Chapter One

Kaarian rode into the Queen’s city looking for the Inn of the Silver Dragon. A tall, young Dark Elf, dressed rather plainly in very fine Elven clothe and leather and carrying a fine Elven long sword and an especially splendid Elven short sword. He was mounted on a very magnificent Elven steed with a number of more carrying his belongings. The Captain standing at the side of the road took particular note of him. Kaarian rode up to him and with a pleasant friendly smile and a bow of his head in greeting asked, “Captain, could you be so kind as to direct me to the Inn of the Silver Dragon? I am supposed to meet a friend there.” The Captain smiled at Kaarian’s friendly pleasant tone of voice as he saw Kaarian as being a high ranked Elven noble.

“My Lord,” the Captain said very respectfully and then his eyes widened as he noted the silver dagger Kaarian wore. This noble was a member of the legendary Silver Blades, “If you will keep on this road until you see the Palace to your right and then look down the next road toward the Palace you will see the Inn of the Silver Dragon.”

Kaarian smiled back at the Captain, “Thank you, Sir. I greatly appreciate your assistance. May I inquire if there is not supposed to be a Festival in a week or so?”

“Yes My Lord,” replied the Captain, “it will start in just ten days.”

“I guess I will have to get a room for the length of the Festival,” Kaarian said with a smile. “I do love Festivals.” The Captain made a mental note to himself to let the Commander know that a Dark Elven highly ranked Silver Blade was in the city and planned to stay for the Festival. What the Captain didn’t realize was that Kaarian was a very powerful wizard.

Kaarian Tayaland rode to the Inn, dismounted, commanded his steeds to stay and entered the Inn. A broad smile came upon his face as he saw a very tall, beautiful Dark Elven young lady, wearing a very fine sword and short sword smiling at him. “Did they allow you to travel without a large troupe to guard you, Martyaan?”

“I didn’t tell them I was going to meet you, Kaarian, so they didn’t think a large troupe was necessary,” Martyaan said with a sly smile. “Did you meet the Captain coming in? I think he is the most knowledgeable of the officers and is watching to see who is coming for the Festival. I have heard he knows the sign of the Silver Blades.”

“You have been here for a while Martyaan,” Kaarian asked. “Have you met the Queen?”

“I have given no rank, so I have received no order to present myself, yet,” she said. “However, if the Captain lets the Commander know a Silver Blade is in the city for the Festival, you may get an invitation as everyone sees you as of high rank even though you give no rank. Did you pack your Silver Long Knife away? That would really have garnered his attention.”

“Yes, I packed that away because that is too unusual, while a silver dagger usually does not get much attention,” said Kaarian.

“You had better get yourself a room, Kaarian. Are you going to send your steeds to a pasture outside the city?” she asked. “I found a fine one for my steeds that would also work for yours.”

“I’ll get a room and then we can make arrangements for my steeds with yours, then let us wander the city for a little and seek another Inn for the evening meal,” said Kaarian and Martyaan nodded her agreement.

After Kaarian made arrangements for his steeds and sent them out to the pasture, the two of them started to wander the city. They did get attention as they were both tall even for Dark Elves and the gems on the handles of their swords commanded attention as well as the obvious fine clothe of their dress. Although they were dressed plainly for nobles, few ladies carried two swords as Martyaan did. They found another fine Inn that was a little closer to the Palace and entered. Kaarian saw a table between two families, one a high ranked human noble and the other a high ranked Elven noble. They both gave pleasant smiles to the two families and seated themselves at the table. Martyaan quietly said,

“Are you going to show you are a wizard in your usual manner?”

As the young maid came up to their table Kaarian gave a small wave of his hand and a small gold coin appeared floating in front of the young lady.

“The coin is real and it is yours, young lady, and yes I am a wizard,” Kaarian said to the startled young maid. “The young lady wanted me to give that to you for the fine service you are going to give us. We would like your finest fare and your finest wine.”

“Oh, yes, My Lord,” the delighted young maid said, “I shall get that for you with all haste.” She then took the coin and hurried off to get their glasses of wine. The two families watched rather interestedly as none had ever seen a wizard, who did not look like a wizard, produce a real coin in such an unusual way. However no one made any remark. When no one commented on the fact that Kaarian was a wizard, Martyaan quietly asked,

“Does Choorashey know where you are, Kaarian?”

“I haven’t felt any probes coming in this direction,” Kaariann said with a smile. “I think he is too busy trying to replace the pirate fleet that the Sheik and the Prince of the Sea Isles, with the help of two Elven fleets, destroyed. That wiped out eighty per cent of his income, although he denied working with the pirates. The two Princes, who had an uneasy alliance with him probably took the opportunity to desert him. That would leave his very vulnerable rear wide open to attack from the Sheik and the Prince of the Isles.

“Might he suspect it was your plan they used to wipe out the pirate fleet?” asked Martyaan.

“I’m sure Admiral Darzuu claimed it was his plan. No one will see fit to dispute him,” said Kaarian.

“Especially not you,” said Martyaan with a big smile at Kaarian.

Kaarian laughed, “I’m in enough trouble with enough people as it is, why add to it.”

“You don’t seem very worried,” said Martyaan.

“They have find me and then catch me first,” said Kaarian, with a shrug of his shoulders, “I seem to be able to travel where I want without any trouble, so far.”

“And you always use your right name also,” said Martyaan shaking her head in wonder. “You just don’t look or act like a man with a price on your head, an outlaw.”

“I only hurt the ones who deserve it,” said Kaarian.

“But they always seem to turn out to be persons of high rank and power,” said Martyaan. “Are you dangerous, Kaarian?”

“Never to a beautiful lady,” said Kaarian.

“Well the Queen is said to be both young and beautiful,” said Martyaan. About that time their wine arrived and they sat silently enjoying their glasses of fine wine. Suddenly the young lady at one of the tables asked,

“Are you here for the Festival?”

“Yes we are, although we did not realize there was to be a Festival when we agreed to meet here,” Martyaan said.

“So you did not come together,” said the young Elf from that family.

“No,” said Martyaan, “We are from entirely different forests, but we are old friends.”

With a broad grin, Kaarian said, “She’s the nice one. I’m the one that causes all the trouble so we have to meet far from our forests.”

“And far from Kaarian’s area,” added Martyaan with a sly smile at Kaarian.

The Elven father then said, “It is unusual to see such a fine young lady, such as yourself, carrying a sword and a short sword.”

“And be seeming so at home carrying them as if that is what you are used to doing,” said the human father.

“I have always been a maverick, I am afraid,” said Martyaan. “I do feel at home wearing my swords and riding my steed, much to the chagrin of my lovely mother. However, I will admit she was a very fine horsewoman and used to love to ride.”

With a smile, Kaarian said, “She can look and act the very fine lady that she is, whenever that is appropriate. It is just my company that is to blame for her appearing as she is.”

The Elven mother said, “I do not think her clothes do anything to detract from her beauty, or to cause anyone to think she is not a fine lady, it is just the swords that surprises.”

“And she is an expert with both of those weapons, I can attest,” said Kaarian. Kaarian smiled as he wondered what they would think if they knew she was also a very powerful sorceress.

The Elven mother asked, “You will appear as a fine young lady, when you present yourself to the Queen?”

“I have not been asked to present myself as yet,” Martyaan said. “I suppose if I am asked to do so, I will.” She got surprised looks that it sounded like she really wasn’t anxious to present herself to the Queen. Then Martyaan said with a smile, “I will probably have to go with Kaarian when he is told to present himself so I can be sure he acts like a proper gentleman.” Kaarian put on sorrowful face, but then spoiled it by laughing.

With a smile as she recognized Martyaan was teasing Kaarian, said, “Does he occasionally forget his manners?”

With a smile Martyaan said, “No, but he can be such a charming rogue at times he can be taken wrong.” Then she added, “I don’t know how he manages when I am not around to watch over him.” Everyone smiled at how she said it and the look she gave him.

The human noble, with a broad smile said, “I am sure the Queen would be amused to meet the two of you if you carry on this type of conversation.”

About that time their food came and the two of them devoted their attention to their meal, which they found was very good. The families nodded to them when they took their leave as Kaarian and Martyaan enjoyed their evening meal. They then returned to their Inn after wandering a bit more. They agreed to meet in the morning and again seek another Inn in which to have their morning meal.

“We can get a better idea just who will be coming to the Festival and from where they come,” said Kaarian.

“We can see what troupes are in the city,” said Martyaan, “that will tell us what ranks are represented and from where.”

With a smile Kaarian asked, “Are you expecting someone?” Martyaan laughed at the way he said that.

“No, I wasn’t planning to meet anyone other than you, but I thought you might want to know if certain persons might be putting in an appearance,” Martyaan said. “No, I did not get any warnings of danger, in fact it seemed to indicate a very peaceful time.”

“That is what I got also,” said Kaarian, “so we should be able to enjoy a very fine Festival.” Then he smiled as he added, “I really was not worried about anyone appearing this far from their natural haunts. None of them would think of attacking me without very ample forces to back them up. They have no desire to be harmed themselves.” Martyaan laughed.

“They are more noise than valor, are they not,” she said.

“The dangerous ones are not the ones that openly threaten,” said Kaarian, “they have more patience and wait for the very best time to strike. They also would not come here, it would not be deemed a safe place for them.”

“You think they would not be welcomed?” asked Martyaan somewhat surprised at his meaning.

“They would be looked at with even more suspicion than I might be,” said Kaarian, “to them that would not be an appropriate place to confront me. They might not be believed”

They met the next morning. Waiting in the entrance to the Inn was the Captain. With a bow of his head to them he said, “My Lady,” then turning to Kaarian he said very respectfully, “My Lord, her majesty asks if you would present yourself the next morning.”

With a bow of his head and a pleasant smile, Kaarian very graciously said, “I would be honored to present myself to her majesty at that time.” The Captain bowed his head and left and the two of them went out to find another Inn to have their morning meal.

“Are you planning to go with me Martyaan?” Kaarian asked with a smile.

“Do you not want me to go with you?” she asked.

“Yes, I do,” Kaarian said, “That way much less attention will be paid to me, as all eyes will be on you. Little will be remembered of me,” he added with a smile. Martyaan laughed and made a face at him.

They found another fine Inn on another street, but still near the Palace. This one also had a mix of high ranked human and Elven nobles. They found a table between a group of human and Elven men and an Elven family that Martyaan recognized as a Major Prince from an Elven forest more toward their area. She did not really know them but remembered meeting them once a number of years ago. She wondered if they could possibly remember that meeting and remember who she was. They did look at her rather intently, but said nothing as she and Kaarian took a seat at the table. Kaarian again waved his hand as the young maid came toward them and a coin appeared floating in front of her. This maid just got a smile on her face.

“The coin is real, my lady and is yours,” said Kaarian with a friendly smile at her. “We would like your finest fare and the finest of the juices of fruit.”

“Oh yes, my Lord, I shall get that for you immediately,” and she took the coin and went to get their drinks.

The Major Elven Prince said, “You are a rather unusual wizard, Sir. I have never seen a wizard who could produce a real coin by a mere wave of the hand.”

Martyaan said, “I really think Kaarian does it that way because of the surprise it produces. I think it rather amuses him to do that.”

The Major Elven Princess said, “You have seen him do that often?”

“I have never seen him do it any other way for as long as I have known him, and I have known him for many years. We are old friends,” Martyaan said.

“But we are not from the same forest,” said Kaarian.

“But you are both Dark Elves, are you not?” asked one of the Elves from the table of four men.

“Yes, that we will admit,” said Martyaan with a smile.

The young man with the family asked, “Then you did not come here together?” Martyaan smiled at his question as she knew why he asked.

“No,” said Kaarian, “We agreed to meet here as we are old friends and hadn’t seen each other in a while.”

With a broad smile Martyaan said, “I have to check on him every once in a while to make sure he hasn’t gotten himself too deeply into trouble.”

“Martyaan,” said Kaarian with a very sorrowful look, “You make me sound like a knave.”

“Oh you are not a knave, Kaarian,” said Martyaan with a sly smile, “but you can be a charming rogue at times, and then at times you are not careful who you help.”

With a smile Kaarian said, “Well I am just a very friendly person.” And Martyaan laughed.

One of the Elven men in the group said, “It is obvious you are very good friends, the way you tease each other.”

Another of the men said, “It is very unusual to see one who is obviously a fine lady who also wears a long sword and a short sword.”

“That’s my bad influence,” said Kaarian with a smile. “Of course, I will be the first to admit she is an expert at handling those weapons, which many a foolish young man has learned to his great embarrassment.”

The Major Prince laughed, “You mean she showed them they were less of a swordsman than they wanted others to think.”

Kaarian laughed, “and particularly wanted her to think,” he said. The Princess laughed.

“That would be particularly embarrassing when you are trying to impress a beautiful young lady and then have her easily defeat you in a duel,” the Princess said.

Martyaan then said, “No I have never come close to defeating Kaarian in a duel, but then he has few if any peers as a swordsman.”

One of the Elves in the group of men said, “He does have the looks of a fine swordsman.”

“But I am a very peaceful man, am I not Martyaan?” said Kaarian.

“As long as everyone is friendly and no innocent is being wronged,” said Martyaan with a smile.

With a smile Kaarian said, “Everyone seems very friendly here,” and he said it very innocently and Martyaan laughed. Everyone had a smile at this exchange.

The Major Prince, with a smile said, “I do not think anyone here would see any reason to be anything but friendly with the two of you, as you have had a very friendly attitude toward all of us.” Then the Princess asked,

“Are you planning to be here for the Festival?” Then not waiting for an answer continued, “If you are, we will get you invitations to the ball a friend is holding at their mansion.”

Martyaan answered, “We are planning to be here for the Festival and we would be pleased to receive an invitation to your friend’s ball. We are staying at the Inn of the Silver Dragon.”

“We will have invitations sent to you,” the Princess said and her son smiled.

The Elven family finished their meals and left before Kaarian and Martyaan did. He looked over at her with a smile and said, “Shouldn’t I have let the young man know you are a sorceress, Martyaan?”

With a laugh, Martyaan answered, “And spoil his dreams? You’re nasty.”

The following morning, Kaarian dressed in his finest and Martyaan, as a fine Lady, hired a carriage and went to present themselves to the Queen.

Chapter One

Kaarian rode into the Queen’s city looking for the Inn of the Silver Dragon. A tall, young Dark Elf, dressed rather plainly in very fine Elven clothe and leather and carrying a fine Elven long sword and an especially splendid Elven short sword. He was mounted on a very magnificent Elven steed with a number of more carrying his belongings. The Captain standing at the side of the road took particular note of him. Kaarian rode up to him and with a pleasant friendly smile and a bow of his head in greeting asked, “Captain, could you be so kind as to direct me to the Inn of the Silver Dragon? I am supposed to meet a friend there.” The Captain smiled at Kaarian’s friendly pleasant tone of voice as he saw Kaarian as being a high ranked Elven noble.

“My Lord,” the Captain said very respectfully and then his eyes widened as he noted the silver dagger Kaarian wore. This noble was a member of the legendary Silver Blades, “If you will keep on this road until you see the Palace to your right and then look down the next road toward the Palace you will see the Inn of the Silver Dragon.”

Kaarian smiled back at the Captain, “Thank you, Sir. I greatly appreciate your assistance. May I inquire if there is not supposed to be a Festival in a week or so?”

“Yes My Lord,” replied the Captain, “it will start in just ten days.”

“I guess I will have to get a room for the length of the Festival,” Kaarian said with a smile. “I do love Festivals.” The Captain made a mental note to himself to let the Commander know that a Dark Elven highly ranked Silver Blade was in the city and planned to stay for the Festival. What the Captain didn’t realize was that Kaarian was a very powerful wizard.

Kaarian Tayaland rode to the Inn, dismounted, commanded his steeds to stay and entered the Inn. A broad smile came upon his face as he saw a very tall, beautiful Dark Elven young lady, wearing a very fine sword and short sword smiling at him. “Did they allow you to travel without a large troupe to guard you, Martyaan?”

“I didn’t tell them I was going to meet you, Kaarian, so they didn’t think a large troupe was necessary,” Martyaan said with a sly smile. “Did you meet the Captain coming in? I think he is the most knowledgeable of the officers and is watching to see who is coming for the Festival. I have heard he knows the sign of the Silver Blades.”

“You have been here for a while Martyaan,” Kaarian asked. “Have you met the Queen?”

“I have given no rank, so I have received no order to present myself, yet,” she said. “However, if the Captain lets the Commander know a Silver Blade is in the city for the Festival, you may get an invitation as everyone sees you as of high rank even though you give no rank. Did you pack your Silver Long Knife away? That would really have garnered his attention.”

“Yes, I packed that away because that is too unusual, while a silver dagger usually does not get much attention,” said Kaarian.

“You had better get yourself a room, Kaarian. Are you going to send your steeds to a pasture outside the city?” she asked. “I found a fine one for my steeds that would also work for yours.”

“I’ll get a room and then we can make arrangements for my steeds with yours, then let us wander the city for a little and seek another Inn for the evening meal,” said Kaarian and Martyaan nodded her agreement.

After Kaarian made arrangements for his steeds and sent them out to the pasture, the two of them started to wander the city. They did get attention as they were both tall even for Dark Elves and the gems on the handles of their swords commanded attention as well as the obvious fine clothe of their dress. Although they were dressed plainly for nobles, few ladies carried two swords as Martyaan did. They found another fine Inn that was a little closer to the Palace and entered. Kaarian saw a table between two families, one a high ranked human noble and the other a high ranked Elven noble. They both gave pleasant smiles to the two families and seated themselves at the table. Martyaan quietly said,

“Are you going to show you are a wizard in your usual manner?”

As the young maid came up to their table Kaarian gave a small wave of his hand and a small gold coin appeared floating in front of the young lady.

“The coin is real and it is yours, young lady, and yes I am a wizard,” Kaarian said to the startled young maid. “The young lady wanted me to give that to you for the fine service you are going to give us. We would like your finest fare and your finest wine.”

“Oh, yes, My Lord,” the delighted young maid said, “I shall get that for you with all haste.” She then took the coin and hurried off to get their glasses of wine. The two families watched rather interestedly as none had ever seen a wizard, who did not look like a wizard, produce a real coin in such an unusual way. However no one made any remark. When no one commented on the fact that Kaarian was a wizard, Martyaan quietly asked,

“Does Choorashey know where you are, Kaarian?”

“I haven’t felt any probes coming in this direction,” Kaariann said with a smile. “I think he is too busy trying to replace the pirate fleet that the Sheik and the Prince of the Sea Isles, with the help of two Elven fleets, destroyed. That wiped out eighty per cent of his income, although he denied working with the pirates. The two Princes, who had an uneasy alliance with him probably took the opportunity to desert him. That would leave his very vulnerable rear wide open to attack from the Sheik and the Prince of the Isles.

“Might he suspect it was your plan they used to wipe out the pirate fleet?” asked Martyaan.

“I’m sure Admiral Darzuu claimed it was his plan. No one will see fit to dispute him,” said Kaarian.

“Especially not you,” said Martyaan with a big smile at Kaarian.

Kaarian laughed, “I’m in enough trouble with enough people as it is, why add to it.”

“You don’t seem very worried,” said Martyaan.

“They have find me and then catch me first,” said Kaarian, with a shrug of his shoulders, “I seem to be able to travel where I want without any trouble, so far.”

“And you always use your right name also,” said Martyaan shaking her head in wonder. “You just don’t look or act like a man with a price on your head, an outlaw.”

“I only hurt the ones who deserve it,” said Kaarian.

“But they always seem to turn out to be persons of high rank and power,” said Martyaan. “Are you dangerous, Kaarian?”

“Never to a beautiful lady,” said Kaarian.

“Well the Queen is said to be both young and beautiful,” said Martyaan. About that time their wine arrived and they sat silently enjoying their glasses of fine wine. Suddenly the young lady at one of the tables asked,

“Are you here for the Festival?”

“Yes we are, although we did not realize there was to be a Festival when we agreed to meet here,” Martyaan said.

“So you did not come together,” said the young Elf from that family.

“No,” said Martyaan, “We are from entirely different forests, but we are old friends.”

With a broad grin, Kaarian said, “She’s the nice one. I’m the one that causes all the trouble so we have to meet far from our forests.”

“And far from Kaarian’s area,” added Martyaan with a sly smile at Kaarian.

The Elven father then said, “It is unusual to see such a fine young lady, such as yourself, carrying a sword and a short sword.”

“And be seeming so at home carrying them as if that is what you are used to doing,” said the human father.

“I have always been a maverick, I am afraid,” said Martyaan. “I do feel at home wearing my swords and riding my steed, much to the chagrin of my lovely mother. However, I will admit she was a very fine horsewoman and used to love to ride.”

With a smile, Kaarian said, “She can look and act the very fine lady that she is, whenever that is appropriate. It is just my company that is to blame for her appearing as she is.”

The Elven mother said, “I do not think her clothes do anything to detract from her beauty, or to cause anyone to think she is not a fine lady, it is just the swords that surprises.”

“And she is an expert with both of those weapons, I can attest,” said Kaarian. Kaarian smiled as he wondered what they would think if they knew she was also a very powerful sorceress.

The Elven mother asked, “You will appear as a fine young lady, when you present yourself to the Queen?”

“I have not been asked to present myself as yet,” Martyaan said. “I suppose if I am asked to do so, I will.” She got surprised looks that it sounded like she really wasn’t anxious to present herself to the Queen. Then Martyaan said with a smile, “I will probably have to go with Kaarian when he is told to present himself so I can be sure he acts like a proper gentleman.” Kaarian put on sorrowful face, but then spoiled it by laughing.

With a smile as she recognized Martyaan was teasing Kaarian, said, “Does he occasionally forget his manners?”

With a smile Martyaan said, “No, but he can be such a charming rogue at times he can be taken wrong.” Then she added, “I don’t know how he manages when I am not around to watch over him.” Everyone smiled at how she said it and the look she gave him.

The human noble, with a broad smile said, “I am sure the Queen would be amused to meet the two of you if you carry on this type of conversation.”

About that time their food came and the two of them devoted their attention to their meal, which they found was very good. The families nodded to them when they took their leave as Kaarian and Martyaan enjoyed their evening meal. They then returned to their Inn after wandering a bit more. They agreed to meet in the morning and again seek another Inn in which to have their morning meal.

“We can get a better idea just who will be coming to the Festival and from where they come,” said Kaarian.

“We can see what troupes are in the city,” said Martyaan, “that will tell us what ranks are represented and from where.”

With a smile Kaarian asked, “Are you expecting someone?” Martyaan laughed at the way he said that.

“No, I wasn’t planning to meet anyone other than you, but I thought you might want to know if certain persons might be putting in an appearance,” Martyaan said. “No, I did not get any warnings of danger, in fact it seemed to indicate a very peaceful time.”

“That is what I got also,” said Kaarian, “so we should be able to enjoy a very fine Festival.” Then he smiled as he added, “I really was not worried about anyone appearing this far from their natural haunts. None of them would think of attacking me without very ample forces to back them up. They have no desire to be harmed themselves.” Martyaan laughed.

“They are more noise than valor, are they not,” she said.

“The dangerous ones are not the ones that openly threaten,” said Kaarian, “they have more patience and wait for the very best time to strike. They also would not come here, it would not be deemed a safe place for them.”

“You think they would not be welcomed?” asked Martyaan somewhat surprised at his meaning.

“They would be looked at with even more suspicion than I might be,” said Kaarian, “to them that would not be an appropriate place to confront me. They might not be believed”

They met the next morning. Waiting in the entrance to the Inn was the Captain. With a bow of his head to them he said, “My Lady,” then turning to Kaarian he said very respectfully, “My Lord, her majesty asks if you would present yourself the next morning.”

With a bow of his head and a pleasant smile, Kaarian very graciously said, “I would be honored to present myself to her majesty at that time.” The Captain bowed his head and left and the two of them went out to find another Inn to have their morning meal.

“Are you planning to go with me Martyaan?” Kaarian asked with a smile.

“Do you not want me to go with you?” she asked.

“Yes, I do,” Kaarian said, “That way much less attention will be paid to me, as all eyes will be on you. Little will be remembered of me,” he added with a smile. Martyaan laughed and made a face at him.

They found another fine Inn on another street, but still near the Palace. This one also had a mix of high ranked human and Elven nobles. They found a table between a group of human and Elven men and an Elven family that Martyaan recognized as a Major Prince from an Elven forest more toward their area. She did not really know them but remembered meeting them once a number of years ago. She wondered if they could possibly remember that meeting and remember who she was. They did look at her rather intently, but said nothing as she and Kaarian took a seat at the table. Kaarian again waved his hand as the young maid came toward them and a coin appeared floating in front of her. This maid just got a smile on her face.

“The coin is real, my lady and is yours,” said Kaarian with a friendly smile at her. “We would like your finest fare and the finest of the juices of fruit.”

“Oh yes, my Lord, I shall get that for you immediately,” and she took the coin and went to get their drinks.

The Major Elven Prince said, “You are a rather unusual wizard, Sir. I have never seen a wizard who could produce a real coin by a mere wave of the hand.”

Martyaan said, “I really think Kaarian does it that way because of the surprise it produces. I think it rather amuses him to do that.”

The Major Elven Princess said, “You have seen him do that often?”

“I have never seen him do it any other way for as long as I have known him, and I have known him for many years. We are old friends,” Martyaan said.

“But we are not from the same forest,” said Kaarian.

“But you are both Dark Elves, are you not?” asked one of the Elves from the table of four men.

“Yes, that we will admit,” said Martyaan with a smile.

The young man with the family asked, “Then you did not come here together?” Martyaan smiled at his question as she knew why he asked.

“No,” said Kaarian, “We agreed to meet here as we are old friends and hadn’t seen each other in a while.”

With a broad smile Martyaan said, “I have to check on him every once in a while to make sure he hasn’t gotten himself too deeply into trouble.”

“Martyaan,” said Kaarian with a very sorrowful look, “You make me sound like a knave.”

“Oh you are not a knave, Kaarian,” said Martyaan with a sly smile, “but you can be a charming rogue at times, and then at times you are not careful who you help.”

With a smile Kaarian said, “Well I am just a very friendly person.” And Martyaan laughed.

One of the Elven men in the group said, “It is obvious you are very good friends, the way you tease each other.”

Another of the men said, “It is very unusual to see one who is obviously a fine lady who also wears a long sword and a short sword.”

“That’s my bad influence,” said Kaarian with a smile. “Of course, I will be the first to admit she is an expert at handling those weapons, which many a foolish young man has learned to his great embarrassment.”

The Major Prince laughed, “You mean she showed them they were less of a swordsman than they wanted others to think.”

Kaarian laughed, “and particularly wanted her to think,” he said. The Princess laughed.

“That would be particularly embarrassing when you are trying to impress a beautiful young lady and then have her easily defeat you in a duel,” the Princess said.

Martyaan then said, “No I have never come close to defeating Kaarian in a duel, but then he has few if any peers as a swordsman.”

One of the Elves in the group of men said, “He does have the looks of a fine swordsman.”

“But I am a very peaceful man, am I not Martyaan?” said Kaarian.

“As long as everyone is friendly and no innocent is being wronged,” said Martyaan with a smile.

With a smile Kaarian said, “Everyone seems very friendly here,” and he said it very innocently and Martyaan laughed. Everyone had a smile at this exchange.

The Major Prince, with a smile said, “I do not think anyone here would see any reason to be anything but friendly with the two of you, as you have had a very friendly attitude toward all of us.” Then the Princess asked,

“Are you planning to be here for the Festival?” Then not waiting for an answer continued, “If you are, we will get you invitations to the ball a friend is holding at their mansion.”

Martyaan answered, “We are planning to be here for the Festival and we would be pleased to receive an invitation to your friend’s ball. We are staying at the Inn of the Silver Dragon.”

“We will have invitations sent to you,” the Princess said and her son smiled.

The Elven family finished their meals and left before Kaarian and Martyaan did. He looked over at her with a smile and said, “Shouldn’t I have let the young man know you are a sorceress, Martyaan?”

With a laugh, Martyaan answered, “And spoil his dreams? You’re nasty.”

The following morning, Kaarian dressed in his finest and Martyaan, as a fine Lady, hired a carriage and went to present themselves to the Queen.

Below is the beginning of the first book of "Jaascin" a series of five fantasuy novels.

Chapter One

Jaascin moved quickly and silently through the corridors. He didn’t want to wake the sorcerer. He had planned this carefully, so although wary he was not really fearful. Jaascin was his apprentice. Not exactly the typical apprentice. As far as he could determine, he thought he was in about his thirtieth year. He had spent most of his life as an apprentice to powerful sorcerers or wizards, to very knowledgeable healers or prominent scholars.

Jaascin’s distant covering stride, was so smooth and effortless, he seemed to float rather than walk. He was headed for the room he knew the sorcerer had the young woman imprisoned. Jaascin planned to help her escape.

The sorcerer, who was a mystic, bought the young woman from pirates who had kidnapped her from one of her family’s ships. The sorcerer was keeping her imprisoned until she would come willingly to his bed. Jaascin wanted to free her before the sorcerer decided to put her under an enchantment. He knew the sorcerer would do that, when it became evident to him, she was not going to give in to him.

Jaascin had secretly bought passage for her on a ship sailing this night for her country. That had taken practically all the gold Jaascin had, plus what he had stolen from the sorcerer. He knew he had just enough to buy himself passage on a ship from the other port. Jaascin knew he would have to flee. The sorcerer would immediately suspect Jaascin of freeing her. He would be sure Jaascin was the only one that could undo the enchantment that kept the room locked.

Jaascin found the room and undid the enchantment. It took him but a few moments, for which he was thankful. He prayed the energy needed would not awaken the sorcerer. Jaascin wasn’t sure how well the shield he had erected would work. When he opened the door, he quietly hissed,

“Wake up and be silent. I have come to take you to a ship that will take you back to your country. But we must hurry. The ship will be sailing within the hour.”

The woman awoke startled, opened her mouth as if to scream, then realizing it was Jaascin and what he had said, stifled the scream just before it could get out of her mouth.

“I do not have clothes I can travel in. He took everything of that kind from me,” she whispered after a moment. Jaascin did not think she was really asleep. She sounded too awake. He was actually thankful for that.

“I brought clothes for you. You will travel as a cleric. You will wear a hood all the time and stay in your cabin. I have arranged that you will have your meals brought to you,” Jaascin quickly told her. “Here are some clothes you must put on. Hurry, we must reach the dock before the ship sails. It sails within the hour.”

The woman quickly did as told and Jaascin led her out of the house to a waiting carriage. They quickly drove to the dock and Jaascin, using some wizardry, slipped her on board and into her cabin. No one saw her come aboard. Jaascin put the thought in the captain’s mind that his passenger was on board. The ship was preparing to sail immediately. After he had her on board and the ship slipped silently out of the harbor, Jaascin returned to the sorcerer’s house. All was still quiet. He breathed a sigh of relief. He brought his baggage and loaded it onto his horses. He went back into the sorcerer’s work room. From the wall, he stole a red gem on a gold chain. Jaascin didn’t know what great impact this gem would have on his life. Jaascin had felt a powerful energy coming from this gem. Apparently the sorcerer had not felt it, or had been afraid to use it. Jaascin knew the sorcerer had never tried to use it. Jaascin had been intrigued by this gem and the energy he felt coming from it. He thought it might come in handy some time in the future.

Jaascin rode as fast as his horses would carry him to the other side of the bay. There was a smaller port there. Here he knew he could find a ship to take him and his horses for the gold he still had. He would not have to pay as much for passage from this port. This way he could get farther away. He had only enough to pay for passage to a port he would not have picked, if he could have avoided it. However, this would take him as far away as his money would pay for, and he wanted to get as far away as possible. Jaascin thought his horses had better quarters on board the ship than he had. His cabin was small, and with his baggage, he could barely squeeze into the room to get to his hammock to sleep. He hoped the sorcerer would not check on the woman until the following day. By that time, the woman would be far enough out to sea and Jaascin would be far enough to protect himself from the sorcerer’s searching. He did breath a sigh of relief, when the day passed and he had not felt a probe looking for him.

Jaascin was sure the sorcerer would first search for him. He would figure Jaascin had taken the woman with him. That is what Jaascin was hoping would happen. This would keep the woman safe much longer. In fact, Jaascin was sure the woman would be too far for the sorcerer to find her, by the time he decided to look for her and not Jaascin.

This having to flee, was not new to Jaascin. He had fled from men, to whom he had been an apprentice, before. Usually it was because Jaascin had helped someone that person did not want helped. Jaascin never felt he did anything wrong. True, when he left, he usually took something that belonged to that person. Jaascin always excused himself by saying he felt he was owed that, or the coin equivalent. Whether that was true or not, never bothered Jaascin greatly. Jaascin usually did what he felt he should do, regardless of the consequences or how others tended to look at his actions. He usually found he had the power or the talent needed to succeed at it. He bore some scars from sword fights, but those had always healed. These later years however, no swordsman had the ability to even knick him.

Jaascin decided, as long as he had to travel in a northerly direction, he might as well set out to find his friend. This friend had left him many years ago. He said he wanted to find a place he could have the peace to contemplate what he had learned. He had set out for the far north country. Jaascin had promised he would some day come looking for him.

Jaascin disembarked at the port with his horses and his baggage. Although this was not the port he would have chosen, he was glad to get off the ship. He loaded his baggage on his horses and then somewhat amusedly considered his situation. This port was as far as the captain would take him. Jaascin had spent practically all his money getting this far. He considered it a stroke of good fortune he had money to get this far. He hoped it was far enough.

Jaascin claimed he was a wanderer. He said he could prove that. He was also somewhat of a rogue, albeit a very charming one. He was a highly educated wanderer, inclined to be a joker at times and enjoyed life whenever possible. He accepted his fate in good humor, whenever fate dealt him a bad hand. He did not suffer life, rather took charge and did the best with the hand that fate had dealt him. That is the situation he now faced.

He was somewhat lacking in money. The possessions he had, he was not anxious to sell. They were things used by healers, wizards and scholars. He was sure they would come in handy in the future. They had at times in the past. His problem was, this port bordered on an Elven forest. He knew the quickest way to get to where he wanted to go was through this forest. He had heard you needed the Elves’ permission to enter their forest. He decided to check to see if this was true.

Seeing a man who looked like he was reasonably intelligent and a native of this place, Jaascin approached him.

“Kind Sir,” Jaascin said in his most charming voice, “Can you tell me the quickest way to get to the Kingdom that is north of the border of this Elven Forest?”

The man looked him over for a moment before replying. “If you were an Elf, it would be through the forest. As you are not an Elf, there is no quick way. Unless, that is you take a ship. It is possible to follow the coast for some distance, but that is not advisable,” the man told Jaascin.

“In other words, I would have to be an Elf to be able to travel through the Elven forest?” Jaascin questioned. “Is it not possible at all for someone other than an Elf to get permission to travel the forest?”

“Not unless you were clergy or noble that had a compelling enough reason for the Elves to allow that. However, that is highly questionable. I have never heard of such a case,” the man said rather emphatically. Jaascin heaved a small sigh, it was as he thought. There was absolutely no reason, he could think of, for Elves to grant him special permission.

Although he had the looks and speech of a noble, he was neither noble nor clergy. He would give this serious thought. Maybe he could conjure up a reason for the Elves to allow him to cross their land. It didn’t seem to worry him greatly, but then nothing seemed to worry Jaascin greatly. At least that is the impression he left on most people. Actually, Jaascin never felt it worthwhile to worry unnecessarily, it solved nothing.

He could follow the narrow band of coastal land, but it was a forbidding land. From what he had been told, he might not be able to reach his destination by following this coast. It was full of reptiles and other rapacious and poisonous creatures. Much of it was marshland with only occasional bits of high ground. You could never tell where those bits of high ground were. They were hidden by the tall marsh grasses. Much of the land was soft mud in which you could sink to your waist or even deeper.

Having no choice, he set out. It proved slow going. He had to test the ground at every step. He was now on foot. His two horses, he loaded down with his possessions, mostly things used by wizards and healers. He never really considered himself either a wizard or a healer. He just used whatever talents and knowledge necessary.

He was tall and muscular like the people from the northern countries. He had grey-green eyes that were somewhat iridescent, like those of the elves. He had long black hair that tended to wave like that of the southern people. He had light brown skin like the people from the east. He had lived in all of those places, although he was still a young man.

His name, at least he claimed it was his name, was Jaascin Wanilain. He carried the papers of a man from the Auriscenia Duchey. It was easy to get papers from that Duchey. All you had to have was a few coins and a little charm. He usually could produce both. He found a way to get the necessary coins if he didn’t have them. His papers said he was a traveling merchant. He seldom was asked for any identification. He had the speech and bearing of a noble and carried two wicked looking swords. This was usually enough to get him treated with some respect. He was dressed well with soft leather boots and a long dark brown cape, almost the color of leather.

Jaascin was born the son of a minor trader, with whom he traveled, since he was very young. He had no recollection of his mother or any other family. His father had apprenticed him to an eastern sorcerer when Jaascin was eight. He had appeared to be much older than that. By then, Jaascin spoke many languages and knew the customs of many people. He had an ear for languages and found it easy to learn new languages. Jaascin later learned his father was killed shortly after Jaascin was apprenticed to the sorcerer. He would now have to trust in himself.

Over the years, Jaascin learned to handle a sword, dagger, bow and other weapons. He had become very good at all of them. That he was alive today was due to both his skills with weapons and his knowledge of sorcery and healing. He was disarmingly humble, while having the manners, learning and charm of a noble. His bearing, knowledge and diplomacy made others assume he was a noble. Jaascin never implied he might be of noble birth. However, he seldom if ever denied that when someone assumed that.

Jaascin decided to keep very close to the Elven forest. The water and mud was not so deep there and there was more solid ground. He would stop at various places along the way and try some of the sorcerer’s tricks. He knew he could make it look like he was a very knowledgeable mage or wizard. He thought he would probably be watched, especially when he stopped. The Elves, he heard, kept constant watch on their borders. He did know several spells he could cast that would keep all creatures of this area at bay so he could sleep at night. Besides he could always use a ring of sorcerer’s fire to protect him and his horses. He had been taught how to make these things look very easy, but now he would use a lot of motions and muttering. He was hoping some elf might require the services of a sorcerer, mage or healer. He might be invited into their land, then get permission to cross it. Jaascin had nothing to lose. It really was his only chance. He did not want to continue to travel this uninviting land. He figured it would take too long to get to the end of the Elven Forest.

He didn’t have the money to hire passage on another ship. He barely had enough money to buy some provisions for himself and his horses. He hoped it would last him until he could get more money. He would have to be careful with what rations he had. He knew how to live off the land, but this land did not offer very enticing fare.

He spent the first two days fighting the insects that plagued him and his horses. Actually, the horses were suffering even more than he was. The insects were particularly bad because of the swampy area he was traversing. About noon of the second day, he remembered the incantation a Raj had used, when crossing a swampy area. It was designed to keep the insects from plaguing him. He tried it and it worked. After several more days, Jaascin was becoming very tired of slogging through the mud and water all day. At times he had to practically drag his horses after him. They didn’t like this land anymore than he did. By this time, he felt like he was mud from head to toe. He was looking for a piece of high ground, close to the forest border. He was also looking for a stream that was flowing out of the forest. He knew there would be some along the way. These streams fed the marshland that ran down to the sea.

Sometimes the forest came right up to the marshland, but occasionally there was a piece of high ground outside of the forest. It was close to sundown when Jaascin found such a place. It was large enough for both his tent and his horses. It even had some good grass the horses could eat. There was a good-sized stream running through this piece of high ground. Jaascin washed the mud off the horses legs and then off himself and his boots and clothes. There were even some bushes he could hang his clothes on to dry. There seemed to be a cool and surprisingly dry breeze blowing from the forest here. He hoped it would dry his clothes by daybreak. He was able to wash himself off in the stream and then changed into some clean clothes. He prepared himself a light meal. He was carefully husbanding what supplies he had. Having eaten and seeing his horses were contently eating, he prepared to sleep.

Jaascin was sure he was being watched so he went through a lot of motions and chanting to produce the enchantments that would keep the creatures at bay during the night. He then created a ring of sorcerer’s fire to surround him and his horses and put a quiet spell on his horses. Then he lay down and went to sleep. He could feel a number of eyes watching him as he wove the spells he needed. Happily everything worked as it was supposed to do. Jaascin knew he would awake if anything threatened him. It was a habit he acquired early in life. He lived with danger most of his life.

As he woke, rose, dressed and undid the spell for the ring of scorcerer’s fire and the spell over the horses, an Elf appeared out of the forest. Jaascin knew he was being watched, so he was not surprised. Jaascin could see the entrance to the forest from which the Elf stepped. He momentarily remembered only Elves were supposed to see that. He pushed that thought aside. He concentrated on the Elf who had appeared. Here might be his opportunity, if this Elf was friendly, as he appeared to be.

“Our Prince has need of a man who is both a man of magic and a healer to rouse his daughter from a spell caused by the bite of a serpent,” the Elf said. Jaascin found, to his surprise, he could understand the Elven language. He thought for a moment. He wracked his memory for something that might serve. Something from his knowledge of healing. He could get into the land of the Elves if he said he could help. At least he could get a few good meals for he and his horses. He did not want to lie, but he was desperate. He hated to lie because it was always possible to be caught. He was not sure how the Elves would react. Besides, he might have the knowledge hidden somewhere in the recesses of his mind. He thought for a moment, then he decided it was worth a try.

“I would need to see the girl and learn of the type of reptile. I may be able to help,” Jaascin told the Elf. He tried to not make that sound too positive. He knew he didn’t have to in this case. The Elves sounded desperate for help. He would at least be taken into the forest to where ever the girl was lying. Possibly far enough so he would be allowed to travel to the northern boundary of the forest. He had no idea how extensive this Elven forest was. If he could help in any way, he might get permission to travel north through their land