor his request they treat him as the Wanderer, a healer.  They knew he had a good reason for this, which he would reveal to them in his own time.  Prince Gadryell also knew Prince Zaldor, the Wanderer was a great Mage.  Just how great he had no idea yet.  He suspected, it was far greater than his own senior Mage.

Princess Lilleth met the Wanderer as he began to make his way toward the door leading out of the castle.  She slipped her arm around his waist and he slipped his around hers.  They walked together through the hall.  She smiled up at him.  “Guenell and I listen outside the hall.”

“You heard all?” was the Wanderer’s question.

“Everything.  The Duke was right.  I would never be separated from my handsome husband.  I have to protect him from all those other young women.”  She smiled beguiling up at him.

The Wanderer smiled,  “They will allow me to sit with you while this gathering is going on.”  Lilleth giggled.  If they only knew, she thought.

Princess Lilleth convinced her husband not to wear his usual attire to the dinner.  He arrived with his very beautiful wife dressed in what he termed his learned man costume.  Lilleth added a couple of Elven flair’s to it and then termed him presentable.  The Wanderer laughed and gave her a hug and a kiss.  She smiled at him,  “I will require more of you than that when we arrive home after the dinner.”

“I am at your service my lady,” he answered with a flourish.

She smiled and then said,  “Promise to act like someone trying to act like a Prince, tonight.”  Then she laughed lightly.  The Wanderer gathered her up and escorted her out of the door of the tent and to an open carriage that sat there waiting for them.  Lilleth turned to him with a questioning look.  “And where did you conjure this up from?  Do you think this is wise.”

“No one will see us arrive.  We will appear to have stepped from someone else’s carriage.  But no one will recall whose,” the Wanderer said.

She raised her eyes to the heavens.  “What have I gotten myself in to.”  Then she stepped into the carriage and seated herself.  Her husband seated himself beside her.  She slipped her hand into his.  The carriage moved smoothly forward.   They soon arrived at the castle.  As her husband had said, no one seemed to see them arrive, until they walked into the castle.   Princess Guenell and Luthral, Duke Dannel’s son, greeted them.  Guenell looked the Wanderer over.  “I would not have recognized you if you hadn’t been with Lilleth.  You look very noble.”

“Thank you kind Lady,” the Wanderer replied.  “My Princess insisted that I dress like a gentleman, not a wandering healer.”

Luthral smiled,  “I notice some Elven touches to your costume,” he said.

Princess Lilleth smiled,  “It adds a flair, don’t you think.”

“I think it is very nice,” replied Guenell.  “It becomes him.”

The Wanderer stood silently with an amused smile listening to their analysis of his clothes.  “But can even an Elven Princess work enough magic to make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear?”

Princess Lilleth turned to him with fire in her eye.  The Wanderer bowed to her and in the appropriate apologetic tone said,  “I shall remember to act like someone trying to act like a Prince.”

The briefest smile crept across Lilleth’s face, then she wiped it off.  “Don’t toy with me, husband,” trying to make her voice sound stern while trying to suppress a giggle.  It was going to be difficult to be serious tonight.  Especially as the Wanderer, she knew, was amused at this charade.  He would, however, carry it off without a single mistake.  She would just have to stay close by his side and pretend to be assisting him to act like a gentle-born man.  She could count on Guenell and Luthral to stay with them.  They, of course, would really be ready to help, so the Wanderer would not make any mistakes.  Neither knew that he really was a Prince, and needed no instructions.  Luthral’s father, Duke Dannel, strongly suspected the Wanderer was much more than a great healer.  He also had noticed how at ease he was in the presence of the Princes and King.  However, the Duke was not about to voice his suspicions to anyone.  The Duke’s debt of gratitude for the healing of his daughter guaranteed his silence.  It appeared the Wanderer wanted to be viewed as just a healer.  He would honor that until the Wanderer indicated differently.

The four of them came into the great hall where the banquet was being held.  They were seated among a young group of the sons and daughters of the Dukes and Lords.  Lilleth’s brother and one of Prince Gadryell’s sons joined them at the table.  The Wanderer and Lilleth were surrounded by those happy to see them together there.  Princess Guenell had seen to that.

There were however, some among the old Lords, who could not see why Princess Lilleth would want to and why she was allowed to marry the Wanderer.   They looked on him as common-born.  Granted he was a great healer, but that did not make him an equal with them.  That is what he was now pretending to be.

However, they did not dare publicly show their feelings on this matter.  The King had already, in essence, shown he condoned this union by announcing he would have a celebration in their honor.  None of these Lords wished to be left out from this celebration.  There would be feasting and plenty of drink flowing.  Besides, both Elven Princes seemed happy that Princess Lilleth had chosen the Wanderer as her husband.  The three Elven Nations were far more advanced and were powerful.  All the small Lords preferred them as friends and allies.  Trade with the Elven Nations always proved mutually beneficial.

The banquet began with the King announcing the good news that the Wanderer had brought them.  There were toasts drunk to the peace that this seemed to portend.  There were pledges of friendship from all the nobles there.  The Elven Princes pledged their support to the keeping of the peace and to the settling of all the disputes by peaceful means.  They knew, there were some the King was trying to bring to a peaceful conclusion, at this gathering.  By indicating their support, it strengthened the King’s hand.  The King had not shown any intention of trying to extend his realm.  Rather, by trade he tried to enhance the well being of his present subjects. This of course tended to spill over into the lands around the Central Kingdom.  For this reason, the Elven Princes supported him.  The evening was a joyous one.  There was reason to celebrate.  In addition, several of the rulers who were want to try to cause dissension, were surprisingly missing.  The King did not act as if he noticed this.  However there were comments about this by some of the neighboring Lords, who were happy they were missing.  The King did notice this but ignored it.  Prince Gadryell had told him about their having cast their lot with the defeated Evil Mage.  They were at the moment racing back to their lands to see what they could salvage.  In most cases it was too late.  They would have to flee. As far as the King was concerned it was good riddance.

With the help of those who gathered around Lilleth and Zaldor, the evening passed without an incident.  Lilleth, of course, hovered beside him as if to make sure he acted the way he should in this company.  Lilleth’s brother and Prince Gadryell’s son did the same.  They had been told by their fathers, who the Wanderer really was.  When they were where it was momentarily safe to speak frankly, Lilleth’s brother leaned close to the Wanderer and as if telling him a secret said,  “Even if I didn’t know who you really were, I would have been glad that you and my sister chose each other.”  The Wanderer gave a bow of his head in thanks and smiled as if the Prince had said something amusing.  The Prince smiled back.

When the banquet ended, the group, with the Wanderer and Lilleth, went out into the courtyard.  The horses were there, not the carriage.  Lilleth looked only a trifle surprised.  She reached to her waist and untied the outer skirt.  Underneath was what appeared another beautiful flowing skirt.  It was really trousers that looked like a skirt but allowed Lilleth to ride a horse the way a man did.  Of course this is the way she always rode her horse. Her husband took the skirt from her, folded it up and slipped it into her saddlebags.  Then he lifted her onto her horse and mounted his.  They said good-bye and with Prince Gadryell’s son, and several of his friends, rode toward the Wanderer’s tent.

When Lilleth and Zaldor were alone, Lilleth threw herself into his arms and began to laugh.  “You were absolutely wonderful, my husband.  Your act was perfect.”

“But your supporting role was even better.  No one could have played the worried bride better than you did.”

Lilleth smiled,  “Of course we had a marvelous supporting cast in Luthral and Guenell, who weren’t acting, and my brother and cousin, who were.”

Then after having given Zaldor a lingering kiss, Lilleth bent back and said,  “I think that Duke Dannel has very great suspicions that you are not just what you claim to be.”

“But the Duke will never express that suspicion in public.  He won’t even tell his son what he suspects,” said the Wanderer.  “We need have no fear from him.  He won’t even ask me.  He will wait until I am ready to tell him, if there is anything to tell.”

Later as they lay in bed, Lilleth asked him,  “Will you teach me to be a Mage?”

“I will.  And I will also teach you to be a healer.  You already know more of both than you realize.  So for a little while, I will be just showing you how to best use the knowledge and talents you already have.”

The next morning, the Wanderer prepared to go to the meeting of all the men that would be held in a clearing just outside the castle.  Lilleth was going to the castle to join Guenell.  As they were riding away from the tent Lilleth turned to the Wanderer.

“Who is going to guard our tent, husband?” she asked.

“Turn around dear Princess,” the Wanderer said.

Lilleth turned around.  To one side in front of the tent was a tall powerful northman sharpening his huge sword.  On the other, another northman doing the same to his huge spear.  Lilleth smiled.  “No, I don’t think anyone would want to challenge those two to try to get into a healer’s tent.”  Then she looked up and saw the eagle sitting on top of the tent.  “And that is your protection from prying Mages.”

The Wanderer just smiled.  He would tell Lilleth about those things after they left the castle and started on their way South.  The Wanderer delivered Lilleth into the castle courtyard and saw her greeted by Guenell, then he turned his horse to the field where the men were meeting and where the King and several others would greet them.  The King and others would make the announcement of the news the Wanderer had brought to the gathering of nobles.  The Wanderer was free to wander among the men.  He knew he could learn much of what was going on around the realm and the surrounding lands.  He had a way of inspiring confidence so the men would give him information.  He was even able to gain information from them that they didn’t realize they knew.  He learned more of the trouble to the South about which he had some knowledge. He also learned about happenings in the eastern mountains about which he had heard nothing before.  Here among the men, the Wanderer was looked upon as one of them.  Many of the men knew that, because he was a healer, he was often invited to dine with the nobles.  That changed nothing.

The Wanderer used this to his advantage.  However, this was only one of the reasons he hid his real identity.  This way he could wander at will.  Nobody paid any attention.  Most of the Mages did not see a reason to keep track of where he was.  Even those who had reason to believe he was some kind of a Mage, didn’t believe he could be very powerful if he wandered over the face of the world.  Most of them had bases from which they operated.  Although they often took trips, they spent most of their time at their particular home base. 

The Wanderer knew that Princess Sylleron, Lilleth’s mother was in some kind of danger.  Behind his mask of a wandering healer, the Wanderer was hoping to find who was really behind the danger, without letting the perpetrator know he had been discovered.  This is why he made sure no one would tell Princess Sylleron who he really was.  She could not then unknowingly reveal his identity to the being that was putting her in danger.  He had to destroy that power before it could be used to destroy Princess Sylleron or to tarnish her honor.  It would be easier to accomplish that if that being did not know with whom he was dealing.  The Wanderer was planning to launch an attack before they reached the Southern Elven Nation.  In this he would have the help of the fairies who attended Princess Sylleron.  No one could see them except the Princess.  Not even most of the Mages.  He could not yet tell Lilleth of her mother’s danger or of his plans to rescue her.

The King told the gathering both bits of news, he had been given by the Wanderer.  However, he did not disclose exactly how he got those bits of news.  Because the King had a reputation for honesty, few doubted the accuracy of what he told them. Besides, they noticed the absence of a certain young Duke and his men, and several Lords and their men.  In addition, they all recognized that this could easily be a cause for a celebration.  This would be welcomed by all of the men.  It was announced to this group, on the fourth day, there would be festival that would last for two days.  There would be games and food and drink.  The meeting went very well.  It was at this meeting, the King entertained certain petitions.  It was here, he sat as an arbiter of certain disputes between some small Lords.  He managed to somewhat satisfy all, to some degree, without antagonizing any in attendance.  Some of the disputes had been solved by the absence of a certain young Duke and several Lords.  Everyone at this meeting looked forward to the forthcoming celebration.

The King intended to have the celebration in honor of Princess Lilleth’s marriage, on the second day.   Of course, to this only the nobles would be invited.

The Wanderer spent the next day laying plans for his trip with his bride to her land.  He intended to continue his work as the healer as they made their way south.  At the same time he was planning to complete his plans to defeat the Mage who was trying to obtain complete control over Lilleth’s mother.  He had been able to obtain some valuable information regarding this situation.  He could now proceed to lay his plans and clue Lilleth into what he was going to do.  He would also tell her what part she was going to play in this.  The messages Lilleth would be sending to her mother would be designed to give a false sense of security to this Mage.  With the help of Lilleth, the Wanderer intended to force this Mage to show himself.  When he did, the Wanderer could act.  Up until that time, the Wanderer, with Lilleth’s help would make sure Lilleth’s mother was in no real danger, while giving the impression that she was falling more and more under the Mage’s power.  The only thing that the Wanderer regretted was that in the process of defeating the Mage he would also have to destroy Princess Sylleron’s old Mage.  Because he had become weak and feeble, he had allowed Princess Sylleron to come somewhat under the power of the Evil Mage.  This is what had precipitated this coming confrontation.  The Wanderer intended to make the trip south as he would normally, taking his time to do his work as a healer.  He now knew he had the time so he could do this.  It would further lull the Evil Mage into a false sense of security.  He would not see any danger in a mere healer winding his way south toward the land of the elves, even if he discovered some how that healer might possibly be a Mage.  There would be no indication that his deception and plans had been discovered.

The day of the celebration commemorating Princess Lilleth’s marriage to the Wanderer dawned bright and sunny.

“You ordered this day for our celebration, dear husband,” Lilleth said to the Wanderer as she snuggled into his arms that morning.

“Anything for my beautiful wife,” he answered with a smile.

“You are going to act as if it was the most wonderful thing in the world that I picked you to be my husband.”

“Of course, my dear Princess Lilleth, because it is the truth,” the Wanderer said with a wry smile.

Lilleth exploded,  “Oh Pooh.  You planned it all.  If I hadn’t fallen into your trap, you would have had your Northmen kidnap me.  Then you would have placed me under your spell and make me ask you to marry me.  You agreed to my proposal too quickly, dear husband.”

“My beautiful darling Princess.  No man would have refused your request to ask you to marry them.”

Lilleth looked at him with raised eyebrows.  “Flattery will not change my opinion that you planned to marry me all the time.  I just made it simple for you to accomplish what you planned to do anyway.”

The Wanderer smiled.  “As an Elven Princess you can say you made a very awful mistake and do not want me as a husband.  Most people would agree that you have the right to change your mind in this case.  After all they think I am common born and you are a very beautiful Princess.”

“Oh, you are not going to get away from me that easily.  As you warned me, so I am warning you.  I intend this marriage to be for life, which in our cases will be a very long time.  Besides, dear husband, I have yet to see a man in whose arms I would rather spend my nights.”  Then she gave him an engaging smile,  “I am looking forward to meeting your mother and father and the rest of your family.  I really want to get to know just what kind of man I married in a rash moment.”

“We will do that next summer, after we visit your family.”  Then the Wanderer added, “I want to spend some time getting acquainted, and learning what type of woman I married.”

“Are you really sure you want to find out?”

“Oh very definitely, my darling Princess.”

“You don’t have to keep calling me Princess when we are here alone.  I am sure you have made sure no one can listen in on us.”

“How do you know I have that power?”

“It is my woman’s intuition, darling husband.”

The Wanderer decided not to argue that point.  The Wanderer already knew it was not just women’s intuition that furnished his wife with her knowledge.  She had already learned much more than anyone suspected.  He had a hunch that her mother knew.  That is why she had not argued when Lilleth had stated that she was going to this gathering with her father and brother.

They dressed and set out for the castle.  Princess Guenell and Luthral met them at the castle.  They were joined there by Lilleth’s brother and cousin.  In due time they were escorted into the hall and seated between Prince Elleren and Prince Gadryell who were seated to the right of the King.  When they were all seated the King rose and offered a toast to the newly weds.  Then the food was brought out and the celebration began.  Many toasts were offered.  After all, Princess Lilleth was the daughter of a Prince of the powerful Southern Elven Nation.  Her uncle, seated on the other side of them, was a Prince of the powerful Northern Elven Nation a close ally of the very powerful Northern Nation.  Only a very few realized that they were also toasting the marriage of a Prince of that Northern Nation.  At one point the Mage of Duke Dannel leaned over and whispered.  “Do you get the feeling the Wanderer is something more than he appears to be?”

The Duke turned to his Mage and asked,  “Do you feel that is something we need to be worried about?” he asked.

“No,” replied the Mage,  “I don’t get any signs of that.”

“Good, then I think the Wanderer will tell us in good time if that is true.  Until then I would dismiss it from my mind,” the Duke told his Mage.  

The celebration continued late into the night.  Lilleth marveled at the way her husband played his part.  It was easy for her to be a good supporting cast.  He set the tone and she followed.  Those who knew made sure no one suspected.  The evening went very pleasantly.  Finally they said goodnight to everyone and went back to the tent.  The next day they were up early.  Zaldor began to teach Lilleth the ways of the Mage as well as the art of the healer.  He had already learned how much she already knew.  It was going to be a much easier task than he first thought.  During the festival, they had decided that Lilleth would spend the time with Guenell.  The Wanderer would circulate among the men.

During the Festival, everyone would be very friendly.  With the ale flowing freely, tongues would be loosened.  The Wanderer intended to take full advantage of this.  He would learn many things that would be valuable to him as he wandered the countryside.  He would know all the small intrigues that were always going on.  He would learn where he would be most needed, and where he might find additional valuable information.  He would also learn the places he might want to avoid at a particular time.  Not that any of these places would pose a danger to him.  It was just that there might be things in which he saw no necessity for him to become involved.  They could be worked out without him.

The first day proved to be a valuable one.  He learned some things that gave him a better insight into the Mage who was trying to control Lilleth’s mother.  What he learned also gave him a very good idea how he could trap this Mage.  In addition, he learned a number of things that he would inform his father about.  Rumors from several sources of situations in the East in which his father would be interested.  At the end of the day, he gathered up Lilleth from the castle and went back to his tent.

Waiting for him was Lady Syalla, Princess Sylleron’s chief fairy.  The Wanderer was one of the few people besides the princess who could see the fairies.  They were normally visible only to the person to whom they had attached themselves.  Lilleth found she could also see her.  The fairy knew of the Wanderer’s power.  She came to plead with the Wanderer to keep her mistress from harm.

“You must not let her fall any farther under the power of Mazorth,” Lady Syalla said.  “I have come to plead with you to intervene.”

“In good time, Lady Syalla,” the Wanderer replied,  “I must force Mazorth to commit himself before I act.  Until that time, I assure you that Princess Sylleron will not come to any great harm.   We must make Mazorth think that he can gain power over her, but only if he comes to her himself.  It will take a while before he reaches that decision.  Meanwhile with your help we will keep her from any major harm although we will have to allow her to suffer some pain.  It is necessary to keep Mazorth from suspecting he is being opposed by another Mage.”

While this conversation was going on, Princess Lilleth was listening with a questioning look.  “Just what are you talking about, my dear husband.  I can see the fairy, and I know it is one of the band that watches over my mother.  What danger is she in that they are asking for your help?”

The Wanderer gave her a brief run down on her mother’s situation.  He said, later he would give her the details of his plans to keep her mother safe and eventually to eliminate the danger to her.  The Wanderer gave Lady Syalla some suggestions for her band, which would help to keep Princess Sylleron safe, without Mazorth knowing they were aware of the true situation.  They discussed these suggestions and came up with a plan that would do what was needed.  Lady Syalla thanked the Wanderer and disappeared.

“How were you able to see the fairy.  I thought only a very few Elven women could see them,” said Lilleth.

“Actually,” replied her husband,  “I saw her because she wanted me to see her.  I do know you have your own fairy band, but I cannot see them.  I would have to cast a very powerful spell to be able to see them.  Fairies cannot be affected by Mage’s powers.  Few can cast a powerful enough spell even to see them.  I do not think that Mazorth knows they exist.  This can be used to our advantage.”

Lilleth smiled at her husband.  “My fairies did a dance of celebration when I married you.”

“Well I’m glad of that.  I wouldn’t want them to be unhappy that you are my wife.”

Lilleth laughed.  “You mean they might make your life even more miserable than I could possibly make it.”  The Wanderer just smiled but said nothing.  So Lilleth slipped into his arms and with a lovely smile said,  “I wouldn’t let them make you miserable.  I claim that right all for my own.”  Her husband laughed and hugged her. 

With the fairy departed, the Wanderer decided it was time to tell Lilleth what he knew about her mother’s situation.  He would tell her of his plans to make sure that her mother did not come to any real harm.  Then he would tell her of his tentative plans to defeat and destroy the Mage who was trying to get her into his power.  They spent some time discussing the details and the timetable the Wanderer had devised.  He told Lilleth they could keep her mother from any real harm without alerting the Mage involved.  He described how he planned to wend their way south acting as just a healer going about his business.  During this time he would be setting the stage for forcing the Mage to show himself.  At that time the Wanderer thought he could easily deal with him.  The Witch, with whom he had been allied, had been destroyed.  Surprise was the important element in the Wanderer’s plan.  It would make it much easier and much more sure.  He did not want the Mage to suspect anything until he was hit with all the Wanderer’s power.  For the most part Lilleth listened quietly, asking questions quietly and making suggestions as it seemed appropriate.  This completed, they went to bed.

When they awakened and began to dress to go again to the Festival, Lilleth smiled at the Wanderer and said,  “My fairies are dancing this morning. Apparently they are happy.”

“Does that mean my Princess is going to be especially nice to me?” the Wanderer inquired.

“I took it to mean that my handsome Prince was going to be especially nice to me,” said Lilleth.  “You’re going to be wandering about ogling all the young women all day, while I have to suffer through sitting with the King and Queen.”

“And having all the young men ogle you,” added the Wanderer with a smile and a cock of his head at her.

“I really never notice,” Lilleth said with a coquettish flip of her head.  Then she gave him a most beguiling smile.  Her husband just smiled and shook his head.

Again the Wanderer left Lilleth off in the castle courtyard and went to the field where the Festival was being held.  A number of the Lords brought their marriageable sons and daughters.  This was a chance for a possible alliance through the marriage of a daughter or a son into another noble family.  There were a number of the young ladies who looked the Wanderer over thoroughly.  These included a number of the daughters of the Lords as well as daughters of some rich merchants.  The Wanderer was always polite but managed to slip away at the first possible moment.  He found it was the wives who were more apt to have some good information.  It was also much safer to spend some time talking to them.  He always had some small healing hints for them.  As the healer, it was also thought perfectly proper for him to be talking to the women.  He could divide his attention between the men and the women without arousing any suspicion.  This activity, if noticed by Mages, would convince them that he couldn’t possibly be anything but a mere healer.  Mages didn’t waste their time with such mundane tasks.

In the afternoon, the Wanderer was making his way through an area where there were the families of a number of the Lords.  A group of the young women spotting him, made a move to surround him to prevent him from slipping away.  A moment later, as he was being surrounded, an arm slipped through his arm and he turned to see who it was.

“I thought I might find you here, husband, surrounded by beautiful women,” it was Lilleth.  She had her head tipped to one side and was smiling up at him slightly accusingly.

“I was looking for you my darling Princess,” the Wanderer said.  Some of the young women reacted with surprise.  Apparently not all of them had heard that the Wanderer had been just married to an Elven Princess.  However, they knew they couldn’t compete with this beautiful Princess.  The group quickly dissolved.  The Wanderer slipped his arm around Lilleth,  “Why don’t you have an escort.  It’s not proper for a Princess to be wandering through the crowd alone.  Especially a married one.”  However, he was not surprised to find her doing just that.

“I wasn’t alone.  I just left them to come and rescue my husband from the clutches of a group of beautiful young women.”

“Ah but none of them can match the beauty of my lovely wife.”

“You just say that because it is true,” said Lilleth with a saucy flip of her head.  Then she smiled innocently up at him and added,  “And it is a good thing that you did say that my wandering husband.”

He started to lead her back to the group she had left.  Princess Guenell, Luthral, Lilleth’s brother Avenor, and cousin Nardelar were among the group.  They all greeted the Wanderer. Lilleth’s brother smiled at the Wanderer.  “It is dangerous wandering among the women.  Especially if you are young, tall, handsome and not Elven,” he said. 

“Oh I noticed a few young women casting interested glances your and Prince Nardelar’s way including Luthral’s sister.  And Luthral’s sister’s attractiveness is obviously not missed by Prince Nardelar,” said the Wanderer with a smile.

“Ah, but as you and Lilleth know, there can be a problem in marriages between Elves and humans,” Prince Nardelar said in a somewhat sad tone.

“You just have to come to terms with that.  You cannot change it so you have to live with it,” the Wanderer stated a little sadly.  Lilleth admired how he could put on that act.  Especially when he knew his life span would be very close if not equal to hers.  Of course, Prince Nordelar also knew of that fact.  The Wanderer had more Elf blood running in his veins than that of his Northern Nation.  Not only was his mother an Elf, but his grandmother was also.  Yet he looked like a Northman with just some subtle hints of his Elven background.  Few actually noticed that.  However, although he showed few physical characteristics of his Elven background, he actually had many of them.  Momentarily the group gathered up the Wanderer as they wandered about the Festival.  Lilleth slipped her arm around his waist as they walked.  When Guenell and Luthral walked farther ahead, Lilleth looked up at the Wanderer and asked,  “And what good information did your glean today?”

The Wanderer leaned close to here and softly said,  “Enough to know that we will have time to wander slowly southward, arousing little suspicion.”

Lilleth smiled up at him,  “That sounds like it is good news.”

“For the time being, yes.  A close watch will be kept.  As yet, no one seems to suspect I am anything but a healer.”

“And when will we be leaving?” she inquired.

“We do not want anyone to think we are in a hurry.  We will leave in the late morning tomorrow.  Many will also be leaving then.  The confusion will serve us well,” the Wanderer replied.

Lilleth made plans with her husband to meet with him later that evening and then to go home with him.  Until that time the Wanderer planned to continue to circulate among the people here at the festival.  A number of young Mage apprentices would be also in the crowd at night.  He could trade certain information with them.  They would be called on occasionally to perform the acts of the healer.  They would be more than willing to trade information and rumors they had heard for some healing information from him.  Most had heard of his reputation as a great healer.

Chapter THREE

They were up in the morning packing things away and preparing to begin the trek southward.  Quite a few people stopped to say good-bye before they left.  After all, Princess Lilleth was a beautiful Elven Princess, and her new husband was the Wanderer, the healer.  It was actually after noon before everything was packed in the wagon and they were ready to leave.  Princess Guenell and Luthral came just before they pulled out.  Lilleth promised they would stop again on their way north in spring.  Guenell told Lilleth that she and Luthral were planning to marry the next fall.  Lilleth promised that she and the Wanderer would be there.  Then the Wanderer and Lilleth started to head West.  It was part of his plan to look like he was in no great hurry to get to land of the Elves.  He must be about his healing work.  The Princess Lilleth must know that was the important thing.  Mazorth, of course would be made aware of this.  The Wanderer would see to that.  Mazorth would be in no hurry.  Prince Elleren, Lilleth’s father, planned to go West to visit Prince Zarylai of the Southeastern Elven Nation before he returned home.  The Wanderer knew that was the plan.  He had counted on that to happen.  This actually made it easier for Zaldor to accomplish what he was planning.

THE WANDERER©   

by Richard A. Falb

Chapter ONE

He was known only as the Wanderer.  He appeared, they say, out of the northern mountains at a time of great change. Little was known about him except he was a healer.  He claimed it was his mission to wander throughout the lands bringing his healing talent to everyone who had need of it. He took whatever pay they could afford.  He denied no man his healing powers. They said he had great healing powers.  He was welcomed everywhere.  He seemed to have enough coin to do this.

It was a time when evil spirits wandered the earth.  For years they had annoyed and caused problems for many people.  The good Mages had been able to deal with them.  However there were times, more often lately, when it was much more than that.  They were threatening to take over nations and peoples.  They were at times led by one of the three known great witches who were attempting to consolidate their power.  This led to wars, pitting not only nations but also powerful Mages, on both sides.  At times, small lords or Dukes aligned themselves with these powerful evil forces in hopes they would benefit greatly.  In certain instances, an evil Mage aligning himself with one of the powerful witches would take over a Dukedom or even a Kingdom.  It was leaving devastation in areas where the battles were being fought.  It was almost bankrupting some kingdoms. 

It was during this time, as fall began and before the winter snows began to fall in the North Country, that this healer appeared.  He was said to have come out of the mountains to the east of Duke Dannel’s land on the Northeast boundaries of the Central Kingdom. There was a great forest to the North of the Central Kingdom stretching into the realms of the Northern Elves and the Northern Nation.  This healer began wandering the villages of these northern woods.  They were mostly small villages that would not have their own healer.  They might have a woman who had some knowledge of herbs and potions, but that is all.  The Wanderer’s fame spread quickly.  Rumor had it he was a tall and powerfully built man dressed in the furs and pelts of the woodland animals.  They said he did not look at all like they expected a healer to look.  There were conflicting stories as to how old he was.  Some said he was young.  Some swore he was of middle years.  A few said, he was older.  He rode a large chestnut horse that looked to be a cross between the powerful northern stallions and the sleek, speedy Elven thoroughbreds.  A huge wolf was often seen at his side as he rode.  Two powerful horses pulled a huge wagon loaded with his tent and belongings.  A huge eagle could often be seen gliding above the cavalcade.  He carried a large Elven bow and a large sword.  Those who had hunted with him swore he was the greatest hunter they had ever known.  He seemed to know just where the game would be.   They swore his arrows never missed. No one had yet seen fit to test his swordsmanship.  Of course, he was reputed to be a healer and not a soldier.  Still no brigands saw fit to challenge him, although he was rumored to always travel alone. Some whispered he might be a mage.  Rumor had it he was not only a healer but a man of great knowledge.   

A mighty war had just been fought. It pitted the Northern witch, Tulloc, the most powerful of the evil ones and his minions against the mighty Northern nation with their powerful old mage.  Allied with the Northern Nation was the northern nation of elves and their powerful mage.  Although the people of the Northern Nation were judged by most to be human, the elves were aware they were really different.  Their life span seemed to be much more like that of the elves, than that of other humans.  Consequently, it was not unheard of that there were some inter-marriages among the Elves and the Northern Nation people.  In fact there had been some intermarriages among the ruling Princes of both nations. 

It had been a mighty war lasting four years.  Its reverberations had been felt around the known world.  It had ended just a year and a half ago with the complete defeat and banishment forever of those evil forces of the north.  The war, luckily, had been fought mostly in the far northern reaches of the land. This, plus the power of the good Mages, had shielded most of the Nations from the devastation usually associated with such a long war. It had changed forever the looks of that part of the known world.   The climatic change had been of benefit to the large Northern Nation.  It freed up more land from the grip of ice and snow and opened new ports for their large fleets.  The snow and ice had retreated further north and higher into the mountains.  The Northern Nation had recovered quite quickly, as had the Northern Elven Nation.  Their northern cities as well as their most northern ports were being rebuilt.    Both had lost one of their three ruling Princes.  Their losses in ships and men had been surprisingly light for such a long war.

It had been rumored that during this time, a younger mage, more powerful than any known before, had appeared to help vanquish the evil ones from the north.   None of these rumors indicated from where he had come.  No one knew what happened to him after the end of that war.  He had seemed to disappear.  Not even the Mages could locate any trace of this Mage, if he really existed.  This was cause for concern for some Mages.  Many were discounting this story as just a rumor.  Even the Mages could not determine if this story were true or not.  This added greatly to the mystery.  Magellor, the powerful old Mage of the North Country, would not say if he thought this story true or false.  It was he, whom the rumored powerful young Mage, was reputed to have helped in the war.  Most Mages believed that if there were such a Mage, he must be a student of Magellor.  Magellor would only shrug and say he did not know what they were talking about.  The Mages who believed there was such a new powerful Mage did not believe Magellor.

The four Elven Nations had long since given up their domination of the other peoples of the world and now lived in peace with them.  This had been so for nearly a thousand years.  There were even some parts of the present world in which an elf was an uncommon sight.   Most knew of these long-lived people, but many had never actually seen any elves.  Some of the tribes in the mountains thought elves were only a figment of old men’s tales.  They, had never seen an elf, therefore they didn’t exist. The Wanderer appeared first in the wild Eastern Mountains to the East of Duke Dannel’s land.  He seemed to be able to speak the language and the dialect of every tribe he visited. 

Duke Dannel’s only daughter had fallen very ill.  It was suspected this illness, might have been caused by the evil forces of the north.  Duke Dannel had moved his men to his northern border.  This served to help protect the southern edge of the Northern Nations while the war was going on.   No healer had been found who knew what to do to cure her.  The Duke was desperate. 

Hearing of the Wanderer, he sent some men into the forests of the mountains to try to find this healer.  He would willingly give half his land to this Wanderer if his daughter could be cured.  Some of the Duke’s men found the Wanderer in a village on the northern edge of the Duke’s land.  He was within only a day’s journey of the Duke’s castle.  Hearing the plight of the young woman, the Wanderer set out immediately for the Duke’s castle, arriving in the early evening.  The castle was set on a rise of ground, facing the north.  A river flowed between the castle and a road that ran east and west.  To the East, the South and the West were a thick growth of trees.  Within this forest there grew an impenetrable thicket of thorny bushes.  These bushes were green throughout the year.  As a consequence, the castle could be approached only from the north.  The Duke’s great grandfather had built the castle on this spot and had planted those bushes. 

The Wanderer immediately gathered some things from his wagon and followed the men into the castle. The Duke was surprised at the appearance of this Wanderer.  Recovering quickly, the Duke immediately warmly greeted the Wanderer. 

“I thank you for coming so quickly, healer,” said the Duke. Although dressed in leather like a hunter or a woodsman, the Wanderer exuded the power and confidence of a noble.  And he was tall.  As tall as the men the Duke had seen from the Northern Nation whose lands reached to the Duke’s northern borders.  He looked like a hunter, or a man of the mountains, not like a healer.

The Wanderer, with a friendly smile and a bow replied,  “I am most happy to come.  Let us immediately take a look at your daughter, Duke Dannel.  The sooner we see what is the problem, the sooner we can affect a cure.” 

The Duke was surprised at the positive tone of the Wanderer’s words.  Most healers said they would try to do what they could.  They did not want to be blamed for failing.  It was obvious, the Wanderer was not an ordinary healer.  The Duke immediately took heart.  He had lately begun to think there was no hope for his daughter.

The Duke immediately took him to his daughter’s room.   She lay surrounded by servants trying to do whatever they could for her.  She seemed to be unconscious and in deep pain.  The Wanderer immediately waved them away. 

He bent over the young woman, carefully examining her.  He could see the evidences of the evil within her.  He would have to be alone with her to weave the spell to call out the evil within her.  He could then treat the symptoms of her other sickness.  He turned to the Duke. 

“I need to be alone with her for a short while.  I will call you back in shortly,” the Wanderer told Duke.  The Wanderer’s eye’s held the Duke’s as he spoke.  The Duke nodded his agreement and quickly ordered everyone to leave the room.  The Duke then left the room and closed the door after himself.  He then cleared everyone from the hallway outside the room.  He did not know why, but he trusted the Wanderer completely.  Besides, he had the feeling the Wanderer, was his daughter’s last possible chance.  Only this Wanderer might have the power to treat the evil that ravaged his daughter.

Some time later, the Wanderer called the Duke and two of the daughter’s attendants back into the room.  The three were amazed.   The daughter now seemed to be resting quietly.  Her pain seemed to be gone.  They had been able to do nothing to help her.  This healer within a short time had done what no one else had been able to do.  The daughter’s attendants thought it was a miracle.  That is the story they would be telling for months to come.  The Wanderer gave the servants some very explicit instructions as to what he wanted them to do.  Then he turned to the Duke.  “It will take several days.  She was very close to death.  It is lucky your men found me so soon.  I will need to stay several days to make sure she is safely on the road to recovery.  I will then leave some potions and ointments, and very explicit instructions.  You must see that these are carried out exactly as I have instructed.  Do you have a trusted servant who can read?” the Wanderer asked the Duke.  This was not the case in many households.  However, the Duke did have two who could read.  The Wanderer then said,  “Before I leave, I will talk to you and those two servants.  I will give them specific instructions as to what must be done.  I will also leave these instructions in written form.  They need to be followed exactly as I say.”   The Duke promised this would be done.  The Duke was very well educated for this time, and he had seen to it that his son and daughter were also.

The Duke immediately said,  “My castle and all within it are at your command, healer.”  The Wanderer smiled his thanks.

“I will set up my tent just outside your castle walls.  I have things I need there.  I have the room and equipment to produce certain potions, salves and remedies I will need.  I will however be happy to join you for meals.”

“We would be honored to have you join us for dinner tonight,” The Duke immediately said.  The Wanderer smiled and nodded his head in acceptance.  The Wanderer was testing the Duke.  The Duke had passed this test with high marks.  The Duke had no idea whom, he the Wanderer was, yet he had unhesitatingly invited the Wanderer to join him at his table.  Some Lords would not think of doing that for a healer, no matter how great a healer he was.  They would assume he was a mere commoner.

The Wanderer, as he promised, stayed for three days caring for the young woman.  He spent much of the time with the young woman.  Otherwise, except for the meals he ate with the Duke and his son, he spent the time in his tent.  Through the conversations the Duke had with the Wanderer at these meals, the Duke realized this healer, had a far greater education and knowledge than any man the Duke had met. 

Each day his daughter seemed to gain strength.  By the late afternoon of the second day, she was sitting up and eating regular food.  The middle of the third day she was up and walking around, although slowly and with assistance.   She even was able to join them for dinner that night.  The Duke’s joy knew no bounds when she joined them.  His daughter had, as far as the Duke was concerned, returned from the dead. 

The Duke turned to the Wanderer.  “I have said I would give half of my lands to the healer who could cure my daughter.  I will not go back on my promise.”

The Wanderer smiled and with a slight bow of his head answered,  “I have no use for half of your lands, Duke Dannel.  They would be better off in your care.  However, there is one thing you have I would accept in payment.”  The Duke waited to hear what the Wanderer would ask in payment.  The Wanderer went on,  “You have in your possession an ancient dagger.  Your men took it from a band of thieves they defeated.  This band of thieves had just come over the mountain.  They claimed to have found the dagger deep within a cave.  They claimed the three men who found it and handled it died a horrible death.  Your man, who took it off them and tried to keep it for himself, also died the same kind of death.  Your men then wrapped it in leather and presented it to you, first warning you not to touch the dagger.  It is finely made and has a jeweled handle with strange inscriptions on it.”

The Duke looked at the Wanderer in complete surprise.  He had described everything as it had happened.  Yet there was no reason the Wanderer would know these things.  The Duke immediately went and brought the dagger.  It was completely wrapped so that no one would have to touch it.  He handed it this way to the Wanderer.  The Wanderer calmly unwrapped the dagger.  It was a beautifully worked piece.  The blade shone as if it had been just polished.  The jewels in the handle glowed as if it were on fire.  The Wanderer picked up the dagger by the jewel-encrusted handle.  He seemed to have no fear of it, although he obviously knew of its history.  The Duke stared at him in complete surprise as the Wanderer picked up the dagger to examine it closely.  The Wanderer seemed unaffected by the curse that was upon it.

“Do you not fear the curse that is upon it,” he asked the Wanderer.  “You seem to be immune to it.”

The Wanderer smiled.  “I know the curse that has been put upon it.  It is an intricate and ancient one.  As a healer, it will not touch me.  That was part of the curse.  The only way it can affect me is if I use it for an evil or selfish purpose.  I am bound to return it to its rightful owner, which I shall do in time.”

The Duke looked at the Wanderer.  Then he said,  “But you can use it to defend yourself.”

The Wanderer nodded yes,  “That is permissible, but I do not plan to carry it on my person.  I do have ample weapons with which to protect myself, should that become necessary.”

It was the Duke’s turn to smile,  “I have noticed you have a sword.  In fact, it is one of the finest swords I have ever seen.”

“It was a gift, Duke Dannel.  It is a very fine weapon.  It also is of ancient origin.  It also has a spell upon it.”  Then the Wanderer added with just a hint of a smile,  “And I do know how to use it.”

The Duke would not contradict that statement.  In fact, he was sure the Wanderer could use it very well.  He knew, the Wanderer would not carry a weapon he did not know how to use with great effectiveness.  Although he was a healer, he looked to the Duke, as one who would be a formidable opponent in battle.

The Duke gave the order, the Wanderer should be provided with whatever he needed before he left in the morning.  That night the Wanderer gave very specific directions to the group as to the treatment for the young woman.  He provided them with complete written directions, as he had promised.  He emphasized that they must be followed exactly for the next fourteen days.  The next morning, he and his tent were gone.  No one had actually seen him depart.  Somehow that did not surprise the Duke.  There was something very different about this Wanderer.  Even the Duke’s Mage, was impressed by the man.  The Mage felt the Wanderer was more than just a healer.  However, his searching gave him no evidence of this.  The Duke had a feeling that he would see the Wanderer again.   

The Central Kingdom ran the eastern edge of the great mountains to the land of the Southern Elves.  Two small lord’s land lay at the southern edge of the Kingdom between the Kingdom and the land of the Southern Elves.  To the West of the Kingdom lay a series of Dukedoms and a group of small Lords allied together into a loose confederation.  To the Southwest and West lay the mountains of the Coastal Range.  Along the West Coast was another Kingdom and to the north of it were lands of the three nations of elves.  The largest of these was that of the Northern Elves.  They had close ties to the powerful Northern Nation.  This alliance created the most powerful force in the known earth.  It was this alliance that fought and won the war with the Evil Ones of the North.   This was a very benign force as far as the other nations were concerned.  These two nations had no territorial aspirations.  Their ships covered the seas trading with every nation.  It was even rumored they sailed to those lands far to the West beyond the Western Ocean, as well as those to East of the Eastern Ocean. 

The Wanderer roamed the northern lands.  His reputation as a healer, became so great he was welcomed into the home, mansions and castles of all.  The Wanderer was keeping his true identity a secret.  Before setting out on his journey as a healer, he and his teacher, the great old Mage Magellor, had found out about a plot of the Evil Vakorin.  He was the Evil Witch of the Western Coastal Mountains.  He had already, through an evil Mage, taken over one of the Western Coastal Kingdoms.  A war was now going on pitting that Kingdom against the Southwestern Elven Nation allied with some mountain tribes. The deposed young prince of this kingdom and some loyal followers were allied with the Elven nation in this fight.  The other Elven nations sent some of their men and Mages to aid in this war.

The Witch was planning to bring together his minions at the place near the Castle of King Guthor.  It would be at the same time as the meeting King Guthor had called, of the leaders of lands surrounding the Central Kingdom.  Some Mages of these rulers were already in league with the Evil Vakorin.  The Wanderer, appearing only as a healer, would not attract the notice of any of the Mages.  If the Wanderer could be there when these forces gathered, he and Magellor might surprise them in their meeting, confine them, then use their own power to destroy them.  Secrecy and surprise were the weapons the Wanderer was going to use.  The Wanderer would appear to be coming to this meeting King Guthor called, to bring news of the war that had been fought in the north.

The Wanderer and Magellor also had learned the Elven Princess Sylleron, of the Southern Elven Nation, had fallen somewhat under the influence of an Evil Mage who was causing trouble in the South.  They suspected this Evil Mage, was being helped by the Witch Vakorin.  Princess Sylleron had been dabbling in the Mage Arts and healing arts under the tutelage of her old Mage. He however, was becoming a feeble old man.  Unknown to her, he had fallen under the influence of this Evil Mage.  The Mage planned to take control of her and her mind and through this to control the Elven Nation.  Her husband, Prince Elleren and his beautiful, but headstrong older daughter, and his eldest son were to be at the gathering at the Central Kingdom.  Following this, Prince Elleren was planning to go West to visit another of the Elven Nations.  He was not aware of his wife’s danger.  The Evil Mage knew this and was planning to take advantage of the Prince’s absence.  Prince Elleren’s mage would be accompanying him to the meeting.  He was trusting the old mage, who was his teacher, to protect the Princess while he was gone and to alert him if there was any danger.  This would leave Princess Sylleron unprotected.

After healing Duke Dannel’s daughter, The Wanderer continued along the northern edge of the Duke’s land till he reached the border of the land of the Northern Elves.  Then he turned south.  He stopped at the villages along the way, performing his healing arts.  His tent would be there in the morning on the outskirts of the village.  No one ever saw it being put up.  Then he would wait for them to come.  Many a village maiden looked with longing at this tall, handsome and powerful looking healer. They all noted that he was very gentle and spoke their language as they spoke it.  He never asked for anything for his services.  He was provided with whatever they could afford.  Many a maid thought of how she would stow away in his wagon when he left.  No one ever saw him leave.  He seemed to disappear during the night. 

Although there were bands of outlaws hiding throughout the forests he was traversing, none of them saw fit to challenge him.  They were suspicious of a man who had a huge wolf, and a just as huge eagle, as traveling companions.  In addition, some had seen the huge sword that he had by his side, the Elven short sword, and the bow he carried.  Some had heard of his prowess with that bow.  They did not think it wise to test his prowess with a sword and dagger.

The Wanderer did take time to go with some hunters when they went to hunt for deer and elk.  They never returned without plenty of game when the Wanderer went with them. The stories of these things and of his power as a healer preceded him.  He was welcomed wherever he went.  He treated everyone the same.  He never denied anyone his healing arts.  He even gave the older women instructions on how to treat certain wounds and common complaints.  If there was a local healer, he always had her work with him and would instruct her as well as provide her with materials she could use.  This endeared him to the local healers because he was so willing to help them.

It was that Fall, King Guthor of the Central Kingdom, having heard the tales of the defeat of the northern evil ones, called for a gathering of all the Dukes and Lords surrounding the Kingdom.  He also sent invitations to the Princes of the Elven Nations closest to his Kingdom.  These invitations to the Elves were just as a courtesy.  The King knew he had no power over them.  In fact, he was aware they were actually more powerful than he was.  He had received word that at least two powerful Elven Princes would come.  Tents covered the plains to the South and West of the castle and the town.  Merchants and others filled the fields with tents of various sizes.  The taverns and inns were filled to overflowing.  There was a festive air to the gathering.  The people heard the King would have good news to communicate.  They were ready for some respite from the troubles of the past years.  There were some there who were hoping to cause other troubles for their own benefit.  Most of the people who gathered here were not aware of this.  The town and the castle were at the crossroads of the road, running North and South through the Kingdom and the main road coming from the West.  To the North and East was a large woods split by a large stream that came from the Northeast and then turned west.  The stream ran a short distance north of the town and the castle.

The Wanderer had appeared and pitched his tent in a clearing beside that stream.  It was apart from the town and the other tents, but still was reachable by most people there.  It was a rather large tent for one who always traveled alone.  To some people it seemed to be much too large a tent for a healer.  Of course, the Wanderer was not an ordinary healer and he had not come here to practice his healing arts.  He said he had come to bring some good news.  This town was large enough to have its own healers.   His tent seemed to fade into the green of the forest.  It was just a short way off the road that wound across a bridge over the stream and wandered through the woods to the north and east.  Beyond, along that road a short distance, was another larger clearing in the forest.

Shortly after he arrived, the Wanderer asked for an audience with King Guthor.  Having heard of his fame as a healer, the King invited the Wanderer to dine with him that evening.  The King was very interested in meeting this man about whom there seemed to be much mystery.  He had heard of his healing of Duke Dannel’s daughter.   The Northern Duke Dannel and his son Luthral, along with Prince Elleren of the Southern Elves and his daughter and son were also invited that day.  Queen Nadra and Princess Guenell would be dining with them.  The Princess Guenell and the Elven Princess Lilleth had become good friends and Lilleth was staying in the castle with her.  It was rumored the King and Queen and even the Princess Guenell herself looked favorably on an arrangement between Guenell and the Northern Duke’s son, Luthral.  This would solidify a mutually advantageous alliance.  The Elven Princess Lilleth, on the other hand, had a reputation as a free spirit.  She seemed to reject all suitors.  The fact she could ride and hunt with the best of them didn’t endear her to many of these young men.  She was now getting beyond the years when young women were considered marriageable.  However she never lacked for suitors.   She was considered very beautiful, although headstrong.  She had developed her mother’s talents of a healer.  Lilleth had been taught many of the Mage’s minor secrets by her father’s old Mage.  She was a favorite of his since she was very small. 

The Princesses found out the Wanderer would be dining with them.  They had heard many rumors about him.  Neither had seen nor talked to anyone who had actually seen him.  This man, about whom there seemed to be much mystery, intrigued them.  They were looking forward to meeting this great healer.  They heard some rumors he was tall and somewhat handsome.  Princess Lilleth especially wanted to meet him.  She was interested in the arts of a healer.  He sounded very different from most men she knew.  That alone intrigued Lilleth.

They heard he dressed in deerskin.   They thought they would easily recognize him as he came into the castle grounds. What they would do when they saw him, they really had no idea.  They thought, of course, that even a great healer would be overjoyed to have two beautiful Princesses talk to him.  They sneaked down into the castle grounds close to the main gate.  Here, the men always dismounted and turned their horses over to one of the King’s men.  The Princesses thought they would therefore be able to know him when he came.  They wanted to get a closer look at this man and possibly meet him.  A tall, young man dressed in cloth, much like that of the Elves, came in riding a huge, beautiful, Chestnut colored horse.  The Elven princess, who was a gifted horsewoman, thought the horse was the most magnificent animal she had ever seen.  She just had to see that horse close up.  In fact, she wanted to sit on that magnificent animal.  She had momentarily forgotten that she was here to try to see the Wanderer.  She boldly walked out, and when the man dismounted, brazenly said,  “Kind Sir, I would like to sit on that horse.”

The man turned to her with a smile, then with a bow,  “Princess, that horse has known no rider but me.  He might bolt if someone else climbed up on him.  I would not wish you to be harmed.”

The horse snorted, then whinnied and pawed the ground.  The man laughed.  “He disagrees with me it seems.  I gather he would not mind to have a beautiful princess on his back.”

The Princess looked somewhat startled at what the man said.  The man seemed not to notice.   Without another word, he stepped toward her, picked the princess up by her waist and gently seated her upon the saddle.  The Princess was amazed at how easily she lifted her up.  It was as if she weighed very little.  He must be very strong, she thought.

“Perhaps sometime I might be allowed to ride him?”  Princess Lilleth stated, as if this request would be automatically granted.

“I shall consult with him, Princess,” the man replied with a smile.  He caught her lightly as she slid off of the horse.  She wasn’t quite sure how she should reply to these words.  He was very civil, but definitely not awed.   She did not know what to make of this man.  To hide her confusion, she gathered up Princess Guenell and hurried back into the castle.  She wondered who this man might be.  He spoke well and had a beautiful voice.  It was also obvious, he was not awed by the attention of two Princesses.  He had been very pleasant, but definitely not subservient.  He did not act like a commoner.

“I have never seen such a powerful and magnificent horse in my life,” she told Guenell very positively.  “I must ride him.”

They hurried back into the castle and into the dining hall.  They had forgotten about trying to see the Wanderer.  They were both wondering who that man could be.   

Everyone else had already gathered in the dining hall.  The Princesses quickly took their places.  A few moments later, the Wanderer put in his appearance and bowed to the King and Queen, and then to the Elven Prince and the Duke.  The Duke, who had, of course, met the Wanderer, smiled as he heard the Princesses gasp when they saw the Wanderer.  He was not an old man as they had envisioned.  He was a tall, powerful, and rather handsome young man who carried himself with the utmost confidence.  And he was not clothed in rough skins, as was rumored, but in nice cloth much like the fine cloth of the Elves.  It was the man who had that magnificent horse.  The King indicated his welcome.  He was also surprised, although he had heard the Wanderer was not old.  He also noticed he did not seem to be the least bit awed by the people gathered around the table.  He had a cool confidence.

“Greetings Wanderer,” King Guthor said,  “That is all the name that has been given you,” he continued as if questioning this.

“That is the only name I need, Sire,” the Wanderer respectfully replied,  “for that is what I am.  I wander through the land wherever a healer is needed.”

“Stories of your feats as a healer has reached our ears, Wanderer.  But some say they suspect you are also a Mage,” the King continued looking intently at this man.  He had the bearing of a confident man.  One who knew he was good at what he did.  But he did not look like what the King expected a healer to look.

The Wanderer smiled,  “I claim only that I am a poor healer.  No other powers have I ever said I have.  It is enough for me, to lend help to those who are in need of it.”  But there was no hint of being a poor anything in his voice.  His voice, though soft, had a hint of power to it.  The man was evidently well educated.

“I can attest to his power to heal,” the Duke spoke up.  “It is he that gave us back our daughter when we were sure we had lost her.”

The Wanderer bowed his head to the Duke in humble thanks for the words.  The Elven Princess looked more closely at him.  There was a definite hint of interest in her eyes.  Her father watched her.  A smile briefly appeared on his face.  She could do worse than claim him for a husband, he thought.  The Elven Princess, closely studying the Wanderer, saw more than just a common man who had learned the arts of healing.  There is something far deeper in this man.  He carries himself too well.  I would love to know this man better, she thought. 

Everyone was seated at the table and the servants began bringing in the food.  The Elven Princess skillfully maneuvered herself across from the Wanderer, so she could study this man.  There was something that did not fit.  She was intrigued with him.  She watched, as he began to eat, occasionally answering the questions they asked of him.  It is obvious, she thought, he has sat at royal tables before.  He is too at ease.  The Wanderer, sensing her scrutiny, smiled pleasantly at her.  She smiled back.

“Why did you not tell us who you were?”  Lilleth asked.

The Wanderer smiled,  “You are a Princess.  You had but to ask.  I would have told you whatever you wished to know.  I thought you knew who I was.  I have no reason to hide my identity.”

The Princess frowned at his reply.  You knew I didn’t know, she thought.  Her eyes bore into his.  Don’t toy with me, Wanderer, I am not used to being toyed with, her look said.  He smiled an apologetic smile.  The Princess didn’t believe for a minute, he was at all apologetic.  This of course, made him that much more intriguing to her.  He has the easy confidence of a man of great power, yet he acts the humble healer.  She had never seen this quiet confidence except in the great Princes of her kind.

As the evening wore on, the Wanderer petitioned the King to be able to speak at the meeting of all the nobles.  That meeting was to take place before the meeting of all the men.  The King considered, then getting a nod from the Duke and the Elven Prince, agreed to his request.  The Elven Prince had noted the by-play between his daughter and the Wanderer with a wry smile.  He doesn’t know what he is letting himself in for, he thought.  He sensed his daughter was intrigued with this young, handsome healer.  He knew that this was the first time his oldest daughter had ever been intrigued by any man.  At times she treated young men, especially those who considered themselves appropriate suitors, as if they didn’t exist.  She was not treating this man as if he didn’t exist.  In fact, her attention was riveted upon him.

When the meal was finished, and before the women excused themselves, the Wanderer humbly thanked everyone for giving him the honor of dining with them.  Then he took his leave.  The Princess watched him.  He does that so easily, she thought, yet it seems so out of character to me.  Is he really what he appears to be?  I need to find out, she thought to herself.

The next evening, the Elven Princess was quietly walking through the halls bent on slipping outside the castle, a forbidden thing.  Lilleth was used to doing forbidden things.  She saw the King’s young apprentice Mage, furtively slip out of the castle walls by a side entrance, and hurry, off into the night.  She decided to follow him.  She wanted to find out where he was going and why.  She was not dressed as a Princess.  Rather she was dressed like that of an Elven page.  She carried a long Elven knife, which she was expert at handling.  The young apprentice slipped out and into the woods close to the castle.  She dared not follow too close.  She barely succeeded in following him to a clearing in the forest some distance from the castle.  She halted in the shadows of the trees.  There seemed to be a fire in the center of the clearing.    A group of beings were gathered around the fire.  Some, she thought, didn’t look human.  She shivered, but she was determined to watch and see what happened.  Lilleth feared very little, but she instinctively knew she shouldn’t be here.  She then watched, fascinated, as an almost transparent wall seemed to rise around those beings surrounding the fire.  They seemed to pay no attention.  They were in animated and heated discussion.  She was fascinated, but chills ran through her.   Then some creatures descended from the skies and a ball of fire swept down.  The wall then seemed to rise quickly and form a dome over the area, as if to confine them.  She caught a small movement in the shadows to her left.  A huge wolf stood there looking at her.  She was surprised she felt no fear.  For some reason, she knew he was friendly.  She did not know why she felt that way.  He seemed to be telling her not to move.  Then she looked beyond the wolf.  A large figure, in a black cloak that covered the person completely, began to raise its arms and she felt tremendous power crackle all around her.  She had never experienced such power before.  She shrank back farther into the shadows, not knowing what to think.  She wanted to run but was afraid to move.  She felt like she was frozen in place.  She knew she was seeing something she had never seen before.  The dome began to shrink smaller and smaller toward the center.  The light inside became brighter and hotter until all that remained was a small fiercely glowing ball at the center that turned slowly black.  The figure moved forward and picked up that ball.  The figure then seemed to hurl it toward the sky then raising its arms sent lightening bolts of great power after the ball sending it speeding with a tremendous whoosh into the sky.  The figure did not move.  When she looked up the sky was filled with creatures.  She thought she saw giant eagles attacking other winged creatures.  Then all was silent.  The wolf moved toward her looking intently at her.  A voice in her mind said, “Come I will see you safely back inside the castle.  It is not safe for you to be out here.  Evil is abroad tonight.”   Princess Lilleth obediently followed the wolf.   It stopped outside of one of the side doors of the castle and waited until she was safely inside.   Inside was a burning candle to light her way to her room.  The flame did not seem to consume the candle.  She shivered.  What power was abroad tonight.  She quickly undressed, hid the clothes and went to bed.  She wondered who that black hooded person was.  She felt that the wolf must be with that being.  The minute she laid her head on the pillow, she was sound asleep.

“Wake up sleepy head,” a voice impinged upon Lilleth’s consciousness.  Princess Guenell was standing beside her bed.  “I heard we had some excitement last night,” Guenell said.  “Some of the men saw a bright light in the forest and heard a sound.  They tried to find it.  All of them lost their way in the dark and never found out what it was.  They were going to search this morning.  Oh, and the young apprentice mage hasn’t been seen this morning.”

The Elven Princess looked sleepily up at her friend.  “I must have been tired last night.  I went to sleep as soon as my head hit the pillow.  I didn’t even dream of our handsome friend, the Wanderer,” she said.  Lilleth looked quickly around for the candle she set down beside her bed.  There was no sign of it.  Her friend’s giggle brought Lilleth’s attention back to her. 

“Too bad he isn’t a Prince.  He’d make a wonderful conquest for you.”

The Elven Princess smiled lazily,  “Perhaps I’ll make a conquest of him anyway.”  Then she added,  “besides, I swore I would never make a conquest of a Prince.”

“Oh you wouldn’t,” said Princess Guenell, “That might be dangerous.  No one really knows anything about him.  All that is said is that he seemed to come from somewhere in the northeastern mountains.”

“I’m sure he’s not what he seems to be,” said Princess Lilleth.  “He was too much at ease at dinner last night.  It is obvious he has dined at tables like that many times.”

Her friend looked thoughtful.  “You are right.  He was perfectly at ease.  He looked like he belonged there.  He looked like he might have been a Prince.”  Then she thought,  “But his words were humble, and in that he seemed like a common person.”

“Perhaps he is a skilled actor,” said the Elven Princess.  Then she added thoughtfully,  “Actually he is a very, very skilled actor.  Of that I am now sure.”

Her friend looked at her with a question in her eyes.  The Elven Princess didn’t seem to notice.  She was lost in deep thought.  He is not just what he claims to be, of that I am sure, she thought.

“Mother said we should eat with her this morning,” Princess Guenell then said.  “You’d better get dressed.  She’ll be expecting us soon.”

Princess Lilleth quickly dressed and they went to the quarters of the Queen.   Lilleth wondered where the candle disappeared to, or who took it.  Then she remembered that it did not look as if the wick was burning.  Candles are not normally placed near that door, she knew.  Especially not ones that burn with a flame that does not consume.  She had seen her father’s Mage produce that phenomenon.  He called it scorcerer’s fire.  Lilleth’s thoughts were interrupted when Queen Nadra greeted them and indicated places at the table that had been set.

“I hope you slept well last night.  There was some excitement last night but I haven’t heard yet what caused it.  Your father said the Mage’s young apprentice has not been seen this morning.”  The Queen hesitated and then continued,  “I suppose you noticed the healer at dinner last night.  I was surprised.  He is young and very well mannered.  From the stories I have heard, I pictured him as older and dressed in rough clothes.  Living as I supposed him to live, wandering around the forests and villages, I thought he would not be so well mannered.”  Then she looked at the two Princesses.  Then she added with a smile,  “I suppose all you noticed is that he was tall and somewhat handsome.”

Princess Guenell had a shy smile on her face.  “We also noticed that he was surprisingly at ease dining with us.”

Princess Lilleth added,  “And he did not eat with the manners of a common man.  Especially one who is rumored to have just appeared out the forests and the mountains.”

“He has dined at the tables of the some of the Duke’s and Lord’s,” Queen Nadra said.  “Perhaps he watched and learned.”

“It looked the result of years of training,” Princess Lilleth observed,  “He did it with such ease.  It did not appear to be something he had just learned.”

“Seems you are trying to add a little mystery to a handsome young man,” the Queen said with a smile.

“The horse he rides is as magnificent an animal as I have ever seen.  It is not the horse of a common person,” Princess Lilleth argued.

“Does that mean that he has to be more than a very good healer?” questioned the Queen.

Princess Lilleth reluctantly agreed,  “No that is not proof he is anything but a very good healer.”  Then she quickly added with a sly smile,  “But putting all of these things together, admits to the possibility he may be more than he claims.”

“Would that he were a Prince,” Princess Guenell said.  “He would make a wonderful conquest for Princess Lilleth.”

“But it is obvious he is not an Elf,” said the Queen.

“The Northern Elves marry those of the Northern Nation.  He has the looks of a man from the Northern Nation,” stated Princess Lilleth.

“Yes that I have heard,” agreed the Queen.  “But would your mother and father agree?”

Princess Lilleth laughed.  “If he were a Prince or even high born, they would welcome the idea that I had found someone I wished to marry.  Remember, I am already past the usual marrying age for young women,” she added.  “My parents are now just hoping I will decide on someone at least reasonably acceptable.”

“I think Princess Lilleth has deliberately scared suitors away by beating them at their own games,” Princess Guenell said with a laugh.

“My aunt says I do not act like a Princess because I do not act like a lady,” said Princess Lilleth with a smile.

“But you were a perfect lady last night,” said the Queen.  Princess Lilleth smiled quietly.  She does not know where I slipped off to afterward, the Princess thought.  That brought up thoughts of that hooded figure who had to be a very powerful Mage.  But who could he have been.  Where had he come from?

After they had finished their meal, and the servants had cleaned up, the Queen told them to stay within the castle grounds.  Then she added,  “If you want to go riding outside of the grounds, you must have an armed escort.  Your father has decreed that.  There are some gathered here who would not know who you were.  Your father does not want anything to mar this meeting.”

The Princesses murmured agreement, but their faces were turned away from the Queen.  She did not see their look of intrigue.  They had other plans.  Those plans did not include an armed escort.  They planned to slip out of the castle grounds, but not as Princesses.  It was Lilleth who planned this escapade.  Princess Guenell had immediately fallen in with the plan.

That morning, two figures, one dressed in the garb of the King’s men, the other dressed as an Elven bowman, rode out of one of the side gates of the castle.   They took a path that skirted the castle on the side away from the town and the tents.  Soon they started north toward the stream and the road that followed it.  They were soon out of sight of the castle.

Princess Guenell quietly giggled.  “Do you think he will recognize us?” she asked Princess Lilleth.

“Only if you giggle like a girl,” answered Lilleth.  “So let me do the talking.  I have done this before.”

“Didn’t you get into trouble?” asked Guenell.

“Sometimes, but never so bad I couldn’t get out of it.”

“What if he recognizes us?”

“Then I shall say we were on our way to my uncle’s camp.  My father said he would be here today.   He was going to camp in a large clearing near the stream north of here.  The Wanderer will be honor bound to take us there.  Once he recognizes us, he will feel he must see us safely to our destination,” Princess Lilleth calmly said.  Lilleth knew that sooner or later he would recognize them.  She planned to have him accompany them to her uncle’s camp.  A plan was forming in her mind.  She decided she wanted to make a conquest of this intriguing and handsome healer.  She didn’t yet know how she was going to do this.  She was determined, however, to succeed. 

They soon came to the Wanderer’s camp.  Lilleth was surprised at how large the tent looked when they finally saw it.  It did not look to her as a tent of a poor healer, as he had termed himself. They were practically on top of it before they saw it.  Then they noticed a huge wolf sitting outside the door of the tent and looking at them.  They hadn’t noticed him before.  Their horses snorted and became agitated but then calmed down as if recognizing the wolf was not a threat.  Princess Guenell froze when she saw him.  In fact, she almost fell off her horse.  She had never seen such a huge wolf.  Actually she had never seen a wolf this close.  Princess Lilleth did not seem scared at all.  Nor did she seem surprised to see the wolf sitting there.  She recognized the wolf from last night.  She merely smiled and said,  “Tell your master that two young men are outside and would like to see him.”

Princess Guenell turned to Lilleth with a questioning look,  “He can’t understand you,” she said.

Princess Lilleth looked at her with a knowing smile,  “You’d be surprised what he can understand.”

Suddenly they realized the Wanderer was standing in the doorway of the tent looking at them.  “You know you should not be out here without an escort, Princesses.  Your disguises would fool no one who would be looking for you.  It could also be dangerous for you if they were fooled by your disguises.”

“Well if you are going to lecture us, the least you could do is invite us into your tent,” Princess Lilleth told him rather haughtily.

The Wanderer smiled, stepped to one side of the doorway, swept his hand into the tent and said,  “As you wish, dear ladies.  Please enter my humble abode.”

The Princesses dismounted and Lilleth lead the way into the tent.  They were again surprised.  It did not look like the tent of a humble healer.  It was anything but humble. It was very spacious.  It was split into several rooms.  The front obviously set up for the healer’s work.  To one side a parted doorway revealed a room for guests.  A table was set for three.  Lilleth looked questioningly at the Wanderer.  He smiled and silently invited them in to sit and have some cakes and a hot drink.  The Princesses looked around to find a servant.  There was none in sight, nor was there sign of any.  The furnishings were very nice and the dishes of intriguing design.

“How did you know we were coming?” demanded Lilleth.  She had a feeling that he had known and was waiting for them.  But if he knew, why did he not meet them and escort them, rather than leaving them unprotected until they reached his tent.  Or did he know they were in no danger.  Or perhaps, they had indeed, been escorted by invisible escorts.  Questions kept impinging upon Lilleth’s consciousness.  She was sure he was not merely what he claimed to be.  This was all too strange. 

The Wanderer smiled at her,  “You were intrigued enough to see who I was that you were in the castle yard when I came to see the king.   I thought you would probably decide to see where I lived.”

Princess Guenell said,  “You were only guessing we would come.  Besides how did you know we would come today?” 

The Wanderer only smiled, but Princess Lilleth looking at him intently, with a touch of iron in her voice said,  “No.  He knew we were coming.”  Then she added,  “and if you knew, why did you not see that we were properly escorted, or did you know we would not be in any danger.”

Princess Guenell looked at her in surprise.  The Wanderer, with a smile at Lilleth said,  “The Princess believes I have strange powers.”

“I do not believe your wolf, is just a wolf nor your horse just a horse,” Lilleth said.

Guenell looked at her startled,  “What are you saying, Lilleth.”

Lilleth looked straight the Wanderer,  “That the wolf is more than a mere wolf, and his horse more than a mere horse.  And that he is more than a mere healer.”

“Why would you believe that, Princess?” asked the Wanderer.  “Have we given you any reason to think that?”

Princess Lilleth frowned.  The Wanderer knew she could not let Guenell know she was out that night the men saw the bright light.  She was sure now the hooded figure was the man who stood before her.  She held her silence.  Then she got a sly look on her face. 

“It is wrong for a man to invite two young women into his tent when they have no chaperones,” Lilleth stated.

“If I were not a healer, it would have been a grave error on my part,” admitted the Wanderer.  Then he added with a smile,  “How would I know you were young women.  You are dressed as young men.   Besides, all people must be welcomed into the tent of a healer.”  Then he turned to Princess Guenell,  “Is that not so Princess?”

Princess Guenell hesitated then reluctantly said,  “I suppose there might be an exception made for a healer.  But we did not come here to be healed.”

“Pray then, Princesses, why did you come.  Just out of curiosity?”  The Wanderer asked with a slight smile.

“We are Princesses,” Lilleth threw back at him, seeing that she was not going to best him.  “We do not have to have a reason.”

By this time they had finished their cakes and drink.  The Princesses had to admit they were very good.  They had been freshly prepared, Lilleth was sure.  Princess Guenell looked hesitantly at Princess Lilleth.  Lilleth would like to have seen the rest of the Wanderer’s tent, but she knew she had spoiled that chance.  She turned with an engaging smile to the Wanderer,  “Kind sir, we ask that you accompany us to my Uncle’s camp as our escort.”  Her tone was now that of a pleasant petition.  The Wanderer smiled at her change of tactics and tone.  He knew she had a reason for asking him to do that.  He was sure she planned this before she left the castle.  He was quite willing to fall in with her plan.  It also fit his purposes.

“I shall be happy to escort you to your Uncle’s camp.  There is a message I want to deliver to someone in his camp,” the Wanderer answered with a bow.   With that he escorted them out of his tent and helped them mount their horses.  The Wanderer’s horse appeared and he mounted it.  The wolf moved out ahead of them as if he knew just exactly where they were going.  Lilleth had seen no evidence of communication between the Wanderer and his wolf.  He is more than a healer, I am sure, she thought.  But how can I get him to admit it to me.  They moved down the road away from the town and along the stream into the forest.  Lilleth, who was in the lead, could see the wolf ahead of them.  She knew the wolf knew exactly where they were headed.  The Wanderer rode behind Princess Guenell.

They moved at a steady pace along the road for a while.  Then suddenly, on the other side of the stream, the forest began to retreat.  Ahead of them were a number of tents in a large clearing.  It was obvious it was a camp of the Elves.  The wolf turned and loped off into the woods on their side of the stream.  Lilleth hailed the men about the camp in the Elven tongue.  She rode across the bridge heading for the center of the camp and the largest tent.  Particular colors on a group of horses caught Lilleth’s eye.  Her father was here already.  She wondered if he also came the road she had traveled.  If so, he would have known she was visiting the Wanderer.  Maybe she could work this to her advantage.  A plan was forming in her mind.  She intended to make a conquest of the Wanderer.  He dare not refuse an Elven Princess.  But she would have to convince her father and her uncle.  It would intrigue her mother, she knew. 

The Elves watched as the group rode toward the tent of the Prince.  They recognized Princess Lilleth.  Some also recognized the Wanderer.  Lilleth dismounted and walked up to the doorway and walked in.  The eyes of the men were upon her.  She smiled and gave a little curtsy to her father and uncle.  It was obvious she was a favorite of her uncle.  As the other two had followed her into the tent, the uncle smiled and said,  “And who did you bring with you, niece?”

“This is my friend, Princess Guenell, oh, and the Wanderer was our escort,” she added in an almost offhand manner.

The Wanderer smiled and nodded to the uncle and the other men.  The Prince turned to him.  “You have come a long way since I last broke bread with you, Wanderer?”  Lilleth was surprised at the familiar tone her uncle used.  It was a tone he used when speaking to an equal.  Lilleth was now sure the Wanderer was much more that he claimed.

“I go where I am needed, Prince Gadryell,” was his answer.

“And you figured there would be a need for you here,” It was a statement by Prince Gadryell rather than a question.

With a smile the Wanderer replied,  “Yes, I have found some useful things to do here already.”

“Like escorting my daughter, so she doesn’t get into trouble,” said her father, Prince Elleren.  “She has a penchant for that.”

Lilleth spoke up,  “He invited me into his tent.  I think you should make him marry me.”  Princess Guenell gasped.  The Wanderer who was watching Lilleth showed no emotion.

Prince Elleren and Prince Gadryell looked from Lilleth to the Wanderer and back.  Both had smiles on their faces.  They did not seem surprised at Lilleth’s demand.  Nor did they seem surprised that the Wanderer showed no surprise.

It was her uncle who replied,  “Your father and I have no objection to your marrying the Wanderer, but I am afraid we cannot order him to do anything.  He is a man of the Northern Nation.  He is not under our jurisdiction.”

Her father then added,  “Besides, he is a healer of great repute.  I think daughter, if you want to marry him, you must ask him to ask you.”

Princess Guenell was looking on in complete bewilderment.  What possibly could her friend Princess Lilleth do?   Why had she got herself into this predicament?

Lilleth turned and looked at the Wanderer, her face softened and her smile became beguiling,  “Wanderer, I wish for you to ask for my hand in marriage.”

The Wanderer bowed to her and smiled,  “Beautiful Princess, your wish is my command.”  Then he paused,  “but before I ask for your hand, assure me that you have thought through what your life will be as the wife of the Wanderer.  When I marry, I intend to marry for life.  For us of the Northern Nation, like the elves, that can be a long, long time. ”

Lilleth had heard the lives of those of the Northern Nation, was sometimes as long as that of the elves.   Lilleth had a sweet smile on her face, “I have thought it through, oh Wanderer, and I do earnestly wish for you to ask me to marry you,” she replied.

The Wanderer bent on one knee before the Princess, reached out and took the hand she offered him,  “Princess Lilleth, I pray that you would marry me.”

“I will, Oh Wanderer, with happy heart,” she replied.  He then stood up and took her into his arms and kissed her.  Lilleth did not let him go for a few moments, she leaned back and smiled up at him.  Then Lilleth turned to her father and her uncle.  “We have two Mages here.  Princess Guenell can stand up for me.  I am sure there is one who will stand up for the Wanderer.  I would that we could get married this day.  Mother can have her traditional marriage ceremony when we return home.”

“Why are you in such a hurry, dear niece?” her Uncle, Prince Gadryell asked.  “The Wanderer says it will be for life.   That, as you know, can be a very long time.”

Princess Lilleth had a smile on her face as she replied,  “Because dear Uncle, I want to know right away what I am going to have to put up with the rest of my life.”

Prince Gadryell burst out laughing.  Coming from Lilleth, he was not surprised at that reply.  One of his sons came forth,  “I would be honored to stand up for the Wanderer.”

Princess Lilleth’s father, Prince Elleren nodded to the two Mages.  The Mages began to prepare for a simple Elven wedding ceremony that would bind Lilleth, and the Wanderer, as man and wife. Prince Gadryell had told Prince Elleren, who the Wanderer was.  Prince Gadryell had close ties to the Northern Nation from where the Wanderer was reputed to come.  Prince Elleren knew his wife, Lilleth’s mother, would be delighted.  She was getting her wayward oldest daughter married and to a man she could be happy to have as a son-in-law.

Poor Princess Guenell was still very confused.  She did not know why her friend Lilleth wanted so to marry the Wanderer.  True he was a handsome and intriguing man.  She knew that Lilleth had sworn she would never marry a Prince.  She also wondered why Lilleth insisted on getting married right now.

Princess Lilleth was very happy.  She was getting exactly what she wanted.  It had been almost too easy.  But she was too happy that her plan had worked so well to worry about that.  Tonight she would find out just who was this man she was marrying.  She was sure that he was not just a healer.  But what he really was, she had no idea.  She had some suspicions, but that is all they were so far.  But she knew she had fallen in love with him and she wanted to be his wife and share his life with him.  She never had been happy about the prospect of being the wife of some Elven Prince.  She would then be expected to always act like a lady.  Lilleth enjoyed riding and hunting with the men.  With the Wanderer as her husband she could wander the land that she had grown to love.

The ceremony was relatively short.  While the women took Princess Lilleth off for a short time, the Wanderer was able to confer with Prince Gadryell, Prince Elleren and their Mages.  He gave them the news he was going to give the King and the rest of the nobles.  He told them how he was going to present the news at that meeting.  They were in earnest discussions when the women returned.  Princess Lilleth looked at the group of men that included her new husband.  They are treating him as if he is one of them, she thought.   And he acts as though he is one of them.  She could hardly wait until she found out whom she really married.  She was even sure she would be happy with that discovery, and not in the least disappointed with her choice.

Princess Guenell said that she was sure her father, King Guthor would announce a celebration in honor of Princess Lilleth’s marriage.  After all, Princess Lilleth was a beloved Princess of a friendly nation.  King Guthor wanted to remain on very friendly relations with the Elven nations.  The Elves knew the King was a stabilizing force, so they were happy to lend their support to help him.  Princess Guenell was to get a guard of Elves to take her back to the castle. Princess Guenell hurried to tell her mother, Queen Nadra, about Princess Lilleth surprising marriage to the Wanderer.  Princess Guenell was still not sure, how this all came about, or why.  The Queen was very surprised and after chiding her for not obeying orders, questioned her daughter.  Princess Guenell told her mother that Lilleth hadn’t indicated that was what she planned.  She thought Lilleth just decided to do it.  When King Guthor heard, he started to begin the planning for the celebration for Princess Lilleth and her husband.  It would be held after the meeting of the Dukes and Lords represented there.  Then there would be a meeting of all people gathered there, to hear that which was decided by their leaders.

Chapter TWO

The Wanderer and Princess Lilleth rode off for the Wanderer’s tent.  When the Wanderer and Princess Lilleth reached his tent, he carried her into the tent.  “Welcome to your new home,” the Wanderer said.  Then he added with a smile,  “It is but a poor healers abode, not meant for a Princess.”  Lilleth ignored his statement.  She realized it was not at all humble.   In fact, the part into which he had carried her was not much less elegant than her father’s tent.

Lilleth looked at him,  “Before we retire to our bed chambers, you must tell me whom I really married.”  Then she continued before he could reply.  “I was in the woods that night and saw what you did.  It was you I know.  Your wolf warned me to stay still, and then escorted me back to the castle.  He is not just a wolf.  Of that I am now sure.  I am also sure the man I married is not just a humble healer as you have been claiming.”

The Wanderer motioned for her to follow him into another room in the tent.  There were large soft silky cushions on which to sit.  Princess Lilleth seated herself and the Wanderer sat facing her.

“There are reasons why no one but a few must know who I am.  Your Uncle knows and he has told your father.  No one else must know yet that I am anything but the Wanderer, a healer, especially not your mother at this time.  I will explain why in good time.  For the moment you must trust me.”

The Princess looked intently at him,  “I am your wife.  Nothing of what you tell me will go outside of this tent.”

The Wanderer then continued,  “I am Prince Zaldor, a prince of the Northern Nation.  My mother is Princess Alleran of the Northern Elven Nation.  I am also a Mage.  I am the young Mage of whom they speak.  My father is Prince Vardalyn, one of the three, ruling Princes of the Northern Nation.  My teacher was Magellor, probably the greatest Mage who has lived in the last five centuries.  But I am also a healer.  I have learned my craft at the feet of the three greatest healers.  That night, the minion’s of greatest of the Western witches gathered here to lay plans to take over the Central Kingdom and all the surrounding nations.  The Mages of one of the Dukes and several Lords were in league with them.  With the help of Magellor we were able to confine them and use their own power to defeat and destroy them.  We were able to accomplish this because they did not know I was a Mage.  They did not suspect me of having the powers to accomplish that feat.  They were taken by surprise.  We sent them hurling into the sun where they will be destroyed for ages.”

Princess Lilleth looked on him with startled eyes.  “I was sure you were not just a healer.  I was even fairly sure you might even be a Mage.  I did not dream that you would turn out to be such an illustrious Prince.”

The Wanderer smiled.  “And now you are not happy that you married me.  You are angry at me that I did not tell you I was a Prince, so you could reject me.  If you had known you would not have wanted to marry me.”

“Oh, no,” Lilleth quickly answered.  “I am even happier that I married you.  It is good that you did not tell me you were a Prince.  I would not have requested that we be married right away.  Besides, my mother will be very happy when she eventually knows to whom I am married.  She had given up hope that I would marry someone remotely suitable, if I even decided to marry.”  Then she thought for a moment.  “You said my Uncle knew who you were, and he told my father.  Then they knew when I was demanding that you marry me, to whom I was asking to be married.  No wonder they said they had no jurisdiction over you.  You are a Prince of the most powerful nation on this earth.”  Then she burst out laughing.  “Princess Guenell was so confused by my actions.  She had no clue why I was doing it.  She did not know I had fallen in love with you and didn’t care who you were.”  Then she added thoughtfully,   “And I cannot tell her how I tripped up myself and fell into a bed of roses.”

“Eventually you will be able to tell her.  However, a Wanderer’s life is not a bed of roses, my darling Lilleth, it comes complete with many thorns,” Prince Zaldor said with a smile.  “We are committed to the life of the Wanderer.”

Lilleth smiled at him,  “but my darling Prince, or Wanderer, whomever I married,” then she snuggled into his arms,  “even a healer must have a moment or two for his wife.”  Then she added with a happy smile,  “Besides I wanted to marry you because I wanted to share your life as a wanderer.”

The Wanderer smiled as he gathered her into his arms.  “Oh, there definitely will be time for moments with his very beautiful wife.”

Lilleth had won the concession she wanted.  She would happily put up with the rest.  She knew her beauty was not lost on the Wanderer.  He did not object at all to marrying her.  Then the thought hit her.  Did he know that she was going to demand that he marry her.  She leaned back and looked at him.  The Wanderer smiled,  “No darling Lilleth, I cannot read your mind.  I just had some good hunches as to what you might do.  Happily they turned out somewhat right.”  Then he quietly added,  “It supposedly had been foretold that a young powerful mage from the north-country would meet and marry an Elven maiden from the south.  That Elven maiden had the potential to become a very powerful mage in her own right.  Together they could become a powerful force for good on this earth.”

Lilleth smiled at him then she lay her head on his shoulder,  “I am not sure, darling husband, whether I am ready to completely believe you.  However, I will not argue with you over that.  I  admit I am very happy the way everything has turned out so far.  I will be more than happy to take what comes from now on, knowing you are by my side.”

The next morning, Princess Lilleth went to the castle to gather her things and bring them to the Wanderer’s tent.  That would now become her home.  The queen met her as Lilleth came into the castle.  “Are you sure that was a step you should have taken?” she asked.

Lilleth smiled,  “I was sure when I first took it.  I am even more sure now.  It was exactly the right thing for me to do.”

“But what did your father say.  And what will your mother think of your actions?”  asked Queen Nadra.  “Guenell said you didn’t ask your father’s permission.  She said you just said your mother could have the wedding when you and the Wanderer reached your lands.”

“I’m afraid my mother and father had given up on me marrying any one deemed suitable.  Under the circumstances, father thought the Wanderer would make the best possible compromise for a suitor for me.  My mother will undoubtedly agree.  They are happy I am married to a great healer.  They are also happy to have me married to one who will be very able to defend me.  My husband has a reputation not only as a great healer, but also as a great bowsman and a swordsman.  I do not think I will want for much as his wife.  Besides, I always enjoyed being able to wander the countryside away from our cities.  As the wife of the Wanderer, I shall be able to do that.”   Lilleth could not tell them that she was also married to a Prince of the most powerful nation on this earth and son of one of the ruling Princes of that nation.  She did not even dare tell her friend Princess Guenell.

Princess Lilleth quickly had her things moved to her new home.  Actually she had found the Wanderer’s tent more comfortable than her room in the castle. It was actually almost as luxurious as her father’s tent.  It amused the Wanderer that she quickly set herself up as the lady of the household.  She did not bring a personal servant with her when she traveled.  However, she told the Queen and Princess Guenell that she would not need anyone from the castle.  She assured them her husband would provide her with anything she wished.  She left it at that.  She did not know yet how things always seemed to get done in the Wanderer’s tent.  She even had a new outfit laid out for her this morning that not only fit perfectly, but it was very beautiful.  

That afternoon, the Leaders were to meet together.  This of course included the two Elven Princes and their sons who had accompanied them to this gathering.  It was to this group, the Wanderer had asked permission to speak. As the Wanderer was on his way to the castle, accompanied by Princess Lilleth, a great hawk came out of the sky and settled on his shoulder.  The Wanderer greeted the hawk as an old friend.  The hawk then whispered some news into his ear.  A smile lit the Wanderer’s face.  “Now I have more good news to tell the King and other leaders today,” he said.  Princess Lilleth smiled at his comment.  Now that she knew who her husband really was, she was no longer surprised at these happenings.  These birds of prey were her husband’s messengers.  She also had a hunch they were more than that.  She would learn if that were true in good time. 

After the introductions, and some short speeches of welcome and greetings from the King, the Elven Princes and the Dukes, the King rose.  “The Wanderer, whom most of you know as a great healer, has asked permission to address you with some good news.”

He then welcomed the Wanderer.  The Wanderer, now again clothed in his familiar leather, rose to his feet.  He moved out, so he could face the group, yet not have his back to the king.  Everyone had to admit, he was an imposing figure as he stood before them.  He had the confidence of a man who had done this before.

“Most of you know of the great Mage, Magellor.  It is from he that I bring you this news.  Several days ago Vakorin, the Evil Witch of the Western Coastal Mountains, gathered together a group of evil ones and Mages from some of the lands here.  They gathered at a clearing to the northeast of the castle.  Magellor, knowing this, gathered together all his power and taking them by surprise, vanquished them and threw them into the sun from where they cannot return for ten centuries.  That caused the light that some of you saw in the forest.”  Then the Wanderer paused letting the portent of this news sink in.   He then continued,  “On my way to the castle, the hawk of Prince Zarylai, brought me another bit of good news to share with you.  The battle, he with some allies, fought with Jazelork, the evil Mage who controlled the Western Coastal Kingdom, has been won.  Jazelork had been in league with Valkonin.  The evil forces have been confined to the netherworld for the next five centuries.  That Kingdom has been returned to the rightful young king.  The forces that a young Western Duke and several minor Lords had sent to help Jazellork have been annihilated.”  What the Wanderer had not told them was that the inhuman forces sent to help them disappeared when the witch Valkonin was vanquished.  This left those forces vulnerable to the fierce mountain tribes that were opposing the Duke and Lords’ forces.  They were completely wiped out.

The King noted that a young Duke and several minor Lords who had been sitting toward the back tried to quietly slip out of the room.  He said nothing.  Their Mages were undoubtedly among those who had been destroyed.  It was their forces that had been annihilated by Prince Zarylai’s forces.  They undoubtedly would be gathering their men and leaving for their lands. It would be duly noted who they were.  The young Duke knew he had to act fast.  With his evil allies gone, his father, who he had forced out of control, and his younger brother, would be gathering a force to get back control of the Dukedom.  In fact, that was already happening, as the young Duke would find out.  He had not been well liked by most of the people of his Dukedom.  By the time he reached the Dukedom, he would find out he had to flee for his life.

When the Wanderer finished, there was a period of silence.  Then a cheer went up.  Immediately they began to ask questions of the Wanderer.  The Prince of the Western Elven Nation, gave the assembly of nobles the story of the war with Jazellork.  With this information, questions about the first news, could easily be explained by the Wanderer.  He said he had studied the healing arts for a short time under Magellor.  Magellor then granted him the ability to communicate at times with the great Mage. He gave the impression he was only a healer with possibly some minor powers of a Mage.  It was Magellor who had the power to communicate with him.

Princess Lilleth and Princess Guenell had been able to listen outside of the great hall.  Lilleth smiled at the story.  She knew that it was her husband who defeated the evil ones, possibly with some help from Magellor.  Now she knew.  The eagle and sometimes the wolf, were her husband’s messengers as well as his allies.  Although Prince Zaldor had not told her, she was sure they were part spirit, part animal.  That is why she had been able to hear the wolf in her mind.  That is why she knew she had nothing to fear from him when she first saw him.

After the questioning died down, the King again arose.  “I have a happy announcement also to make, but I will first let Prince Elleren make an announcement.”

Prince Elleren rose and with a smile on his face began,  “I have the great pleasure to announce that at the request of my daughter Princess Lilleth and agreement of the great healer we all know as the Wanderer, that they were married last night.  According to our laws, and with the agreement of King Guthor,  my daughter Lilleth and the Wanderer were married by two Mages in the presence of myself, her uncle Prince Gadryell, Princess Guenell and a host of others.”

The King then rose and said,  “In celebration of this joyous event, I decree we shall have a dinner in their honor the day after the meeting of the people.”  A cheer went up at that announcement.  They now had much to be merry about.

The Duke Gannel then arose and asked for all their attention.

“As you know at meetings and dinners such as we will have tonight and tomorrow, there tends to be a separation of nobles and other people.  Princess Lilleth would sit among us, the Wanderer would sit with the others.  My son reminded me very emphatically that Princess Lilleth would not allow herself to be separated from her husband.  Therefore I would suggest that for the rest of the time of this gathering, the Wanderer be given the standing of a noble.”

The King quickly agreed.  “I would hate to see this gathering deny itself the privilege of having the great beauty of Princess Lilleth among us.  Besides, I think the Wanderer is as noble a man as has ever stood before this assembly.”

There were cheers and cries of agreement.  There was not one opposing voice heard.  In spite of the fact that Princess Lilleth was an Elven maiden, everyone agreed she was a great beauty.  This in spite of the fact it was well known she preferred the trousers of an elven rider or bowman, rather than the dresses of a Princess.  She rode the horse as a man would ride.  She was known to wear what appeared to be a beautiful dress, but which actually were artfully disguised pants.  In addition, the Wanderer had already made many friends among the nobles.

The Wanderer voiced his thanks to the group.  The King, seeing the Wanderer was planning to leave, told him he and his wife would be expected at the dinner being held for this group tonight.  The Wanderer bowed and said he would be most happy to accompany his wife to the dinner.  Prince Elleren and Prince Gadryell smiled.  He did that so convincingly.  It was hard to remember that he was actually a Prince who could command more power than anyone there.  They knew his own people held the Wanderer in very high regard.   If he so wished, he would be asked to be one of their leaders.  But they would honor his request they treat him as the Wanderer, a healer.  They knew he had a good reason for this, which he would reveal to them in his own time.  Prince Gadryell also knew Prince Zaldor, the Wanderer was a great Mage.  Just how great he had no idea yet.  He suspected, it was far greater than his own senior Mage.

Princess Lilleth met the Wanderer as he began to make his way toward the door leading out of the castle.  She slipped her arm around his waist and he slipped his around hers.  They walked together through the hall.  She smiled up at him.  “Guenell and I listen outside the hall.”

“You heard all?” was the Wanderer’s question.

“Everything.  The Duke was right.  I would never be separated from my handsome husband.  I have to protect him from all those other young women.”  She smiled beguiling up at him.

The Wanderer smiled,  “They will allow me to sit with you while this gathering is going on.”  Lilleth giggled.  If they only knew, she thought.

Princess Lilleth convinced her husband not to wear his usual attire to the dinner.  He arrived with his very beautiful wife dressed in what he termed his learned man costume.  Lilleth added a couple of Elven flair’s to it and then termed him presentable.  The Wanderer laughed and gave her a hug and a kiss.  She smiled at him,  “I will require more of you than that when we arrive home after the dinner.”

“I am at your service my lady,” he answered with a flourish.

She smiled and then said,  “Promise to act like someone trying to act like a Prince, tonight.”  Then she laughed lightly.  The Wanderer gathered her up and escorted her out of the door of the tent and to an open carriage that sat there waiting for them.  Lilleth turned to him with a questioning look.  “And where did you conjure this up from?  Do you think this is wise.”

“No one will see us arrive.  We will appear to have stepped from someone else’s carriage.  But no one will recall whose,” the Wanderer said.

She raised her eyes to the heavens.  “What have I gotten myself in to.”  Then she stepped into the carriage and seated herself.  Her husband seated himself beside her.  She slipped her hand into his.  The carriage moved smoothly forward.   They soon arrived at the castle.  As her husband had said, no one seemed to see them arrive, until they walked into the castle.   Princess Guenell and Luthral, Duke Dannel’s son, greeted them.  Guenell looked the Wanderer over.  “I would not have recognized you if you hadn’t been with Lilleth.  You look very noble.”

“Thank you kind Lady,” the Wanderer replied.  “My Princess insisted that I dress like a gentleman, not a wandering healer.”

Luthral smiled,  “I notice some Elven touches to your costume,” he said.

Princess Lilleth smiled,  “It adds a flair, don’t you think.”

“I think it is very nice,” replied Guenell.  “It becomes him.”

The Wanderer stood silently with an amused smile listening to their analysis of his clothes.  “But can even an Elven Princess work enough magic to make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear?”

Princess Lilleth turned to him with fire in her eye.  The Wanderer bowed to her and in the appropriate apologetic tone said,  “I shall remember to act like someone trying to act like a Prince.”

The briefest smile crept across Lilleth’s face, then she wiped it off.  “Don’t toy with me, husband,” trying to make her voice sound stern while trying to suppress a giggle.  It was going to be difficult to be serious tonight.  Especially as the Wanderer, she knew, was amused at this charade.  He would, however, carry it off without a single mistake.  She would just have to stay close by his side and pretend to be assisting him to act like a gentle-born man.  She could count on Guenell and Luthral to stay with them.  They, of course, would really be ready to help, so the Wanderer would not make any mistakes.  Neither knew that he really was a Prince, and needed no instructions.  Luthral’s father, Duke Dannel, strongly suspected the Wanderer was much more than a great healer.  He also had noticed how at ease he was in the presence of the Princes and King.  However, the Duke was not about to voice his suspicions to anyone.  The Duke’s debt of gratitude for the healing of his daughter guaranteed his silence.  It appeared the Wanderer wanted to be viewed as just a healer.  He would honor that until the Wanderer indicated differently.

The four of them came into the great hall where the banquet was being held.  They were seated among a young group of the sons and daughters of the Dukes and Lords.  Lilleth’s brother and one of Prince Gadryell’s sons joined them at the table.  The Wanderer and Lilleth were surrounded by those happy to see them together there.  Princess Guenell had seen to that.

There were however, some among the old Lords, who could not see why Princess Lilleth would want to and why she was allowed to marry the Wanderer.   They looked on him as common-born.  Granted he was a great healer, but that did not make him an equal with them.  That is what he was now pretending to be.

However, they did not dare publicly show their feelings on this matter.  The King had already, in essence, shown he condoned this union by announcing he would have a celebration in their honor.  None of these Lords wished to be left out from this celebration.  There would be feasting and plenty of drink flowing.  Besides, both Elven Princes seemed happy that Princess Lilleth had chosen the Wanderer as her husband.  The three Elven Nations were far more advanced and were powerful.  All the small Lords preferred them as friends and allies.  Trade with the Elven Nations always proved mutually beneficial.

The banquet began with the King announcing the good news that the Wanderer had brought them.  There were toasts drunk to the peace that this seemed to portend.  There were pledges of friendship from all the nobles there.  The Elven Princes pledged their support to the keeping of the peace and to the settling of all the disputes by peaceful means.  They knew, there were some the King was trying to bring to a peaceful conclusion, at this gathering.  By indicating their support, it strengthened the King’s hand.  The King had not shown any intention of trying to extend his realm.  Rather, by trade he tried to enhance the well being of his present subjects. This of course tended to spill over into the lands around the Central Kingdom.  For this reason, the Elven Princes supported him.  The evening was a joyous one.  There was reason to celebrate.  In addition, several of the rulers who were want to try to cause dissension, were surprisingly missing.  The King did not act as if he noticed this.  However there were comments about this by some of the neighboring Lords, who were happy they were missing.  The King did notice this but ignored it.  Prince Gadryell had told him about their having cast their lot with the defeated Evil Mage.  They were at the moment racing back to their lands to see what they could salvage.  In most cases it was too late.  They would have to flee. As far as the King was concerned it was good riddance.

With the help of those who gathered around Lilleth and Zaldor, the evening passed without an incident.  Lilleth, of course, hovered beside him as if to make sure he acted the way he should in this company.  Lilleth’s brother and Prince Gadryell’s son did the same.  They had been told by their fathers, who the Wanderer really was.  When they were where it was momentarily safe to speak frankly, Lilleth’s brother leaned close to the Wanderer and as if telling him a secret said,  “Even if I didn’t know who you really were, I would have been glad that you and my sister chose each other.”  The Wanderer gave a bow of his head in thanks and smiled as if the Prince had said something amusing.  The Prince smiled back.

When the banquet ended, the group, with the Wanderer and Lilleth, went out into the courtyard.  The horses were there, not the carriage.  Lilleth looked only a trifle surprised.  She reached to her waist and untied the outer skirt.  Underneath was what appeared another beautiful flowing skirt.  It was really trousers that looked like a skirt but allowed Lilleth to ride a horse the way a man did.  Of course this is the way she always rode her horse. Her husband took the skirt from her, folded it up and slipped it into her saddlebags.  Then he lifted her onto her horse and mounted his.  They said good-bye and with Prince Gadryell’s son, and several of his friends, rode toward the Wanderer’s tent.

When Lilleth and Zaldor were alone, Lilleth threw herself into his arms and began to laugh.  “You were absolutely wonderful, my husband.  Your act was perfect.”

“But your supporting role was even better.  No one could have played the worried bride better than you did.”

Lilleth smiled,  “Of course we had a marvelous supporting cast in Luthral and Guenell, who weren’t acting, and my brother and cousin, who were.”

Then after having given Zaldor a lingering kiss, Lilleth bent back and said,  “I think that Duke Dannel has very great suspicions that you are not just what you claim to be.”

“But the Duke will never express that suspicion in public.  He won’t even tell his son what he suspects,” said the Wanderer.  “We need have no fear from him.  He won’t even ask me.  He will wait until I am ready to tell him, if there is anything to tell.”

Later as they lay in bed, Lilleth asked him,  “Will you teach me to be a Mage?”

“I will.  And I will also teach you to be a healer.  You already know more of both than you realize.  So for a little while, I will be just showing you how to best use the knowledge and talents you already have.”

The next morning, the Wanderer prepared to go to the meeting of all the men that would be held in a clearing just outside the castle.  Lilleth was going to the castle to join Guenell.  As they were riding away from the tent Lilleth turned to the Wanderer.

“Who is going to guard our tent, husband?” she asked.

“Turn around dear Princess,” the Wanderer said.

Lilleth turned around.  To one side in front of the tent was a tall powerful northman sharpening his huge sword.  On the other, another northman doing the same to his huge spear.  Lilleth smiled.  “No, I don’t think anyone would want to challenge those two to try to get into a healer’s tent.”  Then she looked up and saw the eagle sitting on top of the tent.  “And that is your protection from prying Mages.”

The Wanderer just smiled.  He would tell Lilleth about those things after they left the castle and started on their way South.  The Wanderer delivered Lilleth into the castle courtyard and saw her greeted by Guenell, then he turned his horse to the field where the men were meeting and where the King and several others would greet them.  The King and others would make the announcement of the news the Wanderer had brought to the gathering of nobles.  The Wanderer was free to wander among the men.  He knew he could learn much of what was going on around the realm and the surrounding lands.  He had a way of inspiring confidence so the men would give him information.  He was even able to gain information from them that they didn’t realize they knew.  He learned more of the trouble to the South about which he had some knowledge. He also learned about happenings in the eastern mountains about which he had heard nothing before.  Here among the men, the Wanderer was looked upon as one of them.  Many of the men knew that, because he was a healer, he was often invited to dine with the nobles.  That changed nothing.

The Wanderer used this to his advantage.  However, this was only one of the reasons he hid his real identity.  This way he could wander at will.  Nobody paid any attention.  Most of the Mages did not see a reason to keep track of where he was.  Even those who had reason to believe he was some kind of a Mage, didn’t believe he could be very powerful if he wandered over the face of the world.  Most of them had bases from which they operated.  Although they often took trips, they spent most of their time at their particular home base. 

The Wanderer knew that Princess Sylleron, Lilleth’s mother was in some kind of danger.  Behind his mask of a wandering healer, the Wanderer was hoping to find who was really behind the danger, without letting the perpetrator know he had been discovered.  This is why he made sure no one would tell Princess Sylleron who he really was.  She could not then unknowingly reveal his identity to the being that was putting her in danger.  He had to destroy that power before it could be used to destroy Princess Sylleron or to tarnish her honor.  It would be easier to accomplish that if that being did not know with whom he was dealing.  The Wanderer was planning to launch an attack before they reached the Southern Elven Nation.  In this he would have the help of the fairies who attended Princess Sylleron.  No one could see them except the Princess.  Not even most of the Mages.  He could not yet tell Lilleth of her mother’s danger or of his plans to rescue her.

The King told the gathering both bits of news, he had been given by the Wanderer.  However, he did not disclose exactly how he got those bits of news.  Because the King had a reputation for honesty, few doubted the accuracy of what he told them. Besides, they noticed the absence of a certain young Duke and his men, and several Lords and their men.  In addition, they all recognized that this could easily be a cause for a celebration.  This would be welcomed by all of the men.  It was announced to this group, on the fourth day, there would be festival that would last for two days.  There would be games and food and drink.  The meeting went very well.  It was at this meeting, the King entertained certain petitions.  It was here, he sat as an arbiter of certain disputes between some small Lords.  He managed to somewhat satisfy all, to some degree, without antagonizing any in attendance.  Some of the disputes had been solved by the absence of a certain young Duke and several Lords.  Everyone at this meeting looked forward to the forthcoming celebration.

The King intended to have the celebration in honor of Princess Lilleth’s marriage, on the second day.   Of course, to this only the nobles would be invited.

The Wanderer spent the next day laying plans for his trip with his bride to her land.  He intended to continue his work as the healer as they made their way south.  At the same time he was planning to complete his plans to defeat the Mage who was trying to obtain complete control over Lilleth’s mother.  He had been able to obtain some valuable information regarding this situation.  He could now proceed to lay his plans and clue Lilleth into what he was going to do.  He would also tell her what part she was going to play in this.  The messages Lilleth would be sending to her mother would be designed to give a false sense of security to this Mage.  With the help of Lilleth, the Wanderer intended to force this Mage to show himself.  When he did, the Wanderer could act.  Up until that time, the Wanderer, with Lilleth’s help would make sure Lilleth’s mother was in no real danger, while giving the impression that she was falling more and more under the Mage’s power.  The only thing that the Wanderer regretted was that in the process of defeating the Mage he would also have to destroy Princess Sylleron’s old Mage.  Because he had become weak and feeble, he had allowed Princess Sylleron to come somewhat under the power of the Evil Mage.  This is what had precipitated this coming confrontation.  The Wanderer intended to make the trip south as he would normally, taking his time to do his work as a healer.  He now knew he had the time so he could do this.  It would further lull the Evil Mage into a false sense of security.  He would not see any danger in a mere healer winding his way south toward the land of the elves, even if he discovered some how that healer might possibly be a Mage.  There would be no indication that his deception and plans had been discovered.

The day of the celebration commemorating Princess Lilleth’s marriage to the Wanderer dawned bright and sunny.

“You ordered this day for our celebration, dear husband,” Lilleth said to the Wanderer as she snuggled into his arms that morning.

“Anything for my beautiful wife,” he answered with a smile.

“You are going to act as if it was the most wonderful thing in the world that I picked you to be my husband.”

“Of course, my dear Princess Lilleth, because it is the truth,” the Wanderer said with a wry smile.

Lilleth exploded,  “Oh Pooh.  You planned it all.  If I hadn’t fallen into your trap, you would have had your Northmen kidnap me.  Then you would have placed me under your spell and make me ask you to marry me.  You agreed to my proposal too quickly, dear husband.”

“My beautiful darling Princess.  No man would have refused your request to ask you to marry them.”

Lilleth looked at him with raised eyebrows.  “Flattery will not change my opinion that you planned to marry me all the time.  I just made it simple for you to accomplish what you planned to do anyway.”

The Wanderer smiled.  “As an Elven Princess you can say you made a very awful mistake and do not want me as a husband.  Most people would agree that you have the right to change your mind in this case.  After all they think I am common born and you are a very beautiful Princess.”

“Oh, you are not going to get away from me that easily.  As you warned me, so I am warning you.  I intend this marriage to be for life, which in our cases will be a very long time.  Besides, dear husband, I have yet to see a man in whose arms I would rather spend my nights.”  Then she gave him an engaging smile,  “I am looking forward to meeting your mother and father and the rest of your family.  I really want to get to know just what kind of man I married in a rash moment.”

“We will do that next summer, after we visit your family.”  Then the Wanderer added, “I want to spend some time getting acquainted, and learning what type of woman I married.”

“Are you really sure you want to find out?”

“Oh very definitely, my darling Princess.”

“You don’t have to keep calling me Princess when we are here alone.  I am sure you have made sure no one can listen in on us.”

“How do you know I have that power?”

“It is my woman’s intuition, darling husband.”

The Wanderer decided not to argue that point.  The Wanderer already knew it was not just women’s intuition that furnished his wife with her knowledge.  She had already learned much more than anyone suspected.  He had a hunch that her mother knew.  That is why she had not argued when Lilleth had stated that she was going to this gathering with her father and brother.

They dressed and set out for the castle.  Princess Guenell and Luthral met them at the castle.  They were joined there by Lilleth’s brother and cousin.  In due time they were escorted into the hall and seated between Prince Elleren and Prince Gadryell who were seated to the right of the King.  When they were all seated the King rose and offered a toast to the newly weds.  Then the food was brought out and the celebration began.  Many toasts were offered.  After all, Princess Lilleth was the daughter of a Prince of the powerful Southern Elven Nation.  Her uncle, seated on the other side of them, was a Prince of the powerful Northern Elven Nation a close ally of the very powerful Northern Nation.  Only a very few realized that they were also toasting the marriage of a Prince of that Northern Nation.  At one point the Mage of Duke Dannel leaned over and whispered.  “Do you get the feeling the Wanderer is something more than he appears to be?”

The Duke turned to his Mage and asked,  “Do you feel that is something we need to be worried about?” he asked.

“No,” replied the Mage,  “I don’t get any signs of that.”

“Good, then I think the Wanderer will tell us in good time if that is true.  Until then I would dismiss it from my mind,” the Duke told his Mage.  

The celebration continued late into the night.  Lilleth marveled at the way her husband played his part.  It was easy for her to be a good supporting cast.  He set the tone and she followed.  Those who knew made sure no one suspected.  The evening went very pleasantly.  Finally they said goodnight to everyone and went back to the tent.  The next day they were up early.  Zaldor began to teach Lilleth the ways of the Mage as well as the art of the healer.  He had already learned how much she already knew.  It was going to be a much easier task than he first thought.  During the festival, they had decided that Lilleth would spend the time with Guenell.  The Wanderer would circulate among the men.

During the Festival, everyone would be very friendly.  With the ale flowing freely, tongues would be loosened.  The Wanderer intended to take full advantage of this.  He would learn many things that would be valuable to him as he wandered the countryside.  He would know all the small intrigues that were always going on.  He would learn where he would be most needed, and where he might find additional valuable information.  He would also learn the places he might want to avoid at a particular time.  Not that any of these places would pose a danger to him.  It was just that there might be things in which he saw no necessity for him to become involved.  They could be worked out without him.

The first day proved to be a valuable one.  He learned some things that gave him a better insight into the Mage who was trying to control Lilleth’s mother.  What he learned also gave him a very good idea how he could trap this Mage.  In addition, he learned a number of things that he would inform his father about.  Rumors from several sources of situations in the East in which his father would be interested.  At the end of the day, he gathered up Lilleth from the castle and went back to his tent.

Waiting for him was Lady Syalla, Princess Sylleron’s chief fairy.  The Wanderer was one of the few people besides the princess who could see the fairies.  They were normally visible only to the person to whom they had attached themselves.  Lilleth found she could also see her.  The fairy knew of the Wanderer’s power.  She came to plead with the Wanderer to keep her mistress from harm.

“You must not let her fall any farther under the power of Mazorth,” Lady Syalla said.  “I have come to plead with you to intervene.”

“In good time, Lady Syalla,” the Wanderer replied,  “I must force Mazorth to commit himself before I act.  Until that time, I assure you that Princess Sylleron will not come to any great harm.   We must make Mazorth think that he can gain power over her, but only if he comes to her himself.  It will take a while before he reaches that decision.  Meanwhile with your help we will keep her from any major harm although we will have to allow her to suffer some pain.  It is necessary to keep Mazorth from suspecting he is being opposed by another Mage.”

While this conversation was going on, Princess Lilleth was listening with a questioning look.  “Just what are you talking about, my dear husband.  I can see the fairy, and I know it is one of the band that watches over my mother.  What danger is she in that they are asking for your help?”

The Wanderer gave her a brief run down on her mother’s situation.  He said, later he would give her the details of his plans to keep her mother safe and eventually to eliminate the danger to her.  The Wanderer gave Lady Syalla some suggestions for her band, which would help to keep Princess Sylleron safe, without Mazorth knowing they were aware of the true situation.  They discussed these suggestions and came up with a plan that would do what was needed.  Lady Syalla thanked the Wanderer and disappeared.

“How were you able to see the fairy.  I thought only a very few Elven women could see them,” said Lilleth.

“Actually,” replied her husband,  “I saw her because she wanted me to see her.  I do know you have your own fairy band, but I cannot see them.  I would have to cast a very powerful spell to be able to see them.  Fairies cannot be affected by Mage’s powers.  Few can cast a powerful enough spell even to see them.  I do not think that Mazorth knows they exist.  This can be used to our advantage.”

Lilleth smiled at her husband.  “My fairies did a dance of celebration when I married you.”

“Well I’m glad of that.  I wouldn’t want them to be unhappy that you are my wife.”

Lilleth laughed.  “You mean they might make your life even more miserable than I could possibly make it.”  The Wanderer just smiled but said nothing.  So Lilleth slipped into his arms and with a lovely smile said,  “I wouldn’t let them make you miserable.  I claim that right all for my own.”  Her husband laughed and hugged her. 

With the fairy departed, the Wanderer decided it was time to tell Lilleth what he knew about her mother’s situation.  He would tell her of his plans to make sure that her mother did not come to any real harm.  Then he would tell her of his tentative plans to defeat and destroy the Mage who was trying to get her into his power.  They spent some time discussing the details and the timetable the Wanderer had devised.  He told Lilleth they could keep her mother from any real harm without alerting the Mage involved.  He described how he planned to wend their way south acting as just a healer going about his business.  During this time he would be setting the stage for forcing the Mage to show himself.  At that time the Wanderer thought he could easily deal with him.  The Witch, with whom he had been allied, had been destroyed.  Surprise was the important element in the Wanderer’s plan.  It would make it much easier and much more sure.  He did not want the Mage to suspect anything until he was hit with all the Wanderer’s power.  For the most part Lilleth listened quietly, asking questions quietly and making suggestions as it seemed appropriate.  This completed, they went to bed.

When they awakened and began to dress to go again to the Festival, Lilleth smiled at the Wanderer and said,  “My fairies are dancing this morning. Apparently they are happy.”

“Does that mean my Princess is going to be especially nice to me?” the Wanderer inquired.

“I took it to mean that my handsome Prince was going to be especially nice to me,” said Lilleth.  “You’re going to be wandering about ogling all the young women all day, while I have to suffer through sitting with the King and Queen.”

“And having all the young men ogle you,” added the Wanderer with a smile and a cock of his head at her.

“I really never notice,” Lilleth said with a coquettish flip of her head.  Then she gave him a most beguiling smile.  Her husband just smiled and shook his head.

Again the Wanderer left Lilleth off in the castle courtyard and went to the field where the Festival was being held.  A number of the Lords brought their marriageable sons and daughters.  This was a chance for a possible alliance through the marriage of a daughter or a son into another noble family.  There were a number of the young ladies who looked the Wanderer over thoroughly.  These included a number of the daughters of the Lords as well as daughters of some rich merchants.  The Wanderer was always polite but managed to slip away at the first possible moment.  He found it was the wives who were more apt to have some good information.  It was also much safer to spend some time talking to them.  He always had some small healing hints for them.  As the healer, it was also thought perfectly proper for him to be talking to the women.  He could divide his attention between the men and the women without arousing any suspicion.  This activity, if noticed by Mages, would convince them that he couldn’t possibly be anything but a mere healer.  Mages didn’t waste their time with such mundane tasks.

In the afternoon, the Wanderer was making his way through an area where there were the families of a number of the Lords.  A group of the young women spotting him, made a move to surround him to prevent him from slipping away.  A moment later, as he was being surrounded, an arm slipped through his arm and he turned to see who it was.

“I thought I might find you here, husband, surrounded by beautiful women,” it was Lilleth.  She had her head tipped to one side and was smiling up at him slightly accusingly.

“I was looking for you my darling Princess,” the Wanderer said.  Some of the young women reacted with surprise.  Apparently not all of them had heard that the Wanderer had been just married to an Elven Princess.  However, they knew they couldn’t compete with this beautiful Princess.  The group quickly dissolved.  The Wanderer slipped his arm around Lilleth,  “Why don’t you have an escort.  It’s not proper for a Princess to be wandering through the crowd alone.  Especially a married one.”  However, he was not surprised to find her doing just that.

“I wasn’t alone.  I just left them to come and rescue my husband from the clutches of a group of beautiful young women.”

“Ah but none of them can match the beauty of my lovely wife.”

“You just say that because it is true,” said Lilleth with a saucy flip of her head.  Then she smiled innocently up at him and added,  “And it is a good thing that you did say that my wandering husband.”

He started to lead her back to the group she had left.  Princess Guenell, Luthral, Lilleth’s brother Avenor, and cousin Nardelar were among the group.  They all greeted the Wanderer. Lilleth’s brother smiled at the Wanderer.  “It is dangerous wandering among the women.  Especially if you are young, tall, handsome and not Elven,” he said. 

“Oh I noticed a few young women casting interested glances your and Prince Nardelar’s way including Luthral’s sister.  And Luthral’s sister’s attractiveness is obviously not missed by Prince Nardelar,” said the Wanderer with a smile.

“Ah, but as you and Lilleth know, there can be a problem in marriages between Elves and humans,” Prince Nardelar said in a somewhat sad tone.

“You just have to come to terms with that.  You cannot change it so you have to live with it,” the Wanderer stated a little sadly.  Lilleth admired how he could put on that act.  Especially when he knew his life span would be very close if not equal to hers.  Of course, Prince Nordelar also knew of that fact.  The Wanderer had more Elf blood running in his veins than that of his Northern Nation.  Not only was his mother an Elf, but his grandmother was also.  Yet he looked like a Northman with just some subtle hints of his Elven background.  Few actually noticed that.  However, although he showed few physical characteristics of his Elven background, he actually had many of them.  Momentarily the group gathered up the Wanderer as they wandered about the Festival.  Lilleth slipped her arm around his waist as they walked.  When Guenell and Luthral walked farther ahead, Lilleth looked up at the Wanderer and asked,  “And what good information did your glean today?”

The Wanderer leaned close to here and softly said,  “Enough to know that we will have time to wander slowly southward, arousing little suspicion.”

Lilleth smiled up at him,  “That sounds like it is good news.”

“For the time being, yes.  A close watch will be kept.  As yet, no one seems to suspect I am anything but a healer.”

“And when will we be leaving?” she inquired.

“We do not want anyone to think we are in a hurry.  We will leave in the late morning tomorrow.  Many will also be leaving then.  The confusion will serve us well,” the Wanderer replied.

Lilleth made plans with her husband to meet with him later that evening and then to go home with him.  Until that time the Wanderer planned to continue to circulate among the people here at the festival.  A number of young Mage apprentices would be also in the crowd at night.  He could trade certain information with them.  They would be called on occasionally to perform the acts of the healer.  They would be more than willing to trade information and rumors they had heard for some healing information from him.  Most had heard of his reputation as a great healer.

Chapter THREE

They were up in the morning packing things away and preparing to begin the trek southward.  Quite a few people stopped to say good-bye before they left.  After all, Princess Lilleth was a beautiful Elven Princess, and her new husband was the Wanderer, the healer.  It was actually after noon before everything was packed in the wagon and they were ready to leave.  Princess Guenell and Luthral came just before they pulled out.  Lilleth promised they would stop again on their way north in spring.  Guenell told Lilleth that she and Luthral were planning to marry the next fall.  Lilleth promised that she and the Wanderer would be there.  Then the Wanderer and Lilleth started to head West.  It was part of his plan to look like he was in no great hurry to get to land of the Elves.  He must be about his healing work.  The Princess Lilleth must know that was the important thing.  Mazorth, of course would be made aware of this.  The Wanderer would see to that.  Mazorth would be in no hurry.  Prince Elleren, Lilleth’s father, planned to go West to visit Prince Zarylai of the Southeastern Elven Nation before he returned home.  The Wanderer knew that was the plan.  He had counted on that to happen.  This actually made it easier for Zaldor to accomplish what he was planning.

THE WANDERER©   

by Richard A. Falb

Chapter ONE

He was known only as the Wanderer.  He appeared, they say, out of the northern mountains at a time of great change. Little was known about him except he was a healer.  He claimed it was his mission to wander throughout the lands bringing his healing talent to everyone who had need of it. He took whatever pay they could afford.  He denied no man his healing powers. They said he had great healing powers.  He was welcomed everywhere.  He seemed to have enough coin to do this.

It was a time when evil spirits wandered the earth.  For years they had annoyed and caused problems for many people.  The good Mages had been able to deal with them.  However there were times, more often lately, when it was much more than that.  They were threatening to take over nations and peoples.  They were at times led by one of the three known great witches who were attempting to consolidate their power.  This led to wars, pitting not only nations but also powerful Mages, on both sides.  At times, small lords or Dukes aligned themselves with these powerful evil forces in hopes they would benefit greatly.  In certain instances, an evil Mage aligning himself with one of the powerful witches would take over a Dukedom or even a Kingdom.  It was leaving devastation in areas where the battles were being fought.  It was almost bankrupting some kingdoms. 

It was during this time, as fall began and before the winter snows began to fall in the North Country, that this healer appeared.  He was said to have come out of the mountains to the east of Duke Dannel’s land on the Northeast boundaries of the Central Kingdom. There was a great forest to the North of the Central Kingdom stretching into the realms of the Northern Elves and the Northern Nation.  This healer began wandering the villages of these northern woods.  They were mostly small villages that would not have their own healer.  They might have a woman who had some knowledge of herbs and potions, but that is all.  The Wanderer’s fame spread quickly.  Rumor had it he was a tall and powerfully built man dressed in the furs and pelts of the woodland animals.  They said he did not look at all like they expected a healer to look.  There were conflicting stories as to how old he was.  Some said he was young.  Some swore he was of middle years.  A few said, he was older.  He rode a large chestnut horse that looked to be a cross between the powerful northern stallions and the sleek, speedy Elven thoroughbreds.  A huge wolf was often seen at his side as he rode.  Two powerful horses pulled a huge wagon loaded with his tent and belongings.  A huge eagle could often be seen gliding above the cavalcade.  He carried a large Elven bow and a large sword.  Those who had hunted with him swore he was the greatest hunter they had ever known.  He seemed to know just where the game would be.   They swore his arrows never missed. No one had yet seen fit to test his swordsmanship.  Of course, he was reputed to be a healer and not a soldier.  Still no brigands saw fit to challenge him, although he was rumored to always travel alone. Some whispered he might be a mage.  Rumor had it he was not only a healer but a man of great knowledge.   

A mighty war had just been fought. It pitted the Northern witch, Tulloc, the most powerful of the evil ones and his minions against the mighty Northern nation with their powerful old mage.  Allied with the Northern Nation was the northern nation of elves and their powerful mage.  Although the people of the Northern Nation were judged by most to be human, the elves were aware they were really different.  Their life span seemed to be much more like that of the elves, than that of other humans.  Consequently, it was not unheard of that there were some inter-marriages among the Elves and the Northern Nation people.  In fact there had been some intermarriages among the ruling Princes of both nations. 

It had been a mighty war lasting four years.  Its reverberations had been felt around the known world.  It had ended just a year and a half ago with the complete defeat and banishment forever of those evil forces of the north.  The war, luckily, had been fought mostly in the far northern reaches of the land. This, plus the power of the good Mages, had shielded most of the Nations from the devastation usually associated with such a long war. It had changed forever the looks of that part of the known world.   The climatic change had been of benefit to the large Northern Nation.  It freed up more land from the grip of ice and snow and opened new ports for their large fleets.  The snow and ice had retreated further north and higher into the mountains.  The Northern Nation had recovered quite quickly, as had the Northern Elven Nation.  Their northern cities as well as their most northern ports were being rebuilt.    Both had lost one of their three ruling Princes.  Their losses in ships and men had been surprisingly light for such a long war.

It had been rumored that during this time, a younger mage, more powerful than any known before, had appeared to help vanquish the evil ones from the north.   None of these rumors indicated from where he had come.  No one knew what happened to him after the end of that war.  He had seemed to disappear.  Not even the Mages could locate any trace of this Mage, if he really existed.  This was cause for concern for some Mages.  Many were discounting this story as just a rumor.  Even the Mages could not determine if this story were true or not.  This added greatly to the mystery.  Magellor, the powerful old Mage of the North Country, would not say if he thought this story true or false.  It was he, whom the rumored powerful young Mage, was reputed to have helped in the war.  Most Mages believed that if there were such a Mage, he must be a student of Magellor.  Magellor would only shrug and say he did not know what they were talking about.  The Mages who believed there was such a new powerful Mage did not believe Magellor.

The four Elven Nations had long since given up their domination of the other peoples of the world and now lived in peace with them.  This had been so for nearly a thousand years.  There were even some parts of the present world in which an elf was an uncommon sight.   Most knew of these long-lived people, but many had never actually seen any elves.  Some of the tribes in the mountains thought elves were only a figment of old men’s tales.  They, had never seen an elf, therefore they didn’t exist. The Wanderer appeared first in the wild Eastern Mountains to the East of Duke Dannel’s land.  He seemed to be able to speak the language and the dialect of every tribe he visited. 

Duke Dannel’s only daughter had fallen very ill.  It was suspected this illness, might have been caused by the evil forces of the north.  Duke Dannel had moved his men to his northern border.  This served to help protect the southern edge of the Northern Nations while the war was going on.   No healer had been found who knew what to do to cure her.  The Duke was desperate. 

Hearing of the Wanderer, he sent some men into the forests of the mountains to try to find this healer.  He would willingly give half his land to this Wanderer if his daughter could be cured.  Some of the Duke’s men found the Wanderer in a village on the northern edge of the Duke’s land.  He was within only a day’s journey of the Duke’s castle.  Hearing the plight of the young woman, the Wanderer set out immediately for the Duke’s castle, arriving in the early evening.  The castle was set on a rise of ground, facing the north.  A river flowed between the castle and a road that ran east and west.  To the East, the South and the West were a thick growth of trees.  Within this forest there grew an impenetrable thicket of thorny bushes.  These bushes were green throughout the year.  As a consequence, the castle could be approached only from the north.  The Duke’s great grandfather had built the castle on this spot and had planted those bushes. 

The Wanderer immediately gathered some things from his wagon and followed the men into the castle. The Duke was surprised at the appearance of this Wanderer.  Recovering quickly, the Duke immediately warmly greeted the Wanderer. 

“I thank you for coming so quickly, healer,” said the Duke. Although dressed in leather like a hunter or a woodsman, the Wanderer exuded the power and confidence of a noble.  And he was tall.  As tall as the men the Duke had seen from the Northern Nation whose lands reached to the Duke’s northern borders.  He looked like a hunter, or a man of the mountains, not like a healer.

The Wanderer, with a friendly smile and a bow replied,  “I am most happy to come.  Let us immediately take a look at your daughter, Duke Dannel.  The sooner we see what is the problem, the sooner we can affect a cure.” 

The Duke was surprised at the positive tone of the Wanderer’s words.  Most healers said they would try to do what they could.  They did not want to be blamed for failing.  It was obvious, the Wanderer was not an ordinary healer.  The Duke immediately took heart.  He had lately begun to think there was no hope for his daughter.

The Duke immediately took him to his daughter’s room.   She lay surrounded by servants trying to do whatever they could for her.  She seemed to be unconscious and in deep pain.  The Wanderer immediately waved them away. 

He bent over the young woman, carefully examining her.  He could see the evidences of the evil within her.  He would have to be alone with her to weave the spell to call out the evil within her.  He could then treat the symptoms of her other sickness.  He turned to the Duke. 

“I need to be alone with her for a short while.  I will call you back in shortly,” the Wanderer told Duke.  The Wanderer’s eye’s held the Duke’s as he spoke.  The Duke nodded his agreement and quickly ordered everyone to leave the room.  The Duke then left the room and closed the door after himself.  He then cleared everyone from the hallway outside the room.  He did not know why, but he trusted the Wanderer completely.  Besides, he had the feeling the Wanderer, was his daughter’s last possible chance.  Only this Wanderer might have the power to treat the evil that ravaged his daughter.

Some time later, the Wanderer called the Duke and two of the daughter’s attendants back into the room.  The three were amazed.   The daughter now seemed to be resting quietly.  Her pain seemed to be gone.  They had been able to do nothing to help her.  This healer within a short time had done what no one else had been able to do.  The daughter’s attendants thought it was a miracle.  That is the story they would be telling for months to come.  The Wanderer gave the servants some very explicit instructions as to what he wanted them to do.  Then he turned to the Duke.  “It will take several days.  She was very close to death.  It is lucky your men found me so soon.  I will need to stay several days to make sure she is safely on the road to recovery.  I will then leave some potions and ointments, and very explicit instructions.  You must see that these are carried out exactly as I have instructed.  Do you have a trusted servant who can read?” the Wanderer asked the Duke.  This was not the case in many households.  However, the Duke did have two who could read.  The Wanderer then said,  “Before I leave, I will talk to you and those two servants.  I will give them specific instructions as to what must be done.  I will also leave these instructions in written form.  They need to be followed exactly as I say.”   The Duke promised this would be done.  The Duke was very well educated for this time, and he had seen to it that his son and daughter were also.

The Duke immediately said,  “My castle and all within it are at your command, healer.”  The Wanderer smiled his thanks.

“I will set up my tent just outside your castle walls.  I have things I need there.  I have the room and equipment to produce certain potions, salves and remedies I will need.  I will however be happy to join you for meals.”

“We would be honored to have you join us for dinner tonight,” The Duke immediately said.  The Wanderer smiled and nodded his head in acceptance.  The Wanderer was testing the Duke.  The Duke had passed this test with high marks.  The Duke had no idea whom, he the Wanderer was, yet he had unhesitatingly invited the Wanderer to join him at his table.  Some Lords would not think of doing that for a healer, no matter how great a healer he was.  They would assume he was a mere commoner.

The Wanderer, as he promised, stayed for three days caring for the young woman.  He spent much of the time with the young woman.  Otherwise, except for the meals he ate with the Duke and his son, he spent the time in his tent.  Through the conversations the Duke had with the Wanderer at these meals, the Duke realized this healer, had a far greater education and knowledge than any man the Duke had met. 

Each day his daughter seemed to gain strength.  By the late afternoon of the second day, she was sitting up and eating regular food.  The middle of the third day she was up and walking around, although slowly and with assistance.   She even was able to join them for dinner that night.  The Duke’s joy knew no bounds when she joined them.  His daughter had, as far as the Duke was concerned, returned from the dead. 

The Duke turned to the Wanderer.  “I have said I would give half of my lands to the healer who could cure my daughter.  I will not go back on my promise.”

The Wanderer smiled and with a slight bow of his head answered,  “I have no use for half of your lands, Duke Dannel.  They would be better off in your care.  However, there is one thing you have I would accept in payment.”  The Duke waited to hear what the Wanderer would ask in payment.  The Wanderer went on,  “You have in your possession an ancient dagger.  Your men took it from a band of thieves they defeated.  This band of thieves had just come over the mountain.  They claimed to have found the dagger deep within a cave.  They claimed the three men who found it and handled it died a horrible death.  Your man, who took it off them and tried to keep it for himself, also died the same kind of death.  Your men then wrapped it in leather and presented it to you, first warning you not to touch the dagger.  It is finely made and has a jeweled handle with strange inscriptions on it.”

The Duke looked at the Wanderer in complete surprise.  He had described everything as it had happened.  Yet there was no reason the Wanderer would know these things.  The Duke immediately went and brought the dagger.  It was completely wrapped so that no one would have to touch it.  He handed it this way to the Wanderer.  The Wanderer calmly unwrapped the dagger.  It was a beautifully worked piece.  The blade shone as if it had been just polished.  The jewels in the handle glowed as if it were on fire.  The Wanderer picked up the dagger by the jewel-encrusted handle.  He seemed to have no fear of it, although he obviously knew of its history.  The Duke stared at him in complete surprise as the Wanderer picked up the dagger to examine it closely.  The Wanderer seemed unaffected by the curse that was upon it.

“Do you not fear the curse that is upon it,” he asked the Wanderer.  “You seem to be immune to it.”

The Wanderer smiled.  “I know the curse that has been put upon it.  It is an intricate and ancient one.  As a healer, it will not touch me.  That was part of the curse.  The only way it can affect me is if I use it for an evil or selfish purpose.  I am bound to return it to its rightful owner, which I shall do in time.”

The Duke looked at the Wanderer.  Then he said,  “But you can use it to defend yourself.”

The Wanderer nodded yes,  “That is permissible, but I do not plan to carry it on my person.  I do have ample weapons with which to protect myself, should that become necessary.”

It was the Duke’s turn to smile,  “I have noticed you have a sword.  In fact, it is one of the finest swords I have ever seen.”

“It was a gift, Duke Dannel.  It is a very fine weapon.  It also is of ancient origin.  It also has a spell upon it.”  Then the Wanderer added with just a hint of a smile,  “And I do know how to use it.”

The Duke would not contradict that statement.  In fact, he was sure the Wanderer could use it very well.  He knew, the Wanderer would not carry a weapon he did not know how to use with great effectiveness.  Although he was a healer, he looked to the Duke, as one who would be a formidable opponent in battle.

The Duke gave the order, the Wanderer should be provided with whatever he needed before he left in the morning.  That night the Wanderer gave very specific directions to the group as to the treatment for the young woman.  He provided them with complete written directions, as he had promised.  He emphasized that they must be followed exactly for the next fourteen days.  The next morning, he and his tent were gone.  No one had actually seen him depart.  Somehow that did not surprise the Duke.  There was something very different about this Wanderer.  Even the Duke’s Mage, was impressed by the man.  The Mage felt the Wanderer was more than just a healer.  However, his searching gave him no evidence of this.  The Duke had a feeling that he would see the Wanderer again.   

The Central Kingdom ran the eastern edge of the great mountains to the land of the Southern Elves.  Two small lord’s land lay at the southern edge of the Kingdom between the Kingdom and the land of the Southern Elves.  To the West of the Kingdom lay a series of Dukedoms and a group of small Lords allied together into a loose confederation.  To the Southwest and West lay the mountains of the Coastal Range.  Along the West Coast was another Kingdom and to the north of it were lands of the three nations of elves.  The largest of these was that of the Northern Elves.  They had close ties to the powerful Northern Nation.  This alliance created the most powerful force in the known earth.  It was this alliance that fought and won the war with the Evil Ones of the North.   This was a very benign force as far as the other nations were concerned.  These two nations had no territorial aspirations.  Their ships covered the seas trading with every nation.  It was even rumored they sailed to those lands far to the West beyond the Western Ocean, as well as those to East of the Eastern Ocean. 

The Wanderer roamed the northern lands.  His reputation as a healer, became so great he was welcomed into the home, mansions and castles of all.  The Wanderer was keeping his true identity a secret.  Before setting out on his journey as a healer, he and his teacher, the great old Mage Magellor, had found out about a plot of the Evil Vakorin.  He was the Evil Witch of the Western Coastal Mountains.  He had already, through an evil Mage, taken over one of the Western Coastal Kingdoms.  A war was now going on pitting that Kingdom against the Southwestern Elven Nation allied with some mountain tribes. The deposed young prince of this kingdom and some loyal followers were allied with the Elven nation in this fight.  The other Elven nations sent some of their men and Mages to aid in this war.

The Witch was planning to bring together his minions at the place near the Castle of King Guthor.  It would be at the same time as the meeting King Guthor had called, of the leaders of lands surrounding the Central Kingdom.  Some Mages of these rulers were already in league with the Evil Vakorin.  The Wanderer, appearing only as a healer, would not attract the notice of any of the Mages.  If the Wanderer could be there when these forces gathered, he and Magellor might surprise them in their meeting, confine them, then use their own power to destroy them.  Secrecy and surprise were the weapons the Wanderer was going to use.  The Wanderer would appear to be coming to this meeting King Guthor called, to bring news of the war that had been fought in the north.

The Wanderer and Magellor also had learned the Elven Princess Sylleron, of the Southern Elven Nation, had fallen somewhat under the influence of an Evil Mage who was causing trouble in the South.  They suspected this Evil Mage, was being helped by the Witch Vakorin.  Princess Sylleron had been dabbling in the Mage Arts and healing arts under the tutelage of her old Mage. He however, was becoming a feeble old man.  Unknown to her, he had fallen under the influence of this Evil Mage.  The Mage planned to take control of her and her mind and through this to control the Elven Nation.  Her husband, Prince Elleren and his beautiful, but headstrong older daughter, and his eldest son were to be at the gathering at the Central Kingdom.  Following this, Prince Elleren was planning to go West to visit another of the Elven Nations.  He was not aware of his wife’s danger.  The Evil Mage knew this and was planning to take advantage of the Prince’s absence.  Prince Elleren’s mage would be accompanying him to the meeting.  He was trusting the old mage, who was his teacher, to protect the Princess while he was gone and to alert him if there was any danger.  This would leave Princess Sylleron unprotected.

After healing Duke Dannel’s daughter, The Wanderer continued along the northern edge of the Duke’s land till he reached the border of the land of the Northern Elves.  Then he turned south.  He stopped at the villages along the way, performing his healing arts.  His tent would be there in the morning on the outskirts of the village.  No one ever saw it being put up.  Then he would wait for them to come.  Many a village maiden looked with longing at this tall, handsome and powerful looking healer. They all noted that he was very gentle and spoke their language as they spoke it.  He never asked for anything for his services.  He was provided with whatever they could afford.  Many a maid thought of how she would stow away in his wagon when he left.  No one ever saw him leave.  He seemed to disappear during the night. 

Although there were bands of outlaws hiding throughout the forests he was traversing, none of them saw fit to challenge him.  They were suspicious of a man who had a huge wolf, and a just as huge eagle, as traveling companions.  In addition, some had seen the huge sword that he had by his side, the Elven short sword, and the bow he carried.  Some had heard of his prowess with that bow.  They did not think it wise to test his prowess with a sword and dagger.

The Wanderer did take time to go with some hunters when they went to hunt for deer and elk.  They never returned without plenty of game when the Wanderer went with them. The stories of these things and of his power as a healer preceded him.  He was welcomed wherever he went.  He treated everyone the same.  He never denied anyone his healing arts.  He even gave the older women instructions on how to treat certain wounds and common complaints.  If there was a local healer, he always had her work with him and would instruct her as well as provide her with materials she could use.  This endeared him to the local healers because he was so willing to help them.

It was that Fall, King Guthor of the Central Kingdom, having heard the tales of the defeat of the northern evil ones, called for a gathering of all the Dukes and Lords surrounding the Kingdom.  He also sent invitations to the Princes of the Elven Nations closest to his Kingdom.  These invitations to the Elves were just as a courtesy.  The King knew he had no power over them.  In fact, he was aware they were actually more powerful than he was.  He had received word that at least two powerful Elven Princes would come.  Tents covered the plains to the South and West of the castle and the town.  Merchants and others filled the fields with tents of various sizes.  The taverns and inns were filled to overflowing.  There was a festive air to the gathering.  The people heard the King would have good news to communicate.  They were ready for some respite from the troubles of the past years.  There were some there who were hoping to cause other troubles for their own benefit.  Most of the people who gathered here were not aware of this.  The town and the castle were at the crossroads of the road, running North and South through the Kingdom and the main road coming from the West.  To the North and East was a large woods split by a large stream that came from the Northeast and then turned west.  The stream ran a short distance north of the town and the castle.

The Wanderer had appeared and pitched his tent in a clearing beside that stream.  It was apart from the town and the other tents, but still was reachable by most people there.  It was a rather large tent for one who always traveled alone.  To some people it seemed to be much too large a tent for a healer.  Of course, the Wanderer was not an ordinary healer and he had not come here to practice his healing arts.  He said he had come to bring some good news.  This town was large enough to have its own healers.   His tent seemed to fade into the green of the forest.  It was just a short way off the road that wound across a bridge over the stream and wandered through the woods to the north and east.  Beyond, along that road a short distance, was another larger clearing in the forest.

Shortly after he arrived, the Wanderer asked for an audience with King Guthor.  Having heard of his fame as a healer, the King invited the Wanderer to dine with him that evening.  The King was very interested in meeting this man about whom there seemed to be much mystery.  He had heard of his healing of Duke Dannel’s daughter.   The Northern Duke Dannel and his son Luthral, along with Prince Elleren of the Southern Elves and his daughter and son were also invited that day.  Queen Nadra and Princess Guenell would be dining with them.  The Princess Guenell and the Elven Princess Lilleth had become good friends and Lilleth was staying in the castle with her.  It was rumored the King and Queen and even the Princess Guenell herself looked favorably on an arrangement between Guenell and the Northern Duke’s son, Luthral.  This would solidify a mutually advantageous alliance.  The Elven Princess Lilleth, on the other hand, had a reputation as a free spirit.  She seemed to reject all suitors.  The fact she could ride and hunt with the best of them didn’t endear her to many of these young men.  She was now getting beyond the years when young women were considered marriageable.  However she never lacked for suitors.   She was considered very beautiful, although headstrong.  She had developed her mother’s talents of a healer.  Lilleth had been taught many of the Mage’s minor secrets by her father’s old Mage.  She was a favorite of his since she was very small. 

The Princesses found out the Wanderer would be dining with them.  They had heard many rumors about him.  Neither had seen nor talked to anyone who had actually seen him.  This man, about whom there seemed to be much mystery, intrigued them.  They were looking forward to meeting this great healer.  They heard some rumors he was tall and somewhat handsome.  Princess Lilleth especially wanted to meet him.  She was interested in the arts of a healer.  He sounded very different from most men she knew.  That alone intrigued Lilleth.

They heard he dressed in deerskin.   They thought they would easily recognize him as he came into the castle grounds. What they would do when they saw him, they really had no idea.  They thought, of course, that even a great healer would be overjoyed to have two beautiful Princesses talk to him.  They sneaked down into the castle grounds close to the main gate.  Here, the men always dismounted and turned their horses over to one of the King’s men.  The Princesses thought they would therefore be able to know him when he came.  They wanted to get a closer look at this man and possibly meet him.  A tall, young man dressed in cloth, much like that of the Elves, came in riding a huge, beautiful, Chestnut colored horse.  The Elven princess, who was a gifted horsewoman, thought the horse was the most magnificent animal she had ever seen.  She just had to see that horse close up.  In fact, she wanted to sit on that magnificent animal.  She had momentarily forgotten that she was here to try to see the Wanderer.  She boldly walked out, and when the man dismounted, brazenly said,  “Kind Sir, I would like to sit on that horse.”

The man turned to her with a smile, then with a bow,  “Princess, that horse has known no rider but me.  He might bolt if someone else climbed up on him.  I would not wish you to be harmed.”

The horse snorted, then whinnied and pawed the ground.  The man laughed.  “He disagrees with me it seems.  I gather he would not mind to have a beautiful princess on his back.”

The Princess looked somewhat startled at what the man said.  The man seemed not to notice.   Without another word, he stepped toward her, picked the princess up by her waist and gently seated her upon the saddle.  The Princess was amazed at how easily she lifted her up.  It was as if she weighed very little.  He must be very strong, she thought.

“Perhaps sometime I might be allowed to ride him?”  Princess Lilleth stated, as if this request would be automatically granted.

“I shall consult with him, Princess,” the man replied with a smile.  He caught her lightly as she slid off of the horse.  She wasn’t quite sure how she should reply to these words.  He was very civil, but definitely not awed.   She did not know what to make of this man.  To hide her confusion, she gathered up Princess Guenell and hurried back into the castle.  She wondered who this man might be.  He spoke well and had a beautiful voice.  It was also obvious, he was not awed by the attention of two Princesses.  He had been very pleasant, but definitely not subservient.  He did not act like a commoner.

“I have never seen such a powerful and magnificent horse in my life,” she told Guenell very positively.  “I must ride him.”

They hurried back into the castle and into the dining hall.  They had forgotten about trying to see the Wanderer.  They were both wondering who that man could be.   

Everyone else had already gathered in the dining hall.  The Princesses quickly took their places.  A few moments later, the Wanderer put in his appearance and bowed to the King and Queen, and then to the Elven Prince and the Duke.  The Duke, who had, of course, met the Wanderer, smiled as he heard the Princesses gasp when they saw the Wanderer.  He was not an old man as they had envisioned.  He was a tall, powerful, and rather handsome young man who carried himself with the utmost confidence.  And he was not clothed in rough skins, as was rumored, but in nice cloth much like the fine cloth of the Elves.  It was the man who had that magnificent horse.  The King indicated his welcome.  He was also surprised, although he had heard the Wanderer was not old.  He also noticed he did not seem to be the least bit awed by the people gathered around the table.  He had a cool confidence.

“Greetings Wanderer,” King Guthor said,  “That is all the name that has been given you,” he continued as if questioning this.

“That is the only name I need, Sire,” the Wanderer respectfully replied,  “for that is what I am.  I wander through the land wherever a healer is needed.”

“Stories of your feats as a healer has reached our ears, Wanderer.  But some say they suspect you are also a Mage,” the King continued looking intently at this man.  He had the bearing of a confident man.  One who knew he was good at what he did.  But he did not look like what the King expected a healer to look.

The Wanderer smiled,  “I claim only that I am a poor healer.  No other powers have I ever said I have.  It is enough for me, to lend help to those who are in need of it.”  But there was no hint of being a poor anything in his voice.  His voice, though soft, had a hint of power to it.  The man was evidently well educated.

“I can attest to his power to heal,” the Duke spoke up.  “It is he that gave us back our daughter when we were sure we had lost her.”

The Wanderer bowed his head to the Duke in humble thanks for the words.  The Elven Princess looked more closely at him.  There was a definite hint of interest in her eyes.  Her father watched her.  A smile briefly appeared on his face.  She could do worse than claim him for a husband, he thought.  The Elven Princess, closely studying the Wanderer, saw more than just a common man who had learned the arts of healing.  There is something far deeper in this man.  He carries himself too well.  I would love to know this man better, she thought. 

Everyone was seated at the table and the servants began bringing in the food.  The Elven Princess skillfully maneuvered herself across from the Wanderer, so she could study this man.  There was something that did not fit.  She was intrigued with him.  She watched, as he began to eat, occasionally answering the questions they asked of him.  It is obvious, she thought, he has sat at royal tables before.  He is too at ease.  The Wanderer, sensing her scrutiny, smiled pleasantly at her.  She smiled back.

“Why did you not tell us who you were?”  Lilleth asked.

The Wanderer smiled,  “You are a Princess.  You had but to ask.  I would have told you whatever you wished to know.  I thought you knew who I was.  I have no reason to hide my identity.”

The Princess frowned at his reply.  You knew I didn’t know, she thought.  Her eyes bore into his.  Don’t toy with me, Wanderer, I am not used to being toyed with, her look said.  He smiled an apologetic smile.  The Princess didn’t believe for a minute, he was at all apologetic.  This of course, made him that much more intriguing to her.  He has the easy confidence of a man of great power, yet he acts the humble healer.  She had never seen this quiet confidence except in the great Princes of her kind.

As the evening wore on, the Wanderer petitioned the King to be able to speak at the meeting of all the nobles.  That meeting was to take place before the meeting of all the men.  The King considered, then getting a nod from the Duke and the Elven Prince, agreed to his request.  The Elven Prince had noted the by-play between his daughter and the Wanderer with a wry smile.  He doesn’t know what he is letting himself in for, he thought.  He sensed his daughter was intrigued with this young, handsome healer.  He knew that this was the first time his oldest daughter had ever been intrigued by any man.  At times she treated young men, especially those who considered themselves appropriate suitors, as if they didn’t exist.  She was not treating this man as if he didn’t exist.  In fact, her attention was riveted upon him.

When the meal was finished, and before the women excused themselves, the Wanderer humbly thanked everyone for giving him the honor of dining with them.  Then he took his leave.  The Princess watched him.  He does that so easily, she thought, yet it seems so out of character to me.  Is he really what he appears to be?  I need to find out, she thought to herself.

The next evening, the Elven Princess was quietly walking through the halls bent on slipping outside the castle, a forbidden thing.  Lilleth was used to doing forbidden things.  She saw the King’s young apprentice Mage, furtively slip out of the castle walls by a side entrance, and hurry, off into the night.  She decided to follow him.  She wanted to find out where he was going and why.  She was not dressed as a Princess.  Rather she was dressed like that of an Elven page.  She carried a long Elven knife, which she was expert at handling.  The young apprentice slipped out and into the woods close to the castle.  She dared not follow too close.  She barely succeeded in following him to a clearing in the forest some distance from the castle.  She halted in the shadows of the trees.  There seemed to be a fire in the center of the clearing.    A group of beings were gathered around the fire.  Some, she thought, didn’t look human.  She shivered, but she was determined to watch and see what happened.  Lilleth feared very little, but she instinctively knew she shouldn’t be here.  She then watched, fascinated, as an almost transparent wall seemed to rise around those beings surrounding the fire.  They seemed to pay no attention.  They were in animated and heated discussion.  She was fascinated, but chills ran through her.   Then some creatures descended from the skies and a ball of fire swept down.  The wall then seemed to rise quickly and form a dome over the area, as if to confine them.  She caught a small movement in the shadows to her left.  A huge wolf stood there looking at her.  She was surprised she felt no fear.  For some reason, she knew he was friendly.  She did not know why she felt that way.  He seemed to be telling her not to move.  Then she looked beyond the wolf.  A large figure, in a black cloak that covered the person completely, began to raise its arms and she felt tremendous power crackle all around her.  She had never experienced such power before.  She shrank back farther into the shadows, not knowing what to think.  She wanted to run but was afraid to move.  She felt like she was frozen in place.  She knew she was seeing something she had never seen before.  The dome began to shrink smaller and smaller toward the center.  The light inside became brighter and hotter until all that remained was a small fiercely glowing ball at the center that turned slowly black.  The figure moved forward and picked up that ball.  The figure then seemed to hurl it toward the sky then raising its arms sent lightening bolts of great power after the ball sending it speeding with a tremendous whoosh into the sky.  The figure did not move.  When she looked up the sky was filled with creatures.  She thought she saw giant eagles attacking other winged creatures.  Then all was silent.  The wolf moved toward her looking intently at her.  A voice in her mind said, “Come I will see you safely back inside the castle.  It is not safe for you to be out here.  Evil is abroad tonight.”   Princess Lilleth obediently followed the wolf.   It stopped outside of one of the side doors of the castle and waited until she was safely inside.   Inside was a burning candle to light her way to her room.  The flame did not seem to consume the candle.  She shivered.  What power was abroad tonight.  She quickly undressed, hid the clothes and went to bed.  She wondered who that black hooded person was.  She felt that the wolf must be with that being.  The minute she laid her head on the pillow, she was sound asleep.

“Wake up sleepy head,” a voice impinged upon Lilleth’s consciousness.  Princess Guenell was standing beside her bed.  “I heard we had some excitement last night,” Guenell said.  “Some of the men saw a bright light in the forest and heard a sound.  They tried to find it.  All of them lost their way in the dark and never found out what it was.  They were going to search this morning.  Oh, and the young apprentice mage hasn’t been seen this morning.”

The Elven Princess looked sleepily up at her friend.  “I must have been tired last night.  I went to sleep as soon as my head hit the pillow.  I didn’t even dream of our handsome friend, the Wanderer,” she said.  Lilleth looked quickly around for the candle she set down beside her bed.  There was no sign of it.  Her friend’s giggle brought Lilleth’s attention back to her. 

“Too bad he isn’t a Prince.  He’d make a wonderful conquest for you.”

The Elven Princess smiled lazily,  “Perhaps I’ll make a conquest of him anyway.”  Then she added,  “besides, I swore I would never make a conquest of a Prince.”

“Oh you wouldn’t,” said Princess Guenell, “That might be dangerous.  No one really knows anything about him.  All that is said is that he seemed to come from somewhere in the northeastern mountains.”

“I’m sure he’s not what he seems to be,” said Princess Lilleth.  “He was too much at ease at dinner last night.  It is obvious he has dined at tables like that many times.”

Her friend looked thoughtful.  “You are right.  He was perfectly at ease.  He looked like he belonged there.  He looked like he might have been a Prince.”  Then she thought,  “But his words were humble, and in that he seemed like a common person.”

“Perhaps he is a skilled actor,” said the Elven Princess.  Then she added thoughtfully,  “Actually he is a very, very skilled actor.  Of that I am now sure.”

Her friend looked at her with a question in her eyes.  The Elven Princess didn’t seem to notice.  She was lost in deep thought.  He is not just what he claims to be, of that I am sure, she thought.

“Mother said we should eat with her this morning,” Princess Guenell then said.  “You’d better get dressed.  She’ll be expecting us soon.”

Princess Lilleth quickly dressed and they went to the quarters of the Queen.   Lilleth wondered where the candle disappeared to, or who took it.  Then she remembered that it did not look as if the wick was burning.  Candles are not normally placed near that door, she knew.  Especially not ones that burn with a flame that does not consume.  She had seen her father’s Mage produce that phenomenon.  He called it scorcerer’s fire.  Lilleth’s thoughts were interrupted when Queen Nadra greeted them and indicated places at the table that had been set.

“I hope you slept well last night.  There was some excitement last night but I haven’t heard yet what caused it.  Your father said the Mage’s young apprentice has not been seen this morning.”  The Queen hesitated and then continued,  “I suppose you noticed the healer at dinner last night.  I was surprised.  He is young and very well mannered.  From the stories I have heard, I pictured him as older and dressed in rough clothes.  Living as I supposed him to live, wandering around the forests and villages, I thought he would not be so well mannered.”  Then she looked at the two Princesses.  Then she added with a smile,  “I suppose all you noticed is that he was tall and somewhat handsome.”

Princess Guenell had a shy smile on her face.  “We also noticed that he was surprisingly at ease dining with us.”

Princess Lilleth added,  “And he did not eat with the manners of a common man.  Especially one who is rumored to have just appeared out the forests and the mountains.”

“He has dined at the tables of the some of the Duke’s and Lord’s,” Queen Nadra said.  “Perhaps he watched and learned.”

“It looked the result of years of training,” Princess Lilleth observed,  “He did it with such ease.  It did not appear to be something he had just learned.”

“Seems you are trying to add a little mystery to a handsome young man,” the Queen said with a smile.

“The horse he rides is as magnificent an animal as I have ever seen.  It is not the horse of a common person,” Princess Lilleth argued.

“Does that mean that he has to be more than a very good healer?” questioned the Queen.

Princess Lilleth reluctantly agreed,  “No that is not proof he is anything but a very good healer.”  Then she quickly added with a sly smile,  “But putting all of these things together, admits to the possibility he may be more than he claims.”

“Would that he were a Prince,” Princess Guenell said.  “He would make a wonderful conquest for Princess Lilleth.”

“But it is obvious he is not an Elf,” said the Queen.

“The Northern Elves marry those of the Northern Nation.  He has the looks of a man from the Northern Nation,” stated Princess Lilleth.

“Yes that I have heard,” agreed the Queen.  “But would your mother and father agree?”

Princess Lilleth laughed.  “If he were a Prince or even high born, they would welcome the idea that I had found someone I wished to marry.  Remember, I am already past the usual marrying age for young women,” she added.  “My parents are now just hoping I will decide on someone at least reasonably acceptable.”

“I think Princess Lilleth has deliberately scared suitors away by beating them at their own games,” Princess Guenell said with a laugh.

“My aunt says I do not act like a Princess because I do not act like a lady,” said Princess Lilleth with a smile.

“But you were a perfect lady last night,” said the Queen.  Princess Lilleth smiled quietly.  She does not know where I slipped off to afterward, the Princess thought.  That brought up thoughts of that hooded figure who had to be a very powerful Mage.  But who could he have been.  Where had he come from?

After they had finished their meal, and the servants had cleaned up, the Queen told them to stay within the castle grounds.  Then she added,  “If you want to go riding outside of the grounds, you must have an armed escort.  Your father has decreed that.  There are some gathered here who would not know who you were.  Your father does not want anything to mar this meeting.”

The Princesses murmured agreement, but their faces were turned away from the Queen.  She did not see their look of intrigue.  They had other plans.  Those plans did not include an armed escort.  They planned to slip out of the castle grounds, but not as Princesses.  It was Lilleth who planned this escapade.  Princess Guenell had immediately fallen in with the plan.

That morning, two figures, one dressed in the garb of the King’s men, the other dressed as an Elven bowman, rode out of one of the side gates of the castle.   They took a path that skirted the castle on the side away from the town and the tents.  Soon they started north toward the stream and the road that followed it.  They were soon out of sight of the castle.

Princess Guenell quietly giggled.  “Do you think he will recognize us?” she asked Princess Lilleth.

“Only if you giggle like a girl,” answered Lilleth.  “So let me do the talking.  I have done this before.”

“Didn’t you get into trouble?” asked Guenell.

“Sometimes, but never so bad I couldn’t get out of it.”

“What if he recognizes us?”

“Then I shall say we were on our way to my uncle’s camp.  My father said he would be here today.   He was going to camp in a large clearing near the stream north of here.  The Wanderer will be honor bound to take us there.  Once he recognizes us, he will feel he must see us safely to our destination,” Princess Lilleth calmly said.  Lilleth knew that sooner or later he would recognize them.  She planned to have him accompany them to her uncle’s camp.  A plan was forming in her mind.  She decided she wanted to make a conquest of this intriguing and handsome healer.  She didn’t yet know how she was going to do this.  She was determined, however, to succeed. 

They soon came to the Wanderer’s camp.  Lilleth was surprised at how large the tent looked when they finally saw it.  It did not look to her as a tent of a poor healer, as he had termed himself. They were practically on top of it before they saw it.  Then they noticed a huge wolf sitting outside the door of the tent and looking at them.  They hadn’t noticed him before.  Their horses snorted and became agitated but then calmed down as if recognizing the wolf was not a threat.  Princess Guenell froze when she saw him.  In fact, she almost fell off her horse.  She had never seen such a huge wolf.  Actually she had never seen a wolf this close.  Princess Lilleth did not seem scared at all.  Nor did she seem surprised to see the wolf sitting there.  She recognized the wolf from last night.  She merely smiled and said,  “Tell your master that two young men are outside and would like to see him.”

Princess Guenell turned to Lilleth with a questioning look,  “He can’t understand you,” she said.

Princess Lilleth looked at her with a knowing smile,  “You’d be surprised what he can understand.”

Suddenly they realized the Wanderer was standing in the doorway of the tent looking at them.  “You know you should not be out here without an escort, Princesses.  Your disguises would fool no one who would be looking for you.  It could also be dangerous for you if they were fooled by your disguises.”

“Well if you are going to lecture us, the least you could do is invite us into your tent,” Princess Lilleth told him rather haughtily.

The Wanderer smiled, stepped to one side of the doorway, swept his hand into the tent and said,  “As you wish, dear ladies.  Please enter my humble abode.”

The Princesses dismounted and Lilleth lead the way into the tent.  They were again surprised.  It did not look like the tent of a humble healer.  It was anything but humble. It was very spacious.  It was split into several rooms.  The front obviously set up for the healer’s work.  To one side a parted doorway revealed a room for guests.  A table was set for three.  Lilleth looked questioningly at the Wanderer.  He smiled and silently invited them in to sit and have some cakes and a hot drink.  The Princesses looked around to find a servant.  There was none in sight, nor was there sign of any.  The furnishings were very nice and the dishes of intriguing design.

“How did you know we were coming?” demanded Lilleth.  She had a feeling that he had known and was waiting for them.  But if he knew, why did he not meet them and escort them, rather than leaving them unprotected until they reached his tent.  Or did he know they were in no danger.  Or perhaps, they had indeed, been escorted by invisible escorts.  Questions kept impinging upon Lilleth’s consciousness.  She was sure he was not merely what he claimed to be.  This was all too strange. 

The Wanderer smiled at her,  “You were intrigued enough to see who I was that you were in the castle yard when I came to see the king.   I thought you would probably decide to see where I lived.”

Princess Guenell said,  “You were only guessing we would come.  Besides how did you know we would come today?” 

The Wanderer only smiled, but Princess Lilleth looking at him intently, with a touch of iron in her voice said,  “No.  He knew we were coming.”  Then she added,  “and if you knew, why did you not see that we were properly escorted, or did you know we would not be in any danger.”

Princess Guenell looked at her in surprise.  The Wanderer, with a smile at Lilleth said,  “The Princess believes I have strange powers.”

“I do not believe your wolf, is just a wolf nor your horse just a horse,” Lilleth said.

Guenell looked at her startled,  “What are you saying, Lilleth.”

Lilleth looked straight the Wanderer,  “That the wolf is more than a mere wolf, and his horse more than a mere horse.  And that he is more than a mere healer.”

“Why would you believe that, Princess?” asked the Wanderer.  “Have we given you any reason to think that?”

Princess Lilleth frowned.  The Wanderer knew she could not let Guenell know she was out that night the men saw the bright light.  She was sure now the hooded figure was the man who stood before her.  She held her silence.  Then she got a sly look on her face. 

“It is wrong for a man to invite two young women into his tent when they have no chaperones,” Lilleth stated.

“If I were not a healer, it would have been a grave error on my part,” admitted the Wanderer.  Then he added with a smile,  “How would I know you were young women.  You are dressed as young men.   Besides, all people must be welcomed into the tent of a healer.”  Then he turned to Princess Guenell,  “Is that not so Princess?”

Princess Guenell hesitated then reluctantly said,  “I suppose there might be an exception made for a healer.  But we did not come here to be healed.”

“Pray then, Princesses, why did you come.  Just out of curiosity?”  The Wanderer asked with a slight smile.

“We are Princesses,” Lilleth threw back at him, seeing that she was not going to best him.  “We do not have to have a reason.”

By this time they had finished their cakes and drink.  The Princesses had to admit they were very good.  They had been freshly prepared, Lilleth was sure.  Princess Guenell looked hesitantly at Princess Lilleth.  Lilleth would like to have seen the rest of the Wanderer’s tent, but she knew she had spoiled that chance.  She turned with an engaging smile to the Wanderer,  “Kind sir, we ask that you accompany us to my Uncle’s camp as our escort.”  Her tone was now that of a pleasant petition.  The Wanderer smiled at her change of tactics and tone.  He knew she had a reason for asking him to do that.  He was sure she planned this before she left the castle.  He was quite willing to fall in with her plan.  It also fit his purposes.

“I shall be happy to escort you to your Uncle’s camp.  There is a message I want to deliver to someone in his camp,” the Wanderer answered with a bow.   With that he escorted them out of his tent and helped them mount their horses.  The Wanderer’s horse appeared and he mounted it.  The wolf moved out ahead of them as if he knew just exactly where they were going.  Lilleth had seen no evidence of communication between the Wanderer and his wolf.  He is more than a healer, I am sure, she thought.  But how can I get him to admit it to me.  They moved down the road away from the town and along the stream into the forest.  Lilleth, who was in the lead, could see the wolf ahead of them.  She knew the wolf knew exactly where they were headed.  The Wanderer rode behind Princess Guenell.

They moved at a steady pace along the road for a while.  Then suddenly, on the other side of the stream, the forest began to retreat.  Ahead of them were a number of tents in a large clearing.  It was obvious it was a camp of the Elves.  The wolf turned and loped off into the woods on their side of the stream.  Lilleth hailed the men about the camp in the Elven tongue.  She rode across the bridge heading for the center of the camp and the largest tent.  Particular colors on a group of horses caught Lilleth’s eye.  Her father was here already.  She wondered if he also came the road she had traveled.  If so, he would have known she was visiting the Wanderer.  Maybe she could work this to her advantage.  A plan was forming in her mind.  She intended to make a conquest of the Wanderer.  He dare not refuse an Elven Princess.  But she would have to convince her father and her uncle.  It would intrigue her mother, she knew. 

The Elves watched as the group rode toward the tent of the Prince.  They recognized Princess Lilleth.  Some also recognized the Wanderer.  Lilleth dismounted and walked up to the doorway and walked in.  The eyes of the men were upon her.  She smiled and gave a little curtsy to her father and uncle.  It was obvious she was a favorite of her uncle.  As the other two had followed her into the tent, the uncle smiled and said,  “And who did you bring with you, niece?”

“This is my friend, Princess Guenell, oh, and the Wanderer was our escort,” she added in an almost offhand manner.

The Wanderer smiled and nodded to the uncle and the other men.  The Prince turned to him.  “You have come a long way since I last broke bread with you, Wanderer?”  Lilleth was surprised at the familiar tone her uncle used.  It was a tone he used when speaking to an equal.  Lilleth was now sure the Wanderer was much more that he claimed.

“I go where I am needed, Prince Gadryell,” was his answer.

“And you figured there would be a need for you here,” It was a statement by Prince Gadryell rather than a question.

With a smile the Wanderer replied,  “Yes, I have found some useful things to do here already.”

“Like escorting my daughter, so she doesn’t get into trouble,” said her father, Prince Elleren.  “She has a penchant for that.”

Lilleth spoke up,  “He invited me into his tent.  I think you should make him marry me.”  Princess Guenell gasped.  The Wanderer who was watching Lilleth showed no emotion.

Prince Elleren and Prince Gadryell looked from Lilleth to the Wanderer and back.  Both had smiles on their faces.  They did not seem surprised at Lilleth’s demand.  Nor did they seem surprised that the Wanderer showed no surprise.

It was her uncle who replied,  “Your father and I have no objection to your marrying the Wanderer, but I am afraid we cannot order him to do anything.  He is a man of the Northern Nation.  He is not under our jurisdiction.”

Her father then added,  “Besides, he is a healer of great repute.  I think daughter, if you want to marry him, you must ask him to ask you.”

Princess Guenell was looking on in complete bewilderment.  What possibly could her friend Princess Lilleth do?   Why had she got herself into this predicament?

Lilleth turned and looked at the Wanderer, her face softened and her smile became beguiling,  “Wanderer, I wish for you to ask for my hand in marriage.”

The Wanderer bowed to her and smiled,  “Beautiful Princess, your wish is my command.”  Then he paused,  “but before I ask for your hand, assure me that you have thought through what your life will be as the wife of the Wanderer.  When I marry, I intend to marry for life.  For us of the Northern Nation, like the elves, that can be a long, long time. ”

Lilleth had heard the lives of those of the Northern Nation, was sometimes as long as that of the elves.   Lilleth had a sweet smile on her face, “I have thought it through, oh Wanderer, and I do earnestly wish for you to ask me to marry you,” she replied.

The Wanderer bent on one knee before the Princess, reached out and took the hand she offered him,  “Princess Lilleth, I pray that you would marry me.”

“I will, Oh Wanderer, with happy heart,” she replied.  He then stood up and took her into his arms and kissed her.  Lilleth did not let him go for a few moments, she leaned back and smiled up at him.  Then Lilleth turned to her father and her uncle.  “We have two Mages here.  Princess Guenell can stand up for me.  I am sure there is one who will stand up for the Wanderer.  I would that we could get married this day.  Mother can have her traditional marriage ceremony when we return home.”

“Why are you in such a hurry, dear niece?” her Uncle, Prince Gadryell asked.  “The Wanderer says it will be for life.   That, as you know, can be a very long time.”

Princess Lilleth had a smile on her face as she replied,  “Because dear Uncle, I want to know right away what I am going to have to put up with the rest of my life.”

Prince Gadryell burst out laughing.  Coming from Lilleth, he was not surprised at that reply.  One of his sons came forth,  “I would be honored to stand up for the Wanderer.”

Princess Lilleth’s father, Prince Elleren nodded to the two Mages.  The Mages began to prepare for a simple Elven wedding ceremony that would bind Lilleth, and the Wanderer, as man and wife. Prince Gadryell had told Prince Elleren, who the Wanderer was.  Prince Gadryell had close ties to the Northern Nation from where the Wanderer was reputed to come.  Prince Elleren knew his wife, Lilleth’s mother, would be delighted.  She was getting her wayward oldest daughter married and to a man she could be happy to have as a son-in-law.

Poor Princess Guenell was still very confused.  She did not know why her friend Lilleth wanted so to marry the Wanderer.  True he was a handsome and intriguing man.  She knew that Lilleth had sworn she would never marry a Prince.  She also wondered why Lilleth insisted on getting married right now.

Princess Lilleth was very happy.  She was getting exactly what she wanted.  It had been almost too easy.  But she was too happy that her plan had worked so well to worry about that.  Tonight she would find out just who was this man she was marrying.  She was sure that he was not just a healer.  But what he really was, she had no idea.  She had some suspicions, but that is all they were so far.  But she knew she had fallen in love with him and she wanted to be his wife and share his life with him.  She never had been happy about the prospect of being the wife of some Elven Prince.  She would then be expected to always act like a lady.  Lilleth enjoyed riding and hunting with the men.  With the Wanderer as her husband she could wander the land that she had grown to love.

The ceremony was relatively short.  While the women took Princess Lilleth off for a short time, the Wanderer was able to confer with Prince Gadryell, Prince Elleren and their Mages.  He gave them the news he was going to give the King and the rest of the nobles.  He told them how he was going to present the news at that meeting.  They were in earnest discussions when the women returned.  Princess Lilleth looked at the group of men that included her new husband.  They are treating him as if he is one of them, she thought.   And he acts as though he is one of them.  She could hardly wait until she found out whom she really married.  She was even sure she would be happy with that discovery, and not in the least disappointed with her choice.

Princess Guenell said that she was sure her father, King Guthor would announce a celebration in honor of Princess Lilleth’s marriage.  After all, Princess Lilleth was a beloved Princess of a friendly nation.  King Guthor wanted to remain on very friendly relations with the Elven nations.  The Elves knew the King was a stabilizing force, so they were happy to lend their support to help him.  Princess Guenell was to get a guard of Elves to take her back to the castle. Princess Guenell hurried to tell her mother, Queen Nadra, about Princess Lilleth surprising marriage to the Wanderer.  Princess Guenell was still not sure, how this all came about, or why.  The Queen was very surprised and after chiding her for not obeying orders, questioned her daughter.  Princess Guenell told her mother that Lilleth hadn’t indicated that was what she planned.  She thought Lilleth just decided to do it.  When King Guthor heard, he started to begin the planning for the celebration for Princess Lilleth and her husband.  It would be held after the meeting of the Dukes and Lords represented there.  Then there would be a meeting of all people gathered there, to hear that which was decided by their leaders.

Chapter TWO

The Wanderer and Princess Lilleth rode off for the Wanderer’s tent.  When the Wanderer and Princess Lilleth reached his tent, he carried her into the tent.  “Welcome to your new home,” the Wanderer said.  Then he added with a smile,  “It is but a poor healers abode, not meant for a Princess.”  Lilleth ignored his statement.  She realized it was not at all humble.   In fact, the part into which he had carried her was not much less elegant than her father’s tent.

Lilleth looked at him,  “Before we retire to our bed chambers, you must tell me whom I really married.”  Then she continued before he could reply.  “I was in the woods that night and saw what you did.  It was you I know.  Your wolf warned me to stay still, and then escorted me back to the castle.  He is not just a wolf.  Of that I am now sure.  I am also sure the man I married is not just a humble healer as you have been claiming.”

The Wanderer motioned for her to follow him into another room in the tent.  There were large soft silky cushions on which to sit.  Princess Lilleth seated herself and the Wanderer sat facing her.

“There are reasons why no one but a few must know who I am.  Your Uncle knows and he has told your father.  No one else must know yet that I am anything but the Wanderer, a healer, especially not your mother at this time.  I will explain why in good time.  For the moment you must trust me.”

The Princess looked intently at him,  “I am your wife.  Nothing of what you tell me will go outside of this tent.”

The Wanderer then continued,  “I am Prince Zaldor, a prince of the Northern Nation.  My mother is Princess Alleran of the Northern Elven Nation.  I am also a Mage.  I am the young Mage of whom they speak.  My father is Prince Vardalyn, one of the three, ruling Princes of the Northern Nation.  My teacher was Magellor, probably the greatest Mage who has lived in the last five centuries.  But I am also a healer.  I have learned my craft at the feet of the three greatest healers.  That night, the minion’s of greatest of the Western witches gathered here to lay plans to take over the Central Kingdom and all the surrounding nations.  The Mages of one of the Dukes and several Lords were in league with them.  With the help of Magellor we were able to confine them and use their own power to defeat and destroy them.  We were able to accomplish this because they did not know I was a Mage.  They did not suspect me of having the powers to accomplish that feat.  They were taken by surprise.  We sent them hurling into the sun where they will be destroyed for ages.”

Princess Lilleth looked on him with startled eyes.  “I was sure you were not just a healer.  I was even fairly sure you might even be a Mage.  I did not dream that you would turn out to be such an illustrious Prince.”

The Wanderer smiled.  “And now you are not happy that you married me.  You are angry at me that I did not tell you I was a Prince, so you could reject me.  If you had known you would not have wanted to marry me.”

“Oh, no,” Lilleth quickly answered.  “I am even happier that I married you.  It is good that you did not tell me you were a Prince.  I would not have requested that we be married right away.  Besides, my mother will be very happy when she eventually knows to whom I am married.  She had given up hope that I would marry someone remotely suitable, if I even decided to marry.”  Then she thought for a moment.  “You said my Uncle knew who you were, and he told my father.  Then they knew when I was demanding that you marry me, to whom I was asking to be married.  No wonder they said they had no jurisdiction over you.  You are a Prince of the most powerful nation on this earth.”  Then she burst out laughing.  “Princess Guenell was so confused by my actions.  She had no clue why I was doing it.  She did not know I had fallen in love with you and didn’t care who you were.”  Then she added thoughtfully,   “And I cannot tell her how I tripped up myself and fell into a bed of roses.”

“Eventually you will be able to tell her.  However, a Wanderer’s life is not a bed of roses, my darling Lilleth, it comes complete with many thorns,” Prince Zaldor said with a smile.  “We are committed to the life of the Wanderer.”

Lilleth smiled at him,  “but my darling Prince, or Wanderer, whomever I married,” then she snuggled into his arms,  “even a healer must have a moment or two for his wife.”  Then she added with a happy smile,  “Besides I wanted to marry you because I wanted to share your life as a wanderer.”

The Wanderer smiled as he gathered her into his arms.  “Oh, there definitely will be time for moments with his very beautiful wife.”

Lilleth had won the concession she wanted.  She would happily put up with the rest.  She knew her beauty was not lost on the Wanderer.  He did not object at all to marrying her.  Then the thought hit her.  Did he know that she was going to demand that he marry her.  She leaned back and looked at him.  The Wanderer smiled,  “No darling Lilleth, I cannot read your mind.  I just had some good hunches as to what you might do.  Happily they turned out somewhat right.”  Then he quietly added,  “It supposedly had been foretold that a young powerful mage from the north-country would meet and marry an Elven maiden from the south.  That Elven maiden had the potential to become a very powerful mage in her own right.  Together they could become a powerful force for good on this earth.”

Lilleth smiled at him then she lay her head on his shoulder,  “I am not sure, darling husband, whether I am ready to completely believe you.  However, I will not argue with you over that.  I  admit I am very happy the way everything has turned out so far.  I will be more than happy to take what comes from now on, knowing you are by my side.”

The next morning, Princess Lilleth went to the castle to gather her things and bring them to the Wanderer’s tent.  That would now become her home.  The queen met her as Lilleth came into the castle.  “Are you sure that was a step you should have taken?” she asked.

Lilleth smiled,  “I was sure when I first took it.  I am even more sure now.  It was exactly the right thing for me to do.”

“But what did your father say.  And what will your mother think of your actions?”  asked Queen Nadra.  “Guenell said you didn’t ask your father’s permission.  She said you just said your mother could have the wedding when you and the Wanderer reached your lands.”

“I’m afraid my mother and father had given up on me marrying any one deemed suitable.  Under the circumstances, father thought the Wanderer would make the best possible compromise for a suitor for me.  My mother will undoubtedly agree.  They are happy I am married to a great healer.  They are also happy to have me married to one who will be very able to defend me.  My husband has a reputation not only as a great healer, but also as a great bowsman and a swordsman.  I do not think I will want for much as his wife.  Besides, I always enjoyed being able to wander the countryside away from our cities.  As the wife of the Wanderer, I shall be able to do that.”   Lilleth could not tell them that she was also married to a Prince of the most powerful nation on this earth and son of one of the ruling Princes of that nation.  She did not even dare tell her friend Princess Guenell.

Princess Lilleth quickly had her things moved to her new home.  Actually she had found the Wanderer’s tent more comfortable than her room in the castle. It was actually almost as luxurious as her father’s tent.  It amused the Wanderer that she quickly set herself up as the lady of the household.  She did not bring a personal servant with her when she traveled.  However, she told the Queen and Princess Guenell that she would not need anyone from the castle.  She assured them her husband would provide her with anything she wished.  She left it at that.  She did not know yet how things always seemed to get done in the Wanderer’s tent.  She even had a new outfit laid out for her this morning that not only fit perfectly, but it was very beautiful.  

That afternoon, the Leaders were to meet together.  This of course included the two Elven Princes and their sons who had accompanied them to this gathering.  It was to this group, the Wanderer had asked permission to speak. As the Wanderer was on his way to the castle, accompanied by Princess Lilleth, a great hawk came out of the sky and settled on his shoulder.  The Wanderer greeted the hawk as an old friend.  The hawk then whispered some news into his ear.  A smile lit the Wanderer’s face.  “Now I have more good news to tell the King and other leaders today,” he said.  Princess Lilleth smiled at his comment.  Now that she knew who her husband really was, she was no longer surprised at these happenings.  These birds of prey were her husband’s messengers.  She also had a hunch they were more than that.  She would learn if that were true in good time. 

After the introductions, and some short speeches of welcome and greetings from the King, the Elven Princes and the Dukes, the King rose.  “The Wanderer, whom most of you know as a great healer, has asked permission to address you with some good news.”

He then welcomed the Wanderer.  The Wanderer, now again clothed in his familiar leather, rose to his feet.  He moved out, so he could face the group, yet not have his back to the king.  Everyone had to admit, he was an imposing figure as he stood before them.  He had the confidence of a man who had done this before.

“Most of you know of the great Mage, Magellor.  It is from he that I bring you this news.  Several days ago Vakorin, the Evil Witch of the Western Coastal Mountains, gathered together a group of evil ones and Mages from some of the lands here.  They gathered at a clearing to the northeast of the castle.  Magellor, knowing this, gathered together all his power and taking them by surprise, vanquished them and threw them into the sun from where they cannot return for ten centuries.  That caused the light that some of you saw in the forest.”  Then the Wanderer paused letting the portent of this news sink in.   He then continued,  “On my way to the castle, the hawk of Prince Zarylai, brought me another bit of good news to share with you.  The battle, he with some allies, fought with Jazelork, the evil Mage who controlled the Western Coastal Kingdom, has been won.  Jazelork had been in league with Valkonin.  The evil forces have been confined to the netherworld for the next five centuries.  That Kingdom has been returned to the rightful young king.  The forces that a young Western Duke and several minor Lords had sent to help Jazellork have been annihilated.”  What the Wanderer had not told them was that the inhuman forces sent to help them disappeared when the witch Valkonin was vanquished.  This left those forces vulnerable to the fierce mountain tribes that were opposing the Duke and Lords’ forces.  They were completely wiped out.

The King noted that a young Duke and several minor Lords who had been sitting toward the back tried to quietly slip out of the room.  He said nothing.  Their Mages were undoubtedly among those who had been destroyed.  It was their forces that had been annihilated by Prince Zarylai’s forces.  They undoubtedly would be gathering their men and leaving for their lands. It would be duly noted who they were.  The young Duke knew he had to act fast.  With his evil allies gone, his father, who he had forced out of control, and his younger brother, would be gathering a force to get back control of the Dukedom.  In fact, that was already happening, as the young Duke would find out.  He had not been well liked by most of the people of his Dukedom.  By the time he reached the Dukedom, he would find out he had to flee for his life.

When the Wanderer finished, there was a period of silence.  Then a cheer went up.  Immediately they began to ask questions of the Wanderer.  The Prince of the Western Elven Nation, gave the assembly of nobles the story of the war with Jazellork.  With this information, questions about the first news, could easily be explained by the Wanderer.  He said he had studied the healing arts for a short time under Magellor.  Magellor then granted him the ability to communicate at times with the great Mage. He gave the impression he was only a healer with possibly some minor powers of a Mage.  It was Magellor who had the power to communicate with him.

Princess Lilleth and Princess Guenell had been able to listen outside of the great hall.  Lilleth smiled at the story.  She knew that it was her husband who defeated the evil ones, possibly with some help from Magellor.  Now she knew.  The eagle and sometimes the wolf, were her husband’s messengers as well as his allies.  Although Prince Zaldor had not told her, she was sure they were part spirit, part animal.  That is why she had been able to hear the wolf in her mind.  That is why she knew she had nothing to fear from him when she first saw him.

After the questioning died down, the King again arose.  “I have a happy announcement also to make, but I will first let Prince Elleren make an announcement.”

Prince Elleren rose and with a smile on his face began,  “I have the great pleasure to announce that at the request of my daughter Princess Lilleth and agreement of the great healer we all know as the Wanderer, that they were married last night.  According to our laws, and with the agreement of King Guthor,  my daughter Lilleth and the Wanderer were married by two Mages in the presence of myself, her uncle Prince Gadryell, Princess Guenell and a host of others.”

The King then rose and said,  “In celebration of this joyous event, I decree we shall have a dinner in their honor the day after the meeting of the people.”  A cheer went up at that announcement.  They now had much to be merry about.

The Duke Gannel then arose and asked for all their attention.

“As you know at meetings and dinners such as we will have tonight and tomorrow, there tends to be a separation of nobles and other people.  Princess Lilleth would sit among us, the Wanderer would sit with the others.  My son reminded me very emphatically that Princess Lilleth would not allow herself to be separated from her husband.  Therefore I would suggest that for the rest of the time of this gathering, the Wanderer be given the standing of a noble.”

The King quickly agreed.  “I would hate to see this gathering deny itself the privilege of having the great beauty of Princess Lilleth among us.  Besides, I think the Wanderer is as noble a man as has ever stood before this assembly.”

There were cheers and cries of agreement.  There was not one opposing voice heard.  In spite of the fact that Princess Lilleth was an Elven maiden, everyone agreed she was a great beauty.  This in spite of the fact it was well known she preferred the trousers of an elven rider or bowman, rather than the dresses of a Princess.  She rode the horse as a man would ride.  She was known to wear what appeared to be a beautiful dress, but which actually were artfully disguised pants.  In addition, the Wanderer had already made many friends among the nobles.

The Wanderer voiced his thanks to the group.  The King, seeing the Wanderer was planning to leave, told him he and his wife would be expected at the dinner being held for this group tonight.  The Wanderer bowed and said he would be most happy to accompany his wife to the dinner.  Prince Elleren and Prince Gadryell smiled.  He did that so convincingly.  It was hard to remember that he was actually a Prince who could command more power than anyone there.  They knew his own people held the Wanderer in very high regard.   If he so wished, he would be asked to be one of their leaders.  But they would honor his request they treat him as the Wanderer, a healer.  They knew he had a good reason for this, which he would reveal to them in his own time.  Prince Gadryell also knew Prince Zaldor, the Wanderer was a great Mage.  Just how great he had no idea yet.  He suspected, it was far greater than his own senior Mage.

Princess Lilleth met the Wanderer as he began to make his way toward the door leading out of the castle.  She slipped her arm around his waist and he slipped his around hers.  They walked together through the hall.  She smiled up at him.  “Guenell and I listen outside the hall.”

“You heard all?” was the Wanderer’s question.

“Everything.  The Duke was right.  I would never be separated from my handsome husband.  I have to protect him from all those other young women.”  She smiled beguiling up at him.

The Wanderer smiled,  “They will allow me to sit with you while this gathering is going on.”  Lilleth giggled.  If they only knew, she thought.

Princess Lilleth convinced her husband not to wear his usual attire to the dinner.  He arrived with his very beautiful wife dressed in what he termed his learned man costume.  Lilleth added a couple of Elven flair’s to it and then termed him presentable.  The Wanderer laughed and gave her a hug and a kiss.  She smiled at him,  “I will require more of you than that when we arrive home after the dinner.”

“I am at your service my lady,” he answered with a flourish.

She smiled and then said,  “Promise to act like someone trying to act like a Prince, tonight.”  Then she laughed lightly.  The Wanderer gathered her up and escorted her out of the door of the tent and to an open carriage that sat there waiting for them.  Lilleth turned to him with a questioning look.  “And where did you conjure this up from?  Do you think this is wise.”

“No one will see us arrive.  We will appear to have stepped from someone else’s carriage.  But no one will recall whose,” the Wanderer said.

She raised her eyes to the heavens.  “What have I gotten myself in to.”  Then she stepped into the carriage and seated herself.  Her husband seated himself beside her.  She slipped her hand into his.  The carriage moved smoothly forward.   They soon arrived at the castle.  As her husband had said, no one seemed to see them arrive, until they walked into the castle.   Princess Guenell and Luthral, Duke Dannel’s son, greeted them.  Guenell looked the Wanderer over.  “I would not have recognized you if you hadn’t been with Lilleth.  You look very noble.”

“Thank you kind Lady,” the Wanderer replied.  “My Princess insisted that I dress like a gentleman, not a wandering healer.”

Luthral smiled,  “I notice some Elven touches to your costume,” he said.

Princess Lilleth smiled,  “It adds a flair, don’t you think.”

“I think it is very nice,” replied Guenell.  “It becomes him.”

The Wanderer stood silently with an amused smile listening to their analysis of his clothes.  “But can even an Elven Princess work enough magic to make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear?”

Princess Lilleth turned to him with fire in her eye.  The Wanderer bowed to her and in the appropriate apologetic tone said,  “I shall remember to act like someone trying to act like a Prince.”

The briefest smile crept across Lilleth’s face, then she wiped it off.  “Don’t toy with me, husband,” trying to make her voice sound stern while trying to suppress a giggle.  It was going to be difficult to be serious tonight.  Especially as the Wanderer, she knew, was amused at this charade.  He would, however, carry it off without a single mistake.  She would just have to stay close by his side and pretend to be assisting him to act like a gentle-born man.  She could count on Guenell and Luthral to stay with them.  They, of course, would really be ready to help, so the Wanderer would not make any mistakes.  Neither knew that he really was a Prince, and needed no instructions.  Luthral’s father, Duke Dannel, strongly suspected the Wanderer was much more than a great healer.  He also had noticed how at ease he was in the presence of the Princes and King.  However, the Duke was not about to voice his suspicions to anyone.  The Duke’s debt of gratitude for the healing of his daughter guaranteed his silence.  It appeared the Wanderer wanted to be viewed as just a healer.  He would honor that until the Wanderer indicated differently.

The four of them came into the great hall where the banquet was being held.  They were seated among a young group of the sons and daughters of the Dukes and Lords.  Lilleth’s brother and one of Prince Gadryell’s sons joined them at the table.  The Wanderer and Lilleth were surrounded by those happy to see them together there.  Princess Guenell had seen to that.

There were however, some among the old Lords, who could not see why Princess Lilleth would want to and why she was allowed to marry the Wanderer.   They looked on him as common-born.  Granted he was a great healer, but that did not make him an equal with them.  That is what he was now pretending to be.

However, they did not dare publicly show their feelings on this matter.  The King had already, in essence, shown he condoned this union by announcing he would have a celebration in their honor.  None of these Lords wished to be left out from this celebration.  There would be feasting and plenty of drink flowing.  Besides, both Elven Princes seemed happy that Princess Lilleth had chosen the Wanderer as her husband.  The three Elven Nations were far more advanced and were powerful.  All the small Lords preferred them as friends and allies.  Trade with the Elven Nations always proved mutually beneficial.

The banquet began with the King announcing the good news that the Wanderer had brought them.  There were toasts drunk to the peace that this seemed to portend.  There were pledges of friendship from all the nobles there.  The Elven Princes pledged their support to the keeping of the peace and to the settling of all the disputes by peaceful means.  They knew, there were some the King was trying to bring to a peaceful conclusion, at this gathering.  By indicating their support, it strengthened the King’s hand.  The King had not shown any intention of trying to extend his realm.  Rather, by trade he tried to enhance the well being of his present subjects. This of course tended to spill over into the lands around the Central Kingdom.  For this reason, the Elven Princes supported him.  The evening was a joyous one.  There was reason to celebrate.  In addition, several of the rulers who were want to try to cause dissension, were surprisingly missing.  The King did not act as if he noticed this.  However there were comments about this by some of the neighboring Lords, who were happy they were missing.  The King did notice this but ignored it.  Prince Gadryell had told him about their having cast their lot with the defeated Evil Mage.  They were at the moment racing back to their lands to see what they could salvage.  In most cases it was too late.  They would have to flee. As far as the King was concerned it was good riddance.

With the help of those who gathered around Lilleth and Zaldor, the evening passed without an incident.  Lilleth, of course, hovered beside him as if to make sure he acted the way he should in this company.  Lilleth’s brother and Prince Gadryell’s son did the same.  They had been told by their fathers, who the Wanderer really was.  When they were where it was momentarily safe to speak frankly, Lilleth’s brother leaned close to the Wanderer and as if telling him a secret said,  “Even if I didn’t know who you really were, I would have been glad that you and my sister chose each other.”  The Wanderer gave a bow of his head in thanks and smiled as if the Prince had said something amusing.  The Prince smiled back.

When the banquet ended, the group, with the Wanderer and Lilleth, went out into the courtyard.  The horses were there, not the carriage.  Lilleth looked only a trifle surprised.  She reached to her waist and untied the outer skirt.  Underneath was what appeared another beautiful flowing skirt.  It was really trousers that looked like a skirt but allowed Lilleth to ride a horse the way a man did.  Of course this is the way she always rode her horse. Her husband took the skirt from her, folded it up and slipped it into her saddlebags.  Then he lifted her onto her horse and mounted his.  They said good-bye and with Prince Gadryell’s son, and several of his friends, rode toward the Wanderer’s tent.

When Lilleth and Zaldor were alone, Lilleth threw herself into his arms and began to laugh.  “You were absolutely wonderful, my husband.  Your act was perfect.”

“But your supporting role was even better.  No one could have played the worried bride better than you did.”

Lilleth smiled,  “Of course we had a marvelous supporting cast in Luthral and Guenell, who weren’t acting, and my brother and cousin, who were.”

Then after having given Zaldor a lingering kiss, Lilleth bent back and said,  “I think that Duke Dannel has very great suspicions that you are not just what you claim to be.”

“But the Duke will never express that suspicion in public.  He won’t even tell his son what he suspects,” said the Wanderer.  “We need have no fear from him.  He won’t even ask me.  He will wait until I am ready to tell him, if there is anything to tell.”

Later as they lay in bed, Lilleth asked him,  “Will you teach me to be a Mage?”

“I will.  And I will also teach you to be a healer.  You already know more of both than you realize.  So for a little while, I will be just showing you how to best use the knowledge and talents you already have.”

The next morning, the Wanderer prepared to go to the meeting of all the men that would be held in a clearing just outside the castle.  Lilleth was going to the castle to join Guenell.  As they were riding away from the tent Lilleth turned to the Wanderer.

“Who is going to guard our tent, husband?” she asked.

“Turn around dear Princess,” the Wanderer said.

Lilleth turned around.  To one side in front of the tent was a tall powerful northman sharpening his huge sword.  On the other, another northman doing the same to his huge spear.  Lilleth smiled.  “No, I don’t think anyone would want to challenge those two to try to get into a healer’s tent.”  Then she looked up and saw the eagle sitting on top of the tent.  “And that is your protection from prying Mages.”

The Wanderer just smiled.  He would tell Lilleth about those things after they left the castle and started on their way South.  The Wanderer delivered Lilleth into the castle courtyard and saw her greeted by Guenell, then he turned his horse to the field where the men were meeting and where the King and several others would greet them.  The King and others would make the announcement of the news the Wanderer had brought to the gathering of nobles.  The Wanderer was free to wander among the men.  He knew he could learn much of what was going on around the realm and the surrounding lands.  He had a way of inspiring confidence so the men would give him information.  He was even able to gain information from them that they didn’t realize they knew.  He learned more of the trouble to the South about which he had some knowledge. He also learned about happenings in the eastern mountains about which he had heard nothing before.  Here among the men, the Wanderer was looked upon as one of them.  Many of the men knew that, because he was a healer, he was often invited to dine with the nobles.  That changed nothing.

The Wanderer used this to his advantage.  However, this was only one of the reasons he hid his real identity.  This way he could wander at will.  Nobody paid any attention.  Most of the Mages did not see a reason to keep track of where he was.  Even those who had reason to believe he was some kind of a Mage, didn’t believe he could be very powerful if he wandered over the face of the world.  Most of them had bases from which they operated.  Although they often took trips, they spent most of their time at their particular home base. 

The Wanderer knew that Princess Sylleron, Lilleth’s mother was in some kind of danger.  Behind his mask of a wandering healer, the Wanderer was hoping to find who was really behind the danger, without letting the perpetrator know he had been discovered.  This is why he made sure no one would tell Princess Sylleron who he really was.  She could not then unknowingly reveal his identity to the being that was putting her in danger.  He had to destroy that power before it could be used to destroy Princess Sylleron or to tarnish her honor.  It would be easier to accomplish that if that being did not know with whom he was dealing.  The Wanderer was planning to launch an attack before they reached the Southern Elven Nation.  In this he would have the help of the fairies who attended Princess Sylleron.  No one could see them except the Princess.  Not even most of the Mages.  He could not yet tell Lilleth of her mother’s danger or of his plans to rescue her.

The King told the gathering both bits of news, he had been given by the Wanderer.  However, he did not disclose exactly how he got those bits of news.  Because the King had a reputation for honesty, few doubted the accuracy of what he told them. Besides, they noticed the absence of a certain young Duke and his men, and several Lords and their men.  In addition, they all recognized that this could easily be a cause for a celebration.  This would be welcomed by all of the men.  It was announced to this group, on the fourth day, there would be festival that would last for two days.  There would be games and food and drink.  The meeting went very well.  It was at this meeting, the King entertained certain petitions.  It was here, he sat as an arbiter of certain disputes between some small Lords.  He managed to somewhat satisfy all, to some degree, without antagonizing any in attendance.  Some of the disputes had been solved by the absence of a certain young Duke and several Lords.  Everyone at this meeting looked forward to the forthcoming celebration.

The King intended to have the celebration in honor of Princess Lilleth’s marriage, on the second day.   Of course, to this only the nobles would be invited.

The Wanderer spent the next day laying plans for his trip with his bride to her land.  He intended to continue his work as the healer as they made their way south.  At the same time he was planning to complete his plans to defeat the Mage who was trying to obtain complete control over Lilleth’s mother.  He had been able to obtain some valuable information regarding this situation.  He could now proceed to lay his plans and clue Lilleth into what he was going to do.  He would also tell her what part she was going to play in this.  The messages Lilleth would be sending to her mother would be designed to give a false sense of security to this Mage.  With the help of Lilleth, the Wanderer intended to force this Mage to show himself.  When he did, the Wanderer could act.  Up until that time, the Wanderer, with Lilleth’s help would make sure Lilleth’s mother was in no real danger, while giving the impression that she was falling more and more under the Mage’s power.  The only thing that the Wanderer regretted was that in the process of defeating the Mage he would also have to destroy Princess Sylleron’s old Mage.  Because he had become weak and feeble, he had allowed Princess Sylleron to come somewhat under the power of the Evil Mage.  This is what had precipitated this coming confrontation.  The Wanderer intended to make the trip south as he would normally, taking his time to do his work as a healer.  He now knew he had the time so he could do this.  It would further lull the Evil Mage into a false sense of security.  He would not see any danger in a mere healer winding his way south toward the land of the elves, even if he discovered some how that healer might possibly be a Mage.  There would be no indication that his deception and plans had been discovered.

The day of the celebration commemorating Princess Lilleth’s marriage to the Wanderer dawned bright and sunny.

“You ordered this day for our celebration, dear husband,” Lilleth said to the Wanderer as she snuggled into his arms that morning.

“Anything for my beautiful wife,” he answered with a smile.

“You are going to act as if it was the most wonderful thing in the world that I picked you to be my husband.”

“Of course, my dear Princess Lilleth, because it is the truth,” the Wanderer said with a wry smile.

Lilleth exploded,  “Oh Pooh.  You planned it all.  If I hadn’t fallen into your trap, you would have had your Northmen kidnap me.  Then you would have placed me under your spell and make me ask you to marry me.  You agreed to my proposal too quickly, dear husband.”

“My beautiful darling Princess.  No man would have refused your request to ask you to marry them.”

Lilleth looked at him with raised eyebrows.  “Flattery will not change my opinion that you planned to marry me all the time.  I just made it simple for you to accomplish what you planned to do anyway.”

The Wanderer smiled.  “As an Elven Princess you can say you made a very awful mistake and do not want me as a husband.  Most people would agree that you have the right to change your mind in this case.  After all they think I am common born and you are a very beautiful Princess.”

“Oh, you are not going to get away from me that easily.  As you warned me, so I am warning you.  I intend this marriage to be for life, which in our cases will be a very long time.  Besides, dear husband, I have yet to see a man in whose arms I would rather spend my nights.”  Then she gave him an engaging smile,  “I am looking forward to meeting your mother and father and the rest of your family.  I really want to get to know just what kind of man I married in a rash moment.”

“We will do that next summer, after we visit your family.”  Then the Wanderer added, “I want to spend some time getting acquainted, and learning what type of woman I married.”

“Are you really sure you want to find out?”

“Oh very definitely, my darling Princess.”

“You don’t have to keep calling me Princess when we are here alone.  I am sure you have made sure no one can listen in on us.”

“How do you know I have that power?”

“It is my woman’s intuition, darling husband.”

The Wanderer decided not to argue that point.  The Wanderer already knew it was not just women’s intuition that furnished his wife with her knowledge.  She had already learned much more than anyone suspected.  He had a hunch that her mother knew.  That is why she had not argued when Lilleth had stated that she was going to this gathering with her father and brother.

They dressed and set out for the castle.  Princess Guenell and Luthral met them at the castle.  They were joined there by Lilleth’s brother and cousin.  In due time they were escorted into the hall and seated between Prince Elleren and Prince Gadryell who were seated to the right of the King.  When they were all seated the King rose and offered a toast to the newly weds.  Then the food was brought out and the celebration began.  Many toasts were offered.  After all, Princess Lilleth was the daughter of a Prince of the powerful Southern Elven Nation.  Her uncle, seated on the other side of them, was a Prince of the powerful Northern Elven Nation a close ally of the very powerful Northern Nation.  Only a very few realized that they were also toasting the marriage of a Prince of that Northern Nation.  At one point the Mage of Duke Dannel leaned over and whispered.  “Do you get the feeling the Wanderer is something more than he appears to be?”

The Duke turned to his Mage and asked,  “Do you feel that is something we need to be worried about?” he asked.

“No,” replied the Mage,  “I don’t get any signs of that.”

“Good, then I think the Wanderer will tell us in good time if that is true.  Until then I would dismiss it from my mind,” the Duke told his Mage.  

The celebration continued late into the night.  Lilleth marveled at the way her husband played his part.  It was easy for her to be a good supporting cast.  He set the tone and she followed.  Those who knew made sure no one suspected.  The evening went very pleasantly.  Finally they said goodnight to everyone and went back to the tent.  The next day they were up early.  Zaldor began to teach Lilleth the ways of the Mage as well as the art of the healer.  He had already learned how much she already knew.  It was going to be a much easier task than he first thought.  During the festival, they had decided that Lilleth would spend the time with Guenell.  The Wanderer would circulate among the men.

During the Festival, everyone would be very friendly.  With the ale flowing freely, tongues would be loosened.  The Wanderer intended to take full advantage of this.  He would learn many things that would be valuable to him as he wandered the countryside.  He would know all the small intrigues that were always going on.  He would learn where he would be most needed, and where he might find additional valuable information.  He would also learn the places he might want to avoid at a particular time.  Not that any of these places would pose a danger to him.  It was just that there might be things in which he saw no necessity for him to become involved.  They could be worked out without him.

The first day proved to be a valuable one.  He learned some things that gave him a better insight into the Mage who was trying to control Lilleth’s mother.  What he learned also gave him a very good idea how he could trap this Mage.  In addition, he learned a number of things that he would inform his father about.  Rumors from several sources of situations in the East in which his father would be interested.  At the end of the day, he gathered up Lilleth from the castle and went back to his tent.

Waiting for him was Lady Syalla, Princess Sylleron’s chief fairy.  The Wanderer was one of the few people besides the princess who could see the fairies.  They were normally visible only to the person to whom they had attached themselves.  Lilleth found she could also see her.  The fairy knew of the Wanderer’s power.  She came to plead with the Wanderer to keep her mistress from harm.

“You must not let her fall any farther under the power of Mazorth,” Lady Syalla said.  “I have come to plead with you to intervene.”

“In good time, Lady Syalla,” the Wanderer replied,  “I must force Mazorth to commit himself before I act.  Until that time, I assure you that Princess Sylleron will not come to any great harm.   We must make Mazorth think that he can gain power over her, but only if he comes to her himself.  It will take a while before he reaches that decision.  Meanwhile with your help we will keep her from any major harm although we will have to allow her to suffer some pain.  It is necessary to keep Mazorth from suspecting he is being opposed by another Mage.”

While this conversation was going on, Princess Lilleth was listening with a questioning look.  “Just what are you talking about, my dear husband.  I can see the fairy, and I know it is one of the band that watches over my mother.  What danger is she in that they are asking for your help?”

The Wanderer gave her a brief run down on her mother’s situation.  He said, later he would give her the details of his plans to keep her mother safe and eventually to eliminate the danger to her.  The Wanderer gave Lady Syalla some suggestions for her band, which would help to keep Princess Sylleron safe, without Mazorth knowing they were aware of the true situation.  They discussed these suggestions and came up with a plan that would do what was needed.  Lady Syalla thanked the Wanderer and disappeared.

“How were you able to see the fairy.  I thought only a very few Elven women could see them,” said Lilleth.

“Actually,” replied her husband,  “I saw her because she wanted me to see her.  I do know you have your own fairy band, but I cannot see them.  I would have to cast a very powerful spell to be able to see them.  Fairies cannot be affected by Mage’s powers.  Few can cast a powerful enough spell even to see them.  I do not think that Mazorth knows they exist.  This can be used to our advantage.”

Lilleth smiled at her husband.  “My fairies did a dance of celebration when I married you.”

“Well I’m glad of that.  I wouldn’t want them to be unhappy that you are my wife.”

Lilleth laughed.  “You mean they might make your life even more miserable than I could possibly make it.”  The Wanderer just smiled but said nothing.  So Lilleth slipped into his arms and with a lovely smile said,  “I wouldn’t let them make you miserable.  I claim that right all for my own.”  Her husband laughed and hugged her. 

With the fairy departed, the Wanderer decided it was time to tell Lilleth what he knew about her mother’s situation.  He would tell her of his plans to make sure that her mother did not come to any real harm.  Then he would tell her of his tentative plans to defeat and destroy the Mage who was trying to get her into his power.  They spent some time discussing the details and the timetable the Wanderer had devised.  He told Lilleth they could keep her mother from any real harm without alerting the Mage involved.  He described how he planned to wend their way south acting as just a healer going about his business.  During this time he would be setting the stage for forcing the Mage to show himself.  At that time the Wanderer thought he could easily deal with him.  The Witch, with whom he had been allied, had been destroyed.  Surprise was the important element in the Wanderer’s plan.  It would make it much easier and much more sure.  He did not want the Mage to suspect anything until he was hit with all the Wanderer’s power.  For the most part Lilleth listened quietly, asking questions quietly and making suggestions as it seemed appropriate.  This completed, they went to bed.

When they awakened and began to dress to go again to the Festival, Lilleth smiled at the Wanderer and said,  “My fairies are dancing this morning. Apparently they are happy.”

“Does that mean my Princess is going to be especially nice to me?” the Wanderer inquired.

“I took it to mean that my handsome Prince was going to be especially nice to me,” said Lilleth.  “You’re going to be wandering about ogling all the young women all day, while I have to suffer through sitting with the King and Queen.”

“And having all the young men ogle you,” added the Wanderer with a smile and a cock of his head at her.

“I really never notice,” Lilleth said with a coquettish flip of her head.  Then she gave him a most beguiling smile.  Her husband just smiled and shook his head.

Again the Wanderer left Lilleth off in the castle courtyard and went to the field where the Festival was being held.  A number of the Lords brought their marriageable sons and daughters.  This was a chance for a possible alliance through the marriage of a daughter or a son into another noble family.  There were a number of the young ladies who looked the Wanderer over thoroughly.  These included a number of the daughters of the Lords as well as daughters of some rich merchants.  The Wanderer was always polite but managed to slip away at the first possible moment.  He found it was the wives who were more apt to have some good information.  It was also much safer to spend some time talking to them.  He always had some small healing hints for them.  As the healer, it was also thought perfectly proper for him to be talking to the women.  He could divide his attention between the men and the women without arousing any suspicion.  This activity, if noticed by Mages, would convince them that he couldn’t possibly be anything but a mere healer.  Mages didn’t waste their time with such mundane tasks.

In the afternoon, the Wanderer was making his way through an area where there were the families of a number of the Lords.  A group of the young women spotting him, made a move to surround him to prevent him from slipping away.  A moment later, as he was being surrounded, an arm slipped through his arm and he turned to see who it was.

“I thought I might find you here, husband, surrounded by beautiful women,” it was Lilleth.  She had her head tipped to one side and was smiling up at him slightly accusingly.

“I was looking for you my darling Princess,” the Wanderer said.  Some of the young women reacted with surprise.  Apparently not all of them had heard that the Wanderer had been just married to an Elven Princess.  However, they knew they couldn’t compete with this beautiful Princess.  The group quickly dissolved.  The Wanderer slipped his arm around Lilleth,  “Why don’t you have an escort.  It’s not proper for a Princess to be wandering through the crowd alone.  Especially a married one.”  However, he was not surprised to find her doing just that.

“I wasn’t alone.  I just left them to come and rescue my husband from the clutches of a group of beautiful young women.”

“Ah but none of them can match the beauty of my lovely wife.”

“You just say that because it is true,” said Lilleth with a saucy flip of her head.  Then she smiled innocently up at him and added,  “And it is a good thing that you did say that my wandering husband.”

He started to lead her back to the group she had left.  Princess Guenell, Luthral, Lilleth’s brother Avenor, and cousin Nardelar were among the group.  They all greeted the Wanderer. Lilleth’s brother smiled at the Wanderer.  “It is dangerous wandering among the women.  Especially if you are young, tall, handsome and not Elven,” he said. 

“Oh I noticed a few young women casting interested glances your and Prince Nardelar’s way including Luthral’s sister.  And Luthral’s sister’s attractiveness is obviously not missed by Prince Nardelar,” said the Wanderer with a smile.

“Ah, but as you and Lilleth know, there can be a problem in marriages between Elves and humans,” Prince Nardelar said in a somewhat sad tone.

“You just have to come to terms with that.  You cannot change it so you have to live with it,” the Wanderer stated a little sadly.  Lilleth admired how he could put on that act.  Especially when he knew his life span would be very close if not equal to hers.  Of course, Prince Nordelar also knew of that fact.  The Wanderer had more Elf blood running in his veins than that of his Northern Nation.  Not only was his mother an Elf, but his grandmother was also.  Yet he looked like a Northman with just some subtle hints of his Elven background.  Few actually noticed that.  However, although he showed few physical characteristics of his Elven background, he actually had many of them.  Momentarily the group gathered up the Wanderer as they wandered about the Festival.  Lilleth slipped her arm around his waist as they walked.  When Guenell and Luthral walked farther ahead, Lilleth looked up at the Wanderer and asked,  “And what good information did your glean today?”

The Wanderer leaned close to here and softly said,  “Enough to know that we will have time to wander slowly southward, arousing little suspicion.”

Lilleth smiled up at him,  “That sounds like it is good news.”

“For the time being, yes.  A close watch will be kept.  As yet, no one seems to suspect I am anything but a healer.”

“And when will we be leaving?” she inquired.

“We do not want anyone to think we are in a hurry.  We will leave in the late morning tomorrow.  Many will also be leaving then.  The confusion will serve us well,” the Wanderer replied.

Lilleth made plans with her husband to meet with him later that evening and then to go home with him.  Until that time the Wanderer planned to continue to circulate among the people here at the festival.  A number of young Mage apprentices would be also in the crowd at night.  He could trade certain information with them.  They would be called on occasionally to perform the acts of the healer.  They would be more than willing to trade information and rumors they had heard for some healing information from him.  Most had heard of his reputation as a great healer.

Chapter THREE

They were up in the morning packing things away and preparing to begin the trek southward.  Quite a few people stopped to say good-bye before they left.  After all, Princess Lilleth was a beautiful Elven Princess, and her new husband was the Wanderer, the healer.  It was actually after noon before everything was packed in the wagon and they were ready to leave.  Princess Guenell and Luthral came just before they pulled out.  Lilleth promised they would stop again on their way north in spring.  Guenell told Lilleth that she and Luthral were planning to marry the next fall.  Lilleth promised that she and the Wanderer would be there.  Then the Wanderer and Lilleth started to head West.  It was part of his plan to look like he was in no great hurry to get to land of the Elves.  He must be about his healing work.  The Princess Lilleth must know that was the important thing.  Mazorth, of course would be made aware of this.  The Wanderer would see to that.  Mazorth would be in no hurry.  Prince Elleren, Lilleth’s father, planned to go West to visit Prince Zarylai of the Southeastern Elven Nation before he returned home.  The Wanderer knew that was the plan.  He had counted on that to happen.  This actually made it easier for Zaldor to accomplish what he was planning.